Board members: Ann Arbor schools will bounce back from superintendent resignation
Previous coverage:
Although the news of Superintendent Patricia Green's resignation came as a shock to the Ann Arbor community Thursday, school board members said they're not worried about any long-term impact on the Ann Arbor Public Schools.
Patricia Green, superintendent of the Ann Arbor Public Schools, speaks during a 2012 public hearing on the budget.
Angela J. Cesere | AnnArbor.com file photo
Green, who started with the AAPS in July 2011 under a five-year contract, gave her resignation letter to Mexicotte early Thursday at the end of the regular school board meeting.
Mexicotte said she was able to apprise the remaining school trustees as they left the meeting, which adjourned in the early morning hours Thursday.
AAPS staff, parents and the community were informed of Green's resignation in an email sent at about 5 p.m. Thursday.
The announcement caught everyone off guard. Green stated in her letter to the community she plans to retire this summer after 43 years as an educator, administrator and superintendent.
Several attempts to reach Green for comment Thursday evening were unsuccessful.
Green's resignation will be effective in mid-July, unless the school board determines otherwise.
"Dr. Green will be with us for the next 90 days or there about," Mexicotte said. "I suspect we'll sit down with her and figure out an end date."
Ann Arbor has had high superintendent turnover since the early 2000s, when Rossi Ray Taylor was pushed out by board members. The district's past three superintendents combined lasted less than 10 years in the district. Previous Superintendent Todd Roberts led the district for four years. He succeeded George Fornero who announced his resignation in 2006, shortly before revealing the then-under-construction Skyline High School was over budget and a year behind schedule.
Mexicotte said it is "common knowledge" that with superintendents there often is high turnover.
Green laid strong groundwork during her tenure with the AAPS, Mexicotte said.
"I will be convening the board next week to strategize how to best move forward, (to discuss) what will the transition plan be and how quickly or slowly do we want to move. ... I just want the community to know that this district is strong and we have great teachers and administrators in place; they'll help ensure a smooth and successful transition."
Trustee Simone Lightfoot said AAPS is a challenging environment, no matter who the superintendent is.
"This is a tough district to be in. We're a tough community, we have tough standards," Lightfoot said. "… Here in Ann Arbor, education is what we do. We breath it, we eat it, we sleep it. We have a level of expectations around it. … It's not for the faint of heart."
Board Vice President Christine Stead agreed.
"We still need strong leadership and I know we'll get it," Stead said, adding Ann Arbor is named to every "best of" list imaginable. "In every age group, in every way you want to slice it, Ann Arbor is a great place to live, a great place to raise families."
Simone Lightfoot
"It's hard when in the middle of a mission, you lose the person who was helping to lead the mission," Lightfoot said. "But I know we'll be resilient and find a way to move forward and be successful."
Green is the second central administrator to step down since the beginning of the year. Top finance and budget official, Deputy Superintendent of Operations Robert Allen resigned in February to take a job in North Carolina at a school now run by Roberts.
Lightfoot said she thinks the things that led her to butt heads with Green are the same things the community and the staff had problems with, such as communication and transparency and having to submit Freedom of Information Act requests for information and data.
"I think these concerns permeated throughout the district," she said. "… This is an opportunity for us to reflect as a board and listen to the community. I'm excited about the chance to engage our front line. … Administratively, we have to figure out some things."
Lightfoot said she is disappointed Green is retiring. And while Green may not have been the true "right fit" for the district, "in many ways she was," Lightfoot said.
"When it came to compiling things and pulling information that may have been on different shelves, she was," Lightfoot said. "She created excellent one-stop documents with data. The facilities report … was one of the best documents I've ever seen us produce. So (Green) was good on the academic side. I think it's just that our standards as a community aren't being met in the communication and outreach and interpersonal relationships side of things."
Lightfoot said if she were to grade the superintendent's tenure, she would have to give Green an "incomplete, in the sense that she started some great things and had some great ideas. But we didn't get to see the full implementation of those things."
Danielle Arndt covers K-12 education for AnnArbor.com. Follow her on Twitter @DanielleArndt or email her at daniellearndt@annarbor.com.
Comments
a2edu
Sun, Apr 14, 2013 : 8:56 p.m.
Suggestion: Make sure Deb Mexicotte has nothing to do with finding or paying the next superintendent.
aaparent
Sat, Apr 13, 2013 : 10:03 a.m.
In this Mar. 8 story from A2.com, was the superintendent letting the public know that she was planning to resign by saying she had already told the board she was going to take a pay cut? (Cut her next year's salary, but not the cost of a buyout package?) Green's public resignation letter and Mexicotte's lukewarm tribute to her sounds like the BOE has been managing this hiring mistake behind the scenes and while trying to save face with the public. http://www.annarbor.com/news/education/ann-arbor-superintendent-patricia-green-will-take-a-pay-cut-for-fall-school-year/ Also, that holiday card photo of the board plus Green with everyone in color-coordinated outfits really speaks volumes about how the BOE operates. Mexicotte, Nelson, Stead and Patalan wear color-coordinate apparel and they are the ones who brewed and drank the Green Kool-aid and then repeatedly shut down board members who voiced views that are more in line with parents, teachers and students in the front lines in buildings. I think there is a kind of bullying that goes on in the backroom of Board meetings where dissenters are accused of being disloyal players. I have heard positives from parents who contacted Basket, Lightfoot and Thomas. Mexicotte, Nelson and Stead stick to platitudes even when throngs of parents, students and teachers bring issues to their attention in public comments, letters, emails or calls. We don't need a consulting firm to hire a new superintendent. All the people we need are in the school buildings on the front lines and are seasoned, smart and not afraid to tell the truth. The community heard some of that already from Mike Madison and Linda Carter. Get the teachers and parents from all segments of the community, not just the alpha PTO moms, involved in the solutions which includes hiring a new superintendent.
A Voice of Reason
Sat, Apr 13, 2013 : 5:18 p.m.
Only the "Union Yes Moms (and Dads)" are in the PTOs . The AAEA selects these Moms/Dad and tells them that they are helping the "children" and give them a role and job. And they will ask the community (make it their mission) for more money for teacher's salaries and benefits without any accountability for kids learning. I am really sad that some many smart people go along with this and sign on for the millage campaigns. They do not even realize that they are being played. Really what they are doing in maintaining the status quo for the children in this town and making sure the adults are making as much money as possible. And, these smart women and men go along with the game because they are ripped apart if they oppose a millage and they think their child will benefit. I am hoping that the smart parents in town finally say---no more. Bad teachers and principals need to go and we are no longer supporting your excessive millages for their salaries without accountability. Our board of education had a chance to get rid of teacher who have no interest in making sure all kids learn, are not effective, have limited computer skills, no interest in getting new ideas in to the classroom, and are just waiting to retire. They kick the young teachers in the process. Unfortunately, the teacher's union makes sure everyone on the Board of Education is about teachers first and students second. You just say this when they voted for a contract that makes every teacher join the union.....forever!
Alwaysabrave
Fri, Apr 12, 2013 : 5:40 p.m.
Sorry you have to deal with this AAPS, you can now join our world! I hear YPS/WR has a couple spare Supt's.
15crown00
Fri, Apr 12, 2013 : 5:31 p.m.
but why is there a high turnover?could it be something is fundamentally wrong with the system?
Sonoflela
Fri, Apr 12, 2013 : 5:17 p.m.
I reccomend Dr. Ben Edmondson, He was awsome at King Elementary, he lead Scarlett Middle school throught it's transition and Is sending students from Roberto Clemente to four year colleges. Dr. Edmondson has a vested interest in the district and has proven he can take on any challenge placed in front of him.
Aah
Fri, Apr 12, 2013 : 4:51 p.m.
Let's use Green's salary for something really needed, like putting the 3 police officers back in the high schools. They were cut last year and I'd rather have them back than another superintendent.
Usual Suspect
Fri, Apr 12, 2013 : 4:48 p.m.
What I want to know is what role will she play in selecting the new Skyline principal? She got the Pioneer selection all wrong, bypassing the front-runner who, being a white male, didn't possess either of the physical characteristics that are considered prerequisites for a high school principal position in Ann Arbor. Hopefully, the Skyline selection will be made based on capability and qualifications instead of part of somebody's social engineering project.
ForAbetterFuture
Fri, Apr 12, 2013 : 4:38 p.m.
Kyle, I'm glad to hear that was indeed a mistake. Thank you for pointing this out.
ForAbetterFuture
Fri, Apr 12, 2013 : 4:29 p.m.
Does anyone know why, according to at least one avid AnnArbor.com reader/long-time teacher in AAPS, more than 100 comments have apparently been deleted from this page? Apparently one such missing comment referred to the superintendent's "clone at Pioneer" and speculation that she, too, should be ousted. The biggest complaint I've heard repeatedly from staff, etc., is that under the current PG/CL/KH-admin. era, Pioneer teachers are essentially forbidden from "writing up" students, no matter how bad the behavior. This is a huge change from the Principal White era, when the school was run like a tight ship. Now, apparently, students can threaten teachers, bully classmates, and grossly disrupt the classroom without any fear of disciplinary consequence. Teachers are upset by the total lack of support from top admin., and students often times find themselves in classrooms that no longer resemble a safe learning environment. Staff were particularly angered after a recent incident in which the sister of a h.s. student there called in to say she was pretty sure her brother had brought the family's gun to school that morning. In response, the building was not searched; the student wasn't even questioned. The only quasi-action taken was that selected faculty were asked to "keep an eye" on the student, without indication as to the potential safety issue at hand. Later that day, at the start of a scheduled building-wide drill, the student, perhaps out of fear of being caught outside with the weapon in his pocket, hid the gun in a bathroom. Later, when the .22 caliber handgun was found, again next-to-no action was taken. Teachers and parents (via correspondence) were falsely informed that "a BB gun" had been found that day on the premises. No serious disciplinary action was taken against the student. I'm not sure how much longer this situation can continue before frustrated staff/faculty (and concerned parents in the know) finally revolt ag
J. A. Pieper
Sun, Apr 14, 2013 : 2:49 a.m.
This is not only the policy at Pioneer, it is the district policy related to Discipline. Dr. Green was hired because she indicated she had plans that would help with problems related to discipline of specific minorities, the graduation rate of specific minorities, and that she would continue to improve in the area of too many students of a specific minority being referred for special ed service, suspended, etc. These same behaviors at the HS level are happening all the way down to the kindergarten level, we can not discipline specific students, period. There are no consequences any behavior, and teachers who believe there should be consequences are being targeted to try to force them out of buildings - maybe even the district. I have noticed our good families leaving, and it breaks my heart that they feel their children are not in a safe learning environment here in AAPS, but I totally support their decisions. When a very good HS teacher friend mentioned that her own children might not remain in AAPS at a recent meeting, the board member responded that she was falling into the plan the state had to decimate public education, nothing in her response had any concern or worry about what kinds of behavior our families are trying to avoid. NO ONE in administration, or on the BOE will admit that AAPS has a problem in this area. Sweep it under the rug, it doesn't exist.
DonBee
Fri, Apr 12, 2013 : 5:43 p.m.
ForABetterFuture - It is part of closing the "gap". There were too many people being written up for issues and there were differences - male/female, IEP/non-IEP, by race, etc. So to close the gap, the decision was to stop writing people up. That way there would not be a gap between groups. I personally think this is the wrong way to go at it. But it was an admin/BOE decision.
Kyle Mattson
Fri, Apr 12, 2013 : 4:31 p.m.
Hi ABF- We do not 'delete' comments. I think you may have your headlines mixed up and are referring to the comments here: http://www.annarbor.com/news/education/ann-arbor-superintendent-patricia-green-resigns/
Usual Suspect
Fri, Apr 12, 2013 : 4:12 p.m.
I recommend Michelle Rhee. She would provide some much-needed adult leadership for the district as well as the Board.
Susie Q
Sat, Apr 13, 2013 : 1:43 a.m.
No thanks.
Seasoned Cit
Fri, Apr 12, 2013 : 3:40 p.m.
"Common Knowledge" is that Ann Arbor school leaders have the wonderful experience of working with a micromanaging School Board and then about another 50,000 residents that have opinions on everything and want everything to be wonderful and all children headed to College.That's why 2 years seems like at least 5 and retirement or a new job look so much better.
jcj
Fri, Apr 12, 2013 : 4:25 p.m.
Where did you pick up this "common knowledge"? Do you live there?
treetowncartel
Fri, Apr 12, 2013 : 3:21 p.m.
What about the HR director from Ypsi Schools that took the job in Warren? She sounds like a good candidate.
A2Dave
Fri, Apr 12, 2013 : 2:57 p.m.
This has been a swinging gate position. The Board must look to itself for the causes, in both its hiring and its operational practices. They need to change--significantly--if they expect to achieve meaningful change in the the effective administration of the District.
Susie Q
Fri, Apr 12, 2013 : 2:32 p.m.
Maybe Robert Allen woud come back. Or hire Bob Galardi as an interim. He knows the district and could help bring temporary stability to a ship that seems adrift.
J. A. Pieper
Sun, Apr 14, 2013 : 2:36 a.m.
Galardi, no way! He was in everything for himself, and his ego runs his life. We do not need retreads here in AAPS.
a2schoolparent
Fri, Apr 12, 2013 : 2:15 p.m.
Not sure why we need to bounce back from anything. Ann Arbor schools are good because we have so many families who deeply care about education, so many parents who put in huge amounts of volunteer work, and so many dedicated teachers "in the trench" (not all teachers are wonderful, but many are wonderful). We are fine. Everyone else needs to not be in the way.
kuriooo
Fri, Apr 12, 2013 : 5:48 p.m.
I agree, this isn't all about Dr. Green. We all work hard together to make this the best we can, and we will all still be here even after she leaves.
EyeHeartA2
Fri, Apr 12, 2013 : 1:44 p.m.
"Several attempts to reach Green for comment Thursday evening were unsuccessful." Well, it is Friday what do you expect?
jcj
Fri, Apr 12, 2013 : 1:08 p.m.
Green's resignation will be effective in mid-July, unless the school board determines otherwise. "Dr. Green will be with us for next 90 days or there about," Mexicotte said. "I suspect we'll sit down with her and figure out an end date." If Bo Schembechle were president we know when the end date would be. Green will spend all her time in the east anyway. Green was never really engaged when it looked like she might stay a while WHY would she stay in town for any meeting. Good Luck catching her here. You might have to have that meeting in Maryland!
glimmertwin
Fri, Apr 12, 2013 : 1:07 p.m.
The way this article makes this sound is that A2 school can't function without this person. An employee quit. Big deal, it happens all the time. Check and make sure with the legalities of the contract and move on.
glimmertwin
Fri, Apr 12, 2013 : 1:30 p.m.
Than obviously the district got played. Shame on the board for hiring her.
jcj
Fri, Apr 12, 2013 : 1:10 p.m.
Obviously A2 schools can function without her. What do you think we've been doing for 2 years. That is not the point. In my opinion she KNEW when she came she would not be here more than 2 years.
jcj
Fri, Apr 12, 2013 : 12:59 p.m.
"We're no stranger to transitions or these kinds of (superintendent search) processes," said Board of Education President Deb Mexicotte And THAT is the problem! Mexicotte thinks it necessary to go all over the country looking for the best person. BUT when that person leaves after 2 years its no big deal. Hog Wash! If the board would have built into Greens contract a clause that would have COST her money to leave so soon, she would not be leaving or would not have come. It should have cost Green the amount it will cost for a new world wide search.
aturid
Fri, Apr 12, 2013 : 12:55 p.m.
Todd Roberts SUCCEEDED George Fornero; George Fornero PRECEDED Todd Roberts.
Danielle Arndt
Fri, Apr 12, 2013 : 2:25 p.m.
Thanks aturid, this has been fixed.
Jack Gladney
Fri, Apr 12, 2013 : 12:44 p.m.
So the board thinks Ann Arbor will bounce back from this? Are they out of touch with their electors? Maybe they should follow Patty's lead. A more a appropriate sentiment would be, "Board apologizes for hiring fiasco; says Ann Arbor will bounce back from two-year slow motion train wreck."
antikvetch
Fri, Apr 12, 2013 : 12:41 p.m.
Perhaps we could hire a superintendent who can focus on the mundane running of the school system, and not catchy politically correct buzzword topics?
Jim Mulchay
Fri, Apr 12, 2013 : 12:32 p.m.
I wonder if the superintendent position in Ann arbor has become a 'stepping stone' position - it is prestigious, pays well and looks great on a resume - BUT the politics and conditions (board, population, state, finances, etc.) make it "short-term" position. It is interesting that (if I can remember back that far) that organizations (both public and private) had a level of assistants below the "head man (or person)" - all itching for the chance to take the top spot if it opened up. As I've grown older everyone (auto companies, college presidents, football coaches, etc.) seem to automatically "look to the the best" outside - which means to me that they have not developed (or hired) anyone "in house" qualified to take over. The good news is that if you always "look for the best" you will probably pay more each time, which gives the state and federal governments more income tax monies. I wonder if "Pure Michigan" includes school administrators?
jpud
Fri, Apr 12, 2013 : 12:22 p.m.
When I first met Superintendent Green, she said "Ann Arbor schools are great and getting better". Given her resignation, I can now agree with her assessment.
walker101
Fri, Apr 12, 2013 : 12:19 p.m.
How could anyone expect longevity when one has 40 +years of service and applies for a position that has a 5 year commitment, you paid a group a ridiculous amount of money to select a candidate that has had a high turnover rate throughout the industry and yet you make decisions to insure you are PC in making selections. When you have anyone in just about any industry with 40+ years of service don't expect a career minded individual when retirement is any day for any reason with not much lost financially if they depart before making an impact. Now we'll make another donation for this hiring group to select another candidate with limited funds at the expense of the district. As Donald Trump would say to the Board, "Your Fired"!
Brad
Fri, Apr 12, 2013 : 12:27 p.m.
Maybe we can get a refund from the head hunters?
Usual Suspect
Fri, Apr 12, 2013 : 12:10 p.m.
What we need to bounce back from is her hiring. And this is a first step.
Brad
Fri, Apr 12, 2013 : 11:50 a.m.
We'll "bounce back" because ... the same group will pick the next superintendent? Hmmm.
4Bells
Fri, Apr 12, 2013 : 11:31 a.m.
Move on and recruit a superintendent who will provide allegiance, dedication and stability to the district - instead of the high-priced, hot-shot, portable carpet baggers that are only seeking the big bucks.
DonBee
Fri, Apr 12, 2013 : 11:21 a.m.
Love this Phrase: "Lightfoot said she thinks the things led her to butt heads with Green butt are the same things" Butt...Butt... LOL Nice one Danielle!
DonBee
Fri, Apr 12, 2013 : 5:38 p.m.
Normally I ignore them, but this one was so classic if you listen to the BOE discussions. ROFL
Danielle Arndt
Fri, Apr 12, 2013 : 2:22 p.m.
Oops, sorry! Thanks for pointing out the typo DonBee. It's fixed.
Concerned
Fri, Apr 12, 2013 : 11:21 a.m.
What is the common denominator here? Pretty obvious it's the BOE maybe we need to start taking a hard look at them. Most feel they are not up for reelection so they can try and move their own agendas forward. Another government body at its finest.
Goober
Fri, Apr 12, 2013 : 11:04 a.m.
The school board should follow in her foot steps. Let us rebuild the full team - all of them - every Balas position, starting with the BOE! Go figure!
Gorc
Fri, Apr 12, 2013 : 11:02 a.m.
Replacment? Rumor has it that Doris Hope-Jackson is looking for employment.
J. A. Pieper
Fri, Apr 12, 2013 : 10:59 a.m.
The BOE needs to move forward from this and get their act together so they can make the best decision for the district. No need to keep giving Green platitudes, share with your community how you are going to get a more perfect fit for AAPS. I was out at a school meeting last evening after the announcement listening to parental concerns about this topic, and it seems we all want more transparency in the hiring process, less use of the expensive head hunters. If the BOE is so troubled among themselves that they have difficulty getting alone, then it is questionable they have the ability to make this important decision. The watchful eye of your community will be glued to you in these upcoming months.
pseudo
Fri, Apr 12, 2013 : 10:53 a.m.
ok, this is silly and needs to stop. this board pays a headhunting group each time and they aren't cheap. I do not hear this kind of thing happening in other 'good' school districts to something has to give. turnover is NOT like this normally and it takes at least a year or so to really have any impact on a new school system so what good is it to hire someone at the highest salary in the state and then not really have the time to get much accomplished!
javajolt1
Fri, Apr 12, 2013 : 10:50 a.m.
Why is it Ann Arbor cannot retain a superintendent for the initial term of the contract after repeated expensive national searches, paying consultants and expending significant resources? This is a position that requires continuity and some measure of longevity. There must be some reason Ann Arbor has such difficulty retaining people for this position. It certainly cannot be the salary.
a2edu
Sun, Apr 14, 2013 : 9:01 p.m.
Ann Arbor has several very vocal special interest groups that have their representatives on the board. These special interest groups make it difficult to run the district.
aapsparent
Fri, Apr 12, 2013 : 2:34 p.m.
Do we get a refund from the Company who we paid thousands of dollars to find us a superintendent?
Goober
Fri, Apr 12, 2013 : 11:06 a.m.
The problem starts at the top. Psst - the BOE!!!
Carole
Fri, Apr 12, 2013 : 10:47 a.m.
She only worked for the district for two years before retiring -- does they quality her for pension, etc. from AAPS? Surely hope not.
A2NativeGirl
Fri, Apr 12, 2013 : 1:13 p.m.
@dexterreader - When someone starts working for a Michigan public school, they can begin buying service credit. A lot of people do that shortly after they're hired because it's based on the salary earned at the time of the contract with the retirement system. When someone is first hired, their salary is typically lower than it is after working for the schools for a number of years. Therefore, many people sign up to buy service credit early in their career with Michigan schools. Someone could work for the schools for five years and purchase five years of credit to be vested in the retirement system.
dexterreader
Fri, Apr 12, 2013 : 11:49 a.m.
If she has no other time in the state retirement system from another district in Michigan she will not receive any retirement benefits from the state. An employee must have 10 years of actual service credit to be vested in the state retirement system. She would not even be able to "buy" credit without first putting in the 10 years of actual service.
A2comments
Fri, Apr 12, 2013 : 10:36 a.m.
I'd like to see the next contract include all possible "claw back" clauses, i.e. if it is a five year contract and has any bonuses, relo costs, etc. - they give them back if they resign early. Why sign a 5 year contract if it is common knowledge that there is high turnover? Sign a shorter contract with specific goals that have to be achieved for renewal. The board MUST develop a public, WRITTEN evaluation system like the entire private industry uses. Evaluate midyear and full year. No raise without a rating of x. Probation with a rating of y. If on probation, termination if you don't get off probation.
aapsparent
Fri, Apr 12, 2013 : 2:35 p.m.
Sounds like an awesome plan!
Susie Q
Fri, Apr 12, 2013 : 2:30 p.m.
Right now "raises" for anyone are out of the question. All the other employees are taking pay cuts and haven't had a "raise" since 2007.
Goober
Fri, Apr 12, 2013 : 11:07 a.m.
No contract would be a good start. The position should be an 'at will' employee.
olddog
Fri, Apr 12, 2013 : 10:33 a.m.
....bounce back!!!! Maybe leap forward is term you are looking for.
Alan Goldsmith
Fri, Apr 12, 2013 : 10:21 a.m.
"Dr. Green will be with us for next 90 days or there about," Mexicotte said. "I suspect we'll sit down with her and figure out an end date." No thanks. She needs to pack her suitcase today, and have her office cleared by close of business. That is, if anyone can find her.
Alan Goldsmith
Fri, Apr 12, 2013 : 10:19 a.m.
"Mexicotte said it is "common knowledge" that with superintendents there often is high turnover." Is it also 'common knowledge' that a five year contract means two years as well?