Matt Geary’s appointment as Superintendent of Schools is peculiar. I don’t mean the selection of the person, but the fact that it won’t take effect for another year. The pick was not necessarily a surprise because rumors were around that he was the favorite. The surprise is the one year wait and the extension of Kiesel’s “interim” appointment (is it still “interim” if it’s for 3 years?). One has to wonder - who were the other candidates? What were their qualifications? Was the decision sold to an indecisive Board of Education by a strong superintendent (that can be a good thing given the current Board’s rather dysfunctional nature)? Also, why the huge bump in salary for a candidate with no superintendent experience?
On the other hand, this could work out well. Geary is a strong, decisive leader, has sound ideas, can articulate them and, not withstanding the growing achievement gap, he has been effective at MHS (view him on YouTube -YouTube: Manchester High School, CT- in a Manchester Review interview last year). The only gripe I’ve heard is that he has rustled some feathers amongst teachers who would rather do their own thing. Too bad. In addition it will give a slow moving, indecisive board of education a whole year (will it be enough time?) to pick a Principal for the High School and will give Geary an opportunity for on the job training with the “interim” district leader.
Thankfully a municipal election is coming up November 5 with some refreshing new candidates that may change the complexion of the BOE. What could be better than a strong new Board with a strong Superintendent to deal with serious school issues such as elementary school reorganization, deteriorating buildings, a huge impending school bond referendum and the ever growing achievement gap!
