Greater Buffalo Education Leadership Initiative

In December 2001 the Tower Foundation approached the Buffalo Public Schools with an interest in working with the District to address the Council of the Great City Schools' reform recommendation concerning school leadership. In particular, the Foundation was interested in the need for leadership succession planning, i.e., the identification, recruitment, and training of new school administrators (principals and vice principals).

As a result, under the auspices of R. Timothy O'Neill, Ed.D., and in collaboration with the Buffalo Public Schools and other members of the community, the Greater Buffalo Education Leadership Initiative was launched. The Greater Buffalo Education Leadership Initiative consists of a variety of programs and services that are designed to identify, train, and support current and future school-based leaders. To date, the core component of the Leadership Initiative is the Leadership Academy for Aspiring Administrators. The Academy provides a year-long experience of intensive, experiential professional development activities including a two-day retreat, formal "day session" training, selected readings and group discussions and mentorship opportunities.