The leader of the District Parent Coordinating Council (DPCC) met with the top candidate for the Buffalo schools superintendent post. Sam Radford, President of the DPCC, already spoke with Dr. Kriner Cash, former Memphis City Schools Superintendent. WBFO's Focus on Education Reporter Eileen Buckley talked to Radford about his expectations for new leadership and how receivership is creating new concerns for a civil rights recommendation for the city's criteria-based schools.
"I would probably take the perspective that the state education commissioner is ultimately looking for some solutions, and in Buffalo we have been very unstable," said Radford.
Dr. Cash was in Buffalo August 4th for his interview with school board members. Radford met with him during Cash's visit to Buffalo.
"He clearly has the background and qualifications to come in and lead," said Radford.
Radford noted receivership is changing everything for the school district. Radford tells WBFO he was optimistic and encourage from his meeting, but he noted that at the end of the day, if Cash is selected to lead the schools, he must 'deliver.'
"He has unprecedented power. No superintendent in the history of Buffalo Public Schools has come in as a receiver and has had the power to change -- make the school day longer, force everyone to reapply for their jobs," said Radford. "So I'm hoping he has the courage to do what needs to be done."
