* We know Hillsborough County schools, especially the under-achieving, urban-poor Achievement Schools, face both teacher and principal shortages. Tricia McManus, an assistant superintendent who teaches half days at an Achievement School, cut to the real-world chase with her assessment of the challenge awaiting prospective AS principals–as well as a reminder of what the Gates Foundation money never addressed. “Let me tell you, there’s still a fear factor there,” said McManus. Sobering.
* There was a time when you could assume that those going door to door for a candidate, typically unpaid, activist volunteers, could, if required, likely hold their own in talking to a skeptical resident. That, quite arguably, is no longer the case. Even if they’re being paid.