[speedgibson] Speed Gibson: Meet the new Boss, Same as the old Boss

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Posted by Speed Gibson:
Meet the new Boss, Same as the old Boss
http://speedgibson.powerblogs.com/posts/1234449481.shtml


   The Anoka-Hennepin School District (ISD 11) has decided to offer the
   Superintendent's job to Dennis Carlson. Quoting the [1]Minneapolis
   Star Tribune:

     Board Chairman Tom Heidemann said Carlson got the nod in part
     because of his "organizational and operational experience" and his
     broad involvement in the community.
     "He's in a lot of clubs and organizations," Heidemann said. "He is
     well-known."

   Well known? Let's be specific:

     His years of lobbying for district interests at the Legislatur:e
     also marked him as a candidate with political savvy and an
     understanding of how education works in the bigger picture of
     government and politics.

   Carlson retired in 2008 as an Associate Superintendent to be a partner
   in a consulting firm, one that in fact participated in the search
   process. He was soon hired as interim Superintendent when 13 year
   incumbent Roger Giroux retired.
   Carlson was picked unanimously over Associate Superintendent Dr.
   Michelle Langenfeld, recently promoted from Principal of one of the
   district's middle schools. The Board's reasons may be valid, but I'm
   disappointed that the administrator beat out the educator. And I'm
   also not surprised.
   What I do find surprising is that the final two were both Associate
   Superintendents in the District. No one else from outside District 11
   wants this job, leading the largest public school district in
   Minnesota? Or did the Board not want outsiders who would (in their
   eyes) need to learn Minnesota politics?
   Promotion from within is often the correct choice in any hierarchy. I
   think that's a valid option in my own district, in fact. But here,
   Anoka-Hennepin is transitioning from the 13 year reign of Giroux and
   entering a significant stretch of declining enrollement. It was time
   for some new blood, an outsider that could hire Carlson or Langenfeld
   to be Lobbyist in Chief and join all those clubs.
   It was an opportunity missed.

References

   1. http://www.startribune.com/local/39475097.html