Ron Crates has a big job ahead, and an important one. Crates is
the Hollister School District’s new superintendent
– in an interim role this year – taking over a
financially-troubled organization left behind by Judith Barranti
who resigned this month with two years left on her contract.
Ron Crates has a big job ahead, and an important one. Crates is the Hollister School District’s new superintendent – in an interim role this year – taking over a financially-troubled organization left behind by Judith Barranti who resigned this month with two years left on her contract.
Crates’ job is not enviable. The district approved a budget this year that was balanced by taking $1 million from its reserves. Next year, the district is expected to run another $1 million deficit.
This comes after prior budget cuts, teacher layoffs and increasing class sizes for the district’s 6,000 students.
Adding to the pressure, County Superintendent of Schools Tim Foley has given the district a three-month deadline to get its’ financial house in order or face state takeover.
Like we said, a tough job.
But Crates brings 15 years of experience as the superintendent of the Redwood City Elementary School District and a pledge to build bridges in the community with him. We hope it serves him well as he tackles the issues ahead.
As he gets to work this week, we have a few priorities for Crates and the district:
n First, without question, is developing a financial plan to put the district on stable footing. It is disheartening that the district finds itself in the position where fiscal solvency outweighs quality of education. So, we suggest that once Crates gets the ball rolling, he find a trusted lieutenant who is a financial whiz to take over the books so he can focus on education.
n Crates must be open and frank with the community. Operating in crisis mode is different than when times are flush. To make progress, Crates must tell everyone the facts of our financial situation, and explain why hard decisions must be made. So far, Crates has been much more open than his predecessor, which bodes well.
n Be willing to make those though decisions. Crates must realize that he doesn’t need to have full buy-in from all parties with the district’s health at stake. He must be able to make the tough calls even if not all parties are pleased.
n Finally, we ask parents, the unions, the board of trustees and teachers to get behind Crates as he takes on this important and difficult job. State takeover is an unwelcome proposition. There are going to be difficult choices ahead. To do what is right for the district’s future – and the quality of education for the district’s 6,000 students – Crates is going to need to have support from all stakeholders.
Bringing the troubled Hollister School District back into order will not be easy. But with his experience and, we hope, the cooperation of the educational community it can be done.
The Hollister community will rally in this crisis and, together, we’ll get it solved.
