What is going on over there at the Rochester City School District’s board?  And what does Joe Morelle have to do with it?  Apparently, on behalf of two recently-elected school board members, Joe Morelle is pushing to delay the decision for a new superintendent and allow them to vote:

EDUCATION: Morelle pushes for superintendent delay - News & Opinion - Rochester City Newspaper

Morelle confirmed late Friday that he’s been contacting board members, pushing for the delay. A man identifying himself as Joe Morelle left a voice mail for one board member last week, saying it would be a “grave mistake” for the board to pick a superintendent without Campos and Williams. City has a recording of the voice mail. Contacted by phone late Friday, Morelle said it’s a matter of accountability. If outgoing board members make a bad choice, then voters, he says, have no means to hold them accountable for that choice.

I find this all a bit strange, actually, since this had been a non-issue up to Election Day. Now, everything’s changed.  This all seems to be pressure to keep the current interim super on permanently:

Morelle, cont’d:

Williams declined to say who he wants as superintendent. Campos couldn’t be reached late Friday. But a delay would open up the possibility that there would not be a majority on the new board for any of the four finalists. If that were the case, a deadlocked board might try to persuade Interim Superintendent Bill Cala to stay. And Morelle says Cala should be considered.

If no one’s pleased to see Maggie Brooks use the school system as a political football, then I’m sure we’re equally enthused with the idea of Morelle forcing a switch of gears after all the candidates have been interviewed and the plan of action established.

There may be a perfectly altruistic reason for this change in plans.  There may be good reason for the State Assemblyman to involve himself in the affairs of the Rochester School District.  But if the cited reason of “accountability” were the reason, why would you not speak up earlier?

I’m looking. . .

Technorati Tags: Joe Morelle, Rochester City Schools, Superintendent, William Cala