Whether one believes Gallon's work was a success or that he failed in his mission to reform education in Plainfield, his chance to affect the district's direction has for all intents and purposes expired. The next chief school administrator is likely to want to make his or her own mark without reference to Gallon's legacy. Schuman's analysis may help Gallon in future endeavors by offering the positives and pinning the negatives on "politics." Indeed, the blog itself is titled, "The Politics of Plainfield, New Jersey."
So what effect might these words have on a new superintendent's search? Plainfield already has the reputation of a place beset with political snares and pitfalls. Those who monitor municipal government here are hoping the school district's well-known revolving door will not be reflected in a similar portal at City Hall, where vacancies and acting positions currently dominate the cabinet. On a map of administrative job venues, will Plainfield simply be marked "Here there be dragons" due to politics?
Whether one agrees or disagrees with Schuman's points about Gallon, he writes well and will be a blogger to heed as the district and its stakeholders continue the struggle for stability in leadership and success in student performance. Add http://politicsofplainfield.blogspot.com/ to your bookmarks or blogroll now and keep reading.
--Bernice
The fact is much of the praise lavished upon Dr. Gallon was not based on reality. Just ask those who work here during Gallon's tenure! Unfortunately, Mr. Schulman does not have all of the facts which detracts from his analysis. In fact, much is founded on subjectivity and depicts an unrealistic picture of what really happened. Case in point, the data that Mr. Gallon often pontificated as "during his watch" actually occurred during Mr. Carter's and Dr. Howard's tenure. The data provided by the state was from the prior academic year, such as when the schools made AYP. In fact, it was during Gallon's watch when we regressed. It is good to have a contrasting view but it is only fair to obtain factual information.
ReplyDeleteHas anybody googled this new blogger to find out who he is and where he really lives? Indeed, this blog may simply be an attempt to help Gallon "in future endeavors." Sure sounds like it! Anybody googling Gallon will find it, that's for sure. Just like those folks who decided not to offer him a job somewhere else and declined after reading about his "career" in Plainfield...
ReplyDeleteAs much as the critcs of Gallon like to go on....had he kept his mouth shut and played the game...he'd be in his position now. He didn't bow down to Jerry....his first grand mistake to his career. Jerry hated having someone in his arena who could out double talk him.
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ReplyDeleteDr. Howard was responsible for the hiring of staff that were not qualified that Peter Carter got rid of in his brief six month stint in Plainfield.
The test scores were at an all time low and cronyism at an all time high during Dr. Howard tenure before she caught a tandrum and quit on the kids.
As a VP in the district for many years, do you take any responsibility for Plainfield's failure?
You have an obvious disdain and strong sense of jealousy when it comes to Gallon. Is it because he didn't promote you?
And are you blogging on the clock?
I agree with Anon May 1st 3:26- It does sound like Gallon is trying to give his future employers something to find when they google Gallon + Plainfield + New Jersey that would create an image of controversy rather than incompetency. He would rather look like a controversial school leader than the dishonest, self interested, arrogant one he really was.
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