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October 31, 2007

Four incumbents, two challengers 10/31/2007

The Lowell School Department far too often sees additional funding as the way to resolve district problems, is slow to push for increased accountability -- both financially and educationally -- and is lacking in communication with the community.

The district has made some progress in its MCAS scores, but Lowell still has too many schools on the state's "needs improvement" lists and too many students struggling. The pace of progress must be stepped up.

Certainly, we recognize that the School Department faces significant challenges. More than 65 percent of its students live in poverty and 38 percent are not proficient in English. It's not easy to overcome such hurdles, but it can be done. It's been proven in Memphis, Tenn., where that city's former superintendent -- who now leads Boston's school district -- pushed struggling students to excel and was rewarded with skyrocketing test scores and college acceptance rates.

We would like to see the school district more willing to embrace innovations and initiatives recommended by teachers, administrators and parents. There is a wealth of knowledge and experience in Lowell, and school leaders should take advantage of it.
Also, the district should have a detailed strategic plan as a guide toward achieving excellence. It doesn't.

We believe a majority of the incumbents are striving to reach those goals. We see a core group of incumbents -- Jacqueline Doherty, Regina Faticanti, John Leahy and James Leary -- who are working well together to improve the school system and deserve to be returned to office. However, they need assistance from some new voices who are willing to challenge the status quo. With this in mind, The Sun also endorses challengers Dennis Canney and David Conway. We see this as a strong team to assist Superintendent Karla Brooks Baehr in pushing for academic excellence.

Canney, who taught English and coached a variety of sports in the Lowell School System for more than 30 years, wants to see more emphasis placed on mathematics and science. He knows that is where we will find the jobs of today and tomorrow. He believes in teaching civics as well as character and self-discipline to students. That is the way to build good citizens and successful students.

Conway has made a strong case that too many new hires are coming from outside the Lowell School Department. Longtime employees feel they have no opportunity to advance in their careers, and they should not feel that way. Conway is scheduled to retire in December from his position as housemaster at Lowell High School. He knows the school system and will have time to devote to the School Committee. Conway initiated the Laptops for Lowell program that helped boost attendance at Lowell High, and would push for a board to review innovative ideas and reward those employees whose suggestions come to fruition.

Doherty remains an outspoken advocate for Lowell's schoolchildren. She wants to raise standards for all students. We would like to see her question the superintendent more, but recognize her passion for improving education.

Faticanti has no problem challenging the administration. She would work with the challengers to instill a culture where internal candidates have a fair shot at promotion and where all employees are treated with respect.

Leahy has worked to bridge the communication gap between the School Committee and City Council. Leahy tends to question school leaders behind closed doors, but we'd like to see him speak up during board meetings.

Leary wants to continue scrutinizing the budget to seek additional efficiencies. He pushed to start an internship program for future high-school housemasters and for school principals.

Posted by Admin at October 31, 2007 4:57 PM