Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) An outspoken Buffalo Schools parent, speaking for himself, and not for any group that he represents, told WBEN he is not surprised one bit at accusations of a coverup against the district.
Ed Speidel joined WBEN on Monday morning.
"I am thankful that that Detective [Richard Hy] came forward. The district has a history of covering up. I deal with a lot of special ed parents and we have a lot of problems in Special Ed where students are placed in improper classrooms. This doesn't surprise me one bit."
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Speidel, who also serves as President of the District Parent Coordinating Council, said he is speaking for himself, because he thinks he will be blacklisted for his opinions. Why would he be blacklisted?
"Because nobody wants us to speak bad about Buffalo Public Schools," he answered.
Speidel said over the last four years he has attended almost every Buffalo School Board meeting. And every month, he said, a parent brings a legitimate complaint to the board. But, in his words, the district stonewalls.
"I know of a mom who reported her young child was assaulted by a substitute teacher and the district will not give the teacher's name, so that the mom can press charges. It's disturbing the lack of transparency that comes out of Buffalo Public Schools."
In the YouTube podcast, Detective Hy said Buffalo School staff isn't saying anything, for fear of losing their jobs.
Speidel said that is 100% true. "If you speak out, you're done."
The Buffalo School Board has called for a special meeting Monday afternoon to deal with the issue.
"I'm expecting a proper statement from the board," noted Speidel. "I don't think the board can ignore this. They need an impartial investigation." He added, "this is deep. There are a lot of problems going on in the Buffalo Public Schools that are not being reported."