Buffalo Board Cancels Arizona Conference Trip

Three school board members will not attend a costly education conference as the district faces a nearly $100 million deficit.

Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Administration

Buffalo Board Cancels Arizona Conference Trip

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Should school boards cut travel spending before closing any schools?

Three Buffalo School Board members scheduled to attend the 2026 WOZ Immersion Conference in Arizona will no longer go, board President Kathy Evans-Brown announced Thursday. The move saves the district about $3,500 from a trip originally costing $15,500, while STEM instructors remain scheduled to attend.

Why it matters

The decision comes as the Buffalo School District confronts a deficit of almost $100 million for the third straight school year and discusses possible school closures. Evans-Brown said fiscal responsibility must come first, and critics questioned travel spending during the budget crunch.

The conference cost of $15,500 was reduced by about $3,500 in savings after the board members' cancellation, a small fraction of the nearly $100 million deficit. The district has paid roughly $12 million to WOZ ED over the past four years, and it remains unclear how the board will address the remaining budget gap.

The players

Kathy Evans-Brown

Kathy Evans-Brown is the president of the Buffalo Board of Education, responsible for overseeing the district's governance and budget decisions.

Steve Wozniak

Steve Wozniak is an Apple co-founder who started the WOZ Immersion Conference and the WOZ ED education organization.

The details

The WOZ Immersion Conference, started by Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak, was held at a four-star resort and spa in Arizona. A Friday special board meeting to approve the trip was canceled after the announcement, and the district's relationship with WOZ ED is not ending.

Four years ago: District began paying WOZ ED for STEM programming.
Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2026: The Buffalo News reported the conflict and the board announced a special meeting.
Thursday, Nov. 5, 2026: Evans-Brown announced board members would not attend.
Friday, Nov. 6, 2026: The special board meeting was canceled.

Culture Shift

The decision reflects a broader tension in public education between funding specialized outside programming and maintaining core operations during budget shortfalls. Buffalo's deficit, now in its third consecutive year, frames the debate over spending priorities.

Buffalo families may see school closure discussions and program changes as the district works to close its nearly $100 million deficit. Residents should watch upcoming board meetings for decisions on spending and any proposed school consolidations.

The takeaway

Budget decisions in public education often hinge on small, visible choices that signal larger priorities. Following board meetings and budget documents is the most direct way for families to track how the deficit will be addressed.