April 9, 2025 

Dear Buffalo City School District Employees and Community Members,  

I am pleased to share that the planning phase of our Superintendent of Schools search has been successfully completed, and we are now moving forward with an active recruitment process. An essential component of this initiative involves gathering input and perspectives from members of the Buffalo community. To ensure we hear from everyone, we are offering a convenient digital survey and hosting in-person focus groups to provide your input.

Community Survey

For digital feedback, we have launched a brief, two-question school and community survey on the our website through the ThoughtExchange communication platform. This survey, available at this link and on our website, will remain open until May 1, 2025. We encourage all community members to participate by sharing their vision for the ideal qualities and characteristics of the next Superintendent.

Focus Groups

Focus groups will be held across the city with various stakeholder groups, including parents/caregivers, students, employees, bargaining units, and community members. All will convene in small groups to help us better understand the District's priorities.

Visit Our Website

More information about the ThoughtExchange, focus groups, and the superintendent search process is available on the Superintendent Search page of our website (this webpage). We anticipate making a formal offer to the selected candidate by July 2025, with the goal of welcoming our new Superintendent to Buffalo City School District by the fall of 2025.

Thank you for your continued support and contributions as we move through this exciting search process together.

Sincerely,

Dr. Kathy Evans-Brown
Board President and East District Board Member
Buffalo City School District

March 12, 2025  

Dear Buffalo Public Schools District Employees and Community Members,   

As you are aware, the Board of Education has announced the retirement of Dr. Tonja Williams Knight, who has provided 35 years of exceptional service and leadership within our school district. As we honor her remarkable contributions, we must also begin the important task of selecting a new Superintendent of Schools. 

Effective March 12, 2025, the Board has appointed Dr. Michael Capuana, District Superintendent/CEO of Erie 1 BOCES, to guide the search process for our next Superintendent. Dr. Capuana will collaborate closely with the Board and our community to ensure a comprehensive selection process. 

Following initial planning meetings with Dr. Capuana, we will share additional details about the superintendent search process, including a timeline. Please be assured that stakeholder input will be vital in shaping the Board’s decisions. 

We extend our deepest gratitude to Dr. Tonja Williams Knight for her steadfast dedication and visionary leadership throughout her tenure. We also thank our staff and community for their continued support and collaboration as we embark on this important transition. 

The Buffalo Public Schools Board of Education remains committed to delivering the exceptional education that our students need and deserve. Selecting an outstanding superintendent to lead our schools with conviction and distinction is essential to upholding this commitment.  

Sincerely,  

Dr. Kathy Evans-Brown 
Board President and East District Board Member 
Buffalo Public Schools