05/06/09: BPS Board At Large-Elect John Licata on Future of Buffalo Schools

Original YNN Buffalo Air Date: 05/06/09
The Buffalo School Board’s incumbent Chris Jacobs and newcomer John Licata are the top vote leaders for the three at large seats. Preliminarily numbers show Licata garnered the majority 18%of the votes. The father of three attended Buffalo Public Schools, as so do his children. He says it’s time Buffalonians stop looking to send their kids outside the city for school.
“We can improve the school system so that the dilemma isn’t what school to put your kids in, but what school has to be left off from the top three choices. And that we improve school from the kindergarten and the pre-k, and the first grade level,” said Licata.
He says the controversial campaign spending overshadowed the issues and students needs and adds it’s time for changing of the guards.
Educational critics say Licata’s apparent victory could signal the end of Superintendent Doctor James Williams’ hold of a five to four majority on the board.
“Maybe if there had been some discussion between the board and the superintendent ideas would have been improved. The graduation rate might not be as low as it is. There may have been more voice for innovation. More transparency. There were a lot of distractions last year and finally the parents came out and said stop being distracted, stop the squabbling, and get to the business of educating our kids,” added Licatta.
Erie County Elections Commissioner Dennis Ward says the 120 voting machines head to the Tri-Main Building for inspection Thursday, if not Friday. There are approximately 800 absentee ballots left to be counted. A final vote count is expected by this time next week.