At age 67, former San Antonio ISD Superintendent Sylvester Perez had intended to teach at the University of Texas at San Antonio and otherwise retire. Then the Texas Education Commissioner asked him to take the job of superintendent in the Edgewood Independent School District, a district so poorly managed the state is now overseeing it’s operation.
Perez talked about his decision, and his vision for Edgewood. He said he feels a kinship with the Edgewood children. He grew up in San Antonio and believes educators have a unique responsibility to provide needed resources and guidance for inner-city youth.
Perez said his greatest concern in taking the Edgewood job was that teachers and district staff would leave because the district management had been so chaotic. But he's met with teachers and says they're committed to the children and a majority plan to stay.