Now that two of three candidates to lead Seattle's public schools have dropped out of contention, the appointment of a new superintendant is a mere formality
As with Seattle's national search for a police chief two years ago, when our interim chief was the last man standing, this was really no choice.
Obviously any process that can't encourage top talent to Seattle highlights problems, but the important thing is moving forward. The new superintendant has a huge job and will need to put a premium on communications in order to succeed.
As the parent of a toddler in neighborhood that's often called "transitional," it's clear that nothing is more important to the future of the city than quality schools. I know parents who are moving away (or plan to) because of the perception that local schools fall short. Some say they can deal with elementary school but no way will they send their kids to city middle or high schools. Others come to the Seattle area for work and immediately settle in the suburbs. We need these people and the economic base they form to make the city stronger.
Assuming the new super is on top of the management basics, strong communications will make or break the job. Here are a few ideas:
1. Articulate a vision. Don't wait for public feedback or search for "consensus" — it will never materialize. On the campaign trail last year I attended countless community forums with candidates for school board and saw the depth of frustration across the city. Too often any talk of reform is seen as turning over schools to for-profit corporations. We need strong leadership without platitudes.
2. Lead, don't manage. This job is all about outreach and bridge-building. The previous superintendant was smart and articulate but somehow alienated too many people. The financial scandal wouldn't have been her undoing if she had shown a better way forward.
3. Explain, explain. Get information out directly to parents and people who don't realize what's happening in the schools. Don't wait for legacy media to do nuanced, contextual coverage that will never come. Embrace social media. A lack of information feeds parental anxiety and provides a vacuum for opponents.
4. Demonstrate results. I thought the previous super's comfort with testing was overdone and hope that high standards can mean more than test scores. Undoubtedly there are many good things going on in the schools. Here's hoping the new leader facilitates more of them rather than getting bogged down.