East District School Board Member Vivian Evans takes job in Maryland, Dr. Harris-Tigg alarmed residents left without representation

The Buffalo News reported on August 10, that East District School Board Member, Vivian O. Evans has accepted a job in Maryland administering unemployment benefits to residents.

Evans issued a statement she plans to commute to Buffalo weekly and bi-weekly to attend board meetings in another Buffalo News article on August 12th. Evans called her new job a temporary one and she plans to continue searching for a job in Buffalo.

The residents in her district are troubled by the report of Evans departure from the City of Buffalo like former School Board candidate and East District resident Dr. Theresa Harris-Tigg who ran for the East District seat in May, and lost to Evans by a few votes.

Dr. Harris-Tigg is concerned about Evans..." working in another state and maintaining a school board seat in Buffalo. She wrote, "we have huge challenges in Buffalo's schools! We need representation that is accessible, available and accountable. As you recall I ran for the East District Seat and lost by a small margin. I still desire to serve my community... raise your voices and join me to let the Board know..."

School Board President, Ralph Hernandez called a meeting Wednesday to discuss the matter but only two other Board members showed up, at-large Member John Licata and Park District, Lou Petrucci both excused because a lack of quorum.

Licata suggested the Board should start collecting resumes in case Evans resigns and called it untenable for her to want to continue as a Board member while residing in Maryland on a long-term basis.

Residents in the East District asked to attend the Wednesday, August 25th, School Board meeting at 5 PM, in Rm 801, City Hall to voice their concerns to gather neighbors and family to attend because our children and families deserve better! Call the Board at 816-3570 and voice your concern!

If you plan to speak at the Board meeting residents must call 816-3570 the day before on Tuesday, August 24 before 11 AM to sign up as a Speaker.