BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — Buffalo Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Tonja Williams Knight held a press conference on Wednesday to announce she plans to retire at the end of the school year.
Dr. Williams Knight has worked in the district for about 35 years and has held various roles. The Buffalo Board of Education named her superintendent in 2022. She said her last day will be June 30.
Under her leadership, Buffalo Public Schools saw an increase in student enrollment, marking a significant achievement for the district.
Dr. Williams Knight began her educational career at Public School 90 and graduated from Riverside High School, establishing a deep connection with the Buffalo community. The Buffalo Public Schools Board plans to begin the search for a new superintendent immediately, hoping to appoint an interim superintendent by April. Board President Dr. Kathy Evans-Brown desired to find a successor who would continue the district's progress, emphasizing the importance of visibility and community engagement.
"My rise from a K-12 student to the role of the Superintendent of Schools has been a journey of hard work, commitment, and love. The work is not easy, but I have always attempted to do whatever job granted to me with integrity, service, deep appreciation, grace, honor, and love. I am so very grateful for the opportunities that I have had, which I know have contributed to the education and growth of our children. I must take some time to express my deepest gratitude to each of the board members seated here tonight and those who are not seated here this evening but who I have had the distinct pleasure to work with throughout my years of service. To my thousands of BPS colleagues especially my esteemed Cabinet, parents/caregivers, school-based partners, and the entire City of Buffalo and Western New York Community who took a chance on entrusting a novice Superintendent with your children's education and who have uplifted our work, thank you! And, to my children in the Buffalo Public School District every single one of you...know that you are loved, you have a village who believes in and wants the best for you, and that you can achieve anything you put your mind to!"
Dr. Williams Knight said she believes the district is in a "very good place" and she is ready for more flexibility that will allow her to spend more quality time with family and friends.
"There are not enough words to express my appreciation to all of the talented people who I have had the opportunity and honor to work with during my time in BPS. Know that I am completely committed to ensuring that my departure will not disrupt the excellent education and services provided by this district, which is why I am making this announcement at this early stage. There is still much work to do during my tenure and you can rest assured that I will continue to work hard for this district through the end of term and beyond. I will always be a supporter of the Buffalo Public Schools!! I wish this district continued success in the future! Onward and upward!!"
"We'll hope to find a superintendent that will use the same platform that she has used to make this district move forward," BPS Board President Dr. Kathy Evans said.
"We are going to go through a search process to identify the right candidate, whether that is here internally, because folks are going to have the ability to apply or if we are going to find somebody externally," BPS Board VP of Executive Student Achievement Cindi McEachon said.
"Her accessibility to staff, to parents, to community, to students, being out there in our schools, being responsive to their needs and concerns, has been felt from Day 1," BPS Board VP of Student Achievement Lawrence Scott said.
The Buffalo Public Schools Board plans to begin the search for a new superintendent immediately, hoping to appoint an interim superintendent by April.
Board President Dr. Kathy Evans-Brown desired to find a successor who would continue the district's progress, emphasizing the importance of visibility and community engagement.
As Dr. Williams Knight prepares to conclude her tenure, she is conducting a 60-school, 60-day tour to engage with school leaders and support staff, reinforcing her commitment to the district's future.
