Grier and Charlotte
Probably to the delight of his critics, Guilford County Schools Superintendent Terry Grier now offically is one of three finalists for the Charlotte-Mecklenburg job.
Grier and two other finalists were announced at a 3 p.m. press conference, the News & Record reports today.
The other candidates are Peter Gorman, who heads the Tustin Unified School District in Orange County, Calif., and Charlotte's interim Superintendent Frances Haithcock.
A second round of interviews is schedulded for April and a new Charlotte superintendent will be announced in April or May.
Meanwhile, some of Grier's detractors may make hay about all this, but on the whole he has been a solid, creative schools chief who hasn't been afraid to make tough decisions.
And as much grief as he has taken in north High Point, a gentle reminder: the High Point choice plan wasn't Grier's idea.
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Comments (6)
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Allen,
he also was responsible for the last five year's results for Smith, Dudley, Andrews and Central.
These schools score lower today than 5 years ago.
They were failing then and they are failing now.
Also:
SAT's, GC is the only local County around with a negative trend.
NW,SW,Grimsley,Western and more all with worse passing results for 04-05.
Oh, forgot. Drop out rates are down but inspite of parent after parent, black, yellow or white asking for more dicipline in schools. Inspite of independent audit results asking for the same nothing is done. The schools are going down the toilet!
What do you call him? Solid and creative! POOP! Give me some factual concrete evidence of any REAL positive results and I might change my mind.
Your post is just bait. You are a sad person!
Posted on March 24, 2006 8:41 PM
Allen, your editorial contradicted your own reporter from the front page (Jennifer) who quoted Grier as saying in relation to the Charlotte opportunity: "we'll face it if it comes, if it doesn't, I'm happy here". Clearly his happiness is indicated as being contingent on what happens someplace else. You then editorialize that he "doesn't sound like someone who's anxious to get out of Guilford Co." Huhhh???
At least Alan Duncan didn't waffle-"it's all about the dead presidents, baby"!
Duh, why don't kids stay in school and get an education instead of pulling down 30K a mo. running crack? Duh....
Posted on March 25, 2006 2:05 PM
Truth:
I'm not sure I need much bait to get your goat.
Seriously, Grier has closed the racial achievement gap and AYP results have been encouraging.
Further, such programs as middle college have proven largely successful and are being imitated across the state.
I share your frustration on the discipline issue and actually took Grier to task on his double-talk in an editorial for demanding lower suspension rates of black students, especially males, and in effect making school personnel feel reluctant to punish disruptive students.
Posted on March 25, 2006 2:59 PM
This is not exactly on topic, but I've never understood why the school board allows the superintendant, whoever it is, to sit with them during meetings. He is their employee and I think his conduct during the meetings reinforces the negative perceptions some have of the board as a rubber stamp for the administration. At least Amos Quick has brought some independant thinking to the board.
Rightly or wrongly, the perception of Dr. Grier among many teachers and parents is a negative one and he has become a polarizing figure. If he can get another job, so much the better. It would give the community a chance to put some of the negativity around Grier in the past. As it is, I think the Grier administration hasn't promoted the confidence necessary to gain support for more bonds and higher spending.
Posted on March 25, 2006 5:28 PM
Dudley,
I absolutely agree. The Superintendent, whoever it is, should sit with the other hired help.
Posted on March 25, 2006 7:49 PM
Oh Allen, "narrowing" of the achievement gap doesn't mean anybody's scores went up. It could very well mean that blacks dropped and whites dropped further. Is that OK? A success in your book?
Posted on March 25, 2006 9:48 PM