Here's the agenda for tonight's Board meeting. I note that people can no longer sign up to speak at a Board meeting by phone. It is strictly by online sign-up. Not good. Public Testimony seems to cover two topics. Apparently, the Chinese program at West Seattle High School is in jeopardy and there are several speakers for that issue. The other issue is, of course, school closures. There are six people on the waitlist. Here's the latest from the Times which says that " Seattle Could Close about a quarter of its elementary schools." First, that would be a heck of a lot of schools (17) and two, only elementaries? My cynical side is that the district is throwing out a big number so they can "generously" only close 10-12. The article claims that the district is taking "$32M from its reserves" which is not true; they have no reserves. I think the reporter means capital reserves. I'll be tuning in with updates. 4:15 pm and has the 4:15
Comments
and maybe I missed something along the way . . .
but..
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO REMODEL A HIGH SCHOOL!
We just drove by Nathan Hale and I'm stunned that it's still under construction . . . jeez, it's a two story contemporary-ish building! It's not like they're saving facades and fancy brickwork. How long are they going to take to do this job?]
I'm better now.
stu
I've polled a few folks some are not in favor of the recall.
I am moving forward with likely filing of paperwork at the elections office on Thursday July 22.
I think it is of particular importance that the public focus be on the State Audit.
Charlie's Mantra is all that should be needed for a message.
I view this as unchartered territory
(1) Seldom has any district received an audit this bad
(2) Many folks who oppose district actions refuse to vote against a levy because of the destruction of programs and possible harm to student's schooling...... This however gives an opportunity for overt meaningful political opposition without creating havoc with established programs.
It will be interesting to see what happens.
1pm, Sunday 18 July,
my house north Greenwood, Seattle
Purpose: discussion/decision/implementation to begin recall/election planning/action...
Several of us are committed to this path already.
All who are interested in participating in this effort are welcome...
email me at metamind_universal@yahoo.com or call 206 679 1738, for the address.
Please spread the word amongst your various SPS interest groups
Namaste
Sahila ChangeBringer
Stu, Hale is taking longer because they chose to build while the population was still there. They do a lot in the summer but the population slows them down considerably. See my post on the BEX Oversight Committee meeting for more info.
One week from tonight, on Monday, July 19 at 7:00 PM, there will be a meeting
of the RNA Land Use Committee at Calvary Christian Assembly. The most salient
topic will be the rezoning application of the Roosevelt Development Group, for
the Sisley properties near 15th Ave NE and NE 65th Street. The developer is
once again proposing 16-storey buildings in front of the high school.
Two days later, on Wednesday, July 21 at 6:30 PM, there will be an official
meeting on the RDG proposal conducted by the Department of Planning and
Development, also at Calvary (in the gymnasium). This is an important meeting
where public comment will be taken and recorded, for later consideration by City
Council as they evaluate the rezoning request.
If you want to learn more about the RDG proposal and perhaps plan your Wednesday
comments, consider attending the Land Use Committee meeting on Monday night. If
your schedule allows only one evening meeting next week, make it the Wednesday
event where public turnout and comment will really count.
You can also learn more about the RDG initiative and other land use matters at
the Roosevelt Bull Moose Festival, this Saturday, July 17 from 10:00 AM till
3:00 PM at 68th and Roosevelt Way.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8dAujuqCo7s&feature=related
http://cliffmass.blogspot.com/2010/07
/microsoft-and-math-education-depressing.html
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/18/nyregion/18about.html
A truly painful story that has me thinking of much that is "wrong" in education. The need for student/family fundraising, the bribe and forgotten reward for students, lack of general "common sense"... Public education's primary focus may be helping students achieve academically, but really, schools share the responsibility for raising other people's children. It's an enormous task- and I think current ed-thinking fails to acknowledge all the angles involved. We make mini-changes here and there- new curriculum, longer days... but we rarely invest the time/energy to re-think our overall needs and goals.
I so agree with your sentiments Owlhouse.... all so arse over kite ...