Is it time for Williams to go?
James A. Williams has been controversial since he became Buffalo school superintendent three years ago.
He gets widespread credit for launching initiatives to end social promotion, lengthen the school day and school year, expand Advanced Placement courses and improve the district's athletic program.
But he tussled with Buffalo Teachers Federation President Philip Rumore right from the start, calling him a "snake in the grass" and talked about taking Rumore out in the alley to kick his rear end. More substantively, Williams has failed to hammer out new contracts with eight of the nine district unions.
For several months, he has been embroiled in controversy over allegations of wrongdoing or heavy-handedness at McKinley High School, Discovery School 67 and City Honors School.
On Wednesday, it was learned that Williams is one of five finalists for an opening as school superintendent in Memphis, Tenn.
Is it right for Williams to seek a new job with three years left on his contract here and so much unfinished business? Should he stay and pursue his agenda in Buffalo, or has he burned his bridges here? What are James Williams' report card grades after three years on the job?
-- Peter Simon
