Our Views: Dilworth exit latest twist
The expedited exit of John Dilworth as superintendent of the East Baton Rouge Parish school system adds yet another element of uncertainty concerning the direction of the school system.
Dilworth recently announced he plans to leave his post Feb. 24 because of health problems, which he did not detail. Dilworth previously had announced he wouldn’t seek to extend his contract after it expires this summer, citing his inability to unite the School Board.
Dilworth had resigned in 2010, only 10 months after taking the job, then withdrew his resignation 10 days later. Dilworth never publicly explained why he resigned or why he changed his mind. We don’t know the nature of Dilworth’s health problems, but we wish him well, and we hope his exit from his post advances his recovery.
The unusual twists and turns of his service as superintendent have created some confusion about where the system is headed.
The best way for the School Board to address that confusion is by being transparent in its search for Dilworth’s successor — both his temporary successor as well as his long-term replacement. As part of that process, the School Board should express some clarity of purpose regarding the kind of leader needed to replace Dilworth.
We haven’t seen that kind of clarity and transparency from the School Board, but it’s needed now more than ever.