What is the consensus about the quality of leadership in
According to
the Tacoma News Tribune, the current Tacoma School Board is “the weakest in
years.” (A quote from this story. ) As noted in
earlier entries about the search
process for a new superintendent, its implementation of goals,
and its ability to connect
with the public, there are critical issues that require Board
leadership. Judging by recent
experience, it has not done well. By
better connecting with the public, the Board can have more frequent reality
checks on its policies. By putting high
expectations on its Superintendent, the Board can be more confident the goals
actually describe the direction of District activities. By hiring a new Superintendent who is up to
the task, the Board can spend more of its time expanding its understanding of
what is possible in
Board members need to know we are at a tipping point—we can easily lose another two years, and make no progress in areas that need improvement now. The stakes are high.