Manny Continues to Play the Game

We Continue to Pay Him

In June of 2006 Rochester City Schools Superintendent Manuel Rivera announced that he would not be leaving the school system (again) and the community gave mixed reviews, some were tiring of his excuses for the failures of the school district while others praised his dedication.

The City School Board accepted Rivera's resignation from the school district effective in July of 2007.

In September Rivera announced that he was leaving Rochester to assume the position as head of the Boston school system. Those of us tired of his failings cheered that he would no longer be supported by the tax rolls, but not so fast - Rivera has decided that he will not be headed to Boston.

Not suprisingly compensation appears to be a determining factor as suggested by a quote from Board of Ed Chief Domingo Garcia in the Democrat & Chronicle: "Manny mentioned with me that he was having problems negotiating with Boston. That's all he said to me. That was some time ago, about two weeks ago," Garcia said. "He said 'we're having some difficulties and it's getting a little frustrating."

Rivera, it appears, will also continue to be paid by the residents of Rochester as reports circulate that Rivera will be named to a cabinet position with the Spitzer administration. Normally promotions are reserved for individuals who achieve, but in Rivera's case it is obvious that knowledge of how to play the political game is more valuable than displays of success when it comes to career advancement.