Weekly story on Meany/SBOC/NOVA fiasco

The Seattle Weekly is running a story, School Closures: Math that Doesn't Add Up, on the misguided plan to co-locate the S.B.O.C. and NOVA at Meany.

Comments

ParentofThree said…
Wow, it does seem to be unraveling a bit, north and south.

This is what happens when the cart is shoved down the hill while the horse stands by watching.
6/12/09, 3:14 PM
Melissa Westbrook said…
I will say that Meany is on the BTA III list for something like $14M. However, when I inquired about if this means putting in the high school labs needed for science (given there are two high school programs), this was the reply;

"At this time, we have not requested any BTA III money for middle school science labs. The focus is on high school science labs to meet the expected Core 24 graduation requirements."

I also asked about Nova being moved. "Facilities is moving the Nova instructional materials and equipment necessary for the program. We do not move personal couches, plants, and personal materials. Also, Facilities is moving as much of Nova as they are for all the other schools impacted by closure."

I actually have a whole BEX/BTA thread to finish up on but as you can see, everything matters and mixes in this district.
6/12/09, 3:34 PM
owlhouse said…
Again, thanks Melissa, for keeping Nova on your radar and to all the bloggers for educating one another so we're better advocates for school needs city wide.

It's disingenuous for the district to say they won't move "personal items", and that they are moving Nova same as all other schools. If, for example, there are 5 Nova classrooms with no desks- and instead each classroom holds 6 couches, 3 coffee tables, 6 larger tables and a unique collection of chairs and bookshelves- and the district says- "we're not moving 'personal items' and there are already tables and shelves at Meany" it means they are NOT moving Nova, except books, some lab and art supplies.

The horticulture program at Nova includes long established gardens, composting systems, a large greenhouse, and extensive garden art- but these are not "instructional materials" and can not be moved by the district. Nor can we move them ourselves, and we won't have access to Meany until September.

The drama department has a 3-piece stage, lighting booth, a wall of mirrors, and props which which aren't "instructional". (I believe the school is still negotiating for the move of these)

Art of all shapes and sizes makes Nova what it is. Guess what? The 6'x6' portrait of our custodian and every other creative expressive piece of the school's 35 year history, not "instructional".

I know other schools are facing similar challenges, but as Nova's approach is not in line with the district's definition of "instructional"- it means we are scrambling to figure out how to move ourselves, store the heart of Nova, and transplant it in the fall. On that note, if anyone has a line on affordable commercial couches, we need dozens.

Oh- and, very exciting that Meany may be up for BTA funds. Do you suppose this means we will be packing and storing our 'personal' items again in a couple years?? The thought of this has our teachers incredibly frustrated.
6/13/09, 10:14 AM
Josh Hayes said…
owlhouse, I don't want to be disrespectful, but are there plans for a family-driven move here? Surely some people have pickups, or SUVs, or something?

I know I only have a VW Golf, but I have muscles (well -- kinda) and I'm willing to help move things. Maybe Nova should call a move-a-thon for, what, August? I think other alternative schools -- err, I'm sorry, I mean, "option" schools -- can help.

The situation stinks. Nova should never have had to move. But best to face reality and do the best that can be done.
6/13/09, 11:39 PM
owlhouse said…
Appreciate the thoughts, Josh. Nova is very organized around the move. The thing is... We have to be out of our building almost immediately and will not have access to Meany until September. Per district rules, we can NOT move things from our building to Meany- only SPS movers can, and as I already mentioned, they won't. So- either we break rules and move and store ourselves now, then move and unpack ourselves in September- OR- we find a source for new furniture in Sept. Either way, this is tremendous expense to our school- and one more hassle.

We're facing reality and finding yet again, SPS dismissive of student/family/teacher concerns and needs. I continue writing about it with the hope that in the future, school facing closure/moves might better know how to raise concerns, demand appropriate time-lines and support.
6/14/09, 8:41 AM
Anonymous said…
I would also like to add an article that was in Real Change regarding the Nova move and the Meany building:

http://www.realchangenews.org/index.php/site/archives/2503/

Please forgive the picture of me. I kind of scare myself in that photo.

Dora
7/4/09, 3:24 PM
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