Welcome back, Carole Smith!

October 6, 2009 by Steve Rawley

Superintendent Carole Smith is back on the job today, according to a PPS status update on Facebook. Smith has been on a leave of absence following the passing of her life partner. Welcome back, Carole. Our thoughts have been with you.

Steve Rawley published PPS Equity from 2008 to 2010, when he moved his family out of the district.

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On the blogs: Russo on new CAO Botana

July 9, 2009 by Steve Rawley

Chicago schools blogger Alexander Russo tosses in his two cents on new PPS Chief Academic Officer Xavier Botana (“I sort of liked the guy”), but one reader questions Carole Smith’s reference to his “strong record of building shared ownership of school improvement among parents, teachers and community.”

Steve Rawley published PPS Equity from 2008 to 2010, when he moved his family out of the district.

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Breaking News: Shake-Up at BESC

April 4, 2008 by Steve Rawley

This just in from Peter Campbell:

I just spoke to Richard Clark in the central office. It’s official: Judy Elliott, Barbara Adams, and Leslie Rennie-Hill are all out of work as of June 30th. The new Chief Academic Officer will take over all of the responsibilities associated with these 3 divisions. The future of the underlings at the Office of Teaching and Learning — the 4 directors — is not clear. Once the CAO is in place, he/she will review these positions and determine if a further shake-up is in order.

The CAO is expected to be hired and in place before school starts back in the fall.

I see this as very good news. PPS is very top-heavy and needs pruning. We also need new leadership, especially in the Office of Teaching and Learning. Carole Smith’s tenure continues to show good signs.

Superintendent Carole Smith sent an e-mail yesterday announcing the new position of Chief Academic Officer, and the merging of the Office of Teaching and Learning, the Office of Schools and the Gates Foundation funded Office of High Schools under this new leader. Elliot, Adams and Rennie-Hill headed these offices, which were created by former superintendent Vicki Phillips. The departure of Adams was previously announced.

Steve Rawley published PPS Equity from 2008 to 2010, when he moved his family out of the district.

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