A Humpty Dumpty Assignment?
Around School District headquarters on Irving Place, it was being said this week that Ms. Rivera Cote was hired to put the fractured components of the District the parent community, the Teachers Union, District officials and the often tendentious School Board back together. The Superintendent gave no sign of such insights last night, suggesting only that she was happily entering a Land of Oz where everything is beautiful and tranquil. Trustworthy leadership has been needed in this District for years, said a veteran teacher, and it sounds to me as if this lady may have the answers. Culver City has been stuck at one level. I think Dr. Cote can move us along, based on what I know of her work with LAUSD.
One Supers Qualities
Another source described Ms. Rivera Cote as a good person with a steady demeanor. Those are fundamentals that cannot always be presumed. She seems to bring honesty and openness, which have been in short supply around here. LAUSD sources familiar with the Superintendents personal and work habits said she is calm, and she has a reputation for being a good listener, which may come in handy in Culver City. A teaching veteran who has periodically clashed with the School Board said he relished a fresh start with Ms. Rivera Cote. We are a small District, he said. There should be more bonding here than there is. People want to feel comfortable going into the Superintendents office. When they come out, they should not have to worry about retaliation. I know what I am talking about because I have been a victim of retaliation.
Postscript
One of the closely watched scenarios will be the evolution of the relationship between Ms. Rivera Cote, called a hard-nosed veteran by some, and the School Board. Board members frequently have been attracted to scuffles that were both small and smaller in size. Ms. Rivera Cote is expected to assert her authority from the start. One of the large puzzles remaining to be solved is how the jockeying for supremacy will play out. Who will land in the pilots seat? And will the ultimate occupant of the passenger seat be contented?
