New board should choose superintendent
The following is a Counterpoint:
By Erik Huey
While some are dwelling on the legacy of outgoing Guilford County Schools Superintendent Terry Grier, it's more important to look ahead because the task ahead is far more significant.
We're now faced with the mission of selecting someone who will run the school system and, while this will be a colossal task, there's a smart way to go about it. With six school board seats up for election this year, it's essential to consider two things: timing and quality.
On timing, an interim superintendent should be named as soon as possible. Also, I'd suggest delaying the start of any search until after school board elections this year because it's unfair to launch a search when it's possible a lame-duck board will oversee the process.
On quality, we must acquire someone who has these traits: a proactive management style; effective leadership and communication skills; the courage to tackle the big issues; an interest in supporting the cultural arts; a commitment to a safe school environment by punishing wrongdoers and enforcing rules and policies; the belief that a teacher's voice is important; and the willingness not to seek retribution if employees report complaints.
He or she should be someone who will turn employee morale around; who believes a well-rounded education has more value than a test score; who will take responsibility and not pass the buck; who won't recklessly spend money; and who believes that children of any color can succeed.
This person either should come from within GCS or somewhere locally, as there is a wealth of talent from within the Triad, and no need to hire a search firm.
We must involve the community in the search process through direct forums with any potential candidates, and appoint community members and teachers as part of the search committee.
We've reached a golden moment in Guilford County Schools history where we can begin putting our county's children first before all else. This is an opportunity to turn things around, an opportunity for our schools to grow and shine.
Let's not blow it.
The writer lives in Jamestown and is a 2008 Guilford County Board of Education candidate.
Comments (13)
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God help us, if this fellow gets elected. He's nothing short of a Vernon Robinson.
Posted on January 29, 2008 8:37 AM
Demon,
Do you always have to open your mouth and prove yourself as a blithering idiot?
Posted on January 29, 2008 8:56 AM
Privatization. The charter schools place high above the public-ran schools.
Ditch this idiocracy we currently have and pay folks who are rewarded for efficiency and results.
Posted on January 29, 2008 8:58 AM
I love Erik Huey! Check out his blog, he's the most pro-active school board candidate out there and isn't a supporter of the mindless educrat mentality that is turning our educational system into a stew of mediocrity.
Posted on January 29, 2008 8:59 AM
Hugh,
Amen to that. Huey for School Board. He shoud replace the Old Socialist, who called our schools the "ethos of slavery".
Posted on January 29, 2008 9:06 AM
See: http://erikhuey.wordpress.com/2008/01/29/two-views-on-the-super-search-candidate-huey-and-jeri-rowe/
L.C.: To call me the next Vernon Robinson, I'll simply take that as a compliment. It's okay, I have thick skin and I can take the name-calling.
Actually, L.C., I'm sorry I won't receive your support for change in our schools. I would love to discuss the issues and change and reform in our schools with you more in depth, perhaps over coffee. I'm a very nice guy. E-mail me if you're interested.
I would hope that everyone would want better out of our schools than what we're getting from the current establishment. I'm not a status quo candidate--I'm for shaking up the system and for bringing a fresh new perspective to the table down on Eugene Street. Judging by the other comments, it appears that many are desperately seeking the kind of change I want to bring.
Posted on January 29, 2008 9:30 AM
Erik, don't waste your time with LC. He's a troll known here by his former screen name, DemonDeacon.
Posted on January 29, 2008 10:40 AM
Yeah, Hugh, tell Erik how you get your political news---from POPULAR MECHANICS!!
Yeah, you're a real mental midget there Hugh. Oh, when does the war with Iran start? LOL!
Posted on January 29, 2008 12:05 PM
Since everything is "political" with you, DD, it's understandable how you could confuse the PM article about details of the Katrina Coast Guard rescue with politics. Then again you'd probably spend an hour looking for a metric crescent wrench if someone asked you for one.
I'd say the shooting starts sometime in March, earlier if we have warm weather predictions. That will be the tail end of winter and when the oil prices skyrocket the press won't be able to show people on social security and small children freezing to death.
Posted on January 29, 2008 12:20 PM
Oak Ridge,
Your beloved Garth turned out to be a big bust on the board--half the time he has no clue what the board is discussing and the other time, he's throwing out ridiculous gibberish. Guess he found out that he didn't know as much as he thought he did.
Posted on January 30, 2008 9:46 AM
L.C.: since you don't wish to take me up on my friendly offer for coffee and one-on-one conversation, then perhaps you can tell us why you have so much negativity towards me and my campaign. What in particular about my campaign message do you not approve of?
Posted on January 30, 2008 11:24 AM
Huey says of himself,
"To call me the next Vernon Robinson, I'll simply take that as a compliment."
Enough said.
Posted on January 30, 2008 5:16 PM
Yep...enough said. I've tried twice now to engage in thoughtful, sensible dialogue with you, even offering to buy you coffee to discuss the issues that are obviously of importance to you. You, instead, wish to ignore the offer and blow smoke instead.
You're right...enough said.
Posted on January 30, 2008 7:26 PM