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Guest Name
Sharon Belton-Cottman
Guest Occupation
Buffalo Board of Education Member, Education Advocate
Guest Biography

Elected by the board in Spring 2010 to represent the students and parents in the Ferry District, Sharon hit the deck running, while acknowledging that each of her life experiences have prepared her for this moment in time. Sharon is a product of the WNY educational system, attending Schools #47, Clinton Jr. High, Genesee, Humboldt, East High, Canisius College, and receiving an undergraduate degree at Medaille College.

Sharon’s career has primarily been in insurance, and the banking and financial industries. Currently she works as a licensed Home Mortgage Consultant with Wells Fargo Home Mortgage.  Previous careers include being a Substitute Teacher, Insurance Supervisor with Goldome Agency and Empire Realty, an Insurance Consultant with Allstate, Community Lending Officer with Charter One Bank, Loan Officer with Citizens Bank and Community Advocator.  Sharon is a mother, grandmother, and member of True Bethel Baptist Church, Brunswick Block Club, Hamlin Park Tax Payer Association, Women of Worth, and the Erie Niagara Sunrise Exchange Club.

Sharon is an advocate and passionate defender of her district and all the children in the City Of Buffalo. For the first two years of her tenure, Sharon worked as the Chair of Finance and Operations, demanding more transparency and accountability. An avid participate in board committees and task forces within the District, Sharon is committed to improving the educational system in Buffalo. 

Of the Buffalo Public Schools, Sharon has gone on record to state: “We are in a great time in the history of Buffalo Public Schools with all the stakeholders who are interested in assisting us in advancing our district.  We have a wealth of opportunity in a Superintendent who is experienced in turning failing district around, our stakeholders, such as ‘Say Yes To Education’ and other community partners, and a sound school board. The community can be assured that we now have the best opportunity in decades to improve our schools and provide our children with a world-class education!”