Friday Open Thread
Want to know how to raise good kids and "trail-blazing daughters?" Listen to the Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg aka Notorious RBG.
A documentary on great teachers; it looks good. Passion to Teach.
Painting lockers as book spines looks like a novel idea.
What did lobbyists think of the last session of the Washington Legislature? Not much. From Elway:
A documentary on great teachers; it looks good. Passion to Teach.
Painting lockers as book spines looks like a novel idea.
What did lobbyists think of the last session of the Washington Legislature? Not much. From Elway:
The lobbyists seemed to like the budget, but hate the process that produced it: 81% of respondents graded the budget document as “satisfactory” (“C”) or better, with 48% giving it an “A” or “B” (GPA= 2.33). However, 75% gave the budget process a “D” or “F” (GPA = 0.96).
Satisfaction with the budget document was also reflect- ed in the grade for K-12 education, which rose to “C+” this year from “D+” last year. 60% gave the legislature's performance on K-12 Education an “A” or “B” this year. 56% had given it a “D” or “F” last year.
Satisfaction with the budget document was also reflect- ed in the grade for K-12 education, which rose to “C+” this year from “D+” last year. 60% gave the legislature's performance on K-12 Education an “A” or “B” this year. 56% had given it a “D” or “F” last year.
Partisan conflict also came in for frequent criticism. Several lobbyists decried the toxic atmosphere of the “other Washington” becoming more prevalent here. One said partisan rancor was the worst in his/her 26 years in Olympia. Another said: “I thought this was the good Washington. “
Choice quotes
With a partisan Governor whose reactions are all after the fact, a Senate R Leader who spends most of his time trying to be a tough guy, a House D Leader who operates like a mafioso lord behind the scenes, a Senate D leader who just throws daggers at multiple targets, and a House R leader who just wants everyone to get along... this session was doomed from the start.
The governor has zero leadership skills and the Senate Republicans are incapable of working collaboratively with the other three caucuses.
What's on your mind?This is not an effective way to govern;threats of shutdown, holding bills hostage, partisan bickering; I thought this was the good Washington.
Too much posturing for the next election--too much polarization from both the very liberal and the very conservative. And--legislators in the urban parts of the state need to do more to understand issues in the rural parts of the state. It feels like we're mirroring what's happening at the national level.
The anti-Seattle feeling of the Senate R's was most distressing. They need to realize that Seattle is the economic engine of the state.If the makeup of the Legislature is the same in 2018,it's time to hire a professional mediator who can provide negotiating leadership. Normally, the Governor would take on that role, like Governor Gregoire did in the past.
Comments
King5 just released a report on a collaboration between SPS and the City in regards to a new high school at Memorial Stadium.
HP
Link to letter.
HP
That's a lot of "synergistic" blah, blah, blah. I note that they first say they want to create a high school (in reference to Seattle Center properties) but then talk about it in terms of finding other sites.
Next, know what everyone left out? It's not called "Memorial" stadium for nothing. Most of those SPS students who fought in WWII are dead now but we need to remember them and their efforts. Jesus Christ, no one thought to include that?
I find it troubling and the Board better hire outside people to go over any kind of agreement with a fine-tooth comb.
End PC
PROVE TO ME WITH REAL NUMBERS WE DO NEED ONE F I R S T before demanding a levy for this boondoggle!!!!!
Does anyone trust SPS to do capacity appropriately? Closing schools, then reopening them? They don't have the staff with talent or brains to know/plan/do this. Doubt Flip will stay much longer. He tried to get hired away a year ago; he's got to be still looking for greener pastures.
Tracy Libros left, Joe Wolf left, there are no more grown ups at SPS who know what they are doing. Don't just say "Seattle's population is growing so we must need one, right...?": does that mean it is growing households with young children? No. The residential spaces planned and committed to, including urban villages, are NOT family friendly or affordable. Seattle's percentage of households with kids is already low (below 24%), and has ticked DOWN. Further declines in market share are universally agreed upon.
SPS, do the basics: PROVE your business case scenario with numbers that clearly, unequivocally show the dire need to spend $200 million in capital dollars.
WASTE NOT
Priced Out
I don't think the other candidates are anywhere near as well rounded on all the issues pressing Seattle. Nor do any have the political track record of getting $$$ at the state level. Seattle missed the boat on this one. I think some people voted emotionally on one issue (ex homelessness) etc. But a mayor needs to represent an entire city, all its diversity, multiple important issues and balance all important issues successfully.
-also priced out
-Pollyanna
Before pushing too far ahead with this HS idea, it seems like we need a full capacity analysis to identify the most crucial pressure points--both in terms of grade levels and location.
HF
Fix AL
"Also, I'm sure many senior staff are pulling for Jenny Durkan. She'd likely get rid of their biggest impediment - the Board."
any "evidence"?
hoopi
And again, to return to your claim that senior staff are "pulling for" Jenny Durkan. You have no evidence, you admit, so it's some sort of gut feeling or logical conclusion?
If the administration at JSCEE is so effective at stonewalling and manipulating the board as you frequently claim, why would they want to upset that apple cart with a mayor who wants to intervene in district operations?
What is you really don't like about Jenny Durkin?
hoopi
In contrast, Moon lives in an expensive place downtown with her family, kids in private school, used $100,000 of her own (inheritance) money to fund her campaign etc. She was formerly a planner, but does not have to work etc. She is quite affluent, but her demeanor helps to align her with those who really have little in common with her.
She also has way less experience in the political arena than Durken. Something to consider as a candidate needs to be well rounded on multiple issues in a big city like Seattle, and able to hit the ground running day one. Seattle has grown to be a big city and experience & qualifications matter.
-Think carefully.
SPSParent
For example, in the past, I was able to access a counselor's page for my son's high school, and the counselors at his school maintained it and added lots of helpful links for college scholarships, college tour info, college prep steps, etc.
Now, the site is SPS-wide, not school-specific, and there are no links available for individual schools or counselors. None of the previously available information is now available.
Basically, this "update" has just taken my son's school offline as far as any useful data or links, and there is no useful district-wide info that is in any way similar. I will now have to email my son's counselor for any/all forms, info, etc.
Unless I'm misunderstanding, this is a completely useless and counter-productive change that probably came at a high cost to SPS. WHY?!
-Seattle parent
I have also - time and time and time - reached out to her campaign, in person and via e-mail - to talk with her. They just couldn't be nicer and just couldn't then ignore me more. They aren't just busy; they don't want her to talk with me.
Funny how all the things that Think Carefully cites as possible issues for some about Durkan are things no one here has said (except that the media cites her as the "establishment" candidate which she is).
Okay, sorry, it is my gut feeling that senior staff would like Durkan to get into office. But keep in mind, I'm no ordinary person in saying that - I'm an expert on SPS.
Neither Moon OR Durkan have ever been elected. And Moon's kids did, at one point, go to public school.
No Hope, I, too, find Murray endorsement baggage that Durkan didn't need. I give her credit for all but saying he should step down.
SPS Parent, I just want to point out that Oliver has said she would throw her support to Moon. From someone like Oliver who has such proud, strong beliefs to say that means something to me.
Seattle Parent, I believe the individual websites are being slowly phased in per the news release the district put out about the new overhaul of the website.
https://queenanneview.com/2017/08/04/city-and-seattle-public-schools-sign-letter-for-new-memorial-stadium-and-new-high-school/
Durkan is a life long cog in the system both in her lawyering and in politicking.
This city needs a mayor focused on running a city and a school board focused on making sure the super is running the distrait.
I think Moon will support the district and Durkan will try and take it over.
MJ
I'm somehow responsible for Jenny Durkan not wanting to talk to you so I'm to be banned from commenting?
Also, if you have evidence of staff efforts in favor of Jenny or evidence of her desire to take over the district, I, for one, would love to see it.
I think the city needs an experienced leader of high integrity like Jenny and any watchful eye she casts in the direction of SPS should be seen as helpful, not dangerous.
I'm confident the board will be able to maintain its independence and will use wisely any resources the city may offer.
I think the best course is to let folks discuss freely the candidates and not censor anyone for the actions of others which are completely beyond their control.
hoopi
I have repeatedly stated that her remarks to the 36th Dems during their interview with her indicate that she clearly wants to get rid of the Board. I have posted that link a couple of times; sorry you missed it. I also sent it to the current Board so that they can hear her for themselves.
As well, if Murray endorses her, well, that's another step in that direction.
Looks like Moon and Durkan will make it into the general election. Pick your poison or vote none of the above.
I have nothing to do with her campaign. I just like what I have read about her plans for the city, her integrity, her past performance, etc.
It sounds like you're just peeved she won't talk to you.
Maybe if you had a track record of impartiality and not advocacy, you would get an interview but you made clear your opposition to Jenny from the outset.
You are reaping what you've sown and now you are lashing out at readers like me who only want a discussion about the candidates.
It's unseemly and unprofessional.
hoopi
No one who has listened to that believes that she means nothing and isn't going to argue for a change. For someone who has never been elected to office before, she's pretty disrespectful to a group who are.
That you can't find the quote - look at my school board candidate posts.
No, I'm not "peeved" she won't talk to me. I find her campaign disingenuous and false and when I see that, it gives me pause.
I'm not a journalist; I'm a citizen-reporter. I interviewed ALL the other major candidates and they had no problem with me. I am acknowledged as press by Senator Murry's office, Governor Inslee's office, etc.
I'm not lashing out at you; I'm stating a policy. It would seem you are the one picking a fight and I'm not playing along.
Don't like this blog; there's a world of other reading out there. You won't get all the info and insight that you will here but that's your choice.
Very strong words about a former U.S. Attorney, I'd love to see some concrete examples. Also, what the heck is the distinction you make between "citizen-reporter" and journalist?
And, yes, I'm very disturbed by your comments about Jenny and fully understand why she would avoid you.
As for Senator Murray recognizing you as press; what does that mean to you?
Governor Inslee, who I have worked for in the most recent election, endorses Jenny, as does his wife Trudy.
If you don't like dissenting opinions on your blog, just say so, I thought this was a forum of ideas, not an echo chamber.
hoopi
Jenny Durkan doesn't need this blog anyway. The endorsed school board candidates were not helped by it, and it is clear that the mentality here is behind the times.
A serious candidate like Jenny Durkan has bigger fish to catch.
Move On
And I guess you consider the other top candidates as "not serious?" Hmm.
I'm not sure what you mean by "endorsed" but Mack and Patu are in and I endorsed them. I did endorse Andre Helmstetter who did not make it but I also said favorable things about Zachary DeWolf and, of course, I now endorse him.
Look for all three of those people to sit on the Board come December. If you don't believe me, there are several people who lost their seats and/or could not gain one and I think I helped that happen. My record is pretty good.
Where did I say the other candidates weren't serious?
Your blog has a clear point of view: non-Charters; anti-Trump/Devos; pro neighborhood schools; and pro HCC (with a few token modifications); you throw some "maybes" out out PTA sharing but not too much so your readers won't turn on you.
This is the go-to site for parents who like access to information that will help their own child.
And you similtaneously flaunt your Olympia press pass and then say you are not a journalist.
'Nuff said. This blog is old news.
Move On
And who isn't pro-neighborhood schools? That's the goal - high quality schools in every single neighborhood is the best thing for ANY school district. That we also have Option schools that are great is a bonus. Then you have zero need for charters.
This blog offers insights and information for all parents. Information you won't find anywhere else in a timely manner. Those of you who like to flame me are here very much because you know that.
Nope, not a journalist - I'm a citizen-reporter. I would never insult my colleagues who are journalists by saying I am. It's not splitting hairs - it's honoring other people's training and experience. By now, though, I have a lot more experience and when I get journalists and electeds saying to me after press conferences, "good questions," then I know I'm getting better.
MoveOn, you are welcome to do so.
They will not magically become "Quality" schools.
Saying the "right words" doing mean the same as doing the right thing.
Like gerrymandering or having ACTUAL option schools.
Oh! But that means "busing"! Code words.
There is a whole lot of dog whistling that goes on here. The good news is that
the younger parents are haven't it.
Again, "citizen" journalist, journalist, blogger, whatever.
Can't have it both ways.
messenger
messenger
What's wrong with this blog having a perceived clear point of view that is anti-charter and anti-Trump/DeVos? That reflects the overall Seattle POV, does it not? I'm not sure that it's also "pro neighborhood schools" so much as it acknowledges that that's the current reality we're living with and there are pros and cons; and as for it being pro-HCC, well, highly capable services are a state requirement, so I'm not sure a POV opposed to such services would make a lot of sense (especially since the research suggests that HC students need something different).
As to this blog being "the go-to site for parents who like access to information that will help their own child," are there parents out there that DON'T like information that will help their own kids?
My POV
Looks like you are at the right place! Some people go to blogs to find out about to help other kids, too. Some don't think HCC is following HC law. Some think neighborhood schools in SPS put a "neighborhood" smiley face on inequity. But this blog's POV synchs with yours, from what you say.
But here's the read point: You can't complain that you aren't given a press pass or the equivalent when you have a stated bias and agenda.
The entire slant against Durkan by Melissa was payback for not being treated like a journalist. That is pretty darn petty in my book. (I don't even know who I'm going to vote for, BTW.)
But wait! She says she's not one. But then she says she's a "citizen" journalist. Whatever. Back to work for me.
Move On
You can be pro-HCC and still have concerns about the program, as many--including Melissa--do. Being "anti-HCC" isn't the answer to our problems.
Neighborhood schools have pros and cons. Some schools are MORE diverse after the switch to the NSAP, while others are LESS so. many of the high-FRL, predominantly minority schools were that way before the NSAP, too. We certainly have some big inequities between schools, but part of the reason you don't hear a lot of parents talking about it here (although it definitely comes up!), is that the solution is unclear. Most parents don't think that putting kids on buses for three hours a day and spending a lot more of our limited funding on transportation ( so probably less in classrooms, meaning even larger classes?) is the best bet overall.
But maybe you have all the answers and can enlighten us as to how things should change to work for everyone?
POV
Which is great. The reporter/journalist distinction is moot. If it was me, I would make clear that opinions are the name of the game here.
No news source outside of Breitbart would allow the slanderous statements regularly displayed here and no citizen reporter or journalist would disparage readers in one on one arguments.
It's a blog, so she's a blogger.
GreaseMonkey
People, call it bias if you like but I am pretty even-handed in terms of believing in gifted programs that are finding and serving ALL gifted students.
I do reporting and I do editorialize and I think most people know the difference.
And once again, libel is written, slander is verbal. Get your terms right if you want to accuse me of something. (Except that not a single person has ever taken me to court for libel. Hmmm.)
I challenge my readers and for those who either believe in their points and/or enjoy a spirited debate, they don't find me that scary.
Again, I find it amusing how people come here for info you will get nowhere else but still feel the need to needle me.
Onward.
Also, you have gone from self-identifying as a "citizen reporter" to "education advocate" on this same thread. No wonder Durkan took a pass, press credentials nothwithstanding.
Move On
Two, I only delete for very specific reasons and people do know what they are. That I am not going to allow people to hawk Durkan's campaign is my call. Sorry.
Also, is any one job just one thing? I have been an education advocate much longer than a citizen reporter. I am now both.
You first.
Hypocrisy Rules
I just checked her website and she still lists the current Mayor as an endorser of her campaign. Even after the report from Oregon Child Protective Services was released.
As a parent I appreciate our elected School Board. They are at least one body that to quote from the family movie "The Incredibles" is "penetrating the bureaucracy" on behalf of our students.
In saying that our School Board is a problem, and continuing to publish an endorsement from someone that an Oregon Child Protective Services investigation found to be raping their foster child in their care - No vote from me.
Gross
In our district it's different. The wealthy and well-educated dominate the election and therefore their interests get more attention than they would if another group had as much clout.
For example, HCC generates lots of emails and outrage so the board and staff
treat it like a third rail. There is never any talk about the burgeoning of the program, nothing BUT talk about the demographic problem, while real problems like special ed continue to fester.
So a city government which is usually much more representative of the populace is frequently more likely to help the neediest students than a board beholden to more narrowly focused interest groups.
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