(Updated 7:02 p.m.) It turns out that two familiar names, not one, have made the finals in the search for a new city schools superintendent.
Officials Thursday released the names of the three finalists in the race to succeed retiring schools Superintendent Reggie Mayo.
One of the three, as expected, is Mayo’s deputy, Garth Harries, who has served as point man for New Haven’s fledgling school-reform drive. (Click here to read about his quest for the post. Click here to read his resume.) On Thursday a mayoral candidate, Justin Elicker, endorsed Harries for the post. Harries, a well-known figure in town, is considered the favorite for the post. Harries received another endorsement later Thursday, from an influential minister, Rev. Eldren Morrison of Varick AME Zion Church, who has had a high profile in local education issues. “Garth Harries has been instrumental in executing New Haven’s nationally recognized School Reform agenda. He should be able to continue his work for kids as New Haven’s next superintendent,” Morrison is quoted as saying in a statement released by his church.
Another of the finalists hails from Missouri — with an even better-known name: Dred Scott. He has served since 2008 as deputy superintendent of a school system in Independence, Missouri. (Click here to read his resume.) He bears the same name as an important figure in our country’s civil-rights history:a 19th century slave who challenged slavery in a landmark case before the Supreme Court. (Schools spokeswoman Abbe Smith said she doesn’t know whether or not the finalist descends from the historical figure.)
The third candidate: Former Memphis schools chief Kriner Cash. (Here’s his resume.) Cash resigned his Memphis post this past January. The board had already voted not to renew his contract. According to one local news account, “Cash has a quick wit and a deep understanding of educational issues, but he drew criticism for not communicating well with employees and the public and his occasionally brusque style.”
Under pressure to conduct a “transparent” selection process, the school board is holding an open-to-the-public round of interviews with the candidates at Gateway Community College’s downtown campus from 9 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. on Saturday. Besides observing the process, members of the public can submit questions in advance here (in English) or here (in Spanish).
The school board plans to vote on its final choice this coming Monday night.