Cash calls it quits

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Kriner Cash has officially cashed out as Buffalo schools’ superintendent. He’s resigned after leading the district for five and a half years.

The district’s Board of Education unanimously accepted his resignation at a special work session tonight.

“Both the Board and the superintendent came to an agreement that we were going to part ways,” Board of Education President Louis Petrucci said.

The full terms of the agreement aren’t clear — “You can FOIL for it,” several members told Investigative Post — but it is effective immediately.

Tonja Williams, who served as associate superintendent of student support services under Cash, will act as interim superintendent.

Cash did not appear at the meeting, in person or virtually. He has been on leave for the past two weeks.

He often spent long stretches away from the district, but this break came as the district was dealing with a stabbing and shooting incident at McKinley High School. The incident temporarily closed the school, raised concerns over safety in schools and prompted a vote of no confidence in the superintendent by the Buffalo Teachers Federation.

In addition to accepting Cash’s resignation, the Board approved a resolution to further look into the incident at McKinley and security throughout the schools.

Following the meeting Cash sent a message to the parents, teachers and community members:

“It has been my distinct privilege to serve the children and families of the Buffalo Public Schools,” he wrote. “You have a fine school system. Take full advantage of all the wonderful array of programs and services it has to offer. Best wishes for continued success!”

Cash earned more than $1.5 million in salary during his tenure with Buffalo. His salary for this school year was $311,137.

Layne Dowdall