Sandy Garrett

[Cubs]

First of all I am not trying to convince any one to vote for Republican Superintendent candidate Bill Crozier. I know nothing about him and he has really done no campaigning. I am just wondering why does Sandy Garrett keep getting reelected? What has she done for education in the state. She has been the State Superintendent since 1990 and education has only got worse since then. Does she just never have any good competition?

[rwarn17588]

Your last sentence just answered your question.

When your opponent goes on TV espousing Kevlar-covered textbooks, it doesn't take a genius to figure out why Garrett continues to hold her job.

[sendoff]

On the surface, I think some of it stems from the qualifications required to run for the position:

1. You must have a valid school administrator's certificate. This alone probably cuts the pool of potential candidates down to less than 10,000. And that pool is kind of a "closed society". Qualified candidates from other areas (i.e. college professors, successful business people with advanced degrees, psychologists, etc.) that don't have the certificate can't run.

2. You have to live in the state 10 years prior to running for office. This reduces the number of candidates that have moved in from other states to near 0. For instance, the new Tulsa school superintendent would not be able to run for 9 1/2 more years.

One of the reasons why I think Garrett keeps getting re-elected is that she does not push for school district consolidation in rural areas.

Ideally, this should be an appointed governor's cabinet position. That way, the superintendent changes with any change in governor.

[JaneCitizenOKC]

quote:Originally posted by sendoff

etc.) One of the reasons why I think Garrett keeps getting re-elected is that she does not push for school district consolidation in rural areas.

You are correct all around but this insight proves you are a very smart Okie, indeed!

[Steve]

quote:Originally posted by JaneCitizenOKC

quote:Originally posted by sendoff

etc.) One of the reasons why I think Garrett keeps getting re-elected is that she does not push for school district consolidation in rural areas.

You are correct all around but this insight proves you are a very smart Okie, indeed!

What is Crozier's stand on district consolidation?  My own opinion is that Oklahoma has more than 4 times the number of school districts as are necessary; I think there should be no more than one public school district per county.  Eliminate all the expensive administration and duplication, and public schools would have a lot more money to spend directly on the kids and good teachers.  I understand the opposition wanting to retain local control and in many small communities, the school is the binding community factor, but the situation in Oklahoma is way far beyond what is necessary, IMO.
If Crozier strongly supports district consolidation, I may have to bite the bullet and vote Republican on this one.

[rwarn17588]

I agree, Steve. I came from central Illinois, which is all rural except for a few select cities. There was crying and gnashing of teeth during rounds of rural school consolidations in the 1980s and early '90s.

But guess what? Everyone survived it swimmingly, and everyone seems pretty satisfied with their kids' education.

The education commish isn't going to be able to do much about this issue by herself, though. This is an issue that has to be taken up by the governor -- and have plenty of lawmakers in tow, too.

[Conan71]

quote:Originally posted by rwarn17588

I agree, Steve. I came from central Illinois, which is all rural except for a few select cities. There was crying and gnashing of teeth during rounds of rural school consolidations in the 1980s and early '90s.

But guess what? Everyone survived it swimmingly, and everyone seems pretty satisfied with their kids' education.

The education commish isn't going to be able to do much about this issue by herself, though. This is an issue that has to be taken up by the governor -- and have plenty of lawmakers in tow, too.

That is one way to improve the quality education.  Spend more on teachers and programs and cut how much we have to spend on facility costs via consolidation.

I too think this is a post which would make more sense to be an appointment rather than elected.