9 Reasons Dr. Ebony Prophet-Bullock Should Lead BPS

When I heard the news that Buffalo Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Pascal Mubenga had resigned and Dr. Ebony Prophet-Bullock was appointed Interim Superintendent, my first reaction wasn't surprise. It was joy, because I know Dr. Ebony. Not just from watching her career. I had the honor of recognizing her earlier this year as one of the recipients of the Crystal E. Viverette Award, an honor named after my mother that celebrates women who serve others with purpose, passion and perseverance.

The Go Getta Mix And Mingle 2026

As I learned her story, sat with her, and listened to her journey, one thing became crystal clear. She is the definition of a Go Getta. So while the Buffalo Board of Education may have placed the word interim in front of her title, I believe Buffalo should already be looking beyond that. Because from what I can see Dr. Ebony Prophet-Bullock doesn't need to audition for the job. She's already been doing the work. According to Buffalo Public Schools, the Board accepted Dr. Pascal Mubenga's resignation Monday evening and appointed Dr. Prophet-Bullock Interim Superintendent effective July 14.

As someone who has been in the BPS system and proud if it and someone who has had the chance to cover Buffalo, amplifying community leaders and highlighting people who move our city forward, I feel now its important to see and share my opinion. I want to kick off my Need-to-know Nine. Here are my Need-to-Know Nine reason, my opinion why Buffalo shouldn't stop at "interim."

1. She's Buffalo

There is something powerful about homegrown leadership. Nobody has to explain Buffalo to Dr. Ebony Prophet-Bullock. She understands our neighborhoods. She understands our families. She understands our schools. She understands the challenges our students walk through every single day because she's been walking beside them for more than two decades. Leadership is always stronger when it begins with understanding.

2. She Has Dedicated More Than 20 Years to Buffalo's Students

This isn't someone arriving from another state trying to learn our community. Dr. Prophet-Bullock has spent over 20 years in urban education and holds New York State certifications in both teaching and educational leadership. That's institutional knowledge you simply cannot replace.

3. She Already Knows the District

Before this appointment, she served as Buffalo Public Schools' Chief Accountability and Information Officer, leading districtwide efforts around student achievement, accountability and data-informed decision making. That means she's already been sitting at the table helping shape the district's direction. She doesn't need six months to "learn the system." She helped build it.

4. She Believes Data Should Serve Students

One thing that stands out about Dr. Ebony's career is that she doesn't collect numbers just to fill reports. She uses information to improve outcomes. Her work has focused on making data culturally appropriate, meaningful and useful in helping students succeed.That's leadership rooted in impact, not optics.

5. She Never Stopped Being an Educator

Even while serving in district leadership, Dr. Prophet-Bullock has continued teaching future educators as an adjunct professor at the University at Buffalo. That matters. The best leaders never stop investing in the next generation.

6. She Leads With Heart Because She's Been Tested

In 2023, at the height of her career, Dr. Prophet-Bullock was diagnosed with invasive ductal breast cancer. She endured surgery, chemotherapy and radiation while leaning on her faith and determination. Today, she uses that experience to advocate for women's health and encourage women to know their worth. You cannot teach resilience. You live it. And leaders who have been through life's hardest battles often lead with greater compassion.

7. She Understands That Education Is About People

Schools aren't just buildings, they are communities filled with families and children. Dr. Ebony has consistently demonstrated that leadership begins with relationships. That's the kind of culture Buffalo deserves.

8. She Represents Stability During Uncertainty

Transitions can create anxiety, for students, parents, teachers and staff alike. Appointing someone who is already respected inside the district provides continuity instead of disruption. Buffalo doesn't need another learning curve. It needs steady leadership.

9. Buffalo Needs to Believe in Buffalo

In past years BPS has spent a lot of time searching across the country for talent that's already sitting right here at home. We've seen what happens when we invest in people who have already committed their lives to serving this city. Dr. Ebony Prophet-Bullock has done exactly that. Sometimes the best hire isn't the newest face. Sometimes it's the person who's already proven themselves.

The Go Getta Mix and Mingle 2026

I've interviewed a lot of people. I've honored a lot of leaders. I've listened to countless stories. When we selected Dr. Ebony Prophet-Bullock as a Crystal E. Viverette Award recipient, it wasn't simply because of her résumé, it was because of her heart. Whether she's advocating for students, mentoring future educators, encouraging women battling breast cancer or leading with faith through adversity, she has consistently shown what leadership looks like.

The Go Getta Mix and Mingle

Buffalo Public Schools has more than 30,000+ students whose futures deserve strong, stable leadership. My hope is that the Board gives serious consideration to what so many in our community already know. The title may say Interim Superintendent. But her body of work says something different.

Congratulations, Dr. Ebony Prophet-Bullock. Buffalo is cheering you on, and this Go Getta is, too.