Report blasts Buffalo school administrators

The Buffalo school district's "distinguished educator" is taking aim at the district's central office in City Hall, saying that it is out of touch with the needs of the city's struggling schools.

In a report provided to the State Education Commissioner, Judy Elliott says the district's central planners offer little support to the principals at Buffalo's so-called "priority schools," the 28 city schools which rank among the lowest performers in the state.

According to The Buffalo News, Elliott's report claims the central office did not schedule meetings with principals during the 2011-2012 school year and that principals have little say in the teachers hired at their respective schools.

Elliott's consultant rate of $190-per-hour has already sparked controversy over her role inside the district.

The report, which offers 39 steps the district should take, was based on Elliott's meetings, calls and e-mails made between August 6 and September 20.