Mayor Byron Brown said he is 'ready and willing' to provide leadership in the Buffalo School District. Reporters asked the Mayor about his remarks of a potential mayoral takeover.
Mayor Brown stressed he's not personally seeking the control city schools.
"I am not asking for it. I am not campaigning for it. I am not lobbying for it," said Mayor Brown. "There would really need to be a groundswell of support from the community for me to move in that direction."
Brown said he 'simply' said he would be ready to lead if the governance structure is changed by Governor Cuomo and members of the state Legislature.
But Brown he's not 'opting out' and would consider a number of models to lead the district.
Brown said he is hearing from many education stockholders and residents that they want change in how the district is currently operating based on their 'growing frustration'. He said they want to see improved educational outcomes for children.
"I am ready, willing and able to provide leadership," said Brown.
State Assembly woman Crystal Peoples Stokes is looking at legislation that would seek mayoral control.
New York City model, the mayor actual selects the board members and superintendent. Mayor Brown said he would be willing to do that if that's what the community is willing to see happen in Buffalo.
"It is not my decision to make. I do not have that power to make that decision. That' decision can only be made by the Governor of the state of New York and the members of the state Legislature," stated Brown.
