MAYOR MASIELLO ANNOUNCES CITY EDUCATION REFORM LEGISLATION WITH HOYT/VOLKER BILL
April 27, 1999
Contact: Peter K. Cutler (716) 851-5841
 

BUFFALO (4/27/99) - Using the City of Buffalo's recently opened state of-the-art Telecommunications Center, Mayor Anthony M. Masiello today unveiled proposed state legislation that would provide the Mayor with two appointments to the Buffalo Board of Education.

Assemblyman Sam Hoyt (D-L, Buffalo) and State Senator Dale M. Volker (R-C, Depew) will co-sponsor the proposed legislation in the state legislature.

"Following careful review of the city's overall public education system, I proposed in January 1999 several key changes to the operation of the city's public schools," stated Mayor Masiello. "Given the fact that almost 50% of the city's total tax levy is appropriated annually to the city schools, I believe it is reasonable to give the Mayor two appointments to the Board of Education. This is in no way an attempt to wrest control of the public schools away from the board; it is, however, a desire for greater accountability. If our ongoing and future economic development plans are to take hold and prosper, we must have a responsive and effective public education system."

Assemblyman Hoyt added, "As both an elected official and a parent of two children in the system, I have no greater priority than restoring public confidence in our schools. To do that, the leadership on the board and in the administration must be held accountable for their actions. This legislation is a step in that direction. Improving our schools leadership, thus regaining the public's confidence, must take place before we can reverse the economic decline experienced by our community in recent years."

"This proposal is in the best interest of taxpayers, in the best interest of the school district, and most importantly - in the best interest of Buffalo's schoolchildren," said Senator Volker. "Such a measure will bring focus and direction to improve the quality of schools and keep taxes under control."

The Mayor also announced several key policy change recommendations that he hopes to enact with the cooperation of the Board of Education. They include: establishing neighborhood schools as part of a coordinated plan to strengthen city neighborhoods; expand community school initiative throughout the system, thereby providing much needed health care and social services at eve - city school; upgrade and modernize city's vocational education programs to provide regional employers with a reliable and well-educated workforce; pen-nit the Mayor's labor relations representative a seat at the table during labor union negotiations; establish multi-year budgeting process for the school board, so parents and students can rely on the availability of key educational programs year-to-year; and continue the building modernization effort through Joint Schools Construction Board.

"I am very appreciative of the support of Assemblyman Hoyt, Senator Volker and the members of the state legislature who recognize the future of Buffalo rests within the viability and efficient management of our public school system. My administration, since taking office in 1994, has been committed to establishing and maintaining excellence in public education. Today marks a significant step toward achieving that goal," noted Mayor Masiello.