Seattle Schools Community Forum

Here's the link to the flyer that was apparently mailed to homes in District IV.    It is troubling for several reasons. One, it does not have all the candidates in the race - it leaves out Dean McColgan.  This is a signal that Estey's supporters don't consider him an issue or consider Sue Peters, her opponent, a real threat. Two, it tries to look like an apples to apples comparison but conveniently leaves out details that might make it look balanced.  For example, it leaves out that Sue Peters also has a Master's (in journalism from Stanford) and has been a journalist (not just the dreaded "blogger"). It grossly overdoes it when comparing supporters, showing only a poor Times quote about the majority of the Board (who support Peters) and not even putting their names.  Peters is also endorsed by many more Dems groups and other media/entities. I have not seen or heard Sue Peters say that her priority as a director is to "Get the Bill & Melinda ...

So we all know that the district signed a memo of agreement with the Alliance, UW's College of Education and the SEA to form the program, Seattle Teacher Residency.   The fact that this was done very quietly did raise some eyebrows but if the district wants to try to home-grow more teachers to serve low-income students, then it's a lot better than hiring TFA kids. But I happened to take a gander over at the Alliance's website and saw something odd. They are advertising for the Field Director for the program.  This is fine since the Alliance is, according to the MOA, the organizer for such program elements.   But the resume and cover letter go to...the Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce.  Now I know that technically the Alliance staff works for the Chamber but this person is as well? It says at the bottom:  "The Chamber is an equal opportunity employer." Who hired the Chamber and who is overseeing THEIR work?  Will someone from the district be p...