The last few weeks there have been several articles, blogs, tweets, and postings regarding Dr. White and his job search. During that time I kept quiet.
Now, I feel is the appropriate time to share my thoughts.
On February 24th the board held the retreat. The last item on the agenda was, "Superintendents Status". Of course this made me curious. When we got to this item, Dr. White closed the meeting, and did not discuss it. I can only assume this wasn't discussed because Scott Elliott, from the Indianapolis Star, was present.
Time went on and I sent an email asking if this was an item that still needed discussed. It was. And a meeting was scheduled. And the meeting was canceled. I sent another email. In this email I stated that apparently several board members are already aware of what is going on, and all of us should be informed.
Dr. White wanted to tell the Board members individually and in person. Time was against him, and I was at the bottom of the list. What most people don't know, is that he did talk to us about these two positions, and we heard it from him before the media got wind of it. I thank him for that.
I don't think Dr. White was wrong to look into other options. I have no issue with this. In fact, I thought it was his business and that's why I chose to make no comment until decisions have been made. Until I, as a board member, knew what would happen it didn't really concern me. Obviously if he left the district, that would have a huge impact on my job. If he stayed, I would have to wonder what that would mean as well. I am eager to get back to focusing on IPS and what we can do now. Time was definitely lost this month, and we can't afford anymore time.
So, what now? I would like to say the board will get together and have an open conversation. Are there concerns with Dr. White's commitment to IPS? Does he have the passion and drive to lead us where we need to go? Is he willing to accept the ideas and suggestions from others? However, this discussion will never take place.
November will bring the school board election. Four members will have to run a good campaign to keep their seats.
The status quo can not remain the same if change is to happen. And change must happen. If Dr. White is to stay in IPS, then really, truly the board needs to change. There's no nice way to say it. It is simply a must.
Saturday, March 31, 2012
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Why I voted NO
Below is a brief blog by the Education Reporter Scott Elliot.
Get On The Bus
White in Greenville today; board talks transportation rule
| Written by Scott Elliott |
Eugene White was absent from tonight school board meeting as he spent the day in Greenville, S.C., interviewing for the superintendent job there and meeting with community people. Here is the Greenville News’ story about him from Monday.
The board meeting, itself, was pretty routine, except for one issue — school employees transporting students in their personal vehicles.
The board voted unanimously to fire Northwest High School Vice Principal Michael Allen for transporting a student in his private vehicle. School officials said the district was alerted to the infraction by the student’s mother and that the Indiana Department of Child Services is investigating Allen’s actions with the student.
IPS made transporting students in private vehicles a fireable offense last year after a student was killed in a car accident while riding with a school employee.
But Allen’s case raised to the board’s attention concerns about whether the policy is too tough. No board members objected specifically to Allen’s firing, but the fact that the board was actually firing employees under the rule caused some board members concern.
What if a school employee transports a relative, neighbor or friend who is an IPS student? School officials acknowledged that employee could be fired under the rule.
So on Tuesday, the board approved a waiver process. Employees who wish to transport students with whom they have a personal relationship can, with the permission of the child’s parent, receive a waiver from the rule.
Some board members still expressed qualms about the the stringent nature of the original rule, worrying that some employees could put themselves in jeopardy without realizing it if they fail to get a waiver. But the waiver process was passed 5-2.
A few months back I voted in favor of the new policy regarding the transporting of students. I should have asked more questions. Apparently now, this includes ANY IPS employee transporting ANY IPS student. This is a big concern for me. I have friends that are teachers. Those teachers have children that are friends with my kids. If they want to take one of my kids to the movie they can be fired. If they bring my daughter home from an overnight and drop her off, they can be fired. This is definitely invading way too much on someone's private life, their life outside of school. Sure, there is a form they can fill out. But will they know they need to? Who is in charge of these forms? I know if I had to fill out a form for every IPS student I have placed in my car I would need dozens of forms. Most of my kids friends attend IPS. This was not discussed when we first approved the policy.
So, why did I vote no on something that seems to give an option to transport? Initially I tried to table the motion until after the next policy meeting. Hopefully we could look more seriously into this policy at that time. However, the motion to postpone did not pass. 3 to 4. So I voted no. I did not want to complicate the situation any further.
If you have any questions, please feel free to ask me. I just thought I would share my thoughts. If you are an IPS employee I highly suggest you protect yourself. Hopefully the board can rethink the policy. But I fear that it is doubtful. When someone is so far removed from having an actual connection to IPS and its students, it is hard for them to see the problems with this policy.
Get On The Bus
White in Greenville today; board talks transportation rule
| Written by Scott Elliott |
Eugene White was absent from tonight school board meeting as he spent the day in Greenville, S.C., interviewing for the superintendent job there and meeting with community people. Here is the Greenville News’ story about him from Monday.
The board meeting, itself, was pretty routine, except for one issue — school employees transporting students in their personal vehicles.
The board voted unanimously to fire Northwest High School Vice Principal Michael Allen for transporting a student in his private vehicle. School officials said the district was alerted to the infraction by the student’s mother and that the Indiana Department of Child Services is investigating Allen’s actions with the student.
IPS made transporting students in private vehicles a fireable offense last year after a student was killed in a car accident while riding with a school employee.
But Allen’s case raised to the board’s attention concerns about whether the policy is too tough. No board members objected specifically to Allen’s firing, but the fact that the board was actually firing employees under the rule caused some board members concern.
What if a school employee transports a relative, neighbor or friend who is an IPS student? School officials acknowledged that employee could be fired under the rule.
So on Tuesday, the board approved a waiver process. Employees who wish to transport students with whom they have a personal relationship can, with the permission of the child’s parent, receive a waiver from the rule.
Some board members still expressed qualms about the the stringent nature of the original rule, worrying that some employees could put themselves in jeopardy without realizing it if they fail to get a waiver. But the waiver process was passed 5-2.
A few months back I voted in favor of the new policy regarding the transporting of students. I should have asked more questions. Apparently now, this includes ANY IPS employee transporting ANY IPS student. This is a big concern for me. I have friends that are teachers. Those teachers have children that are friends with my kids. If they want to take one of my kids to the movie they can be fired. If they bring my daughter home from an overnight and drop her off, they can be fired. This is definitely invading way too much on someone's private life, their life outside of school. Sure, there is a form they can fill out. But will they know they need to? Who is in charge of these forms? I know if I had to fill out a form for every IPS student I have placed in my car I would need dozens of forms. Most of my kids friends attend IPS. This was not discussed when we first approved the policy.
So, why did I vote no on something that seems to give an option to transport? Initially I tried to table the motion until after the next policy meeting. Hopefully we could look more seriously into this policy at that time. However, the motion to postpone did not pass. 3 to 4. So I voted no. I did not want to complicate the situation any further.
If you have any questions, please feel free to ask me. I just thought I would share my thoughts. If you are an IPS employee I highly suggest you protect yourself. Hopefully the board can rethink the policy. But I fear that it is doubtful. When someone is so far removed from having an actual connection to IPS and its students, it is hard for them to see the problems with this policy.
Saturday, March 10, 2012
Recruited
As many of you probably have heard, Dr. WHite is a candidate for two other Superintendent positions. I will say two things. (1) I am grateful to Dr. White for informing the board of this, before the media released the info. (2) I have no comment.
I know, pretty unusual for me. However the time will come for me to comment, and I will.
I know, pretty unusual for me. However the time will come for me to comment, and I will.
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Updates
Here is the link to the new plan for district lines. Apparently IPS wasn't timely enough and DOE came up with their own plan. So, IPS Board decided to support this plan instead, though it wasn't a unanimous vote.
https://www.boarddocs.com/in/indps/Board.nsf/files/8RWKJ64FD6A3/$file/Proposal%20No%202%20Board%20Districts.pdf
We held our board retreat on Friday, Feb. 24th. Overall it was a good, informative meeting. The way a board retreat usually works is Board members are given a chance to send in topics for discussion. This could really be anything at all. These subjects are placed on the agenda, and discussed at the meeting. Because of time issues at this meeting - we were given a lot of information beforehand, that way we had plenty of time for questions and comments. These meetings are open to the public. Usually they are held in the board lounge, however, if several (or more than 3) members of the public or press showed up I assume we would move to the board room. It is a more casual atmosphere at the retreats. We like to eat and snack, and mostly the attire is comfortable.
Several great ideas have come form these longer, more casual meetings. Gambold Preparatory HS is one of them. Also the highlighting of programs in IPS at the Board Meetings is another. We also discussed the IPS Board Open House in a retreat, although it was first shared (ignored) in an email.
I was happy to see Scott Elliot, Education writer for the Indianapolis Star was in attendance. I think it is important for someone to be there who can share information with the public. I try, but I think the Star has more readers than my blog. :) And Scott is much better at posting in a timely manner, but he also receives a paycheck to do so. Right now my 4 year old is in front of the tv so I can accomplish this post.
I attended the City County Council meeting on Tuesday Feb. 28th. The Mind Trust, David Harris, presented the proposal they came up with regarding changes in IPS. There were probably 50 or more people attending this meeting. About 20 signed up to speak. I thought the speakers did a nice job, and the council members asked some good questions as well. I had to sneak out a few minutes early to make it to the Action Session on time. Some great moments at the Action Session included a young man from BRHS playing the cello. He played a piece form Schindler's List, it was FANTASTIC! It really moved me to tears.
I want to write more, however Wallace and Gromit is coming to an end, that means my time is as well. I will try and come back to complete all these thoughts, we have an Education Meeting tonight at 5:30.
https://www.boarddocs.com/in/indps/Board.nsf/files/8RWKJ64FD6A3/$file/Proposal%20No%202%20Board%20Districts.pdf
We held our board retreat on Friday, Feb. 24th. Overall it was a good, informative meeting. The way a board retreat usually works is Board members are given a chance to send in topics for discussion. This could really be anything at all. These subjects are placed on the agenda, and discussed at the meeting. Because of time issues at this meeting - we were given a lot of information beforehand, that way we had plenty of time for questions and comments. These meetings are open to the public. Usually they are held in the board lounge, however, if several (or more than 3) members of the public or press showed up I assume we would move to the board room. It is a more casual atmosphere at the retreats. We like to eat and snack, and mostly the attire is comfortable.
Several great ideas have come form these longer, more casual meetings. Gambold Preparatory HS is one of them. Also the highlighting of programs in IPS at the Board Meetings is another. We also discussed the IPS Board Open House in a retreat, although it was first shared (ignored) in an email.
I was happy to see Scott Elliot, Education writer for the Indianapolis Star was in attendance. I think it is important for someone to be there who can share information with the public. I try, but I think the Star has more readers than my blog. :) And Scott is much better at posting in a timely manner, but he also receives a paycheck to do so. Right now my 4 year old is in front of the tv so I can accomplish this post.
I attended the City County Council meeting on Tuesday Feb. 28th. The Mind Trust, David Harris, presented the proposal they came up with regarding changes in IPS. There were probably 50 or more people attending this meeting. About 20 signed up to speak. I thought the speakers did a nice job, and the council members asked some good questions as well. I had to sneak out a few minutes early to make it to the Action Session on time. Some great moments at the Action Session included a young man from BRHS playing the cello. He played a piece form Schindler's List, it was FANTASTIC! It really moved me to tears.
I want to write more, however Wallace and Gromit is coming to an end, that means my time is as well. I will try and come back to complete all these thoughts, we have an Education Meeting tonight at 5:30.
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