BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — The Buffalo Teachers Federation says they have issued a "vote of no confidence" against Superintendent Dr. Kriner Cash following recent acts of violence in the district.
Philip Rumore, President of the Buffalo Teachers Federation, issued this statement:
“We appreciate many of the things Superintendent Dr. Kriner Cash has accomplished; however, many calls for increased security and the increasing serious acts of violence, as delineated in the resolution, have been inadequately addressed and gotten worse.
Ultimately, this is and was the responsibility of the Superintendent.
Based upon what is contained in the “No Confidence” resolution passed by the BTF Council of Delegates, representatives from all public schools, Buffalo teachers no longer have confidence that these dangerous and serious conditions will improve under Superintendent Dr. Kriner Cash’s leadership.”
The teachers union is also calling for a safety and security committee in each Buffalo school.
The union is also asking for an investigation of the district by the state and federal officials.
We did reach out to the district for a comment, and received this response on behalf of Superintendent Dr. Kriner Cash:
“This is an unprecedented time in public education - Covid-related challenges, social-emotional issues, community violence, and traumatic experiences occurring throughout our community and nation.
It is an especially professionally challenging environment for teachers, administrators, support staff, and superintendents, and I commend and empathize with the challenges our staff face each and every day.
As Superintendent, I have dedicated my life and career to public education and to providing greater equity, access, opportunity, and quality to the thousands of students I was hired to serve.
Over the course of my seven-year tenure in Buffalo, this District has turned around under my leadership and it’s service to children through the implementation of the New Education Bargain which includes establishing a strong relationship with our teachers and administrators. No performative tactics of the BTF or any other groups will deter my commitment to steering the Buffalo Public Schools through these challenging times.”
Superintendent Dr. Kriner Cash
Last night in response to security issues at McKinley High School the Buffalo Teachers Federation Council of Delegates issued a vote of no confidence In Buffalo Public Schools Superintendent Kriner Cash. Our teachers are an invaluable and inextricable part of the educational process in the Buffalo Public Schools and we value their opinion. We also recognize the recent efforts that have been made to set McKinley back on the path to success. The Buffalo Board of Education is presently evaluating what this vote means for the district.
Lou Petrucci, President Buffalo Board of Education
