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State lawmakers debate mayoral control of Buffalo Schools

WBFO News File Photo

The issue of mayoral control of the Buffalo Public School District may be debated in Albany.

State Assemblywoman Crystal Peoples-Stokes says she believes the Mayor should be in control of the Buffalo Public Schools. On Capitol Pressroom, aired on WBFO last night, Peoples-Stokes said children are not being educated for the jobs being created in Buffalo.

"I think you have to change the model to get a different result," said Peoples-Stokes. "It's not like we haven't really tried really hard. I think every school board member has tried really hard to make a difference. All three of those superintendents we've had the last five years, they've tried real hare. It didn't work."    

Peoples-Stokes says under the bill she's introducing Monday, the mayor would be held accountable. She points out the last school board elections only drew 8-percent of voters.

Meanwhile, State Senator Marc Panepinto of Buffalo says his other colleagues in the state delegation have no appetite for mayoral control. Panepinto is pushing a bill that would give the mayor and common council input with two school board appointments.