After a day of Q&A with stakeholders, a news conference and a public forum, superintendent finalist Emmanuel “Manny” Caulk found it clear that people care deeply about high-quality education in Fayette County Public Schools and seek to support a coherent strategy that closes achievement gaps. “Public education is about ensuring all students have a pathway to success,” he said. “There’s a deep passion in the community with leaders who are charged, energized and ready to go. It’s one of the biggest advantages you have. The spirit and optimism are very high, and they have me excited about what’s possible.”
Caulk, who currently is superintendent of Portland Public Schools in Maine, is one of two announced finalists in the running to replace Tom Shelton, who resigned late last year. The second candidate is Terri Breeden, an assistant superintendent in Virginia. The board might also consider other contenders next week.
Caulk fielded a handful of media questions during Wednesday afternoon’s news conference at It’s About Kids Support Services. When asked why some have dubbed him a “transformational leader,” he described himself as simply a champion for all children. “Students come first. That’s one of my core beliefs,” he added later during the forum in Norsworthy Auditorium. “Whose children are these?” he asked, nodding toward the community audience. And “What are we willing to do?” to make sure all are ready for college, career or life?
KET Connections host Renee Shaw moderated the scripted forum. FCPS had chosen about 15 questions as a representative sampling of the four dozen submitted by the public. The topics ranged from how would Caulk ensure that gifted and special-needs students receive equitable resources and how would he establish a good working relationship with the school board and with families, to would he support the district’s innovative alternative programs despite budget constraints.
As for the district’s persistent achievement or “opportunity” gaps, Caulk noted that access to high-quality preschool is one key, along with addressing children’s social, emotional and mental health needs in primary grades. He shared a bit of his own story – of growing up in poverty and finding a mentor in a sixth-grade teacher who affirmed his dreams to one day advocate for others as a teacher and a lawyer. To this day, Caulk carries a copy of his sixth-grade report card in his wallet to remind him of the importance of applying oneself and pursuing goals. “We have the right set of assets to take this system from good to great,” he said of FCPS. “If we’re going to make a difference and make sure every student has that pathway to success, we’ll do that work together.”
When asked about his commitment to this job and staying here for a while, Caulk referred to his wife and their desire to put down roots as newlyweds. “It seems a right fit with my skills set, and Fayette County is a destination district,” he said. “We’re really excited about the possibility of being part of the Lexington family.”
Caulk’s visit began with a tour of schools and a reception Tuesday evening. Breeden will follow the same schedule Thursday and Friday. People may send feedback to the school board via www.fcps.net/letstalk.
On Channel 13
Rebroadcast schedule for Manny Caulk’s events
- News conference: June 25 at 11 a.m., 3 p.m., 7 p.m. and 11 p.m.; and June 26 at 8 a.m., noon, 4 p.m., 8 p.m. and midnight.
- Public forum: June 25 at noon, 4 p.m., 8 p.m. and midnight; and June 26 at 9 a.m., 1 p.m. 5 p.m. and 9 p.m.