Hamilton County Schools Superintendent Rick Smith speaks to the media in this file photo.When Hamilton County students officially begin the 2011-12 school year this week they will do so in a system that has new leadership at the top, significant changes in administration and a raft of problems both old and new. Newly minted Superintendent Rick Smith promises to address the issues in a timely and practical manner. Whether he can do so and remain above the political fray that has crippled the system in recent years is the most pressing question the school system faces at the moment. There is no ready answer.
Smith clearly understands the educational and financial issues that currently confront the system. He readily admits there are academic and other shortfalls at many schools. He agrees, too, that remedying those problems in a manner that satisfies state and federal mandates and that addresses local concerns will be difficult. He acknowledges, as well, that population growth in some parts of the county and the shifting census at several schools complicate the task of planning for both the current year and the future. He knows, too, that the schools have an image problem.
Still, he remains optimistic – despite those problems and the lingering fallout over his appointment.
Smith’s ascension to the superintendency was more a well-executed political triumph – orchestrated behind closed doors in violation of Sunshine Laws – than a decision based on well-established protocols for selecting the chief executive of a multimillion dollar educational enterprise. Consequently, he’ll likely have to invest time to mend political fences and to soothe the wounds that linger in the aftermath of the removal of his predecessor from office, and his swift appointment to the ensuing vacancy. That time and energy, in truth, could be better spent on the day-to-day operation of the system.
For the moment, Smith appears to be saying the right things. He pledges to serve urban and suburban schools in equal measure and to create curricula and programs to improve academic performance. He wants to help unify a divided school board and to restore morale in the system. And he says it can be done while putting the needs and interests of students above all. That’s a full agenda.