Well Robert, apparently you weren't invited.

Board Meeting, Briefing Session, 9/20/2011 is one I won't soon forget.

There were three topics that were of high importance to me.

Item # 5.16

Recommended Action

I recommend that the Board of School Commissioners approve the recommendation to reconfigure the middle schools in the secondary schools to becomme junior high schools with their individual school number from IDOE.

I am quoting this form Board Docs, so I will not correct the spelling mistake.  Yet, I will smirk at the irony.  I was pretty opinionated on this issue.  (just a reminder- there are many more opinions than mine, however I am not blogging their opinions, only my own)  IPS has guessed what DOE will do over and over, and usually we are wrong.  Graduation dates ring a bell?  We were also told DOE WON"T takeover schools.  So here we are ASSUMING that they will 1) hand out another school code and 2) if these schools are split that they will calculate the scores any differently.  My argument is merely contact the DOE and ask BEFORE we make such a decision.  The Superintendent refuses to do so saying that would be asking permission and we don't have to ask permission.  I never stated that we should belly up to the State, however we should be able to communicate as adults and have discussions for the benefit of our students.
I did call the DOE.  I did ask these questions.  Why wouldn't I?  As a Board Member I feel that I should make the best INFORMED decision. 




Item # 5.19

Recommended Action

I recommend that the Board of School Commissioners approve the creation of a magnet program at Longfellow Middle School effective the 2012-2013 school year.

I really thought that I had asked very specific questions regarding this school at out meeting on Saturday.  It was my understanding that we would not be opening this school for the 2012-2013 year, so I was surprised to not only see this on the agenda, but to realize we had to vote on it that night!



I have to say how disappointed I am that this went through without consulting our essential partners first.  You know, parents, voters, taxpayers, and community members.  I am surprised that the board members who were very vocal about the state holding last minute meetings would make such a decision without ANY meetings.   I think it is great to offer our parents more choices, especially on the south side of town where choice is lacking.  But wouldn't it have been better to see if they wanted that choice there?  Also, I feel bad for the students currently at Longfellow.  I toured this beautifully renovated school this summer, and one teacher thanked us for giving these students such a beautiful building.  These students that are in an alternative ed program sometimes feel forgotten and were so proud of this beautiful school, just for them.  And we just took it away.
Sure, things happen.  Maybe this was the best move.  However I stand behind my opinion that this decision shouldn't have been rushed.  In fact, I tried to postpone this vote.  And here is where it is very confusing.  I even put off blogging until I had more info, yet I still don't.  Long story short, I made a motion, I was told that I could not make that motion, as it turns out it looks like I was in the right.  Therefore my legitimate motion was blocked.  I think someone is in the process of figuring out what to do now, however, there has been no communication from the Board President thus far.  I am irritated with myself for not fighting harder that night.  I really thought I was right.  (I have read Robert's Rules for Dummies)  Instead I chose to believe someone who has been doing this for decades.  Someone who decided I was not capable of leading a committee meeting. 





Unfinished Business

Talk about confusing.  Ok.  Do you remember the vote to sue the state?  If not, here's a recap....

I recommend that the Board of School Commissioners approve by Roll Call the filing of litigation against Dr. Tony Bennett and the Indiana Department of Education for actions adverse to four (4) district Community High Schools.

Motion by Marianna R Zaphiriou, second by Elizabeth M Gore.

Final Resolution: Motion Carries

Yea: Michael D Brown, Mary E Busch, Elizabeth M Gore, Marianna R Zaphiriou

Nay: W Diane Arnold, Andrea Roof, Samantha Adair-White

 

 Some of the Board Members, myself included, thought that since Dr. White decided not to sue the state that we should vote to rescind permission.  It was requested to be put on the agenda, but no one responded to the request.  So it was brought up as unfinished business.  

I wasn't planning on saying anything that night, just my vote.  However someone made the accusatory comment of the whole thing being semantic.  I considered it good old fashioned transparency by an elected official.  But here is what gets me.  It seems that if a board member (usually on the minority end of the split) disagrees with something we get criticized.  Or we're accused of doing it for personal gain, or because of a vendetta, or whatever.  I want to share something that was on the black board at my child's school. If 5th graders can learn this, can't we as Board Members?  And I am including myself.  I think everyone has room to improve. 

Could I offer you a piece of humble pie?

 I knew there would be an article about IPS in the paper today, however I was shocked to see the title of that article,


Superintendent White jabs back at takeovers of IPS schools

I was more surprised to hear about the Superintendent's thoughts on these programs for the first time.  It would have been happy to hear it from him first.  I have a lot of thoughts on this article, but unfortunately that's the only information I have to go on. 

Here's what is concerning to me.
"The district's decision on special programs was met with swift criticism by state Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Bennett, who said IPS was being anything but cooperative."
Ok, so we need to change the way we are doing things.  This is where the humble pie comes to the table.  Eat it and shut it.  If this type of relationship continues it will be a lose - lose for EVERYONE.   Not only am I a grad, parent, and board member, but this is my city.  Schools are one of the reasons my friends and neighbors have left this city.  This arguing has got to stop.

""We think we have some of the most unique and highly successful schools around," White said."  Yep.  So do I.  But so what?  It's not enough.  Unless all of our students can attend those schools, then it's not enough.  As long as we have students on waiting lists to get into those schools, it is not enough.  As long as good families leave IPS ( my friend did just today) because they can't wait on that list another day in the boundary school they are in, then guess what?  IT"S NOT ENOUGH!

" the district will not fund such programs once those schools are turned over by the state to private operators."
I guess this is where I would have really liked to talk to the Superintendent and ask some questions.  Because if all of the story is printed, then I agree......mostly.  I am not sure we should remove anything from those schools that they use in their curriculum.  However, I don't see why IPS should foot the bill for sports or other extracurricular activities.  Again, this could have been a great discussion.


"The IPS board gave its blessing last month for the district to sue, but White said he had a change of heart."
Two things here.  One- I wouldn't call a 4-3 vote a blessing.  But, whatever.  As one of those who voted against - part of me wanted to jump on my chair  and yell, "I told you so."  No one would have heard me, but it would have made me feel better for about 30 seconds.  Until I calmed down and realized there is no gain in feeling like I was right.  The gain comes by knowing we won't waste a TON of money on litigation.  And regardless of what was said at the Action Session about it not costing IPS anything, I knew it would. 

So, where do we go from here?  Well, forward it the best way to go.  IPS should try and take a few steps forward, and dare I say we walk humbly. 

"Is there a future for Indianapolis Public Schools?" By Stephen Hyatt

This was written and sent to me by Stephen Hyatt.  Steve served on the IPS School Board from 1986-1994.  He practices law here in Indianapolis and is a graduate of Tech H.S.  His children attended IPS schools as well.   I wanted to share this on my blog, because I think Steve hit the nail on the head.  He gets it.  So, I thank him for writing it, I thank him for sharing it, and I thank him for allowing me to share it.  It needs to be read.  





It is 5:00 a.m. on Saturday morning.  I awoke at 2:45, and there was no prospect of going back to sleep.  Did the normal morning things, but the small comforts of routine didn’t help much.  I cannot shake the sick feeling.

The events of the past few days in IPS have left me with a mixture of depression, anger, sadness, and worry about the future of a way of life that I have embraced.

Here’s the thing.  In jest I have often said that “I love public education the way that nuns love the Lord”.

But the fact is, I adore the whole idea of public education.

Maybe I cling to a fantasy of something that never was.  But, I remember snippets of my early public education-- the first moment I knew I could read, the thrill of getting to wear the Indian headdress for good behavior in Mrs. Mahoney’s 3rd grade, Melba Pickett yelling “lest we forget” in the hallway (and all of us reciting by rote the preamble to the Constitution), Gray Y basketball, the community feeling of a public grade school in the 1950s.

My public high school did the best it could with me; and I think gave me a foundation upon which university, professional school, and life could build.

Ultimately, I matured, had my own family, and watched my children receive their public educations.  My expectations were that the public schools in my city would continue to deliver a quality education.  I neverfelt that they were letting me, and my children down.  My wife and I pitched in.  We were active parents and did what we could to be supportive of the schools and our children’s teachers.

By and large, I was not disappointed.  I am pleased with the adults that my children became and am secure in the belief that their public schooling contributed a great deal to their success as adults.

I harbor those same expectations for my grandchildren..  For the boys in Monticello, I am not too worried.  It looks as if the schools there are still functioning on a reassuring level.

But here in Indianapolis?

We have seen it coming and so should, I suppose, be somewhat inured to it finally happening.  But consider this:  Indianapolis Public Schools has been stripped of control of four of its schools.  IPS, its administrators, teachers and most importantly, its elected leaders, have been deemed incompetent by the State of Indiana to supply an education to thousands of children.

This is the public school system to which my parents, without a second thought,  entrusted the education of their children.  This is the school system to which my wife and I, without misgivings but with watchful eyes and helping hands, entrusted the education of our children.  This is the public school system to which I had hoped my own children would entrust the education of my grandchildren.

And the reaction of the elected leaders of the school system?  Sue the State and extend the contract of the Superintendant.

Really?

Where is the apology?  Where is the soul searching?

I do realize that there is much to criticize in the methods used by the State to brand IPS as incompetent.  Did politics play a part?  Probably.  Are there any number of other factors that come into play affecting the quality of schools?  Of course.

When you come down to it though, the fact is that there are rules, and those rules apply to all public schools.  We may not like them, but there they are and everyone knows them.  The State Department of Education didn’t manufacture data out of whole cloth.  IPS gave the Department the ammunition the Department needed in order to shoot down any thought that IPS was up to the job of providing a quality education.

IPS complains that it is stuck with educating masses of poverty stricken children, and that the plight of the children makes it more difficult to obtain great results.

That is true.  It is also true that Fort Wayne, South Bend and Evansville are urban areas with concentrations of children living in poverty.  All of their public schools remain under the control of local school leadership.

IPS complains of competition from charter schools that rob it of children and the money that follows them.  It is a valid complaint; but is, nevertheless, a self inflicted wound.

The sad fact is that IPS is in the situation that it is in because of choices its leaders continue to make—again and again.

There are bright spots in IPS.  Montessori schools, Centers for Inquiry—both options have waiting lists and produce wonderful results.  The children who attend those schools have parents who invest the time and effort necessary to assure quality public education for their children while continuing to live in Indianapolis neighborhoods.  You’ve only to talk with some of those parents to discover how pleased they are with the choices they have made.

But what else does IPS offer those moms and dads?  Where do they send their children to high school?  Howe?  Arlington?

How about Broad Ripple?  But even it has a “partner” because it isn’t deemed to be competent to run its own affairs without state help.
No, I am afraid that their simply is no good IPS choice for a caring parent.  They will choose a private or charter high school, or a public one outside the IPS district.  (Caring, informed parents know that this is now possible without extra cost)

IPS has refused to do what is necessary to attract the sort of families that it now decries that it doesn’t have.  

If further erosion of the schools is to be prevented;  IPS must accept that attracting quality students and their families has to be a priority.  Don’t tell me this is racist.  Don’t tell me that IPS must care for the least among us.

These are PUBLIC schools—open to everyone.   Why should caring families be excluded?  Why should smart kids have to look elsewhere?

No one in IPS will agree that these exclusions occur—but everyone with any experience in IPS knows that they do.  If not, IPS would not complain that an 80% poverty rate keeps it from scoring well.  It wouldn’t have an 80% poverty rate.

I do believe that all members of the IPS Board of School Commissioners and the IPS administration are caring, well meaning people.  They work hard, and they try.

But they have failed.  With thanks for their hard work and  admiration for their dedication, it is time that they be replaced.  The present school board will not make the changes necessary.  Recall that it voted to extend Eugene White’s contract as soon as it learned that its schools would be taken.  Dr. White is so wedded to his own vision that he recommended suing the State to prevent it exercising its statutory duty.  They are all well meaning, but glued to a vision that has failed and will continue to fail.

The one hope left to restore any semblance of excellence to IPS, to bring back quality public education to our neighborhoods and to restore the confidence of committed parents is wholesale change.  A new majority of the Board and a new superintendent are necessary.

And the best way to assure that is to start with the Board.  Currently, there is a 4 to 3 majority that favors Dr. White’s discredited vision.  Only one member need be replaced.

The goal for the next few months is to soberly evaluate who among the 4 is the most vulnerable and to recruit a replacement who is committed to a new vision for IPS and who has the energy and enthusiasm to run, and after election, to carry on the hard work of restoring IPS.

If she could see me now..........

My mother died when I was only 12.  I was the youngest.  Growing up my parents were kinda strict, especially with "bad" words.  I once got my mouth washed out with soap for saying "bull".  There was a list of them we couldn't say.  I'm not talking cuss words, we wouldn't even think about those.   I am merely talking about what my parents perceived as "bad" words such as; bull, bullmahonkey, shoot, and sucks.  So, I can only imagine my mother's reaction to me being on several news stations, saying the word SUCKS.

http://www.indystar.com/article/20110830/LOCAL18/108300318/State-takeover-four-IPS-schools-advances


I don't always say the right things, and I definitely need to work on my articulation, but I was mad.  My emotions get the best of me at times.

That night was a big night for votes.  We voted on the Budget, the Super's contract, and the go ahead to appeal to the state.  I voted no on all three. I can clarify my reasons.

Budget - This year we received the budget in plenty of time, and it was posted on the website as promised for the public to view.  However, I believe IPS is spending too much at 120 Walnut and more funds need to make it to the classroom.  And until I see changes, sacrifices at the top, then that will be my vote. 

Super's Contract-  I simply stated that IPS needs new leadership.  I whole-heartedly believe this to be true.  Nothing personal, but I can not see IPS recovering from the current state with the current superintendent.

Appeal of our schools- I have to say, I am sick about these schools being taken over.  I hate it.  It is damaging to communities, staff, families, and most of all students.  I went to s school that was closed (Howe 1995) and I know the lack of focus the staff will have this year.  Howe is one of the schools being taken over, my school, my parents school.  I want to fight.  I want to march and write letters.  I want to sue.  But I made a promise to do what was in the best interest of children, all children.  And fighting isn't the answer.  Instead I am going to focus on building relationships with the Turn Around School Operators.  I am going to get involved in my community, as I encourage everyone to get involved in theirs.  As a Board Member I am going to ask how I can help, and I am going to listen.  There's no time for pointing fingers. 
I regret how this was all handled.  It makes me extremely sad to think had this been taken seriously the outcome might have been different.  It shames me to know this takeover is happening on my watch. 

I don't agree with everything Dr. White has done, and I don't agree with everything Dr. Bennett has done, however, it is time that adults act like adults.  Children must come first.  All children.