Watkins out as TPS super candidate

Dr. Tom Watkins has removed himself as a superintendent candidate for Toledo Public Schools, boar...  More »

Dr. Tom Watkins has removed himself as a superintendent candidate for Toledo Public Schools, board of education president Bob Vasquez confirmed to FOX Toledo News. Dr. Watkins was one of the final two candidates for the job to replace out-going superintendent John Foley, who said he would leave his post at the end of July. Vasquez said Dr. Watkins did not give a specific reason, but hinted that he wanted the board to be unanimous in its support behind him. There's been evidence that the board is split in their choice for the next superintendent. The decision leaves Dr. Jerome Pecko, former superintendent at Akron Springfield, as the remaining finalist in the search to replace Foley. However, Vasquez said that does not mean the board will automatically pick Dr. Pecko, but Vasquez said he will recommend Dr. Pecko be the next TPS superintendent at a board meeting. But if he doesn't get enough votes, the school board could be forced to re-open the superintendent search. If that happens, there's a question of whether current superintendent Foley will stick around until they find a replacement. The next meeting is Tuesday, July 13. Dr. Watkins said the focus of a school district should be learning, teaching and children.  « Less