Jack Smith yeah or nay?

[Anonymous]

Did folks see this article in the Washington Post?

School board majority in Maryland favors renewal of superintendent contract - https://wapo.st/2yTuVpy?tid=ss_mail

So what do folks think of Jack Smith's tenure as Superintendent of Schools? And do you agree with a majority of Board of Education Members that we should renew him for another four years?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Did folks see this article in the Washington Post?

School board majority in Maryland favors renewal of superintendent contract - https://wapo.st/2yTuVpy?tid=ss_mail

So what do folks think of Jack Smith's tenure as Superintendent of Schools? And do you agree with a majority of Board of Education Members that we should renew him for another four years?

Renew. We’ve had too much turnover at the top since Weast to try to accomplish anything.

[Anonymous]

And what exactly has Smith accomplished?

Opportunity gap? Wide as ever. Overcrowding? Getting worse. Central Office? Cut some positions, but added more back in. Special Education? Cuts everywhere.

I say NAY.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:And what exactly has Smith accomplished?

Opportunity gap? Wide as ever. Overcrowding? Getting worse. Central Office? Cut some positions, but added more back in. Special Education? Cuts everywhere.

I say NAY.

I agree that he hasn’t done much, but there’s been too much turnover. I think starting from scratch with someone new at this point would not bring the changes you want anyway. Most MCPS schools are over capacity. Smith doesn’t have control over the insane development. Look at all the pushback from “the community” over MCPS trying to build a new ES in Gaithersburg to relieve overcrowding. The fact is, MCPS student population is exploding at a rate beyond the budget. Another super could maybe do more with less, but I’m not convinced. I think stability is more important right now. After his second term, I may feel differently.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:And what exactly has Smith accomplished?

Opportunity gap? Wide as ever. Overcrowding? Getting worse. Central Office? Cut some positions, but added more back in. Special Education? Cuts everywhere.

I say NAY.

He's been here for 3 years and he hasn't solved any of these big problems yet?! Get rid of him! Hire somebody else who won't be able to solve these big problems in 3 years, and then after 3 years, get rid of them too!

(Also, OP, it's yea or nay. Not yeah ("Do you want to go get pizza?" "Yeah, I guess.") Not yay ("Do you want to go get pizza? "Yay! We're going to get pizza! My favorite!"))

[Anonymous]

Look at all the pushback from “the community” over MCPS trying to build a new ES in Gaithersburg to relieve overcrowding.

The pushback is because they want to take away park space, not because they want to build a school. All this insane building, we need MORE green, open space, more areas for kids to play, not 100 foot "pocket parks" the Planning Board is pushing.

And yes, Smith IS responsible for overcrowding. He makes the recommendations in the CIP.

Those saying 3 years isn't enough time for big changes, fine. What has he done in 3 years that you think is good?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Look at all the pushback from “the community” over MCPS trying to build a new ES in Gaithersburg to relieve overcrowding.

The pushback is because they want to take away park space, not because they want to build a school. All this insane building, we need MORE green, open space, more areas for kids to play, not 100 foot "pocket parks" the Planning Board is pushing.

And yes, Smith IS responsible for overcrowding. He makes the recommendations in the CIP.

Those saying 3 years isn't enough time for big changes, fine. What has he done in 3 years that you think is good?

I don't think there's "all the pushback". I think that there are a few loud people. It's their right to be loud, but that doesn't mean they're speaking for a lot of people.

Also, it's not because the school will go in park space. It's because there is a proposal to build something. The objectors are making the same objections that objectors make to any project anywhere. Is that Jack Smith's fault? Nope.

[Anonymous]

MCPS staff would say BYE Jack!

[Anonymous]

so - the devil you know?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:MCPS staff would say BYE Jack!

Speak for yourself. That’s not my position and not an opinion I hear other teachers express.

[Anonymous]

NAY form me for sure.

He's been a completely ineffective leader.

[Anonymous]

I thought he didn't want to come back...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Look at all the pushback from “the community” over MCPS trying to build a new ES in Gaithersburg to relieve overcrowding.

The pushback is because they want to take away park space, not because they want to build a school. All this insane building, we need MORE green, open space, more areas for kids to play, not 100 foot "pocket parks" the Planning Board is pushing.

And yes, Smith IS responsible for overcrowding. He makes the recommendations in the CIP.

Those saying 3 years isn't enough time for big changes, fine. What has he done in 3 years that you think is good?

This is a conversation for the other thread, but the school would use only a portion of the park, and the kids have ample areas to play. I know, we live there. Its just a classic NIMBY case.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:MCPS staff would say BYE Jack!

Speak for yourself. That’s not my position and not an opinion I hear other teachers express.

Agree. I’m an MCPS teacher, and I say renew.

[Anonymous]

My opinions only: He’s a dud.
I wish they could find someone who is committed to the community and willing to put in the long work over many years to see improvement.
Weast was all about making himself look good.
Starr was a wannabe Weast.
Larry Bowers just wanted a boost for retirement income.
Smith just coasting along into retirement.