Suggestion Blocks...

In response to the Mayor's interest in Seattle Schools, Cheryl Chow said he should focus on potholes and the viaduct instead. Hmm... By that logic, Seattle business leaders should just focus on their products and profits. Communities should just focus on parks and recreation centers. And, parents: we should just focus on feeding and dressing our kids. After all, we elected the Board to make the school decisions for us, right? Wrong! Strong leaders welcome input, and use it as an opportunity to hone and defend their vision. If the district had the right leadership, they wouldn't be so threatened by outside opinions. Even if you don't agree with the Mayor's opinion, you should be concerned by the School Board response. If they eschew the Mayor's input, what do you think they will do with input from you or me? I hope the Board considers this before they go off to decide the fate of the district all by themselves. Listening to input doesn't mean they have to make everyone happy. But, at least they should talk about the issues instead of the ownership.

Comments

Anonymous said…
I totally understand what you are saying in terms of Cheryl's comments, but I'm curious if the comment has anything to do with the fact that the Mayor has insulted them and their work and wants to pretty much replace them with an appointed board....

maybe they feel like they are being judged unfairly and that is why they aren't interested in working with the mayor.
11/20/06, 6:07 PM
Anonymous said…
Maybe if the Mayor wants to offer them input he should do it via phone, email, or a meeting rather than via the Seattle Times
11/20/06, 7:07 PM
Melissa Westbrook said…
Agreed. Brita said as much today during our discussion. I think they feel quite disrespected by the Mayor. She said at their last meeting that she thanked the Mayor for his time and suggested that maybe, in the future, the school board president (whoever that is)and the Mayor meet regularly. He replied that he used to meet regularly with Raj. Brita had to gently suggest that it wasn't the same thing. Mayor Nickels doesn't seem to get that the Board is just as elected as he is. He is more powerful to be sure but he really only has the bully pulpit (and he's a good bully)in terms of changing the school district.

By the way, elections for new Board leaders takes place at the next Board meeting.
11/20/06, 8:59 PM
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