Well, they're talking retrospectively and frankly, about Barbara Erwin in Scottsdale, Arizona; looking back on her tenure there as Superintendent from 2000-2004.
Robert Leger is the Editorial Page Editor for the Scottsdale Republic. His article, "Barbara Erwin will always have Scottsdale," is posted on Blogizona, where he reported Erwin's Kentucky problems to the folks in Arizona. Following his article are a handful of thoughtful questions and comments.
But Leger started off asking a question of his own: "I came to Scottsdale well after Erwin had departed," he wrote, "but I've not heard one good word about her. Did anyone in Kentucky do a reference check?"
Bodo7643 asked a very penetrating question. "How could the Kentuckians have missed the fact that our School Board bought out Erwin's contract; -- they were that eager to be rid of her!"
What? How indeed? If that's true it's a "What did the school board know and when did they know it?" kind of question.
Dodie1499 said, "As a newspaper editor, familiar with "typos" I am sure you are amused at what Erwin considers a "typo.""
Then Dodie decries, "the "stone-walling" that some in our community and on our school board have participated in when contacted by those in the education community in Kentucky. Not wanting to get involved is such a cheesey way to get out of addressing matters truthfully even if it is uncomfortable."
Was important information withheld from the Kentucky Board of Education?
Jim McAllister says, "If I remember correctly, Erwin also applied at Shawnee Mission, Kansas a few years ago and was turned down. They must have checked her a bit closer. "
Scottsdale's third choice?...hired...fired?...remembered.
(Thanks to Richard Innes at the Bluegrass Institute for the tip.)
4 comments:
Scottsdale did not buy out Erwin's contract. She left voluntarily after she was approved by the Board for the job in St. Charles.
Scottsdale did not buy out Erwin's contract. The Board accepted her voluntary resignation after she accepted the job in St. Charles.
At the time, there was approximately 2 years left on her contract.
The School Board forced her out and it cost money...lots of money. Our school board president at the time sued Erwin.
All of that aside, how do the good people of Kentucky rationalize this choice when the woman hasn't been in charge of a district larger than 30,000 kids?
Here in Scottsdale we actually have a pool going for how long she'll last. It's an over/under 24 months...smart money has 19 months.
Pity the children for they do not deserve this!
So far, the media folks in Scottsdale say there is no hint that the Scottsdale school board bought out Dr. Erwin. The most recent "anonymous" entry above appears to come from someone who knows something more than the media. We need to hear from people if they have positive evidence. Otherwise, this continues to be just a rumor. Contact me at innes@bipps.org or e-mail Richard Day of this blog if you have evidence of a buyout.
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