tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post9209911909388393093..comments2024-03-28T02:21:17.452-07:00Comments on Seattle Schools Community Forum: The Stranger vs The Seattle Times: School Board EndorsementsMelissa Westbrookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17179994245880629080noreply@blogger.comBlogger53125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-83784258978940412812017-07-17T19:01:33.216-07:002017-07-17T19:01:33.216-07:00Does anyone realize that DeWolfe seeks to work wit...Does anyone realize that DeWolfe seeks to work with the Gates Foundation? Do your homework!Insidernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-74681718000307036322017-07-17T08:38:40.308-07:002017-07-17T08:38:40.308-07:00I just read Patu's statement in the voter guid...I just read Patu's statement in the voter guide. She comes off like an egomaniac. Obviously someone else wrote it, but come on. <br /><br />The last 8 years at SPS central is not something to be proud of. She boast about a NYT piece that D.R setup for her. Do people really fall for this type of BS.<br /><br />Reality Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-62357277669099226752017-07-17T07:54:50.895-07:002017-07-17T07:54:50.895-07:00Jessyn Farrel stands out amongst other qualified c...Jessyn Farrel stands out amongst other qualified candidates in her urgency to address rapid growth in our city. <br /><br />She has a plan on how to fund sound transit from W Seattle & Ballard much much earlier than the current proposal. She wants to get that done now instead of much later. She understands that the rapid growth going on needs a much faster response. I think she is 100% correct. I think she was great in her interview on KUOW on multiple issues.<br />- BKDAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-85611449180863609062017-07-16T23:03:39.347-07:002017-07-16T23:03:39.347-07:00Also he was secondary sponsor of the bill that del...Also he was secondary sponsor of the bill that delayed changing the school levy lids, allowing local levies to continue until full funding is passed.joannanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-26985134772957627622017-07-16T22:35:32.704-07:002017-07-16T22:35:32.704-07:00I am wondering why Bob Hasagawa is not among those...I am wondering why Bob Hasagawa is not among those you list. Does he lack knowledge? He seems to have been a solid supporter of education at the State level and was only one of two Senators to vote "no" on the state budget.joannanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-25222291902965895392017-07-14T14:54:52.140-07:002017-07-14T14:54:52.140-07:00This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-43247346316108855602017-07-14T14:53:41.809-07:002017-07-14T14:53:41.809-07:00Years ago in a galaxy far far away.
HaHaYears ago in a galaxy far far away.<br /><br />HaHaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-11130617736382215452017-07-14T14:42:23.262-07:002017-07-14T14:42:23.262-07:00Years ago, Director Patu led the effort to increas...Years ago, Director Patu led the effort to increase budget transparency. There is more work to do. Director Patu continues to seek ways to increase fiscal transparency.Watchingnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-65642757996449489952017-07-14T14:41:09.246-07:002017-07-14T14:41:09.246-07:00BTW I voting for Bob Hasegawa for mayor...who woul...BTW I voting for Bob Hasegawa for mayor...who would have guessed.<br /><br />MJAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-23045010269824543202017-07-14T14:30:52.412-07:002017-07-14T14:30:52.412-07:00I would hope people will associate all things wron...I would hope people will associate all things wrong with SPS and vote out of office every single incumbent. It would be great to get rid of Geary also.<br /><br /><br />MJ Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-46022284439489552312017-07-14T14:09:55.302-07:002017-07-14T14:09:55.302-07:00Wow so by your logic we should start making sure e...Wow so by your logic we should start making sure each district's director is focused on and culturally aligned with the lowest population ethic group?<br /><br />Sounds like Patu would be a better fit in a advisory role, maybe even a paid position? But not continue as a SPECIAL board member. The district needs wide spread foundational improvements and financial streamlining. We need seven fully engaged minds creating and enforcing meaningful polices. <br /><br />This a America not american samoa. We should not be changing policies or expectations based off of someones culture or imagination origin. <br /><br />RealityAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-58034716516351525722017-07-14T13:40:04.699-07:002017-07-14T13:40:04.699-07:00Kellie is absolutely correct in saying that lack o...Kellie is absolutely correct in saying that lack of institutional memory will harm the district.<br /><br />She is the only candidate in this race that immigrated into the United States and went through the system as an English Language Learner. She represents immigrant and English Language Learners.<br /><br />I also believe that Pacific Island students need Director Patu's representation. Here are a couple things to note:<br /><br />"Samoan culture emphasizes the importance of family and community, rather than the individual, Mr. Franco said. Children defer to the judgment of the patriarchal head of the family. It is no wonder, he said, that these students feel lost in American schools, where a premium is placed on individual thought and studying is often a solitary pursuit." <br /><br />and<br /><br />"In Seattle, the result for school-age Samoans has been devastating. South Pacific islanders have long had the highest expulsion and suspension rates of any ethnic or racial group in Seattle, said Beverly Shanahan, a spokeswoman for the schools."<br /><br />Director Patu actually barged into a meeting of Crisps gang members and forced her students back to class!<br /><br />http://www.nytimes.com/1992/07/29/education/helping-samoan-students-beat-odds.html<br /><br />Director Patu is a legend. She has stood up for decades. The woman does not need anyone to prop- her up.<br /><br /><br /><br />Watchingnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-57405510305295681942017-07-14T13:17:48.817-07:002017-07-14T13:17:48.817-07:00So why was 2015 a referendum on incumbents. Harris...So why was 2015 a referendum on incumbents. Harris sure painted very broad stroke against her opponent blaming her for all the problems in the district. <br /><br />Betty was right the with the rest of the board for all the past fire drills. Ask Patu about entanglement...deer in the headlights.<br /><br />RealityAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-81316484111684713762017-07-14T13:12:07.674-07:002017-07-14T13:12:07.674-07:00Oh and so what if she supports charters, so do man...Oh and so what if she supports charters, so do many Seattle tax payers. Oh wait I see you don't want those tax payers to have representation. <br /><br />MJAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-41655343227264257302017-07-14T13:09:41.146-07:002017-07-14T13:09:41.146-07:00A single board member can't bring in charter s...A single board member can't bring in charter schools or TFA. You're using typical liberal scare tactics here. We have had boards with 3 ed reformers before and sky didn't fall. We have had boards with zero ed reformers and the sky did fall.<br /><br />MJ Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-46220740211290966812017-07-14T13:08:11.497-07:002017-07-14T13:08:11.497-07:00Excellent Points!
-SeattleParentExcellent Points!<br /><br />-SeattleParentAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-62808711027232982052017-07-14T13:03:24.597-07:002017-07-14T13:03:24.597-07:00Here's the big problem with all these complain...Here's the big problem with all these complaints about Patu: even if I agreed with them, and I don't, this election isn't an up or down vote on her. It is a choice between Patu and another candidate who has ideas and thoughts of her own - and they're bad.<br /><br />If you vote for Chelsea Byers because you're unhappy with Patu, you are voting for someone who wants charter schools, who wants to replace your child's teacher with an iPad, who will probably work to bring TFA back to SPS, and more bad corporate ed reform stuff.<br /><br />If you vote against Patu, *that* is what you are really voting for. You're voting *for* charter schools. *For* TFA. *For* undermining teachers with ed tech. Even if that isn't your intent, that is the outcome. That is what your vote means.<br /><br />So no, you don't get to make this a referendum on Patu (though if it were, she'd pass it). It's a choice between a defense of public education and a corporate privatizer who wants to bring in all the policies and things so many of us has spent years fighting.<br /><br />After all, <b>that's why they're targeting Patu.</b> Patu opposes charters. She opposes TFA. She is working on better testing policy. She is a major obstacle to the gutting of public schools especially in SE Seattle. So any vote against her is a vote to help the corporate reformers get much closer to their goals, whether that's how you think about it or not.Robert Cruickshankhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06906581839066570472noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-56308925268993594472017-07-14T12:17:41.313-07:002017-07-14T12:17:41.313-07:00I like Betty, she is nice and kind and tries hard....I like Betty, she is nice and kind and tries hard. She really cares about kids, clearly, certain kinds of kids in particular: the most vulnerable ones, and, that is a good thing.<br /><br />But, I will not be voting for Ms. Patu. <br /><br />For one reason: I do not find her to be all that bright. She is just not up to the job. <br /><br />That may be brutal to 'say out loud', but it is the truth of the situation for me. <br /><br />It would be fine if Sue Peters was staying, they have a supportive relationship and a unity of what is best for students, but, with Sue gone, I am leery of what Ms. Patu can offer in concrete terms. She has said to me, "Well, I am concerned about this, but, I am not sure what to do. Sue is working on it, and, I will do what Sue is doing."<br /><br />She seems not to understand operational things. When a south end elementary was being recast as an international school, she could not follow the boundary discussion. On the BEX oversight committee, she really had no clue about budget or implications of the choices being steered. So, <b>while I like, appreciate, and respect her as a human being, being 'likable' and having solid values are not enough to equip her to challenge staff effectively and guide policy and enforce policy. And, staff need to be challenged, as most of what they do I find infuriating and ineffective.</b><br /><br />GO VOTEAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-20594862494865357492017-07-14T09:38:31.377-07:002017-07-14T09:38:31.377-07:00Reality, you are entitled to your opinions but aga...Reality, you are entitled to your opinions but again, without evidence, I don't put a lot a stock in this "anti-bias" charge against Patu. <br /><br />You are likely to see Patu in a forum for candidates; I wish there were more actual debates but I find that rarely happens. <br /><br />Melissa Westbrookhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17179994245880629080noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-42849108056015730102017-07-14T08:04:41.591-07:002017-07-14T08:04:41.591-07:00Kellie, please spare us the sob story.
The distri...Kellie, please spare us the sob story.<br /><br />The district is a mess and much of the blame lies with the school board past and present. Patu's stint as president was painful, talk about NOT having any institutional memory! Maybe she was slept at all the past meetings? how else do you explain her lack of understanding how to run the meetings?<br /><br />Patu has contributed to the mess for the last 8 years, she couldn't even take a stand on the teachers strike.<br /><br />It was fine for Harris to attack a white seated board member accusing her of supporting institutional racism. Patu was there right along with the others, but she is spared from the same criticism, gee I wounder why.<br /><br />Patu has shown bias against white students and Asian students. I don't believe her so called "institutional memory" is worth much.<br /><br />I would like to see her in a head to head debate on any meaningful subject, my bet is she would not do well. Sure she is great at riling up the anti-white crowd in the 7th, but beyond that she is unimpressive. <br /><br />Reality<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-89054691031400818322017-07-14T07:33:34.512-07:002017-07-14T07:33:34.512-07:00I frequently post about the lack of institutional ...I frequently post about the lack of institutional memory and the negative consequences to every family in the district. <br /><br />Betty Patu has tremendous institutional memory. I am thrilled that she is willing to run for a third term and it would be a great benefit to the both the board and the district to have the depth and perspective that she brings. <br /><br />IMHO, school board director has to be one of the worst volunteer jobs ever. There is a good reason why few board directors run for a second term, let alone a third term. kelliehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01322661098626555834noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-25815103893307055762017-07-13T17:41:17.436-07:002017-07-13T17:41:17.436-07:00Ed Voter, I'm fine with that thought. People c...Ed Voter, I'm fine with that thought. People can decide if they believe two terms is enough for any candidate. (I do think the record is Ellen Roe with about four terms.)Melissa Westbrookhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17179994245880629080noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-1295506591053533732017-07-13T16:45:42.998-07:002017-07-13T16:45:42.998-07:00I was not impressed with Betty as president. Eight...I was not impressed with Betty as president. Eight years is enough, let someone else inject some new ideas someone without the baggage of a poorly run district.Ed Voternoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-29732375599043571582017-07-13T13:47:16.814-07:002017-07-13T13:47:16.814-07:00My opinion, I would need evidence. Do you have li...My opinion, I would need evidence. Do you have links? As well, Patu has never shied away from any kind of situation so what are you specifically speaking of. <br /><br />Melissa Westbrookhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17179994245880629080noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-85821730538005132322017-07-13T13:20:52.408-07:002017-07-13T13:20:52.408-07:00Thanks for those links Bee2. I like the cut of Hel...Thanks for those links Bee2. I like the cut of Helmstetter's jib!! He's got my vote.<br /><br />-SeattleParentAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com