With regard to qualitative and quantitative participation and input into the Rochester City School District’s (RCSD) superintendent search process, various strategic actions carried out by the Community Education Task Force (CETF), Coalition for Justice in Education (CJE), and other activists and community members (including some associated with Occupy Rochester) have successfully challenged [...]]]> History and Background:

With regard to qualitative and quantitative participation and input into the Rochester City School District’s (RCSD) superintendent search process, various strategic actions carried out by the Community Education Task Force (CETF), Coalition for Justice in Education (CJE), and other activists and community members (including some associated with Occupy Rochester) have successfully challenged the Rochester Board of Education around the Board’s clear, original attempt to (for the most part) omit RCSD parents, guardians, educators, and tax-paying community members from the process. This is evidenced by the fact that initially (in addition to Board of Education members) the Superintendent Search Committee was composed of a group of four appointed RCSD parents—without any consultation with the thousands whom they supposedly represent (as the result of a public confrontation with Board Commissioner Willa Powell, a 5th parent was added to the Committee); one businessman; two City of Rochester officials, and a college Dean (some of whom reportedly live outside of Rochester). Amazingly, initially, no RCSD teachers, administrators, or support staff were part of the Search Committee.

The strategic actions referenced above were based on the fact that the Rochester Board of Education has a history of selecting superintendents who have been ineffective at best—and in some cases potentially negligent—relative to providing the type of leadership necessary to build effective, broad-based, valued partnerships with parents, guardians, educators, and other community members.

In closely observing the initial steps of the search process, it became clear to us early on that the Board intended to follow past practices of mainly symbolic “participation” (relative to the idea of “robust parent and community involvement”), while actually relying heavily—if not solely—on the Eli Broad-affiliated corporate search firm, Ray and Associates, to set the direction. It is only because of calculated challenges that the original exclusive process was thwarted, and a historic precedent was established regarding development of a model that at least resembles a truly robust process of parent and community input and involvement.

We extend thanks and appreciation to Commissioner-elect Mary Adams for her outstanding leadership in helping to provide direction in the superintendent search process. It is important to note that she was not a member of the Superintendent Search Committee initially, but was added to the Committee on November 9, 2011 as a result of her victory in the November 8, 2011 School Board Election. As a newly elected Commissioner, she deserves much credit for not only advocating for, but also playing an instrumental role in doing the necessary work to develop the historic precedent referenced above. Without her participation and leadership, there is no doubt that the process would likely have been less inclusive than it currently is.

Proposed Next Steps:

In order to determine whether or not ideas, suggestions, recommendations, proposals, etc. put forth by parents, guardians, educators, community education advocates, religious and labor leaders, and leaders of neighborhood associations are truly valued and taken seriously by the Rochester Board of Education—we must have full access to all video-recordings of the various focus-group discussions, which occurred December 10 – 14, 2011. It is important for respective focus group participants to be able to compare and contrast our various ideas, suggestions, recommendations, etc., so that we may be able to engage (intelligently) in further dialogue with each other, especially regarding any potential points of disagreement.  In light of the fact that a widespread rumor exists throughout the community—that at least four Board Commissioners have already decided to vote for a particular superintendent candidate (without even knowing who the other choices will be)—the latter idea takes on added importance and significance. Until recently, we had made a conscious decision to ignore this rumor. However, considering that earlier this month, former County Legislator Ron Thomas approached a CETF member, and asked if he (Thomas) and others can count on Commissioner-elect Adams to vote for the particular candidate whose name is associated with the rumor, our curiosity and skepticism is heightened regarding legitimacy of the search process. We also considered it very strange that during the focus group discussions, one question which participants were charged with answering was: “Do you have any names of candidates you would like to recommend”?  This is a very perplexing question (considering that the criteria and job description have not yet been developed). A thinker can only wonder about “logic” or rationalizations that people used to advance names — prior to knowing what the specific expectations are. 

With regard to criteria for choosing a permanent superintendent, it is critically important to remember that the whole idea behind the public forums and focus groups — was to develop criteria that will be supported by the broadest possible cross section of our community. We believe that every effort should be made to achieve this.

Based on the history and background outlined above, our firm recommendations are as follows.

Recommendations:

I. As previously noted, it is critically important for the general public to have full access (prior to the Board’s final decision) to all video-recorded information from the various focus group discussions, which took place December 10 – 14, 2011.

II. Since very small numbers of RCSD parents, guardians, educators, and other community members have engaged in the above-referenced community forums and focus groups, we believe that it is incumbent upon the Rochester Board of Education and the Superintendent Search Committee to continue efforts aimed at soliciting additional parent and community input. We specifically recommend that the Board and Search Committee approach: 1) WDKX officials regarding the possibility of utilizing the “water cooler” and “memory lane” formats to engage parents and community members via call-ins; 2) WXXI officials, including Bob Smith and others regarding the possibility of facilitating call-in shows. As part of this recommendation, we believe that Commissioner-elect Adams should be among the representatives who participates in fielding call-in questions and comments.  Her voice on the search committee helped ensure local facilitation, which included developing a focus group tool and facilitating two focus groups among stakeholders who would not have been included otherwise (community education advocates and labor union leaders).  Also, such potential opportunities should not be used by Search Committee members to dominate conversations, but instead they should participate mainly as listeners. The idea is to hear from as many parents and other community members as possible regarding their views, ideas, suggestions, proposals, recommendations, etc. 

III. During the Higher Education Focus Group on 12/10/11, it was noted by one participant that our discussion is focusing on qualities that the permanent superintendent should possess, but we are not asking the question: What should we be doing to get ready to receive the new superintendent—i.e. to build ongoing, supportive, working relationships with him or her? As a result of this important question, the Higher Education Focus Group participants put forth an agreed upon recommendation that the Board of Education and Search Committee should reconvene all of the focus group participants (together at the same time) for the purpose of having a joint-discussion regarding the question above, i.e., what are we doing, or should we be doing in the process of preparing to receive the new superintendent?  Also, on 12/10/11, this same recommendation was agreed to and put forth by the Community Education Advocates Focus Group participants.

IV. We believe that the Rochester Board of Education should convene a joint-meeting with the permanent superintendent, Search Committee participants, all focus group participants, and any other interested parents and community members (no later than three weeks after the individual begins his or her tenure) for the specific purpose of discussing critical issues such as overall strategic direction (i.e., the question of whether or not the new superintendent plans to continue down the same, specific, strategic “path,” which was established under the Brizard Administration, and the question of building ongoing, collaborative, partnerships with various constituent groups). 

V. We believe that in order for the search process to have legitimacy, the Board and Search Committee must develop—and clearly articulate to the Rochester community—the mechanisms by which (in the process of the Board’s final decision) weight is given to the views, ideas, suggestions, proposals, recommendations, etc. that have been put forth by various constituencies who participated in community forums and focus groups, as well as (hopefully) additional forums—such as those suggested above.

VI. With regard to the search process, considering the History and Background outlined above, especially as it relates to  the Board of Education’s past performance—we believe that stake-holders and taxpayers are entitled to maximum transparency. Therefore, we also believe that every candidate who is granted an interview (whether selected as finalists or not) should be required to participate in open (as opposed to restrictive and tightly controlled) dialogue with the Rochester community via a forum(s) facilitated by the Superintendent Search Committee.

Request:

As it relates to our Position articulated above, and especially as it relates to our Recommendations—we are respectfully requesting written feed back from Board members, as well as other members of the Superintendent Search Committee.

Lastly, we respectfully request that all parents and other community members who support our Position and Recommendations, please inform the Superintendent Search Committee. Their email addresses are as follows: 

board.of.education@RCSDK12.ORG; superintendentsearch@rcsdk12.org; Maryb_adams@urmc.rochester.edu; malik@malikevans.org ; mightymalik@aol.com;Malikevans07@aol.com;  meliszacampos@hotmail.com;  AllenKWilliams@mac.com; celliott1225@yahoo.com;  van.white@thelegalbrief.com; wpowell@rochester.rr.com; countyleg@hotmail.com; sophie.gallivan@gmail.com; giannini@frontiernet.net; Candice_Lucas@urmc.rochester.edu; kmckinseymabry@gmail.com; kmckinseymabry@monroecc.edu; eotero@monroecc.edu; fljacobs@frontier.com; vic_robertson@frontiernet.net; Loretta.Scott@cityofrochester.gov; carlos.carballada@cityofrochester.gov

 Criteria for: “evaluating candidates for the permanent Superintendent position: unique abilities, leadership qualities and experience desired in the chief executive of the District.”

History & Introduction: The criteria listed below represent vitally important abilities, [...]]]>  Delivered to The Rochester City School District’s Superintendent Search Committee on December 3, 2011

 Criteria for: “evaluating candidates for the permanent Superintendent position: unique abilities, leadership qualities and experience desired in the chief executive of the District.”

History & Introduction: The criteria listed below represent vitally important abilities, leadership qualities, and experience desired in the chief executive of the Rochester City School District (RCSD). Many of the critically important attributes (see bulleted items below) were first presented publicly at a press conference, held by the Community Education Task Force (CETF), Coalition for Justice in Education, and a wide array of allies (parents, grandparents, students, educators, activists, and other community members) at the RCSD Central Office building on April 20, 2011.

Additional attributes (also contained in bulleted items) were developed under the title “people’s criteria” on November 28th, during the second public meeting of the Superintendents Search Committee (while Search Committee members—with the exception of Rochester Board of Education Commissioner-Elect Mary Adams and RCSD teacher Yolanda Montalvo—were in “recess”). Those who participated in developing the “people’s criteria” included at least 40 RCSD parents, grandparents, students, educators, activists (including many associated with the Community Education Task Force and Occupy Rochester), and other community members. The “people’s criteria” was transcribed by Mr. James Thompson, and was emailed to all Board members on 11/30/11.

Based on information and events outlined above, and on our collective knowledge, expertise, and proven commitment to help produce widespread, permanent change and improvement within the RCSD — we (CETF) are unequivocally convinced that the ideal candidate for the position of permanent Superintendent of the RCSD:

• is an experienced master teacher, with extensive instructional knowledge and a keen understanding of instructional practice and research-based education reform practices and methodologies.

• possesses demonstrated ability and skills that are necessary in order to build consensus with parents, educators, labor, and the broader Rochester community.

• is accessible, with demonstrated ability and skills to work in partnership with diverse groups of urban parents. Meaningful, ongoing parent and community engagement, involvement and input must be a valuable (as measured by concrete evidence) part of a democratic partnership in decision-making within the District.

• represents (equitably) the needs of all RCSD students and families, and subscribes to democrat principles, as opposed to corporate agendas and mayoral control ideologies.

• recognizes that the affects of poverty is at the core of student performance-problems and issues, and addresses that issue head-on.

• has demonstrated integrity, honesty, and trustworthiness.

• cannot be bought by big business, as borne out by relationships in the past.

• is opposed to corporate-driven, education agendas and mayoral control ideologies.

• is preferably from the Greater Rochester area.

• will create authentic mechanisms for parent and community engagement and involvement in decision-making at every level of the education system.

• allows teachers to teach and motivate youth, rather than to be shackled by standardized testing requirements. S(he) will fight at state and federal levels for local control.

• is willing to advocate and collaboratively develop alternative education programs, in order to best meet the needs of diverse, high-needs RCSD students in particular.

• will explore and collaboratively create assessment tools that extend beyond the sole use of quantitative standardized test scores, in favor of qualitative, broader assessment tools.

• has a history and record of recommending and successfully implementing meaningful change through concrete, demonstrable relationships with grassroots community organizations.

• is comfortable with, and has a record of developing socially just and democratic learning environments, as well as advancing culturally relevant curricula.

• can provide lists of grassroots, parent and community-based groups or organizations that s(he) has worked with and built long-standing, positive relationships with; can articulate the nature of such relationships, and explain/demonstrate how and why they were valued and respected.

• can articulate and demonstrate clear understanding of, and commitment to addressing the historical and ongoing impact of institutionalized racism and sexism within the District — by constantly and consistently creating, promoting and/or supporting adequate and appropriate professional development, and other activities, events, policies, practices, procedures, etc., that are designed to address these issues in meaningful (to students, parents/families and educators) and measurable ways.

Since the Superintendent Search Committee claims to need “help from the community to identify unique abilities, leadership qualities, and experience desired in the chief executive of the District,” we believe that certain criteria should be non-negotiable. A concrete example is criteria captured in the first bullet above, which states:

“is an experienced master teacher, with extensive instructional knowledge and a keen understanding of instructional practice and research-based education reform practices and methodologies.”

In a school district, it would refer to students, parents, teachers, civil service personnel, administrators, the superintendent and school board feeling positive about their ability [...]]]> Written by Dan Drmacich

Matt Miles, an organization health expert, explains that “power equalization” is the ability of any individual to influence anyone else in an organization and feel valued.

In a school district, it would refer to students, parents, teachers, civil service personnel, administrators, the superintendent and school board feeling positive about their ability to influence each other. This concept is extremely desirable, but often absent in many organizations, including the Rochester School District.

sIt was the reason why several school board candidates and the Parent and Community Coalition for Education Change protested the school board’s intention to authorize the hiring of a consulting firm to search for Rochester’s next superintendent. Specifically, the board:

Called the meeting without adequately notifying the Rochester community, thereby violating New York state’s open meeting policy.

Would have agreed to pay the consulting firm, Ray and Associates, $40,000 or more.

Would be using a consulting firm that is recommended by the Eli Broad Foundation, a conservative, corporate-oriented, education reform group that has supported profit-making charter schools, mayoral control of schools, standardized testing for student and teacher accountability, and “top-down” decision making.

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The selection of a permanent Rochester schools superintendent is one of the most important decisions the Board of Education will make.

The school board has committed to a robust community process in the selection of a permanent superintendent and we are committed to engaging all stakeholders in the process.

The [...]]]> Written by Jose Cruz

The selection of a permanent Rochester schools superintendent is one of the most important decisions the Board of Education will make.

The school board has committed to a robust community process in the selection of a permanent superintendent and we are committed to engaging all stakeholders in the process.

The board will appoint a community-wide selection committee consisting of members of the various sectors of our community — parents, City Hall, higher education and business partners will all be at the table as we seek to name a permanent superintendent who will work in concert with the board and the community in improving academic achievement and preparing students for the 21st Century. We anticipate having this committee in place before the end of October.

To gather information on criteria for a permanent superintendent, we will also have community-wide conversations in each of the school district’s three zones. These forums will give citizens the opportunity to share their thoughts on the qualities and characteristics they would like to see in a superintendent; the information gathered will be used in the crafting of the position description and the creation of a profile. A community-wide survey will also be launched. This will serve as yet another avenue for input on the criteria that we will be using in evaluating candidates. Focus groups with stakeholders will also be an important part of the process as we seek to touch every part of the community in our deliberations.

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But it doesn’t have to be that way, and it’s good to see the [...]]]> As the Rochester school board finally embarks on hiring a new superintendent, there’s been public debate about whether the district should spend precious tax dollars to hire a search firm. Some also fear that a firm would cut out public input.

But it doesn’t have to be that way, and it’s good to see the board promise meaningful community involvement even though members seem inclined to hire a search firm. Both are sound decisions.

A search firm, really, operates much like a general contractor overseeing the building of a home. The homeowner, with input from family members, determines the design; the contractor uses his expertise and resources to fulfill the owner’s vision. Such should be the case with using a search firm.

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Yes, there is a problem at the Middle School [...]]]> It is evident that the new/old reconfiguration of elementary school to Pre-K-8 is not working. Elementary schools are overwhelmed by the scope of grade levels to be serviced. The numbers of students and the age variances between students has created more failure at the elementary level.

Yes, there is a problem at the Middle School level of education. That problem begins at the elementary level where children are not receiving the foundation necessary for success in higher levels of learning. As more testing is being pushed at the elementary level, less of the child’s needs are being addressed.

It is at the elementary level of education that the desire to learn must be nurtured. Instead, it is killed by testing. Testing that is not associated with the child’s progress but with the dollars a district receives. Testing that determines a child’s failed future, not their present requirements for success.

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During the Board’s recent meeting members of the Community Education Taskforce (CETF) that included Howard Eagle, Mary Adams, and Wallace Smith along with many supporters in the audience successfully held off a vote by [...]]]> If one word could be used to describe what transpired at last week’s city school board meeting, it would be ‘filibuster’.

During the Board’s recent meeting members of the Community Education Taskforce (CETF) that included Howard Eagle, Mary Adams, and Wallace Smith along with many supporters in the audience successfully held off a vote by the Board that would have given them (board) the authority to hire a search firm to help find the district’s next permanent superintendent.

Through the use of loud repetitive chants and continuous interruptions the CETF and its members disrupted the process and procedures that must take place before a resolution can be voted on and passed by the city school board.

Howard, Mary, and Wallace who are also candidates for the school board in this up coming election were the only people signed up to speak on the proposed resolutions before it went to the Board for passage.

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Disagreement among some city school board members and between the board and some community activists have delayed the board’s hiring of a search firm to help find a new superintendent of city schools.

The board had hoped to hire a new superintendent by [...]]]> Malik Evans: “The community will have input into the superintendent search process.”

Disagreement among some city school board members and between the board and some community activists have delayed the board’s hiring of a search firm to help find a new superintendent of city schools.

The board had hoped to hire a new superintendent by the end of this school year, but last week, board members postponed a vote to hire the executive search firm Ray and Associates.

The school board had a special meeting Tuesday night, unrelated to the superintendent search – although one board member said the topic could come up. Board President Malik Evans said in a phone conversation Tuesday morning that no vote would be taken.

Some activists say the board doesn’t need to hire a firm. With the help of the community, they say, the board and the district have the resources to do the search. And the money saved would be better spent in the classroom, says Howard Eagle, a member of the Community Education Task Force and a candidate for school board.

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