WE Blog

What we need is a superintendent with a proven record of turning around failing school districts, or at least vastly improving large school districts. If we have to pay premium prices to hire such a super, then it is worth it. But it will not be smart to hire someone who seems more concerned with their perks than with a defined plan to offer during interviews that will improve graduation rates, improve test scores and improve the quality of the educational environment for students and teachers.

Russia, S. Korea, the Nordic countries, Japan, Canada and Australia usually top international lists for results in math., science and literacy. I wonder how much money they throw at their exective branches of education, or do they invest in teaching schools, accountability of performance, competitive wages, class size and all that basic “lefty” sort of stuff? The two Enlish speaking members noted above, I understand, rely on to some degree on textbooks and cirriculum development that orginate in America.

I really have to wonder about that Atlanta one with the 2 million consultant budget. If he is going to use consultants to do his job what then does he do?

I have been wondering at the City level - it seems to me that Flentje is doing a good job. Might a Wichitan - someone with a vested interest in the community - be a better choice than a hired gun from elsewhere? Might we have some local executives who have already made their fortunes take a crack at it.

What is Russ Meyer up to these days?

I have no idea if she would be interested in the job but think Dr. Alexa Posny is well suited. She has both Kansas and beyond our state experience. Here’s more about her, her education, qualifications and experience.

http://ks.nea.org/news/2007/newcommissioner.html

http://www3.ksde.org/pochowski.htm

I think an Amusement Park Administrator with some trained Circus Chimps should be hired as a Board of Superintendents.

They could work for peanuts and the tropical fruit of their choice.

Sursum: In Ontario, elected school trustees make about $5,000.00 a year and school boards report to the Ontario Ministry of Education and there is no city layer of administration. Teaching salaries range from $35,00.00 to $80,000.00 depending on experiences and acquired qualifications, with principles making about $100,000.00. Apparently Canada finished 3rd in math./science and 2nd in literacy in 2007 but a recent poll taken in Toronto showed 62% are unhappy with schools. Test scores don’t mean much and complaining is a cross border thing, ususally without solid foundation but pet circulation builder for “crusading” media who cherry pick vague areas for exposure, followed by “loaded question” polling. Drop out rates for 1st generation immigrants, not of European backround is too high and countries with a more homogenious society do much better. There is a move to increase trades schools again and get over the nonsense that evebody must have BA. More than a sprinking of Americans teach in the system, especially in the Universities.

Ben - I don’t think we need a corporate CEO running the school district, who knows nothing about education. But we do need an expert on cutting-edge educational theory, who will care more about increasing the high school grad rate than their own bottom line. If the candidate wants a chauffeur or a security guard, then find someone else. If a candidate during their interview comes prepared to put forth a 5-year plan to accomplish real substantive change that has been proven to work elsewhere - without a fancy consulting fee attached, then hire him/her.

But if we have to pay a pretty penney to get the A.Rod of successful public education, then so be it.