Mayoral Candidates on Seattle Schools
If you missed the debate on TV last night, here's a clip of the two candidates' views on what the Mayor's role should be regarding Seattle Public Schools:
http://www.king5.com/video/index.html?nvid=408753
http://www.king5.com/video/index.html?nvid=408753
Comments
Prof. Mass blog
I thought it quite bold for Mallahan to say how his children's schools serve them well but oh dear, the kids in the south end aren't doing well and he's going to hold the School Board accountable for doing better. You just figured that out, Joe? Okay, how will you hold the Board accountable? And when? This has been going on for decades so when does it really change course?
This city is going to hell if McGinn and Mallahan are the best we've got.
Where do Mallahan's kids go to school? I thought I heard he used to run the Wurst Fest in Wallingford-so I assumed that they went to St. Ben's.
That one seems trainable
Check out:
http://www.thestranger.com/seattle/in-the-hall/Content?oid=1205966
Then do some reading on mayoral control. See:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/10/opinion/10ravitch.html?_r=1&ref=opinion
http://www.nypost.com/p/news/regional/gates_mil_lesson_ekjA6OeXIrxZjDATHPbkuJ
On that point alone I am voting for Mallahan.
I hear you- and sometimes wonder the same things. However, cities are not prepared to run school districts- so, they recognize systemic problems, take over, then outsource. They hire venture philanthropy management "start-ups, appoint school boards and generally reek different havoc and more of it than the original district.
I'm not sure how to bring about authentic reform, but trust that it will need to come from those who participate in the daily life of schools- teachers, students, building admin, families...
If the city ran our schools they would sell most of them to developers at below market rates.
If the city ran our schools we would have one spectacular "world-class" high school downtown - or better yet, in South Lake Union - and all of the rest would be dreadful. Then they would put a bond measure on the ballot to fix up the schools in the neighborhoods, but half of all of the money in the bond measure - and the first money spent - would go to the spectacular school in South Lake Union.
If the City ran our schools they would close them for a week every year to save money.
However, I would be very happy to see the City take over the maintenance of the District's property - and all of the expense that entails. I would also like to see the City take over the capital projects.
This doesn't mean that I want the city to take over the schools, btw. And, McGinn, who is the one talking about that, is unlikely to be interested in spectacular downtown anything.