Buffalo Public Schools Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Buffalo Public Schools has 6 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, administration, technology, finance, and governance.

Committed to academic excellence, Buffalo Public Schools provides diverse educational pathways ranging from adult learning to innovative high school programs while fostering student success across the New York region.

Leadership Roles at Buffalo Public Schools

  • Chief Financial Officer - James Barnes
  • Chief Operating Officer - Curtis Johnson
  • Board President - Kathy Evans-Brown
  • Chief of Staff - James Kane
  • Chief Technology Officer - Julianna Sciolino
  • Superintendent - Kriner Cash
  • James Barnes - Chief Financial Officer

    James Barnes, the Chief Financial Officer at Buffalo Public Schools, manages the fiscal health and budgetary planning for the entire district. Overseeing the allocation of state and local funding, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that resources support the diverse educational programs and innovative high schools. James Barnes directs the financial reporting processes and audit compliance to maintain transparency across the New York region. By optimizing expenditure patterns, the Chief Financial Officer drives cost-efficiency and maximizes the impact of every dollar spent on student services. This leadership role involves collaborating with the Board of Education to develop long-term financial strategies that sustain district growth. Through rigorous monitoring of economic trends, Barnes mitigates fiscal risks and secures the financial stability of the organization. Ultimately, Barnes provides the economic framework necessary to deliver high-quality education to the community.

    Curtis Johnson - Chief Operating Officer

    Curtis Johnson, the Chief Operating Officer at Buffalo Public Schools, manages the daily logistical functions and facility operations essential for district functionality. Overseeing the maintenance of physical infrastructure and school safety protocols, the Chief Operating Officer ensures a secure environment for all students and staff. Curtis Johnson directs the coordination of support services, including transportation and building management, to facilitate seamless daily operations. By streamlining operational workflows, the Chief Operating Officer enhances the efficiency of district resources across the New York region. This leadership role involves constant interaction with administrative departments to resolve logistical challenges and improve service delivery. Through meticulous planning and execution of facility upgrades, Johnson supports the broader mission of providing high-quality learning spaces. Ultimately, Johnson maintains the operational integrity required to sustain the diverse educational programs offered by the district.

    Kathy Evans-Brown - Board President

    Kathy Evans-Brown, the Board President at Buffalo Public Schools, leads the governing body responsible for setting district policy and overseeing executive performance. Overseeing the public accountability process, the Board President ensures that the district remains responsive to the needs of the community across the New York region. Kathy Evans-Brown directs board meetings and facilitates consensus among members to approve budgets and strategic initiatives. By representing the interests of students and families, the Board President shapes the long-term vision for educational excellence. This leadership role involves maintaining strong relationships with local stakeholders and advocating for necessary legislative support. Through the establishment of clear governance standards, Evans-Brown fosters an environment of transparency and ethical conduct. Ultimately, Evans-Brown guides the district toward achieving its mission by providing the necessary oversight and strategic direction for all educational programs.

    James Kane - Chief of Staff

    James Kane, the Chief of Staff at Buffalo Public Schools, coordinates internal communications and manages the executive office workflow to ensure organizational alignment. Overseeing the integration of district-wide initiatives, the Chief of Staff facilitates collaboration between various departments and the Superintendent. James Kane directs the flow of information to the Board of Education, ensuring transparency and adherence to governance standards across the New York region. By managing high-level projects and administrative priorities, the Chief of Staff supports the execution of the district's strategic goals. This leadership role involves mediating complex organizational issues and fostering a culture of accountability among staff members. Through the development of internal policies, Kane optimizes the administrative capacity of the district. Ultimately, Kane ensures that executive decisions translate into actionable outcomes that benefit the entire educational community.

    Julianna Sciolino - Chief Technology Officer

    Julianna Sciolino, the Chief Technology Officer at Buffalo Public Schools, architects the digital infrastructure and information systems necessary for modern classroom learning. Overseeing the deployment of educational software and hardware, the Chief Technology Officer ensures that students and teachers possess the tools required for academic success. Julianna Sciolino directs the implementation of cybersecurity protocols to protect sensitive district data across the New York region. By integrating advanced technology into the curriculum, the Chief Technology Officer drives digital transformation and improves instructional delivery. This leadership role involves managing technical support teams and evaluating emerging educational technologies to maintain a competitive edge. Through strategic investment in network capacity, Sciolino supports the expansion of remote and hybrid learning opportunities. Ultimately, Sciolino secures the technological foundation that empowers the district to meet the evolving needs of 21st-century learners.

    Kriner Cash - Superintendent

    Kriner Cash, the Superintendent at Buffalo Public Schools, directs the overarching academic vision and strategic direction for the entire district. Overseeing the implementation of innovative high school models and adult education initiatives, the Superintendent ensures alignment with state educational standards. Kriner Cash maintains direct oversight of district-wide performance metrics, driving improvements in student outcomes through data-informed decision-making. By collaborating with the Board of Education, the Superintendent shapes policies that expand access to quality learning environments across the New York region. This leadership role involves managing complex stakeholder relationships to secure long-term institutional stability. Through rigorous evaluation of instructional programs, the Superintendent optimizes resource allocation to support diverse student needs. Ultimately, Cash secures the academic future of the district by championing equitable access to high-quality education for every student within the system.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Buffalo Public Schools Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Buffalo Public Schools?
    Buffalo Public Schools is led by James Barnes (Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Curtis Johnson (Chief Operating Officer) and Kathy Evans-Brown (Board President).
    Who is part of Buffalo Public Schools’s executive team?
    The executive team of Buffalo Public Schools includes leaders such as James Barnes (Chief Financial Officer), Curtis Johnson (Chief Operating Officer), Kathy Evans-Brown (Board President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Buffalo Public Schools have?
    Buffalo Public Schools has 6 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Buffalo Public Schools’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Buffalo Public Schools includes roles such as Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Board President, Chief of Staff, Chief Technology Officer.