Accomplished a lot, but leaving with some fractured relationships
After four years leading Morgan Hill Unified School District, Superintendent Alan Nishino will retire at the end of June.
A hearty congratulations goes out to the man who helped align curriculum to state standards, expanded Central High School, increased staff development time and expanded use of technology to analyze individual student assessment results and modify instruction accordingly, to name a few accomplishments. He also helped increase the number of students fluent in English.
But the superintendent did have his detractors. The controversial leader has been widely criticized by parents and teachers and is leaving the district with a fractured relationship with the district's two labor unions.
Gains made during Nishino's tenure
Most district students have graduated with the coursework required to attend a state university and all eighth graders are now required to take Algebra I. In 2007, 70 percent of graduates left high schools with the coursework required for University of California or California State University entrance. When Nishino arrived in 2004 just 37 percent of graduates met these requirements.
Nishino has been praised for his strong fiscal mind. He and Deputy Superintendent Bonnie Tognazzini have guided the board in making difficult cuts that have so far reduced the general fund by $9 million, or 12 percent.
Latino student advocate Julian Mancias said Nishino has fostered collaboration with the Latino community.
"I'm sad to see him leave," he told reporter Natalie Everett. "Since he's been here, he's really promoted the Latino education more so than any other superintendent I've seen come through."
Mancias said he hopes the new superintendent continues Nishino's progress with minority students.
The man dedicated his life to students
Sure, Nishino had his problems: He had difficulty dealing with the unions. The Morgan Hill Federation of Teachers Union contract was ratified May 26, almost a year into its three-year contract. District and union officials are currently working through Public Employees Relation Board hearings to discuss direct dealing with teachers and curriculum collaboration. Nishino has been heavily criticized by teachers for what they say is a top-down management approach.
But now it's time to thank the man who dedicated his life to students. The man who worked in public education for 39 years, starting with 13 years as a physical education teacher, and ending with 14 years as superintendent at three different school districts, including his last stop here.
Nishino said he'll miss working with students.
"Being able to converse, joke, talk serious stuff, mentor them about what it takes to be something," he said. "I'll miss that probably more than anything."
It's time to look forward. The board needs to develop a profile of the person they'd like to lead the district. Don't forget the past, but put the effort now toward the future.
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