aggieheart said:
This hire was expected from the start. From what I have heard from some that have worked with him it may not be a good hire. Performance on standardized tests and ratings by the TEA have more to do with demographics and socioeconomics than teacher performance. TISD still offers some of the broadest educational opportunities in Central Texas and students that want a good education can get that and more in TISD. Then there are the others.
I filled out the questionnaire about what TISD should look for in a super. I stressed keeping alumni kids in the district. I'm a Belton gal but the amount of TISD alumni kids that go to BISD astounds me. I'd never let my kids go to temple and it's a Belton thing. I'd expect the same from them, but that's not what's happened. The flight of folks has left TISD with it's current demographics but I do have great TISD friends that have stayed. And I admire that. And yes, TISD has much better opportunities for kids with their partnership with S&W.
A Facebook friend is thrilled with this hire, and her husband works/coaches for the district. Maybe she's biased but I'd be as pissed as I was when Belton hired kincannon from within. This area needs all of it's districts to be strong and desirable. BISD has had local media on it's side to cover the warts. Maybe Ott will work the same magic. Every district has the "others" but they still shouldn't fall thru the cracks.