Ask a Candidate
Readers, I would like to put together a questionnaire for the five candidates for state superintendent of public instruction.
Naturally, I value your input. So give me your top three questions for them.
FYI, the candidates are:
- Robin Fleming, Administrator for health programs, OSPI
- Erin Jones, Tacoma Public Schools administrator for AVID
- Gil Mendoza, Deputy superintendent for K-12 programs, OSPI
- Chris Reykdal, state representative in Washington legislature
- Larry Seaquist, former state representative
I've talked with several of the candidates casually and, from looking at resumes of others, it appears we have a good group and it should be a lively campaign.
Naturally, I value your input. So give me your top three questions for them.
FYI, the candidates are:
- Robin Fleming, Administrator for health programs, OSPI
- Erin Jones, Tacoma Public Schools administrator for AVID
- Gil Mendoza, Deputy superintendent for K-12 programs, OSPI
- Chris Reykdal, state representative in Washington legislature
- Larry Seaquist, former state representative
I've talked with several of the candidates casually and, from looking at resumes of others, it appears we have a good group and it should be a lively campaign.
Comments
2. What will you do to improve those metrics?
3. What will you do if your answer to above fails to improve those metrics after two years?
2. What are your thoughts and analysis related to funding charter schools via ALE?
3. Why haven't you posted your positions regarding charter schools on your web page?
4. Who will fund your campaign and how much funding do you expect to raise?
2) What is your record for enforcing policies, regulations, or laws?
2) What is your record for enforcing policies, regulations, or laws?"
Charlie,
I've come to believe that it is only those with funds to challenge the law that will make a difference. One does not need to look beyond Randy Dorn's shenanigans and the manner in which altered ALE rules to fund charter schools that are not recognized by the law.
In the case of SPI laundering dollars to charter schools- via Mary Walker School District- we need an entity above Dorn that is willing to investigate whether Dorn worked within his capacity. I imagine that person would be Ferguson, but he wants to run for Governor and I highly doubt he will want to anger the deep pockets.
As well, we're watching some in the legislature try and push a likely unconstitutional charter school bill through Olympia. If SB 6194 passes...it will take another lawsuit to assure compliance with the law.
http://patch.com/washington/bonneylake-sumner/school-boards-mendoza-evaluation-staff-deeply-mistruscf79f7ca3f
-SWWS
Letter by Ron Weigelt, Bonney Lake on Nov. 11, 2011 at 1:01 pm with 5 Comments »
Re: “Ex-official files late with PDC” (TNT, 11-5).
The state Public Disclosure Commission (PDC) is responsible for keeping elections above board. The rules that must be followed include: No person or organization can donate more than $800 to any candidate; all contributions must be recorded with the PDC showing amounts and contributors; and all mailings must clearly identify who paid for the mailing.
Just before the Nov. 8 election, a mailing was sent out from an anonymous group. The News Tribune article explained that ousted Sumner school superintendent Gil Mendoza spent nearly $8,000 (10 times the allowed limit) on a mailing for his slate of candidates. Rather than reveal himself as the sole contributor, he created a fictitious organization he called Citizens Advocating a Responsible Education System (CARES).
When Mendoza was terminated in June 2011, he received a separation package worth nearly $178,000. Spending $8,000 to influence the school board race was well within his means. However, it was clearly wrong. Mendoza broke the law and set a very bad example for the students of Sumner School District. In doing so, he validated the school board’s earlier decision to oust him.
While I am absolutely certain that those elected are going to work hard and do a wonderful job, Mendoza should have either stayed out of the campaign process or followed the rules like everyone else."
-SWWS
Good and valid questions, all -- but you have to remember that in this era of "ed reform," sometimes it is our best and most principled teachers, administrators, and educational leaders who are asked to leave, fired, or been subject to contract non-renewal or forced resignation.
Again -- I don't think it is a bad question. It is a very good one. But you have to go beyond the question to the reasons, when you live in a time where bad policy makers are trying to force out the best and most principled educators. (I make no inference here regarding Mendoza -- as I do not understand his history and have no opinion on him. I am just speaking to that question in general).
--K
2. How can you assist parents who are frustrated with the education their children are receiving?
3. School buildings are very expensive. Class size reduction means a lot of schools do not have enough classrooms. Is there a state responsibility to help, or should building more space be funded as it is currently, with local taxpayers paying nearly all the costs?
Does anyone know of any studies that compare double teacher classrooms to smaller class sizes? For example, classes of 40 students and two teachers compared to two classes of 20 students with one teacher.
LisaG
I don't know of any studies on that question. I can tell you I think the increased distraction would outweigh any benefits. Something like 25% of the children in my second grader's class are already wearing noise-cancelling ear protection for parts of the day. I think he'd refuse to go to school if placed in a room with 40 kids.
Consider asking if any candidate has been involved with Race To The Top funding. Did they contribute to the loss of student privacy?
LisaG
Fox Hen
2) How can educators and education administrators support struggling students without ignoring the needs of students working beyond standard? What kinds of systemic solutions exist to address this problem?
3) How does "EduTech" fit into your view of the future of education? (It may not be obvious, but this fits in very closely with #1)
I also really liked Greg's question above, which is: What are your primary metrics for success in our schools? It leaves room for a very wide range of answers, but IF the candidates were honest, their answers could be very telling.
1) With the recent changes under ESSA, do you support Washington maintaining standards fidelity to Common Core or do would you advocate for state-level adjustments to our standards?
2) What is your position on Washington's ongoing use of the SBAC assessment, specifically addressing the issues of family opt-out rights, use of alternate normed assessments in high school, and state-level consideration for alternate assessments or evidence of student learning?