Seattle Schools Community Forum

I attended the Executive Committee meeting of the Whole this week.   It was actually a pleasure to be at the meeting and I hope to see more of what I heard and saw. It's kind of sad, really, that it was just me, the Board and staff.  (Long-time watchdog Chris Jackins came in briefly but left.)  Because I wish more people could have been there.  And, especially critics like the Times, Crosscut and Joel Connelly, who you virtually never see at any district meeting but they do like to go on at their outlets as if they really seeing the Board and staff in action firsthand. What did I like? - I liked how the meeting ran smoothly. - I liked how the mood seemed relaxed and easy-going. - I really liked how staff and the Board interacted with respect and kindness. Maybe this is the influence of Superintendent Nyland or maybe they have all decided the way forward is thru cooperation and honesty.  What were they discussing?  The agenda was the Superin...

Here's what's happening in the District this week: Tuesday, September 10 Audit and Finance Committee meets from 4:00 to 6:00pm  Agenda here. Meeting with Pinehurst K-8 community from 6:30 to 8:00pm Wednesday, September 11 Executive Committee meets from 8:30 to 10:00am  Agenda here. School Board Work Session on Superintendent and Board Evaluation from 4:00 to 7:00pm  Agenda here. Thursday, September 12 Audit and Finance Committee meets from 4:00 to 6:00pm  Agenda here. Horace Mann - African-American Community Task Force meets from 5:00 to 7:00pm BEX Oversight Committee meets from 8:30 to 10:30am Friday, September 13 Lots of football games all around the district Due date for applications to the Equity and Race Advisory Committee Due data for applications to the School Family Partnership Advisory Committee

Monday, March 11th Curriculum&Instruction Committee meeting , 4-5:30 p.m. Hey, they're going to discuss Advanced Learning; I'm calling this one a "must attend."  Also, they will be discussing a math adoption timeline.   I appreciate an agenda that doesn't look like overreach on the part of how much a committee can get done and discussed in the time available. Tuesday, March 12 Special Education Advocacy&Advisory Council Meeting from 6:30-9:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 13th Executive Committee meeting, 8:30-10:00 am.  Agenda .   Review of agendas for upcoming Board meetings, "timeline for community engagement for BEX projects", Race&Equity PD training request, Strategic Plan.  Wish I could go to this one. Operations Committee meeting, 10:30 am- noon.  Agenda .  Discussion seems to be around construction contracts and technology plan. Oversight Work Session - Human Resources , 4-5:3-0 p.m. Agenda.   This is a basic ...

If you missed it, Superintendent Banda ordered the administration at Garfield to give the MAP today.  I don't know if that means administrators will give it or if they in turn will order the teachers (and see what the outcome is) but it may mean some high drama at Garfield.  I do know that many students are going to walk. What's happening in SPS this week: Wednesday School Board meeting at 4:15 p.m.  Agenda.    Among the items: - recognition to LEV for South Shore K-8.  I wonder if Chris Larson, who funds LEV for South Shore, will be there. - update from school counselors - vote on Creative Approach Waivers for Cleveland, Nova, Queen Anne, World School and Thornton Creek - vote on Transportation Service Standards.  I really apologize for letting this one fall through the cracks.  I did mention it briefly when there was a Work Session that included this topic.  There are time changes coming but I suspect that the whole thing may chang...

The Curriculum and Instruction Policy Committee has posted their agenda for their June 25 meeting. The meeting is expected to run from 4:00pm to 6:00pm on June 25. The Committee meets in the Board Conference Room. The agenda includes some interesting bits, such as: a. Policy 2180, Nutrition Education (Wendy W) This will include the new federal requirements. b. Policy 0003, Ensuring Educational Equity Policy (Bernardo) I don't know what this is, but it is sure to be interesting. c. Policy 4210, Dangerous Weapons on School Property (Pegi/Ruth) I think they are against them. d. Policy 3200, Written Student Discipline Rules (Holly/Ruth) Hmmm. Written rules. What a novel concept. It's so crazy, it just might work. e. Policy 2190, Advanced Learning (Bob) This item may be of some interest to a few folks out there. f. Annual Highly Capable Application to OSPI (Bob) This is never as interesting as you think it is going to be. g. Partnership Agreement for Families ...

Keep in mind here, that I came in late and yet I still hit the wall at two hours.  But not to get ahead of myself. I came in as the Executive Committee was discussing the MOU with the Alliance for Education .  You might recall from the last Executive Committee meeting (Charlie and I were both present) that the Alliance wants to raise its fee to oversee school and ed groups finances from 5% to 7.5%.  This comes out of the General Fund.  Charlie had said he would do it for 5%. This really isn't the main focus of work for the Alliance so why is it such a big deal for them to keep on doing it?   Now the Alliance says that the cap at 5% was not enough.  I'll let them explain it: