Seattle Schools Community Forum

From SPS Communications: John Hay Families and Neighbors Community Meeting On the Interagency Recovery School Program Date : Wednesday, December 10, 2014 Time : 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Please Note Location Change : McClure Middle School Lunchroom  (1915 1 st Ave W) Dear John Hay Community, You are invited to attend a meeting to learn more about Seattle Public Schools’ Interagency Recovery School Program, scheduled to be located in the old Queen Anne gymnasium building, beginning in early 2015. School district staff will share information and answer questions you may have. Interagency Recovery School is a small program, designed to support high school youth who are committed to recovery from drug and alcohol dependency. Students have self-selected to attend Interagency Recovery School in order to actively work toward their academic and personal goals, while attending school in a clean and sober environment. The program will offer the support of specially trai...

A reader had asked about a zoning variance that the district was asking for at Laurelhurst Elementary.  I was a bit surprised at the answer  - the lot size is smaller than the district thought it was. Here's what I wrote to the district:

It is becoming increasingly clear that the vote on whether to offer the job of permanent superintendent to Larry Nyland at Wednesday night's School Board meeting will not be unanimous. In fact, appealing to directors who have not made any statements on this issue might be a good idea.  I think the issue of NOT telling the public that a shift in attitude had occurred over a search is a major issue for a couple of directors.   I think there is discomfort out there over voting yes because of promises made and now a change with no real explanation.   Again, I suggest writing to Director Martin-Morris and Director Carr who may well believe Nyland is a good superintendent but also have a good sense of fairness.   And what of a split vote of 5-2 or perhaps 4-3?  That is no way for a permanent superintendent to start his/her tenure. Now, of course, perhaps there are people trying to manipulate the situation.  What if this were done as a ruse so that eithe...

 Monday, December 1st   Want to get on the Speakers list for the Wednesday Board meeting ?  They take e-mails/phone calls starting at 8 am (not before so don't bother).  Phone: 252-0040 or boardagenda@seattleschools.org.   Coffee Chat with Superintendent Nyland at Neighborhood House High Point from 6-7 pm.  The notice states: Dr. Nyland looks forward to listening to your feedback, concerns, and questions. So I think bring any and all input and questions. Community Meeting with Director McLaren at Neighborhood House High Point from 7-8 pm.

Guess who's having a last Coffee Chat on Monday ?  Superintendent Nyland (although I'll lay odds it gets canceled).  And guess who is joining him?  Director McLaren. Please join Seattle Schools’ Interim Superintendent Dr. Larry Nyland in the upcoming West Seattle Community Coffee Chat: Monday, December 1st 6:00-7:00PM Neighborhood House High Point West Seattle 6400 Sylvan Way SW Seattle, WA 98126 Dr. Nyland is grateful to have this opportunity to meet and talk with our West Seattle families and community members about the educational issues that matter the most to you and your family. Dr. Nyland looks forward to listening to your feedback, concerns, and questions. Guess who else has a Community Meeting right after that Superintendent Coffee Chat?  Director McLaren. Neighborhood House High Point Center, 6400 Sylvan Way S.W. from 7-8:00 pm. Might be a good time for some questions.  Lastly, there is the Board retreat on Saturday the 6th whic...

To have a split vote would look terrible (no matter how large or small).  For the purposes of whoever is driving this process, the Board should be united on who they pick; otherwise, it signals no faith in the choice and/or the process.   It would also serve to isolate whoever votes no.  In essence, they may become a present-day Mary Bass (the former director who frequently was the lone vote against many issues.  She ended up being the canary in the coal mine for former Superintendent Olchefske's $30M+ unraveling.) However, the courage to say NO is more valuable to them than any good will.  It means they stand with the parents and community who knew that the search process had begun and expected them to finish it in good faith.  Or, AT LEAST have the grace to tell people in a timely, rational fashion what they were going to do.  Here's how I see the vote.

Update : from Director McLaren's blog under Priorities (when she ran for office) bold hers: Seattle central administration has turned a blind eye towards the communities which fund its existence and the families it should be serving.  Community engagement should be the foundation of district decision-making, not an afterthought.  I invite members of the community to brainstorm with me and form a constructive venue for two-way  dialogue. Help me reshape the district! Together, we can bring the wisdom and guidance of the community back into the Seattle Public Schools. Guess she forgot about this goal.   You might keep this in mind should McLaren run again because it is quite confusing when candidates say one thing to get elected and another when in office. End of update  She  makes the mistake of believing it's all about the Superintendent when it's all about the dysfunction at the district.  She also completely ignores the student data breach...