Buffalo Public Schools Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Buffalo Public Schools has 6 executives leading key functions including academic strategy, administrative operations, technology integration, financial management, facility logistics, and board governance.

Committed to academic excellence and community development, Buffalo Public Schools fosters innovative learning environments while providing diverse educational pathways for students 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 funds across various programs, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that financial resources directly support student learning and operational requirements. James Barnes monitors revenue streams and expenditure patterns to maintain long-term fiscal sustainability. By conducting rigorous audits and financial reporting, the Chief Financial Officer provides transparency to the Board of Education and the public. This leadership role involves negotiating contracts and managing procurement processes to maximize the value of district investments. Through strategic financial forecasting, the Chief Financial Officer identifies potential risks and implements mitigation strategies to protect the district's assets. Ultimately, the Chief Financial Officer supports the educational mission by ensuring that every dollar is utilized effectively to enhance the quality of instruction and student services.

    Curtis Johnson - Chief Operating Officer

    Curtis Johnson, the Chief Operating Officer at Buffalo Public Schools, directs the physical infrastructure, facility maintenance, and logistical operations of the district. Overseeing the management of school buildings and transportation services, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that all environments remain safe and conducive to learning. Curtis Johnson coordinates capital improvement projects and facility upgrades to meet the evolving needs of the student population. By optimizing supply chain logistics and maintenance schedules, the Chief Operating Officer reduces operational downtime and improves service delivery. This leadership role involves managing large-scale vendor contracts and ensuring compliance with safety regulations across all district properties. Through the implementation of efficient facility management practices, the Chief Operating Officer supports the daily operations of every school site. Ultimately, the Chief Operating Officer secures the physical foundation of the district, allowing educators to focus entirely on academic instruction.

    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 the Superintendent. Facilitating board meetings and public discourse, the Board President ensures that community voices influence the strategic direction of the district. Kathy Evans-Brown monitors the performance of the district against established goals and holds leadership accountable for achieving measurable results. By fostering consensus among board members, the Board President drives the adoption of policies that promote equity and academic growth. This leadership role involves representing the district in regional forums and advocating for legislative support at the state level. Through the oversight of governance processes, the Board President ensures that all actions align with the legal and ethical standards of the district. Ultimately, the Board President provides the necessary oversight to ensure that the district remains focused on its mission of serving students and families.

    James Kane - Chief of Staff

    James Kane, the Chief of Staff at Buffalo Public Schools, coordinates executive communications and manages the daily operations of the Superintendent's office. Facilitating seamless collaboration between departments, the Chief of Staff ensures that district-wide initiatives receive proper administrative support and oversight. James Kane monitors the execution of strategic projects, ensuring that all internal processes align with the broader mission of providing quality education. By streamlining workflows and managing high-level scheduling, the Chief of Staff optimizes the efficiency of the leadership team. This role involves drafting policy recommendations and preparing briefings for the Board of Education to facilitate informed decision-making. Through proactive problem-solving and cross-functional coordination, the Chief of Staff maintains organizational stability. Ultimately, the Chief of Staff supports the district by ensuring that administrative functions remain focused on the core objective of student achievement and community engagement.

    Julianna Sciolino - Chief Technology Officer

    Julianna Sciolino, the Chief Technology Officer at Buffalo Public Schools, architects the digital infrastructure necessary for modern classroom learning and administrative efficiency. Overseeing the deployment of educational software and hardware, the Chief Technology Officer ensures that students and faculty possess the tools required for success in a digital-first environment. Julianna Sciolino manages cybersecurity protocols and data privacy standards to protect sensitive information across the district. By integrating advanced learning management systems, the Chief Technology Officer enhances the delivery of curriculum and supports remote learning capabilities. This leadership role involves collaborating with academic departments to identify technological gaps and implementing scalable solutions that drive innovation. Through the maintenance of robust network systems, the Chief Technology Officer guarantees reliable access to digital resources. Ultimately, the Chief Technology Officer empowers the district by leveraging technology to bridge educational divides and improve overall instructional quality.

    Kriner Cash - Superintendent

    Kriner Cash, the Superintendent at Buffalo Public Schools, directs the overarching academic vision and district-wide policy implementation. Overseeing the entire educational framework, the Superintendent ensures alignment with state standards while promoting innovative high school models and adult education initiatives. Kriner Cash maintains constant communication with the Board of Education to refine district goals and improve student outcomes across the New York region. By prioritizing equitable access to resources, the Superintendent drives systemic improvements in classroom instruction and student support services. This leadership role involves managing complex stakeholder relationships and advocating for sustainable funding models. Through rigorous evaluation of performance metrics, the Superintendent identifies areas for growth and implements strategic interventions. Ultimately, the Superintendent secures the long-term success of the district by fostering a culture of continuous improvement and academic excellence 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.