tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post5933681664778826676..comments2024-03-28T23:37:21.937-07:00Comments on Seattle Schools Community Forum: Seattle City Council Race District 3 - A Firm No on Zachary DeWolfMelissa Westbrookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17179994245880629080noreply@blogger.comBlogger44125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-22680104919913523062019-06-19T13:50:49.515-07:002019-06-19T13:50:49.515-07:00How is it possible for the superintendent to deal ...How is it possible for the superintendent to deal with 100 school blds and thousands of employees? It's not , so what happens when there are issues? Lawsuits, students leave the district for private schools ect. I can go thought the 100s of such scenarios that have happened just in the past 6 years and there are many more than that.<br /><br />So we disagree, I think change is needed and it starts with the people who are voted in and not those who are not accountable to the people and only to the unions.<br /><br />The old seven member dog and pony show need to end and we need quick corrective action away from the dais. Until then, same old same old.<br /><br />2cents <br /><br /> Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-17232200457941549092019-06-19T13:23:34.450-07:002019-06-19T13:23:34.450-07:002Cents, when did I ever say anyone was micro-manag...2Cents, when did I ever say anyone was micro-managing? You have me mistaken for the Times. I have spoken about OTHERS talking about the Board micro-managing. <br /><br />Why don't I go and ask all the board members for the last 20 years that I have been active why they may or may not demand accountability? To what end? And who has the time for that? You can go do that.<br /><br />No, the Board CANNOT tell the Superintendent that they can manage any staff. That is not how it works. The only staff member they direct is the Superintendent. You would never get a good superintendent if he/she knew the Board would try this.<br /><br />Melissa Westbrookhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17179994245880629080noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-92099976726678831462019-06-19T12:30:54.929-07:002019-06-19T12:30:54.929-07:00OK MW since you have connections to many current a...OK MW since you have connections to many current and past school board members why don't you ask each of them why they are not or did not demand accountability?<br /><br />I think you have been very negative about the board attempting micro managing the district. Micro managing this district as part time members would be difficult, but micro managing selective issues would not be. <br /><br />The board should make it clear to the superintendent that each board member has the power to direct any district employee within reason to make changes needed to correct a problem, especially if the problem is occurring in the directors own district. If it takes four board member to agree to the action so be it, let the debates happen quickly.<br /><br />I don't believe SPS needs 7 school board members 5 is more than enough for a medium size district like SPS. 7 just make the whole process slower and contentious. <br /><br />2centsAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-36099483761800723062019-06-19T12:18:21.793-07:002019-06-19T12:18:21.793-07:00I think the many things Sawant has said or done on...I think the many things Sawant has said or done on the negative side greatly outweighs her post office speak. Sawant is a self identified socialist and is closer aligned to communism than socialism. She thinks she is a robin hood but is more like a robber from the hood who btw is not poor and not under educated. It's a ruse she's been running and as her district gentrifies she will lose her control and her seat. <br /><br />Considering her background she should feel lucky just to live in this great country and in Seattle. These activist all seem to come through the same path ending up in a so called repressed district where they run for an office as a community organizer (yuck).<br /><br />2cents <br /><br /> Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-85505170867534380792019-06-19T11:32:06.758-07:002019-06-19T11:32:06.758-07:00Reprinting for Anonymous (no anonymous comments pl...Reprinting for Anonymous (no anonymous comments please, give yourself any name):<br />"So Melissa, what would you like in a school board member?"<br /><br />What I would like (but rarely happens) is a person who is consistent on what they will do when in office. So many candidates say they will run and "hold people accountable" but, when they get into office don't.<br /><br />I certainly understand that once you do get there, you see things now from the inside out. I'm sure it does mold your viewpoint. I do believe in uplifting people you work with and being civil. <br /><br />But too many Board members do NOT hold people's feet to the fire. <br /><br />I also want someone who is committed to staying in the job. DeWolf and Geary both proved they wanted the next big thing. (Patu doesn't count because she's been in it for 10+ years and I don't blame her exhaustion.) <br /><br />I want someone who has done some homework on the district. The learning curve is huge and to find out people don't know the numbers for enrollment and budgets is depressing.<br /><br />Caphill Parent, was DeWolf there? Has he been publicizing the post office issue? No, Sawant has. <br /><br />This is just simple reporting. Do I like everything Sawant does? Nope but at least she gets things done.<br /><br />Melissa Westbrookhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17179994245880629080noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-12660939727220907582019-06-19T07:29:23.692-07:002019-06-19T07:29:23.692-07:00THANK YOU Sally!
Well said.THANK YOU Sally!<br /><br />Well said.Elsanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-69844340515871945802019-06-19T05:12:21.033-07:002019-06-19T05:12:21.033-07:00Another Sawant apologist. Sawant is done and your ...Another Sawant apologist. Sawant is done and your logic is goofy. <br /><br />Think again Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-81931140018773338742019-06-18T23:44:04.980-07:002019-06-18T23:44:04.980-07:00When Zachary DeWolf ran for school board in 2017 I...When Zachary DeWolf ran for school board in 2017 I supported him, both hoping for the best, and particularly because his opponent ran on the most openly pro-charter platform I have yet seen, which I and many other Seattle public education advocates recognized as a dangerous development for our schools. Even though DeWolf ran as a passionate advocate for public schools, saying he would be present in the community, he has not delivered on that promise as a member of the school board.<br />As a board member, he has very little to show for his very short year and a half in office, along with what can only be described as a clear pattern of absenteeism on the board. Recently he missed crucial meetings about the adoption of a controversial K-12 science curriculum and during the board discussion. He has had only two community meetings since joining the board (fewer than any other board member). Also, Washington Middle School, which is in his district, has had recurring management problems with a divisive principal ultimately resigning. DeWolf was AWOL on this, and simply lacks commitment required of a board member. I suspect DeWolf is merely using the school board as a stepping-stone. This is not just my view, but shared by many other public education advocates in Seattle. Below is a statement from Melissa Westbrook who maintains the Seattle Schools Community Forum blog: <br />Seattle City Council Race District 3 - A Firm No on Zachary DeWolf<br />https://saveseattleschools.blogspot.com/2019/06/seattle-city-council-race-district-3.html<br />DeWolf is not articulating why he is campaigning for Seattle City Council and I find it difficult to determine what he stands for, beyond committing to "listen" (as he previously vowed to parents and students). Meanwhile corporate PACs are lining up to try to push the council to the right, hoping to elect more corporate politicians who will follow Mayor Durkan's lead instead of Councilmember Sawant's. DeWolf is certainly that, and in fact has regularly praised Durkan at candidate forums and in social media, while using approved Chamber language about how we need to bring "everyone" to the table instead of Sawant's approach of unapologetically fighting for working people and building movements that have led to so many victories for Seattle, from the $15 minimum wage to major renters' rights wins like the Move-In-Fee law. If DeWolf were truly supporting a "people's agenda" he would not be undermining Sawant.<br />In the decision that Seattle District 3 voters face between either one of the most powerful progressives Seattle has ever seen, Councilmember Sawant, or an absentee school board member and potential Durkan puppet, I believe the choice is clear. Councilmember Sawant serves in the interest of working people in Seattle. DeWolf has shown that he neither keeps his promises nor serves in the interest of the public good. <br /><br />Sally Soriano<br />Former Seattle School Board MemberVote NOnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-53954705076655736062019-06-18T22:46:43.855-07:002019-06-18T22:46:43.855-07:00I don't think Sawant has been particularly inv...I don't think Sawant has been particularly involved in the Central District post office closure issue. <br /><br />Concern and protests came from local neighbors. According to the Capitol Hill blog "Sawant’s involvement in pushing for a new post office in her district comes at a time when she faces an election contest amid criticism that she pays more attention to issues outside of District 3 than those inside it. Sawant was the only candidate in the large field to make an appearance at the meeting, but she left early to attend another event."<br /><br />https://www.capitolhillseattle.com/2019/05/united-states-postal-service-weighing-two-options-for-new-central-district-post-office/<br /><br />Caphill Parent<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-39310297770396201852019-06-18T18:22:17.669-07:002019-06-18T18:22:17.669-07:00She also didn't think she had the right stuff ...She also didn't think she had the right stuff and withdrew from the election, good move.<br /><br />Crystal clearAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-81002511759266414752019-06-18T18:12:16.475-07:002019-06-18T18:12:16.475-07:00Ah MW endorsed Zachary DeWolf and Gill Geary. ubba...Ah MW endorsed Zachary DeWolf and Gill Geary. ubbabbbabbbabb so you can see what she wants.<br /><br />Crystal clearAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-90700766438285863342019-06-18T17:56:38.006-07:002019-06-18T17:56:38.006-07:00This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-47240600124679708632019-06-18T16:34:08.134-07:002019-06-18T16:34:08.134-07:00Melissa, thank you for your perspective and for sh...Melissa, thank you for your perspective and for sharing. joannanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-32115917197929817592019-06-18T16:03:43.712-07:002019-06-18T16:03:43.712-07:00I ask that we stay on topic.I ask that we stay on topic.Melissa Westbrookhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17179994245880629080noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-68764736177597629132019-06-18T16:03:00.879-07:002019-06-18T16:03:00.879-07:00If you don't have a well-educated populace, yo...If you don't have a well-educated populace, you will not have a strong economy. Period.<br /><br />Melissa Westbrookhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17179994245880629080noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-22305573508809155232019-06-18T15:55:04.308-07:002019-06-18T15:55:04.308-07:00This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.Ednoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-19648660286079412622019-06-18T15:51:30.735-07:002019-06-18T15:51:30.735-07:00This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.Ednoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-35564541395895370942019-06-18T15:46:55.242-07:002019-06-18T15:46:55.242-07:00Don't conflate SS with publicly funded educati...Don't conflate SS with publicly funded education, they are not related. I don't think the majority of parents believe it's the job of public schools to socialize their children or to tell them another child's ancestors plight is more important than there's. <br /><br />We don't need anymore studies to prove the socialist agenda in education has failed most of it's students and has done worst to those groups of students that are the targets of the progressive's failed projects. For example, we should not be taxing all races in order to provide segregated services then start diverting those funds anyway from education. <br /><br />Yes you're right all these are just other people's opinions. Lots of those people are going to start voting with their feet and many of those same people will simply turn their backs on public schools. <br /><br />2cents <br /><br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-754769471879789682019-06-18T15:16:05.122-07:002019-06-18T15:16:05.122-07:002Cents, well then, go to it. Complain all you want...2Cents, well then, go to it. Complain all you want but what you are asking would take the Legislature to get involved. And again, ANYONE can weigh in on candidates. Go head.<br /><br />Lastly, every single taxpayer has a right to care about public education. It's not only tax dollars at work but the future of things like Social Security payments. Even if you only care about your own Social Security, that's reason enough to make sure the kids of today are well-educated. <br /><br />"School is meant to teach reading , writing and arithmetic...period." <br /><br />In your opinion, which I'm not sure all parents would agree with.<br /><br />"As the saying goes , you can lead a horse to water but without indoctrination you can't make him/her a socialist."<br /><br />Actually, that's not how it goes but again, in your opinion.Melissa Westbrookhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17179994245880629080noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-8644293505292436072019-06-18T14:26:55.926-07:002019-06-18T14:26:55.926-07:00And just how do you suppose a board member could p...And just how do you suppose a board member could possibly control tax dollar spending? They can't unless you can get at lest 4 onboard which when it comes to controlling spending the current board says yes to everything and claims all problems on a funding issue not a spending issue and wants more tax dollars to fix them. So ONE BILLION per year is not enough? OK how much is enough and why should the average tax payer with child support crazy tax hikes and crazy spending that doesn't equate to a better outcome for their child? These expensive social focused programs are not working and will never work to solve social issues. School is meant to teach reading , writing and arithmetic...period. Everything else is frosting on the cake. As the saying goes , you can lead a horse to water but without indoctrination you can't make him/her a socialist. <br /><br />Stop funding socialist indoctrination and magically these schools will have plenty of money to pay for good teachers and chemistry sets and roofs that don't leak. <br /><br />2centsAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-12885683717591626352019-06-18T13:37:13.751-07:002019-06-18T13:37:13.751-07:00@2cents, what a selfish and pessimistic view. Sad....@2cents, what a selfish and pessimistic view. Sad.<br /><br />BTW, there IS money involved. Our tax dollars. Whether or not we have children in SPS. <br /><br />2selfish<br /><br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-10753092638004307082019-06-18T13:10:14.473-07:002019-06-18T13:10:14.473-07:00I can't imagine why anyone without children at...I can't imagine why anyone without children attending SPS would bother to care unless there is money involved. <br /><br />2cents Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-36815020248735511802019-06-18T12:29:35.104-07:002019-06-18T12:29:35.104-07:00Thanks, Melissa, for your years of commitment.
Pe...Thanks, Melissa, for your years of commitment.<br /><br />Peekaboo - find something peaceful to do to ease that anger. You sound like you're ready to explode.seattle citizenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16724175257161649500noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-60812234996380103572019-06-18T12:24:08.566-07:002019-06-18T12:24:08.566-07:00I don't understand why someone would want to b...I don't understand why someone would want to be on a school board. They just don't seem to be effective nor do they ever seem to push the superintendent to effect real change in the behavior of staff. Why is that?<br /><br />It's time to be progressive and make changes to how the district runs. Why can't the citizens vote in a superintendent? Why can't the principles runs the schools without central admin meddling? <br /><br />Voting in or out board members will never lead to real positive improvements because the board system was designed to block real change and leave the power in the hands of unions. <br /><br />On top of all that you have the current manipulation of board seats by board members and activist reaffirming the weakness of a school board oversight process.<br /><br />2centsAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-47435744394030963462019-06-18T09:15:12.682-07:002019-06-18T09:15:12.682-07:00Melissa: I have appreciated your perspective and f...Melissa: I have appreciated your perspective and fact finding on this blog. Do you know if any local folks will be taking your place to cover the day to day machinations of SPS? It seems our local newspaper isn't doing its job as public accountability/watchdog on budget, operations and policy. Thanks for letting us know if anyone will be doing what you've done. And thank you!<br /><br />Concerned parentAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com