New York State Board of Regents member Robert Bennett is praising the work of newly named interim Buffalo Schools superintendent Don Ogilvie. In this Focus on Education report WBFO'S Eileen Buckley says Bennett is convinced Ogilvie will be able to turn around the trouble city school district.
"I think he is an extraordinary person. I've known him for well over 20-years,” said Bennett. Bennett says not only does Ogilvie have the right credentials, but he comes with a 'track record'.
"He's the perfect person to begin the legitimate turnaround of Buffalo. He knows it doesn't happen in a month or two, but his talents are far reaching and he has the unique capability of hiring and nurturing and providing training and continuous improvement for people on his payroll," noted Bennett
Bennett says Ogilvie should begin with a very serious, in-depth assessment of personnel. He said that includes both administrative and teacher staffing. Bennett says is will be key in improving Buffalo Schools.
"He'S got to review and interview people," said Bennett in response to reviewing district staffers.
Bennett says it will also be critical that Ogilvie meet with the state education assistant commissioner of accountability to discuss the city's three failing schools. East, Lafayette and Martin Luther King were given extensions pending leadership changes in the district.
Bennett pointed out that Ogilvie is a data expert and he will understand data concerning student placement, after school programs and length of the school day.
"And what does this information tell us," said Bennett.
Bennett tells WBFO News he's ready to offer any help to Ogilvie and said he's only a phone call away.