[speedgibson] Speed Gibson: Superintendent Searches Begin

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Posted by Speed Gibson:
Superintendent Searches Begin
http://speedgibson.powerblogs.com/posts/1227205588.shtml


   [1]What do [Anoka-Hennepin] school workers want in new leader? Survey
   says: someone whose top priority is teaching and learning.
   District 11 has to replace Superintendent Roger Giroux, who like Stan
   Mack II in District 281 is retiring at the end of this school year.
   Both districts have started their search for a replacement, both with
   the help of consultants. District 11 already has some survey results
   that the above linked Minneapolis Star Tribune article reports.
   The most interesting number was that only 14 percent of the 1,500
   surveyed chose "effective political influence" as their first or
   second criterion in judging a new Superintendent. For I suspect that
   I'm not alone in thinking this ranks much higher on the School Boards'
   minds, those making the decision. I would have to think this is
   especially true now, with money tighter and the Legislature curiously
   more indifferent to their plight these days.
   Let's be honest. Who is more likely to get a contract renewal, the
   Superintendent that raises test scores 10 percentage points, closes
   the minority achievement gap by 10 percentage points, or successfully
   lobbies the Legislature for special favors adding 10 percent more
   money?
   The real question behind this question is for the Legislature: what's
   it worth to you to have a public school district raises its test
   scores 10 percentage points and / or closes the minority achievement
   gap by 10 percentage points?

References

   1. http://www.startribune.com/local/west/34779539.html?elr=KArks:DCiUMcyaL_nDaycUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aULPQL7PQLanchO7DiU