Ann Arbor school board seeks superintendent with fortitude, relationship skills
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The Ann Arbor Board of Education has identified the set of qualities it is looking for in a new superintendent. And after Patricia Green's short-lived experience in the district, the board has emphasized an ability to handle criticism and to build personal relationships with the school community.
Courtney Sacco | AnnArbor.com
Green's communication skills and level of transparency were points of contention throughout her tenure at the Ann Arbor Public Schools. She's been criticized for not being approachable or accessible to teachers and parents and for a perceived lack of commitment to the community.
The board developed a 14-item superintendent profile and set a timeline for hiring a new superintendent in a study session Wednesday evening, before its regular meeting, at which the district administration presented its recommended expenditure budget for the 2013-14 academic year. The board also set the next superintendent salary range at $180,000 to $220,000. Green makes $245,000.
The profile will be given to Ray & Associates, the search firm helping the district find a new leader. The profile is intended to attract interested candidates by presenting a clear picture of what the district values, so potential applicants can determine if the Ann Arbor Public Schools would be an appropriate fit for their personal values, goals and skills, President Deb Mexicotte said.
The board started with the profile it developed in 2010. But by the time it was done, the profile had been completely revamped with additional language, bullet points and specifics.
Among the qualities that were added were the ability to: serve as the face of the district, advocate for the district at all levels of government and maintain effectiveness in stressful financial periods. The board also specified that the superintendent should have a "visionary drive" and, when met with criticism, the superintendent should show a willingness to glean suggestions and ideas from others.
Mexicotte said she wants a leader with strong skills in the area of new media; someone who has experience working with media outlets as well as social media, she said, and perhaps has his or her own social media presence.
In addition to having skills in communication and trust and relationship building, the board stressed that the next leader must have a "desire" to do these things and an appreciation of their importance.
Applications for the superintendent's position will be due on May 30. The board will select its candidate frontrunners by June 12. Semifinalists will be identified by July 8 and the board will begin interviewing them that week.
Community interviews of the final three candidates will take place the week of July 15.
Between now and the end of May, the board intends to schedule more community dialogues, similar to the format that was used for public input and suggestions on the budget. Three Board of Education trustees led these dialogues, and the forums took place around the district and at various times of day to allow for a wide spectrum of participants.
Ray & Associates also will develop an online survey for soliciting feedback on what the community and district residents would like to see in their next superintendent.
Read the complete superintendent profile below.
The Ann Arbor Public Schools seeks a superintendent who:
- Inspires trust in all facets of the community, has high levels of self-confidence and optimism, and models high standards of integrity and personal performance.
- Possesses the leadership skills required to respond to the challenges presented by an ethnically and culturally diverse community containing a major university and other high tech institutions.
- Possesses the ability to enhance student performance, especially in identifying and closing or narrowing gaps in student achievement.
- Is a strong communicator: speaking, listening and writing; is the face of the district and presents a positive image of the district.
- Is strongly committed to a "student first" philosophy in all decisions.
- Possesses excellent people skills; enjoys coming to know personally parents, students, staff, board trustees and community members and their leaders.
- Maintains effectiveness and confidence in the face of criticism while gleaning helpful suggestions and ideas.
- Has knowledge of sound fiscal procedures and experience in the management of district resources in stressful periods.
- Has knowledge of emerging research and best practice in the area of curriculum/instructional design and practice.
- Has demonstrated strong leadership and management skills in previous positions.
- Appreciates the value of building consensus and commitment among individuals and groups and is able to do this.
- Advocates effectively for the district at all levels of government.
- Is a visionary leader who brings knowledge and expertise to the pragmatic implementation of the district's strategic plan.
- Has strong skills in internal and external communication skills with demonstrated experience in current media paradigms.
Danielle Arndt covers K-12 education for AnnArbor.com. Follow her on Twitter @DanielleArndt or email her at daniellearndt@annarbor.com.
Comments
ligrasp
Sat, Apr 27, 2013 : 5:07 p.m.
Could we not simply promote from within, thus encouraging a ready-made pool of applicants for all positions within the school system, i.e., why not promote a school principal into the superintendent position? We would have someone already familiar with and committed to the community. It seems to me we made a huge mistake in offering Green that exceptional salary that even she had not demanded, and now we seem ready to make the same kind of mistake. I think it is outrageous to be hiring a search committee. It seems to me that is what the Board of Education should be doing.
Mike
Sat, Apr 27, 2013 : 3:11 a.m.
Fiscal responsibility should outweigh all others. The ability to negotiate concessions from the unions would be right up there too. Otherwise just get the emergency manager here before we need one...................
glacialerratic
Fri, Apr 26, 2013 : 11:21 p.m.
The Board is repeating its past mistakes. While disappointing, this isn't surprising. Developing the search profile is a meaningless exercise encouraged by search firms--in Walter Lippmann's incisive phrase, it's part of the "manufacture of consent" by which the Board seeks to confirm its competence (in face of all evidence to the contrary) for the public. It's pretty clear what a superintendent's job entails. These bullet points are a compendium of poses and self-evident abstractions. Perhaps what's needed is to change the way the Board is elected and have members elected from districts. This might at least introduce a measure of accountability. At present, there's little.
Comment
Fri, Apr 26, 2013 : 7:24 p.m.
Pay the Superintendent more money. Yeah, that's the answer. She is so good she will figure out a way to save teachers jobs, thats why she is worth so much money!
wisecat
Fri, Apr 26, 2013 : 5:41 p.m.
Cut the salary. Too much money draws the wrong motivation and top dog style of "professionalism." $220,000 a year removes the person from the world of ordinary reality, and most of their students. Rely on love, and the person's passion for teaching and for children and youth. Look for a person with experience, capacity and desire to work in teams and in partnerships. De-professionalize, include students and teachers , and custodial staff in school system governance. Open the system to the creativity within, and the people and ideas here in town already will do better than any headhunter can deliver from afar.
A Voice of Reason
Fri, Apr 26, 2013 : 4:17 p.m.
If I were going to take the superintendent position, I would work as a consultant for 6 months (shadowing the interim), and then sign a contract outlining my plan and have the board agree to it before I started or not take the job.
A2Dave
Fri, Apr 26, 2013 : 1:23 p.m.
Given this BOE, the job will definitely require fortitude, of the intestinal kind.
Thoughtful
Fri, Apr 26, 2013 : 12:42 p.m.
Can the BOE actually identify fortitude and relationship skills? Since they have none themselves, I think not.
Joe Hood
Fri, Apr 26, 2013 : 12:33 p.m.
Taking on both sides of the coin, why not hire Deb Mexicotte as the superintendent? (yes, she would need to resign from the board) If the board wanted a super that could deal with the BOE, she probably has the most practice. Deb also has the experience of seeing things from the 10K foot level around the district. From a personal point of view, she seems easy to talk to, someone you would want at the "C" level of a company (or in this case a school system).
Joe Hood
Mon, Apr 29, 2013 : 1:13 p.m.
You don't see the double edged sword here? If, as you say, Deb is the issue, she's now off of the board. If she is not the issue on the board, then she can affect change.
alarictoo
Fri, Apr 26, 2013 : 1:40 p.m.
Joe - PLEASE tell me that was sarcasm! Please! (If so, it was pretty good! If not... OY!)
bulldog
Fri, Apr 26, 2013 : 1:13 p.m.
You've got to be kidding! She is a big part of the problem. Just re-read that glowing letter she wrote after Green's resignation, praising all Green's accomplishments - a bunch of BS!
Wake Up A2
Fri, Apr 26, 2013 : 11:15 a.m.
"Character is doing the right thing when nobody's looking. There are too many people who think that the only thing that's right is to get by, and the only thing that's wrong is to get caught." - J. C. Watts We need someone with character as defined by Watts.... I can think of many spots in A2 schools by people who are just trying not to get caught...again.... We need help now our one high school. We are now get what should have been done 3 months ago, but since we have brought it to the attention of the board, their are finally doing a job. This needs to stop and they should go. When will some of the supers picks need review in order to best serve the parents and students.
Bob Heinold
Fri, Apr 26, 2013 : 11 a.m.
Usual A3 (Ann+Arbor+arrogance) line. I concede the financial and regulatory problems of living in a state run by hicks, but the constant high level of turmoil is a sign of some destructive process constantly at work in this town. Bob H.
greymom
Fri, Apr 26, 2013 : 10:29 a.m.
Why waste anymore more money! We have folks in this District with the ability to do this job!! Give them a chance, whats the worst thing that could happen, they quit after two years- sorry that has already happened! You will break down the trust and faith in the Board by continuing to make BAD choices! Right now my trust and faith is the Board is slim to none. We need to bring Ann Arbor Public Schools back to life, make it the wonderful place it used to be to work at, go to school at and so on! My two cents-
Floyd
Fri, Apr 26, 2013 : 9:04 a.m.
There are several groups of experts who know the in-and-outs of Ann Arbor schools better than Ray and Associates, and much better than the school board: they are principals, teachers, parents, and students. Each of these groups should be represented on the hiring committee and granted the power to actually have a vote during the culling process and on the final choice.
aaparent
Fri, Apr 26, 2013 : 11:57 a.m.
Have you asked the BOE to act on your suggestion rather than persist with the Ray and Associates plan? Mexicotte spoke throughout the BOE meeting Wednesday night as if she was becoming the legend in her own mind she had always dreamed of becoming and was out of touch with what the community has said. She said she had gotten community input but dodged around the words so she would not admit that the BOE, Balas did not integrate or use any of the input received. I wonder how many letters, emails and public comments have been viewed and ignored. I would like to see the paper trail.
You Don't Say
Fri, Apr 26, 2013 : 3:43 a.m.
If they can add, subtract, multiply and divide, be a good judge of character, enjoy working with kids, stay in the background yet have time to get out and visit the classroom and schools, hear the voices of concern, stay in touch with reality, not be intimidated and focus on just Ann Arbor, that will be an ideal candidate. Our society has gotten so specialized that we have lost touch with the simplest of tasks. Finding a good person to oversee and manage a bunch of teachers and kids in a great city doesn't need an MBA or PhD. Just someone with good management skills and initiative to make things right and not over spend. Lets keep it simple folks and I think you will be pleasantly surprised at the outcome. Give an unknown a chance.
Usual Suspect
Fri, Apr 26, 2013 : 12:57 a.m.
Isn't that the same search firm that got us Dr. Green? If so, why? Those guys must have had a great laugh at the office when they found out the got the job yet again. I think throwing dart at a list on the wall would get us better results with much less expense.
Usual Suspect
Fri, Apr 26, 2013 : 12:28 p.m.
Agree
Goober
Fri, Apr 26, 2013 : 11:42 a.m.
I believe that the search firm brought us 'the best of the best' (no joke intended) and the AA BOE selected and hired Green. So - I agree with what you are alluding to - dump the search firm, as they do not know how to find viable, good candidates. The problem with the BOE will still exist. But, if viable, good candidates are found, then the potential for another BOE hiring mistake will be minimized. I still believe we have internal talent that can take this position. In this case, no search firm help would be needed. You know that the BOE is clueless, don't you?
Piledriver
Fri, Apr 26, 2013 : 12:17 a.m.
Please, Ann Arbor School Board members/trustees, learn from your past mistakes. You will be setting up the next superintendent to also fail, if you pay the person an exorbitant compensation package. If you pay the new superintendent an exobitant amount, the community will have it out for the person before they even start the job and the community will not accept them not matter what their qualifications are. Admit your past mistakes, learn from them, and do not repeat them.....only then will the community start having confidence in you and start to respect you.
Piledriver
Fri, Apr 26, 2013 : 12:21 a.m.
"no" not "not".
golfer
Thu, Apr 25, 2013 : 10:24 p.m.
pay the person top dollar. more than anyone else. if more money is needed after cutting reading. try not furnishing lunch. you can save a bunch that way. make them leave school to eat. then you can divide the cafeteria into class room.
jns131
Fri, Apr 26, 2013 : 2:11 a.m.
How about starting the superintendent what a starting teacher makes? Then give pay raises as merited. Then take 3% of it back if they fail.
Don'tGotTime4That
Thu, Apr 25, 2013 : 9:55 p.m.
Ann Arbor public schools are a joke.
mady
Fri, Apr 26, 2013 : 1:37 p.m.
the schools aren't a joke, the BOE is!
jns131
Fri, Apr 26, 2013 : 2:10 a.m.
Clowns to the left of me, Clowns to right of me. Here I am stick in the middle with everyone else.
15crown00
Thu, Apr 25, 2013 : 9:14 p.m.
how about that ex football coach at Huron?
Don'tGotTime4That
Thu, Apr 25, 2013 : 9:50 p.m.
He still works there as a teacher.
Homeland Conspiracy
Thu, Apr 25, 2013 : 9:03 p.m.
For $200,000.00+ a year I'll be anything you wish
cibachrome
Thu, Apr 25, 2013 : 8:31 p.m.
See, its better up North. Ann Arbor ? Oh please. I used to live there for 15 years. The schools here fortunately helped my kid recover from the educational abuse done there. http://www.livingstondaily.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2013304220019
Usual Suspect
Fri, Apr 26, 2013 : 5:02 p.m.
It was that way before. Actually, many families ARE choosing to raise their kids there now. It has been the fastest growing county in the state for a while. Between 2000 and 2010, it was ranked second for growth (by percent), next to Clinton County. It's diversity is changing as well, along with voting, which is trending toward more balanced Republican/Democrat numbers. By haters gotta hate, and stereotypers gotta stereotype.
Brad
Fri, Apr 26, 2013 : 12:52 p.m.
Livingston County suffers from a serious lack of diversity. Many people would choose not to raise their families in such an environment. Just like 30 years ago.
Usual Suspect
Fri, Apr 26, 2013 : 12:59 a.m.
Brad and Stewart, you're about 30 years behind with your information. Nice hate, though.
Danielle Arndt
Fri, Apr 26, 2013 : 12:48 a.m.
Thanks for sharing the article. I think a part of what was written is interesting context in light of all the conversations ensuing in Ann Arbor about longevity and stability and attracting a candidate who's willing to stay for the long haul. There's been ongoing debate about whether salary keeps people or the fact that they were local keeps people. The article says: Although Portage is a larger district and would have paid him more, Gray said it wasn't the right move for his family. "It's about taking a look at my kids and seeing what situation is best for their long-term success," Gray said... "In the end, it's not all about the money," Gray said, adding he looked at all the factors. This attitude sort of mirrored what AAPS BOE President Deb Mexicotte said Wednesday when the board was trying to decide on a salary range for its next superintendent: "If someone is happy with where they are and how they are working with their team and if they feel comfortable and supported in the community" then that's more important than salary or whether they are local or not, in terms of longevity. Any thoughts on how the BOE can improve its superintendent turnover rate?
Brad
Fri, Apr 26, 2013 : 12:23 a.m.
Livingston County - the heart of Michissippi.
Stewart G. Griffin
Fri, Apr 26, 2013 : 12:08 a.m.
Oh yes, Livingston County....where nothin' says lovin' like marryin' your cousin! Yes, it's an intellectual mecca up there, isnt't it?
Goober
Thu, Apr 25, 2013 : 8:04 p.m.
Seeing that the Ann Arbor BOE is clueless when it comes to identifying internal talent that could fill the Superintendent position (the same applies to most Balas positions – clueless when it comes to knowing their own team members), what I have done successfully when confronted with a challenge such as this (having to pick a solution when I do not know the people) would be as follows: • Pick the best team facilitator in the current AA school system to facilitate a meeting • Invite the true talent of the AA school system to the meeting (all of them) – the school teachers • Notify the group ahead of time as to the objective of the meeting which would be to identify and select 2 to 5 internal candidates who would be a good interim superintendent • Notify the group ahead of time that this is the only objective for the meeting – identifying internal candidates • Provide lunch or breakfast for the group. Oh – yes, we have no money for this, but I'll bet that we could easily find several local businesses willing to pay for the meals on the basis that what is going to be accomplished is in the best interest of the community The end result of this activity would be identification of internal talent that can take the open position. Once filled this way, the group can then see if they just selected the permanent candidate based on interim performance. If the group likes this idea, I can then advise on how to pick from the 2 to 5 internal candidates identified by the teachers. Go figure!
Goober
Fri, Apr 26, 2013 : 1:51 p.m.
to aaparent: In addition, you are correct. Unless the voters attempt a full recall of the BOE, they will continue as they have in the past ruining our school system. One of these days, when it is too late, the voters 'might' wake up. Might is a big word and I am stretching it using it here.
Goober
Fri, Apr 26, 2013 : 1:48 p.m.
to aaparent: I believe the AA BOE reads these comments as I recall Andy Thomas commenting to something someone else said. But, I have not sent it to them for the following reasons: 1 - they will not take suggestions from the community based on my experience living in AA for more than 20 years 2 - they would not know how to discuss an outside idea as a group 3 - it did not come from a consultant 4 - it did not come from an education professional with a zillion advanced degrees 5 - the last thing they want to admit is that they do not know any of the talent in the current system, nor do they have a current team (the supt. cabinet) that can provide this same information 6 - they do not wish to admit that the teachers are the true talent of the system 7 - they will never admit or allow others to help them make their decisions, even if their decisions have been proven to be faulty, wrong or off the mark Shall I continue? If the AA BOE is reading these comments, I truly believe my suggestion will yield capable internal candidates, even if initially selected as interim.
aaparent
Fri, Apr 26, 2013 : 12:02 p.m.
@ Goober - have you sent this list to the BOE? If you have, did anyone respond with a note that was different than a voice recording from DTE or Sprint or some business that assures you it values your business but no one is available to talk to you right now, but please keep paying the bill which is going up? I don't know of any districts that had Board recall votes which led to anything constructive. Do you? The lack of accountability on the BOE and Balas is inexcusable. Unless the community from all sectors exerts continued pressure, nothing has a chance of changing and even with that kind of pressure, it seems to me that the BOE and especially President Mexicotte, are not truly interested in what the voters, teachers and students have to say about what is truly happening in buildings.
Flea
Fri, Apr 26, 2013 : 5:34 a.m.
I had a clueless BOE one: he kept showing up everywhere like a whack-a-mole with flowers. Hit him over the head with my purse to make him disappear, but he kept coming back for more. Then I realized it was just some poor Ann Arbor dry cleaner: I had dropped my laundry list, so he took the liberty of suggesting improvements and was obsessed with returning it.
Ron Burgandy
Thu, Apr 25, 2013 : 8:03 p.m.
Can we at least make sure the new Superintendent's name is also Patricia Green so we at least save a few bucks on business cards, nameplates, and stationary? Or at the very least make sure the new person is willing to legally change her/his name to Patricia Green? Again, it's this out of the box thinking that has not gotten me where I'm wish I was today!
Ron Burgandy
Thu, Apr 25, 2013 : 8:10 p.m.
TYPO: "I'm" should be "I".
demistify
Thu, Apr 25, 2013 : 7:59 p.m.
Ann Arbor seeks school board with fortitude, relationship skills
Jay Thomas
Thu, Apr 25, 2013 : 9:28 p.m.
Ability or willingness to not buckle to political correctness and alter what is common sense.
mr_annarbor
Thu, Apr 25, 2013 : 8:10 p.m.
Don't like 'em? Vote 'em out!
Fishermon
Thu, Apr 25, 2013 : 7:59 p.m.
For the life of me, I do not understand why we cannot find a present member of our school system to handle this job. We consider our system to be above average so there must be persons presently on the staff that have the capacity to lead and to be effective. Come on School Board and show us that you need not search the country for another person that usually ends up moving on too soon.
Goober
Thu, Apr 25, 2013 : 9:27 p.m.
I agree with you, but the issue we have is that the AA BOE is totally clueless.
alarictoo
Thu, Apr 25, 2013 : 7:56 p.m.
"Ann Arbor school board seeks superintendent with fortitude, relationship skills" So, basically we are looking for the qualities that have not been in evidence from our current Superintendent and/or Board of Education. Does that about sum it up?
jayjay
Thu, Apr 25, 2013 : 7:56 p.m.
Good luck getting this person w/o paying the salary that Pat Green was receiving. Good luck!
Goober
Thu, Apr 25, 2013 : 9:28 p.m.
The facts say otherwise.
alarictoo
Thu, Apr 25, 2013 : 7:59 p.m.
If you look at what other superintendents in Michigan are making it should not be all that difficult, jayjay. The first step is not naming the salary before we have applicants, which the BoE already failed at again at their meeting last night.
TheDiagSquirrel
Thu, Apr 25, 2013 : 7:43 p.m.
Besides being overly wordy and redundant, three of the paragraphs are focused on communication skills. I wonder if FOIA accessibility is covered, as well.
Due
Thu, Apr 25, 2013 : 7:39 p.m.
There really are some excellent administrators in Ann Arbor which deserve a chance to succeed. The idea of hiring someone who was a teacher is also a great idea. Yes social media is probably pretty important now, and using and teaching technology.
thecompound
Thu, Apr 25, 2013 : 7:37 p.m.
And I want a pony....LOL.
jns131
Fri, Apr 26, 2013 : 2:07 a.m.
Does it come with instructions? Or do you have to clean up after it?
Ron Burgandy
Thu, Apr 25, 2013 : 7:33 p.m.
Just for fun, I say place an ad on Craigslist or in the Metro Times....at least those applicants would be more fun to interview and likely more engaging! We'll make a reality TV show out of the process and help close the budget gap by selling it to a TV network. It's out of the box thinking like this that has kept me alienated from most normal members of society!
LDR
Fri, Apr 26, 2013 : 2:09 p.m.
Me, too...close the budget gap with a reality show, lol...we can get the kids in the Business magnet over at Skyline, or Pioneer Theater, or Community to do all the back work...editing, graphics, social media, stunts, etc....they'd do a great job!
mady
Fri, Apr 26, 2013 : 1:32 p.m.
Ron, I like it! seriously!
BioWheels
Thu, Apr 25, 2013 : 7:25 p.m.
It's time to hire a superintendent that has actually taught before! No more life long administrators; they have set this district back far to many years. Pick someone who knows what education is all about! Hire a teacher to lead the district - not another bureaucrat that doesn't have a clue about what educators actually do!
Great Lakes Lady
Thu, Apr 25, 2013 : 7:19 p.m.
Why pay a search firm? You have an Human Resource Dept. What is the cost of your H.R. Dept? What is the cost of the search firm? It seems redundant.
towncryer
Fri, Apr 26, 2013 : 2:15 p.m.
I agree with SonnyDog, the Board fell for her achievement gap schtick and was mesmerized by her Spirit Award. Here is a quote from her in an aa.com article dated March of 2011: I just want to be a part of the community as quickly as I can. I want to be seen. I think it's very important to live in the community. I want to be approached by people and I don't want people to think I'm a title instead of a person. I always like to say that even though I will be the superintendent and I know I have that title and it puts that aura on a title, I don't see myself that way. I want to be out shopping in the community, banking in the community. I want to be part of this community not apart from the community. What an epic FAIL.
SonnyDog09
Fri, Apr 26, 2013 : 1:17 p.m.
The search firm came up with a list of candidates. The BoE made the final selection. The Board screwed up.
Usual Suspect
Fri, Apr 26, 2013 : 1:02 a.m.
"This search firm will essentially be WORKING FOR FREE because of their "warranty" on Dr. Green." They have proven themselves to be incompetent when they were paid tens of thousands of dollars. Why possible reason could anybody have for thinking they will do a better job for free?
Danielle Arndt
Fri, Apr 26, 2013 : 12:27 a.m.
Here's a link to the previous story that explains the satisfaction guarantee clause: http://www.annarbor.com/news/replacing-patricia-green-ann-arbor-could-get-free-redo-through-superintendent-search-firm/. Essentially, because Pat Green resigned/retired before her 2-year anniversary with the district, AAPS will not pay anything for the search firm's services. The district only will pay "reasonable expenses," so things like travel and lodging for the search consultants to occasionally come to Ann Arbor to help with the search process, and other food, travel or entertainment, etc., costs associated with inviting the final candidates for site visits to AAPS. The district also will have to pay posting fees for advertising the position opening. But these things I listed here, aside from having the Iowa-based consultants come to town to aid the process, would be costs the district would incur even if the board did the search on its own. Hope this helps!
Brad
Thu, Apr 25, 2013 : 11:44 p.m.
This search firm will essentially be WORKING FOR FREE because of their "warranty" on Dr. Green.
alarictoo
Thu, Apr 25, 2013 : 7:53 p.m.
Considering the results of Ray & Associates last superintendent search for us, can we: A. Trust their 'expertise'? B. Afford another debacle like this one? C. Get a refund (partial, even) on what we paid them to fund us Pat? D. All of the above. E. None of the above.
Kilgore Trout
Thu, Apr 25, 2013 : 7:36 p.m.
Search firms usually have a six month guarantee, never as much as a year. So they have already cashed the check. Why not use a local search firm?
skigrl50
Thu, Apr 25, 2013 : 7:24 p.m.
If you've followed previous articles, the search firm will be a minimal charge (I believe only for travel) because Dr Green didn't stay here long enough.
Wake Up A2
Thu, Apr 25, 2013 : 7:17 p.m.
1) doesn't put ego before the kids. 2) doesn't hide from staff, parents and students. 3) lives in town 4) is not going to use this job as a stepping stone. 5) put district needs before theirs. 6) works with the teachers not just balas types. 7) doesn't need a propaganda director in order to talk to the district. Here are 8 better points.
wisecat
Fri, Apr 26, 2013 : 4:55 p.m.
and another 9) listens to students regarding the quality of their education and school experience
Wake Up A2
Thu, Apr 25, 2013 : 7:18 p.m.
8) has energy to stay the course.
SonnyDog09
Thu, Apr 25, 2013 : 7:16 p.m.
As you go through the list, ask yourself which members of the BoE have met those criteria.
SonnyDog09
Fri, Apr 26, 2013 : 11:01 a.m.
I generally don't vote for incumbents for any position.
jns131
Fri, Apr 26, 2013 : 2:06 a.m.
Yup. Power of the voter. You voted em back in. So now who is complaining? The ones who voted them back in in the first place. You all had a chance to vote in new faces. But nope. Same ole riff raff as before. New faces get rid of Balas. They would not like me in place. Anyone up to challenge palace balas?
mr_annarbor
Thu, Apr 25, 2013 : 8:09 p.m.
Exactly. Don't like 'em? Vote 'em out!
skigrl50
Thu, Apr 25, 2013 : 7:26 p.m.
Have you thought about running for the BOE? What a thankless job, essentially a volunteer position. I am thankful that we can get anyone to run and try to make AAPS a better place to educate the children of Ann Arbor!
Stewart G. Griffin
Thu, Apr 25, 2013 : 7:10 p.m.
Oooooooo, "fortitude". Now there's a $220,000 word.
Jay Thomas
Thu, Apr 25, 2013 : 9:25 p.m.
That means won't run for the exit when they face criticism.
A2comments
Thu, Apr 25, 2013 : 7:09 p.m.
Yeah, social media is real important. Thanks for catching that Deb...
say it plain
Fri, Apr 26, 2013 : 12:58 a.m.
should that comment include #I'mBeingSarcastic lol?