Blunder of the Year? On Jay Mathews Op Ed in the Washington Post
MaryEllen Elia, former Superintendent of HCPS credit TBO On February 1st, Mr. Mathews' op ed, Blunder of the year? Hillsborough County, Fla., board fires acclaimed superintendent was published in Washington Post's local education section. Mr. Mathews, who disclosed he has met, interviewed, and admired Ms. Elia, delivered a sharp, critical essay including conjecture on hidden motivations the Hillsborough county school board may have had to fire her. He only mentions the clearly stated official reasons the board voted to terminate Ms. Elia's contract in the following manner: "The board members said racial disparities and services for special education students needed to be addressed and that Elia should have worked more closely with community members. One board member complained that she had not involved the board enough in a recent teacher-appreciation video." "School board members often resent superintendents who have been successful and in office a long ...