Buffalo, NY (WBEN) Buffalo Schools interim superintendent Dr. Ebony Prophet-Bullock held the first of three meetings on the district's proposal to shut down eight schools at the conclusion of the school year. The meeting was virtual, with questions read to her.
She understands schools are more than just buildings. "They hold history, relationships, identity, and community. At the same time, the district has a responsibility to align its facilities, programs, people, and dollars with current enrollment trends and student needs. Our purpose today is to show the conditions that led to this proposal, the data that we reviewed, the different actions being recommended, and the protections we are building around student transitions," says Prophet-Bullock.
She says the district is considering this change because BPS must maintain high quality programming while responding to enrollment decline, underutilized space, aging facilities, and fiscal pressures,. "Our strategic response to those pressures is to consolidate underutilized space and reinvest resources where they are needed most. The district is under several different kinds of pressures. First, the district has lost more than 3000 students, but much of the system continues to operate as those students are still enrolled. Second, we need more space and support for growing number of preschool education students entering the district. Third, several facility and placement issues require action. PS 366 research lab lease is ending and costs about $500,000. This site also lacks a traditional cafeteria, auditorium, and gym. Da Vinci needs a permanent home, and PS Four Home of CCI and central staff has major boiler concerns. Lastly, PS 59 continues to need additional safety measures. Fourth, New York inspires increases the opportunity. Excuse me, the importance of broader AP access and stronger CTE pathways," says Prophet-Bullock.
Questions focused on the Riverside High closure. "Students at Riverside will have the option of following the pathways that they're already on. So, if a student is in conservation at Riverside, they can go to conservation. Let me get that out for you again. They can enroll at 305 McKinley and continue on in that conservation pathway. If they're in a health and wellness program currently, they can consider an enrollment at PS 197 or 206 because those schools will have the same programming. We will look at Riverside and allow students to potentially, if they meet the criteria for Da Vinci, they might be able to stay at Riverside and attend Da Vinci. We will be giving them options that are based on their program of study, and if they want to potentially leave their program of study and try a new program of study, we will make those options available to them on a student by student basis," explains Prophet-Bullock.
The eight schools to close:
- PS 59 - Dr. Charles R. Drew Science
- PS 131 - Academy School @ 86
- PS 366 - Research Laboratory High School
- PS 33 - Bilingual Center
- PS 82 - Ronald Peoples School of Scholars
- PS 208 - Riverside Academy
- PS 309 - East High School
- PS 90 - Early Childhood Center
Five of these schools will be repurposed, while PS 59, PS 131, and Research Laboratory High School PS 366 will close permanently.
Two more meetings are scheduled:
- Thursday, Oct. 15 at, 5:30 p.m. - Renovation Church
- Tuesday, Oct. 20 at 5:30 p.m. - PS 156 Frederick Law Olmsted
