Contrary to speculation among politicos, a high-ranking member of the county administration has confirmed that Harford County Executive David R. Craig is not interested in being the next Superintendent of Harford County Public Schools.
Speculation had been rampant that Craig, a long time history teacher at Southampton Middle School and a career educator, was interested in the position. Being superintendent would approximately double Craig’s salary, and include a much more favorable benefits package. He would also have been able to be the leader of his former field, and education has long been one of Craig’s strongest political interests.
The hours the past superintendent, Jacqueline Haas worked, however, could double Craig’s work week. Haas was known for working long hours, and regularly spent 80 hours between her office, the schools, and in attending related meetings and activities.
The position, however, would require Craig to be selected by the Harford Board of Education. As County Executive, Craig has had several disputes with the school board. The county council is currently questioning the board’s decision to choose to construct Campus Hillls Elementary School at Shucks Road over the Red Pump Road site. A board member threatened to “fill the council chambers” with parents if the council tried to stop the project.
Craig was appointed to be County Executive when Jim Harkins, the previous executive, took an appointment to the Maryland Environmental Commission. Craig was elected to retain the office in 2006. There has also been speculation that Craig would run for Governor or Congress, but he will likely pursue reelection in 2010 for a second term.
Craig is currently one of two Republican County Executives in Maryland, and is the highest-ranking Republican in state goverment.
It will be very interesting to see who from HCPS is operating behind the scenes and intends to put in their name in the hat. I would be concerned at someone being selected that would just go with the current flow and not be able to really evaluate the changes and see if they are working and then the big step of making due changes. If you are within the school system, then you were part of the system of change and you tend to not want to admit mistakes. Looking back, think of the CSSRP report and outside recommendations. Was much done or really talked about from that report? It certainly should of been. Was some of the data possibly used to make things look like they are getting better, when in reality they are staying the same or maybe even a tad worse. A new superintendant from within the HCPS isn’t going to ask the tough questions about that report.
I know as I parent, I sure wonder why only 17% of the administrators, supervisors, principals, students and teachers feel that LICW is a worthwhile class. Why should my child have to take that class if all of those people feel that way. What was done to reform the class? They made it official as to adding a different book (Inventing Eliot) than the Chocolate War (which can still be read).
I really think the BOE needs to find someone from outside the county for this important post. They need to find someone who will ask and evaluate rather than the “good old boy network.” It would be good to bring new ideas to HCPS. The key is that the BOE needs to know that they represents the citizens, the taxpayers, and it is ok to be free thinkers at this point rather than just rubber stamping what people in HCPS tells them to do.
I also think parents need to get out and be active so the BOE know how you feel about these issues as it has gotten quite since all the sudden budget cuts ends the meetings with uniforms. Become active and take a look at the CSSRP report and what recommendations are suggested.
I have rambled and should probably save this for another post. Sorry guys.
I agree with Renandstimpy. The best thing to do would be to bring in someone who does not have any ties to any of the players and no preconceived notions about how this particular system shold be administered. Sometimes when you do this, you strike out (ahem, Grotsky), but the same old same old needs a little shakin’ up.
I am all for some outside thought as well. How about a true college prep curriculum and some services for that half of a percent of kids who are truly gifted?
We need someone who has been some place else because we have plenty of lieutenants in the system who are home grown and will be happy to tell the new person how it has always been done.
Hey, maybe someone from New Jersey (Ft. Monmouth/BRAC) would like to take a swing at it. That would keep both the people who want vested interest and the people who want change happy.
Phil Dirt,
You mentioned that sometimes when you go out of the system you strike out (ahem Grotsky). Add to the list “3 day Ray Keech”.
In my tenure, as a classroom teacher, I worked under 4 superintendents..in my opinion the top 2 were Dr. A.A. Roberty and Dr. Haas. I truly understand many of the comments concerning the selectiion of a new school superintendent. Going outside the system does not guarantee an improvement over the possible candidates already working within our present school system. Years ago 2 excellent people from our system left to become outstanding superintendents in other Maryland school systems…Carl Roberts, Cecil County and Jon Andes, Worcester County.
Del. Riley,
While I do believe that, I also think it is time to try it again. As a graduate of HCPS with one child still in the system and one graduated, I have seen a gradual shift in the system to what I perceive is an attitude of “Don’t worry, we know best,” to the extreme now that input from parents – you know, the public that the public servants serve – is seen a distraction and is unwelcomed and ignored.
It is common for organizations, especially government-related ones, to take on an Imperial attiude over the years, and to dictate to their subjects rather than be part of a government of the people, by the people, and for the people. I’m feeling it from HCPS, and I think we need a little shaking up.
As a former employee of Harford County Schools, I have experienced first hand the political game playing of the HCPS administrative elite. The best superintendent would be one who thinks ‘outside the box’ and recognizes that progressive and significant changes are in order. It will be a superintendent that puts children first and understands not only what is necessary for them to learn, but who understands how they learn and understands the importance of a good environment for this to take place. A good superintendent will take a long hard look at the curriculum and make the necessary changes that are necessary to enable more children to be successful. This person will acknowledge and implement the requests and opinions of teachers and assistants, because they do know and understand what is happening in their classrooms. I would like to see a superintendent that advocates for children, teachers and parents and addresses the input and needs that these groups require. To do anything less just reduces the school system to one that will never change for the better.
From: Kids’ Advocate