tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post5915342765382493085..comments2024-03-29T02:41:52.718-07:00Comments on Seattle Schools Community Forum: A Reminder to Our ReadersMelissa Westbrookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17179994245880629080noreply@blogger.comBlogger30125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-86950152772724345842014-08-07T14:30:59.426-07:002014-08-07T14:30:59.426-07:00Sorry 2500 plus emails show that they knew what th...Sorry 2500 plus emails show that they knew what they were doing and it<br />clearly shows collusion to award TIERS that contact. Lets see what the OSPI and LSU emails yield. <br /><br />follow themoneyAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-9291986719668450562014-08-05T17:22:06.060-07:002014-08-05T17:22:06.060-07:00"It's clear the EXEC director is primary ..."It's clear the EXEC director is primary in trying to circumvent standard contracting process."<br /><br />Not really. She seems to not know the process well and Accounting seems to be trying to guide her/teach her the process.Melissa Westbrookhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12588239576000641336noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-66775415909198087482014-08-05T16:14:14.871-07:002014-08-05T16:14:14.871-07:00That sort of "nothing speak" is exactly ...That sort of "nothing speak" is exactly the problem with TIERs and frankly, with OSPI. We hired THEM to help the district FIND those evidence based practices. And we HIRED THEM to figure out the problems and reasonable goals. And, we paid dearly for it. OK. (If we are to believe NB parent) TIERs said it. Closing the achievement gap is unrealistic. Great! What then is the target? We hired a "national expert" for expertise on a national level. Instead we get... you need "another plan". We don't need a national expert to tell us "you need a plan". IF we need the consultants at all, we need them to PROVIDE the plan. What are the evidence based strategies???? When do we use them???? For who??? Oh yeah. We'll have a plan for that. And isn't that exactly OSPI's usual response. Something bad happened? "Well heck! Have another IEP, that will fix it." And by golly, it will take 30 months to see any results, AT BEST. And probably 30 months to develop a plan... add that up. 60 Months. Eg. We will see nothing for our millions of dollars for at least 5 years! (And that means never.) Then, the contract will be over, and we'll probably have all new directors of everything, and only we parents will remember that this ever happened.... Which brings us back to "Forget about what happened in the past, we sure don't remember a thing."<br /><br />-HolleringAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-41450922481432080112014-08-05T15:54:09.807-07:002014-08-05T15:54:09.807-07:00Here what TIERS really said to SPS leadership! The...Here what TIERS really said to SPS leadership! They changed this to provide FAPE after legal intervened. <br /><br />We agree that closing the achievement gap by August 30 is overly<br />ambitious and not realistic. The deliverable that we proposed for<br />Component #3 is an Action Plan for the next 30 months developed<br />in collaboration with SPS leadership. This Action Plan would reflect<br />evidence-based practices designed to close the achievement gap<br />between typical students and students with disabilities in urban<br />settings. The Action Plan could include a matrix documenting types<br />of services and triggers for recommending changes in services. We<br />believe that a 30 month timeframe is the minimum length of time<br />for SPS to demonstrate the effectiveness of actions taken in closing<br />the achievement gap. We also acknowledge that closing the<br />achievement gap in a system of 95+ schools will probably longer to<br />accomplish.<br /><br />Does that means nothing will happen this year or next?<br /><br />NB parent<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-89459789065563066812014-08-05T14:10:25.502-07:002014-08-05T14:10:25.502-07:00"Emails show several staff speak out pointing..."Emails show several staff speak out pointing out that this could be a violation, then some director contacts Mr Tolley and accuses that that staff member of making threats! Needless to say the staff member then goes with the flow."<br /><br />Send me these e-mails, please. The members of the C&I Committee should see them.<br /><br />I can only say that even if other contracts have been executed under "dubious" circumstances, that's no reason to let this one go. If everything was done properly, then there is no issue.Melissa Westbrookhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12588239576000641336noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-90127550715070099602014-08-05T13:19:52.072-07:002014-08-05T13:19:52.072-07:00The situation with SPS and SPED has been coming fo...The situation with SPS and SPED has been coming for 15 years. This is in no way an "emergency"? OSPI made it very clear they where not going to impose any penalties to SPS for missing the C-CAP deadline and provided an extension.<br /><br />OSPI did mention having no confidence in the directors of SPED and possibly OSPI where going to force a change at the top. <br /><br />There are 2 facts supporting this assumption. <br /><br />1. It's clear the EXEC director is primary in trying to circumvent standard contracting process.<br />2. Conveniently the consultant continually emphasizes keeping staff and avoiding turn over specifically the EXEC Director.<br /><br />How convenient to KEEP the hand that feeds you! quid pro quo<br /><br />Someone here has very cozy relationship with the EXEC Directory and seems overly sensitive to any criticism of her.<br /><br />follow themoney<br /><br /><br /><br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-83991957543450537622014-08-05T12:37:07.351-07:002014-08-05T12:37:07.351-07:00OSPI did not formally accept the the C-CAP until N...<br />OSPI did not formally accept the the C-CAP until November 1. A solicitation for consulting services was sent to a list of consultants early December, with an amended scope of work provided Dec 19. Four proposals were submitted December 30th. Selection was made mid-January. As those of us in contracting know, it takes some time to negotiate, provide necessary documents, review and execute a contract by all parties.<br /><br />Actually, it is clear to me that the district followed its revised procedures, developed after audits, MAP gate, and Pottergate. The SpEd Exec Dir, knowing nothing about proper contract procurement, made inquiries and properly instructed by the procurement officer. Likewise, the district was firm in holding to NO WORK before the contract was fully executed. I'm sure the paperwork is in the file, because there is are now two checks on this process - one from Procurement and one from Accounting. Again, the worse culprit is Ron English.<br /><br />It may very well be that OSPI and TIERS have a far too cozy relationship. We have no facts supporting that yet. No use stirring the shizz.mirmac1https://www.blogger.com/profile/10183460709639638172noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-67825395499704129382014-08-05T12:08:52.690-07:002014-08-05T12:08:52.690-07:00Melissa, because I know him - and I've seen ma...Melissa, because I know him - and I've seen many SPS contracts issued under dubious circumstances. That is how I've arrived at my conclusions.mirmac1https://www.blogger.com/profile/10183460709639638172noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-71261538178273480562014-08-05T11:33:30.329-07:002014-08-05T11:33:30.329-07:00From: Navarro, Diane T [mailto:dtnavarro@seattlesc...From: Navarro, Diane T [mailto:dtnavarro@seattleschools.org]<br />Sent: Friday, February 14, 2014 2:35 PM<br />To: Jones, Mitze Bruce<br />Cc: Coulter, Alan<br />Subject: RE: Seattle Public Schools - CCAP Consultant Contract for your Review<br />Hi Mitze,<br />Thank you for the documents. It wasn’t apparent where the changes were made in the Exhibits. Do<br />you have a redlined document or can you highlight or summarize what changes were made?<br />We have also reviewed your proposed changes to the main agreement section and the one change<br />we cannot accept for auditing and authorization purposes is deleting our language in Section 1 and<br />backdating the contract effective date to February 1. Work cannot commence until a contract is<br />fully executed so we cannot have the effective date prior to that date. All other changes were<br />accepted. Let me know if you want me to resend the document.<br />Thank you,<br />Diane<br />Diane Taguba Navarro<br />Direct: 206.252.05XX<br />Email: dtnavarro@seattleschools.org<br /><br />Please noteAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-46371041258596734982014-08-05T11:30:55.203-07:002014-08-05T11:30:55.203-07:00From: Tolley, Michael F
Sent: Friday, February 14,...From: Tolley, Michael F<br />Sent: Friday, February 14, 2014 11:23 AM<br />To: Navarro, Diane T; McWilliams, Zakiyyah B<br />Subject: RE: Seattle Public Schools - CCAP Consultant Contract for your Review<br />Diane,<br />Thank you for support of this process and identifying this change. We have not and cannot<br />authorize them to begin work prior to the contract being approved.<br /><br />Michael TolleyAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-12532297171174766082014-08-05T11:29:59.093-07:002014-08-05T11:29:59.093-07:00From: Navarro, Diane T
Sent: Friday, February 14, ...From: Navarro, Diane T<br />Sent: Friday, February 14, 2014 9:20 AM<br />To: McWilliams, Zakiyyah B; Tolley, Michael F<br />Subject: FW: Seattle Public Schools - CCAP Consultant Contract for your Review<br />Hi Zakiyyah/Michael,<br />We had received proposed revisions from TIERS on their agreement and one of the items I noticed<br />was that they deleted our language for their “right to begin work upon receiving an executed<br />agreement” and instead backdated the contract effective date to February 1. Have we authorized<br />them to begin work prior to the contract?<br />Thanks,<br />Diane<br />Diane Taguba Navarro<br />Direct: 206.252.0XXX<br />Email: dtnavarro@seattleschools.org<br /><br />follow themoneyAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-5950406130111431592014-08-05T11:20:43.668-07:002014-08-05T11:20:43.668-07:00On Feb 3, 2014, at 7:44 AM, "Coulter, Alan&qu...On Feb 3, 2014, at 7:44 AM, "Coulter, Alan" wrote:<br />> OK. If you can rush the contract you'll break a record. My first rule from my higher-ups is always to have the<br />contract fully executed before the work begins. You can tell that I don't exactly follow that rule because we have<br />been working hard to get ready. BUT, I know that the team can't travel without a fully-executed contract.<br />><br />> That said, I would have to check with Bob and Deborah on their schedules for the last week in February (I know<br />that Bob is booked through the third week in Feb). I do know that remainder of the team is booked now through the<br />first week in March. I'll check on availability and get back to you.<br />><br />> You know that I am eager to get started. But we won't be able to travel without a fully-executed contract<br /><br />follow themoneyAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-37527719439274695582014-08-05T11:16:39.183-07:002014-08-05T11:16:39.183-07:00It's obvious reading thru the emails that the ...It's obvious reading thru the emails that the TIERS group was performing WORK before the contract was signed on 4-14-2014. I see email evidence in Feb of TIERS working on several items.<br /><br />There's also many emails on how SPS can select TIERS quickly and circumvent the fair selection process.<br /><br />Emails show several staff speak out pointing out that this could be a violation, then some director contacts Mr Tolley and accuses that that staff member of making threats! Needless to say the staff member then goes with the flow.<br /><br />follow themoneyAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-82197453734039108542014-08-05T10:52:21.088-07:002014-08-05T10:52:21.088-07:00From: "McWilliams, Zakiyyah B"
Date: De...From: "McWilliams, Zakiyyah B" <br />Date: December 27, 2013, 2:08:27 PM PST<br />To: Doug Gill <br />Cc: Valerie Arnold <br />Subject: Fwd: Proposal Clarification Letter for SpEd Consultant<br />Good Afternoon Doug;<br />I hope you are taking some time to enjoy the holidays.<br />Several meetings and discussions occurred after our last conversation<br />regarding the external consultant selection process. The bottom line, per<br />the direction of the districts' General Counsel, I was advised to work<br />with our contracts office on what is being referred to as an "RFP Light"<br />process by using the 4 proposals that came in from my sole source<br />solicitation. According to our General Counsel an RFP Light process<br />would protect the district from agencies with future questions regarding<br />the fairness of the process if not selected.<br />That said, each proposal submitted to our office was reviewed by our<br />contracts office and an individualized letter was sent to each agency<br />providing clarity regarding the scope of work and requesting additional<br />information as well as specific revisions to their proposals. The 4 letters<br />are attached to this email were sent out on December 19, 2013. The<br />timeline for each agency to make revisions and resubmit is December<br />30th, this coming Monday. The final proposals will then be reviewed by<br />me and my supervisor, Michael Tolley, on January 2nd with a final<br />decision being made either that same day or no later than Friday,<br />January 3, 2014, and forwarded to you. I will also forward the initial<br />proposals that were received after the sole source request as an FYI and<br />for your review.<br />Best Regards,<br />Zakiyyah McWilliams<br />Executive Director<br />Special Education<br />Seattle Public Schools<br /><br />follow themoneyAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-43523082011019802002014-08-05T10:44:50.805-07:002014-08-05T10:44:50.805-07:00I'm looking at the Personal Services Contract ...I'm looking at the Personal Services Contract right now. It has the words"<br />internal document only" written across the top. Why?<br /><br />The superintendents signature looks like a scribble. It could be a "W" but they didn't know where to fill in the date.Its part of the signature and left blank in the date field. <br /><br />total $149,385.00<br />Fund 1A48 cost center 5E424313D0<br />commitment item 7120<br /><br />I wish I knew how to post the PDF<br /><br />follow themoney Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-91456722473412309522014-08-05T10:24:26.944-07:002014-08-05T10:24:26.944-07:00Also, Ms. Taguba said this:
"If you do not i...Also, Ms. Taguba said this:<br /><br />"If you do not intend to<br />follow the District’s Procedure for Contracting, a formal request for an Authorized Exception to<br />Superintendent Procedure 6220SP.D should be submitted justifying why your situation requires a<br />process outside of District procedures. This request should be reviewed and approved by all<br />impacted department heads with a final approval/authorization from either the Asst. Supt. for<br />Business and Finance or the Superintendent."<br /><br />Was this filed? Because if not, whether a sole contractor was used or not, this was a document that was required to be filed, no?Melissa Westbrookhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17179994245880629080noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-11423109026313411892014-08-05T10:22:26.638-07:002014-08-05T10:22:26.638-07:00I think, for me, the issue is was this contracting...I think, for me, the issue is was this contracting done on a tight timeframe or did someone drop the ball/dilly-dally until it was too late to solicit multiple bids? <br /><br />Seeing these dates, December 13, 2013 and knowing that this was an issue a long time before, I have to wonder.Melissa Westbrookhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17179994245880629080noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-35990637355666937522014-08-05T10:19:59.992-07:002014-08-05T10:19:59.992-07:00I will have more to add to this as I wrote to the ...I will have more to add to this as I wrote to the Board about it.<br /><br />"Does the district regularly write sole source and emergency contracts for exorbitant amounts? Yes. Is this poster on a personal vendetta? Absolutely. Do I take anything he says seriously? No way."<br /><br />And you know this how?<br /><br />Melissa Westbrookhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17179994245880629080noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-3829003305942741052014-08-05T08:39:41.949-07:002014-08-05T08:39:41.949-07:00How is it that
OSPI/Gil - mandates SPS to hire a...How is it that <br /><br />OSPI/Gil - mandates SPS to hire a "national" consulting firm due to some sort of mythology of special education failure.<br /><br />OSPI/Gil - then gets to pick who the national consulting firm is???? (CONFLICT OF INTEREST!!!)<br /><br />Then the SAME group "selected" by OSPI/Gil gets sorts of other perks associated with the OSPI mandate, OSPI/Gil must approve too.<br /><br />Here's a couple of perks: <br /><br />1) sole source on the R-CCAP. (hey, why do they get this too???) If the report were so wonderful, wouldn't that mean that ANOTHER fully qualified "consultant" could help the district? Wouldn't it be ETHICAL... if another group did the consulting for the implementation? That way, there would be no direct CONFLICT OF INTEREST!!!!<br /><br />2) evidently more software<br /><br /><br />This whole thing is right up there with MGJ's decision to buy the MAP to the tune of millions of dollars PER YEAR, another sole source contract that she had a vested interest in.<br /><br />What is the "qualification" process of these "national consulting firms"????? Why can't we just hire people in house? <br /><br /><br />The devil you know....<br /><br />This is just basic staff!<br /><br />-Hollering<br /><br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-69667899918997508042014-08-05T08:03:38.055-07:002014-08-05T08:03:38.055-07:00Data Data Data...
Remember all the rhetoric about...Data Data Data...<br /><br />Remember all the rhetoric about data at the TIERS meeting? Look at the TIERS report, see all the references to data?<br /><br />SPS is preparing to buy software from TIERS other business arm, $750,00 to $1.5 million is the number being thrown around.<br /><br />It hard to believe people are sitting back and watching these crooks steal money from the kids and in broad daylight !<br /><br />Who is watching the watchers?<br /><br />Disgusted Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-43441909924383764032014-08-05T07:41:41.844-07:002014-08-05T07:41:41.844-07:00So, TIERs slips into SPS with the RFP light sole ...So, TIERs slips into SPS with the RFP light sole source for a "cheap" contract of $150. But now, a few weeks later, they also have the $450,000 jack-pot prize. Clearly that was always the target.<br /><br />And look at OSPI and Gil. Bullying the district into accepting a sole source contract to it's associate, to the tune of basically a half a million dollars - all for a bunch of useless consultants that nobody really wants.<br /><br />And let's not forget McWilliams, who had over a year to do this.... but then had an email glitch and just couldn't send the dubious paperwork in on time?<br /><br />Makes me want to holler!<br /><br />Hollering.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-73488084946279673182014-08-04T19:11:51.373-07:002014-08-04T19:11:51.373-07:00Need I say more...Need I say more...mirmac1https://www.blogger.com/profile/10183460709639638172noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-85828615609092705802014-08-04T19:05:04.411-07:002014-08-04T19:05:04.411-07:00ya you and your girlfriend
boo ho
tryand keepupya you and your girlfriend<br /><br />boo ho<br /><br />tryand keepupAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-7460619282185382852014-08-04T18:22:30.597-07:002014-08-04T18:22:30.597-07:00This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.mirmac1https://www.blogger.com/profile/10183460709639638172noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-8380583043955448512014-08-04T18:20:58.177-07:002014-08-04T18:20:58.177-07:00This is a load of horse dung. Why would the distr...This is a load of horse dung. Why would the district wish to expedite award? Because the clock on the OSEP finding of "needs intervention," started ticking in June 2013.<br /><br />Does the district regularly write sole source and emergency contracts for exorbitant amounts? Yes. Is this poster on a personal vendetta? Absolutely. Do I take anything he says seriously? No way.<br /><br />The SPS "penalty" for not following 6220SP is a wet noodle lashing (put a memo in the file); They're about as effective as most OSPI corrective actions. I've seen Ron English be more guilty of breaking 6220SP than any other department head. How else can he keeps his expensive outside counsels squashing employees and families.<br /><br />I found the TIERS report to be very mediocre, even worse than the 2008 Urban Collective peer review (as if that is possible). The SPS SpEd department has bigger problems to deal with than with this mosquito. I want the district to get help asap on reviewing and implementing improvements in SpEd.mirmac1https://www.blogger.com/profile/10183460709639638172noreply@blogger.com