Senator Marc Panepinto Introduces Mayoral Option Plan for Buffalo Public Schools

Senator’s legislation to prioritize Mayoral input over Mayoral control

BUFFALO, N.Y. – Senator Marc Panepinto released the following statement on his proposed Mayoral option plan for the City of Buffalo’s Public Schools:

“While there has been a lot of talk regarding Mayoral control and the fate of the Buffalo Public School District, we have failed to see any action taken. Today, I am introducing legislation that will change that by proposing a plan that prioritizes Mayoral input over Mayoral control. My Senate bill will authorize Mayor Byron Brown to appoint two additional members to the Buffalo Board of Education. This proposal expands upon community involvement and participation by requiring the Common Council to approve the appointments. Giving the Mayor input on Buffalo’s public education system is a measured first step in improving our city’s schools. We have an obligation to Buffalo’s hardworking families to act and finally start the dialogue on this critical issue. The 34,000 students who attend these schools deserve nothing less.”

Senator Panepinto’s legislation accomplishes the following:

• Authorizes Mayor of Buffalo to appoint 2 additional school board members to the Buffalo Board of Education.
• These positions will be categorized as at-large positions and have the same five year term as the At-Large districts.
• Their terms would begin on July 1, 2015.
• Appointees would have to be residents of the City of Buffalo for at least three years prior (which is the current law).
• If there was a vacancy with the appointed positions, the Mayor would have to fill it within 30 days.
• The Common Council would have to vote for the nominations and confirm them with a majority vote (same procedure for any current vacancies on the Board of Education).