"Say Yes" addresses problems in schools

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - Say Yes to Education Buffalo wants to make a difference in the lives of students in the city, so they brought in a consultant to analyze the problems in the district. What they say they realized is the Buffalo School District isn’t working because it isn’t meeting the needs of students.

Educational experts Cross and Joftus analyzed students from January until June, and presented their data at the First Niagara Center Wednesday morning.  They discovered that the school doesn’t have a clear plan to improve. They also pointed out there isn’t enough technology, and there is low expectations for students and adults.

  >>   Web Extra: Read the presentation given at the First Niagara Center

Financially, they say money could have been spent better. The consultants say students pay almost three times more in Buffalo to ride the public transportation system than in Syracuse. The consultants say it’s time to renegotiate transportation contracts.

Consultant Dr. Scott Joftus said, “Not meeting the needs of students, not meeting the needs of educators and it really needs a new plan with a deep and intense focus on implementation. That’s with a focus on meeting student needs, customer service, engaging students and families.”

Local leaders say that now they know the problems they can fix them. They hope to have a strategic action plan by February, so students who spend four years in a Buffalo public or charter school can go to college for free.