A consulting firm has stopped work for the Buffalo Public Schools after its high cost drew criticism from some Board of Education members.

Cross & Joftus was hired to help with the district’s central office reorganization under a one-year $432,000 contract that expires in June. Mary Guinn, a consultant with the firm, was making $290,359.

“We believe that our presence there has just become a distraction,” said Scott Joftus, the president of the firm, in a letter to the school superintendent announcing the firm’s withdrawal.

Had the company not acted, it is likely the school board would have voted to terminate the contract at its next meeting. Board members expressed concern about the cost and scope of the work by Guinn and questioned why she was signing district documents and presiding over the superintendent’s executive cabinet meetings. They were also concerned about Guinn’s travel and lodging expenses.

Buffalo News, Oct. 9