Comments on: Laying down the priorities for Oakland’s new superintendent

By: Nextset

Nextset — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 19:24:26 +0000

Her earrings are fine.

Her ability to navigate the district through the economic chaos we are moving into is the quality I look for. Educational policy is important and the board sets that – the super carries it out. She gets to warn the board when the budget is crashing and propose what layoffs should be done, what programs should be slashed, and what campuses to close.

Her job is politician, publicist, accountant, economist and demographer. All at once. She’s got my best wishes and I hope she has a parachute also.

By: Katy Murphy

Katy Murphy — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 05:18:50 +0000

But Mayor does wear “dangling earrings” in this photo. They’re just different ones. We got a new photo of her last week, so I updated it.

By the way, I’d be much obliged if you refrained from calling me a chick, tricky or otherwise, in future posts.

By: John

John — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 19:13:16 +0000

Good move changin dat pic Ms. Katy. She ain’t got dem danglin ear rings no mo! But some folk not gonna know you be changin da pic and be tinkin I seein sometin dat ain’t dare Ms. Katy. Dey be tinkin I be lookin like a fool seein danglin ear rings ware dare ain’t none! You be a tricky chick!

By: John

John — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 20:08:19 +0000

She needs to get rid of them danglin ear rings before assuming the position. Folks gonna be yankin em from both sides! Ouch!

By: Nextset

Nextset — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 01:01:14 +0000

I think the lady’s first order of business is going to be the budget and the adjustments and contingencies required by this economy. The projections I’m seeing in food and fuel prices are so dramatic all the municipalities and agencies need to approach the budget with disaster plan strategies.

They (the municipalities and agencies) can’t print money, they can’t raise taxes, they can’t be assured of all their projected income – but they do know that their expenses are on an escalator and the stress on their staff and clients is increasing. Things and maybe people will have to be cut to keep the budget balanced. Borrowing will not be as easy as before to cover “temporary” shortfalls. It will be very tough.

The stress is going to be frightening.

Educational Policy I see coming from the board more than the Super. Fiscal policy I see as her main portfolio. She will be the one blamed if the checks bounce.