Schools Chief Ordered to Fix Problems or Risk Job

Pinellas County School Board members aired their concerns about superintendent Julie Janssen's job performance during a public roundtable session lasting nearly five hours at school board headquarters Thursday.

Board member Robin Wikle was blunt about Janssen’s performance, “If it doesn’t change in the next couple of months, I am prepared to ask for your resignation," she said.

The board is giving Janssen until Aug. 23 to improve. If the board does not see significant change in Janssen’s performance by that date, the schools chief runs the risk of receiving a negative evaluation, which could set the stage for her termination or resignation. Janssen's evaluation is scheduled for Sept. 1.  

The board called in two high-ranking school officials to help mediate the talks: Wayne Blanton, executive director of Florida School Boards Association, and William J. "Bill" Montford III, chief executive officer of the Florida Association of School Superintendents.

The pair has facilitated workshops across the state between superintendents and school board members. “We need to get the issues on the table and then try to solve them,” Blanton said.

One by one, the board members spoke their minds. Among their concerns: communication, attention to detail, follow through, vetting, time management, organizational skills, morale and the completion of the school district's Strategic Plan. 

When last asked, Janssen had said she would deliver the completed Strategic Plan to the board in two weeks. She did not.

“You told the board they would have a Strategic Plan in two weeks. Then they should have the strategic plan in two weeks,” said Blanton, the mediator.

Some board members said they've lost confidence in Janssen. Other issues of concern were the development of a proactive plan to deal with the media and staff and better management of crisis situations. 

Board members said the superintendent spends a lot of time responding to negative media published on blogs and Twitter. They also said information discussed at board meetings is sometimes found online before the board meeting  is over. “Perception becomes reality real quick,” Blanton said.

Janssen sat quietly during the workshop, was composed and provided input when necessary. She was receptive to the criticism and indicated that she would work more effectively with the board.

When asked about her philosophy, Janssen said, “My focus is and will continue to be schools, and what happens inside those classrooms. I am a data-driven superintendent. I always have been.” 

The audience included residents and parents.

“Leadership starts at the top,” said Richard Ireland, a parent who watched the workshop. “Dr. Janssen gives no direction. These school board members need to be proactive and blog their messages if necessary. They have access to the same technology.”

Montford suggested that board members meet more often with the superintendent. “Do not pull punches. Be open and honest; there is nothing wrong with that,” he said. “You have to be informed to make good decisions. You must be able to communicate back to staff. You cannot run an organization as large as yours without effective lines of communication.”

The meeting came to an end with Janssen saying, “I will make every effort to get it right. I thank you for this opportunity.”