ACHTUNG: This is not a “fair and balanced” story. It is an editorial by the editor.
It was interesting and encouraging to see the Wayland Board of Education promote from within in all three job opportunity decisions last week.
The board agreed to promote Robyn Robinson from assistant principal to principal at Pine Street Elementary, succeeding the retiring Jennifer Moushegian.
Christina Johnson, a teacher, but also an acting principal a year ago, was promoted to principal at Steeby Elementary, succeeding the retiring Mike Haverdink.
Chris Jasinski was elevated to head varsity basketball coach, succeeding veteran Mike Hudson, who guided the Wildcats for a quarter of a century and is widely regarded as the best ever in that local position.
I personally can say I’ve been impressed with Jasinski’s commitment and work ethic as junior varsity and freshman coach. I am pleased he is getting a chance to prove himself, but I must confess he’s got his work cut out for him.
In the public and private sector there almost always a struggle between hiring from within and bringing in someone from the outside. Though an outsider might bring a fresh perspective, he or she might also use the job as a stepping stone toward something more prestigious or with higher pay.
On the other hand, hiring inside is associated with the risk of the now 50-year-old “Peter Principle.” That is, people who do such a good job at one level, eventually rise through the ranks until they hit a wall and unfortunately remain there for the rest of their professional lives. Or they swallow their pride and go back down to the lower level where they exhibited their skills so well.
I personally like promoting from within whenever possible. Such people already know the personnel and the system. Though the Peter Principle is a risk, it’s often worth it.
I wish all of the new people well, obviously. If they succeed, the beneficiaries will be the schools, the community and the kids.
