Buffalo
School Board President James Sampson sent an email out to the entire board on
Sunday (4/26) indicating the board majority's preference to name James Weimer
as the next superintendent of Buffalo Public Schools and plans to begin
assembling a new leadership team for the district. Below is his email to the
board, as well as the response from minority bloc board member Barbara
Nevergold:
From: "Sampson, James"
Date: Sunday, April 26, 2015 at 12:22
PM
To: Board Members, Ogilvie, Donald
Hello,
There has been a lot of discussion at the board and in the
community about the search for a new superintendent. Whereas many
advocate for tapping into the talented resources that we have in the district,
others advocate taking a step back and doing a national search. Both
approaches have merit, but I believe with the crush of events and the need to
create as many high performing seats and schools as possible, we should move
quickly to look within the district for our next leadership team. We know
that Don is leaving at the end of June, a number of high level staff have
announced their interest in departing; like every year, a new school year
begins in September and we have a number of looming projects that may well
determine the future direction of the district.
I know this approach is not what is usually followed in districts,
but as many of you have observed on many occasions, we have incredible talent
in the district and many pockets of excellence. Most importantly our
students and parents have a sense of urgency, an urgency that can not be met
with a national search.
Since it ended up on the front page of the Buffalo News on two
occasions, it is no secret that a number of board members are interested in
potentially engaging Jim Weimer as our next superintendent. Many of you
already know Jim and I have had the opportunity to get to know him over the
past 18 months. Recently I have spent time with him and explored his
thinking about how to lead the district, who he would see as key people
becoming part of the leadership team, how to assemble the new team and
integrate them with existing staff and most importantly how to focus like a
laser on the day to day instruction that takes place in every building that is
the critical ingredient advancing student performance.
As we move towards July 1st, I would encourage you to reach out to
Jim. I know that he will also be reaching out to all board members and
other stakeholders to talk about his vision for the future of the district.
Thanks, Jim
James M. Sampson, West District Representative Buffalo Board of
Education
From: Nevergold, Barbara A
Date: April 26, 2015 at 8:40:22 PM
EDT
To: Sampson, James, Board
Members, Ogilvie, Donald, Cabinet
Subject: RE:
So Jim by this email, you are informing us that the Board Majority
has already made its selection of Mr. Weimer as Superintendent. You don't
offer an opportunity for input, only the opportunity to participate in this
sham, illegal "search" process. Surely you jest when you say
that over the last 18 months you've had the opportunity to get to know Mr.
Weimer and "explore his thinking about how to lead the
district, who he would see as key people becoming part of the leadership team,
how to assemble the new team and integrate them with existing staff and most
importantly how to focus like a laser on the day to day instruction that takes
place in every building that is the critical ingredient advancing student
performance." Have you explored his experience, competency and
actual ability to do the job? Outside of Emerson, what justifies his
promotion to lead an organization with 34,000 students, 7,000 employees, 50
plus buildings, a divided Board, a skeptical community, an adversarial State
Ed Department, a Governor that is looking to receivership, numerous
unions, etc., etc., etc. Please do not presume to insult our intelligence
and knowledge about this District; and the individuals that Mr. Weimer has in
mind for his "team".
Nothing has changed. The Board majority does not plan
to enter into an honest, open, transparent, equitable internal search,
regardless of the "urgency" that you profess drives your
actions. Let's be clear when Mr. Weimer can complete an
interview questionnaire without the help of an Internet site, maybe
he can talk about his plans on how to lead this District. What you are
doing is unethical and reprehensible. You claim to have the best
interests of the students and parents in mind but refuse to engage them in a
conversation about what they think is in their best interest. That's
paternalistic. This is not acceptable. If Mr. Weimer has any intention of reaching out to us and the community
he needs to start now as he has a lot of reaching to do. Have him call me
and let's set up a community meeting this week. Barbara
Barbara A. Seals Nevergold, PhD, At-Large Member, Buffalo Board
of Education
No comments:
Post a Comment