So let me get this straight: Joshua Starr is used to a school district of 15,500 students, not 150,000. He's used to overseeing just 20 schools, not 200. He doesn't get along with teachers or the school board. But he was the best man for the job. Is this for real?
Steve Doris, Rockville
Getting along with the school board and teachers (likely referring to MCEA) can just as easily be a symptom of complacency.
ReplyDeleteAs for district size, if you only want large school system supers, you're restricting your choices by a single parameter that is a poor proxy for overall management acumen. The pool is very small and other large districts may be thinking in the same small box. It's a good way to overpay for mediocrity.
I do not know enough about Mr. Starr yet, but I am not concerned that he does not shy away from a fight nor that he is being promoted from a smaller district to a larger one. That is precisely what SHOULD happen for scrappy smart managers.
Now, I look forward to finding out if that is exactly what he turns out to be or not.