Perspective, please.
The latest uproar over the superintendency of the Little Rock School District isn’t about the changing of the guard, but who is changing it and who no longer has the authority and/or influence to change it.
In 1982, the Little Rock School District Board voted to sue the NLRSD, PCSSD and State of Arkansas in U.S. District Court. Between then and 2015, the LRSD Board had 23 superintendents in 33 years, including interim and permanent.
In the 111 years prior to that, it had 14.
Since the State intervened in the district in January of 2015, and the Commissioner assumed responsibility as the board, Dexter Suggs was removed from the position in April 2015 after retaliatory “opposition research” into his academic background by those opposed to State intervention in the district.
Commissioner Johnny Key then sought and received a waiver from the State Board of Education to employ a non-traditional leader, Baker Kurrus, who was then volunteering as chairman of the district’s finance committee, to a one-year contract.
Nearly one year later, that same Commissioner, with the same authority as the LRSD school boards before him, chose to transition district leadership to a strong academic leader, with a proven record of public school and community leadership.
Many of the same voices now outraged by the Commissioner’s decision were equally outraged when he, and only he, chose to seek a waiver on qualifications from the State Board and hire Mr. Kurrus.
Perhaps most disturbingly, many leaders who have never raised their voices or used their authority in any way to support public education excellence are weighing in now that they sense a political opportunity.
Meanwhile, the man who actually benefitted this community with the business and organizational leadership of Baker Kurrus has now delivered a proven public school academic leader to build upon his predecessor’s progress and shepherd the district and community to excellence.
Over strenuous initial opposition, results and reaction prove that Commissioner Key got it right a year ago. In the face of strenuous opposition today, hasn’t he earned the benefit of the doubt with his latest decision?
I empathize and share in the lament of the conclusion of Mr. Kurrus’s pivotal service. But the loss of so many superintendents over the years has always been tempered by the hope that successors would perform even better. The fact that Mr. Kurrus was the rare one who did understandably exacerbates the disappointment of those who believe LRSD has finally begun to trend in a positive direction.
One year ago, I supported Commissioner Key’s decision to hire Mr. Kurrus, and I support his decision to hire Mr. Poore today. May the best interests of students guide all of his, their and our decisions.
Superintendents of the Little Rock School District (1869 – 2016)
Mr. Michael Poore – July 2016 –
Mr. Baker Kurrus – May 2015 – June 2016
Mr. Dexter Suggs – July 2013 – April 2015
Mr. Marvin Burton (interim)– March 2013 – July 2013
Dr. Morris L. Holmes – July 2011-March 2013
Dr. Morris L. Holmes (interim) — January 2011 – July 2011
Dr. Linda Watson — July 2008 – January 2011
Dr. Linda Watson (interim) — August 2007 – July 2008
Dr. Roy G. Brooks — July 2004 – August 2007
Dr. Morris L. Holmes (interim) — August 2003 – June 2004
Dr. Donald Stewart (interim) — June 2003 – August 2003
Dr. T. Kenneth James — June 2001 – June 2003
Dr. Leslie V. Carnine — September 1997 – June 2001
Dr. Don Roberts (interim) — 15 Aug 1996 – September 1997
Dr. Henry P. Williams — 1 Oct 1993 – July 1996
Mrs. Estelle Matthis (interim) — 1 Jul 1993 – 1 Oct 1993
Dr. Cloyde McKinley (Mac) Bernd — 1 Jul 1992 – 30 Jun 1993
Dr. Ruth S. Steele — 15 Jul 1989 – 30 Jun 1992
Dr. George D. Cannon — 23 Dec 1987 – 5 Aug 1989
Dr. George D. Cannon (interim) — October 1987 – December 1987
Mr. Vance Jones (acting) — 1 Jul 1987 – October 1987
Dr. Edward L. Kelly — June 1982 – June 1987
Dr. Ruth S. Steele (acting) — May 1982 – June 1982
Dr. Paul W. Masem — August 1978 – May 1982
Mr. Winston F. Simpson (acting) — 6 January 1978 – 14 August 1978
Mr. Paul R. Fair — 1 Jul 1972 – 6 January 1978
Mr. Floyd W. Parsons — 1 Aug 1961 – 30 Jun 1972
Mr. Terrell E. Powell (acting) — 22 Dec 1958 – 1 Aug 1961
Mr. Virgil T. Blossom — 1 Jul 1953 – 30 Nov 1958
Mr. Ed F. McCuistion (acting) — 1 Jan 1953 – 1 Mar 1953
Mr. H.A. Little — 1948 – 1953
Mr. R.T. Scobee — 1941 – 1948
Mr. Robert Cleveland Hall — 1909 – 1941
Mr. B.W. Torreyson — 1905 – 1909
Mr. J.M. Fish — 1876 – 1884
Mr. J.B. Bond (acting) — 1 May 1875 – 1876
Mr. Jacob R. Rightsell — 28 Nov 1871 – 1874; 1884 – 1905
Mr. N.P. Gates — 1 Sep 1869 – 28 Nov 1871