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Not surprised Lu Young is a hot commodity

June 08, 2011|Rhonda Dragomir | Journal columnist

“For everything you have missed, you have gained something else, and for everything you gain, you lose something else.” Ralph Waldo Emerson could have been speaking directly to Lu Young and Jessamine County in this time of potential change.

I was not surprised to learn that Young is a finalist in the search for a new school superintendent in Fayette County. When I first learned that Stu Silberman would be retiring, I wondered aloud whether Young would apply. Her name was bandied about in early speculation for obvious reasons.

Ambitious, accomplished, intelligent and articulate, it’s no surprise that Young wowed the search committee. They are interested in her for the same reason her fans in Jessamine County would like her to stay.

Like any public figure, Young has both admirers and detractors. If she goes to Fayette County, some will cheer and some will moan. A school superintendent is never able to please everyone, nor should that be the goal. Tough decisions require backbone, tenacity, and unflinching steadfastness in the face of criticism, qualities which few people have.

Should she gain the position in Fayette County which she has described as her “dream job,” she will certainly lose something. I’m certain she treasures the relationships she has cultivated in her long tenure in Jessamine County. Twenty-eight years is a long time to invest in one place. She will certainly cast a pensive glance back over her shoulder if her career path leads to Lexington.

If she stays however, missing out on this new opportunity, she will still have gained something. The encouragement and support of her staff and the Jessamine County Board of Education must be a source of great personal satisfaction. It is a mark of courage that they cheer her on in her quest rather than wringing their hands in fear of the change that could come suddenly and urgently. It is also a mark of her good leadership that they feel confident enough to tackle the tasks that will swiftly ensue.

Should the Jessamine County system lose Lu Young, they will also gain something else. Times of transition are also times of opportunity. The process of searching for a new superintendent would necessarily also become a time of self-evaluation, beneficial for any organization. We would ask probing questions, and the answers might lead to changes we need and would welcome.

Let’s remember that a school system is more than merely a superintendent. Young certainly knows this. Just as she has been mentored, she has also mentored others who will step forward into the gap. The face of our school system is many-faceted, and hundreds of highly competent, qualified, and experienced teachers and administrators will carry on a strong tradition of striving for excellence in Jessamine County education no matter who is the superintendent.

During this time of possible transition, let’s also remember that change need not be negative. Reinhold Niebuhr challenged, “Change is the essence of life. Be willing to surrender what you are for what you could become.”

Congratulations, Lu, for boldly striking out in a new direction and making it this far in such a challenging process. Whatever the outcome, we are proud of you.

Think positively, Jessamine County. Good things can come from change.

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