Here is a copy of an article that recently appeared in The Baltimore Sun as a
Letter to the Editor.
Baltimore County Superintendent of Education Dr. Dallas Dance received a
job from SUPES Academy after providing that same company with an $857,000 contract with Baltimore
County Schools. This action has the appearance of a conflict of interest and
violation of the ethics laws. I have filed a formal request for an opinion by
the Ethics Commission which could be followed by an ethics complaint.
Dr. Dance receives a salary of $260,000 a year and presides
over a school system in turmoil. Baltimore County is in the process of
implementing a number of new programs including The Common Core Curriculum,
change in teacher evaluations, redistricting school zones, instituting a new
high school schedule and producing a 10 year facilities plan.
With the activity and chaos we have in our school
system, to the point where teachers have filed a grievance, Dr. Dance should not
have any spare time to devote to another job. The SUPES Academy which is under
investigation in Chicago was chosen by Dr. Dance as a non-bid
contract.
The decision by the Superintendent to drop his job with SUPES
is a minor concession. The $857,000 contract the Superintendent forced onto the
shoulders of the County taxpayers is a real problem. Moreover, the agreement is
designed to train principals and prospective principals. To my knowledge,
Baltimore County has a tradition of in-house training for their principals. Dr.
Dance, who graduated from SUPES Academy and is considered to be a qualified
instructor, should use his skills to train county principals and save the
taxpayers $875,000.
It never seems to amaze me how school boards agree to provide
Cadillac level contracts that allow educators to undertake outside income
producing ventures when they should be totally dedicated to their own school
systems. The Board needs to revise the Superintendent's contract and prevent him
from wandering off the farm.
My confidence in politically appointed school boards
disappeared a long time ago. There have been a whole series of incidents dating
back to the reign of Dr. Joe Hairston and beyond, where the actions of the board
have left the public scratching their heads or holding their nose. This failed
system needs reform. I have introduced legislation that will create an elected
hybrid school board that consists of 7 elected members, 1 from each Council
district and 4 at-large appointed by the County Executive. Faraway Governors
should not be selecting Baltimore County's educational leaders.
The government closest to the people governs best. Baltimore
County teachers, parents and children deserve better.
Serving the
People,
Delegate Pat
McDonough
410-238-0025
No comments:
Post a Comment
If your comment does not appear in 24 hours, please send your comment directly to our e-mail address:
parentscoalitionmc AT outlook.com