Council backs reinstating Joint School Construction Board to restore school capital project approvals

Buffalo Common Council members on Sept. 2 supported a resolution to reinstate the Joint School Construction Board, a body council members said could help resolve delays affecting Buffalo Public Schools capital projects tied to a dispute with the city controller's office.

A council member asked to be added to the resolution and said reinstating the Joint School Construction Board would restore a forum for coordination between the school district and the city and could reduce delays when proposed school capital requests exceed controller-recommended caps.

"This is to allow us to have an open conversation, with the school board members, but also with one another to determine if this is the best path to go forward," the council member said. The sponsor said delays have held up capital projects and that reconstituting the board when the state reconvenes would help avoid similar delays in the future.

Supporters framed the measure as a way to protect the Buffalo Public Schools— ability to access capital funds and prevent potential negative financial impacts on the city if school capital work is delayed. One council member said reinstating the board would allow deliberation on appointments and the relationship between the board and Buffalo Public Schools.

The council adopted the resolution and directed related matters to the Finance Committee for further consideration. No immediate change to capital spending or bond authority was made during the meeting; the item was a request to reinstate the board and to begin the process of reconstituting it.

Background: Council members said the controller may have been limiting capital requests by Buffalo Public Schools, which has contributed to project delays. The resolution—s backers said reinstating the Joint School Construction Board would clarify appointment processes and oversight and could be implemented when the state legislative and budget calendar resumes.