Eyes on Alonso as he draws attention of Chicago
It seems that nearly every superintendent seat that's been vacated in the last year has emerged as a prospect for schools CEO Andres Alonso, whose Baltimore contract is set to expire this year.
First it was Washington, D.C., then it was Atlanta, and then Detroit. And then there was Newark and New York--Alonso's hometowns, and where started his careers--and whose job offers he couldn't possibly refuse. Admittedly, I've become as irritated chasing the rumors, as Alonso probably is having to constantly respond to them.
But, as we reported , a new city has emerged as a contender to possibly lure Alonso away. And from the feedback I've received, unlike the numerous other cities that have circulated in the past, a possible offer from Chicago has some Baltimore education leaders worried.
Clarification: I had been in touch with my counterpart at the Chicago Tribune, our flagship paper, about Alonso's name circulating in high circles over there. Eventually, it was consistent enough that the Tribune felt comfortable going with a story and we agreed.
The Tribune's story outlined all of the candidates who could get an offer from mayor-elect Rahm Emanuel, but top-billed Alonso as one who seems a philosophical match. Chicago experts even weighed in on how Alonso would fit there (I would encourage everyone to check out that commentary in the Tribune's story).
So, with the June 30 deadline for Alonso's contract fast approaching, we can now start asking the fun questions.
Will he stay, or will he go? According to a Baltimore Sun poll, many believe he will be lured away before his contract is renewed.
Baltimoresun.com's 
Comments
I hope he stays. He's done a lot to transform the system and has held school leaders to a higher standard, and I worry that the system could easily just slip back into the old status quo.
Posted by: Anonymous | March 19, 2011 2:48 PM
"Me and my counterpart at the Chicago Tribune had been in touch..."
It should be "my counterpart and I." I wouldn't correct you if you thought Alonso were the number-cooking mountebank that he is.
Posted by: a teacher | March 20, 2011 5:42 AM
Interesting information...this may be a window of opportunity for AAA's exit. MSA 2011 scores will reveal that the district again did not make AYP...thereby denoting a status of a district in need of improvement. Then he will receive a buyout of his contract, plus a new contract with Chicago in excess of (I'm thinking $300K). Not bad for five years of mindboggling change. The question is---will City Schools follow DCPS and promote Ms. Edwards as the new CEO?
Posted by: ChristinaJ | March 20, 2011 7:12 AM
"Me and my counterpart?" You clearly have command of the English language, as does the subject of your article. I am glad Alonso felt comfortable enough for you to run the story. We wouldn't want you to print something without his approval, would we? In a one newspaper town, I feel comfortable knowing that you are not biased or anything.
Posted by: Anonymous | March 20, 2011 8:43 AM
Anonymous,
Aside from your using this blog as an opportunity to point out a grammar mistake, (reporters are human) I'm a bit confused by your comments.
I rarely respond to posts, but thought this was important to note:
Our running the story had nothing to do with Alonso feeling comfortable. It had to do with us feeling comfortable enough to print something that wasn't based purely on speculation. I clarified that in my post.
In any event, I'd love to hear what you think of Alonso's future plans.
Thanks for your feedback,
Erica
Posted by: Erica Green | March 20, 2011 10:57 AM
I would be very upset if Alonso left.
When he came here didn't he say he was committed to staying for a decade (as long as he was hitting the marks on his own stated measures of accountability)?
Posted by: Corey | March 20, 2011 6:22 PM
I would not be shocked if Alonso left for Chicago, while he still "looks" effective. Somehow, he successfully busted the Baltimore Teachers Union, and I would not doubt that Rahm would employ him to do the same for CORE (Caucus of Rank and File Educators) in Chicago. CORE was able to win Chicago Teachers Union leadership through grassroots organizing, and by opposing the very same "reform" measures now championed by our fearless leader. IMHO, Alonso has his sights on the Department of Education, where he will take his buddy Arne's place. Chicago's just the next rung on the ladder.
Posted by: Anonymous | March 21, 2011 10:56 PM
I would not be shocked if Alonso left for Chicago, while he still "looks" effective. Somehow, he successfully busted the Baltimore Teachers Union, and I would not doubt that Rahm would employ him to do the same for CORE (Caucus of Rank and File Educators) in Chicago. CORE was able to win Chicago Teachers Union leadership through grassroots organizing, and by opposing the very same "reform" measures now championed by our fearless leader. IMHO, Alonso has his sights on the Department of Education, where he will take his buddy Arne's place. Chicago's just the next rung on the ladder.
Posted by: Anonymous | March 21, 2011 11:36 PM