Wednesday, July 25, 2007

Fayette County gives Silberman 212,479 more reasons to stay

Since Barbara Erwin walked away from the the Kentucky Education Commissioner's post, and the $220,000 salary that goes with it, the state board of education has appeared to be in disarray.

The name "Stu Silberman" has been circulating since. Even though the state board members initially thought Erwin was their best choice, Silberman was never seen as a replacement, but as an improvement on the board's "best choice" - one who would steady the now tilting ship at KDE.

He has since been contacted by educators and advocates from across the state, bent on recruiting him to Kentucky's top post but Silberman had made a promise to stay in Fayette County for ten years - a promise he says he will keep.

But even a man who values honor might be persuaded to a higher purpose. It can be argued that Kentucky needs his leadership more than Fayette County does, right now. Still, Stu says no.

On Monday the Fayette County Board of Education rewarded Silberman's commitment and gave him 212,479 reasons to continuing fending off Frankfort suitors.

I chatted briefly with Stu's wife Kathy at a Habitat for Humanity dedication on Sunday and she said, "Stu is where he needs to be..."

This from the Herald-Leader: Tuesday's article. Excerpts from Raviya Ismail's interview with Silberman. Today's Editorial. Photo by Janet Worne.

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