A respected, experienced, leadership-savvy member of the community might be able to fill the role, but volunteers don't seem to be lining up. We're also at a critical time on some of the programs Fryer has implemented during his three years here, and on which we've spent much money and effort, such as America's Choice. We're beginning to see some positive results. Getting rid of the program's main cheerleader doesn't seem a wise idea at this time. So here's some unsolicited advice for School Board members as they evaluate Fryer and try to decide if he stays or goes.
Fryer obviously has strengths.
He is full of enthusiasm and optimism and without a doubt he cares deeply about improving our schools. The board needs to recognize those strengths and then address the weaknesses that have become apparent during recent battles over such things as school bus contracts and school closures. For instance, Fryer must give more than lip service to the fact that he works for the School Board and not the Alliance for World Class Education, a group of business leaders that backs Fryer with money and political muscle. For his part, Fryer denies that assessment, but enough board members believe it that there must be at least some fire where there's so much smoke. As a corollary of that, Fryer must learn to communicate directly and openly with board members and overcome the past failures in that area that lead to the accusations of lying.