A Deep Dive - DCSD Superintendent Finalists
Estimated Read Time: 7 minutes
Our last blog compared what we knew, based on their resumes, about the two Superintendent candidates nominated by the DCSD Board of Education. A few similarities were illuminated, and we are left to look a little closer at them both and try to extrapolate why the third “finalist” didn’t make the cut.
The one and only consistency between the two finalists is that neither has been a licensed K-12 teacher. Interestingly enough, a third candidate, who was briefly considered, did have a teaching background. Although the merits of being trained as a teacher can be argued, it is fascinating that both finalists lack this experience.
Let’s begin with Danny Winsor.
Danny Winsor
Winsor, as was mentioned in our last blog, has a very clear lineage in DCSD, working himself from the counseling department to a DCSD cabinet position. Even prior to working at DCSD, he demonstrated a love of working with children. Coaching, counseling and leadership seem to be his passions. For 18 years, he’s been finding ways to impact students through sports, counseling and with strengthening the teachers that interact with students. There is a consistency to the jobs that Winsor has held; they are all jobs that positively impact students, personally.
His leadership within DCSD has put him in parent-facing roles over and over again, and his gradual move through administrative roles has created space for Winsor to build relationships and respect throughout DCSD. He’s worked with other building administrators and charter schools and shows he values career and technical education and has actively worked for post secondary readiness for DCSD students. Winsor demonstrates by example that he supports neighborhood and charter schools by enrolling his children in both.
In all the ways that Winsor is straightforward, Erin Kane is an enigma.
Erin Kane
Kane’s resume, like Winsor's, lacks K-12 teaching experience. While she has been a part of the DCSD system of schools for 18 years, Kane’s capacity in the district has been unlike Mr Winsor’s, and additionally, filled with controversy.
As far as her education goes, it would be interesting to understand her motivation to get a Master’s in Public Administration a few years ago. This is not the logical advanced degree path for a Superintendent position. A degree in Public Administration, plus training from the Leadership Program of the Rockies, indicates that her sights may have been set on public office, rather than Superintendent.
In addition, her student-facing experience is non-existent. Having a grasp on what students need in a hands-on role is crucial to decision making for and about students as well as relational common ground with teachers and staff. For instance, does Kane truly understand what our students need? Given her submission of American Academy’s waiver to DCSD’s ADB Educational Equity Policy last fall, despite providing zero concerns during the 18-month period when it was developed with multiple opportunities for input, it does not appear she is aligned with the needs of all students. Embracing “colorblindness” as a remedy to racism, and a lack of inclusion in American Academy’s policy, demonstrates how out of touch she is with the needs of the full spectrum of students in this district. Students are desperate to be seen and accepted, and American Academy’s insensitive policy reinforces that Kane does not understand that.
Additionally, American Academy defended one of its School Board Members who made antisemetic remarks and remains in her leadership position, confirming that protecting our student community is not a priority for Kane.
In 2017, Kane openly supported DCSD charters to arm their staff.
Kane testified before the committee on behalf of charter schools at the request of the Colorado League of Charter Schools. She adamantly disagrees with the district’s plans to prohibit charter schools from allowing armed teachers, if a charter school wants to.
“Certainly, the district has every right for their board and their staff and their community to make that decision,” Kane said, “for the district-run schools.”
The above quote was pulled from The Douglas County News-Press in a 2019 article about Ascent Academy, another charter school that was part of DCSD but was dismissed from the district after it armed its teachers, against DCSD policy.
Kane provided a valuable service to the district when she filled the interim Superintendent role from 2016-2018. Although she had a few missteps, most notably with her misinterpretation of DCSD’s need for improvement in upholding academic services for special education students when she promoted the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling on Endrew F. vs DCSD in 2017 as a victory rather than a recognition of the shortcomings of the District in meeting the needs of students with special needs.
During the interview last week, eyebrows were raised when Kane stressed the transparency that she says she would bring as a Superintendent. This, after she texted former Superintendent Corey Wise a photo of his contract and a paragraph from Jefferson County Schools superintendent contract, an hour after he was given an ultimatum. Her knowledge of his impending departure, coupled with Director Peterson’s encouragement for her to apply to the Superintendent position before Wise was dismissed, tells us transparency is only relevant sometimes. Actions always speak louder than empty words.
A Third Finalist?
The third “finalist-that-almost-was” is also worth discussing, even to just postulate the reasons he did not make the final list.
Dr. Chris Page has been with DCSD since 2003, longer than either of the two finalists. If history in DCSD is an assumption of knowing the community, he has the strongest case here. His experience is a direct line to the Superintendent position. A Masters and Doctorate in Education indicates his investment and belief in furthering one's education when you have a clear goal of district leadership. Unlike the two finalists, he has teaching experience, not just student-facing, but feet-on-the-ground knowledge of the pressures, demands and rewards of inspiring students to want to learn.
Page has additional student-facing experiences; even as a Principal of Highlands Ranch High School, he is the Mock Trial Coach for Rock Canyon High School. Building relationships with students and parents is a signature personality trait of Dr. Page. He’s visible and always adding to his overflowing plate to be an advocate for students.
Page was instrumental in creating the current Educational Equity Policy and has diligently fought for equity and advocating for marginalized groups consistently throughout his life. During the Special BoE Meeting March 3, Director David Ray made a motion to add Dr. Page to the list of finalists, but the four majority directors voted against it, eliminating Page from the running. Why?
An Endorsement
After reviewing their resumes, evaluating what we know of their histories and listening to the answers to the questions our community put forth, DougCo Collective endorses Winsor for DCSD Superintendent for the following reasons:
His disciplined rise to his cabinet position illustrates the trust DCSD has in his ability to lead.
It is evident that he has a great understanding of students’ needs with his experience coaching and his education in counseling.
He has many positive relationships with DCSD administration and staff which, in turn, assures them that they are being listened to and heard.
He has no political agenda with anyone on the current Board, which will help restore trust with parents and the community.
With a possible MLO/Bond on the ballot in November, hiring Winsor will demonstrate to the community a real desire for the DCSD BoE to pass this ballot issue.
A public education advocate with great relationships across this district and a full educated understanding of students’ needs makes the clear choice Winsor. A decision to hire Winsor is the bridge across the divide, a reparative action for the trust lost and and a signal to our teachers and students that they are seen.