Teachers union ‘guardedly hopeful’; watchdog group wants more transparency

Appointment of McKnight as MCPS superintendent draws mostly praise, optimism from leaders

...Janis Sartucci, of the Parents Coalition of Montgomery County, a watchdog group, told Bethesda Beat on Tuesday that her organization is continuing to push for transparency and accountability. She said the group didn’t know who was on the community panel that was involved in the review process.

“Unfortunately, this superintendent [search] process was one of the most closed ones we’ve seen,” she said.

Sartucci said she wants to see better communication from McKnight, particularly on how money is spent. She said McKnight hasn’t provided a clear answer on 25 electric buses that were supposed to be delivered earlier this school year.

Sartucci said superintendents who preceded McKnight also lacked transparency, and McKnight has continued that trend.

“She’s the superintendent. She’s accountable for what goes on,” Sartucci said...

https://bethesdamagazine.com/bethesda-beat/schools/appointment-of-mcknight-as-mcps-superintendent-draws-mostly-praise-optimism-from-leaders/

WTOP: Former superintendent Jack R. Smith had ‘zero’ involvement in search for new Montgomery Co. schools chief

Listen to WTOP report by Kate Ryan:

https://wtop.com/montgomery-county/2022/02/former-superintendent-had-zero-involvement-in-search-for-new-montgomery-co-schools-chief/

Parents concerned with Montgomery County Public Schools' superintendent search

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. (FOX 5 DC) - Montgomery County Public Schools says it will announce its new superintendent on Tuesday, Feb. 8, but tonight, some parents in the county are raising questions over transparency in the hiring process. 

The Parents Coalition of Montgomery wants to know why former Superintendent Dr. Jack Smith, now works for the company hired to find his replacement. 

Dr. Monifa McKnight, Smith's former deputy, is now acting superintendent and is a candidate for the job. 

Joseph Hawkins of the Parents Coalition describes MCPS' search as shrouded in secrecy. 

"I think it would be difficult to be completely satisfied given the lack of transparency that takes place so yes if she’s appointed, she’s appointed, but we don’t know really what happened behind those closed doors," Hawkins said. "We don’t even know the other candidates!" 

In an email to FOX 5, Dr. Jack Smith confirmed he does indeed work with the company that is helping MCPS find his replacement. However, he says he has not been involved with the school system's search... 

https://www.fox5dc.com/news/parents-concerned-with-montgomery-county-public-schools-superintendent-search

Breaking @wtop Board of Education Narrowed Superintendent Search to 4 Finalists

...A recent update on the school board’s website said that after the first round of interviews, a second round with four candidates was held. The candidates then met with a community panel made up of a group of citizens drawn from “a broad-based section of Montgomery County.”..

https://wtop.com/montgomery-county/2022/02/montgomery-co-school-board-to-announce-next-superintendent-tuesday/

Montgomery Co. board of education to name new superintendent

The next time the Montgomery County, Maryland, Board of Education meets, the members will announce who they’ve selected to become the next superintendent.

Asked about the agenda item for next Tuesday’s school board meeting, spokesman Chris Cram said the board will appoint “a new superintendent” after an “extensive search.”..

https://wtop.com/montgomery-county/2022/02/montgomery-co-board-of-education-to-name-new-superintendent/

@KateRyanWTOP On next week's agenda for @mcps : the appointment of the next Superintendent of schools.

On next week's agenda for @mcps : the appointment of the next Superintendent of schools. https://t.co/ot9EYddwR5

— Kate Ryan (@KateRyanWTOP) February 2, 2022

@mocoboe Where are you doing your interviews? TODAY: Miami-Dade School Board to interview 3 superintendent finalists. Watch here.

January 24, 2022

The Miami-Dade School Board on Monday is expected to determine who will be the district’s next superintendent. The nine-member board will interview the three finalists — Jose Dotres, Rafaela Espinal and Jacob Oliva — during a special meeting set for 2 p.m. at the school district offices at 1450 NE Second Ave. The meeting is open to the public. Each School Board member will be allowed to ask each candidate three questions. The board can appoint Carvalho’s successor with a majority vote, which they are expected to take on Monday after the interview process.

Read more at: https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/education/article257656263.html#storylink=cpy

 https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/education/article257656263.html?taid=61eef1c549091a000159ca24&utm_campaign=trueanthem&utm_medium=trueanthem&utm_source=twitter

Former @mocoboe Board of Education Members Mike Durso and Jeanette Dixon Endorse Monifa McKnight for Superintendent of MCPS @mcps

Update:  WTOP coverage of this letter.

-------

17 January 2022

(Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday)

Dear Members of the Board of Education:

            We write to you on this historic day as former high school principals and members of the Board of Education with 57 years of service in Montgomery County, and while we are no longer employed by MCPS, we both closely follow the work of the Board of Education and MCPS.   

            Given the unprecedented challenges the school system has faced in the last two years of educating our students during a worldwide pandemic, we believe it is imperative that the Board of Education appoint Dr. Monifa McKnight as Superintendent of MCPS for the next four years effective immediately.

            It has not been lost on us that both the Interim Superintendent and the Board of Education have come under excessive scrutiny and criticism recently related to Covid-19 and protocols. Indeed, just within the last few days, both the MCEA and MCAAP have posted strongly worded letters related to the handling of the virus and its impact on students, staff, and families. We understand the frustration all are facing with these ongoing challenges.

            Dr. McKnight knows and loves MCPS. Despite being buffeted by events beyond her control, she has worked tirelessly to ensure our students get the best education possible. We believe all education stakeholders should be grateful for her courage in taking on the position of Interim Superintendent. She has had a year to hone her skills as a superintendent and learned valuable leadership lessons. She has learned about the need for MCPS and the Board to improve communication, something that has been an ongoing issue in MCPS even before Dr. McKnight’s service as Interim Superintendent began. She is fully able to assess the inner workings of the school system and those who serve it.

We believe it would be unwise to appoint someone from outside of the system because it would take this person two years to learn all there is to know about MCPS. In Dr. McKnight we already have someone who is competent to provide both the continuity and change needed by MCPS.  Based on her performance as Interim Superintendent, Dr. McKnight has earned the opportunity to continue to lead MCPS.

            Naturally you are aware of what Dr. McKnight has done, but we wish to highlight why we believe she is the right choice for the next four years. As Deputy Superintendent she administered the school system from the time Dr. Smith announced he was retiring in February 2021, in the midst of a worldwide pandemic that necessitated a paradigm shift in the way educators teach and students learn. During this time, she was able to get the 2021-2022 budget passed and ensure a smooth close of the school year, including celebrating and attending graduations for the Class of 2021.

In addition:

·       Dr. McKnight implemented initiatives focusing on an anti-racist audit, reorganization of the system for greater accountability, and professional development for all staff.

·       Dr. McKnight has established excellent relations with elected officials at the county and state levels, state education officials and other Maryland school superintendents. She has completed the Leadership Montgomery program.

·       Dr. McKnight is a good listener, presenter and public speaker with the ability to inspire others. She has demonstrated flexibility, and she has been responsive to the education stakeholders of Montgomery County.

·       Dr. McKnight is professional, and she is respectful of the Board. She works well with the Board’s officers. She has gone out of her way to get to know the Board as a group and individually.

·       Dr. McKnight is responsive, and she is not afraid to change her position or correct that which is not working. She is adept at analyzing data and using technology.

·       Dr. McKnight has worked assiduously with all education stakeholders including those who have undermined her efforts and not given her the time and unquestioned support they gave to past male superintendents.

In conclusion, Dr. McKnight has earned the opportunity to continue to lead MCPS. She is a person of integrity who is an outstanding role model for all of our students. They can look at her and know that anything is possible when an African-American girl raised by a single parent in Orangeburg, South Carolina can rise to lead the fourteenth largest school system in the United States.

She is the right person for this time. We urge you to make this historic appointment.

Sincerely,

 

Michael A. Durso

Former MCPS Principal

1996 – 2009

Former Member of the Board of Education, District 5

2009 – 2018

 

Jeanette E. Dixon

Former MCPS Principal

1997 – 2013

Former Member of the Board of Education, At-Large

2016 - 2020

Byron Johns

Vice President 

McKnight to seek permanent MCPS superintendent job

 https://bethesdamagazine.com/bethesda-beat/schools/mcknight-to-seek-permanent-mcps-superintendent-job/

"Virtual learning is the new fault line in education: It’s either on the way out or on the rise"

...Miami-Dade Schools Superintendent Alberto Carvalho said providing virtual offerings to families is a no-brainer. “Good communities provide educational opportunities for all, not just some,” he said...

https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/virtual-school-learning-future/2021/06/14/63763532-c2f5-11eb-8c18-fd53a628b992_story.html

MCPS interim superintendent to get $295K salary, $33,500 in deferred pay

...Montgomery County Public Schools’ interim leader will receive a one-year salary of $295,000, a monthly travel stipend and police protection if needed...

The contract, obtained by Bethesda Beat, shows McKnight will receive a salary of $295,000, which is $54,100 more than what she makes as deputy superintendent, and $5,000 more than Smith’s salary...

McKnight will receive $33,500 in deferred compensation, and a $1,000 monthly travel stipend.

McKnight will also be entitled to 30 days of annual leave and 25 days of sick leave. She can cash in up to half of those days if they are not used by the end of her term...

https://bethesdamagazine.com/bethesda-beat/schools/mcps-interim-superintendent-to-get-295k-salary-33500-in-deferred-pay/

Richard Carranza deputy poised for top job in Georgia after bogus NYC test score claims

Chancellor Richard Carranza’s second-in-command is poised to get a top job in Georgia after claiming bogus achievements in NYC, critics say.

Cheryl Watson-Harris, Carranza’s first deputy chancellor, has been named the finalist to become superintendent of DeKalb County schools’ 99,000 students, which includes suburban Atlanta.

Her cover letter in recently applying to Sarasota, Fla., Watson Harris boasted:

“Under the leadership of my team the city has seen record gains in proficiency rates in both ELA and math.”

Fred Smith, a former DOE test analyst, said the gains were neither record-breaking nor impressive.

“It’s an overstatement,” Smith told The Post. “For her not to know this is a spurious achievement on her part, to claim credit for that, it’s ridiculous.”..

https://nypost.com/2020/06/06/richard-carranza-deputy-makes-bogus-claims-in-georgia-job-bid/

2020 Contract for Superintendent Jack R. Smith. $315,000 +Increases +$48,000 +Car +ExpenseAccount

2020 MCPS Superintendent Ja... by Parents' Coalition of Montg... on Scribd

Board of Ed Prohibits Public from Commenting on Renewal of Jack R. Smith's Contract

As the Parents' Coalition reported last week, Superintendent Jack R. Smith's contract has actually not been renewed.  The Board of Education voted to enter into negotiations with him for a new contract, but no actual contract existed yet.

Today, we see that the Board of Education is now poised to vote on a new contract for Jack R. Smith, but the Board of Education doesn't want any public comment on the Superintendent's Contract renewal.

The Board of Education has set the renewal of  Superintendent Jack R. Smith's contract for a vote on Thursday, February 27, 2020, during a WORKSESSION.  Worksessions of the Board of Education do not permit public comments. 

The Board of Education just had a regular business meeting yesterday.  They could have put the renewal of the Superintendent's contract on the Agenda for that regular meeting and that would have allowed members of the public to speak during public comment.  

The proposed new contract has not been made public prior to the Thursday Worksession. 

Clearly, the Montgomery County Board of Education does not want to hear from the public with regard to whether or not they should renew Superintendent Jack R. Smith's contract and they do not want any public discussion of the terms of a contract renewal. 

NOTE:  This was how the Board of Education operated when Jerry Weast was the Superintendent. 

February 27, 2020 AGENDA:
https://go.boarddocs.com/mabe/mcpsmd/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=BKVL6D53D9DF

MCPS School Board Majority Favors Renewal of Jack R. Smith's $290,000 (+perks) Contract

https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/education/school-board-majority-in-maryland-favors-renewal-of-superintendent-contract/2019/08/11/bfd0a8c8-b4a4-11e9-8f6c-7828e68cb15f_story.html

From Greenwood to Annapolis: BCPS board members try for fourth time to secure state approval for White

A fourth attempt to confirm Interim Superintendent Verletta White as Baltimore County Public Schools’ (BCPS) permanent superintendent involved a road trip to Annapolis on Wednesday. It was the continuation of a struggle that first began at the system’s Greenwood headquarters in Towson last year.

Current and former Baltimore County school board members made an appearance in support of Senate Bill 222 which seeks to limit Maryland State Superintendent Karen Salmon’s authority when it comes to disapproving local superintendents for permanent placement...

https://thebaltimorepost.com/from-greenwood-to-annapolis-bcps-board-members-try-fourth-time-to-secure-state-approval-for-white/?fbclid=IwAR0lLPnlRrqRaWHxQMfhXt2X6zwpSCbp-REi4EHY9IG_WfLiBH58eJqgxgM

When your superintendent makes more than the governor: public education's priority problem

The American education lobby is caught in a pickle.

On one hand, advocates and influencers are trying to convince people that public education is chronically underfunded, even going so far as to claim that schools are “starving.”

On the other hand, watchdogs have documented countless examples of waste and misuse of funds—everything from the McKinney school district’s $70 million high school football stadium to the La Joya school district’s $20 million water park to the Brownsville school district’s 65-foot, state-of-the-art digital scoreboard that is “the largest of its kind in Texas.”

Other examples exist too, but perhaps the most instructive involves superintendent pay packages. After all, leadership starts at the top...

https://thehill.com/opinion/education/417802-when-your-school-superintendent-makes-more-than-the-governor-public?utm_content=buffer63cb5&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer&fbclid=IwAR3vcG4v_Y1vIj9jz6BYJnarH0WERTDaD6anN1pTiVtZRNowr1luUdHmxhg

Baltimore County school board will seek clarification on superintendent hiring authority

In a request that could have far-reaching consequences in how local superintendents are chosen, the Baltimore County school board is asking the state to clarify whether the state school superintendent has the legal authority to intervene in a local board’s selection.

The request comes after Maryland State School Superintendent Karen Salmon blocked the appointment of Verletta White, the county board’s pick to get the superintendent’s job as of July 1, 2018. White was named interim superintendent instead, for the second year in a row...

https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/education/k-12/bs-md-co-baltimore-county-superintendent-hiring-20181108-story.html?fbclid=IwAR2uLZB269m8a4sa2Dv_owU-dNHBYXCE6R02ylSajBdm4DDJm2bk4YH8izo

The short list for NYC’s next schools chief

...Outsiders:
Josh Starr, the ex-superintendent of Montgomery County, Md., and Stamford, Conn., schools was a runner-up to Fariña last time and is still a national leader in progressive education administration circles. He possesses New York roots and played a brief role as school-accountability czar during the Bloomberg administration...

https://nypost.com/2018/01/15/the-short-list-for-nycs-next-schools-chief/

Breaking: BOE to Discuss Superintendent Contract in Secret Tomorrow

What perks is the new superintendent demanding?  
Take home car, home office, travel, part-time outside employment, more health insurance, or top salary, it is anybody's guess!  The Montgomery County Board of Education didn't pick this new superintendent in a public process and they will not include the public in the formation of the contract for this superintendent. 

http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/uploadedFiles/boe/meetings/agenda/2016/160301%20Resolution%20for%20Closed%20Session.pdf