An Interesting Timeline
The principal of Dexter Regional High School is retiring as of June 30.Most of us, and most of the rest of the world, learned of this retirement around Saturday, April 1st, the day an article about his resignation appeared in the Bangor Daily News ("Dexter Regional High principal submits resignation," p.C2)
In that same issue of the BDN, the position advertisement (right) appeared. It appeared again one week later, in the issue of Saturday April 8.
To review, here's the timeline:
| March (last week) | |
| | April 1 |
| April 8 | |
| | April 14 application deadline |
Here are some questions that arise:
- Isn't this a short turnaround for such a significant position? Replacing a principal is an opportunity to revitalize a school, bring in new ideas, and consider new approaches. Should we be so quick to decide such important questions?
- Is it possible that a short deadline favors insiders?
- Will a potential applicant look at this advertisement's specifications (familiarity with Promising Futures, Great Maine School[s] Project, and Breaking Ranks II) and conclude that the District already has a particular candidate in mind? These specified programs all apply only to high schools, not to middle schools or to elementary schools. They are programs best known to people in high schools, high schools undergoing some type of "reform." Indeed , those most knowledgeable will come from high schools that have been successful in gaining grants from these programs.
- How many very gifted educational leaders does the narrowness of these specifications exclude?
- Of potential inside candidates, are some favored by the way this advertisement has been written?
Awful rumors reach our ears. We won't repeat them here, or in casual conversation. Are you hearing what we hear?
posted by PP | 4/24/2006 06:17:00 PM
4 Comments:
Has anybody looked into the character of Mr. Bell. Not the best influence for young people. Maybe someone didn't do enough homework!
I have known Mr. Bell for a number of years, and I believe that he has an outstanding character. It may be that the school "already had him in mind", but that may be because he has worked in the district for a number of years, and who else knows our students better?? I believe that credit should be given where credit is due. I also believe that the students respect Mr. Bell.
If he is of poor character, why was he allowed to continue as Vice Principal and Athletic Director for all these previous years?
That's an easy one. Weak administration and local politics. Also, Respect and like are 2 very different items. Of course the students like Mr. Bell. Very little discipline. Respect? I doubt it.
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