EDITORIAL: Cd'A schools spring another leak

In the midst of a crisis and after less than three years on the job, Coeur d’Alene schools Superintendent Shon Hocker has one foot out the door.

Dr. Hocker was one of two finalists for the top job in Pueblo, Colo., a district with 30 schools and roughly one third more students than Coeur d’Alene’s. He finished second.

Not only is there no prize for being runner-up; the natural consequence of seeking employment elsewhere when things aren't going well is an erosion of trust that jeopardizes relationships with school staff and students, the school board and the community at large. Without trust, effective leadership isn't possible.

Let’s emphasize a few points here. 

Unless contracts stipulate otherwise, it is every person’s right to change jobs whenever they choose. In many households it’s considered less a right and more a responsibility to improve a family’s future if opportunity allows. From both of these viewpoints, Dr. Hocker has done nothing wrong.

And yet, by seeking another job after such a short stint in a school district that has never needed strong, consistent leadership more than it does right now — Coeur d'Alene School District is in full crisis mode grappling with a $6 million budget deficit — it feels like Dr. Hocker has done nothing right.

The biggest problem apparently isn't job performance. Dr. Hocker was impressive enough that another, larger school district nearly hired him. 

The greater issue is that including two interims, Dr. Hocker is Coeur d’Alene School District’s fifth superintendent since 2017. Had Pueblo hired him, some 10,000 local students would soon have been looking up to their sixth leader in just seven years.

There’s a word for that: instability.

In today’s volatile, constantly-under-attack public education environment, it’s a wonder anybody remains dedicated enough to teach our children. Between Coeur d’Alene’s debilitating budget woes and the uncertainty of ongoing support both locally and statewide, the superintendent’s kitchen is a hot one. At least there's a great benefits package and a $195,758 salary to pay for some air conditioning.

So now what?

No matter how long Dr. Hocker remains at the helm of North Idaho’s largest school district, here’s a thought for those who eventually will select his replacement: 

Consider quitting the game of musical chairs for this most important leadership position. Chances are that a qualified and committed superintendent already lives in Kootenai County and will keep both feet here.

Identify and hire that person.