Buffalo Public Schools Update Closure and Merger Plans
The district has revised its consolidation strategy following community feedback regarding student school transfers.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Secondary Education
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Buffalo Public Schools has adjusted its proposed school closure and consolidation plan after reviewing public input from the past week. The revisions include expanded transfer options for students at the PS 33 Bilingual Center.
Why it matters
District leaders are modifying the proposals to address concerns about student travel distances. These changes aim to maintain high-quality educational opportunities while ensuring the district remains operationally feasible.
Buffalo Public Schools added PS 64 and PS 156 as new transfer options for students, while schools 3, 30, and 76 remain under consideration. Officials are actively verifying capacity and student services to finalize the plan.
The players
Buffalo Public Schools
This is the primary public school district serving the city of Buffalo, New York.
The details
Leonardo da Vinci High School and the Research Laboratory High School are now slated to merge at East Community High School, while Riverside Academy will host Buffalo Rising Academy and the Career Collegiate Institute. The district is currently validating staffing, transportation, and building resources to support these consolidated school environments.
Timeline
During the past week, the district collected community feedback on the proposed school plans.
A public meeting is scheduled for Thursday at 5:30 p.m. at Renovation Church.
Culture Shift
The district's revision of its consolidation plan follows the established framework of the Buffalo Public Schools long-term facilities master plan. These changes mark a direct response to public pressure regarding site accessibility and student support services.
Families affected by the school closures should review the updated list of transfer schools, including the addition of PS 64 and PS 156. Residents are encouraged to attend the upcoming meeting to voice concerns and receive direct clarification on how these changes influence student placements.
The takeaway
Effective school consolidation requires balancing operational efficiency with the practical needs of the student body. Families should stay informed through official district channels to ensure they understand how proposed changes to school sites impact their daily routines.
What happens next
The district will hold an in-person public meeting to discuss these proposed changes on Thursday at 5:30 p.m. at Renovation Church, 567 Hertel Ave.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest updates to local school policies in the Buffalo Secondary Education section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WKBW.
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