Schools Director Candidate Says District Has No Place to Go but Up

A candidate for the top post at Metro Schools calls the district’s corrective action status under No Child Left Behind a “bump in the road.”

Dr. Santiago Wood, the former superintendent in Fresno, California, spent last night locked in an in-depth interview with the school board. Yesterday, he toured Metro Schools, met with Mayor Karl Dean and took questions from parents and reporters. He was asked why he wants to lead a district that hasn’t ever made Adequate Yearly Progress under No Child Left Behind and faces possible state takeover.

“That’s the ideal situation to be in. There’s no place but up.”

Hear the full answer here.

Wood says he sees a bright future for Metro Schools. He says he wants to treat teachers like professionals, but says he’d expect a lot in the classroom. Wood says the district can win the trust of parents that way.

The other two candidates for director of schools return for second interviews next week.