Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - The Buffalo School Board approved its budget for the 2025-2026 school year on Wednesday with a 5-3 vote.
The budget includes $1.1 billion in revenue, but the district still faces a deficit as expenses are supposed to reach $1.18 billion, even after job cuts. The district plans to allocate around $79 million in reserve funding to help fill the gap.
The budget was opposed by board members Larry Scott, Adrianna Zullich and Jennifer Mecozzi. Only board member Cindi McEachon was absent from the vote.
Prior to the vote, teachers and parents were afforded the opportunity to express their concerns.
"I believe the current budget, as presented, does so on the backs of students and teachers," stated Buffalo Teachers Federation President Rich Nigro. "I realize COVID relief funds pumped in a three year injection of money into this district and the number three district paid for a number of things that benefited our kids, including an increase in particular to Student Support Services, specifically school counselors, school psychologists, social workers and attendance support teachers. In a time when student attendance is at an all time low and student anxiety and depression is at an all time high, how could we possibly see fit to reduce those teachers who are charged with working some of the neediest and our most vulnerable children?"
One substitute teacher says she was shocked to find out that the cuts were going to affect the lowest paid employees.
"I'm a retired teacher. I have good benefits, so I don't work as a sub to make a living like probably 75% of our subs do. 75% of our subs are full time employees without benefits, working for minimum wage. They come every day," she said. "I'm asking you tonight to vote down this budget, fix it so that the money is being utilized for our top to get rid of our top heavy administration. Take that money, disperse it among our students, the programs that are necessary to improve our schools and the lowest paid employees who show up even when they're not paid what they deserve."