Friday, February 4, 2011
Still More Superintendent Search Updates
I'm posting two pieces on the superintendent search - one a review of Maria Geryk's interview with the community yesterday from the Gazette (http://gazettenet.com/2011/02/04/3rd-finalist-geryk-has-her-day) and a more general review of the superintendent search process and various community views from the Bulletin (http://www.amherstbulletin.com/story/id/197159/). As noted in the second piece, the community has varied feelings about the three finalists - SC members are certainly getting feedback pushing each of the three finalists! I think it is also important to remember that the SC also has much more information than the community will ever see - lengthy work histories, references (both in writing and via phone) from numerous sources, and all of the feedback sheets completed by various people (teachers, administrators, parents, community members) at each of the forums. I believe we will all take all of this information very seriously in making our decision about which of the three finalists is the best fit for our community at this time when we meet on Sunday ... and my hope is that the community will rally around and support the superintendent, whoever he or she might be. When we last searched, my first choice candidate wasn't chosen, and that was certainly disappointing ... but I supported Dr. Rodriguez from the time he was chosen, and I was sorry to see him go as he did in March. I hope that all members of the community will welcome and support the chosen superintendent, and that we as a SC are able to select someone that we can all feel good about working with and supporting in the years ahead. This is a crucial time in the Amherst and Regional schools and choosing a superintendent is the most important work the SC does.
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11 comments:
Catherine,
Is the 1pm meeting on Sunday open to the public, prior to the executive session? I would guess that there will not be time for public comment, given all the previous opportunities for people to provide feedback, but I'd like to hear the discussion that leads to the selection of the finalist.
Thanks!
The meeting is absolutely open to the public ... and yes, without any public comment. In addition, it is going to be shown live on ACTV, so you don't have to make the trip to the Town Room if you'd rather watch at home.
I do hope you're not preparing the public for ignoring our wishes by informing us that you have so much more info on the supt candidates than we will ever have access to. Perhaps a different way to look at the public's insight is: "fresh eyes". Since we trust that these 3 finalist candidates were all put forward because they each have the qualities to be effective superintendents, "fresh eyes" might be an important factor to consider.
Anonymous 10:43 - as I'm sure won't surprise you at all, there is no "community" view on the right choice -- and in fact, the "fresh eyes" see the exact same people in diametrically opposed ways. Some people like one, some people like another, still other people like a third! However, I think it is far more valuable to think about the totality of people's careers and accomplishments in making a judgment than about how they perform at a one hour coffee or two hour interview. So, my vote will reflect the community comments (which are VERY varied), the other information the SC members have all received (references, full work history), and the thoughts and ideas from the other 9 members of the SC. I feel confident that I will comfortable with my vote, after considering each of these three pieces of information.
Anon 10:43: what about evaluating the candidates based on their work, accomplishments, record and educational achievements? Fresh eyes? What the heck are you talking about? Are the eyes of the school committees old?
"Ignoring our wishes"?????
Unlike you, Anon 10: 43 am, this School Committee was duly elected by the voters of the Town. They're not tasked to somehow divine your every momentary desire. They were elected to use their judgement.
I know that this is hard to grasp: elections matter and we elected this particular quintet to make THESE decisions.
So, if you don't like how these five come out on Sunday, you know what you can do.
Despite the calls for stability and continuity, this isn't a decision to made with one's finger in the political wind.
Just make what is the best call in your heart and in your mind, and let's move on.
"So, if you don't like how these five come out on Sunday, you know what you can do."
And vote them out we will, one by one. One this year two next year and one the year after that.
Yes, vote them out no matter how much they have done to change our schools for the better. And do it quick before they can help more! Really people, stop being so petty and hypocritical. It is embarassing to listen to at school events. If our children were acting this way they would be called bullys.
It's 1:30 Sunday and I don't see it on ACTV. What gives?
I am so happy. Just remember Catherine, the devil you know is better than the .... Now I hope the children, whose life consists of posting on this blog, will get behind Maria. For the children's sake. Now go Green Bay!
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