And the Winner is ??? D-49!!!!

(KENT's DISCLAIMER: The views contained on this site are strictly my own and should not be taken as a reflection of the Board or their positions. Additionally my comments should not be interpreted as Board guidance.)

Greetings all,

Once again we the Board have found a superintendent that we hope will meet the needs to the D-49 community and encourage excellence among our students and schools. After an exhaustive search the Board chose to enter into negotiations with Dr. Bradley Schoeppey, currently with the Tulsa School District.

Dr.Schoeppey comes after and extensive review process, a strong site visit, and input from District and community members. Mr. Schoeppey was identified by numerous sources within the Tulsa system as the person that they send in to implement change and improve performance. He was often described by our own District personnel and community as genuine and "in it for the kids".

Tulsa does have many truly innovative and exciting programs.

Many of the items that have been offered as arguments against the hiring of Dr. Schoeppey are spurious arguments designed to discredit a supremely capable man. Issues associated with Colorado Finance are irrational because of D-49's competent and capable Chief Financial officer and her staff. As our CFO and Dr. Schoeppey both identified, the laws in Oklahoma are not drastically different and in the end Jolene has proven numerous times that she will not allow the D-49 budget to become jeopardized.

Another argument that has been brought forward is his familiarity with Colorado School Law in general. This again is a red herring focused to incite discord for self serving purposes. The superintendent of D-49 is not the same as the Superintendent of many of Colorado's rural Districts, or even of D-49 10 years ago. For better or worse we have transitioned from a rural district and have had the chance to develop infrastructure to support a staff of highly qualified professionals so that the superintendent does not have to be a 'jack of all trades'.

Are there legitimate concerns that have been brought forward that may work against Dr. Schoeppey? In my opinion, most definitely! Many felt, myself included, that during the public forums that he came across as somewhat timid and my concern is in a District such as ours, with a strong Board of Education and equally strong dissenters within the community, that he may not be able to withstand the pressures from without and convulsions within. This said, I am told that Tulsa is not known for its lack of these same characteristics. Though I would like to think that we are unique in the demands and high standards that we put on our superintendent as a Board and a community, I am hopeful that this is not insurmountable and that Dr. Schoeppey can make the courageous decisions when circumstances require.

Another preference that the Board and community indicated was a desire for someone local. It would have been very beneficial to have a leader who was truly familiar with D-49 and the history of where we have been and how we have come to this point. It would be good for him to understand how Tom Harold's quest for relevance as a liberal activist in a District that decries liberalism in any forms is often at the center of manufactured disharmony. It would be beneficial for him to understand that the Board takes seriously the requirements identified by the Constitution of the State of Colorado and are not content to accept status quo by fully abrogating that responsibility away like so many feel we should. It would be beneficial for him to be able to relate to the demands that have been put on the D-49 team from the bus drivers to the teachers, grounds crew to the coaches, and so many more. It would be an asset for him to understand that through all of the perceived turmoil the District staff have predominately remained focused on the mission of educating kids. Would this understanding be advantageous as he embarks on what is likely to be an arduous journey? You bet!!! Is it required for him to be successful? Emphatically NO!!

In the end, do I believe that Dr. Schoeppey will be successful in the D-49 system? Yes, but then I thought that with our prior superintendent, so it truly is up to Dr. Schoeppey to succeed.

For the sake of the Children in D-49 (mine included) I wish him success on this journey.

Have a great day,

Kent