What next for the schools?

How ironic that Larry Leverett was back in the area yesterday, moderating a conference on urban schools at Rutgers, as word began to seep out that Superintendent of Schools Paula Howard was resigning.

The fact that word began circulating before the parties were able to meet with the County Superintendent only underscores the suspicion that some insiders have ulterior motives -- and not education.

Though everyone will now be curious about why Dr. Paula Howard is leaving, the crucial question is, What next?

The schools have been on a rollercoaster ride for the past several years.

A short list of the issues would include--

• Schools Construction Corporation funding: Promised $185M, received much less.
  
  
• Will there be a new Middle School -- and where?
  
  
• When, if ever, will the 'swing school' property be returned to the tax rolls for its approx $200K per year boost?

• How will the District mobilize to win the fight for continued -- and expanded -- Abbott funding?
  
  
• How to stabilize the leadership situations at the High School and Hubbard School?
  
  
• Making necessary 'No Child Left Behind' improvements.
  
  
• Regaining full state certification -- when's the last time you heard this one?
  
  
• Will the tax levy have to be increased?
  
  
• What will be the enrollment impact of proposed transit village development?

And that's just for starters.

We've been here before, so we should know the lay of the land somewhat.

First, we'll need to have an INTERIM SUPERINTENDENT so the Board of Ed can conduct a proper and thorough search.

Contrary to suggestions in the press, it is not the state that will be most helpful here, but the New Jersey School Boards Association, which has resources to help Boards cope with the challenges of an interim situation -- including assessing the issues facing the district, help in finding an interim Superintendent, and help with conducting a search for a new Superintendent.

As with every large scale undertaking, it will be important to follow the tried-but-true planning mantra--

• Inventory assets and liabilities
• Assess strengths and weaknesses
• Set goals
• Make an action plan
• Act

In the meantime, maybe the best thing to do is keep the lessons of the Lamaze Method in mind: it's all in the preparation, coaching, breathing, and -- pushing.

-- Dan Damon

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