Here is the latest Gazette story on the superintendent decision: http://www.gazettenet.com/2011/02/08/geryk-mulls-amherst-schools-offer-panel-member-cites-039emotiona. And here is the latest Masslive story: http://www.masslive.com/news/index.ssf/2011/02/amherst_school_committee_superintendent_maria_geryk_1-year_contract.html.
I'd like to remind all blog readers that personal attacks on SC members (me or others) aren't helpful in moving us forward, and that I won't post negative comments about district staff.
Monday, February 7, 2011
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8 comments:
Catherine did you meet the deadline?
I have been employed by the APRS on and off for a while now. I would like to comment here that in my experience, the superintendent issue is very much peripheral to our daily efforts to provide the best possible education for the children of Amherst.
Although in the long run/big picture, the superintendency is an important position, please know that in spite of the disagreements both petty and profound in the political realm of the district, in the classrooms it's business as usual. I personally do not pay much attention to all this stuff on a professional level.
I have too much work to do educating your children.
Catherine, it would be disappointing but understandable if you decide not to run. While watching the meeting Sunday night I found myself wishing our family could afford private school.
This is the same thing as Supreme Court nominations and for the same reason -- what power should be in the legislature (the SC) has been transferred to the Supt it isn't a case if he/she/it is competent as much as what the person's politiical viwes are....
Sad....
Catherine, your statement in the articles, indicating that you may rescind your decision to run b/c you may decide to pull your children from the system, does not appear to be coming from a SC member that believes they are prepared to work with and support the current candidate for the superintendency appointment. It is a clearly stated vote of no confidence without even a glimmer of a willingness to make a fresh start. If this is in fact what you intended to portray, then I agree that you should save yourself and your family the time, effort and stress and finish your 7 weeks. We need a SC that is not shut off from the possibility that the future is going to bring positive change. It may have been more appropriate to state to the press that, following the meeting last Sun., you are going to reevaluate your candidacy for personal reasons.
Catherine,
I very much hope you will run for re-election. You have accomplished a great deal in the past 3 years, which have benefitted the children of Amherst in numerous and specific ways. Although the Superintendent search did not result in your preferred candidate being selected, remember that there would not have even been a search without you and the others on the Amherst SC standing up for a fair and open process. Your comments, and Irv's, Steve's, and Rob's, during the SC deliberations resonated with many parents, and will surely have an influence on the next Superintendent.
That said, it is completely apparent that people in Amherst can be cruel, and therefore I will understand if you decide not to run. But I hope you do, otherwise there is no candidate that I can support.
“We need a SC that is not shut off from the possibility that the future is going to bring positive change."
Very well stated.
It is abundantly clear that Ms. Sanderson is not willing to hold up her end of the bargain.
The bargain being her commitment to the supt search process and to the outcome.
Step up and support the supt or resign. And I say the same to the other Amherst members who refuse to support the new supt.
The schools don't need you. You are only making things worse. Your ill will does not help any part of the school organization.
Are you willing to weigh down the ship and bring on water just because you don’t like the new supt? Is that responsible leadership?
Mull? Interesting choice of words. What on earth is there to mull? More money? What a complete farce! Although I do appreciate your attempts in making the search for a new superintendent open and fair I'm a little saddened that what I see as a choice for superintendent was more like winning a seat in a popularity contest. If Ms. Geryk is given even a higher salary than %135,000, it will only frost this huge vanilla cake that represents what Amherst is really all about. :-)
Anon 10:28 pm Thank you!!
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