Editorial

An unconventional hire

Not to disturb the kids, but it isn't too early to talk about the coming school year. A few days back, Baker Kurrus, the school superintendent for Little Rock's schools, announced new principals at a few schools.

Down in the story, you might have recognized the name Jonathan Crossley, who's now principal at Baseline Elementary. He made the papers a few months ago as the 2014 Teacher of the Year in Arkansas--the youngest ever. Now at the ripe old age of 27, he's going to be a principal at an academically distressed school.

It didn't take long for the good people at district HQ to give us a résumé for Principal Crossley. Unfortunately, space prevents listing his qualifications here. No, really. We measured. If we were to put his experience in college, the state board of education, the Teach for America Corps, the Arkansas Leadership Academy, his fellowships, his classroom work and all the awards and recognitions he's already received in his short career, it would be more than this column could handle. We'd have to jump to Voices.

He's an unconventional hire, young Mr. Crossley. And one that Baker Kurrus should be praised for.

If you're thinking that a troubled school district like Little Rock's could use more unconventional hires, you're not alone. And some of us can't wait to see how this turns out.

Editorial on 06/30/2015

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