• E-mail
• Print
• Comment
• Font Size
• Digg
• del.icio.us
• Discuss article

Brown Calls for More Funds, Accountability for City Schools

Posted on: Sunday, 16 October 2005, 09:00 CDT

By Phil Fairbanks

Mayoral candidate Byron W. Brown says he wants to provide more money for Buffalo Public Schools, expand the prekindergarten program and limit the growth of charter schools.

In return, Brown says he wants a greater voice in reforming the system and, if that fails, the power to appoint Board of Education members.

Brown's carrot-and-stick approach to education, unveiled Thursday, would give the schools more money and expand key programs but also demand greater achievement and accountability from school officials.

"We don't believe we can have a great city without great schools," the Democratic state senator said at a news conference outside newly renovated North Park Academy in North Buffalo.

Brown emphasized his priority was fixing public schools, not encouraging the growth of charter schools. In fact, he wants to limit charter schools to those now open.

As part of a 10-point plan called "An A+ Education," Brown said he would expand the prekindergarten program to all 4-year-olds and eventually open it to 3-year-olds.

He also promised to set aside up to $3 million in city money for new academic programs such as the "Commencement Academies" proposed by Superintendent James A. Williams. The schools would offer intensive math and English instruction for students unprepared for high school.

For students who are doing well and need a challenge, Brown suggested advanced classes and honors programs in all city high schools, not just a few.

While his agenda stresses the need for more money and resources, Brown said he also wants the authority to bring about financial reform and improved student achievement.

He said he was willing to give the schools two years to start turning things around but, if they do not, he will ask the State Legislature for the power to appoint School Board members.

"I'm not saying the Board of Education is the problem," Brown said, "but we have to hold people accountable. Children's lives and the health of our community are at stake."

Brown said he didn't have a price tag for his 10-point plan but indicated most of the money for his new programs would come from cutting expenses within the system and increased state and federal aid.

"I'm not going to buy the argument that we can't go after more state and federal money," he said. "I think that's a senseless argument."

e-mail: pfairbanks@buffnews.com

Source: Buffalo News

More News in this Category