The Buffalo School Board's majority is gearing up for plans to name a new schools superintendent. But there are some concerns and caution from some community members. WBFO'S Focus on Education reporter Eileen Buckley say parents are worried about the latest battle on the school board for a new leader.
"We've got a lot of work today. We can't keep playing these games. It's a bunch of egos," said Patricia Elliott, Buffalo School parent.
Elliott has been vocal on past school issues. She is very concerned about another change in school leadership. Elliott tells WBFO News she is 'afraid for the children' and even threatened legal action.
"Our children's lives are at stake. The future is at stake. A new lawsuit is coming with that. We need to get it together in Buffalo as far as our education goes," said Elliott.
The school board majority is expected push for Emerson High School principal Jim Weimer to become the next leader.
Buffalo's District Parent Coordinating Council president Sam Radford was very careful not to take sides in this latest board battle between the majority and minority.
"I don't have enough information to say that one way or another," said Radford. "You know I can understand the need to have somebody in place by July 1st. I get that."
Radford's organization has called for a federal receivership, but with some discussions now in place on the state level of a mayoral take over WBFO News asked Radford if that would be a better option.
"I would welcome us taking a look at that. You know obviously you can't make a decision about that until you see the details, but that's another form of governance," stated Radford.
"I believe that the control should stay local. I don't believe the mayor should be in control of the school district," said Barbara Seals Nevergold, minority School Board Member. The minority has called for a national superintendent search and is being blocked out of selecting a candidate.
Seals Nevergold said a bulk of Weimer's experience comes from one school. "It's the second time that a decision is being made that a decision is being made by five members of the board without any input, frankly from anyone else it appears," said Seals Nevergold.
Seals Nevergold had called for a special board meeting to discuss the superintendent selection, but it was ignored by the majority. The Board will meet in regular session Wednesday night where there is expected to be a big debate on a new leader.
Meanwhile, the Buffalo Parent-Teacher Organization said one board member should 'not dictate' the choice of the next superintendent. The organization is calling for inclusion and a transparent selection process for the next school leader.
"One BOE Member should not dictate the choice for the next Superintendent. We need a Superintendent, who is best for our students, not what’s best for a BOE member’s business and profit-making agenda. The entire BOE and community must be included in the process. We demand that candidates for Superintendent appear before the entire BOE, in a public meeting, before being appointed."
The Buffalo Parent-Teacher Organization will be joined by Citizen Action, AQE, PUSH, and Buffalo community member before Wednesday's board meeting at the Buffalo Academy for the Visual and Performing Arts.