nwasianweekly.com
Nov. 11, 2006

Civilize the search for superintendent

We urge the Seattle School Board to keep several things in mind as it embarks on yet another search for superintendent of the state’s largest public school system.

First and foremost, the board needs to get its act together. No more grandstanding. No more playing to the crowd. No more trying to make other board members look bad. All of that just wastes people’s time and energy, spoils the reputation of the board, squanders taxpayers’ money and raises the frustration levels of everyone. Instead, board members must show leadership by working together towards the common goal: hiring a superintendent who will be good for the district and the students of Seattle.

Rather than dwell on differences, the board members should appreciate each other’s strengths. The members don’t have to like or even agree with each other, but they must respect one another, during public discussions as well as private ones. You’ll find you can get a lot done when you’re focused and not wasting time on trivial matters.

For the sake of the children, the board’s criteria for the next superintendent must include the ability to raise test scores. That person must also be able to meet the special needs of the district — namely, the ability to manage a budget — and work effectively with teachers and district staff.

Some board members might dismiss a candidate whom they fear could overpower the board. That is a selfish consideration and should not be a factor in who they choose.

Some, including Mayor Greg Nickels, feel the best choice for superintendent lives right in our own backyard. Former Mayor Norm Rice, who was called “the education mayor” by some, remains well liked and respected by public officials and citizens alike. He could be great at building consensus in this troubled and divided district.

The school board, while not dismissing the idea of a Superintendent Rice, has called for a national search.

At this point, we’re lucky to have anyone interested in the job, given the tumultuous past few years.

The last time a superintendent search was conducted, all four finalists — considered the cream of the crop, according to national observers — fled town and took their resumes with them. They complained of being unceremoniously dressed down by parents, teachers, community members, city officials, the mainstream media and board members before they could even state their cases.

This time, everyone in Seattle, and especially the School Board, should keep their expectations realistic. Being superintendent is difficult. You’re never going to find the perfect person for the job, so don’t play God with the applicants. Again, keep things respectful as you evaluate the person’s achievements and hear their vision for the Seattle Public Schools. Don’t step on them as soon as you see them.

Seattle won’t attract any quality candidates if the board has a reputation for being disrespectful, difficult and prone to politicking.

To attract the best person for the job, we want to see many people apply for superintendent. Rice should apply. The four finalists chosen in 2003 should be invited to apply again, if they haven’t been scared off yet.

We’ve seen firsthand how bad things can get in a superintendent search. Let’s learn from our mistakes so we can move towards a more civil and respectful hiring process.

Our children’s futures are at stake here.

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