Mychajliw appointed district spokesman
By Peter Simon NEWS STAFF REPORTER
Updated: 08/11/07 7:25 AM

Stefan Mychajliw, known for his aggressive approach as a former television reporter, has been appointed public relations chief for the Buffalo Public Schools.

School Superintendent James A. Williams informed the Board of Education this week that he has chosen Mychajliw to replace Heather Groll, who resigned earlier this year to move to the Albany area.

Williams could not be reached to comment Friday on details. Groll received a salary of $78,450 when she was hired in 2005, and Mychajliw’s pay is reported to be in the same general range.

Mychajliw, a former “Red Coat” investigative reporter at WGRZ-TV, developed a reputation as an assertive government watchdog.

But he was either fired or forced to resign by Channel 2 last month, and was suspended briefly by the station a year ago. In 2000, Mychajliw was fired by WKBW-TV for operating a separate business without station approval. He could not be reached to comment on Friday.

Lou Petrucci, the Board of Education’s Park District representative, said he anticipates Mychajliw will bring the same level of energy to his new post as he did to television reporting.

“If he puts that type of dogged determination into promoting the Buffalo Public Schools, that would be wonderful,” Petrucci said. “He’s a very high-profile individual with lots of experience. I think he’ll be a great hire.”

Because Mychajliw is a an “exempt,” or non-union employee, his appointment does not require Board of Education approval.
It will be kind of interesting if the media starts questioning Stefan on the spending habits of the school district!