Board wants Monifa to step down

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The Moco 360 article is alarming on a number of fronts. We have a school district that is at least $50 million in the red this fiscal year (maybe more, probably) and a superintendent focused on negotiating her separation agreement with the BOE. Many leaders appointed by the superintendent are problematic, per the article.

Who does the board appoint as interim superintendent when the time comes?

Honestly, this is the biggest conundrum we face. Brian Hull, who was named acting sup when Monifa was out on sick leave is not a good option, since he's at the heart of many of the scandals rocking MCPS including:

- Massive safety and security failures
- The Khalid Walker retaliation and meddling
- The budget deficits

And now, Stephanie Sheron has been implicated as being a McKnight acolyte so she's tainted too. I don't know who's up next. The bench is nonexistent.

You need new leadership to build up the bench. McKnight will just continue to hire her buddies.

What if the board brought back Scott Joftus for an interim super appointment? He actually has expertise in this field. (Yes, I know the Kid Museum-haters will not go for this idea.)

+1M; would love it if Joftus were appointed for this role & know he cares deeply about the district. Would be a great play.

I remember him losing his election but what was his platform and position on things generally?

They should pay a kings ransom to get Scott Murphy to come back from Fredneck

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Principals are leaving because they know now a teacher can make accusations and their jobs will be on the line.
“This is how it is today: The teachers are afraid of the principals. The principals are afraid of the superintendents. The superintendents are afraid of the board of education. The board is afraid of the parents.”

Finish the quote: “The parents are afraid of the kids, and the kids are not afraid of anyone.”

This last part is a huge part of the problem .

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The Moco 360 article is alarming on a number of fronts. We have a school district that is at least $50 million in the red this fiscal year (maybe more, probably) and a superintendent focused on negotiating her separation agreement with the BOE. Many leaders appointed by the superintendent are problematic, per the article.

Who does the board appoint as interim superintendent when the time comes?

Honestly, this is the biggest conundrum we face. Brian Hull, who was named acting sup when Monifa was out on sick leave is not a good option, since he's at the heart of many of the scandals rocking MCPS including:

- Massive safety and security failures
- The Khalid Walker retaliation and meddling
- The budget deficits

And now, Stephanie Sheron has been implicated as being a McKnight acolyte so she's tainted too. I don't know who's up next. The bench is nonexistent.

You need new leadership to build up the bench. McKnight will just continue to hire her buddies.

What if the board brought back Scott Joftus for an interim super appointment? He actually has expertise in this field. (Yes, I know the Kid Museum-haters will not go for this idea.)

+1M; would love it if Joftus were appointed for this role & know he cares deeply about the district. Would be a great play.

I remember him losing his election but what was his platform and position on things generally?

They should pay a kings ransom to get Scott Murphy to come back from Fredneck

Given just his resume prior to joining Frederick, I don’t see why anyone would pay a ransom for him to come back as none of those things he was over seem to be top notch:

“Since 2020, he has served as director of college and career readiness of districtwide programs. He has also served as director of secondary curriculum of districtwide programs. In MCPS, he was also principal of both Watkins Mill High and William H. Farquhar Middle.”

[Anonymous]

All leadership with indiscretions are shaking in their boots and running for cover.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The Moco 360 article is alarming on a number of fronts. We have a school district that is at least $50 million in the red this fiscal year (maybe more, probably) and a superintendent focused on negotiating her separation agreement with the BOE. Many leaders appointed by the superintendent are problematic, per the article.

Who does the board appoint as interim superintendent when the time comes?

Honestly, this is the biggest conundrum we face. Brian Hull, who was named acting sup when Monifa was out on sick leave is not a good option, since he's at the heart of many of the scandals rocking MCPS including:

- Massive safety and security failures
- The Khalid Walker retaliation and meddling
- The budget deficits

And now, Stephanie Sheron has been implicated as being a McKnight acolyte so she's tainted too. I don't know who's up next. The bench is nonexistent.

You need new leadership to build up the bench. McKnight will just continue to hire her buddies.

What if the board brought back Scott Joftus for an interim super appointment? He actually has expertise in this field. (Yes, I know the Kid Museum-haters will not go for this idea.)

+1M; would love it if Joftus were appointed for this role & know he cares deeply about the district. Would be a great play.

I remember him losing his election but what was his platform and position on things generally?

They should pay a kings ransom to get Scott Murphy to come back from Fredneck

Given just his resume prior to joining Frederick, I don’t see why anyone would pay a ransom for him to come back as none of those things he was over seem to be top notch:

“Since 2020, he has served as director of college and career readiness of districtwide programs. He has also served as director of secondary curriculum of districtwide programs. In MCPS, he was also principal of both Watkins Mill High and William H. Farquhar Middle.”

So another McKnight-Bedielman connection?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:All leadership with indiscretions are shaking in their boots and running for cover.

Not necessarily. Some are running for cover because they want no part of these shenanigans.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The Moco 360 article is alarming on a number of fronts. We have a school district that is at least $50 million in the red this fiscal year (maybe more, probably) and a superintendent focused on negotiating her separation agreement with the BOE. Many leaders appointed by the superintendent are problematic, per the article.

Who does the board appoint as interim superintendent when the time comes?

Honestly, this is the biggest conundrum we face. Brian Hull, who was named acting sup when Monifa was out on sick leave is not a good option, since he's at the heart of many of the scandals rocking MCPS including:

- Massive safety and security failures
- The Khalid Walker retaliation and meddling
- The budget deficits

And now, Stephanie Sheron has been implicated as being a McKnight acolyte so she's tainted too. I don't know who's up next. The bench is nonexistent.

You need new leadership to build up the bench. McKnight will just continue to hire her buddies.

What if the board brought back Scott Joftus for an interim super appointment? He actually has expertise in this field. (Yes, I know the Kid Museum-haters will not go for this idea.)

+1M; would love it if Joftus were appointed for this role & know he cares deeply about the district. Would be a great play.

I remember him losing his election but what was his platform and position on things generally?

They should pay a kings ransom to get Scott Murphy to come back from Fredneck

Given just his resume prior to joining Frederick, I don’t see why anyone would pay a ransom for him to come back as none of those things he was over seem to be top notch:

“Since 2020, he has served as director of college and career readiness of districtwide programs. He has also served as director of secondary curriculum of districtwide programs. In MCPS, he was also principal of both Watkins Mill High and William H. Farquhar Middle.”

+1

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The Moco 360 article is alarming on a number of fronts. We have a school district that is at least $50 million in the red this fiscal year (maybe more, probably) and a superintendent focused on negotiating her separation agreement with the BOE. Many leaders appointed by the superintendent are problematic, per the article.

Who does the board appoint as interim superintendent when the time comes?

Honestly, this is the biggest conundrum we face. Brian Hull, who was named acting sup when Monifa was out on sick leave is not a good option, since he's at the heart of many of the scandals rocking MCPS including:

- Massive safety and security failures
- The Khalid Walker retaliation and meddling
- The budget deficits

And now, Stephanie Sheron has been implicated as being a McKnight acolyte so she's tainted too. I don't know who's up next. The bench is nonexistent.

You need new leadership to build up the bench. McKnight will just continue to hire her buddies.

What if the board brought back Scott Joftus for an interim super appointment? He actually has expertise in this field. (Yes, I know the Kid Museum-haters will not go for this idea.)

+1M; would love it if Joftus were appointed for this role & know he cares deeply about the district. Would be a great play.

I don’t think it would be wise for the BOE to remove a superintendent and install a person who lost an election. Doesn’t really scream “we hear the public sentiment”. also, while he was on the board he was largely ineffective. Rarely asked questions or seemed engaged during meetings, never remember him challenging MCPS staff at all. His credentials speak for themselves but he’s not the type we need right now.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The Moco 360 article is alarming on a number of fronts. We have a school district that is at least $50 million in the red this fiscal year (maybe more, probably) and a superintendent focused on negotiating her separation agreement with the BOE. Many leaders appointed by the superintendent are problematic, per the article.

Who does the board appoint as interim superintendent when the time comes?

Honestly, this is the biggest conundrum we face. Brian Hull, who was named acting sup when Monifa was out on sick leave is not a good option, since he's at the heart of many of the scandals rocking MCPS including:

- Massive safety and security failures
- The Khalid Walker retaliation and meddling
- The budget deficits

And now, Stephanie Sheron has been implicated as being a McKnight acolyte so she's tainted too. I don't know who's up next. The bench is nonexistent.

You need new leadership to build up the bench. McKnight will just continue to hire her buddies.

What if the board brought back Scott Joftus for an interim super appointment? He actually has expertise in this field. (Yes, I know the Kid Museum-haters will not go for this idea.)

+1M; would love it if Joftus were appointed for this role & know he cares deeply about the district. Would be a great play.

I don’t think it would be wise for the BOE to remove a superintendent and install a person who lost an election. Doesn’t really scream “we hear the public sentiment”. also, while he was on the board he was largely ineffective. Rarely asked questions or seemed engaged during meetings, never remember him challenging MCPS staff at all. His credentials speak for themselves but he’s not the type we need right now.

We need a dynamic, competent, transparent leader. We need a change agent, champion. Anything less will not allow the system to move on, improve or attract strong leaders for schools and high level central office jobs.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The Moco 360 article is alarming on a number of fronts. We have a school district that is at least $50 million in the red this fiscal year (maybe more, probably) and a superintendent focused on negotiating her separation agreement with the BOE. Many leaders appointed by the superintendent are problematic, per the article.

Who does the board appoint as interim superintendent when the time comes?

Honestly, this is the biggest conundrum we face. Brian Hull, who was named acting sup when Monifa was out on sick leave is not a good option, since he's at the heart of many of the scandals rocking MCPS including:

- Massive safety and security failures
- The Khalid Walker retaliation and meddling
- The budget deficits

And now, Stephanie Sheron has been implicated as being a McKnight acolyte so she's tainted too. I don't know who's up next. The bench is nonexistent.

You need new leadership to build up the bench. McKnight will just continue to hire her buddies.

What if the board brought back Scott Joftus for an interim super appointment? He actually has expertise in this field. (Yes, I know the Kid Museum-haters will not go for this idea.)

+1M; would love it if Joftus were appointed for this role & know he cares deeply about the district. Would be a great play.

I don’t think it would be wise for the BOE to remove a superintendent and install a person who lost an election. Doesn’t really scream “we hear the public sentiment”. also, while he was on the board he was largely ineffective. Rarely asked questions or seemed engaged during meetings, never remember him challenging MCPS staff at all. His credentials speak for themselves but he’s not the type we need right now.

We need a dynamic, competent, transparent leader. We need a change agent, champion. Anything less will not allow the system to move on, improve or attract strong leaders for schools and high level central office jobs.

Agree 100% but were more likely to get more equity.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The Moco 360 article is alarming on a number of fronts. We have a school district that is at least $50 million in the red this fiscal year (maybe more, probably) and a superintendent focused on negotiating her separation agreement with the BOE. Many leaders appointed by the superintendent are problematic, per the article.

Who does the board appoint as interim superintendent when the time comes?

Honestly, this is the biggest conundrum we face. Brian Hull, who was named acting sup when Monifa was out on sick leave is not a good option, since he's at the heart of many of the scandals rocking MCPS including:

- Massive safety and security failures
- The Khalid Walker retaliation and meddling
- The budget deficits

And now, Stephanie Sheron has been implicated as being a McKnight acolyte so she's tainted too. I don't know who's up next. The bench is nonexistent.

You need new leadership to build up the bench. McKnight will just continue to hire her buddies.

What if the board brought back Scott Joftus for an interim super appointment? He actually has expertise in this field. (Yes, I know the Kid Museum-haters will not go for this idea.)

+1M; would love it if Joftus were appointed for this role & know he cares deeply about the district. Would be a great play.

I don’t think it would be wise for the BOE to remove a superintendent and install a person who lost an election. Doesn’t really scream “we hear the public sentiment”. also, while he was on the board he was largely ineffective. Rarely asked questions or seemed engaged during meetings, never remember him challenging MCPS staff at all. His credentials speak for themselves but he’s not the type we need right now.

We need a dynamic, competent, transparent leader. We need a change agent, champion. Anything less will not allow the system to move on, improve or attract strong leaders for schools and high level central office jobs.

Agree 100% but were more likely to get more equity.

+1 There should be a national search for the best candidate. As one of the country’s largest school districts, it’s hard to believe that McKnight was the best and most qualified candidate to lead such a large and complex system, and it will be equally hard to believe that her replacement sits at MCPS CO right now. Enough of the contest between who “knows MCPS the best” or who’s bffs with BOE members. An outsider with a mandate to turn things around is what’s needed.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The Moco 360 article is alarming on a number of fronts. We have a school district that is at least $50 million in the red this fiscal year (maybe more, probably) and a superintendent focused on negotiating her separation agreement with the BOE. Many leaders appointed by the superintendent are problematic, per the article.

Who does the board appoint as interim superintendent when the time comes?

Honestly, this is the biggest conundrum we face. Brian Hull, who was named acting sup when Monifa was out on sick leave is not a good option, since he's at the heart of many of the scandals rocking MCPS including:

- Massive safety and security failures
- The Khalid Walker retaliation and meddling
- The budget deficits

And now, Stephanie Sheron has been implicated as being a McKnight acolyte so she's tainted too. I don't know who's up next. The bench is nonexistent.

You need new leadership to build up the bench. McKnight will just continue to hire her buddies.

What if the board brought back Scott Joftus for an interim super appointment? He actually has expertise in this field. (Yes, I know the Kid Museum-haters will not go for this idea.)

+1M; would love it if Joftus were appointed for this role & know he cares deeply about the district. Would be a great play.

I remember him losing his election but what was his platform and position on things generally?

They should pay a kings ransom to get Scott Murphy to come back from Fredneck

Given just his resume prior to joining Frederick, I don’t see why anyone would pay a ransom for him to come back as none of those things he was over seem to be top notch:

“Since 2020, he has served as director of college and career readiness of districtwide programs. He has also served as director of secondary curriculum of districtwide programs. In MCPS, he was also principal of both Watkins Mill High and William H. Farquhar Middle.”

So another McKnight-Bedielman connection?

Nope. He was long gone before then. He also won the administration award for not sucking like the rest of the county

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The Moco 360 article is alarming on a number of fronts. We have a school district that is at least $50 million in the red this fiscal year (maybe more, probably) and a superintendent focused on negotiating her separation agreement with the BOE. Many leaders appointed by the superintendent are problematic, per the article.

Who does the board appoint as interim superintendent when the time comes?

Honestly, this is the biggest conundrum we face. Brian Hull, who was named acting sup when Monifa was out on sick leave is not a good option, since he's at the heart of many of the scandals rocking MCPS including:

- Massive safety and security failures
- The Khalid Walker retaliation and meddling
- The budget deficits

And now, Stephanie Sheron has been implicated as being a McKnight acolyte so she's tainted too. I don't know who's up next. The bench is nonexistent.

You need new leadership to build up the bench. McKnight will just continue to hire her buddies.

What if the board brought back Scott Joftus for an interim super appointment? He actually has expertise in this field. (Yes, I know the Kid Museum-haters will not go for this idea.)

+1M; would love it if Joftus were appointed for this role & know he cares deeply about the district. Would be a great play.

I don’t think it would be wise for the BOE to remove a superintendent and install a person who lost an election. Doesn’t really scream “we hear the public sentiment”. also, while he was on the board he was largely ineffective. Rarely asked questions or seemed engaged during meetings, never remember him challenging MCPS staff at all. His credentials speak for themselves but he’s not the type we need right now.

We need a dynamic, competent, transparent leader. We need a change agent, champion. Anything less will not allow the system to move on, improve or attract strong leaders for schools and high level central office jobs.

Agree 100% but were more likely to get more equity.

+1 There should be a national search for the best candidate. As one of the country’s largest school districts, it’s hard to believe that McKnight was the best and most qualified candidate to lead such a large and complex system, and it will be equally hard to believe that her replacement sits at MCPS CO right now. Enough of the contest between who “knows MCPS the best” or who’s bffs with BOE members. An outsider with a mandate to turn things around is what’s needed.

They will do a national search. MCPS will probably use Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates for that search. Jack Smith is a consultant with that firm now. I think it would be helpful, if this firm is chosen for the search, if Jack Smith not participate in the work. He elevated McKnight.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The Moco 360 article is alarming on a number of fronts. We have a school district that is at least $50 million in the red this fiscal year (maybe more, probably) and a superintendent focused on negotiating her separation agreement with the BOE. Many leaders appointed by the superintendent are problematic, per the article.

Who does the board appoint as interim superintendent when the time comes?

Honestly, this is the biggest conundrum we face. Brian Hull, who was named acting sup when Monifa was out on sick leave is not a good option, since he's at the heart of many of the scandals rocking MCPS including:

- Massive safety and security failures
- The Khalid Walker retaliation and meddling
- The budget deficits

And now, Stephanie Sheron has been implicated as being a McKnight acolyte so she's tainted too. I don't know who's up next. The bench is nonexistent.

You need new leadership to build up the bench. McKnight will just continue to hire her buddies.

What if the board brought back Scott Joftus for an interim super appointment? He actually has expertise in this field. (Yes, I know the Kid Museum-haters will not go for this idea.)

+1M; would love it if Joftus were appointed for this role & know he cares deeply about the district. Would be a great play.

I don’t think it would be wise for the BOE to remove a superintendent and install a person who lost an election. Doesn’t really scream “we hear the public sentiment”. also, while he was on the board he was largely ineffective. Rarely asked questions or seemed engaged during meetings, never remember him challenging MCPS staff at all. His credentials speak for themselves but he’s not the type we need right now.

We need a dynamic, competent, transparent leader. We need a change agent, champion. Anything less will not allow the system to move on, improve or attract strong leaders for schools and high level central office jobs.

Agree 100% but were more likely to get more equity.

+1 There should be a national search for the best candidate. As one of the country’s largest school districts, it’s hard to believe that McKnight was the best and most qualified candidate to lead such a large and complex system, and it will be equally hard to believe that her replacement sits at MCPS CO right now. Enough of the contest between who “knows MCPS the best” or who’s bffs with BOE members. An outsider with a mandate to turn things around is what’s needed.

+1
That part!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The Moco 360 article is alarming on a number of fronts. We have a school district that is at least $50 million in the red this fiscal year (maybe more, probably) and a superintendent focused on negotiating her separation agreement with the BOE. Many leaders appointed by the superintendent are problematic, per the article.

Who does the board appoint as interim superintendent when the time comes?

Honestly, this is the biggest conundrum we face. Brian Hull, who was named acting sup when Monifa was out on sick leave is not a good option, since he's at the heart of many of the scandals rocking MCPS including:

- Massive safety and security failures
- The Khalid Walker retaliation and meddling
- The budget deficits

And now, Stephanie Sheron has been implicated as being a McKnight acolyte so she's tainted too. I don't know who's up next. The bench is nonexistent.

You need new leadership to build up the bench. McKnight will just continue to hire her buddies.

What if the board brought back Scott Joftus for an interim super appointment? He actually has expertise in this field. (Yes, I know the Kid Museum-haters will not go for this idea.)

+1M; would love it if Joftus were appointed for this role & know he cares deeply about the district. Would be a great play.

I don’t think it would be wise for the BOE to remove a superintendent and install a person who lost an election. Doesn’t really scream “we hear the public sentiment”. also, while he was on the board he was largely ineffective. Rarely asked questions or seemed engaged during meetings, never remember him challenging MCPS staff at all. His credentials speak for themselves but he’s not the type we need right now.

My memory is a lot different than yours. Joftus did in fact make a significant impression during his short time on the board. He regularly asked questions of staff, especially about inconsistencies and unclear language, trying to bring about more coherence to how central office worked. Most importantly, it seemed the rest of the board members liked and respected him, and valued his expertise. (Perhaps Julie Yang wouldn't be likely to vote for the person she defeated in the election, though.)