Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown said he did have a conversation with Dr. Kriner Cash -- the man selected to lead the city school district. WBFO's Focus on Education Reporter Eileen Buckley asked the mayor for his reaction to yet another school leader.
"I certainly hope it is a breakthrough for the city school district," said Mayor Brown.
When Mayor Brown first took office in 2006 Dr. James Williams was serving as superintendent. When he left Buffalo, Amber Dixon served as interim leader, then former superintendent Pamela Brown was named. After she was forced out, Don Oglivie served as an interim leader. But last week Dr. Cash was approved unanimously by the school board.
"We spoke last week by telephone. It was a good conversation," responded Brown.
Mayor Brown says he looks forward to meeting with Dr. Cash, just as he has with other leadership.
"There are numerous things that the city does on an on-going basis to support the Buffalo Public Schools. We will obviously continue to do those things. I have been very involved with what's happening in the school district," said Brown.
Brown noted in his conversation he shared with Cash issues he has been involved with in the city school district. Brown said at this point, Cash did not make any specific requests to him.
As for state receivership of 25-city schools, the Mayor said it is new territory for the district to explore. "It's a new phenomenon. It has never happened here," stated Brown. "Hopefully it will help with a transformation in the schools, but with any new thing, we have to see how it is managed, how it plays itself out."
Meanwhile Cash could begin his post as early as Tuesday. Details are being finalized to provide his needed credentials from the New York State Education Department. The Buffalo News reports his contract could be in place Tuesday morning. The News report indicates though that superintendents in cities like New York receive other perks which Cash will not be getting. The deal is also said to include specific communication procedures aimed at keeping individual board members from telling Cash what to do without board authorization. Specific performance expectations for Cash are expected to be outlined by September 30th.
Mayor Brown tells WBFO News he will be reaching out to meet with Cash in person.
