Here is a quote from a recent LA times article:

The program launched by Supt. Ramon Cortines is mandatory for two officials; 17 others can participate if they wish. Cortines hopes the move might pave the way for merit-based pay.

I don't know how everyone feels about merit pay but offering it to a couple people closest to the highest levels of the district does not seem to be the most effective way of doing it. I guess it is business as usual. Trojan horse the the sucker and I'm sure there is a clause in what the board passed that allows expansion of the program without board approval.

Trojan Horse?

Well, it appears Villaraigosa's Trojan horse was invited in today. With a 6-1 vote, the Los Angeles Unified School District decided that what it was doing wasn't good enough and will be handing over it's schools to other agencies.

LAUSD is a screwed up district. Don't get me wrong, I do think the district needs to be overhaulled but I'm not sure handing it to others piece by piece is a viable alternative. Many of the things that cause the most frustration to most of us were rules imposed by the board and/or people that were long gone. I believe in the system but if things are not working, let me have the flexability to innovate and if it doesn't work hold me accountable.

I am only 1 of the many that will leave the district soon. LAUSD will see a brain drain the likes that has not been seen since East Germany in 1945. I wonder how the Board is going to build a wall around itself.

I am looking forward to being in a distrct where I can talk to the Superintendent as easy as I can to my secretary. I am not afraid of accountability as long as I am provided the means to do what is right.

Press Release

Well, today I experienced my first small district versus large district thing. When people are selected as principals in LAUSD little is said or done. Many people do not even know there is a change of bodies in the chair. In MPUSD, a press release was sent out announcing me as the new principal and it was picked up by a couple local newspapers. You can read it HERE and HERE.

Very Cool!

New Beginings

It is rare in life these days where new beginnings happen to occur. Change that when you are on the cusp of it you know your life will never been the same. I am on one of the cusps. In less than 2 weeks I will be the new Principal of Monterey High School. I am looking forward to the experience and I hope to use this blog to document and discuss the similarities and differences between MHS and my past experiences.