By Eileen Buckley
Buffalo, NY – The Buffalo Fiscal Stability Authority had a chance Wednesday to question the Buffalo schools superintendent about the recent outbreak of violence at Lafayette High School. Dr. James Williams says he already started discussions with the unions, including the Buffalo Teachers Federation, about creating a plan. But Williams says it will not be a plan that would place all the trouble makers into one school.
"I'm not supporting just setting up a building and throwing kids in there," Williams said. "We have to have a plan that is inclusive of this total community, especially with our social services agencies, to deal with some of the issues youngsters are dealing with, such as violence, drugs teen pregnancy. We are not equipped to deal with that."
Williams warned the Control Board that the district's plan would cost more money.
Later, Williams updated the Board of Education on the student violence plan. Administrative and staff cuts in the last few school budgets are being blamed for the problem. There are fewer guidance counselors and social workers to provide help.