The Time to Act on Education and the Superintendent is Now!

As a follow up to an editorial written by James Walsh Broker/Owner of RE/MAX Central and published by The Windsor Journal last Friday, September 30, a huge thank you to Mr. Walsh for speaking out and continuing to shine the light on an ongoing Windsor problem, a school system that costs too much, and produces too little.

This is particularly true at the high school level. Nowhere but in government would an individual keep his or her job with such dismal outcomes as his or her record of accomplishment. So, what is Windsor doing to correct the problem? Well in their infinite “wisdom”, the school district has created yet another administrative position. Really? One more bureaucrat overseeing a broken system is the best answer they can come up with? I do not think the Windsor School system lacks administrators and/or supervisors. I believe what we lack is accountability and leadership.

Under our former Superintendent of Schools, problems went unaddressed. The same thing is happening under our interim superintendent.  However, with every challenge comes an opportunity. Presently Windsor is searching for a permanent Superintendent. It is crucial that we find the right person. Our new superintendent should be someone who is a lover of education. When I say this, I am not talking about a one-size-fits-all administrator, but someone who, in his or her heart of hearts, would love to be in the classroom challenging kids and helping them learn. He or she should be a proven leader, as well as a tough, no nonsense no excuses boss with the power to hire, and fire.  Our new superintendent should also have a demonstrable record of turning troubled school systems into high achieving learning centers.

As part of the vetting process, we should invite all candidates to hand over an action plan-identifying specific steps he or she would take to improve student learning in Windsor (even more dumbing down of the curriculum is not acceptable). The plan should be specific, and it should include target dates as well as benchmarks administrators, teachers and students alike must meet.  

Our community is at a crossroads. Our town manager and Town Council are looking to attract more people to Windsor. Housing developments targeting young professionals are under consideration. However, young couples or even singles will not stay in Windsor with a school district that makes many promises, achieves few results and costs all taxpayers more money than local private schools.