tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post1141445769046220591..comments2024-03-29T02:41:52.718-07:00Comments on Seattle Schools Community Forum: The Empire Strikes Back (or at least Lord Vader)Melissa Westbrookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17179994245880629080noreply@blogger.comBlogger37125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-16111757782818861142011-06-08T10:15:00.835-07:002011-06-08T10:15:00.835-07:00Okay, apparently candidates have till Friday at 5 ...Okay, apparently candidates have till Friday at 5 p.m. to officially file.suep.https://www.blogger.com/profile/17281578510716234624noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-50026825835777484952011-06-08T09:52:56.571-07:002011-06-08T09:52:56.571-07:00Why isn't Michelle Buetow listed on the KC sit...Why isn't Michelle Buetow listed on the KC site? She's running against Martin-Morris and has already nabbed a significant endorsement.<br /><br />http://www.buetowforschoolboard.com/<br /><br /><i>For Immediate Release: Thursday, May 26, 2011<br /><br />Contact: Michelle Buetow (206) 856-4815<br /><br />michelle@buetowforschoolboard.com<br /><br />King County Democrats Endorse Michelle Buetow for Seattle School Board<br /><br />Challenger earns only KC Dems endorsement so far in Seattle Board races<br /><br />Seattle School Board candidate Michelle Buetow received the formal endorsement of the King County Democratic Central Committee at the KCDCC’s May 24 meeting. Buetow, a candidate in Board District III, was the only Seattle School Board candidate to receive an endorsement at the meeting, although four incumbent board members were given formal consideration.</i><br /><br />Also, aren't Joy Anderson and another candidate running against Sundquist?suep.https://www.blogger.com/profile/17281578510716234624noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-63399466216579476472011-06-08T09:32:41.728-07:002011-06-08T09:32:41.728-07:00So here's an idea. Instead of paying school bo...So here's an idea. Instead of paying school board members (not done right now, but floated), what if we paid for a dedicated, full-time researcher for the board. Someone with a library or journalism background. Someone independent, who could take questions asked by the board and go out and find answers (instead of waiting on the district). The researcher could even -- shocker! -- assemble contrasting pieces of information, instead of only offering the district's word.Robinnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-48004765167276589672011-06-08T07:47:55.957-07:002011-06-08T07:47:55.957-07:00Candidates listing on KC site:
listing
Mr. EdCandidates listing on KC site:<br /><br /><a href="http://your.kingcounty.gov/elections/contests/candidates.aspx?type=Seattle+School+District+No.+1&tp=fl&eid=1248&iPid=0" rel="nofollow">listing</a><br /><br />Mr. EdAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-37093574817960942202011-06-08T00:35:30.411-07:002011-06-08T00:35:30.411-07:00Anyone heard of John Cummings? He is running agai...Anyone heard of John Cummings? He is running against Peter Maier.<br /><br />BTW, Marty McLaren's website is up.<br />www.marty4SSD.comLinh-Conoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-37178810282298048942011-06-07T19:55:25.399-07:002011-06-07T19:55:25.399-07:00Well, yay for the Times being able to stand up and...Well, yay for the Times being able to stand up and say we stand by our story. (I mean they are saying this to a clever lawyer so they must believe what they wrote to be factual.) <br /><br />And yay, to Jan for her really astute comments. Yes, I do have to wonder if Mr. English is the fall guy on this one (determined though he is NOT to be). You'll note almost no mention of the Board. It is election season.<br /><br />To note, the State Auditor has NO ability to undo a contract or punish anyone. They are NOT an enforcement agency but are an agency that does regular audits and follows up on citizen input/complaints. They investigate and report their findings but it is up to others to do the enforcement.Melissa Westbrookhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17179994245880629080noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-13286609481752288882011-06-07T18:23:00.480-07:002011-06-07T18:23:00.480-07:00Good for you Kathy Best and ST: hold your ground ...Good for you Kathy Best and ST: hold your ground and look for the truth here -- not the District spin!<br /><br />BraessaeAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-11503845773502195392011-06-07T18:02:05.338-07:002011-06-07T18:02:05.338-07:00Thanks, Save Seattle Schools blog, for your intere...Thanks, Save Seattle Schools blog, for your interest in our story on the sale of the Martin Luther King Elementary school. <br /><br />We received Ron English's email, which appears on your site, on June 6. Editors and reporters have carefully reviewed all the points of his complaint. We did not find factual errors and we disagree with his assertions.<br /><br />All the points made by Mr. English can be refuted by documents we obtained from the Seattle School District and through a recorded interview with him on May 16. <br /><br />In response to Mr. English's assertion that our reporter failed to call him back for further response, our reporter, Susan Kelleher, made a concerted effort to reach him at least a half-dozen times before publication to go over the story. Unfortunately, the two were unable to connect. We understand Mr. English was on vacation; however, we were diligent in our attempts. <br /><br />On Monday, we informed Mr. English that we are more than happy to meet with him and go over each of these points next week. We will also have the recorded interview on hand for playback. <br /><br />Moreover, we would be happy to meet with the Seattle superintendent and school board members to discuss the story.<br /><br />Sincerely,<br />Kathy Best<br />Managing EditorKathy Best, Seattle Times managing editorhttp://seattletimes.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-20296223871950871322011-06-07T14:43:26.604-07:002011-06-07T14:43:26.604-07:00Central District blog postsCentral District blog <a href="http://www.centraldistrictnews.com/2011/06/06/times-state-investigating-seattle-districts-sale-of-mlk-school-to-ame#comments" rel="nofollow">posts</a>mirmac1https://www.blogger.com/profile/10183460709639638172noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-69351839784308354842011-06-07T14:36:14.691-07:002011-06-07T14:36:14.691-07:00There are some interesting neighbor comments that ...There are some interesting neighbor comments that speak to what's happening with the facility right now over on the Central District News Blog.<br /><br />--a reader---Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-48686287058194111512011-06-07T14:06:10.438-07:002011-06-07T14:06:10.438-07:00There is provision for penalty. Let's start t...There is provision for penalty. Let's start tallying the number of hours that FAME failed to live up to its agreement, times the rate per hour in the provisions, and send them a bill. Here we are, nearly six months of $$$ to collect next December 31, 2011.<br /><br />FAME may want to consider assigning the agreement back to Grantee (SPS, or the public, per se)mirmac1https://www.blogger.com/profile/10183460709639638172noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-59080540366083491822011-06-07T13:37:33.329-07:002011-06-07T13:37:33.329-07:00And here is another question: if we really want a...And here is another question: if we really want a policy that says we can leave millions on the table, as long as we are selling to someone who will use more than 50% of the building for educational purposes, why doesn't the policy require (or at least encourage) lease-to-own arrangements, where we first LEASE the building, with purchase options, to these do-gooders who come beguiling with promises of the great things they will do. Give them a year, maybe two years, to get their programs up and running. Then audit the operations to confirm that they had the means, and the desire, to carry out the plan. <br /><br />THEN put in all the language that Mr. English included -- so that if they don't continue to maintain those uses for X years, at X levels, they pay a penalty. <br /><br />We lease buildings left and right. Why not this building under these circumstances -- with millions of dollars at risk if the buyer didn't perform?Janhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09923777229601243321noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-70133299312271443702011-06-07T13:32:48.258-07:002011-06-07T13:32:48.258-07:00Yep, Jan, that was the language I was looking for ...Yep, Jan, that was the language I was looking for but didn't see it in so many words. Interestingly, the link to the board agenda is broken but you can find the draft agreement <a href="http://district.seattleschools.org/modules/groups/homepagefiles/cms/1583136/File/Departmental%20Content/general%20counsel/property%20management/mlk101008purchaseandsaleagreement.pdf?sessionid=425fb34ada4c249f95407f0413c13045" rel="nofollow">here</a> <br /><br />More background info is <a href="http://district.seattleschools.org/modules/cms/pages.phtml?sessionid=425fb34ada4c249f95407f0413c13045&pageid=222336&sessionid=425fb34ada4c249f95407f0413c13045" rel="nofollow">here</a>mirmac1https://www.blogger.com/profile/10183460709639638172noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-29688992458667137852011-06-07T13:03:07.732-07:002011-06-07T13:03:07.732-07:00Thanks for the information mirmac. Obviously, you...Thanks for the information mirmac. Obviously, you can't post the entire contract in little bites (well, theoretically, maybe you could :>)) but it is interesting to note that none of the quoted sections give any indication that recission is available as a remedy. If not, we'd best get busy enforcing those penalties!<br /><br />And the CCC, which pretty clearly has standing as a damaged entity in the bid process, should continue to press for recission.Janhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09923777229601243321noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-56595509826323158082011-06-07T12:44:07.739-07:002011-06-07T12:44:07.739-07:00The question is, did Ron English as Property lawye...The question is, did Ron English as Property lawyer, enforce the provision for penalty payments due from FAME for not complying with the agreement on December 31, 2010?<br /><br />Doubt it. That is a gift of public funds.<br /><br />WV: blechmirmac1https://www.blogger.com/profile/10183460709639638172noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-86752540059690031722011-06-07T12:38:22.994-07:002011-06-07T12:38:22.994-07:006. Term of Agreement, Release and Termination.
6.1...6. Term of Agreement, Release and Termination.<br />6.1 This Agreement shall commence and become effective upon the date hereof and shall terminate on the earlier to occur of (a) the fortieth (40th) anniversary of this Agreement, at which time this Agreement shall automatically expire; <b>or (b) the recording of an instrument executed by the Superintendent of Grantee expressly terminating this Agreement;</b> provided, however, that the execution and delivery of such instrument shall not be necessary for or a prerequisite to the termination of this Agreement in accordance with its terms.mirmac1https://www.blogger.com/profile/10183460709639638172noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-82718121582455480972011-06-07T12:35:00.265-07:002011-06-07T12:35:00.265-07:00(cont.)
(iii) with respect to the five classrooms...(cont.)<br /><br />(iii) with respect to the five classrooms, the difference between the number of classrooms actually available for rent to youth and social service organizations and the five classrooms assumed, times the difference between the actual net rent charged for those spaces and one half the market rent, as determined above, adjusted appropriately for changes in market rental rates and conditions from December 31, 2010 to the date of determination; the parties agree that, as of December 31, 2010, the market rent for such classrooms was $12 per square foot per year, triple net.<br /><br />The date of determination shall be December 31 each year. The Value-Sharing Payment shall be due and payable to Grantee (plus interest from the date of the determination in paragraph 3.b. above to the date of payment at a rate equal to the 10 year U.S. Treasury Bill) annually for any year that the Assumed Conditions are not satisfied.mirmac1https://www.blogger.com/profile/10183460709639638172noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-37371116190363920652011-06-07T12:34:14.737-07:002011-06-07T12:34:14.737-07:00Portion of draft agreement:
3.
Value Sharing Paym...Portion of draft agreement:<br /><br />3.<br />Value Sharing Payment Calculation. In the event that Grantor or its successor-in-interest operates or develops the Property contrary to any of the Assumed Conditions during the term of the Agreement, then Grantee shall be entitled to receive the following annual payment (the “Value-Sharing Payment”) from Grantor (or its successor) calculated as a dollar amount equal to:<br />(i) with respect to the gym space: the difference between the number of hours of actual rent free availability and the assumed hours of youth education and social services use in paragraph 2(b), times $20 per hour, adjusted for changes to the consumer price index for Seattle, from December 31, 2010 to the date of determination;<br />(ii) with respect to the auditorium space: the difference between the number of hours of actual rent free availability and the assumed hours of youth education and social services use in paragraph 2(b), times $10 per hour, adjusted for changes to the consumer price index for Seattle, from December 31, 2010 to the date of determination;<br /><br />(cont.)mirmac1https://www.blogger.com/profile/10183460709639638172noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-50227389625756609852011-06-07T11:56:41.871-07:002011-06-07T11:56:41.871-07:00If the ST doesn't want new board members, why ...If the ST doesn't want new board members, why the timing of this article? The SAO investigation has not been completed, the ST does not have access to it. So much of what is written is still speculation, not necessarily aligned with what the SAO will conclude. So the only reason I can think for the timing of this right now is to spur new candidates to file. Otherwise it is old news. We blog readers have known since the beginning that they accepted a low bid, that Stephens was involved in the church and that the money came from taxpayers. Also the Mad Valley CC folks made it clear at board testimony that they had done due diligence into the FAME claims to seriously question what FAME would do for the property (ie, they did not intend services, just office space and bingo, they were correct). <br /><br />Recall that based on a Hotline complaint from Chris Jackins, the SAO did investigate the sale of Queen Anne High and determined that it violated state law. But recall also that the SAO has no enforcement authority. It reports, we act. Most contracts cannot be broken simply because one side violated the law. If this one does have some recourse, then we might have some leverage. <br /><br />How well will the SAO conclusions match the ST? That remains to be seen.Dorothy Nevillehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17108759281089768738noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-66823589680389198402011-06-07T11:43:29.945-07:002011-06-07T11:43:29.945-07:00Melissa: your point on the contract is correct. ...Melissa: your point on the contract is correct. Ordinarily, recission (undoing the deal) is NOT a contract remedy -- damages is the normal remedy. The wronged party is entitled to be compensated for the damage suffered by reason of the breach. But if the contract specifically spells out recission as a possible remedy, it may be available. And, there are specific cases (including fraud, mutual mistake, etc.) that permit recission as a common law remedy. In addition, there may be statutory, constitutional, or other considerations where, as here, public assets may have been disposed of at less than fair market value.<br /><br />I think the SSD should pursue the failure by FAME to use the building as contracted. I also think the parties most damaged here may have been Bush and the CCC, and it would be great if they would pursue the contracting/bid irregularities, etc. They were entitled to a fair and legal process.Janhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09923777229601243321noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-61256515604630637502011-06-07T11:36:01.329-07:002011-06-07T11:36:01.329-07:00I think Charlie has a good point on the Times'...I think Charlie has a good point on the Times' relative distaste for criticism of the Board (as opposed to specific District employees, especially if they can tie them back to the now-departed MGJ. From the few times when I have had "inside knowledge" of REAL events -- and then watched the news report them, I have no problem believing that the ST can get any number of facts wrong, and can draw seriously inappropriate and misguided conclusions. <br /><br />I am no Ron English fan. And I am one (of many) who questioned the propriety and "bona fides" of the MLK deal from day one -- I would rather have seen it go to EITHER of the other bidders, but Bush in particular, because of the money issue. <br /><br />That said -- we know Mr. English DID try to flag issues in Pottergate, only to be told that Fred Stephens was his "ceiling" and he had no further recourse upwards. I was intrigued by the post that suggested English's original recommendation had been Bush's bid. While nothing permits an employee to hide behind ethical lapses, once your "boss" has told you that the real quest is to get to position X, it is not unreasonable for an employee to try to see if there is not a reasonable way, within the boundaries of the law, to get to position X. Ron is not the decision maker. He is the decision implementer. <br /><br />I don't know the guy. I am inclined NOT to think highly of him, just because he keeps popping up in compromised deals. But I can't hang him based on the ST story -- because I think ST is also compromised here. Mr. English may be a snake (and I suspect there are people who REALLY know -- and know the answer to this, but I am not one), or he may be one more body thrown under the bus by the REAL manipulators at the District, who run the contracts and deals for the benefit of THEIR friends, rather than for the benefit of taxpayers and Seattle's children. Should he have quit in protest? Maybe so, but his ethical responsibilities to his "client" -- the SSD would have made it impossible for him to rat out his employer in any case -- and we never would have known any more than we do now. <br /><br />But is it also possible that the ST has decided that they will just make him the scapegoat -- drawing attention away from the Board's role? This whole thing had such an air of unreality -- of decisions detatched from facts, of forces at work that weren't being acknowledged -- at the time of the vote. It was/is the Board's job to vet this stuff, to look closer, to invite further debate. There was NO timeline on this. NO reason not to shelve it for 3 to 6 months, if they needed to, to sort out the influences, to give the CCC a chance to push back on what they claimed was an unfair process. Kay and Harium were right to vote no. Why can we never get four "thinking brains" on the Board to act at any one time?Janhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09923777229601243321noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-66732563169249118812011-06-07T09:21:36.024-07:002011-06-07T09:21:36.024-07:00"The school district is developing a grim rep..."The school district is developing a grim reputation for sloppy stewardship of tax dollars. A legacy with consequences."<br /><br />Absolutely. We need a board that will hold the district accountable for operations and finances. <br /><br />Anyone willing to run against Peter Maier? Anyone from Wedgewood? Filing takes place THIS week.Kathynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-28718792429878342722011-06-07T08:20:16.926-07:002011-06-07T08:20:16.926-07:00It's also been picked up by other local news o...It's also been picked up by other local news outlets beyond ST - however, it's not that unusual for the online high profile stories to disappear into harder to find places, so I'm not sure I'd read all that much into this.someonenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-39073261073412369312011-06-07T07:36:46.355-07:002011-06-07T07:36:46.355-07:00Charlie,
FWIW, the AME/MLK story was front page n...Charlie,<br /><br />FWIW, the AME/MLK story was front page news of the print edition, with a pretty big headline across the front of the paper.<br /><br />But yes, by yesterday afternoon, the online version of the story seemed to have been almost buried on the site.suep.https://www.blogger.com/profile/17281578510716234624noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-10832701522078615452011-06-07T07:29:40.455-07:002011-06-07T07:29:40.455-07:00Paul
I would begin, by asking Don Neilsen's p...Paul<br /><br />I would begin, by asking Don Neilsen's protege Dick Lily to write a puff piece on Crosscut about how its all the anti-reform folks' fault.<br /><br />Lily can't wash the stink off his hands by just sitting on the sidelines either.Noamnoreply@blogger.com