Letter: Rogers viable as superintendent

Sunday, Feb. 6, 2000 | 9:25 a.m.

Is there a positive solution that helps us to climb out of the quandary created by the paucity of candidates and successful search methods that have produced no viable superintendent? This may be answered by ascending to a temporary management plateau that is offered by accepting an interim superintendent.

An encouraging local opportunity has developed with the offer of exceptionally talented James Rogers to serve, pro bono, for an interim period. This presents a progressive candidate with known -- successful -- business, media and philanthropic credentials. One can assume it is less likely that he will be diverted by, possibly, profit-making or political distractions.

Rogers offers many advantages with his application for this really contentious position. Foremost, he offers fiscal credibility that may place a spike in the backbone of the financial posture of the school administration. Secondly, he may be able to galvanize a sense of authority and teamwork that gives our children a school ambiance that primarily serves their needs. Can we hope that bureaucracy and educative in-fighting can also be honed to their appropriate level?

Can this offer be a chance to strengthen the integrity and use of resources voted by many of the hard-working members of our community? Is this a chance to be seriously embraced by everyone who searches for advancement of the educational support and enrichment of our children? Perhaps this could also offer another chance for the frustrated School Board and trustees to accomplish the important mandate of their committees -- this should command our attention and support.

MERLE BERMAN

State assemblywoman

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