By Eileen Buckley
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wbfo/local-wbfo-981475.mp3
Buffalo, NY – Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown says if schools superintendent James Williams is terminated, an interim superintendent should be appointed immediately.
"If this goes through there will be an interim superintendent. I think that needs to be down as quickly as possible so there is a leader of the district," said Mayor Brown.
Reporters asked Brown for his reaction to the School Board's decision to begin a process to removal Williams from his position.
Brown said it is up to the city school board to decide the future of superintendent Williams.
"It's the school board's decision," said Mayor Brown.
Mayor Brown said he warned that change would be coming to the city school district. For now, the Mayor believes the focus should be on the opening of the new school year in September.
"I think what needs to happen now is a focus on the opening of school in September, making sure it goes smoothly. and making sure the children in the Buffalo School are getting the best possible education they can get," said Mayor Brown.
The Mayor recently hosted two stakeholder meetings in an attempt to bring all those involved in the district together to deal with low performing schools. But at this point, Brown is not sure they will have time to meet before school begins.
The Mayor does not believe discussing the termination of Williams should be an issue for the stakeholders.
The board will meet again at 4 p.m. Friday afternoon to discuss the process.