I participated in the recent roundtable that discussed what we should be looking for in a new school superintendent. The Herald-Sun's article on that meeting was to the point but missed the most important point to me. The problem is that most suggestions are the feel-good, all-inclusive ones that don't address the major educational situation. Yes, there are good things going on in the schools and yes, Carl Harris has done good things in Durham -- BUT....
Reducing the dropout rate and getting all our students up to grade level hasn't occurred. The Board of Education's own statement about educating all students to their fullest and getting them ready for the world of work isn't happening.
The business of the schools is education. Let's get a business person with proven management skills, who has an appreciation for education to run our schools.
A CEO who is paid a base salary and has bonus incentives in his/her contract. The BOE can be the board of directors. Principals and area supervisors would be the education consultants.
The BOE can reduce the size of the administration at the same time, since we already have a CEO. This is an opportunity to make a change in the direction of our schools.
For those who are concerned about hiring someone who doesn't know Durham or our education problems, look at what an asset the new city manager is and how good a job he is doing for Durham.
DON LEBKES
Durham
Protect law officers
The letter of Dec. 11 from Nikki Prignano of Timberlake was right on target. Except I feel the idiot that shot Officer Damon Youmans was remorseful when he realized he might face a long jail sentence.
If he had any conscience at all, why was he carrying a weapon? I feel very strongly about my appreciation of all law enforcement officers who risk their lives every day to protect us. You kill an officer, automatic death penalty. You injure an officer, life in prison. You shoot at an Officer, extended time in prison.
It is time we protected those who protect us. And the very idea of releasing hardened criminals who have been sentenced to life in prison really blows my mind.
DORIS ONDEK
Durham
