A Buffalo Common Council member wants some answers from the City's law department regarding the Board of Education. In this Focus on Education report, WBFO'S Eileen Buckley tells us the Council Majority Leader wants to know if the city could dissolve the board of education.
"If we are going to look at what's best for children -- we have to ask the question," said Smith.Majority Leader Demone Smith said the Council's Education Committee is trying to adopt an education agenda to deal with the growing city school crisis.
At a Common Council session Tuesday Smith said they want to know if the City can sue the State Education Department and/or the Board of Education. Smith is requesting the information from the Corporation Counsel.
Smith says parents and stakeholders are also asking if the city could dissolve the Board of Education and absorb it in order to control the school district.
"It's time to look at all things, whatever it may be. It's time to look at everything possible to see what can be done and where to improve the education situation for children," said Smith following the council meeting.
Common Council president Darius Pridgen agrees it’s time to look at all possible options to address a troubled district. But Pridgen, who spent several years as a school board member, said legally the city would most likely need state action for a board takeover.
"I don't believe the city of Buffalo can dissolve the Board of Education. It is really chartered by the state. It would take state action," said Pridgen. "It would take a lot of political clout or a judge to authorize it."
Parents are fed up with what they say is a lack of educational productivity. Cobie Lewis is with The Better Schools Better Neighborhoods Collaborative and Community Action Organization of Erie County Lewis tells WBFO he is very frustrated.
"Very, because no one seems to be accountable for the failure of this public institution," said Lewis.
An education meeting will be held by the lawmakers will be held Thursday at 5:30 p.m. Majority leader Smith says wants to create white papers on education. Smith noted 52-percent of the property tax base is allocated by the city to the school district, but said there's no accountability for the money handed over. Smith said it's time to increase parent and teacher engagement and create an agenda that works for all.