Jun 23, 2008 12:46 am US/Eastern
Crew Takes Anger, Frustration In Stride
Superintendent Says He Understands Calls For His Dismissal
Teachers Protested Proposed Cuts In Raises When Crew Met With Mayors Sunday
MIAMI (CBS4) ―
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Miami-Dade school superintendent Rudy Crew
CBS4 News
Miami-Dade school superintendent Rudy Crew is in an odd position. Nationally, he's an acclaimed educator who was called upon as a resource at the US Conference of Mayors meeting in Miami. Closer to home, his arrival at that meeting was protested by teachers unhappy with the way he's running the school system, and the teachers are not alone in their frustration.
Calls are increasing for Crew to be removed from the top Miami-Dade schools job, an ironic position for the nation's Superintendent of the Year to be in.
While Crew normally avoids talking with reporters, he spoke with CBS4 news Sunday about the calls for his departure, saying he is not surprised. With a sinking economy and a shrinking budget, Crew said someone has to catch the blame from frustrated parents, teachers, and board members.
"I understand it," Crew told CBS4 News Sunday. "I don't necessarily think that it is unusual someone would say someone's head has gotta go. Its a statement of frustration and I don't take it personally at all."
Even when people make it personal.
At the US Conference of Mayors meeting Sunday, members of the United Teachers of Dade gathered outside the Intercontinental Hotel, blowing whistles and waving signs calling for Crew to be fired.
The teachers are angry that Crew is reported to be seeking cuts in teacher raises, even though school officials claim no decision has yet been made. However, with hundreds of jobs on the block as the school system struggles with budget shortfalls, the rumors have gained credence.
UTD member Artie Leichne thinks Crew would be making a mistake if he cuts teacher raises, even if it seems to be a logical step.
"You know that when you look at something from the outside it can look totally different than when you're actually looking at it from the inside," he said.
Crew understands why the teachers greeted his appearance Sunday with angry signs.
"I think people are very frustrated about everything from higher gas prices to issues of mortgage payments and ways by which their own salaries have not been improved and accordance with these dramatic shifts in the economy."
Crew is also being charged with a lack of sensitivity by at least one board member. As people lose jobs and programs are cut, Crew is still entitled by contract to a hefty bonus, and school board member Renier Diaz de la Portilla is upset that Crew may still accept that bonus, which is based on performance.
"This board will not approve a bonus regardless of what the performance is this year," Diaz de la Portilla said when the topic was discussed at a board meeting.
Crew disputes the claim.
"The item that came before the board the other day and think the board member knows this... was not an item for my bonus. it was an item that dealt specifically with upcoming goals and objectives for the next year," Crew said.
The issue of his bonus is still a matter for discussion. "It is part of a conversation that some point in time we will come back to the board, and the board has complete power whether they will offer a bonus or not."
The Miami-Dade School Board meets again this week to once again take up the budget, possible cuts, and against that backdrop, possibly the future of their superintendent.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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