Johns Hopkins University wants to end its partnership with the Buffalo Public Schools at two failing city schools. The university has notified the district that it wants out of its agreement at East and Lafayette High Schools. The partnership, signed in early June, was designed to assist the failing schools under a state improvement plan.
Interim city schools superintendent Donald Ogilvie says Johns Hopkins can't simply pull out because the contract extends through 2015.
Ogilvie tells WBFO News he believes a "slow start" this past school year has led to frustration for Johns Hopkins.
"I think they had become impatient, as we had. It was a case where we were both eager, but somehow we hadn't had enough opportunity to discuss the things that specifically would make this partnership work," Ogilvie said Monday, following a meeting with local Hispanic leaders.
The interim superintendent was scheduled to hold a conference call with the state education department Monday afternoon to discuss the situation. He said he intends to ask the commissioner to offer options and determine the best course to take for students at East and Lafayette.
"We have a signed contract with Johns Hopkins and they can not just leave. Their departure has to be approved by the commissioner," said Ogilvie.