Q: What makes a good superintendent, and will Gilroy schools be
able to hire one?
Q: What makes a good superintendent, and will Gilroy schools be able to hire one?
Asked at Nob Hill Foods and the House of Bagel (vote at www.gilroy dispatch.com)
Earl Sausen
Gilroy, 43, business owner
“Somebody with the strength to push back against the government’s focus on standardized testing. We’ve lost social studies, gym, health education, art – our communities want these programs back. Will we find the right person? There’s always hope.”
Charmayne Thompson
Gilroy, 18, retail worker
“The problem with most superintendents if they don’t really communicate. They can’t relate to to students. They say they know what we’re going through, but school’s a lot harder than it was ‘back in the day.’ It’ll take a while to find someone, and it should – they tend to stay a while, even if they realize it’s not the job for them!”
Analisa Alexandre
Gilroy, 33, school attendance liaison
“Somebody that knows the whole district, from the bottom to the top, and takes part in all departments. Someone with a background in education – Edwin (Diaz) was a teacher, and that helped. Most of all, someone who cares about the kids. I think it’s going to take a while [to find someone] but the timeline they’ve set [of finding someone this fall] is a good one. ”
Larry Hernandez
Gilroy, 63,
retired computer analyst
“We need someone that has the respect of the teachers, and who’s technologically strong – who emphasizes not only English but also mathematics and computer science. There’s got to be qualified people out there!”
Yvette Wilson
Works in Gilroy, 43, retail worker
“Someone with a caring spirit, knowledgeable about finances, who has a realistic view of what our children need to survive out there. Let’s hope they can find someone like that.”
Tina Jackson
Gilroy, 53, real estate agent
“Someone who’s involved with the community, who enjoys children and problem solving, and who likes to watch things grow. I hope we’ll find them.”
