Local leadership would be the right choice for Caddo Parish Schools

As Caddo Parish searches for a new superintendent, it's time to consider a path that often gets overlooked: hiring a local educator. I have seen Superintendents come and go and maybe it is time to find a keeper, which we thought we had in Larmar Goree, but he decided to go to greener pastures, which was certainly his right.

I believe that there are capable and dedicated individuals within Caddo Parish and the surrounding areas who have the experience, knowledge, and passion to lead our schools effectively. These local candidates understand the unique challenges and strengths of our community, and they bring a deep-rooted commitment to our students, parents, and educators.

All too often, school boards are dazzled by candidates from other states or regions. These individuals may have impressive resumes and a trail of achievements, but they also come with a hefty price tag and a transient mindset. They often see the position as a steppingstone to the next big opportunity, leaving our parish in a constant state of transition and instability. This cycle must end.

Caddo Parish elected officials have a duty to serve the best interests of the community. This means recognizing the talent within our own borders and giving local educators the chance to rise to the challenge.

By doing so, the district not only saves money but also invests in someone who is genuinely committed to the long-term success of our schools, which by all accounts, was Dr. Goree. Opportunities come and go, and people must do what they feel is right for them and their families.

The benefits of hiring a local superintendent are clear. Local educators have established relationships with parents, teachers, and local organizations. These connections foster a sense of trust and collaboration that is essential for successful leadership. Local educators have strong community ties that can aid them in the job.

A superintendent with roots in the area is more likely to stay for the long haul. This stability is crucial for implementing long-term strategies and achieving sustained improvements in our schools. These individuals tend to make a long-term commitment to the district.

Hiring a local candidate can save the district significant recruitment and relocation costs. These funds can be better spent directly on our students and schools. This is a cost-effective solution that can be a win/win for everyone involved, including the teachers and staff in the way of more resources.

It's time for our elected school board officials to step up and take responsibility. They should advertise the Caddo Parish superintendent vacancy widely within our community and make a concerted effort to identify and hire a candidate with local roots. This decision will not only fulfill their duty but also ensure that our schools are led by someone who truly cares about our children's future.

Yes, the recent departure of Lamar Goree from the role of Superintendent for Caddo Parish Schools has left the community reeling and the school board scrambling. Goree, a native Shreveporter, had long been seen as a steadfast champion for the local education system until he wasn’t.

Meanwhile, the Caddo Parish School Board's response to this leadership gap has been to hire a headhunting firm to identify Goree's successor. This move has sparked controversy and frustration within the community. Many question why the school board, entrusted with such crucial decisions, is outsourcing the task of selecting a new superintendent. Isn't this precisely the responsibility for which they were elected?

The truth is that the school board should engage directly with the local community to identify and interview potential local candidates. The use of a headhunting firm distances the selection process from the very people it will impact the most: the students, parents, and educators of Caddo Parish.

As I said, the new superintendent should be someone with deep ties to Shreveport and the surrounding area, and someone who understands the unique challenges and opportunities within the parish and is committed to long-term service.

Then, there are the concerns about the financial implications of hiring an external candidate. The previous administration, despite Goree's high salary and benefits, left several schools languishing with chronic F grades.

This points to a potential misalignment between high compensation and actual performance outcomes. If the school board opts for a highly paid, out-of-state candidate, will they truly address the systemic issues, or merely put a costly band-aid on a persistent wound?

It is way past time to hire a local educator to step into the superintendent role. Local candidates are more likely to have a vested interest in the community’s success and less likely to leave for higher salaries elsewhere. A superintendent with local roots would not only bring familiarity with the community's needs but also a personal commitment to its betterment.

While the departure of Lamar Goree may have been a setback, it also presents a unique opportunity. The Caddo Parish School Board should seize this moment to prioritize local talent and community engagement. By doing so, they can find a superintendent who is not only qualified but deeply invested in the future of Caddo Parish Schools, someone who will stay the course and lead with both passion and integrity. And that’s my take. smithpren@aol.com

This article originally appeared on Monroe News-Star: Local leadership would be the right choice for Caddo Parish Schools