Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - The Buffalo Common Council chambers was full of support and applause during a special meeting of the Buffalo Board of Education as Dr. Tonja Williams was sworn-in as the permanent superintendent of the district.
The board acted quickly and unanimously in voting Williams into the district's top spot. Williams has been interim superintendent for 96 days since the departure of Dr. Kriner Cash earlier this year.
Before being sworn-in to office, Williams received supportive comments during a rare board appearance by Mayor Byron Brown.
Brown emphasized he has no control or leadership over the Buffalo Schools, but added that, "If I did run the Buffalo Public School district, I would make the same decision to appoint Dr. Tonja Williams the permanent superintendent."
Williams, 57, is herself a graduate of the Buffalo School and has worked for the district for 32 years in capacities as a counselor, principal and associate superintendent.
"She is Buffalo Public Schools," said board member Larry Scott as he addressed the board and attendees. "She is one of us. Dr. Williams is the right leader at the right time."
Following her swearing-in, Dr. Williams delivered remarks to the board and attendees, pointing to progress in the past several months under her tentative leadership in wrapping up a school year on the heels of the COVID pandemic.
"I understand the assignment," she told the audience. "I want to ensure that all of our children have a fighting chance to achieve their dreams."
