Editorials: Alabama State Superintendent - WSFA.com: News Weather and Sports for Montgomery, AL.

Editorials: Alabama State Superintendent

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By Collin R. Gaston - bio | email

  • Editorials

  • Thursday, May 23 2013 7:20 PM EDT2013-05-23 23:20:04 GMT
    Anyone who takes advantage of one of Alabama's most treasured assets – the elderly – should face swift and steep consequences.  Thanks to a bill passed in the final hours of most recent legislative session that
    Anyone who takes advantage of one of Alabama's most treasured assets – the elderly – should face swift and steep consequences.  Thanks to a bill passed in the final hours of most recent legislative session that

  • Tuesday, May 21 2013 7:20 PM EDT2013-05-21 23:20:08 GMT
    The horrific tornadoes that ripped through Oklahoma this week bring back all too familiar memories for Alabamians as memories of April 27, 2011 are still fresh in many minds. When Alabamians were in need
    The horrific tornadoes that ripped through Oklahoma this week bring back all too familiar memories for Alabamians as memories of April 27, 2011 are still fresh in many minds. When Alabamians were in need

  • Thursday, May 16 2013 7:20 PM EDT2013-05-16 23:20:04 GMT
    In my editorial on Tuesday I chided our legislators for being the last state to pass a no-brainer  bill legalizing home brewing.  Today I want to challenge them to be one of the first states to pass another no-brainer;
    In my editorial on Tuesday I chided our legislators for being the last state to pass a no-brainer  bill legalizing home brewing.  Today I want to challenge them to be one of the first states to pass another no-brainer;
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MONTGOMERY, AL (WSFA) -

I took the liberty of reviewing the Alabama State Superintendent of Education ad this week and found the language in the ad for prospective candidates on point.  Here's an excerpt, and I quote, "This is an exceptional opportunity for an educational leader with a vision of success for all students and the capacity to implement that vision in conjunction with the established goals of the board." 

Sounds like a great opportunity where the candidate pool from in and out of state would be plentiful.  That is not the case.  The state of Alabama received a whopping seven applications -SEVEN.  None of the applicants were female, and none were submitted by currently employed Alabama school superintendents. This is a well compensated and vital position for our state and the lack of response both in and out of state is troubling and potentially problematic.

Starting November 10th Governor Bentley will begin interviewing the top four candidates.  Our hope is that THE visionary leader is in this final candidate pool and THEY have a plan to lead our K through 12 schools into national prominence.  If after these interviews a clear leader does not emerge - then we again start our search from scratch.  We owe it to our teachers and children to not settle as the future of our state and nation begins with a strong educational foundation.  This person will lay the bricks of that foundation. 

We appreciate and encourage your feedback.

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