Vallas deserved better than a long goodbye June 11, 2001 By Robert Reed Considering the shabby way that Chicago Public Schools CEO Paul Vallas has been treated recently, you have to question the tactics � and memory � of his boss, Mayor Richard M. Daley. You also have to wonder why anyone would want to take Mr. Vallas' place and risk being manhandled in the same way. It wasn't so long ago that Mr. Vallas was considered the golden boy of public education, the get-it-done administrator who took over day-to-day management of a system that was viewed as unmanageable. It's worth recalling that prior to Mr. Vallas' regime, the Chicago Public Schools (CPS) was derided as the worst system in the nation, a reputation that reflected badly on the city and the mayor. By most measures, the zealous Mr. Vallas has done an extraordinary job of righting a listing ship during his six-year tenure. His back-to-basics reforms improved student performance (on many, not all, levels), made school personnel more accountable for their actions, upgraded the physical appearance and security of schools and won labor peace from major unions. One other important accomplishment: He's resurrected the hope that urban education can work, if given a fighting chance. Despite this stellar record, Mr. Vallas didn't have much chance of keeping a job he loves. For reasons that aren't totally clear, Mayor Daley lusts for change. Last week, Mr. Vallas gave up the fight and announced his resignation, effective sometime this summer. What was behind this mayoral impatience? Back-benchers say the Vallas turnaround team's day was simply past. Having been on the front lines making tough decisions for years, Mr. Vallas exhausted his ideas and support, which meant he couldn't take the schools to a higher level. Others suggest that Mr. Vallas was a victim of his own success. Now that CPS' glaring business problems are under control, a seasoned educator is needed, not a red-hot problem-solver type like the current CEO. No matter what the reasons, the mayor wants new blood, which is his right and his call. But for someone who considers himself a skilled manager, Mr. Daley mishandled this touchy situation and allowed it to reflect poorly on him and Mr. Vallas. Directness and decorum wouldn't have hurt, especially when dealing with someone like Mr. Vallas, who prides himself on being a straight shooter. If the mayor wanted Mr. Vallas gone, then he needed to do what managers do all the time � tell him right away and directly. He could have said: "You've done outstanding work, Paul, but we're moving in another direction, and I don't think you'd be comfortable with that," or words to that effect. And he should throw him one heck of a farewell party. Instead, City Hall these past few weeks has been treating Mr. Vallas like an unwanted houseguest. Apparently, some resent him for not getting the message to resign earlier and make a run for governor, even though Mr. Vallas would not enjoy the Democratic Party's full financial and political support. Such backbiting, seasoned with Mayor Daley's tepid public comment in "support" of Mr. Vallas, sullies the city's reputation for school reform and its many accomplishments. We all know that every political and corporate leader's time passes. Hell, if Winston Churchill could be tossed out as prime minister shortly after saving the United Kingdom during World War II, then who isn't expendable? Paul Vallas' tenure as the school system's CEO is winding down. Unfortunately, City Hall made sure that his departure isn't occurring with the class it deserves. Robert Reed can be heard daily on WBBM-AM's "Noon Business Hour" and can be contacted at [EMAIL PROTECTED] �2001 by Crain Communications Inc. -- This is the CPS Science Teacher List. To unsubscribe, send a message to <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> For more information: <http://home.sprintmail.com/~mikelach/subscribe.html>. To search the archives: <http://www.mail-archive.com/science%40lists.csi.cps.k12.il.us/>
