Bit by bit, the bureaucracy shrinks
Gerry Grant, director of labor relations for the Baltimore school system, was let go this week. The school system confirms that he's no longer employed.
Last week's departure was Maryanne Ralls. Who will be next?
As the system braces for $50 million in budget cuts, it seems to me that officials are getting rid of administrators who a) aren't protected by a union, b) aren't deemed essential and c) aren't in a position to be transferred back to a classroom job or don't want to be. Dr. Alonso has made it clear that some North Avenue administrators will be sent back to schools, and he doesn't view that as a punishment.
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Comments
While I agree that North Avenue has been overstaffed in certain areas for years, we are now reaching a point where the system is losing "institutional memory." Maybe Dr. Alonzo doesn't think that memory is worth saving, but every time we have lost this memory in the past 20 years, the system has NOT improved but gone downhill. When I was in school, not in Baltimore, there was a certain amount of comfort to students knowing that in 10th grade you would have Ms. X for biology and in 12th grade you would have Mr. S and you better mind yourself because they knew your siblings, cousins, neighbors, etc. Obviously, in today's world, that kind of culture is passe. However, when people who do know the culture of a city and care about the city and its people are purged without regard for their knowledge, something will be lost. And, right now, no one can see a workable replacement being formulated. That is why so many others who are not being forced out are also leaving. Why stay where no one appreciates the experience and knowledge that you have gained over the years? Change for the sake of change is never good.
Posted by: Joan | February 6, 2008 8:41 PM