9/30/08

Plain Dealer Editorial

CLEVELAND HEIGHTS - Cleveland Heights-University Heights Schools Superintendent Deborah Delisle is one of two finalists for the state superintendent’s job.

Delisle and Catherine Cross Maple, deputy secretary of learning and accountability for the New Mexico Public Education Department, were called back for a second interview with the State Board of Education today in Columbus.

The interviews are being conducted in executive session, meaning they are closed to the public and the press.

Both women are vying to replace Susan Tave Zelman, who is leaving the state’s top education job after nearly 10 years. Zelman will begin a new job Nov. 3 as senior vice president in charge of education with the Corporation for Public Broadcasting in Washington, D.C.

Delisle and Cross Maple were among five finalists interviewed by a committee of the state board Sunday and Monday.

Board President Jennifer Sheets said she expects the board to make a final decision at its regular meeting Oct. 12. In the interim, a search firm that has been working with the board will make final background checks, she said.

“We do not intend to come to any decision (today),” Sheets said. “If the plan goes according to Hoyle, we’ll be in the position to make a decision at the October board meeting.”

Delisle served as interim and associate superintendent of the Cleveland Heights-University Heights schools before being named superintendent in March 2004.

She previously worked as director of academic services in the West Geauga schools, as a language-arts specialist in the Orange schools and as a coordinator of the gifted and enrichment programs for the Shaker Heights schools.

Delisle has received national recognition for her use of technology in the schools as well as innovative teacher evaluation and training programs.

Zelman announced in May that she would be leaving the department after intense criticism from Gov. Ted Strickland. The state board has pledged to give the governor a significant say in choosing Zelman’s replacement.