Portland School Board lauds Superintendent Carole Smith, begs her to stick around
Published: Thursday, October 28, 2010, 12:11 PM Updated: Thursday, October 28, 2010, 12:30 PM
Many people dread their annual job evaluation, but for Portland Superintendent Carole Smith, the public unveiling of her performance reviewthis week wasn't a nail-biter but a full-fledged love fest.
All six school board members present praised her personal and professional integrity, her quiet way of getting things done, her inclusive leadership style and her deep commitment to serving all children, particularly the disadvantaged.
"We have a great leader," said board member Pam Knowles. "I have been particularly impressed with her concern about all children. ... The equity work has been phenomenal."
In a school district where short-term or temporary leadership has been the norm since 1997 -- with five superintendents or interim leaders in less than 11 years before Smith came aboard -- board members said it loud and clear: They really want Smith to stick around.
Board member Ruth Adkins put it this way: "We are all in agreement that ... we are very lucky. ... I hope she will be with us for
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