Swapping a city school board seat?
I've heard from multiple sources that one of the three candidates in the running to succeed Buzzy Hettleman on the Baltimore school board is David Stone. This is interesting because Hettleman was first appointed to the board in January 2005 to fill the seat left by Stone, who resigned because he was applying for a job in the system. He served as head of charter schools before leaving to work for the Kennedy Krieger Institute.
If Stone is appointed -- and keep in mind, there aer two other candidates -- I can't imagine he would stand in the way of Dr. Alonso's agenda, as some people have feared given the membership of the community interviewing panel. But time will tell.
Meanwhile, since we're printing letters this week from people who won't be serving on school boards, keep reading to see the one Hettleman sent to supporters on Tuesday.
Dear Colleagues/Friends,
Yesterday I withdrew as an applicant for reappointment to the Baltimore school board. (My term expired June 30 and I will go off the board when my successor is named.) It was a wrenching decision. I have the greatest respect for each board member. We have been a cohesive and courageous team, and I feel lucky to have been a small part of our efforts to recruit Andres Alonso as our CEO and to chart new directions. Progress has been made, as our recent increases in test scores attest. Even more important, I am convinced that with Dr. Alonso at the helm and with board support, Baltimore is poised to rise to the top of all cities in school reform.
On the other hand, "North Avenue" is now in good hands, and serving on the board is enormously time-consuming. It limits my own policy research, writing and advocacy. And so on balance, I decided to step aside. At the same time I will continue to do what I can to assist Dr. Alonso and the board.
Please stay tuned for my further work. I am writing a book on urban school reform nationally and will be engaged in other school projects. As always, I am grateful for all the help I receive from colleagues/friends. With thanks and best, Buzzy
Baltimoresun.com's 
Comments
I was greatly distressed to read the article by Marbella discussing the new school board members and the mayor's appointment of the president of the City PTA organization. Along with the indecision about taking back control of the city schools, I feel there is definite trouble brewing. Last year was the first time in years that I have felt there was hope for the city schools. I have been teaching in city schools for 26 years. I've seen a lot. Alonzo has the needs of the children at heart and is making terrific progress in changing attitudes. I agree with almost everything he has done. So what is the mayor up to? I think she may be laying the ground work to out Alonzo. If she gains control of the schools, things will go back to the way they were before, and all her friends jobs will be secure. After all isn't she already under investigation at city hall.
Posted by: Gail Fischbach | July 31, 2008 11:00 AM