Consensus Appears To Be Forming Around New Philadelphia Schools Superintendent
By Mike DeNardo
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - School Reform Commission could pick a new superintendent from its two finalists any day now. And City Council members are weighing in on the process.
Pedro Martinez and Dr. William Hite have finished their quick round of interviews with school staff, parents and lawmakers. It's the School Reform Commission's decision, but City Council Education Committee chair Jannie Blackwell says Hite appears to have the edge.
"I think that the general consensus opinion was that Dr. Hite was preferred because he had been a teacher, a principal and worked his way all the way up. And they feel that he would have the empathy, the understanding and the hands-on experience to do the job."
Councilman Jim Kenney criticized the School Reform Commission for giving Council only one day's notice to meet the finalists. "Any indication that they're looking for our support and help and guidance is lost in that translation."
Kenney said he would have liked more prep time. "I want to thank the SRC for their Saturday notice of the Sunday meeting with one of the finalists, and the Monday meeting with one of the finalists that I didn't see 'til Monday."
And Councilman Denny O'Brien criticized what he called council's "drive-by" meetings with the finalists.
