Buffalo Public Schools Executive and Leadership Team

November, 2026

Leadership Overview

Buffalo Public Schools has 4 executives leading key functions including academic strategy, organizational operations, digital infrastructure, and financial management.

Committed to academic excellence and equity, Buffalo Public Schools fosters inclusive learning environments for diverse scholars across more than 60 campuses while driving community-wide educational advancement.

Leadership Roles at Buffalo Public Schools

  • Chief Financial Officer - James Barnes
  • Chief of Staff - Darren Brown-Hall
  • 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 funds across 60 school campuses, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that financial resources directly support student development and equity initiatives. This leadership role involves monitoring revenue streams, managing grants, and ensuring compliance with state and federal financial regulations. James Barnes provides the Board of Education with transparent reporting to facilitate informed decision-making regarding district investments. By optimizing operational expenditures, the Chief Financial Officer maximizes the impact of every dollar spent on educational services. Barnes collaborates with other executive leaders to align financial strategies with long-term academic goals. Through rigorous fiscal oversight, the Chief Financial Officer maintains the economic stability required to sustain district operations. Ultimately, Barnes secures the financial future of the organization, enabling consistent support for all scholars.

    Darren Brown-Hall - Chief of Staff

    Darren Brown-Hall, the Chief of Staff at Buffalo Public Schools, coordinates daily operations and facilitates communication between executive leadership and district departments. Managing the flow of information, the Chief of Staff ensures that strategic initiatives receive proper attention and resources. This role involves overseeing cross-functional projects that support the district's mission of providing equitable education. Darren Brown-Hall aligns departmental goals with the broader vision established by the Superintendent, ensuring operational efficiency across all 60 campuses. By streamlining administrative processes, the Chief of Staff reduces friction in decision-making cycles. Brown-Hall also manages external partnerships and community engagement efforts to bolster district support. Through rigorous oversight of internal workflows, the Chief of Staff maintains organizational stability. Ultimately, Brown-Hall drives the execution of key district priorities, ensuring that all staff members remain focused on the core objective of student achievement.

    Julianna Sciolino - Chief Technology Officer

    Julianna Sciolino, the Chief Technology Officer at Buffalo Public Schools, architects the digital infrastructure necessary to support modern learning environments across the district. Overseeing the deployment of educational software and hardware, the Chief Technology Officer ensures that students and staff possess the tools required for success in a digital-first world. This leadership role involves managing cybersecurity protocols to protect sensitive student data while maintaining robust network connectivity across 60 campuses. Julianna Sciolino integrates innovative technology solutions to enhance classroom engagement and administrative efficiency. By optimizing the district's technical ecosystem, the Chief Technology Officer supports the diverse needs of learners speaking over 80 languages. Sciolino collaborates with academic leaders to align technology investments with pedagogical goals. Through proactive maintenance and strategic upgrades, the Chief Technology Officer secures the digital foundation of the district, ensuring reliable access to essential educational resources.
    Julianna Sciolino

    Kriner Cash - Superintendent

    Kriner Cash, the Superintendent at Buffalo Public Schools, directs the overarching academic vision for PreK-12 scholars across the entire district. Overseeing the implementation of district-wide educational policies, the Superintendent ensures alignment with state standards and local community needs. This leadership role involves managing complex relationships with the Board of Education to secure resources for diverse student populations. By prioritizing equity and staff development, Kriner Cash directly impacts the quality of instruction delivered within 60 school campuses. The Superintendent monitors performance metrics to drive continuous improvement in student outcomes. Through strategic planning, the Superintendent addresses the unique challenges of a multilingual student body. Ultimately, Cash maintains a focus on long-term academic success, ensuring that every learner receives high-quality instruction while navigating the evolving landscape of public education in the United States.

    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 Darren Brown-Hall (Chief of Staff) and Julianna Sciolino (Chief Technology Officer).
    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), Darren Brown-Hall (Chief of Staff), Julianna Sciolino (Chief Technology Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Buffalo Public Schools have?
    Buffalo Public Schools has 4 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 of Staff, Chief Technology Officer, Superintendent.