By September 1, Buffalo schools are hoping to have a "new" Bennett High School. Supporters of the school along with district administrators and school board members had a chance Tuesday night to talk about what the North Buffalo landmark should represent academically. That ranges from expectations of students, teachers, parents and administrators to what academic programs should be offered.
Constance Moss is the consultant handling the re-design. Moss has considerable experience in city schools, as an assistant principal at Bennett and as an associate superintendent.
"There's going to be a gap in one grade level, as we go forward. So, next year we're not going to have any ninth graders," Moss explained.
"Then, in 2015, we aren't going to have any tenth graders but we will have entering ninth graders. So, you know, there will be a period of transition, of catching up in terms of the grade levels that will be here at Bennett."
Moss has already scheduled a series of meetings with various Bennett stakeholders to help the rapid re-design.
Theresa Harris-Tigg is a Bennett grad and school board vice president of student achievement. She believes the plan can work, though it won't be easy. The re-design plan will be accompanied by a marketing plan to sell the "new" Bennett to the families of prospective students.
