Is the School Committee Being Prudent in Ratifying Dr. Ash’s Contract Renewal?

The School Committee, as it did two years ago, with little time to spare before a January 1st deadline, is once again taking up the disposition of Superintendent Dr. Ash’s contract in closed executive session at their upcoming Tuesday, December 17 meeting. If they don’t give him any notice before January 1, 2014, his contract will automatically renew for 2015-16, with an automatic pay raise. This brings up many questions: Has there been concrete evidence of his improved performance with principals and teachers at LPS schools since his leadership had been questioned by Lexington students and parents, and reported on in the Wellman consulting report of 1-2 years ago? Though we have some great principles in the LPS system, what is the public evidence that Dr. Ash himself has changed his behavior towards his people, direct and otherwise, such that teacher morale has improved across our schools? And is the SC being prudent with its apparent accelerated decision-making without public comment? I truly hope SC members are considering what’s best for Lexington in choosing a Superintendent that provides the right fit for our proud and progressive community.