Looming Threat of 900 Teacher Layoffs in Buffalo

Buffalo Public Schools Superintendent Dr. James Williams has warned that unless payment caps are implemented for Charter schools, as many as 900 layoffs may be necessary.

Governor Paterson vetoed a provision which would have instituted such caps, and Williams claims there has consequently been a budget shortfall of $23 million.

Teachers Federation President Phil Rumore estimates 75 percent of the potential layoffs could be teachers. He has complaints about the current implementation of charter schools in Buffalo. “The charter school payments are based on a look-back, where they look back two years to see what the charter schools will get for two years. If they look back two years, obviously we’re getting a cut and charter schools will get more,” explained Rumore.