Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - The Buffalo Public School District is no longer planning on closing schools this upcoming school year to address the district's financial issues.
Just weeks after the district's school closure committee recommended closing D'Youville Porter School PS 3 and Early Childhood Center PS 90, an effort that was then paused, Superintendent Dr. Pascal Mubenga has announced they have decided not to close any schools.
"As part of the regular budget process, the superintendent will instead present the Board of Education with an alternative plan to address the anticipated financial challenges facing the district in the 2026–2027 school year," the district said in a statement on Wednesday.
The joint statement from the Superintendent and Board of Education President Kathy Evans-Brown did say the district will retain a professional management consultant to review and make recommendations about potential school closures in future years.
In a previous Board meeting, the District's Chief Financial Officer said it was a financial necessity to close schools, in part because the district is currently facing an $80 million deficit, and could run low on cash if costs aren't cut.
A School Board work session is scheduled for 4 p.m. on Wednesday.