Seattle Schools Community Forum

 Updated with Pinehurst news Monday, October 28th Operations Committee meeting from 4-6 p.m.  Agenda .   It includes the policies on weapons prohibition for both students and adults/visitors, data sharing (clarification on opting out procedures) and discussion of the green resolution impact on policies and procedures.  Pegi McEvoy will also report on transportation service standards. SPED PTA meeting at 7pm at JSCEE .  Tracy Libros of Enrollment Planning as well as Sped Director Zakiyyah McWilliams will be there.  Everyone is welcome.   Tuesday, October 29th Performing and Visual Arts College Fair from 7-9 p.m.  List of colleges/programs at this fair.  This is not a district event but sponsored by the National Association for College Admission Counseling. Final Hearing for Pinehurst K-8 from 7-8 p.m. at the Pinehurst building.   Apparently, Thornton Creek principal, John Miner, will be there to speak on the feasibility ...

 UPDATE:  the Green Resolution passed, 6-1.  I believe there were some tweaks but it survived mostly intact.  Director Martin-Morris was the odd man out, saying that while he supported the idea, it was a slippery slope and they should go about it another way.  Then he pulled back from the microphone without saying what way that might be.  Not so helpful.  Someone asked if anyone addressed Charlie's questions on Advanced Learning .  I listened to the Board comments but heard nothing on the subject. Advanced Learning - the program that is the Rodney Dangerfield of the district. End of update. Well, this is a pleasant surprise.  Instead of the Green Resolution being attacked (as I feared it might), it instead getting support from all environmental corners.  City Councilman Richard Conlin sent a staffer to lend his support.  Peter Steinbrueck came to offer his support (he's an architect).  Cascadia Green Building and the Na...

  Friday is the deadline to file to run for any of the three Board positions on the ballot in November.  Director Patu has indicated she is going to run.  Director Smith-Blum seems to be on the fence.  Director DeBell, after eight hard years of service, is stepping down.  There is only one candidate registered so far and that is for DeBell's seat. I hope that every single seat has at least two candidates.  It is vital to have the important conversations that only competition for a seat can bring.  As well, I do not like the idea of anyone just walking into office, unfettered.  Over at Publicola , they are asking legislative leaders about their budgets.   Here's part of what would be cut using the Senate's budget: $9.5 million in health care savings (that includes cutting a federally mandated $8.7 million child autism care program); $166 million in supposed (this makes Hunter apoplectic) "Overspending?!? Really?!?" on K-12 school const...

Monday, May 13th Curriculum & Instruction Committee meeting, 4-5:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 14th Special Education Advocacy & Advisory Meeting from 6:30-9:30 p.m at JSCEE, Room 2700 Wednesday, May 15th Rally to save the Indian Heritage program (from press release): SPS is eliminating an entire program which has served as an anchor and support for Native learners and community. The district needs to reverse this decision and engage Native community. We have solutions and recommendations which will revitalize our Native focused programs and strengthen services, district seems intent on eliminating services and support programs which will serve to widen the acheivment gap and further marginalize our Native learners. Please plan to come out to the SPS Board meeting and support our community rally to SAVE INDIAN HERITAGE on May 15th starting at 3:30-5:00pm and public testimony 5pm . Call in for testimony is Monday 8am,  252-0040. Also bring your signs, drums, and please ...

 Executive Committee agenda for Wednesday.  Hey, all of you waiting for next year's school calendar - they will be discussing that.  (I note that other districts have theirs published already.) Audit& Finance agenda for Thursday.  I see there is a "resolution" about moving leases and rental revenue to the General Fund.  Well, okay but ONLY if it goes to building maintenance.  Those are really capital dollars and should go to capital needs.  But I'll bet they won't.  Work Session presentation on Boundaries.