1+1=0 versus 1+1=3
It's unfortunate the most visible critics of Seattle Public Schools have been so negative about the extent of the crisis in our schools.
It's equally unfortunate that the leaders of the district have responded by exaggerating in the other direction. They are correct that there are many positives to cite regarding academics and finances. And, we appreciate that they are sticking up for the district. But, their leadership blunders have had a real cost even if they don't show up in the WASL averages or this year's budget. They can dismiss the Seattle Times and other critics, but they cannot dismiss the valid concerns of many parents, citizens, and staff who value attributes such as stability, vision, and community participation.
The message to the School Board and district leadership is simple: You cannot earn back our confidence without first acknowledging your mistakes. Only then can we take the next step of working together to make sure we don't repeat those mistakes.
It's equally unfortunate that the leaders of the district have responded by exaggerating in the other direction. They are correct that there are many positives to cite regarding academics and finances. And, we appreciate that they are sticking up for the district. But, their leadership blunders have had a real cost even if they don't show up in the WASL averages or this year's budget. They can dismiss the Seattle Times and other critics, but they cannot dismiss the valid concerns of many parents, citizens, and staff who value attributes such as stability, vision, and community participation.
The message to the School Board and district leadership is simple: You cannot earn back our confidence without first acknowledging your mistakes. Only then can we take the next step of working together to make sure we don't repeat those mistakes.
Comments
I have to tell you, though, if you hold your breath waiting for an apology, you'll run out of air. This is a district, that never, ever apologizes. It isn't just them. No public entity, unless forced by a court, ever wants to apologize. (Take that back, I think the Board did apologize for the botched superintendent search although they certainly didn't take the blame for botching it.)
There's really only one apology that I would ever care about and that would be from Joseph Olchefske for getting us (and leaving us)such a morass of problems. That will never happen.
So I content myself with moving ahead but never, ever forgetting the past.
I know of and can list leadership blunders by the Superintendent, but remind me of the Board's.
Remind me, please, of the Board's bad actions or actions that the Board failed to take.