Open Thread Friday
The sun finally came out.
Anything new?
Anything new?
Tuesday Open Thread
The speaker list is up for the Board meeting tomorrow; not as packed as I thought with just four people on the waitlist. The majority of the speakers are speaking on high school boundaries (with several wanting to talk about Ballard High). There are only three of us speaking about the Green Dot resolution asking the City to not grant the zoning departures that Green Dot has requested. It's me, long-time watchdog, Chris Jackins, and the head of the Washington State Charter Schools Association, Patrick D'Amelio. (I knew Mr. D'Amelio when he headed the Alliance for Education and Big Brothers and Big Sisters; he's a stand-up guy.)
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 ...