There's word the leading candidate for Superintendent of Buffalo Public Schools may no longer want the job. Meanwhile, Mayor Byron Brown says he is not pushing for control of the district, but is ready to take charge if necessary.
The Buffalo News reports this morning that the Buffalo School Board's leading candidate for Superintendent may now be saying he does not want the job. The News reports Emerson School of Hospitality Principal James Weimer's apparent change of heart stems from Wednesday's ugly board meeting in which his wife was dragged into the debate. Some opponents of Weimer's appointment claimed there is potential conflict of interest, noting his wife had done legal work for majority school board member Carl Paladino.
Meanwhile, Mayor Brown says the children need to come first. He's prepared to take charge if legislation goes through in Albany providing mayoral control.
"That's up to the People of Buffalo, that's up to the State Legislature," says Brown when asked about taking charge of the district. "I'm not pushing for it, I'm not asking for it. Parents are frustrated, teachers are frustrated. People are concerned that something needs to change. They want to see better educational outcomes for the children. They want to see a positive environment where children can learn and the good things that children are doing, and teachers are doing and parents are doing can be celebrated."
State Assemblywoman Crystal Peoples-Stokes has indicated she will introduce legislation Monday calling for the mayor to take charge of the Buffalo School District.
