What DISD crisis? This is a crisitunity! That’s my takeaway from this DMN editorial that suggests that the many defections from Mike Miles’ staff a) can’t be blamed on any one factor, and b) are really a blessing, because they offer a great chance to hire a kick-ass Mr. Spock to his Captain JTK. From the editorial:
However he handles the chief of staff and CFO jobs, what he needs is a strong second-in-command who can make the administrative trains run on time so he can focus on the classrooms, where the work is done.
Administrative blunders create painful headlines and undermine progress toward student-centered goals, as we noted long before Miles’ hiring. Smoothing headquarters operations will allow Miles and DISD to focus everyone’s attention on the real educational progress poised to happen.
I can’t even. So not sure where to start. Let’s try a list:
- There are no mothertrucking trains at DISD to be kept on schedule. The analogy is ridiculous. There is only the enormity of the task at hand, which requires both strategic thinking and precise execution from every single person, starting with Miles. The idea is ridiculous that if only someone who knows Excel would come aboard, then Miles would be free to apply his beautiful mind and solve the complex problems before him. It’s an idea that appeals to journalists, because that’s how many of them see their lives. (Gotta get me an intern who can turn in this expense report so I can get back to solving the world’s problems.)
- Oh, YOU noted that blunders create painful headlines and undermine progress. And you noted it LONG before Miles was hired. Gotcha. I was just wondering whom I should credit for that insight.
- The last sentence is insane. It is so packed with nothing, I think it’s composed entirely of dark matter. I think it was placed there on a bet, until proven otherwise.
Look, I get that the issue is complicated. I wrote several columns about this at CultureMap, at times siding with Miles, at times blaming him. I’m sure I sound as confused as most people are who follow DISD.
But to suggest this is a crisitunity is the exact wrong lesson, like saying the gash on the Titanic was a great way to test out the welding skills of the Rapid Response Team. The hiring of Jerome Oberlton had nothing to do with Miles being overworked. It was his arrogance and refusal to consult those who understand the district’s history that did him in. Yes, other defections are due to the meddling of the school board, but the fact the school board HAS such power right now is also directly related to Miles’ arrogance and refusal to consult those who understand the district’s history.
This is not an opportunity. This is a last chance, deservedly so.
