Schools to determine whether he will be a candidate for the top positionPasadena Unified School District Superintendent Brian McDonald is among three candidates vying for the Superintendent position in the Columbus City Schools district. Along with Angela Chapman, interim Superintendent of Columbus City Schools, and George "Eric" Thomas, associate Superintendent of Minneapolis Public Schools, McDonald participated in a "day in the district" event and a public forum in Columbus. The candidates met with various stakeholders before answering questions in a forum.
During the forum, McDonald stressed the importance of focusing on students and addressing the impact of violence in the city. He also highlighted his collaborative work style as critical to creating a successful school system. As Superintendent of Pasadena Unified School District since 2016, McDonald has implemented programs that have improved student achievement. However, the selection process has faced criticism from Columbus NAACP President Nana Watson, who has questioned the cost and transparency of the district's superintendent search. In addition, CCS declined to review the completed applications, citing attorney-client privilege since a law firm handled the probe. The superintendent position in Columbus City Schools remained vacant for over a year, and the district has faced several challenges. Currently, the district is under state control due to low academic performance, and there have been concerns about student safety in the city. Final interviews for the superintendent position will take place next week, and CCS plans to have the new Superintendent at work in Columbus by July 1 or August 1 at the latest. The new Superintendent will need to address several challenges, including improving academic performance and ensuring the safety of students in the city. |