BPS board leader says board did not defy NYSED in appointing new member

July 22, 2026 - 01:37

The president of the Buffalo Board of Education pushed back on Tuesday against claims that the board acted in defiance of the New York State Education Department when it appointed a new member to fill a vacant seat. The statement comes after weeks of tension between local school leaders and state regulators over the selection process.

Board President Sharon Belton-Cottman said the appointment followed all legal requirements and that the board has not violated any directives from the state. Her comments were a direct response to concerns raised by State Education Commissioner Betty Rosa, who had warned that the board's actions could be seen as overstepping its authority.

The dispute centers on how the board chose to fill the vacancy. According to Belton-Cottman, the board followed its own bylaws and the state's education law. She argued that the commissioner's office misinterpreted the board's process and that there was no intent to ignore state guidance.

"We did not defy NYSED," Belton-Cottman said. "We followed the law as we understand it, and we are prepared to show our work."

The new member, whose name has not been released pending final paperwork, was selected after a series of closed-door interviews and a public vote. Some community members have criticized the process as lacking transparency, but Belton-Cottman defended it as thorough and fair.

The state education department has not yet issued a formal response to the board's latest statement. However, the disagreement highlights ongoing friction between local school boards and state regulators over governance and compliance. The Buffalo board is expected to release more details about the appointment in the coming days.