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Dayton Daily News education reporter Scott Elliott writes about schools, kids, teaching and learning.
Home > Blogs > Get on the Bus > Archives > 2008 > May > 28 > Entry
Zelman out as state superintendent
Susan Zelman
The Columbus Dispatch is reporting that Ohio superintendent of instruction Susan Zelman has resigned even though she does not yet have another job. She is a finalist for dean of education at the University of Oregon.
So now the search begins for Zelman’s replacement. Who might replace her? The state board of education already has begun the search process. Here are some names I’ve heard might be in the mix:
—Frances Strickland, first lady of Ohio. It was pointed out to me that Gov. Ted Strickland’s wife has a doctorate in educational psychology and worked in public schools for years. She is also known to be a key adviser to the governor on education issues. But could she really be considered for state superintendent?
Strickland’s spokesman Keith Daily told me no. “The first lady has no interest in pursuing the position of superintendent. She enjoys being first lady of the state of Ohio,” he said.
—Gene Sanders, Cleveland school superintendent. Sanders had a successful six-year run in Toledo before moving to Cleveland in 2006. His administration there has been generally well received.
—Gene Harris, Columbus school superintendent. Since 2001, Harris has guided Columbus schools and is personally liked by many people in Columbus.
—Steve Burigana, chief operating officer for the Ohio Department of Education. Burigana formerly worked with the Industrial Commission of Ohio before being brought in to manage the state’s charter school office. He is well regardered and has quickly moved up within the education department’s ranks.
Who else should be on the list? Let me know what you’ve heard by posting a comment.
Permalink | Comments (3) | Post your comment | Categories: Schools and Politics
Comments
By Scott Elliott
June 1, 2008 3:37 PM | Link to this
School supporter, it’s called a telephone. That’s how a guy in a cubicle in Dayton finds out stuff. We call it “reporting.” All of the names on my list were mentioned to me by people connected and knowledgeable about education the state. Clearly they are speculative, but worth discussing. That’what we do here on the blog, we discuss ideas and, sometimes, rumors. The Frances Strickland rumor was from a good enough source that I actually called the governor’s office to get a response. I included that response here to help quash what was a hot rumor.By SchoolSupporter
May 31, 2008 10:57 PM | Link to this
What a worthless article by Elliot. Where in the world would he get a list of names sitting in a little cubicle in Dayton. Would anyone really believe current superintendents from two of the worst performing districts would be considered? And to mention Strickland’s wife? What about qualifications like skills, knowledge, experience, track record, credentials and personality? I’ll bet these questions never crossed the minds of education reporters.By Oldprof
May 28, 2008 9:30 PM | Link to this
I have no other candidate to recommend (unless Percy Mack could be tempted), but Steve Burigana ought to be suspect by association. If he’s a part of this Board of Education, perhaps he personally is competent, but the association tarnishes him. Things need shaking up hard at the state level; promoting from inside conveys that the status quo ought to continue.