With an average age of 68 years, Buffalo Public School (BPS) buildings are in great need of improvement. Classrooms need to be overhauled to meet current teaching methods and strategies. Related facilities such as science labs also need improvement so students can meet NYS's demanding standards. In addition, school buildings must be upgraded to allow for better linkages to community organizations that collaborate with schools. Finally, with the BPS competing for students with charter schools, buildings and programs must meet the needs of Buffalo's children and appeal to their parents.

To make this happen, the school district and the community must work together to:

• Improve school buildings and linkages to the community, so that parents and students feel good about attending Buffalo Public Schools,
• Improve the flow of information between school officials, parents, and the community   so that all can participate in making important decisions about school buildings and how they are used (not just by teachers and students, but by the community, as well), and
• Connect schools to the neighborhoods in which they are located, to share resources and help children achieve.

You can start by going to Ciminelli Construction to see the current plan for school reconstruction. Once there, you can look at the plans for improving school buildings. You also can review the strategic plan that shows how the district will channel funds into classrooms, by reducing the number of schools in the district. In addition, you can participate in these important decisions by attending meetings held to gather public input (please go to Education Events to get current dates and times). By understanding the key issues and expressing your opinion, you can make a difference in building the kind of schools our children deserve.