First of two parts
Dateline Boston — When was the last time the School District canned a sub-standard teacher?
Has a teacher been uncoupled for such a reason in the two years of Supt. Dave LaRose’s tenure?
The answers to those questions could be instructive in assessing the context of the School District’s response to this week’s biggest development in American education.
The blanks are not going to be filled in, however.
[img]1456|right|Mr. Dave LaRose||no_popup[/img]Vowing to be “responsible and thoughtful” in reacting to this week’s court ruling that teacher tenure laws are unconstitutional, Mr. LaRose said this was not the right time.
It may never arrive, he indicated, because investing in such data “puts us on a pathway to oversimplification.”
From the turn of the century until two years ago, Culver City teachers and administrators constantly seemed to be clanging swords over the thorniest of all issues, compensation, and the abstract stratosphere of school funding.
That unpleasant calculus was turned on its head two summers ago when Mr. LaRose was hired away from Washington state.
Smiles replaced frowns at the negotiating table. Fists unfolded into handshakes. Accord kicked discord in its buck teeth. Relations were mindful of honeymooning newlyweds.
Just the other day, David Mielke’s Teachers Union one-sidedly ratified an unprecedented two-year contract.
The tone of cordiality that Mr. LaRose quietly, diplomatically and later overtly established throughout the once contentious School District looks as permanent as the Pacific Ocean.
If he ran for office he would attract nary a “no” vote from any Culver City teacher.
(To be continued)
