tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post6595277606391388903..comments2024-03-28T02:21:17.452-07:00Comments on Seattle Schools Community Forum: Seattle Education NewsMelissa Westbrookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17179994245880629080noreply@blogger.comBlogger36125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-77374554305333196912015-05-31T20:03:30.262-07:002015-05-31T20:03:30.262-07:00I feel immensely frustrated. These people audit ...I feel immensely frustrated. These people audit for a living, yet seem so willing to be led by the nose. mirmac1https://www.blogger.com/profile/10183460709639638172noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-66372319023387168302015-05-30T08:00:16.278-07:002015-05-30T08:00:16.278-07:00That's amazing Mirmac. You must feel pretty g...That's amazing Mirmac. You must feel pretty good to have all your hard work validated, even if momentum in inaction is still a problem. What would it take for someone to actually do something about special education? Short of somebody dying, pretty much everything is business as usual. OSPI needs to be fixed.<br /><br />Sped Parent Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-77623397637146446762015-05-29T06:45:05.677-07:002015-05-29T06:45:05.677-07:00Results of the SAO Audit. SAO determines that cer...Results of the SAO Audit. SAO determines that certificated SpEd teachers were once again wrongfully billing to SpEd for doing non-SpEd work. Too bad these audits are like the blind men and the elephant. They barely scratch the surface and can't seem to expose the widespread malfeasance in this district. <br /><br /><a href="https://www.scribd.com/doc/267023539/SSD-13-14-Exit-Items" rel="nofollow">13-14 Exit Items</a> <br /><br /><a href="https://www.scribd.com/doc/267023072/SSD-13-14-Federal-Single-Audit" rel="nofollow">13-14 Federal Single audit</a> <br /><br /><a href="https://www.scribd.com/doc/267023071/SSD-13-14-Accountability-Audit" rel="nofollow">13-14 Accountability Audit</a>mirmac1https://www.blogger.com/profile/10183460709639638172noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-16948457251277425472015-05-28T12:09:56.269-07:002015-05-28T12:09:56.269-07:00Wow, that's ridiculous. And from the minutes- ...Wow, that's ridiculous. And from the minutes- "approximately two<br />years ago (almost from the beginning) we recognized that we had some really good applicants<br />that we pre-awarded for the next year in the queue so they would not have to re-apply and go<br />through the process again, e.g. Emerson and Sand Point."<br /><br />They were awarded based on an application from the time period during which there was not a principal continuity requirement. Which, again, I think is bunk even if they did know.<br /><br />-sleeperAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-79033205010271407702015-05-28T11:24:50.850-07:002015-05-28T11:24:50.850-07:00Do go and read the March minutes from the F&E ...Do go and read the March minutes from the F&E levy committee. It is quite enlightening. There is mention of the process changing and a few issues with leadership changes in a couple of schools regarding grant awards but no motions or votes to change the rules. Additionally grants for Sandpoint and Emerson were pre-awarded a year ago based on the strength of their applications.<br /><br />This is like pulling the rug out.<br />http://www.seattle.gov/education/about-us/levy-oversight<br /><br />Longtime LurkerAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-582770348361756352015-05-28T10:41:13.273-07:002015-05-28T10:41:13.273-07:00I read in another piece that the principal staying...I read in another piece that the principal staying wasn't a condition when they first applied, though. I'm not sure about the city changing conditions after application and/or granting the money, and I am also not convinced this is an appropriate granting condition. They're not a nonprofit; it's not noblesse oblige. This is city money Sand Point earned fair and square. Here, this one-<br />http://mynorthwest.com/11/2766592/Seattle-school-parents-outraged-by-city-pulling-grant-funding-over-principals-departure<br /><br />So I actually don't think it was that clear. And I very much hope they give the money back. Sand Point is doing such great work, but the reality is as a diverse school (actually diverse, too), they need money to do it.<br /><br />-sleeperAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-31525531410809832292015-05-28T10:33:09.850-07:002015-05-28T10:33:09.850-07:00The KIRO piece makes it clear that the $$$ was con...The KIRO piece makes it clear that the $$$ was conditional upon the principal staying at the school, so from that aspect the city is well within its rights to pull the $$$. That doesn't make it OK, but it was a condition of the grant. What the grant did not spell out is if the principal left, then the city would have a say in the replacement process so that is where the city is in trouble. <br /><br />I think this is a good lesson going forward - read the fine print and negotiate anything that could leave the school high and dry. I do hope, however, that the city restores the funding to Sandpoint just to show it can be a good partner in the schools. But, personally I would hesitate taking any of this money as it does give the city a foothold in your school.<br /><br />Po3noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-91009240327740464062015-05-28T10:13:17.529-07:002015-05-28T10:13:17.529-07:00A good 4 minute piece this morning on the Sandpoin...A good 4 minute piece this morning on the Sandpoint F&E Levy grant being drastically reduced. The City has major egg on its face especially in light of the F&E Levy folks being included in the interview process for the new principal. And yes indeed the City and Mayor need to get out of the District's business.<br /><br />You can listen here: http://www.kiroradio.com/listen/9987794/<br /><br />Longtime LurkerAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-26443736089076648722015-05-28T09:18:47.631-07:002015-05-28T09:18:47.631-07:00I do think its rather disturbing that the city can...I do think its rather disturbing that the city can "insert" itself into hiring practices via the Levy - as a voter, that's certainly not what I want to happen. How I wish the Board would wake up and smell the rotten egg that is city/mayorial involvement in SPS operations.... a girl can dream eh? ;) <br /><br /><br />reader47Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-91667940725538961992015-05-28T08:17:05.507-07:002015-05-28T08:17:05.507-07:00There are 25 schools that charge for full day K an...There are 25 schools that charge for full day K and 44 that do not. <br /><br />The 25 that charge break into an interesting mix of some of the most over-enrolled schools and a handful of schools that have stable enrollment. <br /><br />The enrollment projections had been projecting about 5,000 K students, with a fairly steady grade-by-grade decline, each year for the last few year. K enrollment has fallen consistently short of that. But interestingly, enrollment for first grade has been very close to 5,000 students. <br /><br />In other words, enrollment declines with each progressive grade, EXCEPT for first grade. There is an INCREASE from K to first grade each year. That strongly suggests that Pay for K has an impact. Particularly when you consider that this pattern only started when Pay for K was centralized. <br />kelliehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01322661098626555834noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-45524598727807161362015-05-28T08:01:39.746-07:002015-05-28T08:01:39.746-07:00Anyone can enroll at any time. But the earlier you...Anyone can enroll at any time. But the earlier you do it, the more the district can get a handle on what's coming. <br /><br />Kinder Parent, my understanding is that, at this point, there are about 25 elementaries that still have pay for K. Various state funding has winnowed down to that number. If we get McCleary, then no parent will pay.<br /><br />Of course, those people who call themselves legislators are now going into a second Special Session so who knows?Melissa Westbrookhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17179994245880629080noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-53906414183360199012015-05-28T07:43:07.549-07:002015-05-28T07:43:07.549-07:00Until the state defines the adequate funding for a...Until the state defines the adequate funding for a special ed student, or an ELL student, there is not a level playing field for public schools beside the charter schools who selectively avoid those students by various nefarious ways and means.<br /><br />-NNNCrAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-18366738568816948312015-05-28T07:41:01.877-07:002015-05-28T07:41:01.877-07:00See above. We are at Bagley Elementary.See above. We are at Bagley Elementary.Kinder Parentnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-37391852012893348452015-05-28T07:17:02.476-07:002015-05-28T07:17:02.476-07:00We're supplementing full day K at a cost of $3...We're supplementing full day K at a cost of $350/month.Kinder Parentnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-57709847277134084692015-05-27T23:46:41.842-07:002015-05-27T23:46:41.842-07:00North-end Mom,
Could it be that kindergarten fami...North-end Mom,<br /><br />Could it be that kindergarten families don't have to enroll until school starts? Last year John Rogers was projected to have 63 Kindergarteners and ended up with 85. I think this is a problem for lots of schools.Lynnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-78894391624934137182015-05-27T23:23:07.862-07:002015-05-27T23:23:07.862-07:00@Kellie
Interesting point about how the cost of a...@Kellie<br /><br />Interesting point about how the cost of all-day K could negatively-affect kindergarten enrollment.<br /><br />Curiously, John Rogers is projected to have fewer kindergartners next year, as compared to this year, despite showing steady growth in kindergarten enrollment since the NSAP, even before the school qualified for free all-day kindergarten, which we now do.<br /><br />-North-end MomAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-76060081344888234142015-05-27T22:24:31.005-07:002015-05-27T22:24:31.005-07:00Voters need to ask City Council candidates how the...Voters need to ask City Council candidates how they feel about an unelected body can be permitted to decide how our tax monies for education and enrichment are spent.<br /><br />Every legislative district should make this a mandatory question in their endorsement process.mirmac1https://www.blogger.com/profile/10183460709639638172noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-85518902779196389192015-05-27T22:17:04.694-07:002015-05-27T22:17:04.694-07:00Yes, the city has inserted themselves with princip...<br />Yes, the city has inserted themselves with principal hiring practices via the Family and Education Levy:<br /><br /> "The new hire committee has worked thoughtfully and proactively to include members of the levy oversight council into the interview committee for our new principal, and crafted an interview question to determine how principal candidates would uphold and move forward the work supported by the levy funds."<br /><br /><br />http://sandpointelementarypta.org/2015/05/24/urgent-advocacy-alert-funding-at-stake/<br /><br />It is time to get the city out of SPS.<br />Calling BSnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-64417452490126222682015-05-27T22:05:40.235-07:002015-05-27T22:05:40.235-07:00I'm glad the Sand Point/ Family and Education ...I'm glad the Sand Point/ Family and Education Levy incident occurred before the board signs a prek MOU with the city. Perhaps, it will give board members a moment of pause.<br />Calling BSnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-35177508912061338832015-05-27T22:00:19.225-07:002015-05-27T22:00:19.225-07:00Interesting that, for once, Carr was questioning s...Interesting that, for once, Carr was questioning staff's prerogative and sad if K keeps dropping that, um, maybe we should refocus capital funding to MS and HS. Ya think?mirmac1https://www.blogger.com/profile/10183460709639638172noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-36397295665691076482015-05-27T20:54:46.616-07:002015-05-27T20:54:46.616-07:00I took a look at the updated enrollment projection...I took a look at the updated enrollment projections. <br /><br />The update is primarily a big reduction for K. This make a lot of sense as they have been over-estimated K enrollment for three years now. The fairly hefty price tag that goes along with full day K is a major dis-incentive for families to enroll and the last time I saw a break down of the over/under for the school-by-school K enrollment, the under-enrollment was primarily in middle class neighborhoods. (aka the schools that neither qualify for free all-day-K, nor have large annual parent fundraising) <br /><br />However, high school enrollment has been under-estimated for a few years now as well and they are estimating a nice drop for 10th grade. That does not make any sense. <br /><br />The cuts at the high school level were very deep. While some of the elementary funding has returned in the form of counselors, very little of the high school cuts have been restored. .kelliehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01322661098626555834noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-70237952133891033542015-05-27T19:08:41.908-07:002015-05-27T19:08:41.908-07:00Holly Miller sees herself as a Seattle version of ...Holly Miller sees herself as a Seattle version of Arne Duncan, and Ed Murray and Tim Burgess are both enabling her to do so. It is appalling and indefensible that the city would hurt an elementary school like this merely because a principal leaves. It is not appropriate for the City to be involved in SPS personnel matters like this. Voters approved the Families and Education Levy to provide programs for students - not to create a slush fund for Holly Miller to try and run the district herself.Greenwoodynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-85971729699850926222015-05-27T18:40:27.575-07:002015-05-27T18:40:27.575-07:00Calling BS, what it means is that the City seems t...Calling BS, what it means is that the City seems to be trying - via the Families & Ed and the "partnership" with Pre-K - to insinuate and manipulate themselves more and more into district functions.<br /><br />Because their clause about principals staying for 2 years from the start of the grant is NOT something a principal or the district can promise. Or, even if the district could promise that, what district makes a hiring decision just for a grant?<br /><br />Very troubling.Melissa Westbrookhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17179994245880629080noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-56891640595936650402015-05-27T17:31:06.857-07:002015-05-27T17:31:06.857-07:00Thanks for the link, reader47.
Does this mean tha...Thanks for the link, reader47.<br /><br />Does this mean that the city wants have a say whether or not a principal leaves a school? Calling BSnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-48948421864805598362015-05-27T17:17:11.785-07:002015-05-27T17:17:11.785-07:00It sounds like SPS staff is getting nervous about ...It sounds like SPS staff is getting nervous about community support for changing bell times. Interesting that King5 didn't name their district source.<br /><br />-HS ParentAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com