tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post565104716026165603..comments2024-03-18T16:51:10.406-07:00Comments on Seattle Schools Community Forum: Sundquist Concedes; Maier Still Squeaking ByMelissa Westbrookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17179994245880629080noreply@blogger.comBlogger55125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-83958560395281019242011-11-16T10:09:09.170-08:002011-11-16T10:09:09.170-08:00Ya gotta make it "handily defeats," Arch...Ya gotta make it "handily defeats," Arch. The knife must be twisted!<br /><br />Scrawny KayakerAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-53275838320649672622011-11-15T19:14:37.363-08:002011-11-15T19:14:37.363-08:00Thanks for the long list, Suep. There are a few n...Thanks for the long list, Suep. There are a few numbers in there that I would love to know more about -- but it serves as a succinct statement of why so many of us voted against experienced incumbents, in favor of unknown and untested challengers.Janhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09923777229601243321noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-71541122530400298212011-11-15T19:13:01.172-08:002011-11-15T19:13:01.172-08:00RosieReader: you are correct, of course, that who...RosieReader: you are correct, of course, that whoever wins (between Peter and Sharon) -- and for that matter, Marty as well -- needs to avoid the silly "mandate" mindset and genuinely govern in the best interests of all of Seattle's kids and taxpayers. But it sure would have been nice to hear that sentiment from you when Maier was ahead and it looked as though Sharon had lost. Because I haven't seen or heard anything from Peter acknowledging, in any way, the closeness of the vote for his Position, the unusualness of having someone get the number of votes Sharon has gotten (in light of Peter's fund raising prowess, his incumbency, his intelligence and business contacts, etc.) It would have been great to hear from you any worry that Peter would not take his re-election as a "mandate" to continue his former performance -- because it certainly was NOT one (Seattle Times drivel notwithstanding).<br /><br /> It will not work well for the District if Marty (and Sharon, if her numbers hold) come in with a man-the-barriers, take-no-prisoners approach to getting along with the other board members or the staff on contentious issues. On the other hand -- they challenged well financed, well connected incumbents -- and at least one of them won. Whatever "signal" or "mandate" that confers, it surely is NOT a "mandate" to step to the table and mindlessly vote for and approve every steaming plate that the staff serves up, regardless of whether they have answered any questions, done any analysis, followed any laws or policies, etc. But in any case, I haven't sensed that Marty (or Sharon, if she wins) is likely to let winning by close margins rush to her head and go off half cocked. <br /><br />The "mandate" problem -- if anyone had one -- was MGJ's problem. From her words and actions, I feel like she had a clear sense that she somehow had a "mandate" to come in, tear everything apart, and redo it all in a "Broad" mold. I believe that organizations like LEV encouraged her (and the board) to believe in that mandate, despite the fact that the votes did not support it -- because it came from the big foundations instead. It is Broad and Gates (and TfA, and Arne Duncan, etc. etc.) who are attempting to confer a "mandate" on Districts who are willing to follow the ed reform model. <br /><br />What I DO think is that Marty (and Sharon) if she wins have a mandate to listen to the voters (and not to the checkbooks of big ed) and govern in the best interests of Seattle's children and taxpayers. If she/they get on the board and discover that other board members believe that they represent someone/something else -- then yes, I hope there ARE fireworks.Janhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09923777229601243321noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-89312644296945865932011-11-15T17:39:16.892-08:002011-11-15T17:39:16.892-08:00Aw shucks, I'm just a hack, but thanks.Aw shucks, I'm just a hack, but thanks.ArchStantonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10746480698492983438noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-62140800360718675602011-11-15T17:01:30.980-08:002011-11-15T17:01:30.980-08:00am truly impressed with your Photoshop skills Arch...am truly impressed with your Photoshop skills Arch!<br /><br />SGAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-62097565062172844342011-11-15T16:41:42.917-08:002011-11-15T16:41:42.917-08:00Maybe this photoshop is a little premature, but if...Maybe <a href="http://tinyurl.com/7oebx44" rel="nofollow">this photoshop</a> is a little premature, but if the Seattle Times can do it, so can I.<br /><br />/It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas, la, la-la, la, la...ArchStantonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10746480698492983438noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-87315800828979635062011-11-15T16:39:06.160-08:002011-11-15T16:39:06.160-08:00Looks like a few of us are just sitting in front o...Looks like a few of us are just sitting in front of the computer:<br /><br /><br /><br />Peter Maier 67294 49.80%<br /><br />Sharon Peaslee 67385 49.87%<br /><br />Write-in 452 0.33%Laurahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03368628329430186817noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-27597700070939596392011-11-15T14:51:55.926-08:002011-11-15T14:51:55.926-08:00its time to work together and find middle ground f...<i>its time to work together and find middle ground for all.</i><br /><br />Okay, I'll bite. What's middle ground?<br /><br />I don't think anybody wants a dysfunctional board. In fact, I'd venture the vote here would be 100% against. This board got along incredibly well, but overreached and pushed too hard to impose their "vision" on the community, instead of responding to a variety of diverse needs. Does middle ground mean less testing & standardization? More accountability & asserting itself into staff matters? Or how about this: Requiring actual, real follow-up to questions asked of staff who answer: "I'll get back to you on that" - which has come to mean (realistically) - "That's all I'm saying on the subject. Adios!"<br /><br />Maybe instead of discussing middle ground, I should ask a simpler question: "What changes do people see with Marty apparently coming onto the Board?" <br /><br />For me, I want a board more actively engaged, and engaging of the community, in curriculum & instruction decisions. WSDWGAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-58259380372399614152011-11-15T14:34:32.248-08:002011-11-15T14:34:32.248-08:00I can't believe that ECB@Publicola would ackno...I can't believe that ECB@Publicola would acknowledge the developments of the District One School Board race.<br /><br />First, Ms. Barnett misreported and didn't correct Thursday's ballot count percentages. Secondly on Monday she said that the only election that was remotely up in the air was the Sundquist-McLaren one. <br /><br />That Ms. Barnett would actually acknowledge that one school board election count isn't over/certified, instead of assembling writing samples for a local "Comical Ali/Iraqi Information Minister" job (is she an Eve Harrington to Lynne Varner's Margo Channing?) is mind-boggling. <br /><br /><i>If election results are so close, a challenge by the loser must be in order.</i><br /><br />An automatic recount of ballots occurs if the vote difference is smaller than 2000, as in right now, or if the spread percentage is smaller than half a percent. I wonder if the runner-up will get a holiday card from Dino Rossi this year.<br /><br />WV: "ended". Enh, let's wait to see what 4:30 pm brings. Maybe a death knell, maybe not.Mazda Isphahannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-55928171235605294802011-11-15T14:34:28.285-08:002011-11-15T14:34:28.285-08:00I think one could interpret the "sharon says ...I think one could interpret the "sharon says she got 60%" comment to mean that 60% of <b>HER</b> votes came in over the weekend - not that she got 60% of the total -<br /><br />Things are just too squeaky close to call yet from what I can see - when the dust settles we can all argue till we're blue in the face over how it "should" have turned out etc.<br /><br /> In the meantime, I agree with the poster who said hopefully whichever side wins, they will acknowledge there were no landslide mandates -its time to work together and find middle ground for all.someonenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-17873445962335414722011-11-15T14:32:22.692-08:002011-11-15T14:32:22.692-08:00Well suep, I care what Sharon says because it'...Well suep, I care what Sharon says because it's a squeaker and she may be representing me. <br /><br />WSDWG. Not sure who "my crowd" is in your estimation, though I'd be interested to learn. I hope they're nice people. I'm not sure why you think I was putting the kibosh on suep. Suep posted in response to me,k with a post that seemed intended to prove me wrong in some way. So I felt it well within the spirit of the discussion to say i didn't find her argument persuasive.RosieReaderhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16509678140588070623noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-46143570975536861182011-11-15T14:22:30.209-08:002011-11-15T14:22:30.209-08:00Signature verified but not counted yet. 4 challeng...Signature verified but not counted yet. 4 challenger votes from me.<br /><br />Public School ParentAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-5700140678590132002011-11-15T13:53:54.686-08:002011-11-15T13:53:54.686-08:00Publicola chimes in
on Maier v. Peaslee.<a href="http://publicola.com/2011/11/15/another-school-board-incumbent-could-be-in-trouble/" rel="nofollow">Publicola chimes in</a><br /> on Maier v. Peaslee.dan dempseyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15536720661510933983noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-30947200821269684282011-11-15T13:18:40.567-08:002011-11-15T13:18:40.567-08:00What about the "missing" ballots?
If el...What about the "missing" ballots?<br /><br />If election results are so close, a challenge by the loser must be in order.<br /><br />-JC.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-51873580644253176962011-11-15T11:57:56.948-08:002011-11-15T11:57:56.948-08:00RosieReader states:
"DWE reports she actuall...RosieReader states:<br /><br />"DWE reports she actually got 53.9%. Both Jack and DWE are reputable posters, though, so I'm assuming both are correct in their statements."<br /><br />It appears RosieReader has not done any calculations. It also appears RosieReader is ready to bash the challenger based on assumptions. Interesting. You know what they say about assumptions.Disgustednoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-21637687855467088622011-11-15T11:43:18.954-08:002011-11-15T11:43:18.954-08:00Not trying to change your mind, RosieR, just stati...Not trying to change your mind, RosieR, just stating some real numbers that actually matter, especially considering the fact that these make up the record of the three incumbents who may be with us for another four years. I for one don't want four more years of these kinds of numbers.<br /><br />Btw, if you're so sure the election is over, why do you care what Sharon says anymore anyway?<br /><br />Yowza, WSDWG!suep.https://www.blogger.com/profile/17281578510716234624noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-81824816273554647582011-11-15T11:39:47.430-08:002011-11-15T11:39:47.430-08:00Hey Suep.: I didn't realize your post was or ...Hey Suep.: I didn't realize your post was or Rosie only. Can I read it too? <br /><br />Rosie: Is it your place to put the kibosh on what others wish to say? When did it become your duty to tell others essentially to shut up and get over it? <br /><br />Your crowd incessantly complains about others' rudeness, while constantly presuming to tell others what they can say and how. Is that not rude also? <br /><br />While I sincerely welcome your thoughts and perspectives, I don't like all the hall-monitoring and kiboshing. WSDWG<br /><br />P.S. Now, please don't lecture me on how many people I'm turning off. That's my cross to bear. Thanks.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-73480278597854540452011-11-15T11:39:17.567-08:002011-11-15T11:39:17.567-08:00Never mind. I see it is here.
My vote has been ...Never mind. I see it is <a href="http://info.kingcounty.gov/elections/MailBallotTracking.aspx" rel="nofollow"> here.</a><br /><br />My vote has been opened and my signature verified. But nope, not counted yet. That will be another one for Peaslee (reluctantly).<br /><br />-readerAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-9297229481254562392011-11-15T11:29:04.353-08:002011-11-15T11:29:04.353-08:00Hmmm. Where exactly do you look to see if your vo...Hmmm. Where exactly do you look to see if your vote has yet been counted? or not.<br /><br />-readerAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-53546600585645705392011-11-15T11:26:04.138-08:002011-11-15T11:26:04.138-08:00What's really troubling about the prior '0...What's really troubling about the prior '07 election, was the amount of cold hard cash poured into into it. The highest '03 raiser & spender was Soriano, with only 11k in cash, 21k loaned, and about 25k in in-kind contributions. On paper, it was over 70k, but the donations of cash were miniscule compared to '07, where SS, for example, raised over 110k (of 116 total) in pure free cash, much of it in 5k amounts from big, east-side donors. <br /><br />Whether the donors themselves later pulled strings or not, it sure appeared that way given how the 07 slate constantly, often indefensibly, voted as a bloc. <br /><br />I sure hope things are different this time around. WSDWGAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-2152424239406218422011-11-15T11:18:06.277-08:002011-11-15T11:18:06.277-08:00suep, the election is over. We each voted as we v...suep, the election is over. We each voted as we voted. Endlessly repeating the same stuff at this point in time isn't going to change my mind. It certainly isn't going to change my reaction to the recent exaggeration Jack reports. And when/if Jack weighs in again to say that maybe he misheard Sharon, that's not going to change my reaction either.RosieReaderhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16509678140588070623noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-28200814213138288952011-11-15T11:07:29.622-08:002011-11-15T11:07:29.622-08:00$400,000 = amount of money given to election campa...<i>$400,000 = amount of money given to election campaigns of Carr, Martin-Morris, Sundquist and Maier in 2007, breaking all past records, and much of it from a business interests.</i><br /><br />Wrong Suep! <br /><br />That number was actually $498,000 raised and spent by the GangOfFour (now GangOfThree) in 2007.<br /><br />Gotcha! WSDWGAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-65153708434420029762011-11-15T10:54:44.966-08:002011-11-15T10:54:44.966-08:00(continued)
12 = number of Seattle schools that v...(continued)<br /><br />12 = number of Seattle schools that voted No Confidence in Superintendent Goodloe-Johnson<br />Near-unanimous = percentage of Seattle Public School teachers who voted No Confidence in Goodloe-Johnson<br />20 = number of violations found by WA State auditor when it audited Seattle Public School District in 2010<br />2 = number of times school board voted to renew MGJ’s contract (including <i>after</i> the damning state audit was released)<br />$264,000 + $9,800 = amount of severance SPS paid out to Goodloe-Johnson when she was fired in March 2011.<br />$87,500 + $4,900 = amount of severance SPS paid out to fired CFO Don Kennedy<br />$400,000 = amount of money given to election campaigns of Carr, Martin-Morris, Sundquist and Maier in 2007, breaking all past records, and much of it from a business interests.<br />3 = the number of 4 incumbents who voted for Discovering math<br />17 percent = the incorrect and artificially low number of college ready high school grads cited by the school district. This false number was used to help sell Goodloe-Johnson’s failed and damaging “Strategic Plan” for Seattle’s schools.<br />63 percent = the actual number, finally corrected by the district a year or more later.<br />1 = number of school board members who questioned the 17 percent (DeBell).<br />0 = number who did anything about it.<br />5 weeks = amount of time Teach for America, Inc. recruits are trained before put in classrooms to teach. <br />0 = amount of in-class student teaching experience of Teach for America “teachers.”<br />2 = number of years TFA recruits are committed to teach.<br />6 = number of school board members who voted to approve allowing TFA recruits to teach in Seattle schools despite the abundance of qualified teachers in Seattle (Sundquist, Maier, DeBell, Carr, Martin-Morris, Smith-Blum)<br />$4,000 = annual extra fee the district must pay for TFA, Inc. to hire TFA recruits in Seattle’s public schools (in addition to paying a full teacher's salary)<br />4 = number of years the four incumbents have been on the board<br />47,000+ current enrollment in SPS<br />? = amount of planning by SPS for growing enrollment.suep.https://www.blogger.com/profile/17281578510716234624noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-49285023156401920182011-11-15T10:51:52.339-08:002011-11-15T10:51:52.339-08:00RosieReader, as this thread demonstrates, the numb...RosieReader, as this thread demonstrates, the number of ballots counted, uncounted, etc. is uncertain and confusing. So if Sharon heard or thought she got 60 percent of the weekend ballot count vote and it turns out it was less -- or more -- so what? It doesn't appear that anyone knows the exact numbers. <br /><br />Here are some definite numbers that trouble me far more. They are real and happened on the incumbents' watch, and are the reasons I voted against them:<br /><br /><b>Seattle School District – by the numbers (on the incumbents' watch)</b><br /><br />8 = number of schools closed to allegedly save $3 million/year (voted in Jan. 2009).<br />5 = number schools to be reopened at a cost of $48 million (announced in Oct. 2009)<br />$1.8 million = amount lost by Silas Potter and the Regional Small Business Development Program<br />2009 = year Peter Maier received the Sutor Report which indicated problems with Potter's program.<br />0 = number of board colleagues Maier shared this troubling info with.<br />2 = number of years before Maier spoke up about the Sutor Report (in 2011).<br />$10 million + = amount spent by the Seattle School district on the MAP test<br />90 = number of days lost of library time to MAP testing in many schools<br />110 = number of teaching coaches on the SPS payroll in 2009 (and who didn’t actually teach in classrooms)<br />172 = number of teachers laid off by the district in 2009<br />77 = number of teachers laid off by the district in 2011<br />$2.4 million paid by First AME for MLK Elementary School<br />$9.7 million offered by the Bush School for MLK<br />$7.3 million = amount left on the table by SPS<br />3 = incumbents running for reelection who voted for the sale of MLK to First AME (Sundquist, Maier, Carr)<br />$248,000 = amount of salary awarded to Maria Goodloe-Johnson when she was hired by the school district in 2007<br />1 year = amount of time before the school board voted to award Goodloe-Johnson a 10 percent raise (in 2008)<br />$264,000 = Goodloe-Johnson’s new salary in 2008<br />$150,00 = Seattle’s then-Mayor Greg Nickel’s salary<br />$163,000 = Washington State Governor Christine Gregoire’s salary<br />$10,000 = annual retirement fund awarded to Goodloe-Johnson by district, approved by the board<br />$800/month = car allowance awarded to Goodloe-Johnson by district, approved by the board<br />$5,280 = bonus awarded to MGJ by school board in 2009, during a recession, after closing schools and RIFing teachers (introduced by Board President Steve Sundquist)<br />4 out of 17 = number of performance goals Goodloe-Johnson achieved to earn the bonus<br /><br />(continued)suep.https://www.blogger.com/profile/17281578510716234624noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-48086053894878511242011-11-15T09:42:45.199-08:002011-11-15T09:42:45.199-08:00My wife's has been recieved. My signature is b...My wife's has been recieved. My signature is being challenged. We both voted for Sharon so I will have to get the signature issue resolved. <br /><br />-Ouch ;-(Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com