Buffalo Public School Board Candidates Forum

While it seems like it was a lifetime ago, it was actually just less than six months ago when our country made a significant shift in its direction with the last election. Things have changed significantly all over the country, including right here in Western New York, over the last few months. Not only did we elect a new president, but Buffalo has gotten a new mayor.

But, as many things have changed, there is more work to do, and another election season is upon us once again. While there are no national elections on the ballot this year, there are several local elections that are due in November, which will have a huge impact on your daily life in the Empire State.

In 2025, communities throughout Western New York will elect the individuals who will govern many aspects that impact where you live, work, and attend school. In Buffalo alone, we're due to elect a new judge to the New York State Supreme Court, the entire County Legislature, a new City Court Judge, Mayor, and more than 50% of the School Board.

Buffalo Public School Board Candidates Forum

As important as our schools are in Buffalo, we have a history of not participating in the school board elections.

While turnout has improved somewhat over the past few years, it's still far from ideal. Historically, approximately 5-10 percent of Buffalo residents have voted in school board elections. Given this, now is the perfect time to increase our community involvement.

Last year, the school board's at-large seats were up for election. This year, it's the city's six neighborhood-based seats.

We believe that strengthening our schools begins with strengthening our civic knowledge and participation... This forum is about putting the power back in the hands of the people—especially those whose voices are often left out of these conversations.
-Alan Carter Fambo, President of the Theta Sigma Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.

To increase awareness of historically low community participation in the Buffalo Public School Board Elections, the Theta Sigma Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity is partnering with the Kappa Upsilon Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority to host a community meeting and candidates' forum for this year's elections.

The forum, which has invited all current candidates to discuss their platforms and plans for the district, is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at 5:30 PM at the Northland Workforce Training Center on Buffalo's east side. The Northland Workforce Training Center, located at 683 Northland Avenue in Buffalo, is a hub for education and productivity, making it an ideal place to host this forum.

The forum is free and open to the public.

If you care about kids in Buffalo and their future, this is an event you should plan to attend.