After the finalists were named, questions emerged about their records in their previous districts
TRENTON -- The two candidates who are in the running to become Trenton's next schools superintendent faced questions on Wednesday about their vision for the future of the 11,000-student district and how they would confront challenges.
After the district announced that Sergio Paez, the former superintendent in Holyoke, Massachusetts, and Marguerite Vanden Wyngaard, the former superintendent in Albany, N.Y., were the finalists, questions emerged about their records in their previous districts.
The two met with city and school officials, district employees, parents and residents over the course of two days. During Wednesday's public forum, each candidate was given a half-hour to answer preselected questions.
Paez oversaw Holyoke Public Schools from 2013 until state officials voted last April to take over the district, which for years had struggled with low test scores and high dropout rates.
"The performance of Holyoke was so chronic for so many years that despite being successful in so many aspects, they took us over," he said, adding that in retrospect he wished he had worked more with the state rather than against it.
In his first annual review by the School Committee, he was found to be "in need of improvement," but on track to achieve proficiency within three years, according to MassLive.com.
He also faced criticism from Holyoke parents and teachers on the use of "data walls," which displayed children's test scores and reading levels on classroom walls, and for briefly filing a no-trespassing order against the teachers' union president whose job was among those cut, the news site reported.
Before becoming the Holyoke superintendent, he was the manager of English Language Learners and Supplemental Support Services in Worcester Public Schools from 2007 to 2013. During his tenure there, the district entered into a settlement with the U.S. Justice Department to avoid litigation, promising to take appropriate action to overcome language barriers that impede equal participation by its ELL students in its instructional programs.
In October, Paez was a finalist for the top job in Cambridge Public Schools, but was edged out in a 6-1 vote.
Two months later, he was chosen to lead the Minneapolis School District. But the school board later reversed its decision after allegations came to light that students with behavioral and emotional disabilities had been abused in a Holyoke program, the Star-Tribune reported.
Paez touted innovative programs and partnerships that have remained at Holyoke even after his departure. He said he has the vision, capacity and knowledge to help improve the district and open doors that would allow more children to succeed.
He said in his first year, he would work to set the tone, build trust and develop a comprehensive strategic plan that, over the next several years, would help the district reduce dropout rates and suspensions, improve attendance records and make sure students are college and career ready. He said he would evaluate all of the programs and services before he considers making changes.
"If I make that commitment to be here, it's because I believe that I'm the right candidate for the job," he said.
Vanden Wyngaard, meanwhile, parted ways with the City School District of Albany in January after three-and-a-half years, but not on the best terms. Articles in the Times-Union suggest that despite calls from the public to extend her contract, she had a rocky relationship with the school board that began in 2014.
The newspaper said the board president cited "philosophical differences" and that Vanden Wyngaard was given an option to either voluntarily resign with a payout or be fired without one.
"In order for a Board of Education and Superintendent to have a high impact to change the trajectory of learning for students and especially for those of color, we must be united in our focus, deliberate in our actions and trusting of each other to move mountains for our students," she wrote in her resignation letter. "Clearly we are at an impasse and it is time for me to step aside so that you can continue in this new direction for the students of Albany."
Board members were quoted as saying the underlying tensions between the two sides revolved around proper planning and job responsibilities and efforts by some to undermine her through communications with district faculty, staff and bargaining units.
Vanden Wyngaard said she believes Trenton is a place she can call home and thrive as a leader.
"You have so many pieces in place and people who are willing to partner together as long as we're willing to be a good partner," she said. "For me, I partner when I can, I manage when I must and I build coalitions and partnerships to ensure that our kids have what they need to succeed."
She said her vision for the district would be to make it the best in the state, but acknowledged that it would not happen overnight -- or even in one, three or five years. But she said she would work closely and collaboratively with the board, unions and community groups to keep the district moving forward by making gains in academics, reducing discipline issues and improving attendance from both staff and students.
"If we don't have the will to change, then nothing will happen," she said. "My passion is there, but my passion won't do any good if we don't implement well and use our resources wisely. I do believe that Trenton can be a great place for us to change the trajectory of children's lives."
Questions on the budget process and charter schools were asked of both candidates.
Both Paez and Vanden Wyngaard said they would involve all the stakeholders in the budget process and make it as transparent as possible so there are no surprises should there be layoffs or cuts -- an issue that has been on the mind of district employees since the net 164 layoffs were announced.
With regards to charter schools, Paez acknowledged that the migration of students is one of the biggest challenges facing the district. He said he would develop short- and long-term goals to make the district the preferred choice for students and parents, including highlighting the work teachers are doing and introducing innovative programs.
Vanden Wyngaard said she would take a multi-prong approach that involves improving student achievement, finding ways they can learn from each other and creating the political will to ensure that failing charter schools are not renewed.
The school board is expected to make a decision April 11, and pending contract negotiations, the next superintendent would be appointed April 25.
Cristina Rojas may be reached at crojas@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @CristinaRojasTT. Find The Times of Trenton on Facebook.