Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - A little more than three weeks after being appointed the new superintendent of the Buffalo Public School District, officials made it official on Thursday by welcoming Dr. Pascal Mubenga as the next school superintendent.
During a special ceremony at Buffalo City Hall on Thursday, Dr. Mubenga was sworn in as superintendent by Buffalo's Acting Mayor Chris Scanlon.
"Dr. Mubenga brings a wealth of experience to the position of superintendent with the Buffalo Public Schools," said Scanlon during Thursday's ceremony. "He's led a very diverse, a very large school district previously in Durham, North Carolina. A former math teacher who speaks multiple languages, and is known for his dedication to student success. And someone who clearly aligns with the cherished values of this community and this public school system."
Scanlon knows any investment into the young future of Buffalo is paramount, and feels Dr. Mubenga is the right person to lead the district forward.
"My administration is deeply committed to student success, and eager to collaborate with you to further advance academic excellence of all of our students. And with you at the helm, I'm extremely optimistic about the future of the Buffalo Public Schools and our young people," Scanlon added.
Even before Thursday's official swearing in, Dr. Mubenga has began reviewing some of the data, engaging in conversations and learning as much as he could about the successes and the challenges of the Buffalo Public School system. He will soon be ready to launch his 100-day plan for listening, learning and leading the district into the future.
"The plan will reflect my commitment to deeply engage with the students, families, educators and community partners to understand and collaborate and take actions," said Dr. Mubenga on Thursday. "One thing, I promise you: I will work hard every single day for the Buffalo Public Schools to move the district forward. I believe on the potential of our young people, and I believe that we can accomplish that together."
With more than 25 years of experience in public education, Dr. Mubenga has 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.
Most recently, he held the position of superintendent for Durham Public Schools, a district that educates more than 30,000 students.
His first official day on the job as superintendent is Friday.
Dr. Mubenga succeeds Dr. Tonja Williams Knight, who announced in February her plan to retire as superintendent on June 30, 2025.
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