Dr. Royce Avery is the new super in charge of city schools and for the benefit of the district let’s hope he brings long-term stability in a system of revolving-door leaders the past decade.
The Board of Education appointed Avery acting leader with Carmela Levy-David on leave while also voting to offer her a settlement that pays her through the end of the school year if she resigns.
Word is she’s expected to take the deal but there’s no official public notification. Either way, she will not be back.
Levy-David and Avery are certainly studies in contrast, so far.
She outspoken, he circumspect; she a firebrand, he reserved; she independent-minded, he communicative who seeks input from others.
It was a year of strife for Levy-David. Nearly all 600 teachers who participated in a Connecticut Education Association poll expressed zero confidence in her leadership, citing rejection of concerns shared by staffers, lack of respect for classroom teachers, shortage of trust and chaotic administration, as well as fear of retaliation for raising uneasiness about working conditions.
A loud minority of four Board of Education members were highly critical of her leadership, management and communication style. In addition, morale suffered, according to hundreds of teachers who have vocally protested her time citing hostile work environment, lack of teacher appreciation and unfair criticism.
Board members Rob Traber, a retired teacher, veteran office holders Joseph Sokolovic, Albert Benejan Grajales and freshman Willie Medina stamped poor reviews of her first year citing disruptive personnel decisions, poor fiscal restraint, staffing issues, communication failures.
A narrow majority bloc of five – Board Chairperson Christine Baptiste-Perez, Andre Woodson, Akisha Cassermere, Tiheba Bain and Jennifer Perez – generally supported the superintendent’s initiatives but realized the hostility was not good for the district.
Bottom line, Levy-David could not win over her bosses.
She took a medical leave to sort out her stuff.
Is Avery a Rolls-Royce?
For now, the school district engine is operating much more smoothly.
“Levy David and Avery are certainly studies in contrast, so far.” comments journalism professional Grimaldi.
Instead of the “contrast” observation, what are the facts known about the K-12 education system operated by the State of CT and Bridgeport BOE?
Are schools safe and capable of offering adequate space to encourage intellectual (reading/writing/speech/sound thinking), moral (community Civics), and physical and emotional development of youth whose parents send them there with such expectations?
What resources, administered by professionals and community boards, are needed to deal with priorities this year, and over the next five years?
If administrators, professionals, and community members, including parents of current students do not know the operating facts or outcomes, how can they grow in relationship and trust?
Are opportunities available to all youth equal at locations around the community?
Time will tell.