Ohio Has Hit Bottom Or Gone Broke: Now Can't Afford Help Wanted Ads For New State Supt. Of Education

COLUMBUS (TDB) -- There's no cash for ads in local newspapers. Some would say the state superintendent of education -- the person in charge of all Ohio public schools and responsible for educating hundreds of thousands of children -- has the most important job of all. Outgoing Supt. Susan Tave Zelman made about $217,000 a year, but now there is no money to advertise for her replacement. Inquiring minds are wondering: Who would want to run an education department that is so impoverished it can't even afford to advertise for its top job? Or is there a fix in place -- the leader has already been picked behind the scenes making an ad campaign unnecessary? State education officials made the announcement Tuesday:

"Media May Contact: Karla Warren (614) 995-3867 (614) 995-3867
For Immediate Release Tuesday, July 15, 2008
State Board of Education seeks next superintendent of public instruction
Editor’s note: Due to state budget constraints, no classified advertisements for this position will be placed in Ohio newspapers. With this in mind, the State Board of Education would appreciate your publication covering this important news story. Columbus – This morning, the State Board of Education heard an update from Hudepohl & Associates, the Worthington-based firm assisting the Board with its search for the state’s next superintendent of public instruction."

Stunning news. Ohio is too broke to buy ads. Strangely, it doesn't even have the opening on its own jobs' site today. That means the state has bypassed its own online portal to recruit potential candidates as Zelman's successor. At the moment, this is the only state education job listed (and Zelman quit more than a month ago, though she plans to stay until December at the latest):

"Title:
Director
PN:
20009642
Agency:
Education
Opening Date:
Tue. 07/01/08
Closing Date/Time:
Fri. 08/01/08 11:59 PM Eastern Time
State Salary Range:
Negotiable
Job Type:
Full-Time, Permanent, Exempt
Location:
Franklin County, Ohio
Promotional Bid:
N/A
Pay Range
commensurate with education and experience
Hours of Work
8:00am - 5:00pm
Division
Curriculum and Instruction
Job Location
25 South Front Street Columbus, Ohio 43215

Print Job Information Apply

Description Benefits Supplemental Questions

Serves as an unclassified employee pursuant to Section 3301.13 R.C. and performs the following educational and/or research duties: Plans, administers and coordinates all aspects of curriculum & instruction programs and services provided to Ohio’s schools (K-12); exercises leadership in a team environment. Plans and implements improved coordinated consultative services to schools (K-12) in contact areas of: Fine Arts, English-Language Arts, Foreign Language, Mathematics, Physical Education, Science, Social Studies, Technology Education; oversees services to provide technical assistance to districts related to courses of study and standards-based education. Works with staff to develop and prepare publications on curriculum and instruction that reflect customer needs; plans cooperative curriculum development projects with school districts; provides direction for the development and execution of school improvement projects; actively seeks customer input and feedback and uses data to guide decision making. Creates procedures and policies for the operation of the office; establishes, monitors, and evaluates quality control standards as they apply to programming, systems analysis & systems design & implementation. Performs administrative duties such as interviewing and selecting employees; training of new and assigned employees. Advises center associate superintendent/directors on matters of budget and personnel requirements. Represents center administrators at meetings and conferences. Represents the department on national committees. Prepares long range plans; ensures that staff tasks are completed; develops detailed reports. Performs other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
Master's degree in education or related field with an emphasis in educational administration and supervision, or curriculum development. Seven years supervisory/leadership experience in a public education or university setting including financial management experience. Recent experience in local or state curriculum related initiatives and direct experience conducting standards-based professional development in specific curricula. Knowledge of current theories of curriculum, instruction, and assessment. Knowledge of educational testing instruments, methods, and procedures. Ability to interface with administrators; ability to find creative solutions to challenging problems.
Supplemental Information:
Unusual Working Conditions: Requires travel throughout State of Ohio & may require overnight stay. (Must be willing & able to secure a valid driver’s license OR supply your own transportation)."