Five City Schools Targeted for Closing

By Eileen Buckley

Buffalo, NY – The Buffalo School District wants to close six city schools to cut costs.

Under the proposal, five would close next June -- the Poplar Academy, Community School 53, Montessori School 78, the Science Magnet School Site, and Days Park Bilingual Early Childhood Center.

Schools Superintendent James Williams says closing these schools would save the district $3 million. Williams says a decline in enrollment is the reason for closing schools. Two thousand students would be transferred to other schools, and 26 staff positions eliminated under the proposed plan.