Since December 22, 2004

SKELETONS

Esperanza Zendejas - Numerous articles are freely available with a Google search, but the ones pertaining to her Indiannapolis stint are the most revealing.

  1. The Indianapolis Star article gives the other side of the coin regarding Dr. Zendejas' tenure as the Superintendent of the Indianapolis school district. Her unpopular policies, including developing a score card ranking system for each school, appear to be resurfacing in current East Side district policy. Find out why she requested to have her contract bought out here: Indianapolis Star
  2. This article from EdWeek gives a different insight into Dr. Zendejas' controversial tenure in Indy. Pro-voucher business lobbies supported Dr. Zendejas' efforts, but the money quote comes from the Indianapolis teacher's union in regards to their former superintendent's management style: "Superintendents come and go [. . .] I think whoever [replaces Dr. Zendejas] will also have high standards for the school corporation, and I hope the next person ... will be a bit more collaborative." Read more here: EdWeek
  3. This lengthy legal document discusses the outcome of a lawsuit filed by the Indianapolis Teacher's Association against Dr. Zendejas and the Indy school board for violating contract protocols and articles regarding employee layoffs, similar to what nearly happened last year with school advisors: Unfair Practices
  4. "School 44" describes an all too familiar tale about the reality urban educators face not only in their classrooms but in local political circles. An interesting quote about Dr. Zendejas' management technique: "Zendejas - she is now one of the system's several former superintendents - had a way of moving principals without ever telling them why." School 44
  5. This article comes from a pro-voucher foundation. They describe some of their recent events, including a conference for business leaders on starting privately-funded voucher programs. Where was this conference held? Indianapolis. Can you guess who spoke at this event? Here's a clue: "some parents with children in the Indianapolis Public School system are unhappy that Zendejas participated in the event. "We don't see that as a dedication to improving the public schools or a commitment to public education," one parent told Education Week." Heartland

More:

6. Puerto Rico Herald

7. American School Board Journal

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Collection of the Brownsville Herald, Indy Recorder and Indy Star articles