Talks continue between Ann Arbor schools, superintendent candidate Brian Osborne
Editor's note: The amount of Brian Osborne's salary increase in his home school district has been corrected.
After being offered the superintendent position for Ann Arbor Public Schools Friday, candidate Brian Osborne is continuing to review the offer with his family and his community.
Osborne is the superintendent of the South Orange-Maplewood School District in Essex County, New Jersey. The AAPS Board of Education voted 7-0 Friday to offer him the superintendent job.
Brian Osborne has been offered the job of superintendent of AAPS.
Courtney Sacco | AnnArbor.com
“We’ve both committed to making a good decision as soon as possible,” Mexicotte said.
During their weekend conversation, Osborne asked questions about operations and amenities in the school district, Mexicotte said. No formal negotiations have been entered at this time.
“We expect that we’ll know in good time and will keep the public apprised when there’s any change or any discussion,” Mexicotte said.
Osborne was selected following a thorough and intense three-month search process by the school board, as former AAPS Superintendent Pat Green retired as of July 9.
AAPS is in the hands of interim superintendent David Comsa until a new superintendent is hired. The school board Friday approved allocating an additional $769.23 per week to Comsa’s $140,000 annual deputy superintendent paycheck for the increased demands of the role.
The school board will likely know of Osborne’s response prior to its next meeting Aug. 14, Mexicotte said.
However, should the board enter into formal negotiations with Osborne, Mexicotte said she’s not certain that finalized contract terms will be reached by the August meeting.
At the school board’s Friday meeting, some board members were interested in exploring longevity incentives for a future superintendent and were comfortable with a longer contract.
In Michigan, the maximum length of a school district superintendent’s contract is five years.
Friday, the school board did not change the salary range for the new superintendent that it had previously set at $180,000 to $220,000.
“I expect that we’ll know whether Dr. Osborne will be able to join us very shortly,” Mexicotte said.
Osborne’s home school district recently approved a salary increase from $208,000 to $220,001 based on an annual 3 percent salary increase in his contract that is awarded for "meeting expectations," according to media reports. However, his salary will be capped at the end of his contract in June 2014 at $167,500 due to a change in New Jersey laws.
Amy Biolchini covers Washtenaw County, health and environmental issues for AnnArbor.com. Reach her at (734) 623-2552, amybiolchini@annarbor.com or on Twitter.
Comments
PenguinPride
Sat, Jul 27, 2013 : 2:46 a.m.
This is getting ridiculous! Is there any news to update Amy? Certainly Dr. Osborne has had time to review the offer with his family! It is really kind of depressing.
a2phiggy
Fri, Jul 26, 2013 : 8:27 p.m.
3 days later...no news?
a2xarob
Wed, Jul 24, 2013 : 2:11 a.m.
I can think of a number of reasons Dr. Osborne would still want to come here. It's a great place to raise kids with world-class cultural and medical facilities. We have great teachers and schools here, even with the cutbacks. Quality of life and cost of living are better than in most east and west coast cities of this size. This is clearly a man who likes a challenge, and he will find that here. We have some problems, but he has the training and experience to deal with them. He is well-suited to make the most of the resources and opportunities offered by the university to the school system. Also, he is smart enough to realize that most parents here are thoughtful and reasonable and will welcome him warmly. But he will meet most of the cranks and crackpots here on a2.com. I hope he'll decide to come. And I hope he negotiates a good package for himself.
15crown00
Wed, Jul 24, 2013 : 1:05 a.m.
he's plaing
15crown00
Wed, Jul 24, 2013 : 1:08 a.m.
that's playing
Bulldog
Tue, Jul 23, 2013 : 10:51 p.m.
Clearly the process AAPS used was too transparent and Osborne could see right through the BOE. I wouldn't be surprised if he turned us down. Why would he want to sign up for everything that is happening and disrupt his family? Stay put!
LRP
Tue, Jul 23, 2013 : 10:36 p.m.
Simply said, poor negotiation skills on behalf of A2 schools. A deadline should always be set. I would call his bluff.
highlarryus
Tue, Jul 23, 2013 : 8:55 p.m.
I ain't mad at Osborne. Cosma's raise, now that's another issue. What is he doing that he deserves almost $800 a week more? I barely make that much in two weeks. That's bonkers.
Belgium
Tue, Jul 23, 2013 : 7:41 p.m.
Dave Cosma received a $769.00 a week raise? Our staff and co-workers leave and we all pick up the slack until replacements are found. No one gets a raise for keeping the ship sailing. Someone needs to open up a can of Detroit "Emergency Management" all over the AA School Board. They're still living in the 70's (maybe because they stopped learning around then?) and make decisions based on how things used to be. Do they watch Mad Men and think it's a edgy show about how folks live today? Time for these baby boomers to retire and let us fix all the stuff that they broke.
Nicholas Urfe
Tue, Jul 23, 2013 : 7:22 p.m.
Why shouldn't he negotiate for at least as much as the previous superintendent? He would be stepping into her mess; the mess she ran away from. The mess she failed to deal with. Further, this is a board that goes through superintendents like tissue paper on a hay farm. In a couple of years they could be done with him, and he could be out of a job; explaining why things didn't work out in Ann Arbor. So does anyone have one good reason he wouldn't hold out for more?
kris
Tue, Jul 23, 2013 : 6:54 p.m.
Osborne's current employers clearly want to keep him and public comments seem mostly to support him and lack the vitriol expressed here. I relocated here several years ago from an eastern state and the wide-spread belief out there is that Michigan is a very undesirable place to live due to its land-locked geographical location and it's continued poor economic prospects. I have found Ann Arbor a pleasant place to live but am amused that many commentors here seem to think it is some sort of unparalleled paradise. I wouldn't blame Osborne one bit for having second thoughts...I know I would if I read some of the stuff posted here.
thecompound
Wed, Jul 24, 2013 : 10:36 a.m.
He lives in the same state that brought us Snookie and the Situation, I don't think he's too worried about how cultural Michigan is, lol.
whojix
Wed, Jul 24, 2013 : 1:35 a.m.
Being landlocked has nothing to do with culture. People can make fair criticisms of Michigan culture, but you're just using the wrong terms and concepts.
jcj
Tue, Jul 23, 2013 : 9 p.m.
kris So by your reckoning the ONLY desirable places to live are on the East and West coast. That eliminates about35 or so states from being places anyone might want to live. And I thought most Ann Arborites were elitist!
kris
Tue, Jul 23, 2013 : 8:54 p.m.
whojix: by landlocked they mean that Michigan is buried in the middle of the country, far from the vibrant cultural cities on the Atlantic and Pacific coasts
whojix
Tue, Jul 23, 2013 : 8:03 p.m.
He may have more work to do out east if his education system is turning out people who believe the great lakes state is land locked.
Nicholas Urfe
Tue, Jul 23, 2013 : 7:26 p.m.
You make good points. The taxes here on W2 employees are quite high, and they only seem to be increasing as the business tax burden is further shifted on to the working class. The infrastructure here is poor and aging, despite the high taxes paid. The roads throughout the state are in terrible shape, and yet construction delays seem widespread and perpetual. How much are state taxpayers going to get shafted (this time) on Detroit? The prospects are not that good for the state. The employers mostly seem to be looking to take advantage of lower wages. Shrugs.
LXIX
Tue, Jul 23, 2013 : 4:10 p.m.
Reading this I can only see a funny picture of a riled mob, torches and pitchforks in hand, crowding around the front of Balas Building. The BOE sheriff bravely steps out onto the front porch and announces there's gonna be a new SI coming to town soon, so go home. The mob looks at each other dumbfounded. Then, forgetting why they ever came to Balas, the mob heads off downtown in a growing rage to menace City Council about the new tax on Child Pedestrians. (No, there is not really going to be a new tax on Child Pedestrians - as far as A2com knows - stay tuned your local PTA channel for further developments).
whojix
Tue, Jul 23, 2013 : 3:55 p.m.
Withdraw the offer.
walker101
Tue, Jul 23, 2013 : 3:26 p.m.
How can the board justify his performance, start at the bottom if he can justify his merits by performance then give him a raise.
Max Peters
Tue, Jul 23, 2013 : 3:21 p.m.
I wonder how many of you proposed to your spouse on your first date. Sheesh, give the guy a break.
sh1
Tue, Jul 23, 2013 : 4:14 p.m.
The flip side of this coin is the person being proposed to saying, "Give me a while to think about your offer and consider it against other offers."
grye
Tue, Jul 23, 2013 : 2:44 p.m.
I still say offer him $220 the first year and then $180 the next year with raises each following year. Still better than what he would get in NJ while keeping the overall pay within a reasonable budget.
A2comments
Tue, Jul 23, 2013 : 2:13 p.m.
A job offer for a senior level job usually comes with a) a deadline to accept and b) a timeframe for contract negotiations to be completed. For example: "I'd like to get an answer from you by Friday, July 26th. If you do accept the offer, then we'd like to complete contract negotiations within 3 weeks from the date of acceptance. Brian, does that work for you?" I don't think Deb Mexicotte has a clue how to execute this.
Basic Bob
Tue, Jul 23, 2013 : 2:40 p.m.
That speaks poorly for a board president if she can't ask for guidance and communicate some basic expectations of the process. I don't understand why the board reappointed her as president since she can't even run a meeting effectively.
Mick52
Tue, Jul 23, 2013 : 1:53 p.m.
Apparently the AAPS school board has not heard that Detroit has gone bankrupt. That is what happens when rank amateurs get elected to local units of government and make idiotic decisions like conducting nationwide searches for an administrator. Negotiations? Nonsense. Make an offer on a take it or not platform. These salaries are way out of control, particularly at a time when teachers have been laid off, been taking pay cuts, and have no ideal how many students over a reasonable limit they will be teaching. AAPS needs an emergency manager.
EyeHeartA2
Tue, Jul 23, 2013 : 3:28 p.m.
Apparently you haven't heard that the AAPS and City of Detroit are two different entities. ...but go on.
Basic Bob
Tue, Jul 23, 2013 : 2:36 p.m.
It's a good offer. Negotiations should be finalizing contract language.
Amy Biolchini
Tue, Jul 23, 2013 : 1:50 p.m.
In a recent article published in the Maplewood Patch.com, South Orange-Maplewood Board of Education President Beth Daugherty is quoted: "Dr. Osborne has a big decision in front of him, not only for his career, but for his family as well... The Board remains hopeful that Brian will decline Ann Arbor's offer and remain in South Orange-Maplewood. However, should he leave, the Board will be prepared to begin a superintendent search process." http://maplewood.patch.com/groups/schools/p/osborne-mulls-job-offer-while-south-orange--maplewood-waits
Jack Gladney
Tue, Jul 23, 2013 : 1:13 p.m.
Hopefully Mexicotte and Company have Osborne on a downward sliding timescale with the salary offer. If he and the board consider that his long term prospects, his maximum salary potential anywhere in New Jersey is $167K after 2014. Need time to think about the lady's dance request, Dr. Osborne? He who hesitates is lost.
Eep
Tue, Jul 23, 2013 : 1:47 p.m.
Your statement that "his maximum salary potential anywhere in New Jersey is $167K after 2014" is not correct. The superintendant pay caps in New Jersey are based on the number of students enrolled in the school district. Larger districts have pay caps higher than $167K. I believe the current maximum is 175K - and there is always the potential for the cap to be raised or the law to be repealed entirely by 2015.
Jack Gladney
Tue, Jul 23, 2013 : 1:18 p.m.
BTW, Brian... With this board and the parents who micro-manage it, and will you, I would have to think long and hard about moving here. You've a nice head of hair at risk of being pulled out. So take your time and hurry up about it, already.
melissa
Tue, Jul 23, 2013 : 1:02 p.m.
There is NO excuse for not hiring someone from this area. Dr. Edmondson...Benjamin Edmondson was/is perfect for this community. Why do they insist on bringing in outsiders. No one loves this community and kids more. He has done so much for our kids. I can go back to 2007 when he was the Principal at Scarlett. I hope the deal fails with Mr. NJ maybe they can then make the appropriate decision.
EyeHeartA2
Tue, Jul 23, 2013 : 5 p.m.
I didn't say that Bob, and I thought you were smart enough to recognize that. The problems in Inkster were completely different than at King - which pretty much ran on autopilot, yet he insisted on fixing a non-existent discipline problem.
Basic Bob
Tue, Jul 23, 2013 : 4:31 p.m.
of course there were no bad kids at king. just ask their parents! all the bad kids belong to other people.
EyeHeartA2
Tue, Jul 23, 2013 : 3:27 p.m.
@skigirl50 DING DING DING, we have a winner. It was sure awe inspiring - all the punishments and penalties he put in place at King for all the discipline issues. --- Of course there were no discipline problems at King to begin with, but no sense figuring out what the problems are before "solving" them, right?
skigrl50
Tue, Jul 23, 2013 : 2:57 p.m.
There is a reason Ben Edmondson has not been hired at all of the other districts where he has applied. There is also a reason why he has been moved to 3 different buildings in a short time, and it's not because he's done a stellar job.
TryingToBeObjective
Tue, Jul 23, 2013 : 2:01 p.m.
Dr Edmondson may have done something for YOUR kids, but he needs more experience. The rest of OUR kids deserve the best leader for the district, whether or not there is someone from this area that is appropriate at this time, which apparently from the interviews, there is NOT. There is a tough road ahead, and we need an SI that has a strong backbone.
Mick52
Tue, Jul 23, 2013 : 1:55 p.m.
I believe they think it makes you look like hot stuff by doing a "nationwide" search. I does not seem to work out does it?
Mich Res and Alum
Tue, Jul 23, 2013 : 12:57 p.m.
The impatience here is hilarious. I suspect the salary of the contract is rather low on the list of things Dr. Osborne is considering in the contract/move. Much more important: Family desire to leave or stay Spouse's current career vs. future career potential in AA Board Relationships How he is evaluated as a superintendent How well the board's goals meet his strengths Then salary and benefits probably come into play. Long story short: relax. This is not as simple as accepting a job at Meijer.
Basic Bob
Tue, Jul 23, 2013 : 4:29 p.m.
wake up a2, this is typical of the 'you could be replaced by a monkey' management style. but then there was no need for a national search since the person behind you was also qualified. i would suspect draft contracts would be passed back and forth by now, but that would be confidential, wouldn't it?
Wake Up A2
Tue, Jul 23, 2013 : 4:09 p.m.
When I was offered a job I had 60 seconds before they offered it to the next person.
aamom
Tue, Jul 23, 2013 : 3:24 p.m.
sh1 I'm sure the conversation started but we don't know if it finished. Maybe she said I will consider it if they make you an offer. Now they have offered and perhaps she is considering. We just don't know.
jcj
Tue, Jul 23, 2013 : 3:10 p.m.
sh1 BINGO!
sh1
Tue, Jul 23, 2013 : 2:42 p.m.
I would have thought that the discussion with his family about moving would have happened before he applied for the job in the first place.
SonnyDog09
Tue, Jul 23, 2013 : 12:49 p.m.
The hysteria from some commentators is hilarious. This is an employment contract. Both sides will have the document reviewed by their lawyers. Both sides will want to make changes that will have to be reviewed and approved by the other side's lawyers. That was not going to happen over the weekend. Patience.
A2comments
Tue, Jul 23, 2013 : 2:09 p.m.
Contract negotiations have not begun, so no lawyers are involved...
JRW
Tue, Jul 23, 2013 : 12:46 p.m.
These are high paying positions and there are many aspects to taking a job like this. He would need to move his family, buy a home here, potentially sell a home in NJ, and there are relocation costs in addition to his salary for the next school year. He needs to potentially get out of a contract. All this need to be dealt with and he is smart to take his time. Positions at this level are not something that one accepts or rejects without looking at all the costs involved. He has a good job in NJ, and he was recruited to apply for the position. He is not desperate and that is a good thing. When he makes a decision, it will be thoughtfully considered.
JRW
Tue, Jul 23, 2013 : 12:40 p.m.
"Osborne asked questions about operations and amenities in the school district" Operations? The financial operations are a failure. Just look at the huge deficits run up over the last few years. Amenities? None. Good luck to Dr Osborne.
kris
Tue, Jul 23, 2013 : 12:22 p.m.
Perhaps Osborne wants to wait to see how the BOE recall effort proceeds. I would be very hesitant accepting a job and relocating with my young children into a potential explosive situation where the people who hired me are being forced out.
Tom Teague
Tue, Jul 23, 2013 : 6:33 p.m.
Should have noted that I'm using the numbers provided by annarbor.com in the original story. It stated that 14,733 signatures would be required. Since that number's not divisible by 6, I'm assuming that means "per petition." That translates to approximately 246 VALID signatures per petition every day of the 60-day window; given that it takes a few minutes to ask for and receive signatures, it's just a huge task that will involve a host of volunteers to canvas neighborhoods and set up multiple places where folks can sign the petitions. Even assuming it made the ballot there is, as @apparent points out, the question of who will replace the recalled trustee. That presents the group with the challenge of fielding a slate of at least four candidates to affect board outcomes. Getting slates elected is notoriously difficult for even mature political operations.
aaparent
Tue, Jul 23, 2013 : 5:27 p.m.
@Tom Teague-Thank you for supplying those numbers. I think that even if it was not August and summer vacation time, which is a good point, it would be hard to get 15,000 signatures in support of ousting all the board members. Another big problem would be who would replace them. I think a better starting point would be to ask that the leadership on the board we have now to change. I think that appointing a new board president would be a good start and letting Mexicotte use her years of experience and knowledge about the district move into a general board member position. The real action for change needs to occur within Balas, where data that has been kept improperly or not kept at all, needs an overhaul and a deadline to complete it. As I understand it, the data problems run the gamut from finances (credit card statements FOIA, building discretionary funds) and academics performance: allowing kids to move up grades without proper mastery of concepts at the K-8 level, setting up each successive teacher, especially in grades 4 and up, with more and more problems and pressure. The mastery grading system at Skyline needs to be revised or eliminated to one that has more direct accountability that can be checked.
Tom Teague
Tue, Jul 23, 2013 : 5:09 p.m.
Further to @aaparent's comment, I'm not even sure that the recall vote will make it to the ballot. Given an (optimistic) August 2 start date -- the day after the Washtenaw Election Commission might vote to approve the language -- 60 days isn't much time to collect nearly 15,000 signatures on a recall petition, especially when that 60 days includes August vacations and back-to-school frenzy among the target demographic. I just checked the related online petition at change.org, and it appears to be stalled out at fewer than 150 signatures - although protracted negotiations with a superintendent candidate could change that. AAPS Parents for Change is going to need a fairly sophisticated and organized effort to collect the needed signatures on the petition.
aaparent
Tue, Jul 23, 2013 : 12:41 p.m.
I think there is little chance the recall would succeed, based on history of recall efforts in Michigan and elsewhere. I see the recall effort as an important way to express strong objections to the board, and many complaints are valid. But in a practical way, I am doubtful that it would actually oust board members. The bigger risk as I see it is that it will be a huge distraction and very time consuming. I don't support the recall, but believe that some board members should resign or at least the board should reorganize who the officers are. Osborne's reasons for not answering yes, no or maybe, but only that he is thinking and considering is pretty vague. It is a bad beginning even if he would say yes. It is too bad. He seemed like he had a lot of strengths and a lot to offer.
a2teacher
Tue, Jul 23, 2013 : 12:04 p.m.
August 14???? Are you kidding me? This is ridiculous! Manipulation at its finest.
olddog
Tue, Jul 23, 2013 : 11:31 a.m.
What happened to " we will get a big pool of candidates because people want to work in ann arbor". The clock is ticking and we are probably throwing more money at the situation. Withdraw the offer and move on.
sandy schopbach
Tue, Jul 23, 2013 : 11:15 a.m.
I don't understand. If he was chosen, especially after visiting the area, it's because he wanted the job. Why are any negotiations needed? I should think he would have said "Yes, please" and then "thank you" when offered the position. Based on the final paragraph, he seems to be just fishing for more money. Such coyness is unbecoming. He's not made a good impression on me with this latest move.
jcj
Tue, Jul 23, 2013 : 3:09 p.m.
craig OK we approached him. Did he or did he not fill have to then APPLY for the job? Why would someone apply before doing enough research to know if it was what they wanted? Lets see how big was the raise they offered him to stay put?
craigjjs
Tue, Jul 23, 2013 : 11:29 a.m.
Osbourne was approached by us. He was not out looking for work. Executive hiring is done this way. The employer decides someone is right for the job; the candidate decides if he/she is interested in the job and then they negotiate. Negotiations after an employment offer are very common. In this case, Osbourne has plenty to think about. After his visit a group of disgruntled supporters of an unqualified, unchosen candidate launched a petition process to dump most of the school board. Osbourne has to wonder that if an organized group is trying to undermine his hiring, wouldn't they try to undermine he job if he accepted. AA has had great difficulty keeping good superintendents and Osbourne would be smart to consider why this is.
Nick Danger
Tue, Jul 23, 2013 : 10:59 a.m.
It is insane to give Dave Cosma a $769.00 a week raise while the District cuts teachers. Shame on you AA school board.
Amy Biolchini
Tue, Jul 23, 2013 : 1:47 p.m.
David Comsa has not left his position as deputy superintendent while he assumes the duties of the superintendent in the interim period. Deb Mexicotte said the school district is saving some funds because it is not paying for that second FTE at this time.
ROB 64
Tue, Jul 23, 2013 : 1:02 p.m.
You won't find me saying that I think teachers' salaries and jobs should be cut like they have been. My point was only that if superintendents are worth $180000 - $220000 to this district and Dave has assumed the duties of one that it makes sense that he would be compensated like one.
Floyd
Tue, Jul 23, 2013 : 12:50 p.m.
The story of David Comsa's time in AAPS is a meteoric rise in his salary that hasn't stopped. He was part of the two am fourteen percent pay raise. He was part of Pat Green's building a gigantic, insulating cabinet of fellow superintendents. And now he is raking in bonus cash for laying teachers off.
local
Tue, Jul 23, 2013 : 12:48 p.m.
ROB64 everyone in this district is being asked to do more, yet only a few of us are getting raises in the 700.00 a week category. As a teacher, we are being asked to do more and all of us are making less. So Nick's point is spot on!!
ROB 64
Tue, Jul 23, 2013 : 12:39 p.m.
Well, he is sort of working two jobs now too, isn't he? I don't know how much of a raise is appropriate, but if he is being asked to do more work than he was before then he should be compensated for it.
RUKiddingMe
Tue, Jul 23, 2013 : 10:35 a.m.
Is it a coincidence that his 'bonus" puts him $1000 over the top range of the salary publicized by the AAPS? I wonder if his salary will be the very top end $220,000 if he takes the job. Bets?
Indymama
Tue, Jul 23, 2013 : 12:36 p.m.
It wouldn't surprise me that he is holding out for an amount at least as large as the "former" Superintendent was promised.
Eep
Tue, Jul 23, 2013 : 12:04 p.m.
@Bob, you aren't wrong, but anyone in his position would also have to consider the lower cost of living here. The price of an equivalent house is 50% less, and taxes (believe it or not) are much lower here.
Basic Bob
Tue, Jul 23, 2013 : 10:51 a.m.
Forget the temporary bump, the top of our salary range is less than 6% higher than his current job. That would make it difficult to justify changing jobs and moving, even with a 20% cut looming in 12 months. If I were him, I would be looking for a contract with annual increases. Let's see if the board can tie those increases to something meaningful. No one says they have to agree.
LXIX
Tue, Jul 23, 2013 : 10:33 a.m.
Here ye, here ye. 11:59:59 and all's well.
aaparent
Tue, Jul 23, 2013 : 10:28 a.m.
Question: Mexicotte said that she and Osborne have committed to making a good decision as soon as possible. Is this equivalent to "Osborne has not agreed to take the job and begin contract negotiations." If it is the equivalent statement, why doesn't our board president just say so? Instead, she is talking in terms of relationship building and friendship. I support developing a strong working relationship with a potential superitendent candidate who was expected to say yes to the offer (according to Mexicotte) but has not said yes yet. Given this communication style, I am concerned that she is the designated board representative to handle negotiations in an employment offer and contract. Would it be a good change in BOE leadership to acknowledge that this is not Mexicotte's strongest suit and appoint someone else to take over this role? If Osborne is hesitant for whatever reasons, I don't see Mexicotte's style of talking and explaining things as a good match for his and she might be contributing to him backing away from the job. Mexicotte's quotes in the story above become more vague in terms of facts: --a good decision will be made (we will all feel good?) --It will take time and we will know in "good time" --That said, don't expect to hear any specifics by the Aug. 14 board meeting --The public should be reassured, the BOE will keep them "apprised" (But if A2.com didn't keep pestering them, would the public know anything at all?) --She repeats the Aug. 14 deadline as the time the public should know. --Her final quote is that the public should know "very shortly" So does this mean that she gave Osborne an outer limit deadline of Aug. 14? Let's make a good decision but take your time, but also hurry up and let us know soon, but probably best by Aug. 14? That is what I take away from this article. Is this accurate?
Amy Biolchini
Tue, Jul 23, 2013 : 1:45 p.m.
From my conversation with Deb Mexicotte yesterday, there was no hard timeline that she gave to Brian Osborne to respond to the offer. Based on her interactions with Osborne and their continuing dialogue, Mexicotte said that she expected to have an answer from him soon once he had time to consider the offer with his family and home school board. That answer will likely come before the Aug. 14 meeting, Mexicotte said.
aaparent
Tue, Jul 23, 2013 : 12:36 p.m.
@drewK- good point. Mexicotte brings up Aug. 14, but doesn't say Osborne gave any time line at all. I think of job offers as being on the table for a limited period of time and then on to the next candidate. I am curious if Swift got an offer elsewhere. Mexicotte seems to be falling into the pattern that happened with Green, which is vacuuming the red carpet for the royal superintendent. I am still trying to make sense of Green passing Mexicotte a note at the board table at 1:30 a.m. (according to Danielle Arndt's earlier news stories) saying "I resign."
drewk
Tue, Jul 23, 2013 : 12:20 p.m.
No where in the article does it say that Osborne is giving his answer on August 14.
Wake Up A2
Tue, Jul 23, 2013 : 10:20 a.m.
Well at least we can see what his ego looks like before he starts working.....
Wake Up A2
Wed, Jul 24, 2013 : 10:24 a.m.
He is thinking to himself, " I'm in the money, I'm in the money" A2 will pay for him because they made their choice. It will be the first scandal of his tenure. Question is how much money will we pay?
Nicholas Urfe
Tue, Jul 23, 2013 : 7:17 p.m.
"Why would you interview for a job you didn't want? Not for a free Ann Arbor vacation." This board seems to go through superintendents like tissue paper. Why shouldn't he be very cautious? An interview is just a discussion. And in the case of real talent, the talent is also conducting an interview of the employer. He already has a job. He doesn't need the money. He doesn't need the hassle of moving his family. He doesn't need the hassle of trying to turn-around a conflicted and rather financially challenged school district that doesn't even have an accurate accounting of their finances.
Wake Up A2
Tue, Jul 23, 2013 : 3:37 p.m.
Why would you interview for a job you didn't want? Not for a free Ann Arbor vacation.
Mich Res and Alum
Tue, Jul 23, 2013 : 12:52 p.m.
Or maybe during the interview process some valid concerns arose that would make any top candidate hesitate leaving a similar position and uprooting his family. Or maybe AA.com commenters are just being a little ridiculous and impatient.