Jefferson County Public Schools Louisville Kentucky

Berman's assignment: Assess financial situation

Sheldon Berman has some homework to do this summer.

The Eugene School District’s new superintendent flew into Eugene on Monday and officially began his new job, and the difficult task in front of him, on Tuesday.

“I’m excited to be here,” said the 62-year-old Berman, who comes to Eugene after a challenging four years as superintendent of Kentucky’s largest school district, Jefferson County Public Schools in Louisville, where the school board voted 5-2 last November not to renew his contract.

“Transitions are always a challenge,” Berman said during an interview Tuesday in his new office at the district’s Education Center, the office vacated Thursday by his predecessor, George Russell. “I loved the work I did in Louisville. I think we accomplished a great deal, but I really look forward to living here.”

Berman said getting a grasp of the Eugene district’s financial woes is perhaps his top priority this summer.

“That’s high on the agenda,” he said.

Berman started Tuesday by taking a tour of the Education Center and meeting employees. He said he will meet with Chief Financial Officer Susan Fahey this week and has asked staff to prepare some documents for him to begin a “deep analysis” of the budget. The district is needing to close a record $21.7 million shortfall for 2011-12.

The shortfall prompted the permanent closure of four elementary schools last month, and the layoffs of 68 teachers and as many as 77 classified employees. More layoffs could happen before school begins in September.

Another priority this week, Berman said, is to meet with Associate Human Resources Director Christine Nesbit, the district’s lead bargaining negotiator, to discuss the district’s failure to get 2011-12 concessions from Eugene teachers this spring. The sides aren’t slated to meet again until Aug. 31, and any contract changes will have to be retroactive.

Asked if it’s critical to strike a deal before school begins in September, Berman said: “You’d always like to do that, but that won’t be the case here. I think a good agreement can come at anytime.”

Berman said he plans to spend his first weeks on the job “really listening” to other administrators and staff and school board members.

Global Debate: Louisville, Kentucky Middle School Debate Succeeds ...

Dr. Jeff Bile and Sylvia Bruton, both instructors at Spalding University , decided to initiate a pilot debate program targeting the middle schools, where few debate programs currently exist. The two succeeded in obtaining sponsorship by Spalding University's School of Communication and Sister Cities of Louisville in cooperation with Jefferson County Public Schools - Department of Diversity, Equity and Poverty Programs. The first tournament held in 2010 debated the topic: Jefferson County Public Schools should require 75% or more of its students to attend single-sex schools . With the 2011 Championship Tournament the league concludes the second year of its planned two-year pilot. "The Middle School Debate Program is always a pleasure to be a part of. Students come well prepared and eager to win and seeing that enthusiasm is priceless. The best debaters are inevitably the ones who listen carefully to their opponents' argument – you could see the cogs turning as they planned their next responses. Sister Cities is proud to be a Sponsor of this great initiative, the skills learned here will serve these students well for the rest of their lives." you for the time you are investing in such a worthy endeavor. I was very impressed by the arguments the children made to support and negate the resolution. I was also impressed by the community support via the quality and number of judges that invested in the event. I am excited about the great foundation I saw for the building of what could grow to be a great asset in the academic development of young people in our community." -- Tony Darnell proud parent of two debaters. "As a graduating law student, the topic of the debate was an issue that I am familiar with and enjoy discussing. I was amazed with the enthusiasm, energy and level of excellence displayed by the debaters. Not only were they well prepared, but they were able to think critically on their feet and respond to the challenging questions that were asked by their opponents during the debate. I walked away from the competition knowing full well that the future is still BRIGHT for these kids in particular, and society in general. Thanks for allowing me to be a part of this great experience. I enjoyed myself very much!" -- Courtney L. Phelps, Student Attorney -University of Louisville Law Clinic  "It was a great pleasure to take part in the development of this fine program. The student participants are eager and wonderfully well-prepared.

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