Story about Steve Gallon, Mexican American Studies auditor, makes the Star

by David Safier

I'm encouraged to see a story in the Star about Steve Gallon III, who is was being sent by Cambium Learning Group to audit the Mexican American Studies program to determine if it complies with A.R.S. § 15-112. The  Save Ethnic Studies Defense Fund complained, rightly, about Gallon's questionable moral and ethical judgement, based on his arrest when he was Superintendent of a New Jersey school district, as well as other questionable behavior.

The Star story contains one amazing statement from Arizona Department of Education spokesman Andy LeFevre.

Cambium put Gallon through a background check and no red flags popped up, LeFevre said.

Amazing. I put Gallon through a google/background check myself. It took me about 30 seconds to come up with a number of articles about his behavior while at the New Jersey school district, including a handy-dandy timeline detailing all the major events from the time he was selected to be superintendent in 2008 until he was arrested, then let go by the district. Any company that hires anyone and doesn't do a five minute Google check needs to rethink its personnel policies.

This isn't the only time Cambium Learning has put its faith in Gallon. He is scheduled to present a workshop at the company's 2011 Desert Canyon Best Practices Institute this June, taking place at our own Lowes Ventana Canyon Hotel. Here's the blurb in the brochure:

Gallon provides an overview of the key processes and elements to planning, implementing, and leading a successful school turnaround and transformation. Participants will learn about effective approaches and strategies that improve student learning and achievement, including, but not limited to, creating a culture of excellence, using data to drive instruction, and engaging parents and community stakeholders. Practical, proven, research-based techniques will be provided by one who has successfully led school turnaround and transformation as a principal and district leader.

The Star article says Cambium is considering removing Gallon from the MAS audit.

"We've been told [by Cambium] if they feel these issues would compromise his ability to be a valuable member of the team, or if it would compromise the process, they'd remove and replace him."