Amazing Phone Call
I wrote to Gary Ray who is the head of Ray and Associates, the company doing the superintendent search. I outlined recent history (not completely objectively, I'd be the first to admit) , talked about many people wanting an educator (after no selection process of the last 2 who were not educators) but that I wasn't not wedded to the idea but I wanted the best fit for our district.
Unbelievably, a lead from the team doing the search called me to thank me for the e-mail! Very unexpected and very appreciated. He said they did double-search candidates on the web using two different search engines and that they had Mike Riley over in Bellevue on their radar.
For me, a ray of hope and promise. I'm going to go into these meetings next week with an open mind and suggestions. I hope every one of these meetings is packed.
Unbelievably, a lead from the team doing the search called me to thank me for the e-mail! Very unexpected and very appreciated. He said they did double-search candidates on the web using two different search engines and that they had Mike Riley over in Bellevue on their radar.
For me, a ray of hope and promise. I'm going to go into these meetings next week with an open mind and suggestions. I hope every one of these meetings is packed.
Comments
Check out the Bellevue Schools website - it has less info than SPS's. It does not invite comment or communicate via Email, etc. to Superintendent or Boardmembers.
Note the trending towards warehousing and mandatory assignment of non-AP, non "brilliant", and not necessarily college bound high school kids at Robinswood "alternative" High School that has no enrichment programs, no AP, very few extracurricular programs and has significant drug and behavioral incidents.
I don't believe SPS would be well served by this gentleman who himself and his administration lauds the high Newsweek and other "high ratings" and scores at every opportunity, but at the expense of whom?
I do not believe SPS's intensely rich diverse and active communities or boardmembers would appreciate or put up with this heavy handedness.
Am told and heard specific anecdotes that a great many children are enrolled in private schools, e.g., Eastside Catholic, as a reaction to these policies.
Also, Riley does have a great reputation over there. He probably would be good but not everyone's taste. He's sort of dictatorial. Which may be good . . . who knows at this point.
Finally, he decreed that Investigations would be the math program and every single classroom does it. There are just as many parents at the "Where's the Math" meetings as Seattle parents. A lot of people don't like it.
I used to watch a program series on the education channel and several of them talked about superintendants. None had an easy time and few were successful. Everybody's an expert when it comes to teaching and schools.
I think you have been just dealing with Seattle too long Melissa.
It isn't that unusual for firms to respond to their clients.
Afterall, they are recieving money for this, and you aren't a crackpot, but have already shown your committment to a measured process- by serving on CAC.
It is welcome but not unexpected to have those in charge have communication as a priority.
Ive had direct response from Sally Jewell ( CEO of REI) for example, when asking for help regarding support for the Post84 program through mountaineers for the school district.
Its just that the district is very spotty at communication, and it doesn't improve the lower down you go.
Norm can do that, we have seen him do it.
However, the way his name ( and by whom) was brought to the table, has clouded the eyes of many who otherwise may have thought he would be a a great candidate.
Riley has his strengths- but I also worry he would leave many, who should/think they should be, involved out of the decision making process.
( I do think we need someone with a very strong grasp of their" vision" for Seattle school children, who is able to communicate that in a clear manner , with clear measurable steps on the way to those goals- is Riley that person? I don't know- but he has also shown that he isn't afraid to stick to his agenda)
Bellevue is also more diverse than Seattle -the city & the district- and while I acknowledge that many do attend regional private schools, not just the ones located on the Eastside, but in Seattle, as well as homeschooling-most do attend public schools.
Bellevue has been a leader at making positive academic changes, while other districts tiptoe around the idea of them. Adding an additional period to the high school day for instance- something virtually all private high schools already have.
When we consider, that to be accepted at many colleges- students need 4 years of math/english/history/science/foreign language & arts- its difficult to fulfill those expectations, as well as the states PE & vocational requirements with only 6 sections a day.
additionally- I feel it is important for students to have electives-a specialized history or science course for example, or both a photography and music course,
At the very least- we should offer staffed study halls, to give all students time to finish their homework/work on projects, since many students may not have the support at home to do that.
But while it seems like we just went through this superintendent selection process- it is important to be involved yet again.
I particulary plan to ascertain why ASL translators are not listed as available & why despite the numbers of Russians and other European immigrants in our area, why are all the stated translators for Asian and African languages?
However- more students do attend public schools in Bellevue- although Seattle district is more diverse ethnically
As for those who think Norm Rice is the answer. Dig a little deeper into why he left his last job. I don't think SPS needs Superintendent who aleady has a reputation for fiscal mismanagement.