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From Katie B. Morris, board chair of the Belk Foundation:
In the wake of Peter Gorman's announced departure, we implore the community to make a firm commitment to the goals the school board established under his tenure.
Gorman asked many of us to make changes, and most of us felt uncomfortable at times. But as we debate the "how" we cannot lose sight of the "why": excellence in every classroom, for every child. We cannot possibly be the city we intend to be unless all of our citizens have access not just to a good education, but an excellent one. Research says that in schools, great teachers and great leaders make the most difference for children. Let's keep aiming for that goal - together.
We cannot underestimate the school board's role in continuing this work. Hiring a strong superintendent is critical, but so is electing excellent individuals to represent us. As a community, let's embrace excellence for our children as we begin considering candidates for this November's election.
Charlotte is special because of our historic national leadership role in school desegregation and our unwavering commitment to making our schools better, even when change is uncomfortable. As we look to the future, we encourage our fellow citizens to do their part to turn this conversation in a positive direction.
Get beyond Gates/Broad billionaires reform club
CMS' new superintendent needs to see past the "reform" agenda proffered by the billionaires club of Gates and Broad. True reform will not spring from the silver bullet of small schools, "teacher effectiveness" measures or any other single factor. The new superintendent must recognize that educating all children requires sustained, hard work, work that must begin early in children's lives on many fronts. Children don't choose their parents or to grow up poor. As a society, we must provide opportunities and support for all children to enjoy rich and engaging schools, classrooms and teachers.
Carol Sawyer
Charlotte
No career bureaucrats; bring in a businessperson
CMS needs a leader like Ford CEO Alan Mulally - someone who has strong business and turnaround skills, who will use the word "no" often when confronted with wasteful spending and who has operated successfully in a "revenue reversed" environment. The vast majority of career government bureaucrats will not be successful in the environment we now face. There should be a pay incentive package based on pupil performance, maintaining a certain pupil/teacher headcount ratio and bringing in sponsor/advertising dollars to the schools. There are huge cost cuts that can still be made.
Sam McNeil
Charlotte
Gorman, with PR skills
They need someone to continue the reform efforts who has better public advocacy skills, to better sell the successful reforms to the public at large.
Lawrence Shaheen Jr.
Charlotte
Classroom experience
Include teachers and principals in discussions and decisions. And experience in the classroom - if the superintendent has never been in front of children, how can he/she understand teachers' jobs? Allow principals to do their jobs - manage their staffs effectively.
Christine Mast
Huntersville
Stop the test obsession
I'd like someone who trusts people over numbers and who refuses to let the false "objectivity" of standardized tests warp the complex human endeavor of preparing young people for a challenging future.
Pamela Grundy
Charlotte
