6/22/08

Plain Dealer

Scott Stephens

Ohio State’s not playing football yet, and pro hockey is on ice for the summer.

So among the popular sports in Columbus these days is the guessing game over who will replace Susan Tave Zelman as state schools superintendent.

Even before Zelman’s announcement last month that she would be departing before year’s end, pundits in the state capital were laying odds on who would replace her.

This much is known: Some members of the State Board of Education, which is charged with hiring a new superintendent, have said they want to snag a person with strong Ohio ties. And to get the job, that person will need the blessing of Gov. Ted Strickland.

“The governor expects to have a strong voice in the process,” said his spokesman, Keith Dailey. “I think the governor sees himself as being a partner in this process with the board.”

What has emerged is a short list of names of potential candidates who would appear to meet those prerequisites.

Principal, Federal Hocking High School in Hocking County

Why:

Friend and ally of the governor and his wife from southeast Ohio. Authored the then governor- elect’s K-12 transition paper. Out-of-the-box thinker not afraid to make waves. Has been a teacher, school board member, professor and principal. Founding director of Wildwood Secondary School in Los Angeles. His current school is rated one of America’s 100 Best by Reader’s Digest.

Why not:

May lack the administrative experience to run a major state department.

JAMES MAHONEY

Executive director, Battelle for Kids.

Why:

Point man in the state’s effort to use “value added” data that measures the academic growth of a child. Vast experience as a superintendent, principal, teacher and professor. Skillful in building bridges among education, community, political and business leaders.

Why not:

Good resume, but he might be more valuable making sure the value-added project stays on course.

EUGENE SANDERS

CEO, Cleveland city schools.

Why:

Track record of moving student achievement in urban districts and fostering cooperation between administration and teachers unions. Good relationship with Strickland’s staff. Strong administrative skills. Has been a visible advocate for public education in the state legislature. Experience as a college professor doesn’t hurt.

Why not:

Could be substantial pay cut.

DAVID ESTROP

Superintendent, Lakewood schools.

Why:

Articulate critic of state and fed eral account ability systems. Had delivered strong academic results in Lakewood in the wake of changing social and economic demographics. Under contract in Lakewood through 2009-10 school year but has indicated interest in making a move.

Why not:

Brings a lot to the table, but Strickland might want someone better known in statewide business and political circles.

GENE HARRIS

Superintendent, Columbus city schools.

Why:

Dynamic urban school leader with strong track record of academic success. Heads Ohio’s largest school district. Has been open to innovation programs, such as science, technology, engineering and mathematics, or STEM, schools. Familiar with the lay of the land in Columbus and known by folks inside the I-270 beltway.

Why not:

With her district probably seeking a large tax increase in November, this might be a bad time to jump ship.

CARL KOHRT

President and CEO of Battelle for Kids.

Why:

Seasoned business leader with an ability to over haul large state department. Runs the world’s largest independent nonprofit research and development organization. Key player in Strickland’s push to establish STEM schools. Understands link between education and the economy.

Why not:

Lack of direct experience in education could hurt.

A few of the prospective candidates, such as Sanders, declined to comment on the possibility of seeking the state superintendent’s post. Others said they have heard the rumors, too. “I’m flattered people would give me that consideration,” Wood said. “I love doing what I’m doing, but I’m anxious to help this governor any way I can.”

Estrop also confirmed that he’s heard his name floated.

“I’m certainly aware my name is being advanced,” Estrop said. “Obviously, I’m very humbled and honored that there are those who believe I’d be qualified to serve the people of Ohio as their superintendent of public instruction.”

Mahoney said he hasn’t talked to anybody about the job.

“I love what I’m doing,” he said. The State Board of Education has hired the Worthington- based Hudepohl & Associates to handle the search. Zelman said she will stay on the job until a new superintendent is hired.

Zelman, who has been actively seeking another job in and out of the state, is in her 10th year as the state’s top education official. Her days became numbered after Strickland in February suggested establishing a new Cabinet-level education director’s position.

That idea has not materialized, but Strickland is expected to have a large role in helping the state board replace Zelman.

However it ends up, Mahoney said groups like his will help.

“We’re going to support whatever person it is,” he said. “That’s what we do.”