State Superintendent of Education Paul Pastorek recently got a lesson in humility, in timing, and, most important, in how not to B.S. a legislator when testifying in committee hearings.
It all occurred on Thursday, April 7, in an otherwise routine testimony before the House Appropriations Committee and Pastorek came away with proverbial egg all over his lawyerly face.
Near the end of his testimony, committee Chairman Jim Fannin (D-Jonesboro), in an otherwise cordial exchange about Recovery School District (RSD) business, asked, “Are you waiting for a new RSD superintendent to help?”
Pastorek answered in the affirmative.
“When do you expect to have a new superintendent?” Fannin asked.
“I expect to have one this week if I can possibly have one.”
“So, you indicated earlier that you didn’t have one but you expect to have one?”
“That’s correct,” Pastorek said. I’ve got to get State Board (Board of Elementary and Secondary Education) approval and I’m working to set that up. In fact, I have it on the agenda for Friday.”
The only problem with Pastorek’s answer was that he had already chosen a replacement for RSD Superintendent Paul Vallas and Fannin knew it.
In fact, Pastorek himself had announced the previous day, April 6, that John White, deputy chancellor of the New York City Department of Education would succeed Vallas.
Moreover, at the very time he was testifying on April 7, Pastorek’s Department of Education public information office was issuing a department press release announcing White’s appointment. The press release even quoted Gov. Bobby Jindal, U.S. Sen. Mary Landrieu, her brother, New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu, Dr. Norman Francis, president of Xavier University of Louisiana in New Orleans, and Michael Lomax, president and CEO of the United Negro College Fund.
The press release, under the heading, “State and local leaders endorse John White as next RSD Superintendent,” read as follows:
BATON ROUGE, La – Less than 24 hours after State Superintendent of Education Paul Pastorek announced his pick to lead the state-run Recovery School District (RSD), an impressive list of state and local leaders is lining up to express their support for Pastorek’s selection. In making their endorsements, these officials join U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan, who yesterday praised the selection of John White. White, who began his career in education as an English teacher in a high-poverty school in New Jersey, is currently serving as Deputy Chancellor of Talent, Labor and Innovation for New York City, the nation’s largest school system.
Governor Bobby Jindal: “It’s a testament to Louisiana’s commitment to bold and innovative education reform that we’re able to attract talented public servants like John White to come to Louisiana and help move our education system forward. John is well qualified and we’re eager to work with him and Superintendent Pastorek to advance the Recovery School District and continue to improve educational opportunities for our children.”
U.S. Senator Mary Landrieu: “Citizens and groups across New Orleans are actively engaged in creating a model of education that gives every student the opportunity to attend a world-class school. Nothing is more paramount to achieving that vision than identifying a leader who is genuinely committed and capable of partnering with diverse groups inside and outside the education community to improve our schools and support the academic success of our children. I’m convinced wholeheartedly that John White can and will work with us to succeed in meeting these objectives, not only in New Orleans, but in RSD schools across the state.”
New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu: “John has an impressive record and comes highly recommended. In New Orleans, we have the opportunity and responsibility to create a 21st century system of schools where every child can attain a world-class education that prepares them for college and work. I look forward to working closely with John as we continue building on our recent progress in New Orleans.”
Dr. Norman Francis, President, Xavier University of Louisiana: “Each step towards the future of education in Louisiana must be bold and aggressive if we are to dramatically improve our children’s lot, and move Louisiana from the bottom of academic achievement ratings. John White’s skills are highly regarded, and he will be a valuable asset in helping move the RSD vision forward. He has my support and the support of the entire Xavier University Community.”
Michael Lomax, President and CEO of United Negro College Fund: “The appointment of John White is good news for New Orleans students, parents, and teachers—indeed for everyone who cares about giving children the top quality education they deserve and that the New Orleans community needs them to have. New Orleans has made great strides in the past few years, but challenging work and difficult choices lie ahead. While each city and each school system is unique, the experience and lessons-learned that John White brings from his role in New York’s transformative school reform program is just the preparation he needs to lead New Orleans’ schools.”
Tomorrow, the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) will consider whether to authorize the State Superintendent of Education to appoint the next leader of the RSD.
On Friday, a press conference to formally introduce White will be held at 1 p.m. at Andrew Wilson Charter School in New Orleans.
Fannin allowed Pastorek to dig himself a sufficient hole before springing his trap. “It’s all over the news that one’s been selected and….you look surprised.”
“I’ve been working on selecting one for about eight months,” Pastorek said, less confident now.
“And you sit here today, under oath, telling us that you didn’t know that one was hired and that….”
“I haven’t hired anybody,” Pastorek protested. “I can’t hire anybody until the board approves it on Friday.”
“So you weren’t willing to share that you had made the selection? I think those questions were asked,” Fannin said.
“No, I don’t think that question was asked,” Pastorek said. “What I’ve been trying to do, Mr. Chairman, is, I’ve been trying to report to all my principals what my plan is to do. And I’m trying to get buy-in and support, trying to communicate to my people about that.”
“The way to get buy-in is to come to this committee and be forthcoming, forthright, with information about all you know,” Fannin admonished him. “I’m going to look you pretty straight and I have to tell you I don’t think that’s been (done)…. today.”
Another way to get buy-in is to not issue premature press releases. It’s just tacky.
Louisiana Voice 
WOW, that tears the rag off the bush. Would be nice to hear a follow up on the people that made the endorsements.
There really isn’t anything surprising about this. State agencies often attempt to “game” and/or speak in riddles before legislative committees and others in a position to affect their operations or funding. This is particularly true of education agencies. Apparently the concept that everything is a game and everybody has a hidden agenda is so inculcated in these people that the very last thing they are willing to be is straight up in their testimony. I guess the question becomes how can rational decisions be made by people who are paranoid?
Our education system is a joke. The current lawyer turned educator has been an utter failure. Over the past three years zero progress has been made. Teachers are too busy teaching THE TEST rather than teaching the skills. We are trying to make every student a college ready student when we have 48% drop out rate. Of those who start college almost 50% take remedial coarses and only about 30% of those who start college finish within six years. In essence we have failed miserably at preparing students for college while failing to provide the basic education to the other 95%. “to continue to do the same thing the same old way, and expect different results is the classic example of stupidity”. Pastorek has done enough damage and it is time for him to go. Education must change it’s antiquated methods and begin to become creative while thinking outside the box. Our teachers are dedicated professionals who need to be treated as such. Give them the tools and resources and they will teach our children the skills they need. What we are doing to our teachers and our children is a travesty.