September 7, 2020
Hello Williamsville Community,
I am Dr. John McKenna, the acting Superintendent of the Williamsville Central School District.
I realize this is a time of deep hurt and pain for our community. We need to heal and come together, and support each other to ensure our students receive the very best education. I understand your frustration and anger regarding the District’s current situation. I am also a parent in the District and have a vested interest in ensuring that we resolve these issues as soon as possible.
These are stressful times for our children and families. As we move forward, our primary focus remains on opening our doors to students who will be receiving instruction through the hybrid model on Tuesday, ensuring our K-4 students are fully supported as they begin their remote online learning, and finding a manageable solution for our students in grades 5-12, who are in the fully remote online learning model, so they can begin their instruction as well. As we begin our school year, we will be evaluating and reviewing our instructional models with key stakeholders to determine the best path to take to ensure our students receive the safest and highest quality educational experiences.
We will work tirelessly until all students receive an excellent and equitable education – an education they deserve
In addition, the health, safety, and well-being of all our students and staff remains a top priority. This includes their physical as well as their social and emotional well-being.
I know you have many questions for me. I promise we will have ample time to address and discuss the many issues we are facing. But first, I want to assure you that your voices have been heard and we understand your frustration regarding our current situation.
I can also assure you that we will work together with all stakeholders in a spirit of teamwork, cooperation, collaboration, and transparency. We need to build back our public trust and that can only come with honest communication, empathy, and respect for all.
I’ve already begun this collaborative process and meetings have been set up with the Board of Education, the Assistant Superintendents, all 13 building principals, and the presidents of all seven bargaining units. We will work together to find collaborative solutions and these problems will be solved as soon as possible.
You’ll also receive clear, transparent communication from me on a consistent basis as we work through this process. You deserve to know:
- What we are doing
- How we are doing it
- When are we doing it
- Why we are doing it
I remain confident we will get through this and be better, stronger, and more united than before. I am confident in this because I know the Williamsville teachers, I know the Williamsville administrators, I know the Williamsville parents, and I know the Williamsville students.
I know when we work together, the resiliency and determination of our Williamsville community to provide an excellent and equitable education for all will not be stopped. We care too deeply about our children.
I thank you for this opportunity to serve you and will be available as much as possible to answer your questions and listen to your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions. My email is jmckenna@williamsvillek12.org and my office number is 626-8005.
Thank you again, and I look forward to working with you to resolve this situation and develop positive solutions that will make us stronger and united in the future.
It’s a new day in Williamsville!
Sincerely,
Dr. John McKenna
Acting Superintendent of Schools