JENNIFER MECOZZI Candidate for Re-Election, West District

JENNIFER MECOZZI

Candidate for Re-Election, West District

Dear Buffalo Community,

I’m writing to you today with deep gratitude and renewed commitment as I seek re-election to the West District seat on the Buffalo Board of Education.

For the past nine years, I’ve had the honor of serving our students, families, educators, and staff—advocating for equity, transparency, and meaningful change across Buffalo Public Schools. My journey began in the heart of our city, raised in a working-class Buffalo family and shaped by years of grassroots organizing with PUSH Buffalo. From volunteer to President to Organizing Director, I’ve always believed in the power of community-led transformation.

In 2015, after helping keep four “out of time” schools open, our community urged me to run for the Board. Since then, I’ve fought for policies that reflect our values—supporting gender identity protections, ICE policy reforms, and the recognition of Indigenous Peoples/Italian Heritage Day on the BPS calendar. These efforts have led to expanded programming, increased funding, and safer, more inclusive schools.

One of the most impactful shifts has been the growth of our community schools—from just five in 2016 to over thirty today. These schools offer wraparound services like financial, legal, medical, and emotional support, embracing a whole-child approach that uplifts every student and family.

I’ve also invested in governance training—both locally and nationally—to better understand how Buffalo has operated and how we can move forward together. This work has helped our Board set clearer goals, build stronger guardrails, and foster collaboration even when perspectives differ.

As I pursue a fourth term, I do so with eyes wide open to the challenges ahead: a district deficit, ongoing allegations, and the arrival of a new Superintendent. We must also prepare for potential budget cuts and continue analyzing district data to build a more organized, responsive system.

My priorities remain rooted in community:

•             Strengthening communication across the district and with families to ensure transparency

•             Improving special education practices by working with caregivers to address misclassification and outdated procedures

•             Championing the whole-child approach by uplifting athletics, music, and art as essential to student development

Above all, I’m a mother to a 10th grader, a grandmother to three students, and the proud parent of a 2017 valedictorian who now teaches in our district. My family inspires me daily to fight for every child in Buffalo Public Schools.

I ask for your support and your vote—not just for me, but for the future we’re building together. Let’s continue to amplify our voices, strengthen our schools, and honor the brilliance of every student.

With gratitude and determination,

Jennifer Mecozzi

Candidate for Re-Election, West District

Buffalo Board of Education