Testing 1-2-3

In a perfect public school world, a Board of Education and superintendent would have ample time to deliberate a major change in administration before creating a new position and appointing a person to fill that slot.  Unfortunately, ours is not a perfect world and sometimes time is of the essence.  This reality shaped the discussion during the meeting on June 20^th during which time the Board of Education approved my recommendation to create the new position of assistant superintendent and appoint the current High School Principal, Kim Moritz, effective July 1^st.  I would like to take this opportunity to explain the rationale in more detail for those who missed the meeting or did not view the discussion on our public television station.  As I do, please recognize that the Board action also involved a personnel matter.  Thus, I need to balance Kim Moritz’s confidentiality against the public’s right to know.  Those interested in Ms. Moritz’s thoughts on the matter may choose to visit her blog at ghsprincipal.edublogs.org. There were basically three reasons for making the change. 

First, it is now extremely difficult to recruit and retain experienced and highly qualified administrators all across New York State.  The problem is even more severe in the rural districts such as Gowanda.  During the last two weeks the District experienced the resignations of the School Business Administrator and Transportation Supervisor.  The loss of both central office administrators speaks to the amount of movement in the field and the need to retain qualified personnel in key positions.  Honestly speaking, the talents we all recognize in Kim Moritz are attracting the attention of other school districts which are not averse to stealing her away from Gowanda.  Some are anxious to do so ASAP.  This move by the Board helped to “lock her in” so to speak.  

Second, the District needs a person dedicated to supervising, coordinating and working on our PK-12 curriculum, instruction and assessment.  2002 was the last year the District had a person working on these areas to the exclusion of everything else.  It has been one of my objectives for five years to secure an assistant superintendent for curriculum, instruction and assessment but the stars never lined up favorably to make it happen.  This time it all came together.  Please know that Ms. Moritz will not take work away from the Superintendent.  She is expected to DO MORE and as a result, improve and expand the educational opportunities available to our students.  Due to the personnel losses in the business office and bus garage, I expect to assume oversight responsibilities in these two departments, plus technology.  For the past five years, these responsibilities have rested with the School Business Administrator.  The tentative plan is for the new business manager to concentrate on fiscal matters and not assume oversight for the departments just mentioned. 

Third, the Board is looking ahead to the time when it may have to replace the current superintendent.  Even though there is no guarantee Kim Moritz would be appointed after me, at least the Board has the option.  Recognizing that the pool of qualified superintendents is so shallow, forward thinking Boards are trying to develop talent from within.  I believe this reality also influenced the decision. 

From a budgetary perspective, the District is able to afford the new position.  For the past five years the District has experienced sound fiscal management and there is room in the 2007-08 budget to fund the position.  We always plan for contingencies.  In addition, the State provided additional revenue specifically for the purpose of improving educational outcomes for high need school districts like Gowanda.  I truly believe this change will provide Gowanda with one more important element of an effective school.  In this climate, we simply could not afford to lose such an important community asset to another school district.