tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post1197832366260723613..comments2024-03-18T16:51:10.406-07:00Comments on Seattle Schools Community Forum: Preschool/Families&Education - City Continues to Expand in SPSMelissa Westbrookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17179994245880629080noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-46321798139576552652015-04-09T23:49:55.260-07:002015-04-09T23:49:55.260-07:00It is more than creepy that Seattle's Mayor- E...It is more than creepy that Seattle's Mayor- Ed Murray- hired Jesus Aguirre for the Parks Department.<br /><br />Aguirre worked as Superintendent of Operations in Washington DC under Michelle Rhee's watch. He owned a charter school and worked as Superintendent of Washington DC schools.<br /><br />Arguirre does have parks experience, but I find his extensive experience in education a bit concerning- especially since we see a mini Arne Duncan in Burgess, and we're seeing more Family and Education dollars being used in a different manner.<br /><br />http://blogs.seattletimes.com/today/2015/02/jesus-aguirre-is-seattle-mayors-nominee-for-new-parks-department-superintendent/<br /><br />Rumor: Holly Miller will leave Murray's brand new Department of Education. Who will fill Miller's spot? It is worth watching to see whether or not Murray places Aguirre into the city's education department.<br /><br />We all know that Murray/Burgess seek mayoral control of public education.<br /><br />It is time to reign in the city. Yet, Nyland has proven himself to carry water for the Gates Foundation (by asking the board to consider becoming a charter school authorizer). Would Nyland help the Gates Foundation transfer governance systems to the city?<br /><br />The city has enough staff to run SPS and I've never felt comfortable with the city hiring 42 individuals for their prek program.Very Creepynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-40022237443551636522015-04-09T22:00:40.354-07:002015-04-09T22:00:40.354-07:00Yes, interesting that between the work session on ...Yes, interesting that between the work session on the F&E levy and the work session on charter schools, no one at the table ever asked or raised the issue of whether F&E dollars HAVE to go to any charters in Seattle.<br /><br />The language of the charter law is somewhat vague on this point.Melissa Westbrookhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17179994245880629080noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-33596852909148395692015-04-09T21:31:53.304-07:002015-04-09T21:31:53.304-07:00The Families and Education Levy was intended to he...The Families and Education Levy was intended to help fill in the social services gaps that existed thanks to the lack of state funding. It originally funded valuable "wraparound services" like before and after school tutoring, school based health clinics, and more. These services are extremely important and make a big difference.<br /><br />The 2011 Levy was sold to voters on those lines. Unfortunately, the Levy has morphed into something different under Tim Burgess. It now is a vehicle for imposing standardized tests and all sorts of other undesired education reform policies on our schools. Burgess and Holly Miller even wants to give Levy funds to charter schools, despite strong and deep opposition among Seattle residents to charter schools. They also refused to provide desperately needed funding from the Levy to Rainier Beach High School for several years.<br /><br />The city has lost its way on the Levy, and it is in danger of failing to meet its original objectives of filling in the gaps and providing important services. We need to urge all City Council candidates in this year's elections to fight against this trend and restore the original promise and purpose of the Levy. <br /><br />The Councilmembers elected this year will shape the next Levy when it comes up for renewal in 2018. They need to step up and rein in the DEEL, and it is up to us to insist that they do so.Robert Cruickshankhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06906581839066570472noreply@blogger.com