tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post5165859234512443069..comments2024-03-29T02:41:52.718-07:00Comments on Seattle Schools Community Forum: Seattle Times endorsementsMelissa Westbrookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17179994245880629080noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-91774027223365647382007-10-24T00:37:00.000-07:002007-10-24T00:37:00.000-07:00I've never been to a Finance Committee meeting. I ...I've never been to a Finance Committee meeting. I read their agendas and I read their minutes, but I haven't been motivated to attend a meeting yet.<BR/><BR/>I don't believe they have any sort of decision-making role on the operating budget, they just get updates on spending and revenues vs. the plan.<BR/><BR/>They do review and discuss the financial consequences of big decisions - such as those you mentioned and capital spending. When it comes to those expenditures that require Board approval, this committee is where the Board is informed, there is discussion, and the staff can get some direction about what will or won't meet with Board approval.<BR/><BR/>I don't think I know much more detail than you, ultimate fan.Charlie Mashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17173903762962067277noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-61257991507835406132007-10-23T20:54:00.000-07:002007-10-23T20:54:00.000-07:00Hard to imagine dismissing a school board candidat...Hard to imagine dismissing a school board candidate because she's "angry" - seems like most of the parents in the district are angry too, and it's hard not to be angry when our state ranks 46th in funding for education. Darlene has asked the staff to be accountable, and in the instances I've witnessed, her strength and clarity were welcome.<BR/><BR/>Darlene is a good, effective board rep, in no small part because she is direct in stating her views. This makes some people uncomfortable, but I think that too much comfort prevents us from doing what needs to be done.<BR/><BR/>StevenS Sternehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17745297343350441737noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-11238732999062529642007-10-22T09:31:00.000-07:002007-10-22T09:31:00.000-07:00"Maria Ramirez apparently lost their endorsement w..."Maria Ramirez apparently lost their endorsement when she chose not to vote in the recent school bond and levy election. From the perspective of the Seattle Times, failing to vote in a levy precludes your service on the Board, but sending your kids to private school does not."<BR/><BR/>I agree with the Times on this one. Acknowledging that the public school system does not meet the needs of your child, and electing to send your child to a private school is understandable. Nothing at all wrong with that in my opinion. <BR/><BR/>Electing not to vote for a school bond/levy is inexcusable. It is irresponsible, at the least, and deceiving, at the worst. A candidate could hide their political views by not voting. After all, to come out against the bond, as Melissa courageously did, would be a political nightmare.<BR/><BR/>Steve Sundquist only sent one of his two children to private school, and then only for middle school. His kids attended Pathfinder K-5 for elementary, and are currently at Chief Sealth HS, where he chaired a non profit board and helped to establish their IB program. I hardly think we should crucify him for his choosing not to send his daughter to Madison or Denny with their abysmal performance, do you???? <BR/><BR/>We all know that middle school is the weak link in SPS. Why should the Times condemn someone for opting out of the weak link????Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-88063894250475144432007-10-22T07:12:00.000-07:002007-10-22T07:12:00.000-07:00I know you'll know the answer to this, Charlie - I...I know you'll know the answer to this, Charlie - I've never been quite sure.<BR/><BR/>What is the function of the board's Finance Committee? It seems as if I've seen them review monthly financial statements and discuss the fiancial implications of things like school closures and the weighted staffing standard, but I can rarely get to their 3-5 pm meetings or track down their minutes.<BR/><BR/>What do they do with the budget, if anything?<BR/><BR/>Thanks -Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com