tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post4073560176856279477..comments2024-03-28T23:38:22.511-07:00Comments on Seattle Schools Community Forum: This and That (and Things that Make you go, Hmmmm)Melissa Westbrookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17179994245880629080noreply@blogger.comBlogger22125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-65710678811506980642014-12-23T14:20:49.712-08:002014-12-23T14:20:49.712-08:00Melissa and all:
"Capacity flexibility"...Melissa and all:<br /><br />"Capacity flexibility" is a line item in the BEX IV program budget. <br /><br />- What it funds/what it's for: Supports the addition of capacity/seats to the new elementary campuses in BEX IV, from 490 seats/school to 660 seats/school. The school-specific program budgets fund 490 seats and core spaces to support 660 seats. Calling out "Capacity Flexibility" as a discrete line item provides ... well, flexibility in the planning and execution of the BEX IV elementary school projects.<br /><br />I hope the blog posts an update on this topic. There was a lot of speculation - and, to be blunt misinformation - flying around.<br /><br />As always, feel to contact me at jawolf@seattleschools.orgJoe Wolfhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16747791661117554332noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-8204883376513451432014-12-22T09:33:52.391-08:002014-12-22T09:33:52.391-08:00The big push at the retreat was to actually RAISE ...The big push at the retreat was to actually RAISE the thresholds for staff and Board approvals. The board is already in the dark on many issues - this would just aggravate that situation.<br /><br />Some on the board are pounding the "governance" drum, but seem to have short memories when it comes to "lack of oversight" and internal controls.mirmac1https://www.blogger.com/profile/10183460709639638172noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-31160859825752509652014-12-22T09:29:02.211-08:002014-12-22T09:29:02.211-08:00I attended the retreat and I'm angry...?I attended the retreat and I'm angry...? mirmac1https://www.blogger.com/profile/10183460709639638172noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-9472502196017230572014-12-21T18:06:25.196-08:002014-12-21T18:06:25.196-08:00Yes, Melissa, it would be nice for the board to re...Yes, Melissa, it would be nice for the board to receive a list of expenditures. It would be as simple as putting expenditures in the Friday Report.<br /><br />Let's face it, we've seen Tolley making "bridge loans" for prek junkets. The board needs to be made aware of these issues.<br /><br />IMO, high level administrators have the ability to blast through millions of dollars. Not cool.End Runnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-43421780910426172802014-12-21T18:00:17.091-08:002014-12-21T18:00:17.091-08:00When will Toner and Nyland bring the prek intiatit...When will Toner and Nyland bring the prek intiatitve to the Operations Committee?<br /><br />The city has worked with BERK consulting, and they have ALL information regarding enrollment, capacity etc., and a plan to locate prek within Seattle Public Schools. This information is available NOW.<br /><br />The city's prek program will impact facilities, teaching and learning, enrollment, finance, Assessment, Data and Research, and possibly transportation.<br /><br />When will these issues be brought to committee?<br /><br />The city's will pay SPS for space, but Audit and Finance Committee should get ALL information regarding payment etc.<br /><br />Then, of course, the Curriculum and Instruction Committee should be informed about prek alignment through 5th grade.<br /><br />The above committees should hear about the city's initiative and the impact on SPS BEFORE a partnership agreement is signed.<br /><br />As per usual, I'm sure the work will be shoddy and there will be an attempt to ram the Partnership Agreement before elements and impact to SPS is understood.Transparency Pleasenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-26407395232175019022014-12-21T17:48:51.686-08:002014-12-21T17:48:51.686-08:00Here is the letter:
December 18, 2014
Dear Paren...Here is the letter:<br /><br />December 18, 2014<br /><br />Dear Parent/Guardian,<br />A serious error was made recently. On December 8, 2014, the student transcripts of the Ballard High School senior class were inadvertently sent by a Counselor through email to a Ballard High School parent and the admissions office of Western Washington University. Immediate action was taken as soon as the school was informed of the error in order to minimize any risk to our students. As a result, both recipients have confirmed in writing that they deleted the data and did not disclose or use it in any way.<br /><br />As a result of this incident, we have reviewed our transcript release processes and educated our staff on best practices to avoid this from happening again. These protocols include searching for transcripts one at a time when it is to be shared and establishing an expectation of double checking personal information to be shared is accurate before it is shared with anyone else. Furthermore, we will continue to review all practices related to the sharing of student information for issues that could potentially lead to similar problems.<br /><br />The transcripts released in error have been deleted and are no longer in the possession of any private parties outside the district. <br /><br />Questions can be sent to kswyncoop@seattleschools.org or you can also call 206-252-1000.<br /><br />I apologize for this error and we will continue to work on safeguarding student records. <br /><br />Sincerely,<br />Keven Wyncoop<br />Principal Jamienoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-84338969963982796532014-12-21T15:15:14.184-08:002014-12-21T15:15:14.184-08:00Thank you Jamie. I suppose that, if its as good a...Thank you Jamie. I suppose that, if its as good as BHS senior fams, it should be sent as quickly, if not more so, to SpEd and RHS families.mirmac1https://www.blogger.com/profile/10183460709639638172noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-2013372016934847062014-12-21T13:38:33.206-08:002014-12-21T13:38:33.206-08:00Mirmac, I rec'd the letter from Principal Wynk...Mirmac, I rec'd the letter from Principal Wynkoop as well - I believe it was just sent to the BHS senior class. I'll type it up (it's not all that long) and post it here for you when I get home. Jamienoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-71880932109229982122014-12-21T13:35:41.877-08:002014-12-21T13:35:41.877-08:00End-Run, yes, I agree that a list of approved expe...End-Run, yes, I agree that a list of approved expenditures should be given to the Board on a monthly basis (anything over say, $150K). Not for approval but for oversight.Melissa Westbrookhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17179994245880629080noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-33062855196240477392014-12-21T12:46:18.840-08:002014-12-21T12:46:18.840-08:00Interesting comments regarding cost run-overs in e...Interesting comments regarding cost run-overs in excess of $250K. <br /><br />It is time for the board to grapple and get-a- hold of these issues.<br /><br />Administrators should not have the ability to spend $250K. I propose the board be made aware of ALL expenditures. It doesn't take much...just a simple list.End-Runnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-84244342174242260932014-12-21T12:37:20.971-08:002014-12-21T12:37:20.971-08:00Pg five here:
http://www.seattleschools.org/modul...Pg five here:<br /><br />http://www.seattleschools.org/modules/groups/homepagefiles/cms/1583136/File/Departmental%20Content/procurement%20and%20distribution%20services/matrix.pdf?sessionid=b763c5870ac37f7d0f3717957310273d<br /><br />Budget transfers do not require Supt or Board review or approval. I registered my strong concerns about this before Enfield signed it but, meh.mirmac1https://www.blogger.com/profile/10183460709639638172noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-25102443535409692562014-12-21T12:31:15.420-08:002014-12-21T12:31:15.420-08:00re: Ballard
Actually, the SpEd PTSA Board recomme...re: Ballard<br /><br />Actually, the SpEd PTSA Board recommended that every SpEd and/or Roosevelt family receive a letter detailing the specific information released. We reviewed a draft - but have yet to see it get mailed. Don't know what the thinking is. It's not like these things age gracefully....<br /><br />I'm sure not every Ballard family has computers, speaks English as a first language, or checks email. I would be curious to see this letter - and inquire about the whereabouts of the over 7400 breach last month.mirmac1https://www.blogger.com/profile/10183460709639638172noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-86072834732552337252014-12-21T12:14:31.284-08:002014-12-21T12:14:31.284-08:00English just makes this %#@&% up. According t...English just makes this %#@&% up. According to Attachment one of SP 6220.A:<br /><br />"Although there is no requirement for School Board approval just because an amendment or modification causes the total contract value to exceed $250,000, the School Board must be notified through the appropriate Board committee once a contract amendment or modification causes the contract value to exceed $250,000. In addition, the contract amendment or modification process shall not be used to circumvent the requirement for School Board approval, by splitting a single contract or activity into multiple actions to reduce the amount below applicable dollar thresholds."<br /><br />For grants, the $250K approval limit applies to:<br /><br />"Amount is based on total multiyear payment to District, or District commitment to expend funds, whichever is greater"<br /><br />No, "it would be good" or latest lying hogwash. Given that the KC "grant" was supplemented later (into the same grant account, most assuredly), that made it a grant of greater than $250K which, under policy, requires Board approval. DeDecker fails to distinguish between grant and contract modification in her tortured explanation. <br /><br />The nurse must've have had some previously unknown space-age method of maintaining sanitary conditions.mirmac1https://www.blogger.com/profile/10183460709639638172noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-41983941591706377822014-12-21T09:02:05.501-08:002014-12-21T09:02:05.501-08:00No, Blanford attends the Operations Ctm meetings b...No, Blanford attends the Operations Ctm meetings but Peaslee was suggesting that he also attended the BEX Oversight Committee meetings. <br /><br />Ballard Furious, that's absolutely a violation of FERPA. A couple of things:<br /><br />1) Peters is concerned about this as am I. I have told the Board all is not well in this area and the IT people told them it is so there you are. <br /><br />I think these data breaches should tell them otherwise about the lax thinking on this issue.<br /><br />2) I am working on a bill for the WA state legislature (probably not this session as it may be all McCleary, all the time plus 1351) for student data protection. Several other states have passed them and others are pending. <br /><br />3) You got a hard copy letter? I'm not sure all the Sped families involved in the massive data breach have gotten one. Nyland told me translating the letter was hard. I'll have to ask again. <br /><br />4) Arne Duncan weakened the FERPA law and the whole thing needs overhauling. Some prominent companies are trying to get out in front so that they can press for change the way THEY want it but I say for student data, ask parents. More on this to come.Melissa Westbrookhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17179994245880629080noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-84484898458827451022014-12-21T00:23:56.493-08:002014-12-21T00:23:56.493-08:00The Steering Committee for the Teacher Residency p...The Steering Committee for the Teacher Residency program includes, Nyland, Stritikus, Sarah Morris and Jonathan KnappMianoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-40660176293656107312014-12-21T00:08:02.512-08:002014-12-21T00:08:02.512-08:00I am in agreement regarding the Alliance for Educa...I am in agreement regarding the Alliance for Education, MOU and CBA. <br /><br />Are you saying that Blanford sits on the Operations committee, but doesn't attend the meetings?Watchingnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-21496099098568275752014-12-21T00:07:49.518-08:002014-12-21T00:07:49.518-08:00I am in agreement regarding the Alliance for Educa...I am in agreement regarding the Alliance for Education, MOU and CBA. <br /><br />Are you saying that Blanford sits on the Operations committee, but doesn't attend the meetings?Watchingnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-64676083149621814002014-12-20T21:27:36.090-08:002014-12-20T21:27:36.090-08:00" A serious error was made recently. On Decem...<i>" A serious error was made recently. On December 8, 2014, the student transcripts of the Ballard High School senior class were inadvertently sent by a Counselor through email to a Ballard High School parent and the admissions office of Western Washington University."<br /><br />....This is a FERPA violation, yes? And the timing of this letter - delivered by snail mail - stinks!<br /></i><br /><br />FERPA covers "<a href="http://www.registrar.psu.edu/confidentiality/FERPA_faq.cfm#1" rel="nofollow">educational records</a>" -- grades, classes, contact info, etc, of students. I don't know if it covers student names (that would be an issue for school yearbooks). So, <b>yes, that is a FERPA violation.</b><br /><br />Some reactions:<br />1. It's good that the school admitted this via snail mail (instead of e-mail) before the media broke the story and forced them too. Ahem, Dr. Nyland...<br /><br />2. It sounds like this may have been caused by the same error as the SPED FERPA violation -- attachments embedded into pdfs. I'm just speculating here, but I'm having trouble thinking of how so many records would otherwise be disclosed via email by accident.<br /><br />3. This is Seattle, the land of software companies. There have to be plenty of SPS parents with expertise in digital security. The district could put together a task force to fix any security holes in SPS and come up with a training so that staff don't accidentally keep sending out confidential student information. (Until the SPED FERPA disclosure, I myself wouldn't have known that you could embed files in pdfs, so thank goodness that I don't handle much confidential information at work.)<br /><br />Really, this is something where the district ought to employ a contractor to fix the problems -- because student privacy is a <i>right</i>, not an "extra"-- but using parent volunteers might get the problem fixed sooner. There certainly was little urgency to fix the problems after the SPED FERPA leak. Did the investigation Peters proposed ever get started?cmjhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02451641218340300556noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-35119906675863866092014-12-20T21:03:46.774-08:002014-12-20T21:03:46.774-08:00Lynne, that's fine but how come the Board does...Lynne, that's fine but how come the Board doesn't know this? How come, when staff was explaining this to the Ctm, they didn't say that? <br /><br />That there is no clear line of explanation - for either voters or the Board - is troubling.<br /><br />Staff has it within its power to explain this spending clearly - all the BEX spending - and they choose not to do so.Melissa Westbrookhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17179994245880629080noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-13193519318714404922014-12-20T20:57:28.172-08:002014-12-20T20:57:28.172-08:00Melissa,
Page four of this monthly update report ...Melissa,<br /><br />Page four of this <a href="http://bex.seattleschools.org/assets/bulkUpload/BEX-IV-Monthly-Update-November-2014.pdf" rel="nofollow">monthly update report</a> shows that the original BEX IV budget included almost $20,000,000 for capacity flexibility. I think these funds are to be used when the original budgeted cost of a project is insufficient. $12,000,000 has already been used.Lynnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-57700519190171298132014-12-20T20:13:51.190-08:002014-12-20T20:13:51.190-08:00"So basically, the Board, if they okay this, ..."So basically, the Board, if they okay this, will be saying that a downtown school is more important than on-going needs in current buildings."<br /><br />Grrrr, indeed! I guess this means I'll be writing yet another letter to the Board (and whomever they forward them to). <br /><br />I'm confused about the epipen issue. Each year, for the last 6 years, I have supplied my son's elementary school with 2 epipens, along with his other asthma and allergy meds (he is allergic to peanuts). His meds and his paperwork are to be at the school by the first day. I was not aware that the school had epipens on-hand (though it sounds like a good idea)...or is this just for middle and/or high schools?<br /><br />Oh, and it is just plain ridiculous to suggest that an epipen be delivered to the school. There is not time for that nonsense. It's bad enough that the epipens are kept in the school office, and not with the classroom teacher. I would hope they would call 911 (which they should be doing anyway!) if they aren't going to have epipens on hand. <br /><br />- North-end MomAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-18604855326916224112014-12-20T19:06:26.226-08:002014-12-20T19:06:26.226-08:00To be filed under things that make you go, "G...To be filed under things that make you go, "Grrrr...."<br /><br />Families who have seniors at Ballard High School got an upsetting notice today - from the letter:<br /><br />" A serious error was made recently. On December 8, 2014, the student transcripts of the Ballard High School senior class were inadvertently sent by a Counselor through email to a Ballard High School parent and the admissions office of Western Washington University." <br /><br />The letter goes on to that the "...transcripts released in error have been deleted and are no longer in the possession of any private parties outside the district." <br /><br />This is a FERPA violation, yes? And the timing of this letter - delivered by snail mail - stinks!<br /><br />Ballard FuriousAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com