Seattle Schools Community Forum

Update :  there is finally a staff document about the amendments.  It is terse and I don't have a link but here are their main points on the amendments. There are not comments for all amendments.

The Times is reporting that new (but long-time with UW) president, Ana Mari Cauce , will be paid $910K per year and has said she will donate $100,000 back to the university for "student programs and scholarships."  She will do this over the life of her five-year contract which means half-a million dollars back to UW. Oh wait, I guess the two gestures on the part of President Cauce and Superintendent Nyland aren't really all that similar.

I'm a little late in writing this up but here are the highlights of what is to be discussed at tonight's Board meeting . There is to be a presentation called, " Can Assessment Actually Improve Schools?" by one Rick Stiggins.  (There is no link to his presentation.) That's a ludiacious title because, of course assessments can help.  It's how many, the cost, the time and the actual assessments themselves that are at issue. But here are his seven principles of assessment and it's fascinating that he doesn't mention data once. Mr. Stiggins is - surprise - part of the Pearson Assessment Training Institute.   He also has his own website .  He's not here out of the goodness of his heart but I have no idea how much he is being paid. Speakers  The speakers list is full with 13 people on the waitlist.  Many of the speakers are addressing bell times and transportation and school staffing cuts.  One speaker stands out - Jane Broom who is the Director...

Board agenda item link .  Actual contract link . The proposed contract provides for an annual salary of $276,075 per year, plus an annual annuity contribution of $24,000 and monthly automobile allowance of $700. This is similar to the contract for Jose Banda, whose annual salary was $270,000, with the same additional benefits. The increase in the annual salary from that of Superintendent Banda at the time he left the District is 2.25% and is approximately equal to the weighted average of the salary increases received by all the categories of District employees (e.g., teachers, principals, other represented employees and classified employees). A review of other Washington school districts indicates this package is competitive with other highly paid superintendents of districts in the state.