Why is Karen Garza So Much More Successful Than Other School Superintendents?

[Anonymous]

The FCPS School Board just voted unanimously to renew Karen Garza's contract for four more years.

What does she do that makes her so well-liked? I can't think of any other local school superintendent - whether Joshua Starr in MCPS, Patrick Murphy in APS, or Kaya Henderson in DCPS - who enjoyed nearly that degree of respect. Henderson was tolerated, Murphy is widely disliked, and MCPS got rid of Starr at the first real opportunity.

[Anonymous]

Please show where Murphy is widely disliked

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Please show where Murphy is widely disliked

Try looking at the comments on just about any school-related issue on ARLNow.

[Anonymous]

SHe hasn't been around long enough. Still in honeymoon phase after replacing mediocre Superintendent.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Please show where Murphy is widely disliked

Try looking at the comments on just about any school-related issue on ARLNow.

Comments on ARLNoW?
Come on.

[Anonymous]

It helps that Garza has a great deal of school-related experience. I don't know if the others do. Also, I thought the MCPS sup was, no?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It helps that Garza has a great deal of school-related experience. I don't know if the others do. Also, I thought the MCPS sup was, no?

Murphy was a gym teacher.

[Anonymous]

Bc the fcps board and Garza all drink the same Kool aid

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It helps that Garza has a great deal of school-related experience. I don't know if the others do. Also, I thought the MCPS sup was, no?

Murphy was a gym teacher.

Not an APS parent, but I see all sorts of disdain on this board for "Coach Murphy." Then again, there are times when FCPS parents slam Garza, too.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Please show where Murphy is widely disliked

omg. Please link to any comment on this board showing that Murphy is liked. Besides yours! NOBODY I know likes him.

The School Board voted against iPads and he rolled over them and brought them in even though nobody was prepared for them.

Nothing is planned. There are more trailers than ever.

However, there are two things I respect Murphy for:
* Arlington has the lowest class sizes around and Murphy has so far basically preserved them. I have MUCH respect for that.
* Under his leadership Arlington spends the most money per kid on education than many neighboring districts. Great! That is where our priorities SHOULD be.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The FCPS School Board just voted unanimously to renew Karen Garza's contract for four more years.

What does she do that makes her so well-liked? I can't think of any other local school superintendent - whether Joshua Starr in MCPS, Patrick Murphy in APS, or Kaya Henderson in DCPS - who enjoyed nearly that degree of respect. Henderson was tolerated, Murphy is widely disliked, and MCPS got rid of Starr at the first real opportunity.

What does she do that makes her so well liked?

Well, she rolls over like a dead dog for every lame brain idea the School Board comes up with.

Iif you like moronic ideas, I guess you like her.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:SHe hasn't been around long enough. Still in honeymoon phase after replacing mediocre Superintendent.

This.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The FCPS School Board just voted unanimously to renew Karen Garza's contract for four more years.

What does she do that makes her so well-liked? I can't think of any other local school superintendent - whether Joshua Starr in MCPS, Patrick Murphy in APS, or Kaya Henderson in DCPS - who enjoyed nearly that degree of respect. Henderson was tolerated, Murphy is widely disliked, and MCPS got rid of Starr at the first real opportunity.

What does she do that makes her so well liked?

Well, she rolls over like a dead dog for every lame brain idea the School Board comes up with.

Iif you like moronic ideas, I guess you like her.

Depending on your POV. She's been actually implementing ideas that had to talked to death under the previous superintendent, with no real gains made, like 1/2 day Monday's and HS start times. Not a huge Garza fan but she gets stuff done. Now, you can argue whether these moves were positive or not (I love full day Monday's and hate HS start times, and realize both are controversial). But it is nice to see someone make a decision and then move forward, rather than raising an issue, and 10 years later implementation is still being discussed.

[Anonymous]

IME she is well liked by the teaching staff.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:IME she is well liked by the teaching staff.

Not what I've heard.