As has been alleged, around these parts, it is unprecedented for a Superintendent of schools to bring in so many new hires (known in certain circles as “outsiders”). After all this is District 150, a predominately black, urban school district, why are these people coming here?
Here’s why I think they are here: Dr. Granita Lathan.
I’m not saying Dr. Lathan is the best thing since sliced bread. But, I can tell you that one of the “BFF’s” that is relocating to Peoria, told me she was “surprised” and “honored” for Dr. Lathan to consider asking her to come to Peoria and work with her. She spoke very highly of Dr. Lathan as a colleague and peer; she was excited about the potential we have here (yes, she believed in our children, sight unseen) and she was ready to start educating some kids.
Move on people, there’s nothing to see here. This is what it looks like when a professional educator is running a school district.
Personally, I am pleased with some of the titles (with new faces) in the Lathan Administration – because it is clear the plan is educating children, as well as educators:
Chief Curriculum and Instruction Officer
Instructional Improvement
Early Childhood Programs
Literacy/Social Studies
Family and Community
Pre-K through Eight Curriculum
Oh, and let’s not forget the highly qualified Associate Superintendent who will be working along side Dr. Lathan.
Perhaps the real concern is that Dr. Lathan will become so insulated, that people can't get to her. I'm not worried about that, because I recall reading in more than one place that Dr. Lathan will be meeting with just about everybody [from parents to the Rotary to the NAACP] on a regular basis.
I hope that those who care enough about education to complain so much about it, would pause for a minute to look at the job titles and realize the possibilities for educating our children, parents, principals and teachers in this team that Dr. Lathan is assembling.
It’s not all rosy, but I do see possibilities.
I hope that those who care enough about education to complain so much about it, would pause for a minute to look at the job titles and realize the possibilities for educating our children, parents, principals and teachers in this team that Dr. Lathan is assembling.
It’s not all rosy, but I do see possibilities.
9 comments:
Emerge, I do agree about the job titles--curriculum being at the top. District 150 hasn't had a good curriculum director in a long time. I'm hoping that is changing now. I really don't mean to be negative, just a bit nervous about so many unknowns. Yes, I have been concerned that Dr. Lathan will become insulated. The possibility is certainly there. So far the regular meetings haven't happened. Right now we are relying on promises. I have noticed a change at board meetings, however. Dr. Lathan is becoming more comfortable and more vocal and more responsive, etc. I haven't lost hope. However, I do want to know the cost of this new reorganization effort--and how the total cost of salaries compares to the cost of the previous administrative staff.
You know, there are a lot of people who believe that a school district should follow a traditional business model. Isn't this exactly what business executives do when they take over the helm of a large company? Bring their people in with them?
Good point Rixblix.
I just hope that people don't expect grade averages to go up overnight. But I predict many negative folks will call for her head come October when the District report cards come out, and they show no or little improvement...even though she was not totally on the job yet.
We just have to give her the tools, the time...and the patience to let her do what it takes to turn around Dist. 150.
Dennis in Peoria--I am following you. Ha! I for one don't want to see teacher grades go up. Manual's grades may be exceptionally high (when over 62% of senior grades were As or B), but I think grade inflation does exist throughout the district. Personally, I want to see standards (academic and behavior) raised). I hope Dr. Lathan is willing to risk her reputation (for quick remedies) for improvement over the long haul. District 150 got in this mess because of administrators who wanted 150 and/or their schools to look good instead of "being good."
Sharon, you should consider asking Dr. Lathan to a WatchGroup meeting.
Amen! Excellent post. You have been working overtime on your blog lately and it shows. You are the go to place for District info and analysis.
Dr. Lathan did mention at a board meeting (when there was discussion about responding to speakers) that she was planning "brown bag it" meetings with various groups. I assume that as she sees a need or desire to communicate, she will provide the opportunity.
Sharon, although you may not think so, there are things more important than answering at your beckon call. I think interviewing principals and getting her team in place before school starts trumps your insecurities.
I used to have a lot of respect for you but that is waning. I realize now that you are no better than the other mindless posters on here and other blogs who post negative, unsupported or undocumented comments. What's worse is that once you've been shown to be wrong and/or ridiculous, you skirt the issue by lying, not taking ownership for what you said earlier or pretend as if nothing happened.
Whatever happened to your critical thought process? I guess you left it at Manual's front door along with your friend Jeff's job. Get over it.
Furthermore, before you start suggesting that people from this area be considered for the positions that these "outsiders" have gotten, you could at the very least ask them to apply for the position!
Anonymous, what in the world in my post gave you the idea that I think that Dr. Lathan should answer to my beck and call? I truly don't consider myself to be important enough for her to want to have a discussion with me personally (it was Emerge's idea that I should invite her to District Watch). I truly believe that meeting with District 150's current teachers should be high on her list--as a retiree I don't need to be on any list. I have plenty of opportunity to let my opinions be known--how anyone receives them is up to them. I believe I always try to make a clear distinction between my opinions and fact. What I FOIA should be fact if I am given the correct information.
I assume I know you, but you choose to attack me from the position of "anonymous." You say that some of my statements have been ridiculous, wrong, and even lies. That's quite a blanket statement--maybe you should deal in specifics and if I have been wrong, I will admit it. However, whatever I say has my name attached to it. When you attack me personally, it would be great if you would attach your name. Yes, I do agree that it is possible that not many teachers (who hold administrative certificates) applied for some of these jobs. I believe there is good reason for that. Administrators forfeit their tenure and logic would say that many do not want to risk tenure to work in an administration about which they know so little (that's not a slam at Dr. Lathan, just a natural reaction of caution when job security is at stake). Obviously, you are a person who has access to information that I do not have yet--as to who did and did not apply for these positions.
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