Leaders want changes at Buffalo Schools

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - Multiple pastors, elected officials and community leaders are calling for a change in Buffalo's public schools. 

PETITION | “Close all failing schools and open them up as district sponsored charter schools so that we can get children out of failing public schools” said Samuel Radford, the President of the District Parent Coordinating Council.

Radford held an “Education Sunday” at Bethesda World Harvest International Church on Sunday.
He said the district sponsored charter schools would help because they'll have a local board.

“We can make up the board for the children that go to school in our neighborhoods and we decide. We’re able to keep the school open later so we don't have to complain that the school is not open late” said Radford.

The Charter School Institute states that if a charter school doesn't improve student’s achievement in 5 years then it could lose its license and close. Radford believes this will hold teachers accountable.
 
His goal is to get 5,000 petitions signed in favor of creating district sponsored charter school, then present it to the Buffalo Board of Education.

“We initially wanted the 5000 signatures to have leverage when we go to the Buffalo Board of Education to say this is the will of the parents, the citizens and the taxpayers in this community. And what we would like to see is a vote by the board of education to make the failing schools into district sponsored charter schools” said Radford.

Buffalo School Superintendent Dr. Pamela Brown said whether students learn in a public or charter school all that matters is that they get a good education.

“I support all schools being strong and certainly my effort in the district is that we are going to make everyone of our schools an excellent choice for every student” said Dr. Brown.

Dr. Brown attended True Bethel Baptist Church on Sunday to congratulate students on their perfect attendance.

“I'm just here to worship and celebrate life and celebrate the success of the students who are in this congregation” said Dr. Brown.

“The children come to the front and we give them a talk to really encourage parents even more than the students because if we have responsive parents we'll have responsive students so it's a big day here” said Pastor Darius Pridgen of True Bethel Baptist Church.

Dr. Brown said the district is working to turn around poor attendance rates. She said they were better in November than they were last year.