Tagged: Schools

Students need fewer standardized tests and more time with teachers, according to the group Western New Yorkers for Public Education.

A new school year begins this week across New York with several new initiatives benefiting students.  WBFO and AM 970's Mark Scott talked with an official who represents local school boards about the changes.

A cyber-bullying awareness and reporting bill is close to final approval, according to the New York State legislature and Governor Andrew Cuomo.

The bill works to define cyber-bullying, referring to it as harassment, insults, taunting and threats that are delivered through social media. A requirement will mandate that schools increase their awareness and improve handling of such cases.

No criminal charge will be outlined in the bill.

With more than $9 million at risk, Buffalo's Board of Education is appealing to the teachers union for help. 

At a special meeting today, the School Board unanimously approved a resolution asking the Buffalo Teachers Federation Council of Delegates to reconsider removing the student attendance clause from its teacher evaluation plan.  Interim Superintendent Amber Dixon says state education officials won't accept a plan that excludes students with excessive absences. 

These are challenging times for local school boards and administrators.  They pleaded their case for more financial resources during a recent meeting with state legislators from our area.  State aid is at 2008 levels.  Administrators are putting together budgets in the face of a two percent property tax cap.  And they're seeking a rollback of costly state mandates. 

On this week's Press Pass, Buffalo News Suburban Editor Bruce Andriatch tells WBFO's Mark Scott that legislators didn't offer the district leaders much encouragement.

An entrepreneur in Olean is proposing to open a gun and ammunition shop near Olean Middle School on Wayne Street.  But opposition is mounting.  

WBFO News contributor Ray Marks traveled to Olean and has learned the plan could be put on hold because of the possible impact on the neighborhood.