Buffalo Public Schools serves approximately 34,000 students in Buffalo, New York, the second largest city in the state of New York. It is located in Erie County of western New York and operates nearly 70 facilities. History The Buffalo Public School System was started in 1838, 13 years after the completion of the Erie Canal and only 6 years after the 1832 incorporation of the City of Buffalo. Buffalo was the first city in the state of New York to have a free public education system supported by local taxes. Although New York City had a free public education system prior to 1838, NYC obtained additional funding through private donations and sources. Buffalo Public Schools' first Superintendent of Schools, Oliver Gray Steele (1805–1879), was a prominent and successful business man. Originally from Connecticut, Steele relocated to Buffalo in 1827. He held three different terms as Superintendent between 1838 and 1852, during which twelve new elementary facilities were built, bringing the total to 15 elementary buildings. A building for a dedicated high school was also purchased during this time. Steele is credited as being the "Father of the Public Schools of Buffalo" as his reorganization of the schools in Buffalo enabled children to have access to a free public education. Over 35 people have held the position of Superintendent of Buffalo Public Schools since that time. Administration The Board of Education of the Buffalo City School District is the policy-making body for the Buffalo Public Schools, as provided by the Constitution of New York, and is under the general supervision of the New York State Education Department. The board consists of nine members elected by popular vote of District residents. Schools Elementary schools Except where noted, all schools serve Grades PreK-8 D'Youville Porter Campus School, Front Park Buffalo Elementary School of Technology, Willert Park Early Childhood Center 17, Cold Springs Dr. Antonia Pantoja Community School of Academic Excellence, Front Park Native American Magnet School, Grant Ferry Hillery Park Elementary School, Seneca Frank A. Sedita Academy, Front Park Harriet Ross Tubman School, Emslie Bennett Park Montessori School, Willert Park Bilingual Center, First Ward Marva J. Daniel Futures Preparatory School, Medical Park Lovejoy Discovery School, Lovejoy International School, Grant Ferry School 48 @ MLK, Medical Park North Park Community School, North Park Community School, Kingsley Dr. George E. Blackman School of Excellence, #54, Parkside Dr. Charles R. Drew Science Magnet, MLK Park Annex