(Baton Rouge – May 12, 2011) Governor Bobby Jindal and the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education should be in no hurry to appoint an interim state superintendent of education, Louisiana Federation of Teachers President Steve Monaghan said today.
Monaghan spoke in the wake of Superintendent of Education Paul Pastorek’s surprise announcement on Wednesday that he will leave the department of education to accept a post with an aerospace company in Washington, D.C.
The governor has announced that he favors replacing Pastorek with 35-year old John White, who just three days ago was named to lead the state Recovery School District.
“Careful deliberation and a logical, transparent process vetting process will help to build confidence in the successful candidate. There is no need for a rush to judgment,” Monaghan said. “There are competent people in the state department of education who are capable of managing affairs until such a process has been completed.
"While every Governor has the right, and perhaps the responsibility, to offer a thoughtful recommendation concerning such an important post, we are disappointed that Governor Jindal's recommendation appeared to come with so little deliberation and consultation," Monaghan said. "At any rate, the decision ultimately lies with the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education."
An interim superintendent would presumably have a head start on competition for the full-time job, Monaghan said. Making an appointment now could hobble the choices of a new board, which will be elected next November and seated in January of 2012.
Eight of the 11 members of the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education are elected, with three appointed by the governor. The appointment of a new superintendent requires a two-thirds majority vote by the board.
“We have an opportunity for a fresh start,” Monaghan said. “There's time to carefully consider all qualified candidates and to select one who has the respect and support of the education community.”
Monaghan said that educators prefer a superintendent with significant classroom experience and demonstrated success as an educational leader.