To Tell The Truth…Regina B. Holley for superintendent of Pittsburgh Public Schools

I write this week’s column with a deep concern about the future of our children, particularly those who attend the Pittsburgh Public Schools. It is common knowledge that the current Superintendent, Linda Lane, has announced that she is resigning.
Last week I received a phone invitation to attend a meeting to discuss a process to fill the vacancy. There was no real desire on my part to attend because it was my belief that the discussion would focus on doing a nationwide search. Please explain to me why? Over the years there have been untold numbers of people born, raised and educated in Pittsburgh who were compelled to respond to the call of a nationwide search and they were hired. It totally confounds me of this overwhelming need to hire a person from out of town. Let us consider those who have filled the position of Superintendent of Pittsburgh Public Schools over the last 20 years and were they hired locally or the result of a nationwide search? What have been the results —positive growth, decline or just stagnant?
It is my absolute conviction that the ideal candidate for the position of Superintendent of Pittsburgh Public Schools is a current member of the Pittsburgh School Board who represents District 2, Regina B. Holley, PhD. If you are not familiar with Dr. Holley ask someone who knows her. I have known her all of her life and can present you a brief resume. She is well educated, dedicated, concerned, and compassionate and has demonstrated a lifetime of commitment as a teacher, principal, innovator and school board member. It is my absolute conviction that Regina B. Holley must be the next Superintendent of Pittsburgh Public Schools. The fact that she is a native Pittsburgher is a plus.
(Louis “Hop” Kendrick is a weekly contributor to the Forum page.)