Buffalo Parents Voice Concerns Over Proposed Closure of PS 33 Bilingual Center

Buffalo, NY, October 6, 2026 —

Parents in Buffalo are expressing significant concern regarding a proposal that would lead to the closure of the PS 33 Bilingual Center. This potential closure is part of a larger strategic plan by the school district aimed at shutting down a total of eight schools. The district’s timeline indicates that these closures are slated to begin with the 2027-28 school year.

District officials have cited declining student enrollment numbers and escalating operational costs as the primary drivers behind the proposed consolidation and closure of these educational facilities. The plan, which affects multiple schools across the district, is designed to address budget challenges and optimize resource allocation in response to demographic shifts.

However, parents connected to PS 33 Bilingual Center are highlighting the unique and crucial role the school plays, particularly its bilingual program. They emphasize that this program is vital for fostering students’ sense of cultural identity and supporting their language acquisition and development. Concerns have been raised about the potential impact on students who benefit from this specialized curriculum and the community built around it.

The decision-making process for these school closures is ongoing. The district has indicated that the plan to close eight schools is a response to current enrollment trends and financial considerations. Specific details regarding the operational changes and the full list of schools impacted beyond PS 33 Bilingual Center were not provided in the summary. The projected start date for these closures remains the 2027-28 academic year.

Story summarized from the original created by Althea Castro de la Mata on www.wkbw.com, see more information here.

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