Commitment is a Two Way Street

Today's Capital urges the School Board to extend the Contract of Superintendent Eric Smith:

WITH THE new school year under way, teachers and administrators should be focusing on getting back into the routine of educating this county's students. They don't need a disruptive diversion - which is exactly what they have in the debate over school Superintendent Eric Smith's contract. How can he lead if teachers, staff and parents aren't quite sure if he's a lame duck?

It is not good for school board members to linger over their decision on whether to renew Dr. Smith's four-year contract. By law, the board must decide by February. That's a lot of time - too much - for the board and Dr. Smith to choose whether to continue the relationship.

The board has given Dr. Smith his evaluation and we're sure it wasn't pretty. Armed with a critical audit, board members think Dr. Smith should be more communicative, particularly on compensation issues. More importantly, there is an issue of trust - board members don't feel the superintendent has been open with them.

We hope that after emotions settle, the board will still renew his contract. As bad as the relationship seems, the school district would be better off with Dr. Smith as superintendent. The board should make that decision - now.

That may be well and good, however there are questions that need to be asked. In light of the audit, should there be changes in administrative personnel, including Smith or newly minted politico Greg Nourse? Is the acrimony between the Superintendent and the teachers going to hinder future progress?

Most importantly, is the Board really sure if the Superintendent wants to stay in Anne Arundel County? The Superintendent has flirted with other jobs in the past, including a job in Miami, and has been rumored to be interested in returning to Mecklenberg County, North Carolina. Why should the Board extend Smith's contract without an ironclad commitment that he will live up to the terms of the contract?

The Board should thoroughly review the review of the administration, and take whatever actions necessary to ensure that the problems in the administration and management of the Board are corrected, and to reprimand or replace personnel responsible for these shortcomings. Then, and only then, should dicusssions with Smith begin on a contract extension.