The recently fired superintendent of Detroit Public Schools has filed a formal request to argue for her job back, according to the Detroit News.
Connie Calloway, who was terminated two weeks ago, wants to finish the job that she started to do 18 months ago.
"She has been hampered in her efforts because of political infighting and people who have personal agendas, said her attorney Elbert Hatchett. "She has always been non-political, and she is an educator."
I respect Calloway for fighting and wanting to improve the system. However, I still don't know why anyone would want this thankless job, despite the $280,000 salary. The Detroit Public Schools are in such a mess. The state has appointed an emergency financial manager. The district has gone through a number of superintendents in recent years. It sure doesn't seem like any of them is given a fair chance.
Several board members disagreed with me when I wrote about this a few weeks ago. To see what they had to say, and for more information on the history of this political fiasco, see "Detroit Board of Education Terminates Superintendent Calloway." and "Will Detroit School Superintendent be Fired?
DETROIT -- Connie Calloway, the recently ousted superintendent of Detroit Public Schools, wants her job back and has filed a formal request for a hearing before the school board to make her argument, her attorney confirmed today.
Calloway, who was fired this month after about 18 months on the job, notified the board she is contesting her termination, said her attorney, Elbert Hatchett.
Calloway is on administrative leave with pay for now, pending a hearing, but board members hope to cut off her $280,000 salary.
Board members have said Calloway should not be paid the remainder of her five-year, $1.4 million contract because she was justly fired what they called her poor job performance. But her contract stated if a court ruled that no reasonable cause existed, Calloway would be entitled to compensation through June 30, 2010.
Calloway had 15 days to request a hearing after notice of her termination, per her contract. She made the request Dec. 18, Hatchett said.
The board now must notify Calloway of the date and time of a hearing within 30-60 days. The board also must inform Calloway within 15 days of copies of documents supporting the firing and a list of witnesses, if any, to be called at the hearing. The hearing could be open to the public, if Calloway chooses, Hatchett said.
The board has to render a decision within 30 days of the hearing. The matter could also proceed to court if Calloway finds the outcome unsatisfactory.
"Dr. Calloway has always insisted, with the support of many members of the Detroit community, that she be allowed to put the system on the right track and pursue a course she thinks would enhance the educational experiences for all children going to Detroit Public Schools," Hatchett said. "She has been hampered in her efforts because of political infighting and people who have personal agendas. She has always been non-political, and she is an educator."
Asked if she wants to return to the helm of the beleaguered system, Hatchett said yes.
"She wants to finish the job she has started to do," he said. "That would be the choice."