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Alan Duncan, chairman of the Guilford County school board, was reminded of Bo Schembechler.

Schembechler was athletics director at the University of Michigan in 1989 when basketball coach Bill Frieder announced just before the NCAA tournament that he planned to leave for Arizona State after the season.

Schembechler didn’t wait. He bid Frieder farewell and promoted assistant coach Steve Fisher to take over immediately. "A Michigan man is going to coach Michigan," he declared.

"Michigan man" Fisher led the Wolverines to six tournament victories and the national championship.

What brought that story to Duncan’s mind was Superintendent Terry Grier’s announcement Jan. 19 that he’ll take the top school job in San Diego beginning July 1. At their planning retreat today, Duncan and his board colleagues may discuss for how long Grier is still a "Guilford man."

Their first concern is what’s best for the system. This is a busy time. There’s a push toward end-of-course exams; the need to evaluate programs and personnel and consider changes for next year; drafting a budget; assembling information about school facility needs in advance of the May 6 bond referendum.

The board has been pleased with Grier’s performance and should be confident that he can lead effectively until June 30, the date he wants to be released from his contract — unless it thinks he’ll divert energies to preparing for his San Diego post. The school board there has agreed to pay him $1,000 a day for work he does before July 1. Grier said Friday he’ll use vacation time for San Diego business.

His board should monitor that, but, absent clear justification, it should not force Grier out early. That likely would create contract liabilities and, worse, provoke unnecessary animosity.

"I’m not looking for a fight," Grier said. "I love this place, and I’m dedicated to it." In his previous job, he "worked as hard my last day as my first. That’s who I am."

Through eight years of hard work, Grier has been a "Guilford man." He deserves to leave on good terms, as long as he fulfills his responsibilities until his contract is dissolved on a mutually agreeable date.

As it seeks a new superintendent, the school board shouldn’t portray itself as hostile to a leader who decides to pursue a new opportunity.

Finally, the board must have a strong successor in place whenever Grier exits, either in an interim or permanent capacity. Maybe it’s someone already on staff.

Bo Schembechler had a Michigan man, and the school board should have a Guilford man or woman ready to step up, too.

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