What is the real issue?
The consideration of Dr. Lynn Spampinato as our next commissioner of education has generated quite a bit of debate. There have been various positions taken on the issue, the latest of which is race. A look through Governor deJongh’s cabinet seems to indicate otherwise. So what is/are the issue(s)? The contract buyouts? The short stints at various assignments? Here’s a few questions that come to our mind:
1. The newspapers have reported that Dr. Spampinato is an impatient reformer with a successful history of reform. We have yet to see documented evidence of successes in previous assignments. She may have great qualifications, but we all should request to see reports and other documentation detailing her historical accomplishments.
2. Why did Governor deJongh put Dr. Spampinato through such an ordeal when he knows Senate confirmation, whether local or national, requires disclosure of the nominee’s history?
3. Why is it that Ms. Lizz Brown was the only testifier to support her claims with documentation?
4. Why is it that two of the testifiers, one who chaired the St. Louis school board and the other a prior board member, referred to several of Ms. Lizz Brown’s claims as lies, but have yet to provide documentation to prove their challenge?
For those who missed the Rules Committee confirmation hearing for Dr. Spampinato, the calendar on the Senate’s channel indicates there will be a replay at 10:00 am on Wednesday, October 17th.
