Buffalo superintendent search on a fast track...questions of transparency still a concern

Say Yes to Education or Cascade, the consults hired to search for a superintendent for the Buffalo schools are busy. Besides the search, they also have hired consultants to study the district finances and curriculum. Tonight, at the Bennett High School forum, president of Say Yes Gene Chasin reported they have conducted 40 meetings in the district and next week prepared to present their information to the Buffalo Board of Education to help them develop a criteria to select a superintendent. Cascade scheduled four forums to hear from community members not involved in the focus groups the school board had previously chosen. The search is on a fast track expected that by March 14, the information gathered they present it to the board. And the resumes and candidates before the board by mid-May in what Chasin described as an aggressive schedule. Still, the process has been questioned in the community because it's not as transparent as many would like for it to be as the candidate selection and interviews are viewed as too secretive, a closed process. The excuse is they have to protect the confidentiality of the candidates some employed. And questions continue about the conflict of interest of Say Yes cloaked as Cascade Consultants too involved in the superintendent search, while seeking a "non-negotiable" contract to provide after school programs to the district that involves accessing the Title 1 funds.