Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - The Buffalo Board of Education has accepted the resignation of Superintendent Dr. Kriner Cash.
The board disclosed the development following an executive session at a special board meeting Wednesday evening at Waterfront Elementary in Downtown Buffalo. The board then unanimously voted to name Dr. Tonja Williams as the interim Superintendent, as cheers erupted following the vote.
"We, as a district, are pleased that we have Dr. Williams on board," said President of the Buffalo School Board, Louis Petrucci. "Dr. Williams is an experienced educator, who has served the district for over 30 years. ... The Buffalo Board of Education looks forward to working with Dr. Williams in her capacity as interim superintendent, and continue to create, support and guaranteed pathways to opportunity that will lead to achievement and success for all of our Buffalo Public School students."
The developments come as the district is amidst a return to classes at McKinley High School following a stabbing and shooting incident at the school last month.
A majority of the meeting was going over the plan set in place for students to return to McKinley for in-person learning, which officially started on Tuesday. New McKinley principal Moustafa Khalil was on-hand to answer questions from the school board for more than an hour.
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"I'm looking forward to leading this team of experienced administrators," said Dr. Williams shortly after being formally named to the position. "I am a native Buffalonian, I was born in Buffalo, I was raised on the East side, my parents met at East High School. I graduated in Riverside, I attended West Hertel, I attended School No. 90. So I am through-and-through a Buffalonian."
Dr. Williams has recently served as an Executive Cabinet Level Leader in the role of Associate Superintendent for the Buffalo Public Schools. She earned an Ed.D in Executive Leadership from St. John Fisher College, a Master’s Degree in Educational Counseling from Canisius College and a Bachelor’s Degree in Health and Human Services from Medaille College, where she graduated with Magna Cum Laude Honors. In addition, she has completed a certificated program in Turnaround School Leadership at Harvard University and holds New York State School and District Administrator Certifications.
"I know the children. I know the parents, I know this community," Dr. Williams said. "I know for the past five or six years, we've been really focused on the education environment, which talks about families and students, the community and schools having no piece in ensuring the academic achievement of our children. I think we are at a place now where it's time to move forward and advance to a space where it's no longer in recital sections. We all come together and we're working together as one voice and for one mission."
Williams plans to meet with the media next week, and would not foreshadow her initial thoughts on how she'll address the situation at McKinley. Safety for all students and excellence in education are her two top priorities, she says.
Dr. Cash released an official statement after his decision to resign, as he was away from Wednesday's meeting due to a family matter:
“It has been my distinct privilege to serve the children and families of the Buffalo Public Schools. You have a fine school system. Take full advantage of all of the wonderful array of programs and services it has to offer. Best wishes for continued success!”
According to School Board member Larry Scott, Dr. Cash had informed the Board of Education of his resignation from the school on Wednesday. However, it was enough time for the district to be able to vote and approve Dr. Williams as the new Superintendent on an interim basis.
"It's important that as a Board of Education and all of our stakeholders that we come together and support her in addressing those significant challenges, right now and moving forward," Scott said on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, Senator Sean Ryan has also released a statement on Wednesday regarding Dr. Cash's resignation as Superintendent of the Buffalo Public School District:
“I am glad to see Superintendent Cash has resigned from his position. His failed leadership has once again been on display following the events at McKinley High School, and there is no doubt the community has lost faith in his ability to lead the district. He failed to lead during the pandemic, he failed to keep students safe at McKinley, and in the last few weeks he has cut and run when his presence was needed during a difficult time. The students, parents, and teachers of Buffalo deserve a superintendent they can count on. I wish Dr. Tonja Williams well as she takes over as interim superintendent.”
You can listen to the portion of Wednesday's board meeting with Dr. Cash's resignation below: