Buffalo families, students and staff gathered this week to voice deep concern over Buffalo Public Schools’ plan to repurpose the Early Childhood Center at PS 90 on A Street. The proposal would turn the building into a pre‑K special‑education center, part of a broader eight‑school restructuring effort.
Community ties at risk
“It’s heartbreaking,” said Verneta Jones, a parent of a PS 90 student. “I can’t imagine my son going to another school. I really can’t.” Parents echoed the sentiment, describing the school as more than a building – it is a family where teachers, lunch staff and administrators know each child by name.
Student Christopher Harrison, who has attended PS 90 since preschool, called the school his favorite, noting the strong relationships with his teachers. Another longtime student, who prefers not to be named, said leaving would mean losing a place filled with cherished memories.
Staff worries about inclusion
Teachers and staff worry the conversion could separate general‑education students from their non‑disabled peers, limiting opportunities for inclusive learning. “Those students deserve to be with their nondisabled peers so they can see what the real world is like,” said second‑grade teacher Karen Stefaniak.
Some staff members have suggested alternatives, such as maintaining a pre‑K‑through‑fourth‑grade model or a balanced pre‑K‑through‑second‑ or third‑grade configuration that would keep a broader student population together.
District response and next steps
The district plans to hold a public meeting on Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. in the PS 156 Frederick Law Olmsted building, with a school‑board vote scheduled for Wednesday. District officials have indicated the change aims to address enrollment shifts and special‑education needs, but have not ruled out revisiting the plan based on community feedback.
Monica Waraich, a longtime staff member, summed up the community’s sentiment: “Ripping apart our PS 90 family is ripping apart our entire family and our community.” Parents and staff alike are urging board members to consider the deep ties that bind the East Side neighborhood before moving forward.
Why the school matters
Beyond academics, PS 90 serves as a hub for families on Buffalo’s East Side, offering a sense of familiarity and connection that extends beyond the classroom. Glenda Reyes, whose son attends pre‑K at the school, emphasized that the school’s environment helps children feel known and supported by every staff member, from teachers to lunch aides.
As the district weighs its options, the community hopes its voices will shape a solution that preserves the school’s role as a cornerstone of neighborhood life.
Original reporting: WKBW 7 Buffalo (Buffalo section) — read the source article.
