By LINDON DODD
Local Columnist
July 13, 2008 02:22 am
—
EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the second of a special two-part series of columns by Lindon Dodd about GCCS Superintendent Tony Bennett. The first installment published in Saturday’s edition of The Evening News.
Greater Clark County Schools Superintendent Tony Bennett is handsome, athletic, educated, well-spoken, charismatic and very personable.
Throw in his wife who is an equally attractive professional educator and you have an ideal candidate for statewide office and a truly appealing political power couple. This is not just my opinion, but obviously that of some powerful movers in the Republican Party of Indiana.
I started off by asking Bennett just what would be the benefit to Southern Indiana and the Greater school corporation if he were to win the fall election and become Indiana Superintendent of Public Instruction.
He smiled and bristled responding, “It’s not just about benefiting Greater Clark.”
Bennett is running purely and simply because, “I think I can make a difference in the education of children. I will work my tail off to make education better across the state.”
He is an optimist, one of those up-with-people people. He is energetic and his face lights up when he delivers his campaign ideas. When in his presence you might be torn between knowing a politician is making his pitch and believing he is sincere.
Some may think the glass is only half full, Tony — what he requests I call him in person — just sees more opportunity to fill the glass.
Bennett is a type A-plus personality, constantly in overdrive, even when it comes to one of his favorite past times, describing himself as a nine-hole golfer; walking nine holes and out of there — not having time for a full round.
He refers to Gov. Mitch Daniels’ administration’s reputation for being aggressive in tackling the state’s problems: “I will take the same action and aggressiveness to education. Indiana will be the best at education and have the best economic development in the United States.”
We engaged in a discussion about No Child Left Behind, of which I am certainly no fan. Bennett says with some “tweaking” it can be improved. I suggested an overhaul is in order.
On that very day (July 1) of the interview, he had received a text message informing him that Indiana has been one of six states chosen to participate in a “differentiated accountability program.” That means some tweaking regarding the requirements of what testing needs to be counted in the school average, especially when it comes to such caveats as the testing of low performers and special-education children (whose scores are currently averaged in with the other students to determine the amount of improvement). Bennett supports the teacher/administrator accountability that comes with the NCLB benchmarks.
Bennett said he thinks given the proper incentives and motivation along with a dose of tough love more unmotivated students will benefit. He pointed out the current “educational neglect” law on the books that is simply not being properly enforced.
In his plan, parents as well as students will be held accountable for their children’s performance and attendance. Not only does he consider this a “legal responsibility,” but also one that is “moral and ethical and necessary for our future.” Bennett thinks there is no doubt that the educational system is, “The primary economic development arm of the community.”
He knows what makes this philosophy so urgent is the fact that our students today are competing globally for not only professional opportunities, but even for the number of slots available for being accepted into America’s colleges and universities. A fundamental change in our educational system must take place to be competitive when students who excel in India and Asia don’t take summers off from their educational endeavors. Competition for them to enter universities is fierce and their finest are not only outcompeting American students academically, but also increasing in numbers in this country’s professional ranks.
In today’s world with female students often dressing provocatively and males walking around exposing their underwear he laughed when I asked his thoughts about a dress code, reminding me that he was the product of a Catholic school education.
Bennett has heard the grumblings that he simply used his current post as a stepping stone or that he betrayed their trust in choosing him as superintendent. He told me the story about how he was approached late last year about the idea of a statewide run and he scoffed at the notion. He and wife, Tina, discussed it. At the time, they had an accepted offer on a house in Jeffersonville, pending the sale of their current home. Tina was settled in as principal of Clarksville High School. He points out that he in no way was seeking another opportunity, but it sought out him.
A second offer was more concrete and two weeks were spent agonizing over the decision. He was happy. The two discussed one of their favorite books written by the late North Carolina State basketball Coach Jim Valvano and his message of, “Don’t change happy.” In the end, it was another personal philosophy that drove him toward sailing into challenging new waters.
“Ships are safe in harbors, but that’s not what ships are made for.”
When I suggested that his chances for success in the fall election seemed good, he responded, “I never take anything in my life for granted. I don’t listen to anyone who tells me I can’t lose.”
In campaigning — as in his current position — he promises, “Nobody will out work me.” However, he is quick to point out that his current duties are in no way neglected during this campaign season and he carefully documents his official time and travel. I quizzed both Tony and Tina (Tony’s wife came into the room joining us near the end of our discussion) about what would happen if he loses the election and Tina proudly stated it was a no-lose situation in which they find themselves. “If he wins, he will do great things for the state of Indiana; if not, he will do great things for the Greater Clark School system.”
• Writer’s note: This interview took place prior to the recent tabling of the teacher’s contract, so that issue was not discussed with Bennett. That action involving “good faith” on the part of the school board this past week is certainly a major development.
Along with the controversial official hiring of a board attorney, Larry Wilder, this past week would have provided even more fodder for discussion. Another topic under discussion is board member Missy DeArk, who seems to abstain on controversial votes, which automatically gives Robbie Valentine, Bob McEwen and Ernie Gilbert a fourth vote for their power bloc. Perhaps DeArk could simply leave the room and register an absent vote instead of playing into the politics under the Rules of Roberts procedure. Obviously, much more volatility will take place under Bennett’s reign.
Lindon Dodd is an Otisco resident and a freelance writer and can be reached at lindon.dodd@hotmail.com
Copyright © 1999-2008 cnhi, inc.
Photos
