AMHERST, N.Y. (WKBW) — The Williamsville School Board held an emergency meeting Monday evening.
During the short meeting, the Board of Education voted unanimously to place Williamsville Central School District Superintendent Dr. Scott Martzloff on administrative leave effective immediately. They are also looking to investigate how he handled the district's reopening plan.
Dr. John McKenna has been named the acting superintendent of the district.
“We can’t change all the things that have happened in the past, but we can make the future better and we will," McKenna said at a press conference Monday evening.
The school board issued a statement on the school's website, it reads, in part:
"With anxiety and stress already high as the community navigates the COVID-19 pandemic, the reopening process has failed to give stakeholders the peace of mind or confidence that the plan, which has been changed numerous times over the last few weeks, is the best option for providing an exceptional and equitable education for Williamsville families.
We are looking forward to Dr. McKenna’s leadership, not only as we open schools on Tuesday, but also as we begin to heal and repair the relationships between the District and our community.
We also trust Dr. McKenna, District leadership, and teachers to find a solution so students and families in grades 5-12 who chose the fully remote online learning model can begin their instruction.
As stewards of our school community, we understand our responsibility and duty to ensure a quality public education for families."
On Saturday, the board questioned Martzloff for nearly two hours before going into executive session.
School is set to begin on Tuesday for hybrid learners, but is delayed for students on the remote-only plan.
Acting Superintendent Dr. McKenna issued this statement:
“I am honored and privileged to have this opportunity to work as the acting Superintendent in the Williamsville Central School District. I realize this is a difficult time of deep hurt and pain in our community. I want to assure you we will heal and come together in the spirit of teamwork, cooperation, and collegiality.
You will get honest, timely, and transparent communication and everyone will be treated with dignity and respect.
Every decision will be made thoughtfully, with collaboration and input from all stakeholders. But, most importantly, every decision will be made based on the best interest of our students.
I am confident we will work together, find solutions, and make our District stronger.
It is a new day in Williamsville.”
