San Diego Unified School Superintendent Terry Grier told local school administrators yesterday that he'll take the superintendent job in Houston if the school board there comes through with a good contract.
Roughly 700 administrators were on-hand at a back-to-school event at Kearny Mesa High School. The day was designed to talk about reforms and goals, as well as to provide some training.
Grier took the occasion to also talk about his next move. The superintendent says he will head to Houston if a reasonable contact is finalized.
“The timing of this is not real good,” Grier said. “We're talking about getting the school year going, but (San Diego school administrators) need to know what is happening. They need to be prepared to deal with it.”
Grier says he plans to stay in San Diego Unified if things fall through in Houston.
The possible leadership change comes as principals try to gear up for the new school year. Most say they remain committed to focusing on goals and reforms at their school sites.
School board member Shelia Jackson acknowledges this is a tough time for administrators, but says the school year will still get off to a good start.
“Everything has already been set up for the school year,” Jackson said. “Everything is already in place. Our administrative staff is in place our, our teachers are in place, our supplies have been ordered. So school will continue on.”
Jackson adds it takes more than one person to lead a district, and believes Grier's leadership team will get the job done. However it's uncertain how much of that leadership team will stay if Grier accepts the deal in Houston.
