July 17, 2008 06:30 pm
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By Bill Christman
The head of any body or organization defines it. What the head does can be seen in all its members through resulting actions and decisions.
Our school board appears very unprofessional to me. Their actions are reflected in what is produced: One of the worst schools in the state with highest cost and lowest ISTEP student scores. Thousands of students are suffering as low grades mean students are being locked in for life as a non-contributor to our society — poor and hurting failures who will depend on government for existence.
Their lack of professionalism is manifested in their clandestine and shady approaches. They are not open to seeking community advice. They don’t follow processes for improvement as shown in appointing new members. They are not willing to change — they insist on keeping the old ways of leadership and don’t allow new ideas or leaders into their board.
They are elected to serve the people. Somehow they are more interested in preserving the old, protecting teachers and salaries than demonstrating unique leadership that the community can look to.
I would like to challenge them. Show integrity, openness, and willingness to bring positive change in the way they conduct business and make decisions. A role model at the top with accountability to the community will turn around Anderson Community Schools. A new vision of a future world-class educational approach would be mind-boggling. The Flagship has done it for business, and we need one for Anderson education.
As a first step to restoring integrity and professionalism, I believe Teddy Bohnenkamp should resign from the board. Her selection without a process and then appointment as chair was a slap in the face to the community. They have an opportunity to show new leadership by honestly considering all qualified candidates. A new openness might come if they published the qualifications each candidate possessed and then clarified reason for their choice.
We don’t need “yes” people, but true leaders with vision and challenging thoughts. A new person with fresh ideas and right leadership needs to be drafted. If the Anderson school board can’t do this, the fish will continue to rot from its head.
Bill Christman is an Anderson resident.
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