BUFFALO, N.Y. (WBEN)......Former Buffalo Police investigator and longtime community supporter, Roscoe Henderson III has selected by the Buffalo Board of Education to fulfill the remaining time on former North District representative Cindi McEachon's term.
Henderson emerged from six candidates interviewed and vetted by the Buffalo School Board members during a marathon session that lasted most of Monday.
The school board had to name a replacement for McEachon by Friday or Mayor Sean Ryan would then be able to nominate a candidate, who would then need Buffalo Common Council approval.
Henderson is expected to be sworn in on Wednesday afternoon.
His selection was not without controversy as both Ryan and Betty Rosa, state Education Commissioner recommended any appointment be held off while investigations into alleged sexual and personal harassment of a district female employee by now-former Superintendent Dr. Pascal Mubenga and Central District representative Lewis (Muti) Hawkins be completed.
Mubenga resigned last week while Hawkins remains on the board and was one of five board members to vote for Henderson.
For his part, Henderson said he is excited to join the board - even though it is awash in controversy and public criticism.
"I've worked with challenges all my life," Henderson said. "I just felt I should stand up."
Henderson is active in a number of community organizations include the CEPA Gallery and AKG Art Gallery. He spent more than 25 years as a Buffalo police investigator.
Henderson in prepping for his interview with the school board, he gained an even deeper understanding of what responsibilities its members must face.
"I'm not sure the public understands everything you have to deal with," Henderson said.
Henderson he only plans on finishing the remaining 2.5 years left on McEachon's term and he has no interest in running for re-election.
His goal: To help stabilize the board.
Besides Hawkins, other board members to vote for Henderson were: Board President Dr. Kathy Evans-Brown, Vice President Janita Everhart, Stephon Wright and Talia Rodriguez.
Abstaining because of the ongoing investigation and concerns raised by Ryan, Rosa and Assemblyman Jon Rivera were : Larry Scott, Erik Bohen and Adrianna Zullich.
Other candidates included: Braden Pritchard, Jonathan Robbins, Matthew Verrelli, Dinorah Santos-Baines,and Jack Escheverria.
Henderson selected from six candidates
Henderson selected from six candidates
