tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post5649820110079628916..comments2024-03-29T02:41:52.718-07:00Comments on Seattle Schools Community Forum: Board Tables Policy Decision, 4-3Melissa Westbrookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17179994245880629080noreply@blogger.comBlogger62125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-5069778149472185002012-01-29T22:48:55.558-08:002012-01-29T22:48:55.558-08:00So much for expanding my snarkisms...So much for expanding my snarkisms...mirmac1https://www.blogger.com/profile/10183460709639638172noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-82442406396606348952012-01-29T20:55:58.361-08:002012-01-29T20:55:58.361-08:00What a wonderful post, Charlie! I like to laugh an...What a wonderful post, Charlie! I like to laugh and there's not much to laugh about these days.<br />n...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-40707310928023293472012-01-29T08:38:39.253-08:002012-01-29T08:38:39.253-08:00Okay, this is a small point, but I need to clear u...Okay, this is a small point, but I need to clear up the confusion around the epithet Nimrod.<br /><br />Nimrod is a biblical character. He was a king and he was famous as a mighty hunter. Get that? Nimrod was a great hunter. To call someone a Nimrod is to praise their hunting prowess.<br /><br />Bugs Bunny called Elmer Fudd "Nimrod" as a sarcastic comment on his skill as a hunter. Bugs did this a loooong time ago when general audiences had greater familiarity with the Bible than they have today.<br /><br />Folks who know Nimrod's reputation from the Bible got the joke. Folks who did not know who Nimrod was figured that it was a word that meant numbskull.<br /><br />If we're going to have name-calling on this blog, then let's do it right.<br /><br />Don't call someone a caudate or a coprophage unless you know what those words mean.Charlie Mashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17173903762962067277noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-70795124048784166632012-01-28T10:54:49.468-08:002012-01-28T10:54:49.468-08:002C,
When I see a public servant, who has done muc...2C,<br /><br />When I see a public servant, who has done much for our students, self-abrogate for the dubious purposes of powerful business interests and an entitled princess (I say that because I know he knows better...he knows what his counterparts in other agencies have done), then I am appalled.<br /><br />I will agree. I should not call a hardworking volunteer names. Wouldn't it be nice if our one-newspaper town and other tabloids exercised the same restraint?!<br /><br />Signing off,<br /><br />a bat-sh*t crazy, micromananaging, harpie, parent.mirmac1https://www.blogger.com/profile/10183460709639638172noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-35619990076006425312012-01-28T10:26:46.884-08:002012-01-28T10:26:46.884-08:00No mirmac, DeBell isn't a nim-rod. He's a ...No mirmac, DeBell isn't a nim-rod. He's a public servant who has volunteered on our school board for the last 6 years. You may not like his decisions or actions, but lets refrain from calling our public (volunteer) servants names. <br /><br />2Canonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03716725891562757052noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-16306560055126557252012-01-28T09:24:41.147-08:002012-01-28T09:24:41.147-08:00Wow! Watched that long meeting last night on TV. ...Wow! Watched that long meeting last night on TV. I found the discussion on the MOU interesting. Especially the questions regarding the possibility of this being a pathway for charter schools. The only one who seemed to think it totally impossible was Jonathan Knapp. I hope he's right. Generally, they all agreed it it couldn't happen but none so certain as Knapp. I would rather have heard that certainty from Thompson or Brockman who nodded a lot but said little.<br /><br />n...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-7675017167995758792012-01-28T09:07:11.229-08:002012-01-28T09:07:11.229-08:00This comment has been removed by the author.anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03716725891562757052noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-89781748109342669922012-01-27T18:45:41.412-08:002012-01-27T18:45:41.412-08:00Okay, so we're in agreement; DeBell was a nim-...Okay, so we're in agreement; DeBell was a nim-rod, and the smear campaign blew up in the power-brokers' faces.<br /><br />: )mirmac1https://www.blogger.com/profile/10183460709639638172noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-68171712503877130532012-01-27T18:04:55.983-08:002012-01-27T18:04:55.983-08:00For what its worth, I don't think DeBell expec...For what its worth, I don't think DeBell expected it to morph into the character assasination that ensued. That said, he was ill advised to speak to the press, he should have known better, and he owns it. <br /><br />Charlie mentioned somewhere that the irony is that had the media frenzy not occurred-the procedure, policy what ever the heck it is- may have passed. <br /><br />I was an admirer but DeBell comes off as petulant. <br /><br />MCAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-37596440585591593322012-01-27T17:41:25.859-08:002012-01-27T17:41:25.859-08:00My sentiments exactly, enough already.
n...My sentiments exactly, enough already.<br /><br />n...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-47069899489917193712012-01-27T17:10:45.932-08:002012-01-27T17:10:45.932-08:00enough already,
I had my reasons to say what I sa...enough already,<br /><br />I had my reasons to say what I said. Believe me, I'm not trying to give DeBell an admittedly small fig leaf. <br /><br />That's neither here nor there. The question is, what are we going to do about it. Naturally, this kind of *(%$ makes me really pissed and I want to (will) retaliate.mirmac1https://www.blogger.com/profile/10183460709639638172noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-24926573098570750612012-01-27T16:33:59.688-08:002012-01-27T16:33:59.688-08:00"I believe DeBell is too astute and cautious ..."I believe DeBell is too astute and cautious to dish on internal matters. Frankly, if I were him, I would be PISSED that SOMEONE encouraged the ST, Weekly and Crosscut to gossip and smear directors, making it look like HE was the source..."<br /><br />DeBell was the source. That's why he was quoted in the ST. Charlie also talked to DeBell, which resulted in the same narrative on this blog (albeit coated in a more palliative form) as Crosscut, Seattle Weekly and ST.<br /><br />We can't have revisionist history, especially since it just occurred last week. Betty Patu was very aware of the source--DeBell--and made that clear in her comments to the ST and at the board meeting.<br /><br />I'm no fan of Enfield's but the media gossip orgy this past week falls squarely on the passive-aggressive guy named DeBell--none too astute and extremely reckless as the new board president.<br /><br />--enough alreadyAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-45785883670655567272012-01-27T13:57:30.131-08:002012-01-27T13:57:30.131-08:00Yeah, I know Mirmac. I know. But even so, she wa...Yeah, I know Mirmac. I know. But even so, she was so much better than MGJ, I was willing to give her another year, hoping she'd move in our direction. Guess not, eh?<br /><br />The last thing I want is the departing Superintendent pushing this policy to grease the wheels and set the table for another of her BFF's fresh from Broad or some other "reformed" district. <br /><br />At this point, why do we care what the departing SI believes is "sorely needed?" And what does she care? She outta here anyways. <br /><br />I want something WE need and that works for US, because WE are the ones who'll be living with it, while she's off to greener pastures. <br /><br />Ever notice how people who aren't good at a game always insist on changing the rules to favor themselves? <br /><br />Consider the Source! Poor Sport Alert!!<br /><br />WSDWGAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-41467865930911560062012-01-27T13:49:46.714-08:002012-01-27T13:49:46.714-08:00WSDWG,
Take a close look at Enfield's behavio...WSDWG,<br /><br />Take a close look at Enfield's behavior the last few weeks. In discussions about "Board-Superintendent Relationship", she puts on a vexed face, shakes her head and says "this is sorely needed." That's code for "I'm pissed and I'm letting everyone know about it, but off the record, of course." Let others smear their hands to assuage her indignation.<br /><br />This is poor form. But reminds me of her emails to BFF Janis Ortega, bemoaning those tiresome public comments....mirmac1https://www.blogger.com/profile/10183460709639638172noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-23952051745963547392012-01-27T13:34:00.094-08:002012-01-27T13:34:00.094-08:00Patrick: Sure, that's also possible. The FACT...Patrick: Sure, that's also possible. The FACT is, we don't know because Susan won't talk openly about it. <br /><br />My point is the unfairness and absurdity in blaming Sharon and Marty, when they just started their terms. The local media and some bloggers are pulling this narrative from their rears, even though it portrays Enfield as running from the kitchen because she can't take the heat. (Leadership?)<br /><br />The story doesn't jibe, and it portrays Enfield in a far worse light than Sharon or Marty. I don't think Enfield wants this, and if Astro-T, I mean Strategies 360 is involved, somebody should demand a refund. WSDWGAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-18600943067341103832012-01-27T12:48:00.566-08:002012-01-27T12:48:00.566-08:00It is becoming clear to me that Enfield is part of...It is becoming clear to me that Enfield is part of the whisper campaign to the media. She has an axe to grind.<br /><br />I believe DeBell is too astute and cautious to dish on internal matters. Frankly, if I were him, I would be PISSED that SOMEONE encouraged the ST, Weekly and Crosscut to gossip and smear directors, making it look like HE was the source...mirmac1https://www.blogger.com/profile/10183460709639638172noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-60244475568005867662012-01-27T11:27:21.994-08:002012-01-27T11:27:21.994-08:00WSEADAWG, she announced her decision to leave righ...WSEADAWG, she announced her decision to leave right after the election, but she may well have decided to leave regardless of the election outcome. That's her pattern of how long she stays in jobs. She may have another job already, her husband may have a job elsewhere already, and she just didn't want her announcement to affect the election.Patrickhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16260807460417787614noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-47581642544817211412012-01-27T10:22:01.670-08:002012-01-27T10:22:01.670-08:00I think Enfield's problem is her refusal to ac...I think Enfield's problem is her refusal to acknowledge that, because the Board is accountable, they have a right to vigorously represent their constituents interests. Like in the SE, for instance.<br /><br />Sorry, superintendents do not walk on water. Many do not have superior administrative or strategic skills. Heck, some are blatanly dishonest and can't be trusted (Atlanta, Seattle, Detroit). We NEED the Board to oversee the admin's actions AND results, ask questions, and, yes, demand answers.mirmac1https://www.blogger.com/profile/10183460709639638172noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-57540224689624008832012-01-27T09:22:43.371-08:002012-01-27T09:22:43.371-08:00@FBF: Wait a sec! Enfield decides to bolt right ...@FBF: Wait a sec! Enfield decides to bolt right after the election results are in, and you don't think the new board composition had anything to do with it? <br /><br />It looks to me like she'd decided ahead of time that if she lost a solid board majority in her favor, she'd be out of here. And that's what happened. <br /><br />You're correct that she made her decision before engaging in any work with the new board members, which makes her decision look that much worse, narrow-minded and petty. <br /><br />Isn't the first rule of leadership that you have to learn to get along with people who don't share your views? Don't they teach that anymore? <br /><br />WV says "tryme." Go ahead, make my day!<br /><br />WSEADAWGAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-78700495457694256482012-01-27T08:58:29.441-08:002012-01-27T08:58:29.441-08:00Dr. Enfield was the CAO before being Superintenden...Dr. Enfield was the CAO before being Superintendent. <b><i>Perhaps she has been here long enough to be accountable for some academic outcomes.</i></b> She has continued to support the No Positive Results ... k-12 math program ... She had yet to do anything about actually acknowledging that the Mercer improvement should be spread elsewhere and spreading it. She has actively resisted the creation and implementation of a "useful" instructional materials waiver policy.<br /><br />She and Steve Sundquist stated to the Times when she became Super that the math direction was fine and that the teachers had become more familiar with how to use the materials.<br /><br />She has played a major role in keeping k-12 math headed in the same NO Results direction its been headed for the past decade.<br /><br />She has shown a large preference for political decision making rather than the intelligent application of relevant data, which makes her just like the No Results 2007 Gang of Four.dan dempseyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15536720661510933983noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-25699099031578857462012-01-27T08:02:35.470-08:002012-01-27T08:02:35.470-08:00SupeP. First of all Dr. Enfield gave notice within...SupeP. First of all Dr. Enfield gave notice within a week or two of the board elections. She didn't have time to work with the "new democratically appointed" board so I doubt her decision to leave was based on anything this board has done. Second, she has never said or even suggested that she is unwilling or unable to work with the "new board". <br /><br />As for Dr. Enfield changing her mind - that's nothing more than wishful thinking on DeBell's part. Dr. Enfield just this week said in an interview that she will *NOT* be changing her mind. <br /><br />Lets keep to the facts.<br /><br />FBFanonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03716725891562757052noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-13469900540520866402012-01-27T06:36:56.804-08:002012-01-27T06:36:56.804-08:00Just reading Melissa's account makes DeBell so...Just reading Melissa's account makes DeBell sound like a "man in charge." There are two types of directors/committee chairs: those who lead by taking charge and those who lead by inclusion hearing all points of view in a neutral manner. I've always thought he spoke to the "inclusionary" model which I admire but seems to be currently following the "I'm in charge so I know best" model. <br /><br />I've never felt DeBell was authentic and maybe we are now seeing that long-suspected duplicit nature from him. <br /><br />n...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-91994966002556375262012-01-27T02:39:56.467-08:002012-01-27T02:39:56.467-08:00Juana, I don't think that Dr. Enfield has been...Juana, I don't think that Dr. Enfield has been here long enough to be able to take credit or blame for any of the student outcomes.Charlie Mashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17173903762962067277noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-56126929890327208382012-01-27T02:29:34.479-08:002012-01-27T02:29:34.479-08:00Just so we all know, there is no written rule anyw...Just so we all know, there is no written rule anywhere that says that Board directors cannot respond to public testimony. There is no written rule anywhere that says that the Board cannot ask questions of citizens during the discussion of motions. There are no such rules.<br /><br />This has been the Board's practice, but there are no rules against it.Charlie Mashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17173903762962067277noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-91277348431660440152012-01-26T22:51:32.334-08:002012-01-26T22:51:32.334-08:00If it's true that S. Enfield was unable or un...If it's true that S. Enfield was unable or unwilling to work with our new, democratically elected, school board members –- a key requirement of the superintendent's job –- then she clearly was not suited for the job and it may be for the best that she took herself out of the running.<br /><br />Which in turn makes the intimation by Stand for Children's Jordan Royer and Crosscut and others that the board should fall on its knees and beg Enfield to stay, illogical and somewhat pathetic, really.<br /><br />Besides, if she were to change her mind again (like she did with her specious decision to fire Principal Floe), she could look like a capricious flip-flopper who doesn't really mean what she says. Surely no one wants that in a superintendent.suep.https://www.blogger.com/profile/17281578510716234624noreply@blogger.com