News From the Mayor's Youth and Families Initiative
Let the Mayor know your thoughts about funding for youth and families. From the Mayor's office:
To make it easier to keep up with the Initiative as it progresses, we've added a results section to our website; you can go there to see the top priorities identified by each small group at both the large-group workshops and the community caucuses, as well as a map showing the general distribution of our attendees so far.
If you know anyone in the Ballard area who has not yet had an opportunity to participate, the Mayor will be at a community caucus at Ballard High School next Monday, May 3rd from 7-8:30 PM that will be open to the public.
Also on the City budget front:
There are also two very important opportunities for input coming up this week and next in the form of public hearings on the budget. The Mayor will be attending each one along with members of the City Council in order to give you as community members the chance to express your budget priorities and concerns directly to your elected officials:
New Holly Gathering Hall
7054 32nd Ave S, 98118
Wednesday, April 28th
5:00 pm sign-in
5:30-7:00 pm public hearing
North Seattle Community College - cafeteria
9600 College Way North, 98103
Use the 95th Street entrance on the south end of campus
Tuesday, May 4th
5:00 pm sign-in
5:30-7:00 pm public hearing
To make it easier to keep up with the Initiative as it progresses, we've added a results section to our website; you can go there to see the top priorities identified by each small group at both the large-group workshops and the community caucuses, as well as a map showing the general distribution of our attendees so far.
If you know anyone in the Ballard area who has not yet had an opportunity to participate, the Mayor will be at a community caucus at Ballard High School next Monday, May 3rd from 7-8:30 PM that will be open to the public.
Also on the City budget front:
There are also two very important opportunities for input coming up this week and next in the form of public hearings on the budget. The Mayor will be attending each one along with members of the City Council in order to give you as community members the chance to express your budget priorities and concerns directly to your elected officials:
New Holly Gathering Hall
7054 32nd Ave S, 98118
Wednesday, April 28th
5:00 pm sign-in
5:30-7:00 pm public hearing
North Seattle Community College - cafeteria
9600 College Way North, 98103
Use the 95th Street entrance on the south end of campus
Tuesday, May 4th
5:00 pm sign-in
5:30-7:00 pm public hearing
Comments
However, I would not mind seeing the City Council/Mayor playing more of a role (perhaps a rep on the school board, etc.). I believe the strength of public education is important to a city's economic well-being to attract businesses and residents.
He is the last thing we need.
I like the idea of a council rep on the school board though.
I'm somewhat inclined for a shorter term, since school board members generally don't come into the position with a relevant track record that lets you know how they are likely to perform. Elect a dud and it'll take a looong time to get them back out.
On the other hand a shorter term might lead to more churn in directors and might make them even less able to assert oversight and control over the entrenched bureaucracy.
Opinions?
It's funny because there's this argument ying and yang about business types versus activists. We've had both and it leads me to the conclusion that it really is about knowing this district as well as being able to ask questions and not let up until you get answers. It's a hard thing to do.
Many directors just don't get their oversight role of the Superintendent and it's like they forget their job IS to oversee the Superintendent's work.
I have NEVER (despite what some here have said) advocated a City takeover. However, I am coming to the conclusion that unless something changes (and it hasn't despite many Boards and many Superintendents and many citizen committees), we may need some kind of reform. Maybe a City Council person on the Board, maybe the Mayor having a role in Superintendent selection/supervision, I don't know.
What I do know is that this system is not working. And all you have to do is ask parents in any corner of this district and you will see frustration and anger. It shouldn't be this way.
I always liked the idea of having 7 distinct board "positions" such as Alt schools Director, Budget Director, curriculum Director, Communications Director, Policy Director, etc.
And, I like the idea of a council rep on the school board too!
i am sorry your time was wasted.
Thanks for following up!