New Wake County Superintendent Anthony Tata announced today that Donna Hargens has agreed to stay on as the district's chief academic officer.
Back when he was hired two weeks ago, Tata said his first human resources action would be to ask Hargens to stay "to provide continuity." Hargens has been simultaneously staying serving as chief academic officer and interim superintendent.
Hargens' decision to stay on could ease concerns from some about Tata's limited educational experience. During the Dec. 23 meeting, school board members repeatedly pointed to how Tata would be backed up by experienced educators such as Hargens.
Board members had particularly praised Hargens' tenure as interim superintendent at the Dec. 23 meeting. There was some booing from the crowd when school board chairman Ron Margiotta said that Hargens had accomplished more academically as interim superintendent than he had seen in the previous four years, which can be seen as a a slap at former Superintendent Del Burns.
One remaining question is how much of the rest of the senior staff, who were largely put in place by Del Burns, will remain under Tata.
Comments
Why do people support Dr. Hargens?
Fri, 01/07/2011 - 13:55 — bpuli9999As CAO, did / does she not bear any responsibility for the current academic performance of the school system? She has been around a while and accomplished nothing. She tried to get away but was unable to even find another job.
All I think of is that she is a republican or a tea-partier (which seems to be enough of a qualification to get someone a job at WCPSS these days). And how come she is not an elitist - she does have a college degree doesn't she?
Huh...?
Fri, 01/07/2011 - 14:05 — Bob_SconceThe main thing is that she didn't inject herself into politics. The diversity policy was Burns' baby (or, well, at least adopted baby). Hargens correctly pointed out that the policy was a board-level issue and stayed out of the fight. She showed a lot more wisdom than Burns did.
Having a Ph.D. does not make you an elitist. Thinking that Ph.D. makes you better than everybody else does, though. Hargens (unlike Dr. Morrison) has made no public sign of this..
I have to imagine that she'd be a prime candidate for a top-level job someplace -- the fact that she didn't make the cut in New Hanover hardly makes her damaged goods.
"So that I can understand
Fri, 01/07/2011 - 09:19 — woodstock"So that I can understand both the facts and emotions behind what's happening."
Class act indeed
Fri, 01/07/2011 - 10:08 — nancyncWatching the video clip of her comments about staying on and voicing her impression of Mr. Tata shows they will probably work very well together.
I agree with both of your
Fri, 01/07/2011 - 09:31 — jenmanI agree with both of your statements. People on both sides in the diversity debate have valid points and people on both sides sometimes let emotions get in the way of facts. We need to acknowledge that and talk about it. I'm really pleased that Tata appears to recognize this.
RALEIGH— The next
Thu, 01/06/2011 - 22:31 — AngelaWRALEIGH— The next superintendent of Wake County got his first look at area schools on Thursday. Tony Tata started his day at the school system's central offices in Raleigh, where he will start his new job at the end of the month.
Thursday morning, he met with some of the staff at central offices. Tata also asked acting superintendent Donna Hargens to stay on in her role as Chief Academic Officer for the school system. He said she agreed to do that.
After his stop at Central Offices, Tata went to Millbrook High School. He toured the school, talked with some teachers and administrators, and observed a few classes. Tata will also visit a couple of elementary schools on Friday.
School board Chairman Ron Margiotta planned Tata's two-day Wake County visit, scheduling meetings with elected officials and conservative community groups in addition to the school tours.
Thursday evening, Tata met with the Wake County Taxpayers Association at a Raleigh restaurant. About 200 members of the Conservative Wake County Taxpayers Association gave him a warm welcome.
Tata was quick to impress earlier critics.
"One thing that he said was he really wants to lead from the classroom out," said Ama Bouncer, with the Wake NC Association of Educators. "So, that really shows his commitment to working with the staff and working with the students. Making sure the resources are in place that are needed."
Outside the restaurant, the reception wasn't quite as warm. Protestors armed with signs were up front with their concerns.
"I don't think it was right to have one of your first public meetings with an organization that claims to be non-partisan but receives money from people such as Robert Buddy, who supports the school board in re-segregating us," said Set Keel, of NC H.E.A.T.
"This is why I'm here to listen to this kind of feedback," said Tata to the protestors. "So that I can understand both the facts and emotions behind what's happening."
Tata's first day on the job is Jan. 31.
http://triangle.news14.com/content/school_news/635008/new-wake-county-superintendent-meets-public