Just about everyone knows someone attending a Chester school but only 26 people shared an opinion on how they believed Dr. Gregory Thornton performed as our school superintendent.
The C-City Blogger survey votes revealed that:
- 6 believe he was The Best Ever
- 6 Wishes he would Stay
- 7 are Happy to see him go
- 11 say he's Just Like the Rest of Them
- 0 admit that he's not The Worst Ever
Regardless of the results, the biggest revelation from this survey is that a lot of people complain about Chester schools but only a small group of people involve themselves to affect change or voice a public opinion.
Even when I published several long interviews with Dr. Thornton, who was very candid on his role as superintendent, the only feedback I received were from people outside of Chester.
Click The State of Chester Schools, and download Gregory Thornton's interviews with Chester Spotlight.
Have you noticed that this guy doesn't look the same since he first came here? Like Obama some jobs seem to age you. It's only been 3 years. Can't get much done with all that politics. Fighting for change can get very political. The more things change the more they stay the same.
ReplyDeleteFrom the 9/11/09 State of the School:
ReplyDelete"I haven’t changed the heart, soul and inner spirit of the kids. I still find myself spending inordinate amounts of money and time trying to change that image. I can change behaviors but if I don't change what's in a person's heart and soul they will go right back to where they were. Too many young people want to hurt each other. I haven’t gotten enough people excited and turned on about school."
That task of which he speaks is best spearheaded by the principal, not the superintendent. If that's the major thing missing at the High School, then why remove the man that was making major advances towards just that: leading the initiative to change the hearts, minds, and souls of the young people and the community? Just like not enough people responded to your poll, not enough people seriously put that question on the table to the superintendent.
Mr. Arrington, as you know, folks around here prefer to complain about the school district and feel powerless to do anything about changing the situation. Simple things like meeting teachers, attending parent teacher conferences, checking homework, and even going to games, plays, concerts, fashion shows, etc., shows a student that if the parent is involved, it must be important. Otherwise, many are just going to hang out.
ReplyDelete