BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — Buffalo Public Schools' Board of Education unanimously passed a $1.4 billion budget for the 2026-27 school year, proposed by Superintendent Dr. Pascal Mugbenga. The budget includes $8 million set aside for special education and eliminates 51 full-time positions from the central office.
The budget also includes staff cuts to the Native American Resource Program, known as NARP, and Culturally and Linguistically Responsive Initiatives, known as CLRI. Both of those programs were also realigned and now fall under the Office of Academic Affairs. Board member Janita Everhart also says she wants to talk more about those programs in the future.
"I am looking forward to a more open process next year, more transparent process and a process that actually, takes care of the culture and curates the culture of the schools," Everhart said.
Educators and parents also shared their thoughts on NARP and CLRI during the public hearing portion of the meeting.
"Our students look forward to seeing us. They feel comfortable talking to us while learning important cultural teachings that might not be available to them anywhere else," Nicole Eaden-Sundown, a Native American Cultural Resource Specialist, said.
Dr. William O'Neil-White, a parent and Western New York educator, also spoke to the impact of CLRI.
"CLRI has been instrumental in delivering meaningful professional development, bringing award-winning authors and researchers. CLRI has provided opportunities for our students to travel the world, build literacy skills, and reduce suspensions." O'Neil-White said.
The reduction of counselors, by approximately 6.5 positions, also drew concern. Speakers warned that increasing the student-to-counselor ratio at a time when counseling needs are growing creates a serious gap in student support.
"A half-time counselor serving hundreds of students is not a viable support model. When counselors are only available part-time, students lose access to the continuity of care that they need," school counselor Maureen McNamara-Uhteg said.
Teacher Courtney Little raised concerns about the discontinuation of instructional programs.
"When instructional programs such as NEARPOD are discontinued, the labor is lost. Years of thoughtful planning, refinement, and collaboration are suddenly wasted, which shows that our work is disposable," Little said.
The board also agreed to designate May 14 as a Day of Remembrance within the district.
Editor's Note: An earlier version of this story said two schools would close in the 2027-28 academic year. A district spokesperson says no final decisions have been made yet on future closings. The earlier version also said the district would eliminate the Native American Resource Program and Culturally and Linguistically Responsive Initiatives. While there will be staffing cuts to these programs, the district says they will be realigned under the Office of Academic Affairs.
