Dr. Pascal Mubenga Steps Down as Buffalo Schools Superintendent Immediately

Buffalo Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Pascal Mubenga has stepped down from his position after serving for just under a year. The Buffalo Board of Education officially accepted his resignation during a special meeting held on Monday. According to a spokesperson for the Buffalo Public Schools (BPS), the resignation is effective immediately.

District sources who spoke with 2 On Your Side, but requested anonymity, described the reaction to Dr. Mubenga’s resignation as one of “complete shock.” Dr. Mubenga was introduced as the new superintendent on July 22, 2025, and was unanimously approved by the Board of Education on that same day.

Background on Dr. Mubenga

Before taking on the role in Buffalo, Dr. Mubenga served as a district leader in Durham, North Carolina. However, he resigned in 2024 due to a budget issue that resulted in a $9 million spending gap. His tenure in Buffalo was expected to bring stability and progress, but it ended abruptly.

The Board of Education convened a special session on Monday night to address the selection process for a new North District board member, following the resignation of Cindi McEachon on June 24. During the meeting, which lasted several hours, the board held an executive session before announcing Dr. Mubenga’s resignation.

Reactions from the Community

Rich Nigro, president of the Buffalo Teacher’s Federation, expressed surprise at the news. He mentioned that he had met with Dr. Mubenga earlier that afternoon for contract negotiations and had no indication that the superintendent would be resigning.

“I didn’t get any kind of signs that anything was going to be announced now, certainly not news like this,” Nigro said. He emphasized that everything seemed normal during their meeting.

Nigro also pointed out that the timing of the resignation comes after a challenging period for the district, particularly in May and June. He highlighted several publicized issues, including allegations of cover-ups and transparency concerns, as well as the resignation of a board member who cited transparency as a key issue.

Challenges and Leadership Style

During his introductory press conference in 2025, Dr. Mubenga outlined his leadership philosophy. He stated that he was known for supporting principals, empowering educators, and turning around schools and districts facing significant challenges.

Despite these aspirations, Dr. Mubenga’s tenure in Buffalo lasted only 11 months. His departure leaves the district in need of a new leader to navigate ongoing challenges.

New Leadership in Place

Following Dr. Mubenga’s resignation, the Board of Education voted to appoint Dr. Ebony Prophet-Bullock as interim superintendent. Her appointment will take effect on July 14, providing a temporary solution while the district searches for a permanent replacement.

Key Takeaways

• Dr. Mubenga’s resignation came as a surprise to many in the community.
• His previous role in Durham ended due to a budget issue.
• The Board of Education held a special session to address the vacancy caused by Cindi McEachon’s resignation.
• Rich Nigro, a prominent figure in the education community, expressed confusion over the sudden decision.
• Dr. Mubenga had outlined a vision for supporting educators and improving struggling schools.
• Dr. Ebony Prophet-Bullock has been named as the interim superintendent, effective July 14.