SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- As the school year begins, there's already pressure for 18 Syracuse schools to make the grade. Those buildings have all been labeled "struggling" by the state.
That's why they are now under receivership.
"It's really a one or two year period of time where the superintendent has enhanced power to take action that would improve the schools," said Linda Mulvey, Chief Academic Officer on the Syracuse City School District.
That process can include changing the schools budget, curriculum, or even staff postions.
Seventeen of the schools under receivership are considered "struggling schools," and they have two years to improve performance.
Grant Middle School only has one year, since it's considered a "persistently struggling school."
Administrators want their communities to be a part of the change. They started by scheduling public information meetings throughout this month. Tuesday, officials were at Delaware Academy.
"We're really reaching out, we're inviting parents in," said Mulvey. "We want them to understand the challenges at the school and we want to hear what they think would work best for their children."
While there isn't one single reason that the schools are struggling, many believe poverty is a factor.
"It is no surprise that when you look at our staggering poverty rates that we don’t have the kind of education attainment that we want," said Syracuse Mayor Stephanie Miner.
There are some that are concerned about the possibility of job changes with the receivership program. However, Superintendent Sharon Contreras assured people Tuesday that she has no intention of disrupting the schools.
If the state doesn't see a performance improvement in a school after the one or two year period, they can bring in an independent receiver to take over.