Seattle Schools Community Forum

FYI, the next FACMAC meeting is this Friday, Dec. 2nd from 10-noon at the Stanford Center, Room 3802.   I am sorry to say this but I think there is a lot of confusion still and frankly, this meeting only served to exacerbate it.  That's my impression.

A short and truncated week due to parent/teacher conferences and Thanksgiving. Monday, Nov. 21 Legislative Forum from 3:30 - 5:00 p.m. - I'm actually a little unclear on what this is so I'll have to call tomorrow and ask. Board Work Session on Capacity Management from 5:00-7:00 p.m. Heads up, next week are the community meetings on capacity management:  Monday, Nov. 28, 6-7:30 p.m. at Denny International Middle School Library, 2601 S.W. Kenyon St. Tuesday, Nov. 29, 6-7:30 p.m. at Eckstein Middle School Library, 3003 N.E. 75th St. Thursday, Dec. 1, 6-7:30 p.m. at Washington Middle School Library, 2101 S. Jackson St. To note from SPS: Local NBA stars Brandon Roy, Jamal Crawford, Will Conroy, Isaiah Thomas and Spencer Hawes team up with Councilmember Bruce Harrell and Mayor Mike McGinn to give away 2,000 Thanksgiving dinners to families on the free and reduced lunch program .To sign up, go in person to one of Seattle Parks and Recreation's community centers ...

A fairly busy week after election day. First up, the community engagement meetings have been announced for Intermediate Capacity Management. Monday, Nov. 28, 6-7:30 p.m. at Denny International Middle School Library, 2601 S.W. Kenyon St. Tuesday, Nov. 29, 6-7:30 p.m. at Eckstein Middle School Library, 3003 N.E. 75th St. Thursday, Dec. 1, 6-7:30 p.m. at Washington Middle School Library, 2101 S. Jackson St. The meetings will include presentations by Seattle Public School Capital Projects and Planning staff members, followed by a question and answer period. Comments from the community will be collected, recorded, considered and included in the District’s Short Term Capacity Management planning process. For information on the District’s capacity management process, please visit http://seattleschools.cmail3.com/t/y/l/wiyyhy/uypdjkrr/r/ For further information, please contact Tom Redman, Capital Communications, Email: tlredman@seattleschools.org . Phone: 206-252-0655 Monday Joint...

The agendas for the Executive Committee meeting on Wednesday morning and the Audit& Finance Committee meeting (Audit) on Thursday afternoon have been posted. Executive Committee Agenda -  There is an item for Government Relations (no details), Community Engagement (no details, no surprise), and then Discussion. Under Discussion there is: Ethics Policy - I believe Mr. Barnett from the City may be giving this update. Update on Public Survey from Director DeBell (not sure what this is referencing) Board retreat follow-up Intermediate Capacity Management Plan - status and legislative calendar IT Strategic Plan Parents Bill of Rights  Program Placement Policy Board calendar/workplan Communications/community partnerships That's a lot to cover in two hours. Audit & Finance Committee (Audit) agenda - Audit response, Department of Internal Audit work plan,  Series 5000 Phase II policies.   There is one vague item - Special Attention Items (no de...

Here's some updates on FACMAC (capacity management). As previously announced, there is a Board Work Session tomorrow (Wednesday, the 2nd)from 4-5:30 p.m. where Dr. Les Kendrick will be giving a demographic report and PowerPoint presentation. On Thursday, November 3rd, there will be a full FACMA meeting from 3-6 p.m. in Room 2700 at district headquarters.  These meetings are open to the public as visitors.  Dr. Kendrick will make his presentation again although at a summary level since a number of the FACMAC members plan to attend the Work Session where he will give the report in full.   In doing it that way, at least half the meeting on Thursday can be devoted to options and solutions.  The presentation will be posted online at the district 's Capacity Management webpage and they continue to invite comments at capacity@seattleschools.org .   Timeline November 10th , FACMAC meeting from 10am -noon in Room 2750 at headquarters....

I LOVE this name - I picture a capacity management superhero that's basically a piece of mac 'n cheese.  (Fusilli Jerry?) 1) Yes, the meetings are open to the public but obviously no public input at the meeting(there are over 30 members of this community).  But remember, you can write to them at capacity@seattleschools.org 2) The meeting tomorrow (Tuesday, the 25th) is in room 2750 from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.  (they are trying to avoid the rush hour traffic around the Viaduct closure).   Check in with the district receptionist and she will give you the code for the elevator/stairs so you can access the room. 3) The Board is asking for input from the Committee on " Planning Philosophies for SPS Capital Planning " and " School Board Policy for Capital Levy Planning ."  Any thoughts you might have, shoot them over to the Board at schoolboard@seattleschools.org.   Right off hand, I think one would be that we don't sell district properties for f...

The district now has its committee in place.  There are about 32 members.  It breaks down roughly like this: 2 each from the 7 director district regions (14) 2 each from the four special program areas (ELL, Spec. Ed, AL, Alts)  (8) 2 from the Seattle Council PTSA (2) 2 from the City of Seattle government (2) 2 at-large community reps with technical expertise (2) 2 student reps (2) 2 ad-hoc community reps ("for communications) (2) I do know that Kellie LaRue is on the Committee and this is great news as she knows her stuff and knows how to ask the hard questions.