Why?

I'm curious if this is over the way he handled the last teacher contract discussions. Craig emailed all of the parents in the district and gave his side of the argument. It was very one-sided and made the teachers out to look incredibly greedy. We were told by teachers that his words were not at all accurate (of course; two sides to every story) but I always felt like he abises that email list permission by sending us all his thoughts in the matter. The teachers of course didn't have that same gateway.

"Abisis" above should read "abused"

I too am really curious to learn more about what motivated the Superintendent's decision to resign. I wonder if any of the reasons will be made public, or sealed in confidentiality.

Did he land an even more lucrative job? Did he get caught doing something wrong? Does this involve any matters voters should have been told before the election? Go get the story.

Not surprised. Six superintendents in 12 years. At what point to what start pointing the finger at the board for creating such instability? Then there's board member Nelson's constant attacks and the smear job done by the teachers and the union. And of course all the power parents with a sense of entitlement. Who would want to put up with it? We will just get another suit to replace him who will push his or her flavor of the week plan for change. Within 2-3 years they will be out of here. Think not? This is exactly what's gone on in the last 12 years. Such high turnover doesn't help anything.

Craig's departure is our loss. He has maintained fiscal stability and high academic standards in our school district while other districts across the state floundered and slashed budgets. Like Joni Mitchell said, you don't know what you've got til it's gone. Mr. Goldman will be difficult to replace.

Mountain View Mom is 100% right--Craig has done a tremendous job with our schools. Under his leadership as principal of Huff, as CFO and then for the past five years as Superintendent, our schools have continued to improve and excel. Sure there have been a few bumps in the road, but that's life. All of our schools now score over 800 on the API--who would have thunk it? I only hope this is a wake-up call to certain trustees to stop playing games and sowing chaos (and mouthing off in this forum and elsewhere) and start working collaboratively to help our schools stay high performing and ensure the success of our kids. We will miss you, Craig!

Still, why is he leaving? The last superintendent picked up on another school employee, they divorced their spouses and married each other. That superintendent took over as superintendent in Menlo Park. Folks there did not know what they were getting. Many superintendents only learned one game in school: musical chairs

What capable senior executive would put up with the abusive bullying of Steven Nelson when other jobs are readily available? What is seriously broken is not Craig Goldman's behavior, where he may have made a few mistakes but was otherwise exemplary, but a political system of four year terms allowing board member behavior that would be completely unacceptable in any other context like the private sector. What would happen if a bogus board member at HP or Google harassed the CEO at every meeting? Who would be shown the door? But there is no recourse here. Implying that there is some secret nefarious reason for this resignation other than relief from this egregious harassment is unfounded. Who wouldn't leave if they could!

No one is implying any wrongdoing by Goldman. The question is why he is leaving. Until the question is answered, people will speculate. Goldman himself should post an explanation right below this comment. Is it there yet?

Like I said, Robert, a sense of entitlement. If you want to ask him why he's leaving, ask him in person. Otherwise deal with it. It's his right to say noting. Then move on to asking tough questions of the board as to why this district can't seem to keep a superintendent. IMO it's all about pushy parents, the teacher's union tactics to a degree and, in this particular case, trustee Steven Nelson's ridiculous behavior. If they whine enough about anything, they will always get their way in the end. Wash, rinse, repeat. We ultimately are losing a very neutral and hard working leader who knows this district very well having risen up through the ranks of the organization.

Whatever Mr. Goldman's reasons for resignation, the attitudes frequently expressed in this district would provide more than enough justification.

Voters of the District elected Trustee Nelson to stir the soup. He has certainly delivered. If you voted for him without understanding his attitude, that is on you, not him. If you appreciate his conduct, please help the board by providing input during the search process.

Teachers in the District decided not to negotiate in the Spring or Summer, then pulled a stunt before negotiations resumed. If it was up to me, I'd pick a retired Marine officer as interim superintendent, so teachers could see the other side of "work to rule". If you want to be treated like professionals, try acting like professionals!

Parents in the District need to figure out the fine distinction between being engaged in the education of their students, and meddling in the education of everybody's students. In neighboring communities meddling has been raised to high art. Feel free to move if you want to be encouraged to meddle.

The old saying goes "Hire the best people, then let them do their jobs." As a community, we have failed at the latter.

The district office has a history of hiring their friends into positions that they have no experience at. The bigger issue with the district office is not Craig, but the other people that have been placed in potions under his leadership. The teachers are working themselves to the point of leaving the profession and one of the reason's is because there is no support from the district. There are only so many hours in the day to teach, research and design lessons, AND see our families. Honestly, it doesn't matter why Craig is leaving, the focus needs to be placed on the invested parties finding an experienced superintendent.

I think its clear that Goldman resigned as a result of the board election. He's had to deal with the asinine harassing behavior of Nelson, and he's had to put up with Caldonato on some committees. I'd quit too. District is in serious, serious trouble with this board and Goldman knows it.

Steven Nelson is an elected Trustee of the MVWSD and invites you to the public comment periods tonight.
Sixish. These are, as always, his own opinions, and he does't whine.

"heed the note above that we don't have contested board elections very often. Get in and help, or at least quit whining!" Old Steve May 21, 2012 :)

I can't believe it took this long to force him out. I hope the new supe cleans house in the DO. When a secretary is making 130K and there are three assistant supes making 150K each, there is something out of sync.

Since there has been some confusion on this comment stream I'm submitting this clarification.
At our Regular Board Meeting next week Nov. 20 there will be an agendized item where community members are requested to provide their comments regarding attributes they would like to see in an interim superintendent.
At our Special Meeting tonight the board will discuss, in closed session, the resignation of Superintendent Goldman. When we reconvene in open session the board president will report the action that was taken in that closed session regarding that resignation. At that time a press release will be made available regarding this resignation.
Following that item the board will discuss the process we will take to select an interim superintendent.
This meeting is scheduled to start at 6:00 PM and end at 6:35 PM.
Again, we will have a scheduled time for community input at our Regular Meeting next week. The agenda for that meeting will be public tomorrow, so if you'd like to provide your comments to the board at that meeting, we welcome your comments at that time. Also, the board always welcomes comments to trustees@mvwsd.org
Thank you for your patience and interest.
Sincerely, Ellen Wheeler, Trustee, MVWSD

@teacher,

It's easy to talk, but much harder to walk if you are a teacher and not someone who seeks to take their skills and move higher up an organizational ladder with the goal of improving things. BTW, how do YOU get experience at any job other than the one you've spent 20 years at with the protection of tenure and a union? Keep "working yourself to the point of leaving" but we know you will never leave because of job security.

@Old Steve

Very well said.


@Steven Nelson, trustee,

You've wanted the spotlight, so now you have it. You are largely to blame for Goldman leaving and the instability and low morale that will follow. You undermine discussion and moving forward on most topics. And everybody knows it. That will be your legacy. Congratulations!


People don't bother to vote or get involved because they've already left for the private and charter schools that are opening up across town. In the meantime we are dumping money into a broken and dysfunctional system.

@Wheeler,

"Attributes [we] would like to see in an interim superintendent?"

You were elected to make decisions just a week ago. Make them on your own. Your request for community input falls flat and sounds hollow. The timing of the resignation is glaringly obvious. Wait to get elected, fire the superintendent, ask the community for input, don't take personal responsibility or go out on a limb and then wash, rinse, repeat.

Is the board appealing to mob rule now? We've seen where that has gotten everyone on the whole Castro School debacle: absolutely nowhere. Split, don't split, split don't split, split, don't split. A year later and absolutely noting and now minus a superintendent.

Does the board really have no clue about how to pick an interim supe? Seriously? Then again, with the revolving door into the superintendent's office in this district, one would start to agree they don't. And BTW, you better prepare the next guy or gal for Mr. Nelson.

In short, if you of all the trustees (the one with the longest tenure) don't know the "attributes" required, I don't know what say other than to ask why you are still on the board? You are perhaps the most qualified person to make such a decision. If you are not prepared to, then you and the other board members should consider resigning along with Mr. Goldman. Lest we forget, you've had a direct hand in selecting all the supes we've seen come and go (Negri, Ghysels, Goldman). Maybe it's high time you called it quits. Trying to please everyone will get you exactly what you have now: chaos, low morale and little hopes of effective leadership throughout the district for a long time to come. Yet another superintendent for Mountain View! Yeah. I can just see all the eyes rolling across the district. Here we go again. Bla, bla, bla.

Be decisive yourself for once on something. That goes for the entire board. YOU ALL need to pick the next superintendent entirely on your own and stand by your decision. YOU ALL need to make a final decision on Castro School or a new school in the Whisman area and stand by a final decision. Don't put any more over on the community. Make your decisions, stand by them, and then pack your bags if you are not successful. You all would honestly get a lot more respect.

I don't know why I even bother.

@Observer (the one who just verbally attacked Ms. Wheeler):

This is standard procedure -- my kids were in MVWSD (they are grown) and they have held input sessions every time. If they didn't, people like you would attack them for making decisions in their ivory tower with no thought to what the people wanted.

No-win situation.

Also, I don't think the board fired Mr. Goldman; everything I have read said that he resigned. Do you know otherwise?

@Another Observer,

The track record speaks for itself. It's clear the "standard procedure" of listening (or going through the motions of listening) to public input doesn't work. The board keeps picking the wrong candidate regardles. Therefore... they either should stop listening or (pretending to listen) to public input or resign themselves to the fact that they do not know how to pick leaders or stand by their decisions for more than a few years.

I am sure he is walking away with a golden parachute, life long pension with gold palted healthcare,etc...Welcome to the hell run by crooked liberals.

I've known Mr.Goldman since Huff reopened. His dedication and hard work for the the students of MV is unquestionable. The district does seem to have a revolving door but I know this, MV education has lost a great person.

I was shocked when I heard last night that Craig was resigning. I have mixed emotions about his resignation. He was my boss when he was the CFO. Overall he was a good boss to me. We did not always agree on everything, however we worked through them.

Craig is THE reason that the District is in the black and has been in the black and everyone received a raise each year. The raises were not always much, but it was better than nothing and better than cuts.

The teachers negotiations team is only in it for themselves. Not the good of the whole of the District which those teachers would not have jobs if the students were not in the classrooms. You will hear teachers say that they didn't get raises for years, however, I know for fact that they did. I processed them. They received monies on the salary schedule and major increases on the benefits due to the increased costs of medical insurances.

I was the president for the last 3 years at MVWSD prior to leaving and though going to the negotiations table was not easy we, CSEA always walked away with something. The last negotiations that I lead, CSEA and Craig, I believe came to a meeting of the minds that the Classified employee's in CSEA were not there just for themselves. We were there for the District and the students as a whole and wanted the best for both CSEA and the District.

The teachers could learn a lot from my negotiations team that I put together and how we worked with the management of the District (Craig). Once Craig was sitting at the table we were able to finish negotiations in less than a day.

I am really sorry for the District that Craig is leaving. I honestly have mixed emotions (personal reasons which I won't divulge here) but the District has lost the one and only person that knows finances the way Craig does. I learned a lot from him and I value what I did learn.

As to the person attacking Ellen Wheeler. You are so off base on your take on Ellen. Ellen is the only board member that I know of since Fran Kruss that wants and will listen to each person. She just wants it done in the right forum. Chris Chaing (sp) is good and moving up the same ranks as Fran and Ellen.

Those of you who don't use your real names or go to the board meetings are chicken shit including those teachers that talk behind everyone’s back, bitching and complaining but never at a board meeting is what is really wrong with the District and society. You hide behind everything because you don't know how to work through things. You either need to put up or shut up!

Steve Nelson (no relation) by one on one conversations I've had with him, he is highly intelligent however, when he is in a group he has issues because he wants to be heard and thus he is very rude to everyone. He appears to have an extreme case of ADHD and has not learned how to control it. I know personally that it is hard, however it can be done. Steve, get help because if you did, you would be a great asset, but how you are now. You are not.

I don't know why Craig has resigned but if it is because of Steve Nelson and the new board member, the District has lost the best financial person it has ever had and it is because of you both.

Craig: I personally am sorry to hear that you are leaving even with the differences we had. I honestly wish you the best in your future. If you decide to go back into the classroom, I hope you have the best 5th grade that you have ever had!

MVWSD has lost one of the best Superintendents it has had.
Cathy

Dear Mr Nelson,

For you to even take offense for others opinions reflects your lack of professionalism and insecurity. as an elected official you are held accountable by the voters/people of this country. I have seen your conduct in the board meetings. It is appalling and disrespectful. From interrupting your colleges mainly the president of the board, really sets a bad example. Based on an article I read from you walking on a meeting with the rest of the board members could vote to censor you. Even if you had a flight early that morning, it doesn't matter, if my team was staying late I stay with the team. This would not have been acceptable in a company meeting. This reflects your selfishness, the rest of the board members would've wanted to leave as well. You aren't the only one on this planet that has to stay up late and wake up early. You chose to be a part of this team to serve those who voted for you. Honestly, I would be fired at least reprimanded for that as well as lack of self-control and maturity when interacting with peers and superior.

Why are you even a board member if it's not to serve the school district, serve the community, the families and the children? A boss loves the position, a leader considers others outside of themselves because he cares about others around him far beyond his position.

Why you are even on this team if you cannot even work with them?

Are you willing to hear the truth from your peers so you can grow to better serve the community?

A leader takes responsibility of his actions and leads by personal example... Their actions speak louder than their words. It is quite clear how loudly your actions have spoken in front of your peers and your colleagues.

Mountain View Voice Article: "Nelson walks out as school board votes to censure him"

"The greatest among you will be your servant." - Jesus Christ

"A good leader takes a little more than his share of the blame, a little less than his share of the credit." - Arnold H Glaslow

"Hold yourself responsible for a higher standard than anybody expects of you. Never excuse yourself." - Henry Ward Beecher

- Alex Lopez (Stevenson Parent)

Yes, yes, we know you work hard. I really really know that you most teachers work very hard.

However, THIS IS NOT ABOUT YOU!!!

@garbage: Given the so-called "content" of your post, your screen name fits you to perfection.

Maybe we should find out what Rich Fisher is doing....just saying - he was one of the best superintendents we ever had!

I'm happy that Goldman is leaving. He is not an educator, and he has never shown enough understanding of what really happens where it counts--in the classroom. Being financially sound is important, but that is the CFO's responsibility. The primary responsibility of a superintendent is to be an educational leader, and Goldman has not been one.

Like previous superintendents, he introduced a new program that replaced the program of the previous superintendent, whose program replaced the one his predecessor introduced. If the pattern holds, the new superintendent will do the same thing. Each change of program requires a significant investment of time and money. When will the board understand that continually investing in the latest fad primarily benefits the companies selling the training and curriculum materials?

@Andrew,

Since Mr. Goldman was both a Principal and a Teacher before becoming the CFO of our District I am curious about your definition of an "Educator"?

And don't forget....

Prepare the next guy or gal for Greg Coladonato. I fear (from some of the things I have seen & heard) that he is Steve Nelson's right-hand-man.

What are you talking about..."not an educator"?

He was a teacher for years. Then, he re-opened our Huff Elementary School as the Principal, and did that for years.

I keep hearing that we have a "revolving door". It is not true. If you read the article written this month, the average tenure of a Superintendent is now 3.2 years. (study including this school year)

This is Craig Goldman's 5th school year as Superintendent. 2010/11 - 2014/15
Maurice Ghysels was Superintendent for 5 years before him. 2005/6 - 2009/10

See: Web Link

Folks who are attending the November 13 meeting should give us an update. What is the story?

The district sent an email to all parents today. It mentioned that Craig will leave with a one year severance package. This does not sound like it was his choice. There's definitely more to this story, I wish the board was a bit more transparent with the information. It's going to get out anyways.

If certain board members created a hostile work situation for him, he would have the right to resign with severance...

Regardless of the reason for his departure, Craig will be missed. In working with him through the Board Facilities Committee, I have seen nothing but professionalism and open candor from him, even in the face of challenging questions. He has a tremendous depth of knowledge about the District and our city, and has been more than willing to share it. And judging by all the things I see him doing for the District after normal work hours, he works really hard. I hope we can find these qualities in his replacement.

That said, this is a great opportunity for the Board. They absolutely should get public input - I didn't see anyone campaigning openly on "here's what I'd do if I had to replace the Superintendent," so getting input from their constituencies makes a lot of sense. And it's certainly an opportunity for a fresh start in terms of personal relationships, which this comment thread clearly illustrates. I would just encourage people to be forward-looking and positive in promoting what they'd like to see in a superintendent, and the Board's relationships with her/him... we don't need to rehash things that the Voice and others have already done a good job reporting, and anyone that works as hard as Craig on behalf of our kids deserves our respect.

First, let us be honest here. As a CFO, Goldman was excellent. He knew finances. I, unfortunately, was unfamiliar with him as a teacher or as a principal. As a Superintendent, I am aware of several situations in which, due to parent request, Mr. Goldman personally intervened in a teacher's classroom over issues that were Parent/Teacher situations (no violence, no illegality of any form, just a disagreement between a parent and a teacher). Situations that should have been handled by the principals of respective schools had parents reached out to them. His tenure as a Huff principal created close ties with the community (a good thing), but he was unable to maintain a professional front when there was conflict (a bad thing). He was not an amazing superintendent, nor was he terrible. He did good things (like support the creation of district coaches for every school), and he did bad things (like implement Explicit Direct Instruction techniques and curriculum when most districts in Santa Clara began to implement Common Core curriculum and PBL strategies).
On the Common Core front, our district is about 2 years behind in math and English Common Core implementation, and 1 year behind in the implementation of the new science standards. Districts like San Jose Unified began their implementation about 3 years ago. While API scores are great, and as a district we are proud of the achievements, they wont mean much for long, as the common core tests are significantly more involved than the multiple choice questions of the CSTs. My hope is that we bring someone in who is either actively involved in implementing these new standards (such as someone competent in-house), or someone who is very familiar with new expectations and can "start a new directive" that will place us on a positive path.
I definitely wish Mr. Goldman luck in whatever path he chooses, whether a new district or a break or possibly something with the county. While he may have handled himself poorly at times (we all do in some stressful situations), that does not make him a bad person. I'd like to think he saw how the stresses of the job were changing him in a negative way and decided to move on before they truly affected how he cared for the community.

Someone should get Goldman's contract. No way it says he is entitled to a year's severance for quitting. Moreover, the school board cannot lawfully enter into severance deals without first allowing public input.

I very sad and upset to hear that Mr. Goldman has resigned. He was a great principal at Huff. Mr. Goldman has always thought about how to provide the best education for our children. He holds multiple graduate degrees and was well qualified for all the positions he held in the district. As Mr. Goldman moved up the ranks, he brought his experience and love for educating children to each of his positions. If you have ever been in a management position and understand finances, you would be able to appreciate the skills Mr. Goldman brought to the position of superintendent. It is a great lost that Mr. Goldman resigned. And unfortunately, many of the teacher that perhaps didn't care for Mr. Goldman won't realize the loss and what they had until years later. I wish you the best Mr. Goldman!

@Just Another Observer
I don't know if you can make the claim that Mountain View is 2 years behind in Common Core. Common Core is just setting standards that children need to test too. I do know that children who are in the highest math level for their grades are approximately a year ahead of children who are in the Los Altos schools. And to have Art and Music still existing in many of the elementary school (at least, when my children were in elementary school a few years back) is almost unheard of now.

Goldman disrespected parents and teachers and his autocratic leadership style will not be missed. Just check out the Mercury News article based on his own leak of a cartoon he felt was offensive. See Web Link

Someone posted on Facebook a cartoon depicting him jumping in anger, shouting “How dare you speak out! I am the superintendent!” and wearing a bicorne – a two-cornered naval hat associated with Napoleon. He argued that he was being ridiculed based on his height, rather than his dictatorial tendencies.

To which I would say, c'mon, Goldman, put on your big-boy pants (and don't go running to air our dirty laundry in public)! Even the Merc quipped:
"We wonder if this is how Mt. View-Whisman teaches students to deal with online ridicule."

And yes, the district is indeed several years behind in changing the curriculum to adapt to Common Core.

Given that he is resigning, I don't see why he deserves a one year severance.

Goldman's leadership style is autocratic, and he personalizes issues when they don't need to be. That's immature, and it has led to distrust and resentment. As in many professional situations, a leader needs buy-in from the employees to get effective implementation of their policies. Goldman never even tried for that.

Great! He overcrowds the kinder classes and when the parents complain he quits! He knew this year's incoming kinder classes were large back in April/May and he did NOTHING but overcrowd the classes. Why are there only 4 kinder classes at Huff when clearly 5 or 6 are needed. 2 kinder class are in portables already so why not get another? They say there is no money for aides but yet he walks away with a salary for 1 year that is easily over 150K.. If I resigned my job I would not get a "package".. Clearly something is NOT being said... I think they school board needs to rethink where that money would be better allocated too.. Sad when they claim they want the best for the kids and yet they don't provide what the kids really need...

It is really quite ridiculous for you to make the accusations that you did against teachers. Unless you have been part of the negotiations that have occurred between the teachers and superintendent Goldman, you really cannot equate your experience with him from several years ago.

It is not uncommon for management to play one employee group against another. It is unfortunate that you have chosen to place the blame for the breakdown during negotiations at the feet of teachers. I guess if in the future CSEA ever needs the support of MVEA, we know not to look to them for that support.

I do know by talking to classified staff, not all feel as you do. I really think you need to rethink what it means to be part of a union.

I believe that the teacher Union pushed him out. Since he was unwilling to hand over the money from the capital reserves to the teachers, they got rid of him. Similar things happened in areas controlled by organized crime syndicates. Sad situation.

We need to consider the possibility that the board asked him to leave now. The timing follows the timing of the election which makes such a conclusion seem rather obvious. The board wins from scapegoating the superintendent. And the board we have now definitely flaps in the wind and takes the cake for scapegoating. They probably offered him the resignation package for mid-year. He could easily have stayed on until June and conducted his own job search on the side. That would have been acceptable. Instead we, the taxpayers, get stuck with a huge bill. Way to go board. If I were Mr. Goldman I would call in sick or take my vacation days beginning on Monday.

@Elaine: I don"t believe the Board asked him to leave. He resigned. Craig is highly qualified for just about any job in the Education sector and will be easily picked up by a district that recognizes what an asset he is. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if a number of districts have not already contacted him once his resignation was announced. He is highly, highly respected in the local education community.

Unfortunately, one of the trustees has created a hostile working environment which no professional is going to tolerate. The losers here are the community and students - it is going to be extremely difficult for the district to attract highly qualified candidates for the superintendent position as long as this person is allowed to continue on the Board. The Board has already censured him - it is now time for the community to step up and recall him.

What is the process for the recall of a board trustee?

What is the process for the recall of a board trustee?

@ parent. Here is a link on how to recall a trustee: Web Link

Due to repeated violations of our Terms of Use, comments from this poster are automatically removed. Why?

The Merc reported that he is getting over $200k! It's robbery for him to accept that much money from a job that he is quitting. They should find a way to have him finish out his contract - even if it's stuffing envelopes. If we're paying him, he better work for the money. Good luck getting voters to ever add more to their property tax again!

The Merc reported that he is getting over $200k! It's robbery for him to accept that much money from a job that he is quitting. They should find a way to have him finish out his contract - even if it's stuffing envelopes. If we're paying him, he better work for the money. Good luck getting voters to ever add more to their property tax again!

@mom,

you think he "accepted" the $200,000 payout? my guess is he requested it and the board, as always, nodded in agreement.

hey, you mean you didn't get a year's worth of pay from the last job you QUIT?

how can these people turn around and ask for parcel taxes, bond money, when they spend $200,000 on a golden send-off for the superintendent, and $150,000 each for THREE assistant superintendents for a district of less than 10 schools?

Apparently "hostile working environment" should have been in all caps above. We could assume that resignation and settlement is instead of divisive legal action based on Trustee conduct, or perhaps there are personal issues that need to be addressed. At any rate, resignation and settlement are covered by the contract, the terms of which are already public. Most of us work as "at will" employees. Leaders of independent public agencies frequently have contracts, otherwise they could easily be fired for protecting the public interest. If the settlement makes you angry, go back and review video of some of the conduct of the meetings. If you are qualified and don't mind being treated badly, please apply for the position.