It appears the former Memphis City School superintendent is the top candidate among the Buffalo School Board. WBFO'S Focus on Education reporter Eileen Buckley says the board interviewed Kriner Cash emerging with favorable remarks.
After spending about two-hours at City Hall for his interview with board members Cash emerged and was quickly escorted down the stairwell of the 8th floor with no comment.
But WBFO News was on the steps of City Hall as Cash emerged from the building.
"Why would you want to be superintendent in the Buffalo School District?," asked Buckley. "That's where work is," responded Cash. "The challenge -- the most important kind in America -- right here."
Cash would not stop to speak to reporters, but when asked if he was up to the job, he made a few more comments. "Always have been -- ready to go. It's up to the board now. Let them do there work," said Cash. "Even with receivership in place?", asked Buckley. "That's the challenges - that's what the work is. I'm uniquely qualified to do it."
As reporter continue chasing Cash around the back side of City Hall he said "that's it".
School board President James Sampson emerged from the board meeting saying Cash is the candidate the board is paying most attention to.
"I think it went very well," stated Sampson. "Dr. Cash obviously brings with him some very impressive credentials that are consistent with what Buffalo is looking for in a superintendent and its next leader. I think board members are very, very encouraged. We want to give the community an opportunity to meet him before we take the next step with him "I think he could be a great asset to this community and to this school district and to the kids."
State Education Commissioner MaryEllen Elia is recommending the city district hire Cash.
Cash is expected to be around this week to hold meetings with small groups and then a bigger public session possibly next week.
Majority School Board Member Larry Quinn was also pleased with Dr. Cash's credentials, but realizes there are some past critics.
"It's simply not possible to make the changes that he made in Memphis and not have disgruntled people," stated Quinn.
No time line has been given in selecting a new city school leader, but Quinn noted that no matter who is selected the board should move quickly.
"Everybody has to accept We're behind the eight ball already whoever we put in we need to do quickly," said Quinn. "Don't expect superman to come down and change everything overnight -- we'll probably have a lot of bumps along the road."
Cash led the Memphis district for more than four years. But according to our research since leaving in 2013, he was a finalist for five other superintendent posts. However neither Sampson or Quinn were concerned.
"I think it is all about the match. Is it the right person, the right place and it looking like this could be it for him and us," stated Sampson.
"When you see somebody that takes action, divisive action, you are going to find critics. It's simply not possible to make the changes that he made in Memphis and not have disgruntle people because let's face it when have to redo this district, there's going to be a lot of people crying about their prerogative of taken away," said Quinn.
School Board Majority Members Carl Paladino and Patty Pierce did not attend the interview. But Paladino tells WBFO News he's pleased with Cash's credentials.
"I'm comfortable with Mr. Cash, with certain assurances as to how he is going to approach the many issues that we have in the district," said Paladino.
