tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6270815429299703055.post7906706885442786220..comments2023-09-29T06:32:16.005-04:00Comments on My School Committee Blog: My Thoughts on Hiring a SuperintendentCatherine A. Sandersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03523667921190365891noreply@blogger.comBlogger119125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6270815429299703055.post-37222021588177228672010-10-01T12:39:49.340-04:002010-10-01T12:39:49.340-04:00Anonymous 7:59,
I am pasting the meanings of &quo...Anonymous 7:59,<br /><br />I am pasting the meanings of "criticize" from dictionary.com. You will see that meaning #1 in both usages is negative, and therefore you are basically saying that people who use the word in its most common dictionary sense have something wrong with them.<br /><br /><br />crit·i·cize<br /> /ˈkrɪtəˌsaɪz/ Show Spelled [krit-uh-sahyz] Show IPA verb, -cized, -ciz·ing.<br />–verb (used with object)<br />1. to censure or find fault with.<br />2. to judge or discuss the merits and faults of: to criticize three novels in one review.<br />–verb (used without object)<br />3. to find fault; judge unfavorably or harshly.<br />4. to make judgments as to merits and faults.<br /><br />But then again, as often happens on this blog, why should we let facts get in the way of a good argument!?kennoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6270815429299703055.post-14096093437136538622010-10-01T08:23:59.432-04:002010-10-01T08:23:59.432-04:00Catherine, didn't the facilitator at the Schoo...Catherine, didn't the facilitator at the School Committee Retreat specifically tell school committee members NOT to let the school and associated administration pick their own boss????? Wouldn't we all like to choose our boss, or our spouses boss. Where can I sign up??? Oh yeah, Amherst Public Schools, that's where. akabAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6270815429299703055.post-70546473602404674332010-10-01T07:59:16.559-04:002010-10-01T07:59:16.559-04:00Criticize: appraise, evaluate. I guess those of ...Criticize: appraise, evaluate. I guess those of you who see the word criticize as bad are the same ones who don't like the word discipline and have tried to change it to "guide". Nina, I'm convinced that if it was mid-day out and Catherine said, it's daytime, you'd argue, no it's not, it's nighttime. akabAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6270815429299703055.post-37145677102175737882010-09-30T21:29:17.612-04:002010-09-30T21:29:17.612-04:00Nina - I'm disappointed in your response, sinc...Nina - I'm disappointed in your response, since my point was quite clear, and I imagine you understood it. Several people have said, in public, great things about Maria. You have said great things about Maria on my blog. You haven't expressed any concerns about those statements (e.g., that isn't really fair to outside candidates for superintendent). Yet when people on the SC or on my blog criticize her (or even make statements that it is too early to determine her effectiveness which I continue to not belief is a criticism), you believe that is inappropriate. You can't have it both ways, and Maria can't have it both ways. If you are an inside candidate, people will speak about what you've done they've liked, and what they've done that you haven't liked. That's just the reality. I've said I'll vote for Maria if she's the best candidate -- so has Steve (in fact, he's quoted in the Bulletin today saying that). That seems to me precisely the position that ALL SC members, teachers, principals, parents, and community members should be taking right now, when we haven't seen who the finalists will be and what the experiences and qualifications THEY bring to the table.Catherine A. Sandersonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03523667921190365891noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6270815429299703055.post-56902468199118919392010-09-30T21:09:11.271-04:002010-09-30T21:09:11.271-04:00"it does seem very odd that apparently we can..."it does seem very odd that apparently we can praise what we've seen Maria do (e.g., set up the coffees, start a TV show, hire an ombudsmen) but we can't criticize anything she does?"<br /><br />Oh so you admit that you are criticizing. I thought you were just very neutrally and objectively laying out the facts.Nina Kochhttp://www.arps.org/users/hs/kochn/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6270815429299703055.post-86357704869738470992010-09-30T11:57:51.902-04:002010-09-30T11:57:51.902-04:00My response:
Anonymous 8:39 - I will support the ...My response:<br /><br />Anonymous 8:39 - I will support the finalist who I believe will best serve as the instructional leader in our district. If that is Maria, I will strongly support her. What I've said is that I'm not convinced as of now (without seeing direct evidence of her ability to serve in this way as of yet -- in her relatively brief period in this job AND without seeing any of the other candidates for this position) that she will ultimately be the strongest candidate. And it is impossible for me to imagine how anyone in this town could decide RIGHT NOW that Maria is so clearly strongly that all other potential candidates that we don't even know about that we don't need to do a search. I promise to vote for Maria if she is the strongest candidate. In return, I hope that all SC members who are now suggesting we don't even necessarily need to do a search will promise to also support the best candidate - even if that person is NOT Maria. That is the only way this is a fair process, which the community needs and deserves. <br /><br />Anonymous 9:26 - it does seem very odd that apparently we can praise what we've seen Maria do (e.g., set up the coffees, start a TV show, hire an ombudsmen) but we can't criticize anything she does? Is that true of all superintendents from now on, or just those who might be candidates for jobs? Again, there are advantages and disadvantages of being an inside candidate, and that has to strike both ways.Catherine A. Sandersonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03523667921190365891noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6270815429299703055.post-82523164434160433262010-09-30T09:26:22.101-04:002010-09-30T09:26:22.101-04:00To Anon 9:54
So my question is this: If people a...To Anon 9:54<br /><br />So my question is this: If people are talking about making Maria the permanent super, your view is that no one (people with kids in the system, tax payers, employees) may criticize her performance?<br /><br />Because she MAY be a candidate, what she does right now cannot be spoken of? How does that make any sense.<br /><br />Look, Maria's main job was as the SPED administrator. An outside evaluation, loads of parents, and the courts have plenty to say that's critical of her performance in her main job. <br /><br />Are we now supposed to shut up and not discuss that because she may be a candidate for another job?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6270815429299703055.post-89357539610474007702010-09-30T08:39:45.414-04:002010-09-30T08:39:45.414-04:00Catherine, you are being disingenuous when you pro...Catherine, you are being disingenuous when you promise to keep an open mind about the hiring process. As other commenters have noted, you have repeatedly been dismissive of Maria Geryk. And while you criticize the tone of anyone who dares to disagree with you, you have no hesitation about expressing your own opinions in a strident tone.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6270815429299703055.post-43946748214712707952010-09-29T22:59:40.260-04:002010-09-29T22:59:40.260-04:00My response:
Anonymous 9:54 - two quick respons...My response: <br /><br />Anonymous 9:54 - two quick responses here, and then I share your hope that we can move on to talk about education. First, the public vetting of Maria as a candidate began at the Sept. 22nd meeting from the public (including those who have been hired by Maria from U Mass), which was followed by comments from some SC members (who expressed their own support for Maria). So, that is public vetting -- on meetings and on TV and in the newspaper. I hope you are conveying your feelings about this type of public vetting to all SC members, and not just the one with the blog. Second, I believe that all SC members should keep an open mind about the hire, and I have promised to do so. I hope that all other members of the SC, and indeed the public, will do the same.Catherine A. Sandersonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03523667921190365891noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6270815429299703055.post-35173044085996727342010-09-29T21:54:29.121-04:002010-09-29T21:54:29.121-04:00What blog are you reading anon 1:29? Because if yo...What blog are you reading anon 1:29? Because if you're reading this one there would be no need for clarification. Catherine, in my view, is being completely unprofessional in allowing and participating in the public vetting of Maria Geryk as a candidate for superintendent. It is inappropriate. And you will probably say it was inappropriate for the hilltown candidates to seek to circumvent the search process by voicing their support for Maria's candidacy. And I would agree! But two wrongs don't make a right. We all were supposed to learn that lesson in kindergarten right? So can't we all just chill and, in the process, request that ALL SC members chill as well? This conversation is more than unproductive it is damaging to the future viability of ALL potential candidates for leadership in our school district. Let's start acting like grown ups as opposed to a bunch of disgruntled children in an unsupervised school yard.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6270815429299703055.post-27475517252771035212010-09-29T13:29:34.166-04:002010-09-29T13:29:34.166-04:00I'd just like clarification about what EXACT c...I'd just like clarification about what EXACT comments were made by any SC member that were critical of Maria Geryk. And how about just ONE example of the so called "many, many, many" critical comments that CS has made regarding Maria Geryk on this blog. <br /><br />What Steve Rivkin quote from the newspaper is being referred to as critical?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6270815429299703055.post-11107304296518625262010-09-29T11:04:04.920-04:002010-09-29T11:04:04.920-04:00The Curious Case of the Hill Towns
I wonder why t...The Curious Case of the Hill Towns<br /><br />I wonder why the Hill Towns SC members are so much in lockstep with the idea of scrapping the Super search and appointing Maria. Other Hill Town SC members and some of the same, voted in March to give her an unprecedented 17 month term as acting, even though no one has apparently ever seen her cv.<br /><br />It's no exaggeration to say the Hill Town SC members really like and respect Maria and want her to be the permanent super asap.<br /><br />Only they know why they are doing this, but it's curious.<br /><br />Leverett and Shutesbury only deal with her on the regional level, and yet they want her to also be the Union 26 Super. Folks from those two towns repeatedly claim that THEY need Union 26 to stay whole, despite the fact that they have nothing to do with it.<br /><br />Moreover, the Hill Town SC member who first moved to make Maria permanent sends her kid to a charter school for MS, not ARMS.<br /><br />Add to that, the Hill Town SC members seem to be universally opposed to moving 6th grade to ARMS.<br /><br />In other words, they want Maria to run the Regional system, but they don't want too much to do with that system.<br /><br />They want Maria to run Union 26 and for the Union to stay as is, but they have nothing to do with the union.<br /><br />Why is this? I honestly don't get it.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6270815429299703055.post-29044820675917447362010-09-29T10:44:53.787-04:002010-09-29T10:44:53.787-04:00I'm not going to respond to each and every com...I'm not going to respond to each and every comment here, since really they all involve the same general theme (on one side or the other). There is both a blessing and a curse in being an internal candidate - that is ALWAYS true. When Mike Hayes was hired as the principal of the MS, some people spoke about how great he had been (because they knew him in a much more in depth way than the outside finalist) and others spoke about him in a more concerned way (because they had experienced more problematic interactions with him and obviously couldn't have had such interactions with the outside finalist). That's just the reality because we ALWAYS have more information (good and bad) about internal candidates.<br /><br />If Maria decides to become a candidate (and again, to the best of my knowledge she hasn't even made a decision she wants to be considered!), she will experience the same benefit and curse. People who have interacted with her during coffees or have worked with her will describe their views at a much greater level of detail than any external candidate (again, for better or for worse). At the last Regional SC meeting, several audience members AND SC members talked about how great she was and what a good job she was doing - that was their opinion, and they all have a right to that opinion. Steve noted at the meeting that the SC evaluates the superintendent, and since we haven't done that yet with Maria, it is far too early to determine the nature of this evaluation. He also said in the paper that he had concerns about hiring a superintendent (Maria or otherwise) who had no experience as a classroom teacher or principal. That isn't criticizing Maria's work or efforts in her current role -- it is stating the qualifications he'd prefer to see in a superintendent (which could apply to other people considering applying as well as Maria). I've said I will base my vote on the person's experience in instructional leadership, and in particular evidence of their effectiveness. I haven't personally seen signs that Maria can be effective in this way, but I believe that it is too early to tell (and luckily we have several months before a hire will be made during which time we will learn more about Maria's leadership and we will learn more about the qualities of other candidates). I will vote for the candidate that I believe will best serve as an instructional leader in our district (which is why last time I voted for Sklarz, who had a DEMONSTRATED track record in leading three different school districts effectively) - and if that person is Maria, I will certainly vote for her. I would just hope that my other SC colleagues would keep an open mind and be willing to consider voting for not only Maria, but also for external candidates (which of course isn't possible if we were to vote to call off the search at this point).Catherine A. Sandersonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03523667921190365891noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6270815429299703055.post-48491299846381415122010-09-29T10:38:57.016-04:002010-09-29T10:38:57.016-04:00To Anon. September 29, 2010 8:48 AM
Catherine alr...To Anon. September 29, 2010 8:48 AM<br /><br />Catherine already stated the reasons why this would not work here. Northampton is not a regional school system like ours is. We would have the same unbalanced voting for a superintendent that we have with the regional committee now.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6270815429299703055.post-75585755398589525812010-09-29T10:29:54.344-04:002010-09-29T10:29:54.344-04:00Steve Rivkin's comment in the newspaper was a ...Steve Rivkin's comment in the newspaper was a critique of her qualifications for the job and all you have to do is read this blog for Catherine's many many many comments.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6270815429299703055.post-51027394049400445142010-09-29T10:11:13.103-04:002010-09-29T10:11:13.103-04:00Please list specific examples of how Maria Geryk h...Please list specific examples of how Maria Geryk has been criticized or even critiqued by any members of the SC.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6270815429299703055.post-25039676936960690732010-09-29T10:11:10.086-04:002010-09-29T10:11:10.086-04:00Anon 8:48. The problem also is that it looks to m...Anon 8:48. The problem also is that it looks to many that the hill town members of the Regional School Committee have already lined up behind Maria Geryk tainting the selection process. This may or may not be true, but adding to your concerns about "pre" there is an appearance she has been pre-approved.<br /><br />Here's hoping that all school committee members keep an open mind and give each candidates a hard, honest and objective consideration.Curious observernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6270815429299703055.post-63247136521187224932010-09-29T09:31:41.239-04:002010-09-29T09:31:41.239-04:00Nina lives in South DeerfieldNina lives in South DeerfieldAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6270815429299703055.post-26860949107801072092010-09-29T09:20:04.739-04:002010-09-29T09:20:04.739-04:00Nina, Catherine et al,
The biggest topic of discu...Nina, Catherine et al,<br /><br />The biggest topic of discussion in the past year - and most contentious for taxpayers and parents - was the override. <br /><br />Coffees and PR are a red herring that it serves neither side to mention.<br /><br />I believe that it is a mistake not to focus on fiscal management as completely central to the Superintendent issue. From what I see Ms. Geryk has no track record on dealing with budgets - and certainly not budgets in excess of $40MM. What I have heard is that her track record shows a failure keeping the Special Education budget in line.<br /><br />I encourage you to focus on this financial issue because WITHOUT A SOUND FINANCIAL FOOTING OUR SYSTEM REMAINS AT RISK. If the SC hires a Super w/o a track record in dealing with this kind of issue it is malfeasant and abdicating all responsibility. This is precisely what got us into this mess in the first place.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6270815429299703055.post-56835045905559424942010-09-29T08:48:28.438-04:002010-09-29T08:48:28.438-04:00So, let's fast forward for a moment to January...So, let's fast forward for a moment to January 2011. The Super search has moved forward, candidates have applied, including Maria. Just for the sake of argument lets say five candidates in total have applied. <br /><br />Now, out of those five, only one has been pre-critiqued and critized by members of the SC outside the normal search process. Does anyone here think the search process has not been tainted? Has not been slanted? Does anyone think none of the five applicants are climbing a steep hill made by members of the SC? <br /><br />It's time for Catherine and Steve and any other SC member who might be tempted to pre-critique Superintendent candidates to stop critiquing Maria before the process has begun. And it's time for Rick Hood, chair of the Superintendent search committee to step up to the plate and STOP this inappropriate behavior.<br /><br />I would have alot more confidence in this search process if Amherst had formed a search committee like Northampton did. At this point, this spectacle is driving me to consider an alternative educational setting for my child. I have no confidence in the ability of the Superintendent search committee to carry out a fair process.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6270815429299703055.post-22192844935870510212010-09-29T08:41:06.595-04:002010-09-29T08:41:06.595-04:00It's fair to look at the broad claims made by ...It's fair to look at the broad claims made by people about what a wonderful job the interim superintendent has done by carefully reviewing what actions she has taken and why. Especially if those making the claims advocated that she be hired immediately, which they did. The claims made about her expertise and excellence were sweeping, but also vague, making many wonder what exactly the interim superintendent has done since March.<br /><br />If the interim superintendent is just continuing efforts started by others, it's just a fact, but a fact worth knowing. Not having experience as a classroom teacher or as a principal is another fact. She did hire a curriuculum director but the money for the position was already allocated and most other districts have this position. Many teachers applauded and gave her standing ovation at a meeting. She didn't start First Day and a lot of people came this year.<br /><br />Let's bring out the facts and not be accused of evil intent in doing so. The actions of administrators are open to public discussion, just as the actions of other public officials.<br /><br />But also let's evaluate the quality of the interim superintendent's work a bit later. She's only been in this position a few months. This process of evaluation -- outside the usual process by the school committee -- was set in motion by her admirers and it may cause more harm than good.Curious observernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6270815429299703055.post-96187198186739442010-09-29T08:38:06.790-04:002010-09-29T08:38:06.790-04:00That's the key...challenge the teachers and st...That's the key...challenge the teachers and staff. Maria will not do that. So that we know. And yes, the staff IS trying to hire their own boss. Has anyone been watching Education Nation on NBC?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6270815429299703055.post-70970748103794746142010-09-29T08:14:18.454-04:002010-09-29T08:14:18.454-04:00I completely disagree with Nina here. (BTW, is Ni...I completely disagree with Nina here. (BTW, is Nina a resident of any of the towns in the region or is she just trying to hire her own boss?)<br /><br />Members of the SC have experiences with Maria that shape their opinions.<br /><br />Members of the SC and community advocating for Maria don't have a clue about who else might apply, but they are essentially advocating against those unknown candidates.<br /><br />Calling for Maria's hiring or delaying the search, which is the same thing in practice, is tantamount to saying that you aren't willing to support any potential candidates even though you have no idea if those candidates might be wonderful experts in all the areas we need to focus on.<br /><br />Having an opinion about someone (Maria) with whom you've worked makes perfect sense.<br /><br />Having an opinion about a pool of candidates that hasn't even been formed yet doesn't make a lot of sense and clearly isn't about finding the best person. It's about hiring the person that won't pull you out of your comfort zone.<br /><br />More than "stability" we need someone who is willing to challenge the teachers and staff on behalf of students, not make the teachers and staff happy no matter what the impact on the kids.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6270815429299703055.post-15948426903816780282010-09-29T08:11:51.108-04:002010-09-29T08:11:51.108-04:00My responses:
Anonymous 12:58 - I'm hoping yo...My responses:<br /><br />Anonymous 12:58 - I'm hoping you are being sarcastic ... but anyway, my key point is that different people look for different things in a superintendent. I'm being clear about what I'm looking for, and I think that candor would be appreciated! I hope we will have many qualified candidates who can serve as an instructional leader, and that could certainly include Maria.<br /><br />Nina - I am glad that you agree that there should be a fair and open process, and I hope you are right that the best candidate will emerge from that process. I continue to disagree that stating what Maria has/hasn't done is negative -- it is factual. She has only been in the job a few months, and therefore couldn't possibly have done as much as someone who had served in that job in a longer period. We haven't yet had the opportunity to go through a budget process, for example. That isn't her fault! <br /> <br />In terms of the coffee/collaboration stuff: I've heard lots of parents say that they have in fact been listened to, by principals, superintendents, SC members, etc. And that after they had been listened to, nothing changed, so I'm very cautious about interpreting communication with the superintendent as change in instruction. Perhaps you are more optimistic. In 2006, I was one of a number of parents who wrote a letter to Jere Hochman asking for some changes in our math program. He met with us, was very responsive on email, formed a committee to study math, conducted parent surveys, etc. And guess what: virtually nothing changed at all in our math program (7th and 8th grade math got textbooks). So, did I feel listened to? Yes? Did math change for my kids and other kids in the district? No. I don't think it would have been different if it had been over coffee. <br /><br />Similarly, maybe instructional rounds will be effective at improving instruction. Is there research from other districts showing that? Perhaps you could point my blog readers to emirical articles demonstrating its effectiveness on achievement -- that would be very helpful to me and I'm sure others.<br /><br /><br />In terms of what Alberto did -- yes, he tried to hire a curriculum director but ultimately wasn't pleased with the candidates (I was on this search committee and agreed), he found Dr. Chen, he started the discussions involving First Day, and he initiated the Five College position with Amherst College. Maria did hire Dr. Rossi-Ray Taylor as a social justice consultant for the district, who in turn recommended hiring an ombudsman? I don't see an enhanced partnership with ACTV as an important educational change in our district, but perhaps you do, and that's fine. <br /><br />Again, as the search progresses, I believe all candidates (internal and external) will have the opportunity to demonstrate their backgrounds/experiences/qualifications, and that is indeed a good thing for our community and our schools.Catherine A. Sandersonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03523667921190365891noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6270815429299703055.post-20001531735379115082010-09-29T08:10:32.276-04:002010-09-29T08:10:32.276-04:00I think a lot of people need to get out of Amherst...I think a lot of people need to get out of Amherst and see the real world. I think people in this town have super thin skin. I haven't read or heard anything critical or "snarky" (what a stupid word) about Maria. They have stated very matter of factly that if Maria goes thru the search process and comes out the best candidate they will vote for her. NO corporation would hire someone without a search, not at the salary you're looking at paying the superintendent here. You people are uninformed if you want to just put her in and pay her that kind of money without a search for someone who has already done the job of superintendent at another school district. And YOU are muddying the waters making it almost impossible to get strong candidates to even want to apply. Shame on all of you.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com