WILLIAMSVILLE, N.Y. (WBEN) - Sources confirm for WBEN what has been reported by the Buffalo News, that Buffalo Public Schools Chief of Staff Darren Brown Hall will be named the new Williamsville Superintendent.
"I'm thrilled, it's a happy day in Williamsville," said parent Darlene Maclay, parent of twins at Williamsville East High School.
"We're on the mend, added Maclay. "We are looking forward to having a leader who is going to be part of our community, talk to our students and parents. We are very optimistic."
Brown's appointment could become official next Thursday, when the district holds a Special Board Meeting and Budget Hearing.
The current school year has been embroiled in turmoil in Williamsville. Not only has the district been dealing with issues related to the pandemic, such as hybrid and remote learning, but the school year started with an administrative shake-up when Superintendent Dr. Scott Martzloff was placed on administrative leave and Assistant Superintendent Dr. John McKenna was named Acting Superintendent.
Related
Regarding the search process, Maclay said she did not know how extensive the search was for a new Superintendent. "Our Board of Education is typically not transparent. They put three candidates in front of our parent group, and Darren Brown-Hall was one of them."
Acting Superintendent Dr. John McKenna was a finalist. "I'm surprised it wasn't McKenna. I thought it would be the choice by default, which would have been a disservice to our students and our community" said Maclay.
"I'm going into this very optimistic, very excited. This is a great day for Williamsville." Maclay is hopeful that Brown-Hall can bring the district together
by being a leader of inclusion and not someone who is indebted to any one interest.
The next focus for parents in the district, will be suburban school board elections on May 18. Three school board seats are up for election. "We hope this is a first step in bringing balance and accountability and transparency back to our board," said Maclay.