Dayton Daily News education reporter Scott Elliott writes about schools, kids, teaching and learning.
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Wednesday, July 16, 2008
State can’t afford to advertise for superintendent?
A press release came my way Tuesday announcing that the consultant the state board of education hired to find a replacement for former state superintendent Susan Zelman is getting it’s search off the ground.
But at the top of the press release was this curious note:
“Due to state budget constraints, no classified advertisements for this position will be placed in Ohio newspapers. With this in mind, the State Board of Education would appreciate your publication covering this important news story.”
Seriously, we are to believe that Ohio is so broke it can’t afford to buy a few classified ads to try to find a strong candidate for school superintendent from within the state?
The release goes on to give a flavor of what the consultant said Ohio will be looking for in its next superintendent. The successful candidate, the release said will:
—Be “student centered” and have a strong understanding of public education, and have the desire, passion, energy and charisma to be a visible statewide advocate and “cheerleader” for public education
—Have strong administrative skills to manage a department of 650+ people and an operating budget of $11.2 billion
—Be an independent thinker capable of building consensus and possess the necessary political skills to negotiate compromise to bring together stakeholders on key education issues
—Lead and effectively build trust and confidence in Ohio’s public education system among many key groups such as citizens, local boards of educations, teachers and superintendents.
—Preferably have experience as a superintendent, but other applicants not possessing this traditional experience will be considered if they possess a strong knowledge of public education and educational reforms.
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