Say Yes Buffalo Unveils "Letters to the Superintendent, A Community Responds" at Book Launch Event

The International Center for Excellence in Animation at Daemen College in the Tri-Main Building hosted a reception this evening for the unveiling of a first of its kind book in both Buffalo and the nation - "Letters To The Superintendent, A Community Responds."  The book is comprised of letters written by community stakeholders and presented to Dr. Pamela C. Brown, the new Superintendent of the Buffalo Public Schools. 

Letters were written and submitted by students, parents, teachers, refugee and immigrant families, former Board of Education members, community researchers, university faculty and many others. The book was compiled and edited by Dr. Peggy Brooks-Bertram, CEO of Peggy Bertram Publishing (photo below).  The project was supported by Say Yes Buffalo.

"This timely compilation of letters is essential reading for all of us who care deeply for our community and most importantly, our children," said Dr. Edwin Clausen, president, Daemen College. "It is a cliché to say that they are our future but this collection says it with commitment, passion, compassion, and complexity. The letters are for all of us and should promote dialogue and understanding of the task at hand and how we must provide thoughtful support for the new Superintendent."

"I am humbled by the vision expressed by so many in the community and in particular the youth of our community as to what they want from their public education system," Dr. Brown said.  "I am committed to make these goals and aspirations for the Buffalo Public Schools a reality and I am confident through the support of those who took the time to write their thoughts and others that this will be successfully achieved."
"Say Yes Buffalo enthusiastically supported this initiative and it is our intention to work with Dr. Brown to help her achieve her goals for reforming public education in Buffalo," said David P. Rust, executive director, Say Yes Buffalo.  "If we can help Dr. Brown fulfill her goals, then those who wrote to her in this book will see their hopes fulfilled as well."

"In all, this cacophony of voices creates a magnificent chorus of congratulatory pronouncements, a recitation of community history expressing who we are and how we arrived at this point and with expressions of hope and faith in the future of Buffalo Public Schools,"  Dr. Brooks-Bertram said.