Know Your Rights

Buffalo Public Schools are partners with the parents and families of our students, working together to ensure high academic achievement for all students. Our expectation is that all of our children become well-educated young people who will make positive contributions to their communities. As we build strong partnerships with parents, families, and our local communities, it is important to recognize the rights that families have in this partnership as well as the responsibilities that make sure everyone does their part to ensure student success. Parents of students in the Buffalo Public School District have many rights, by New York State and Federal regulation and through the District's Parent and Family Engagement Policy.  In order to be effective advocates, parents must understand their rights and assume responsibility in their children's education by becoming actively engaged.  The list below is a quick overview of your rights as partners in your child’s education;

THE RIGHT TO A FREE AND PUBLIC EDUCATION

Parents have the right to a free public school education for their child in a safe and supportive learning environment.

THE RIGHT TO ACCESS INFORMATION ABOUT THEIR CHILD, THE SCHOOL AND DISTRICT THEY ATTEND

Buffalo Public Schools is responsible for providing parents with access to their child's education records and any available information on educational programs and opportunities.

THE RIGHT TO BE ACTIVELY INVOLVED AND ENGAGED IN THE EDUCATION OF THEIR CHILDREN

Parents have the right to be given every available opportunity for meaningful engagement in their child's education.

THE RIGHT TO FILE COMPLAINTS AND/OR APPEALS REGARDING MATTERS AFFECTING THEIR CHILD’S EDUCATION

The Buffalo Public Schools has established complaint or appeal procedures to address a variety of issues affecting a child's education. Submit your concerns to the District Parent Advocate