President Wojtkiewicz, was Dr. Clay truly the best of the litter?

Madam President, was Dr. Clay truly the best of the litter or was your inability let go of Dr. Williams the reason behind your hiring decision?

I ask this question based on facts already delivered to me under FOIA.  I ask this question based on blog posts and comments written by Dr. Clay and from emails between Dr. Clay and myself.

Not long ago I wrote a blog post titled: What was the EMSD#63 Board Thinking?  When I wrote that piece I was still not sure of the Boards decision to support Dr. Clay’s style of leadership. His style being more open, direct and responsive than his predecessor.  If you’ve read my postings and comments, you’ll have seen the positive remarks I have made in that regard.  That said, I must return to the question. 

What is the EMSD#63 Board Thinking? 

Beside you Madam President, do any other members of the Board read what Dr. Clay writes?  Let me give you an example of the latest Dr. Clay authored email to flow over my transom.

Email - Transparency - from EMSD#63 Superintendent Dr. Scot Clay - 09-01-2010

The first thing I noticed was the absence of your email address.  The vast majority of Dr. Clay’s emails to me have included a “Cc: jwojtkiewicz@sd63board.org”. 

Madam President, I think you should read this email closely.  Remember, this is the guy you hired over 51 others.

Upon receipt of the letter, I invited several locally prominent stakeholders to tell me what they thought.  Let me share one of those responses with you.

“Dear Ken,

I think it's begging.

Quite frankly, if you and your blog and your agenda are so very transparent in a way that is uncomplimentary of your character, as Dr. Clay more than intimates, then why is he pridefully begging you off the case?  And doing so in a way that attempts to place you in a sort of catch-22; a private email, intended to remain private by express request, but suggesting you can't be trusted to honor his request while at the same time knowing, or he should know, the nature of your work IS to allow the public to view any and all District communications?

Again, quite frankly, if the District is a shining star of achievements with the amazing staff he is claiming, then he would not feel the need to spend one moment of his time refuting your accusations, nor addressing your complaints, nor begging you to back off.”

Lastly, someone needs to inform Superintendent Clay,who still thinks there were 100 candidates considered for the his position, that only 52 individuals submitted themselves for consideration.

Dr. Clay - 100 Candidates Considered

This is what the IASB actually said.  See page: 2 of 3.

IASB Presentation of Candidates - Apr. 15, 2010

Madam President, you’ve led this Board and District long enough. Besides, someone else on the Board deserves a chance to have those free (taxpayer-funded) pre-meeting dinners with the Superintendent.

So let me help you along. 

Notice

Looking for a few good EMSD#63 citizens to run for the School Board.  No experience required, although some common sense, curiosity, integrity and leadership would be an improvement. Membership on this Board could be the most important thing you can do to guarantee a good education for your child. Email me at this site for assistance!

I have no further comment on this subject at this time.