School Board Report Card – January 11, 2012
on January 13th, 2012
Buffalo ReformED's Board of Education report card is aimed at monitoring school board meetings, and increasing transparency and accountability within the district.
The Buffalo Board of Education meeting on Wednesday, January 11th was marked by a huge community presence. Parents, students, and education activists gathered to rally against the Buffalo Public Schools suspension policy, and discuss the lack of progress on improving the policy since the death of Jawaan Daniels, a Lafayette student who was shot after landing an out of school suspension for a non-violent offense. Board members handled the public comments, which ranged from aggressive to cooperative, well and were engaged in the listening process.
Although they followed their agenda closely, not all board members were active participants in discussions on agenda items. Complaints were raised on certain contract awards, but board members failed to hold staff and administration accountable to produce more information to understand the apparent discrepancies in similar contract awards. Only the Executive Affairs committee and Health Committee were reported information of substance or actions taken. The Executive Affairs committee is considering a resolution to allow for a non-voting student member to sit on the Board of Education, while the Health committee is re-writing the student health policy.
Buffalo ReformED finds that the committee process is flawed and lacks transparency. Issues get sent to committee with no apparent timeline our mechanism to avail the public of progress made, and the reports are informal and inconsistent. While board members were respectful and stayed on task, there is a tendency to focus on low level issues, while failing to impose accountability and measures of progress on key areas such as student achievement, new teacher evaluation regulations, and school improvement plans.
Metro Bus riders attack service cuts
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Reduced route plan draws 100 to forum.
Collins, Marines, and SOPA
on January 13th, 2012
1. And in the end, Mr. Collins merely had to unplug the lights and radio in order to return them to their rightful owner, the people of Erie County. He didn’t need to deal with a guy he fired, he didn’t need to go to Cappellino’s. It’s simply wonderful to be rid of him and [...]
White and white (and white all over)
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Snow or no snow, beat the blues with a winter wonderland of fashions for the home and wardrobe.
Police probe fatal head-on crash on Millersport
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Elderly driver who turned into the wrong lane is killed, Amherst police say.
Mass hysteria cited as cause of problems in Le Roy
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Officials rule out environmental factors.
Tea from Leaves!
on January 13th, 2012
Buffalo News diner Janice Okun reviews Ming Cafe today. The charming little Chinese restaurant is located on the same block as Shango, across from UB South, and is well-known for odd opening times and great food. Ms. Okun’s review reveals: 1. Ming Cafe makes its jasmine tea from actual tea leaves. Somehow, this is surprising [...]
Truth Vigilanteism
on January 13th, 2012
The New York Times’ public editor has an earnest question to ask you: I’m looking for reader input on whether and when New York Times news reporters should challenge “facts” that are asserted by newsmakers they write about… …[for example,] on the campaign trail, Mitt Romney often says President Obama has made speeches “apologizing for America,” [...]
AV Photo Daily: 1/13/12
on January 13th, 2012
Clay Oven Master by whitneyarlene. www.flickr.com More in Buffalopundit: AV Photo Daily pool
At Grover’s, giant burgers are the way to go
on January 13th, 2012
Glance in the teeny kitchen at Grover's Bar & Grill to see the giant beef cakes sizzling away on a griddle that conserves the juices and lovely fatty flavors. Nonbeef items are on the menu, but when in Rome, why would you eat Chinese?
The Morning Grumpy – 1/13/2012
on January 13th, 2012
All the news and views fit to consume during your morning grumpy. 1. Is the War on Terror actually over? The war on terror is largely over for four different reasons: the killing of Osama bin Laden, the apparent inefficacy of counterinsurgency, the stunning costs of the war on terror, and the Arab Spring. While [...]
Winter-themed events hoping snow will stick around
on January 13th, 2012
Winter-themed events hope for the best but prepare for the worst.
Good morning, Buffalo
on January 13th, 2012
A quick look at what's happening today in Western New York.
Lalka sets Tonawanda scoring record in Warriors’ win
on January 13th, 2012
Senior's 21 points breaks the record of Tom Perkovich, a 1999 graduate.
Suspension Policy Under Scrutiny
on January 13th, 2012
Parents and community members are urging the Buffalo School Board to drop its out-of-school suspension policy for non-violent offenses.
