The Buffalo Public Schools board has made a decision that has sparked intense debate within the community. At its final meeting of the 2026-26 school year, the board approved a 3% pay raise for the superintendent’s cabinet and exempt employees. This move comes at a time when the district is grappling with a $60 million budget deficit and has already planned to eliminate 51 full-time positions.
The decision has drawn sharp criticism from community members and a former board member, who questioned the timing and priorities of the board. The raises, which are the first in three years, will benefit more than two dozen employees. The vote occurred less than a month after the board passed a $1.4 billion budget for the upcoming school year, which includes the elimination of the 51 positions.
Community Outcry Over Timing and Priorities
The public hearing portion of the meeting grew heated as former board member Sharon Belton-Cottmanwho served from 2010 to 2026, challenged the decision. She pointed out the disconnect between the budget cuts and the raises, stating, “Programs were canceled. Removal of qualified staff, um, projects, but your projected closing all under the guise of a $60 million deficit. Additional academic, the additional problem with our additional academic state is unacceptable. But somehow you are able to find $213,000 plus additional money for the executive staff. This is irresponsible behavior.”
Jessica Bauer Walkerco-chair of the Community Health Worker Parent & Student Association, also pushed back on the raises. She cited student performance data, noting that only 59% of students felt good about their future and 30% of students could read, write, and do math. “You’re giving cabinet members raises. That’s a disconnect. The median household income in the city of Buffalo for a whole family is $50,000,” she said.
Board Member Raises Concerns About Timing
Stephon Wrighta BPS Ferry District Board Member, expressed support for staff receiving raises but raised concerns about the timing of the increases. “So many others that do such a great job and I think they all deserve a raise. I’ve never said that they do not deserve a raise. I just questioned the timing of the raise,” Wright stated.
The board also passed an agreement to find a third-party investigator to look into unspecified claims involving a school board member. The district has not disclosed whether the board member in question is current or former, or what the allegations involve.
Neighbors packed the meeting, demanding answers as the district faces the possibility of closing six schools in addition to the budget cuts already underway. The decision has left many in the community questioning the board’s priorities and the impact on students and staff.
