An Interview with Terry Grier: On New Endeavors

1) Terry, you have just taken over as Superintendent of San Diego Public School. How did this come about?

Late last year, I was conducted by the search firm conducing the San Diego Unified School District's Superintendent search to determine my interest.I had served as Superintendent of the 71,000 student Guilford County School District, Greensboro, NC, for the past eight years.I was in 'good standing' with the GCS school board, enjoyed my job, and had many friends in the Guilford County community.After reviewing the San Diego job description and researching the district's history, challenges, and opportunities, I thought my experiences and background would be a good match.I flew to San Diego and met with the board of education and was impressed with their passion for educating all children to much higher levels.Following an initial interview, the process gained speed. My wife Nancy and I were invited back to a second interview the following week.Two days later, we were notified that SDUSD board members wanted to visit Guilford County the following weekend.Following their visit, we began contract negotiations.

2) I understand from various paper reports that you are currently interviewing some principals regarding their positions. From your point of view, what are you trying to accomplish?

This coming year, SDUSD is facing $53 million in state budget cuts.To help balance local school budgets, our principals decided to eliminate 39 vice principal positions.Working with our principals, we decided to use the Haberman STAR Administrator selection process to help us gather information to assist in deciding which vice principals to keep and who to return to the classroom.A number of our central office staff members were trained and ALL vice principals were interviewed by teams of two central office staff members.It is important to point out that we were not only deciding which vice principals to remove, we were implementing a new process to establish a vice principals' and principals' candidate's pool.In the past, the district did not have a uniform selection process for school administrators in place.

3) Has there been any negative response or feedback?

Initially, everyone was pleased with the decision to use the uniform system.However, once results were announced and vice principals informed about who made and did not make the pool, we began hearing complaints from those who did not make the pool and from some of our principals who advocated for their former vice principals.Many blamed the 'Haberman' for not making the pool.We pointed out that it was a candidate's answers to the Haberman questions that helped us assess their values and beliefs.

4) I understand that you are using some of Martin Haberman's ideas in terms of interviewing. What is that all about?

We are using a series of questions Dr. Haberman developed to interview key 'Associate Superintendent' level central office positions.Again, we are identifying candidates who share our values and belief that quality education is a life and death proposition for urban children.

5) What do YOU see as the main problems confronting the San Diego schools? How are these different from other schools?

One of our biggest problems is the $53 million state budget cuts.While other California districts face similar cuts, not many other states are facing reductions in revenues of this magnitude.We are also facing the same challenges of other districts across the country--elementary students not being able to read on grade level, middle students not being adequately prepared to enter high school, and too many high school students dropping out of high school.

6) Are you seeing a teacher shortage or principal shortage? To what do you attribute this shortage?

Given the state budget cuts, we are not facing a teacher shortage in many areas.However, we still struggle to find enough quality special education, math, and science teachers.We do need to keep a careful watch on our principal candidate pool.We plan to offer a 'cohort' degree program for SDUSD teachers/librarians/counselors who want to become school administrators.We plan to use the Haberman STAR Administrator process to pre-screen these applicants and are seeking private funding to pay for their master's degree program.

7) What does the school board see as the main problems-? How do you intend to address them?

I have already touched on them--literacy at the elementary level, preventing social promotion at the middle school level, and increasing the cohort graduation rate at our high schools.The board strongly supports improving working conditions for teachers, parental involvement, and safe orderly schools.

8) With the elections around the corner, are you hoping that a new administration will bring good news or bad news? Are you optimistic or pessimistic or realistic about the future?

I am always optimistic about our future.Hopefully a new administration will be inclusive and involve educators from across the country in establishing their educational platforms and priorities.The federal government must step up and full fund IDEA.The No Child Left Behind Act needs a major over-hall and I would like to see a national math and reading curriculum.

9) What question have I neglected to ask?

I cannot think of any.Thank you for the opportunity to visit with you.

Published June 30, 2008