Pastorek one of ‘best superintendents’ in nation

On March 4, the same day she celebrated U.S. Department of Education Secretary Arne Duncan’s announcement that Louisiana is one of 16 states to advance to the final round in the competition for education funding through the “Race to the Top” program, U.S. Sen. Mary Landrieu heaped praise on state Superintendent of Education Paul Pastorek. In its “Inside Politics” column Sunday, The Advocate quoted Landrieu saying Duncan told her privately that Pastorek “is probably one of the best superintendents in the nation.”

Like Pastorek, Landrieu has championed Race to the Top since its inception and voted for the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which is funding the program. The winners in the first round of competition will be announced in April. Forty states and the District of Columbia applied to compete for $4.35 billion in federal education grants. Louisiana requested $314 million in its application.

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written by ragin_cajun , March 10, 2010

So no one can name me a thing he's done since becoming State Superintendent of Education. I see some people like him, and some don't. But I need objective facts. What has he achieved?

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written by saywhat? , March 09, 2010

then he is probably a brown-noser because who really takes Washington seriously?

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written by ragin_cajun , March 09, 2010

This is totally serious. I have heard of Pastorek. I know that he's stirred up alot controversy. But I honestly don't know what he's achieved since he's become the state superintendent. Can anyone tell me?

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written by Fair, Unbiased and Willing to Change for Better , March 09, 2010

Pastorek is a quality leader; been on the State Board of Elementary and Seconday Education from 1996-2004 as appointed by Gov Foster; prior he was general counsel for NASA. He is highly respected. Not Amused, ironic to your comment, it's Pastorek's requirement of accountability and achievement that is caused controversy. I hardly think anyone is proud of Louisiana's achievement or results in public education. We pay for it and expect more. What is wrong with that??

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written by Farrow , March 09, 2010

Remember . . . Pastorek is a high-priced lawyer by trade. He has no training as an educator. On taking office he immediately demanded a huge raise, including a house and car allowance, and when legislators balked at his demand, he replied, "This is what it will take to keep me here. And listen, if it doesn't work out, you know, I have another place I can go." I would have fired Pastorek merely for making such an arrogant statement. Remember, he is a public servant, not a CEO. (Source for quote: http://www.brac.org/site.php?pageID=59&newsID=657)

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written by Not Amused , March 09, 2010

Ragin_cajun, I think stirring up controversy is Pastorek's chief skill and achievement.