Schools Finance Chief Leaves For Charter Job

Tough to pick the appropriate sinking ship.

It would be nice to see a list of his key achievements over the last 2 years.

That's a very short shelf life - New Haven is nothing but a stepping stone for the carpetbaggers who then go to the dark side for the money with all the inside knowledge we've given and the experience we've provided.

Let's call a spade a spade, he's been working for Achievement First for the past two years.

This is great news for our New Haven Public School System that De La Paz is leaving. It would be even better news if Garth Harries too would leave so that we can get our system back on the right track. As the article states, Harries trained in a pro-charter-funded leadership program. He too would probably do better working with achievement First instead of trying to turn our public schools into charters. Our children are suffering under this present leadership.

de la Paz is a well educated, incredibly trained leader who is well suited for Achievement First. His corporate approach to education was well reflected in a number of proposals e.g. changing school start times to save on transportation costs with zero consideration of working parents.

What's troubling is that the lack of transparency associated with AF governance will make even more families vulnerable to economic measures that focus on numbers not people

His idea to change start times to save money was not original. Look no further than Bridgeport for a place that did that.

"Harries stated Tuesday that the school system will commence a search for De La Paz's replacement."

This quote from the above article indicates that NHPS will fill this vacated position.

Please don't, Superintendent Harries.

Please.

Best wishes to Victor in this new endeavor. It will suit his talents and priorities well.

The first sentence says it all. "So long New Haven Public Schools, hello Achievement First." If New Haven residents don't watch out, their entire school system will be usurped by corporate educators and their cronies. If you think a corporation has your children's best interests in mind, think again. They're only interested in the bottom line. Anyone in the school business/administrative structure that has ties to charter schools works for them (and to line their own pockets), not for you and your children. Do public schools need to change to address new technologies and methods? Absolutely. But Public Education should remain Public, not Corporate.

Victor is clearly a very talented leader ... Why is he leaving New Haven? Maybe he feels he can pursue the same goals but in an environment that is less constrained and political? All this talk of "corporate" reform seems inaccurate (AF is a non-profit that runs public schools) and, frankly, beside the point. Putting the names aside, what will it take to win for our kids? It seems like Victor is asking this question.

Beautifully said, IknowaTeacher. Nothing more to add. I know a teacher, also. A New Haven teacher.

Interestingly enough, after a quick google search, he made a lot more money in Baltimore. His bio has some interesting facts maybe it's not charters that are to blame but a public schools system that can't manage to retain it's talent?

facts anyone,

If you're suggesting charter schools like AF have an advantage over public schools in their ability to meaningfully retain any talent (student, teacher, or admin), then a Google search will present you facts that prove they have higher rates of turnover in all areas; students and teachers topping the list. While I think admin turnover in Central Office has been a bit high, I find myself wondering why folks with elite MBAs and JDs find themselves in education to begin with. Many argue their lack of experience in schools and corporate experience is inappropriate in schools. Even the title of the newest 'Chief Academic Office' has a corporate tinge that illustrates the influence.

Are you saying that you want less educated folks working in central offices? I'm not sure I see the logic.

Also, I would argue that there is not a "corporate" conspiracy. It turns out that running a public schools system in underprivileged communities is really, really hard. Anyone who has good ideas and is willing to do the hard work should be welcomed into the sector. We can't afford to discriminate based on previous work or education background.

-Are you saying that you want less educated folks working in central offices?
I'm not sure I see the logic.

I'm certainly not saying that because that's illogical. People that make decisions affecting children, schools, or teachers in New Haven should have some experience in schools and, ideally, a track record of success.

Do you think Victor De La Paz's work in New Haven Public Schools is finished? Did he accomplish anything that he said he would?

-Also, I would argue that there is not a "corporate" conspiracy. It turns out
that running a public schools system in underprivileged communities is
really, really hard. Anyone who has good ideas and is willing to do the hard
work should be welcomed into the sector. We can't afford to discriminate
based on previous work or education background.

It is really, really hard work, ask any teacher in the district. I have no interest in discrimination. I'm more impressed by experience in schools and a good reputation in NHPS. Of course I want central office to be a flashy, organized hub of intelligence, however, it is important to remember that the realest work happens in the schools - children in classrooms with teachers - that is the main priority of the district. I wish more people with elite degrees would enter the classroom and try teaching, or as the corporate folk call it, "ed reform."