BPS faces busing, spacing challenges in bringing back students Will Buffalo schools change from eight feet to six feet when it comes to social distancing? The next phase of the reopening plan could be coming later this month. Author: Ron Plants Updated: 7:22 PM EST March 4, 2021 BUFFALO, N.Y. — The next phase of the Buffalo School District's reopening plan under COVID-19 guidelines could be coming later this month. The Buffalo School District did start with its phase one of reopening back on February 1, even as it fended off a legal challenge from the teacher's union that was denied by the court.