Diaz Second Choice in Bridgeport

WORTH NOTING; New School Superintendent Is Likely in Bridgeport
By JEFF HOLTZ - New York Times
Published: August 22, 2004
Barring a last minute change, Bridgeport will start its new school year on Thursday with what would be considered a lame duck superintendent of schools.

Maximino Medina Jr., president of the Board of Education, said on Monday there were no plans to offer Sonia Diaz-Salcedo a buyout, even though the board recently voted 5 to 4 not to extend her contract past June 30, 2005.

''There are no on-going conversations,'' he said. '' But, obviously, that could change.''
Ms. Diaz-Salcedo said she would work through the remainder of her contract. However, she said she would consider a buyout if one were offered.

''I would have to think seriously about it,'' she said. ''It's not in my plans. I think they would have to have some powerful reasons to do that.'' (Blogger Comment: Since she took the buyout, there must have been "some powerful reasons".)

Mr. Medina, who said he was a supporter of the superintendent, said some of the members who were against extending the contract expressed a desire to possibly revisit their votes during the school year. However, he said that was ''not a realistic'' idea.

''Anybody in that situation is usually already looking for another job,'' he said.
When asked about her future, Ms. Diaz-Salcedo said she was ''considering lots of different options'' and was ''open to anything.''

Mr. Medina said Ms. Diaz-Salcedo was the board's second choice when she was given a three-year contract in 2000 after a nation-wide search. She was offered one-year contracts for 2003 and 2004. JEFF HOLTZ