Pinellas School Board members hear nothing but good about their superintendent finalist.
By MONIQUE FIELDS
Published April 8, 2004
BATON ROUGE, La. - Two School Board members who have expressed reservations about making Clayton M. Wilcox the next superintendent of Pinellas schools said Wednesday they feel better about him after a two-day visit to his home district.
Linda Lerner and Mary Russell said several of their concerns were eased by what they heard from teachers, administrators and School Board members in the East Baton Rouge Parish School System run by Wilcox since 2002.
"We have a lot to offer as a district, and I believe Dr. Wilcox has a lot to offer us," said Lerner, who had questioned whether Wilcox is ready to lead a larger school system.
Russell said Wilcox still has to earn the trust of Pinellas educators. But she said her talks with East Baton Rouge employees convinced her that his direct management style could prove to be an asset.
"There needs to be accountability on all levels," Russell said. "It's good Dr. Wilcox is not afraid to make (employees) accountable."
The other five Pinellas board members said the visit validated and affirmed answers Wilcox gave while interviewing in Pinellas last month. They were impressed when an administrator told them the East Baton Rouge system would move forward regardless of what happens because Wilcox had built a strong leadership team.
The trip to Louisiana is one of the final steps in the board's attempt to find a replacement for outgoing superintendent Howard Hinesley, who is leaving in November after 14 years of running the Pinellas school system.
Board members made the trip with the understanding that they would hire Wilcox if they liked what they saw. The board has scheduled an April 20 workshop on the decision, with a final vote expected April 27.
During their travels Wednesday, board members visited one of Baton Rouge's best schools and one where many students are struggling academically. They also talked with members of the district's curriculum and instruction staff and a select group of principals.
"He is not a micromanager," said Nanette Greer, principal at Baton Rouge Magnet High School, one of the system's top schools. "He has hired me to do a job, and I do that."
Board members asked district employees about Wilcox's management style and his interactions with parents and teachers. Other questions focused on how the district has changed since he took over in 2002.
They heard repeatedly that Wilcox would leave East Baton Rouge in better shape than he found it. Several said he was handed a financial mess and that morale suffered because of it.
"The enemies that he has made were unavoidable because those were decisions he had to make," said John Hooper, a teacher for instructional support at the Baton Rouge Center for the Visual and Performing Arts.
Both of Wilcox's children attend the performing arts school. Principal Mark D. Richterman said Wilcox doesn't interfere in the school's affairs and is treated like any parent when he is on campus.
Several Baton Rouge employees said they don't want Wilcox to leave but understand his desire to move on to a larger school district.
They describe Wilcox as upfront, direct and in tune with what children need. He has a hands-on style but can step back and let employees do their jobs.
"If I was in his job, I would want to know what was going on to a pretty good degree myself," said David Corona, assistant superintendent for instructional services.
The pending choice regarding Wilcox has left the Baton Rouge school district in limbo. While school officials were gracious to Pinellas board members, they also are anxious for a decision.
"Just let us know as soon as possible," said Patricia Smith, vice chairwoman of the East Baton Rouge School Board.
