Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - It has been a week since the last public session where students, teachers and concerned community members could comment on a controversial budget belt-tightening plan that could see as many as 10 Buffalo public schools either close or merge.
So when will the Buffalo Board of Education vote on the proposal, or make one of their own?
It could happen during a Nov. 4 work session, set for 4 p.m. in the district offices on the ninth floor of Buffalo City Hall.
"There will be a deep consideration of the plan," said Dr. Ebony Prophet-Bullock, interim Buffalo schools superintendent. "We gave them a well-documented, data-driven plan and now we have to rely on their decision-making."
Among the board's nine members, there is no clear consensus.
"After Wednesday, we should know which way they are leaning," Dr. Prophet-Bullock said.
The hard reality is the Buffalo school district is facing a canyon-like budget deficit, potentially topping $60 million and, if no schools are closed or merged, the deficit could reach $91 million, said James Barnes, district chief financial officer.
Should the budget hole not be addressed, the district could be looking at a hard control board and the drop of some athletic programs, summer school and after school activities, Barnes warned during an Oct. 26 public meeting.
The school closing proposal has been simmering since last year - first proposed by then-superintendent Dr. Pascal Mubenga.
Dr. Prophet-Bullock, named interim superintendent after Mubenga abruptly resigned in July, revived the school closing issue two months ago.
"When you are superintendent, you know you are going to face the good and the bad," Dr. Prophet-Bullock said.
While some public brickbats have been tossed towards Dr. Prophet-Bullock, most acknowledge the school closing scenario was thrust on her.
Prophet-Bullock tried to get the board to vote on the issue two weeks ago and she was rebuffed.
Following the last public session (on Oct. 26), Prophet-Bullock and the board members have taken the past week to review comments, soul search and try to find a resolution.
A decision is needed sooner rather than later because of the logistics involved with any school closing or merger.
"We do need an answer," Dr. Prophet-Bullock said.
The Buffalo Board of Education could set a vote date later this week
The Buffalo Board of Education could set a vote date later this week
