Assemblyman Jon Rivera outlines role of BPS monitor in new bill

Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - New York State assemblyman Jon Rivera (D-149th district) has introduced a bill calling for the state's education commissioner to appoint a monitor for Buffalo Public Schools. The bill also outlines what the monitor's job will be.

Under Rivera's proposal, the monitor will not be a Buffalo resident, employee of the district or a relative of a Buffalo school board member. The district will also pay for the monitor's expenses.

Whoever is appointed to the position will be allowed to attend all school board meetings, including executive sessions. They'll also be allowed access to documents and records.

Any proposed or adopted resolution will be reviewed by the monitor, who will have the power to override any proposal that violates state law or goes against an academic improvement plan included in Rivera's bill.

The monitor will be allowed to schedule three public hearings within sixty days of each other. The first will focus on school district leadership. A second hearing will cover the district's academic performance, while the third and final hearing will be on the district's financials.

By November 1, 2027, the monitor, board of education and superintendent must develop a plan for the district's finances and academic improvement for the 27-28 school year and beyond.

“The goal is not to replace local control. The goal is to restore confidence in local control,” Rivera said. “A State Monitor will help ensure that decisions are made transparently, that taxpayer dollars are spent responsibly, and that the focus returns to where it belongs, which is the classroom.”

The provisions in the bill would end June 30, 2030.

Bill 11634A has been reviewed by the Assembly's rules and education committees.

Rivera's bill must pass the state Assembly and Senate before going to Governor Hochul's desk.

The legislature isn't in session again until January, 2027.

You can read the full bill here.