Education Director Glass seeks a Colorado Rocky Mountain job

So this was sort of a surprise. At least to me.

I can confirm that I am a finalist for Superintendent w/ @May 9, 2013

I can confirm that I am a finalist for Superintendent w/ @eaglecoschools & am honored to be considered. I can't comment more at this time.

— Jason E. Glass (@jasonglassIA)

With Gov. Terry Branstad's school reform agenda hanging in the balance in the Legislature, its architect and salesman-in-chief is trolling for another job.

Jason Glass, our Department of Education Director, is one of three finalists for the top job at Eagle County Schools in Colorado, which, according to its website, "Was one of the first school districts in the nation to successfully implement a pay-for-performance system and abolish the lock-step salary schedule over a decade ago? ECS has been recognized as a national leader in using teacher evaluations to enhance professional development and teaching practices." 

Glass was human resources director in Eagle County when that pay system was put in place. So he's a pay pioneer with an inside track.

Can you blame a guy for wanting to trade Statehouse slogging for a Rocky Mountain High? Eagle County is a "National Blue Ribbon School." It's been praised by Bill Gates. It's nestled in the breathtaking Rockies, not far from Vail. Top that, Iowa.

Would he be a poorer man if he never saw Eagle County test scores fly? OK, I'll stop.

I know a lot of folks at that slogging Statehouse are saying that this makes no difference. But Branstad's education reform package includes multiple provisions that are basically TBA, stuff that, if approved by lawmakers, still would need to be planned and implemented over the next few years. Topping that list are new teacher evaluations, which could be tied to some sort of student performance measures. The measuring measures, too, have yet to be fully developed.

Glass is supposed to be at the center of all that planning and implementing and follow-through. He shaped the governor's vision, and is the guy charged with turning that vision into policy. So if he hits the trail, you can't help but wonder who will be doing all the lifting.

I'm sure some legislators are wondering that, even if they're not saying it, as they remain stuck in negotiations over the guv's reform package.  Teacher evaluations are a big sticking point. The timing of this announcement is not great for Glass' current boss.

And maybe he doesn't get the job. These things happen. Who needs Vail, anyway? Iowa is beautiful in the spring.