Watch CBS News

Dr. Andres Alonso Expected To Continue As City Schools CEO

BALTIMORE (WJZ)— Baltimore's School CEO is keeping his job for the next four years even though the school district is in the middle of turmoil.

Gigi Barnett has more on the contract and what it means for the district.

City school CEO, Dr. Andres Alonso's new contract has fresh ink. His previous contract expired Thursday

In a statement to WJZ, school board president, Neil Duke, wrote: 

"Under Dr. Alonso's leadership, the past four years have been a time of exceptional progress for our students. As we enter the 2011-12, the most important first step the board can take is to ensure that the district continues to have the forceful and committed leadership it needs."

Some city residents agree.

"You have to sort of measure the time he's been in Baltimore and the size of the problems," said one resident.

Alonso's new contract comes when the district is under fire. Two elementary schools were caught cheating on standardized tests and there has also been a recent dip in test scores, but Alonso has support.

"I don't think that one test score tells the whole story. I think the problem is more complex than that," said one person.

Alonso signed his first contract back in 2007. Now, this second contract adds four more years to his stay in Baltimore. It's just enough time, according to some city residents, to make more improvements to the school district.

"It's a big enough problem that it takes more than four years to solve it," said one person.

 Dr. Alonso's contract also includes a $750 monthly stipend for a car and driver.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.