Seattle Schools Community Forum

Dr.  Jeanice Kerr Swift is 59, appears to be a white woman, now serving in her fifth year as  in Ann Arbor Public Schools.  Her husband, John, is a retired nurse; they have no children. Here's the resume she used to apply to Ann Arbor.   I see an address and phone numbers but considering she left Colorado awhile ago, I'm sure they are no longer valid.  Her Master's is in Gifted and Talented education.

And so far, I'm pretty impressed. They are (in no particular order): - Jeanice Kerr Swift, superintendent of Ann Arbor SD in Michigan - Andre Spencer, superintendent of Colorado Springs SD, in Colorado - Denise Juneau, State Superintendent of Public Instruction from 2009 to 2017 in Montana

Monday, March 29th The biggest event today will be the Board Special Meeting Executive Session to pick the finalists for a new superintendent for Seattle Schools . There was no explanation why it went from an open meeting to a closed session. I have asked when the announcement will be made; I suspect it will come immediately after the meeting which is scheduled from 5:00-5:30 pm.  At that time, I'll put up a thread but I'll hold off on comments until I have fully vetted the candidates. What to look for?  Not the usual suspects (hopefully).  No one with past baggage.  And now, we need to ask about SUPES, Modern Teacher and the Education Research Development Institute (ERDI). From a recent article in the Chicago Reporter: There are problems that can arise when school leaders consult on the side for for-profit educational companies.   There is a growing issue in Kent School District around this issue and it's something we don't need in Seattle Schools. ...

This is one of many reasons why I am marching tomorrow for March for Our Lives .  No mother or child should have to have this discussion. Starts at 10 am at Cal Anderson Park. Director Community Meetings Burke (please note that the time was improperly noted on the district website and Director Burke updated it at the Board meeting): 3:30-5:30 pm at Greenwood branch library.

My apologies for the tardiness of this thread; my internet service has been spotty. Update from the School Board meeting tonight; President Harris announced that there will be several "silent" observers at the superintendent semi-finalists' interviews tomorrow and Friday.  She did not indicate which groups will send a rep nor how the Board will take in their feedback. A story from KING 5 news on students organizing this Saturday's big March for Our Lives for common-sense gun control.  Details at the Facebook page for this event.

A story in the Times caught my eye about a young man earning his Eagle Scout recognition, Peter Gockowski, who wanted to clean up the wall of honor at Memorial Stadium.

  Update:  there are some interesting items on Wednesday's Board agenda.  For example: