The Buffalo Board of Education voted unanimously on June 18 to retain an outside investigator to examine allegations raised in a podcast posted April 26 and any related issues that have since emerged. The board chose Rope Fosgraf LLC and set hourly rates with a preliminary cost estimate and an approval ceiling.

The resolution directs the firm to “conduct a fair, equitable, and thorough investigation” of the allegations identified in the April 26 podcast and any additional related allegations that have subsequently come to light. The board recorded hourly rates for services: $425 per hour for partners, $295 per hour for associates and $150 per hour for paralegals. The board set a preliminary estimate of $45,000–$60,000 and required that any expense beyond $60,000 receive prior board approval.

Board members conducting the roll-call vote said the hiring was intended to increase transparency and to ensure a neutral, external review. The board’s public record shows the motion passed with all voting members in favor.

The resolution updates the previously announced search and broadens scope compared with an earlier board action in May that expanded the search and scope of the investigation. The district will execute an engagement agreement consistent with the adopted fee schedule and report investigation progress to the board in follow-up sessions as appropriate.