Sunday, November 15, 2009
Editorial: The school board breaks its promise
The Montgomery County board promised transparency in the search for a new superintendent. It delivers secrecy.
From the RoundTable blog
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When the Montgomery County School Board began its search for a superintendent to replace Tiffany Anderson, it promised transparency. Well into the process, it is not fulfilling that promise.
The board last week discussed upcoming interviews with semifinalists. The discussion took place behind closed doors, so the public has little idea what is going on.
How many candidates are coming? Who are they? What will they be asked? School board members are not telling.
Applicant anonymity makes sense during the initial application phases. When the field narrows, though, and candidates come to town for interviews, it is time for that transparency the board trumpeted. Few people like to tell their employers they are looking elsewhere, but a thorough vetting requires contacting a candidate's current school board, teachers from his district, students and taxpayers.
The broken promise is especially disappointing from three board members. Phyllis Albritton and Jamie Bond won re-election to their seats this month, and, during their campaigns, both said they support releasing the names. It appears that was just so much campaign rhetoric now that they are secure in their seats for four more years.
Then there is Wat Hopkins. We expect more support for citizen access from a former president of the Virginia Coalition for Open Government.
If candidates who will serve the public cannot face open scrutiny, the school board can let them withdraw their applications. It is time for the board to make the rest public.
