Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - In a unanimous vote among the Buffalo School Board on Tuesday, Dr. Pascal Mubenga will now serve as the next superintendent of Buffalo Public Schools effective Aug. 15.
Dr. Mubenga comes to Buffalo after having served in a number of roles as an educational administrator for more than 25 years in North Carolina. He most recently held the position of superintendent for Durham Public Schools, a district that educates more than 30,000 students.
Not only is Dr. Mubenga honored and humbled to serve as the next superintendent, replacing Dr. Tonja Williams Knight after her retirement, but it's a repsonsibility he does not take lightly.
"For the past 28 years, I have dedicated my life to serving students, educators and communities across the State of North Carolina," said Dr. Mubenga while addressing the media on Tuesday. "My journey in education has been one of transformation, collaboration and relentless commitment to student success. I have been known as a leader who supports principals, empowers educators and turn around schools and districts facing big challenges."
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Dr. Mubenga built a career marked by continuous growth, beginning as a math teacher and advancing through roles as assistant principal and principal before moving into leadership positions at the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction and serving as superintendent of Franklin County Schools, and then eventually Durham Public Schools.
What Dr. Mubenga feels makes him such a successful superintendent that will transition to Buffalo Public Schools is keeping the teacher's hat on as he climbed the ranks.
"I always believe once you're a good teacher, you can scale it up. I was a good teacher. Same practices I had to build good lessons, I got to the school level, I did the same thing as well," Dr. Mubenga explained. "I always wear the hat of a teacher. My personality when I say I'm a teacher and I'm a servant, I carry that same philosophy to the superintendent's seat."
When going through the interview process for the superintendent's job in Buffalo, Dr. Mubenga got a quick feel that this district was the right fit for him and his family.
"When I came here, the first interview, it was very authentic. I can see the body language that this is a good place for me. And when I was invited for the final rounds, I was like, 'This is the place,'" he said.
One of the main factors that made Buffalo Public Schools such an attractive district to join and work for is the city's demographics that make Buffalo one of the most diverse cities in the country.
"Representing 100 countries, that's not just a statistic. It's a powerful strength," Dr. Mubenga acknowledged. "Our students are being prepared not only to succeed here in Buffalo or across the United States, but to lead in the global community as thinkers, innovators, humanitarians and global citizens.
"When I was applying here, I looked at the demographics and I looked at the data as well. That's my forte, that's things that I like to do. I don't like to go to a district that is really perfect. I like to go to a district where I can add something, some value there so we can improve student achievement. And when I look at that, I look at the size, and for some reason, I really wanted to come up North to be able to explore a different part of the nation other than just North Carolina, where I spent more than 38 years. So I'm delighted to be here."
While Dr. Mubenga is eager and ready to get to work serving the Buffalo Public School District, he knows that it's not a simple process of copying and pasting what went well in North Carolina and trying to apply it in the City of Buffalo.
"I did not come with all the answers, because I have my 100-day entry plan, because I want to listen to you first. I'm not going to duplicate what I did in Durham or North Carolina to here. This is a different place. I'm gonna listen," Dr. Mubenga said.
He adds he will be listening to not just the students and parents, but also the teachers and staff of every school within the district, as well as community partners and elected leaders of the region.
As for his message to the students of Buffalo Public Schools, Dr. Mubenga ensures that every student will be provided the necessary resources to succeed.
"Together, we'll stretch toward the horizon of unlock the untapped potential with every students. You are my No. 1 priority," he said. "Every decision I make will be centered on your success. I want you to know that I will work hard every single day to ensure you receive the highest quality education in a learning environments that is safe, nurturing and inspiring.
"We'll also work to motivate and support the educators around you so they can give you the tools, the care and the confidence that you need to strive not just in school, but in life."
As for the teachers and staff of Buffalo Public Schools, Dr. Mubenga says he joined the district because he believes in everyone striving to make the lives of students better.
"I believe in the incredible work you've done and continue to do to give our students the best possible educational opportunities," he said. I know this is a great district with deeply rooted commitment to excellence."
As for the parents of students in the district, Dr. Mubenga says the work of educating children cannot, and should not be done alone.
"We need each other," he added. "I promise to keep the lines of communications open to share both our successes and our challenges, and to invite your voice and your partnership as we work together to build something great for Buffalo's children."