Buffalo Board of Education Releases Independent Investigative Report
BUFFALO, N.Y. — The Buffalo Public Schools Board of Education today released the investigative report from Rupp Pfalzgraf LLC, the Special Independent Investigator.
The Board of Education commissioned an independent investigation conducted by Rupp Pfalzgraf LLC follow ing allegations raised in April 2025 and later podcasts concerning the district’s handling of student-safety and related matters. The investigation—which included interviews of sixty-six individuals and extensive document review— examined the February 2025 security incident at the Dr. Charles R. Drew Science Magnet School, emergency-communication protocols, video retention practices, and related concerns.
While the investigation did not find evidence supporting intentional obstruction or systematic cover-ups, it identified systemic challenges requiring attention, including communication protocols, evidence-preservation procedures, training, and coordination between schools and law enforcement and related entities.
The report recognizes the dedication of BPS staff while acknowledging that individual com mitment alone cannot overcome these deficiencies. The Board has received comprehensive recommendations as part of the report, which it is in the process of fully reviewing and prioritizing. The district is committed to reviewing all recommendations and implementing changes that strengthen safety across all buildings. This report gives the Board a roadmap for improvement, and we are committed to following it. The report has been redacted, in part, in accordance with applicable law to protect student privacy, security information, and other legally protected matters.
It is available for pub lic review at the link below. The Board urges all community members to review it with an open mind and a com mitment to constructive dialogue—focusing on forward-looking recom mendations rather than seeking to assign blame. Disagreement with any particular findings must not translate into harass ment, threats, or intimi dation directed at any one. The path forward requires collaboration, not division, as we work to create the safest pos sible environment for our students.