BUFFALO, N.Y. — The Buffalo Board of Education is expected to give the go-ahead next week to get the Buffalo Public School District more involved in the city's emergency response planning, citing the two major snow events last year.
There has been ongoing discussion about using district assets to aid city residents for months.
Back in February, Lovejoy District Council Member Bryan Bollman proposed his WARMUP Act. It suggests using school buildings as shelters or warming centers in times of need, much like the resolution that will be voted on next Wednesday.
The resolution would authorize three actions, first giving Superintendent Dr. Tonja Williams permission to use district assets during an emergency response.
It would also empower the district to negotiate a deal with the city to use designated buildings and parking lots for towing vehicles.
“It's reassuring, and it's been great to work with the district, they've been great partners. They came forward with five locations, and they're ready to go, so it just takes coordination with the administration,” said Bollman, who also chairs the council’s Education Committee.
BPS has reportedly identified five schools that could be used and six parking lots. Schools mentioned as options include the Stanley Makowski Early Childhood Center on Jefferson Avenue, Waterfront Elementary downtown, West Hertel Elementary, Frederick Law Olmsted School 156, and Southside Elementary.
The resolution justifies the use of school buildings citing the presence of emergency power and resilient heating and cooling systems.
The City of Buffalo Snow Plan designated nine emergency warming centers but pleas for more have been made by several Council Members and the public since they were proposed.
The Mayor's Office has repeatedly said that staffing more shelters than what they've suggested could be difficult, but they are open to suggestions.
Bollman added: “For me, I'm saying we have a willing partner within the Buffalo Public Schools and I want to see the administration use them so right now we have 9 identified one in each council district why wouldn't we add more?”
“We know that accessibility to these shelters in treacherous times is difficult, so I want to see the administration work with Buffalo Public Schools and use the school facilities that have been identified,” he said.
Buffalo School Board Members Terrance Heard and Larry Scott told 2 On Your Side Friday that they expect the resolution to pass, adding that it has bold support and seems obvious for the city to want to work with the district.