Re: Did Sharon Bulova take Karen Garza out to the woodshed for a spanking?
Posted by:
Dr. Memory
()
Date: May 29, 2015 05:54PM
Everyone on the thread gets compliments from Dr. Memory for the civil tone of the discussion. Comments above demonstrate how many interested, informed citizens take to the FFXU-waves to have a useful exchange of views on issues of the day. All are advised to consider, when discussing salaries paid public officials, that the goal may not be to wave the most money around in an attempt to attract the 'best' or 'most talented' employee, whether it is the superintendent or deputy assistant toilet plunger. The idea is to get a competent employee who can perform the critical job functions with honesty, accuracy and punctuality. Superintendents, along with the financial staff, should be highly skilled in the preparation and defense of budgets that are both realistic and responsible. It is fine to be aspirational when preparing a budget, but public employees are wise to keep in mind that responsible expenditure of public funds, i.e., tax dollars, does not, in most taxpayers' minds include interstate travel to attend sketchy conferences that show little promise of providing an appreciable return on investment. Such expenditures cause board members as well as tax paying citizens to question the honesty of the public servants who approve expensive travel and conference attendance, and rightfully so! Search committees should have a brief to emphasize financial competence as a criterion for selection, in addition to demonstrated success as an administrator. All too often, large, wealthy districts fall for the glib, fast-talking semi-con man or woman who can project dazzling brilliance but can't deliver sound management, competent employees in faculty and staff positions, defensible budgets, or set a high ethical standard for subordinates. The school superintendent for a system like Fairfax County's has a tough, complex job. Most people realize that fact and will give a new person the benefit of the doubt, for about 18 months. While the job is demanding, it doesn't require a charismatic genius as much as it does a competent administrator who is not afraid of hard work, who can keep track of all the moving parts, inspire subordinates, set an example for thrift in management of public funds, fire incompetents when required, address issues of graft, corruption, waste, and lack of due diligence without fear or favor, and generally model civic virtue in daily job performance. It won't kill a healthy individual, although it does require sustained effort and the incumbent does have to pay attention to the basics.