Buffalo Schools Superintendent: "We will follow the science"

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WBEN) - Buffalo Schools Superintendent Kriner Cash said the decision by the district to begin the year with 100 percent remote learning was not a decision that was made arbitrarily or randomly.

"This was a very, very, extraordinary, inclusive, systematic, and thoughtful process that yielded the decision that we are sharing with you today," Cash said on the steps of Buffalo City Hall. "It has been six months that we have been working tirelessly, often seven days a week, often a minimum of 12 hours a day, to arrive at this decision and process."

His comments Thursday came less than 12 hours after the school board unanimously voted to begin the year with remote learning.

Teachers will begin the school year on September 1 with the first day of remote classes scheduled to begin September 8.

"The work that needs to happen when we do go towards and progress towards a hybrid model and then, perhaps with God willing, a full in-person model maybe sometime this year,"  Cash said. "Science will dictate that. We will follow the science."

Dr. Cash said district leaders have been working nearly every day to do what’s in the best interest of the children. pic.twitter.com/sUjU6ZBKPf

— WBEN NewsRadio 930AM (@NewsRadio930) August 20, 2020

The district is now in the process of giving devices to the more than 33,000 students at the district. Students between grades 3-through-12 already received personal devices. Cash said children from Pre-K through second grade will be given a device. The district plans to deliver some of the devices door-to-door to ensure all students receive one.

"Give us the addresses and we'll deliver," he said.

Food services will still be provided to students within the district. Cash said approximately 2.9 million meals have been served since schools closed down in March.

Cash said it is now the responsibility of principals at the 60 schools in the district to ensure the plans run smoothly. The superintendent said the district is now working closely with teachers to prepare for the year. He said the curriculums have been posted online.