Gary M. Crosby announced yesterday that he is leaving his position as Chief Financial and Operating Officer for the Buffalo Public Schools. He is resigning to become the Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer at First Niagara Financial Group, Inc.
Crosby was originally named as the financial chief in 2004 by then-superintendent Marion Canedo and was later appointed chief operating officer by current Superintendent James A. Williams. After taking the position during a time of continual lay-offs and budget issues, Crosby and his team developed budgets that allowed for the hiring of 200 teachers, which reduced class sizes and strengthened programs.
Williams said Crosby has been instrumental in bringing the district to a strong financial position. "I am grateful and thankful to Mr. Crosby for building and leading such a solid team of financial professionals who have put the Buffalo Public School District on strong financial footing," he said.
Crosby, meanwhile, said he enjoyed his work for the school district and has been successful in his job. "I stayed longer than I initially planned because of the importance of the work and Dr. Williams' unwavering commitment to improvement and results," he said. "This was never a job. It has always been a mission. I feel I have accomplished most of what I set out to do," he continued.
In 2008, under Crosby's leadership, the district was named in the top three urban schools in the nation for financial management by the Council of Great City Schools. "Gary provided this district with a long term financial and operating strategy, a much stronger balance sheet with record reserves, a better understanding of our structural budget deficiencies...and an operating environment more responsive to the needs of each of our schools," Williams said.
Williams appointed Barbara Smith as Chief Financial Officer and Joseph Giusiana as Chief of Operations. Most recently, Smith served as Associate Superintendent of Budget, while Giusiana worked as Associate Superintendent of Plant Services. "We have a sound team in place who will continue the work of balancing budgets that allows our academic team to continue to implement our Academic Achievement Plan across the District," Williams said.
Crosby said he's confident budget improvements and successes will continue even after he leaves for his new position. "There is much more to do as the district moves from good to great, but it's on the right path and it's time for me to move on," he said.
(Top photo: Crosby and Williams)
Would Crosby or Williams name one person who is moving to this area and would consider placing their children in the BPS because it was one of the top three urban schools in financial management.
Most people look for academic strengths in students and faculty, sports programs, facilities, and coaches and various other after school programs. Crosby leaving is a blessing, maybe we will get someone who will look at the weaknesses in these areas of importance that either cause families to leave a district or choose a district.