West Seneca, NY (WBEN) The divide continues in education as districts across the region and New York state are quickly defined by their decisions on how they're conducting school during the COVID pandemic. In-class or remote only.
As many school districts in Western New York are bringing students back, one suburban district, like Buffalo, still is waiting to open in February, much to the chagrin of many parents.
Molly Dana says she's been getting the same communication as other parents from Superintendent Matthew Bystrak that students in middle and high schools won't go back until February.
"We are surrounded by districts who have worked incredibly hard to get their children back into school, and they have followed all of the state protocols and state guidelines, and we know they are working. We know they are safe in schools," says Dana.
Dana says it's frustrating for her and for her children. "it's really defeating when you tell your kids, don't worry, there's a light at the end of the tunnel, you'll be going back after Christmas break only to hear, nope, you're going back in February," says Dana.
She believes parents' concerns have been falling on deaf ears. "The board has been silent on this matter, and we keep getting the same response from Superintendent Bystrak, so it's incredibly frustrating," says Dana. "All parents are sharing the email responses, and they're basically all the exact same."
Dana feels Bystrak could have done more on a reopening plan. "He says they want to phase children back in, starting with elementary, then middle and high schools. That doesn't make sense. There's no reason for a phase in at this point. They're in completely separate buildings," explains Dana. "For that to be the reasoning is just very apparent the superintendent has not put in the work." Dana says she doesn't believe Bystrak's values match those of parents in the West Seneca Central School District.
Frontier Schools recently parted ways with Superintendent Richard Hughes over his handling of hybrid learning. Dana thinks it could be time for the same in West Seneca.
"I am of the opinion that everyone deserves a second chance, and everyone deserves a chance to make things correct. I think the parents in this district have given Superintendent Bystrak the benefit of the doubt," says Dana. "When we knew in October a plan was not in place, we decided to protest, and we were told we were being heard. But at this point in time, we're not being heard. Do I think it's time for a leadership change? As much as it breaks my heart, I think so."
A call to Bystrak was not returned.
