Mark Holodick had a very busy year in 2015. I wrote about him quite a bit last March. When the opt-out movement in Delaware took off, many schools and districts started offering resistance. Dr. Holodick, the Superintendent of the Brandywine School District, published a very public letter regarding opt-out on the school website. He indicated only he could decide who opts out and who doesn’t. Parents, myself included, rebelled against his very authoritative comments. I’ve met Dr. Holodick a couple times, and he is a nice guy. I think his heart is in the right place, but he makes the same mistakes those in charge do. They think because of their title they know what is best for all kids and they should be the ones making the crucial decisions. Unfortunately for him and the other school leaders in Delaware, this is not the case.
Dr. Holodick was very involved in the Vision Coalition’s Student Success 2025 this year. As one of the founding members of the BRINC Consortium and their blended/personalized learning initiative, Holodick stood front and center for this latest “10 year vision”. As well, he was on the Wilmington Education Improvement Commission even though his district was not a part of the redistricting plan in Wilmington. He remains the highest paid Superintendent in the state. Many were predicting that if former Secretary of Education Mark Murphy ever quit or resigned, Holodick would take his place. This was also true when Lillian Lowery held the title and resigned.
I am really hoping Holodick treats opt-out differently this year and he understands it is a parent’s decision, not his. This is my wish for all school leaders and political figures who disrespect parents by not honoring their fundamental rights. It doesn’t matter whether you agree with their decision or not, it matters if you honor it.
The Season Of Myths 