Interestedcitizen5 Anonymous

I don't understand why Arrow doesn't do the background check first. Here's how the process should work. First, the community decides what characteristics it wants in a leader. That needs to be an objective study. There needs to be a scientifically accurate way to measure consensus. Mass mailings and public meetings that don't draw a cross section of the community that matches the community's demographics do not pass the test of scientific accuracy.

The second step should be screening the candidates in light of community demands. This should involve background checks.

The third step should be selection of the lone finalist among candidates that most closely meet the community's wishes.

Whether it reflected the community's wishes or not, here is what I heard in a public meeting.

We want the best candidate, regardless of race or gender.

We want someone with classroom experience.

We want someone with proven administrative experience

We want someone who can do math

We want someone with an intact family and without a history of family problems.

We don't want a womanizer.

We want someone who is humble and studious.

We want someone who is ready to lead the district

We want someone who will be part of the special family in LISD

Some of these values are contradictory, as they reflect the diverse elements that make up the community. Obviously, the recently departed Supt. treated certain insiders as special members of the family by granting interest free advance loans. If that is what is meant be being a member of a special family, that's not good from the taxpayers' standpoint.

Taxpayers are more intersted in someone who runs a tight ship, understands the relationship between the board and the Supt., and does not arrogantly try to shove the board around.

There is always going to be some tension among the interests of the taxpayers, the interests of the parents, the interests of the students, and the interests of the teachers. Everyone has to be considered.

4 months, 1 week ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )