The revamped Bridgeport Board of Education meets at 5:30 today to discuss Superintendent of Schools John Ramos’ employment future. Ramos throwing in the towel by urging the state to control city schools raised widespread speculation about his future as education chief. How could he stay while board members voted to terminate themselves? If Ramos is replaced former Mayor John Fabrizi says it will not be him.
When Fabrizi, who had an uneasy relationship with Mayor Bill Finch, placed the mayor’s name into nomination for another four-year term back in July, cynics had wondered what deal had been cut. Fabs says there was no deal, saying any suggestion of a quid pro quo is “ridiculous.”
Fabs told OIB Finch had called him several days before the convention and asked for his support including placing his name into nomination. They met, sorted out their differences and Fabs agreed to support Finch to help heal their relationship and support party unity. Fabs said “any speculation that I was interested in the superintendent’s position is ridiculous.” Fabs also said Democratic Town Chair Mario Testa did not broker the fence-mending between the two. Fabrizi and Mario have been close through the years, but the town chair decided to support Finch’s reelection when Fabs was interested in running for his old job.
Fabs and Finch grew apart when Finch blamed him for the financial challenges he faced upon assuming office. Fabs says they’ve now patched up the relationship.
Fabs and Ramos had a strong relationship when he was mayor and it continued when the former mayor worked for the school leader in his role as chief of Adult Education.
Is this the same John Fabrizi who gave a nominating speech for Bill Finch? Perhaps not. Perhaps this is the John Fabrizi who knows he is no more qualified to replace John Ramos than any one of the boys at 999 Broad Street.
Or is this just one more instance of the practice that sees the classic politicizing of every office and every function of Bridgeport city government operations … including education of the young.
It will be quite interesting to see who they approach … if Fabrizi is not relevant (ty God) … then who is on their minds, I wonder?
Fabrizi needs to have state certification to become superintendent, unless there is an acting superintendent until such time as Mario Testa can get his tentacles further into the BOE to put Fabrizi into place without the proper credentials–and that would only prove–once again–Bridgeport has no credentials.
When Jim Connelly was first named Super he didn’t have the creds. And Fabrizi, always the cute one, would have no problem serving as acting Super to fatten up his pension before deciding he did not want the job.
8:30am meeting tomorrow for administrators–some kind of announcement in the works.
So Fabrizi has no problem with Finch bad mouthing him right after his election? Fabrizi now has no problem with Finch taking the credit for all the new schools and the growing of downtown? That is pure and utter bullshit.
Fabrizi would not be the first department head in the Finch Administration who did not have the proper qualifications for the job. There is no better way for him to significantly fatten his pension. Watch and see, it will happen.
First let me say I like John Fabrizi but Mario Testa had something to do with that meeting between Mayor Finch and John. Mario told the mayor to call John and yes I do think John will be asked to be the “Acting Superintendent” and John will accept.
Done deal. The board voted to terminate Ramos’ contract. He stays through the end of the year.
This is Paul Timp’s board, so ask him who the next Super is.
*** I’ve read nothing but who’s “not qualified” to be the new Supt. or acting Supt. but “no” comments on who “is” qualified? *** HATE THE GAME, NOT THE PLAYERS ***
Another failed PhD superintendent bites the dust. What Bridgeport needs is the likes of Michelle Rhee. If you don’t know who she is, look her up.
According to this:
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michelle_Rhee
Rhee would fit right in. She seems to know how to stack the deck, manipulate the stats and cheat.
And get results for the students … it looks like she ruffled a few feathers, including yours. Education isn’t about the teachers and their benefits, it’s about the students.