I took a break from blogging. Not intentional. I have been busy. We have had family staying with us for almost a month, and I have just been enjoying time with them before they leave.
However, I received news yesterday that I wanted to share. My 4th grade teacher passed away. Some people don't even remember their 4th grade teachers name. I could not forget. Not because she had an interesting name, but because that was the first of three years that completely changed my life. I went from a tiny school three houses down from me where I attended with my older sister, to a school that was a 40 minute bus ride away and 40 some students in the class. School #99, Arlington Woods, hosted the AT program. I was lucky enough to have my two best friends in the program as well. That is where I met my teacher, Ms. Roach. She was unlike anyone I had never met. The memory that I hold was that she was a bit intimidating, strong, solid woman. As an adult I can look back and see how she was kind, patient, and really truly unforgettable.
Just to clarify, this really has nothing to do with the school board. But because she taught in IPS for 37 years, I pay tribute to her here.
Ms. Roach taught us to play the dulcimer, to make butter, and introduced great writers of literature. She brought in a golden retriever we called PC, short for Prince Charming. He became our mascot. I had never been in a classroom with a dog before. But somehow that dog calmed the class and made this new school easier to accept. Other students remember trips to Conner Prairie, buffalo burgers, skinning a deer, and lessons of history. This was the first class I had been in where the desks weren't lined up in rows with the teacher at the front.
Ms. Roach would assign several reports that year, and we would need to prepare outlines and visuals. We would have to stand in front of our peers time and time again delivering our speeches. Because of this, I could project my voice and land roles in the school plays. And later in life I would win speech competitions. To this day, public speaking comes fairly easy to me, all because of my 4th grade teacher.
I thank you, Ms. Roach for your years of service to IPS, but mostly I thank you for being my teacher.
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Policy, what policy?
Well, I can not ignore the fact that I am behind on blogging. So much has happened, it's hard to know where to begin. I suppose we should start with the good, then the bad, and then the ugly.
Good- The School Board Open House was held on October 25th before the Action Session. I was more than impressed with the students that were in attendance. The Tech Culinary students provided cookies and punch, and served. The Agricultural & Environmental Science Star Academy at Manual set up a table, selling veggies and jams that they have grown and prepared. And lastly the Manual choir serenaded us with some great tunes. I was also extremely happy with the turn out. There were a lot of parents there because their children were involved. But there were also several individuals who came for the sole purpose of the Open House. They mingled with board members and with one another. I hear some asked some tough questions, others were making great suggestions. I look forward to the Board holding this event again. Maybe next year we should wait until after Jan 1st, so everyone can meet the new board members.
Other good news in IPS -
Christine Collier, Head of Schools for the IPS Centers for Inquiry, who is among 61 outstanding elementary and middle school principals from across the globe to be named a 2011 National Distinguished Principal (NDP) by the National Association of Elementary School Principals.
Tyler Kniess, a senior at Arsenal Technical High School, who is a 2012 National Merit Scholarship Semifinalist. Tyler is among approximately 16,000 semifinalists nationwide who are competing for 8,300 National Merit Scholarships to be awarded next spring.
And today we have learned that the Colts owner is helping the Tech band with their trip to Hawaii for the 70th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor.
Bad- Well, the lingering effects of the comments. (You know the ones) Most of my anger about this situation was the way that it was handled. Actually the way it wasn't.
At the Oct. 18th meeting I read this statement to the President.
Madam President, I am deeply disappointed with the way you handled my concerns and the concerns of other board members regarding the Superintendents controversial comments. Not only have you not provided leadership or guidance you haven't even responded. I believe, as a Board, we need to sit down and discuss the situation in an Executive session called by you, the board president. At the very least you should have responded to the concerns. I believe you should set your personal feelings aside to properly represent the needs and concerns of all board member, not just the ones you agree with. I ask that in the future any board president be fair, honest, and respectful to all board members. I also believe this to be grossly unfair to the position of the superintendent. Being a personnel issue the school board should have had a discussion first. My hope is that we can move forward, work as a board, and remember there are 7 elected officials.
The Board President refused to call an Executive Session regarding this matter, stating she would not go against policy. Policy however states that an Executive session can be called one of three ways. By the Superintendent, by the Board President, or with a majority of four. It's disheartening to know that 1) The president and board member for the last 3 decades is so unaware of the policy or 2) they decided to ignore policy to protect their self interest. As it turns out 4 members were interested in meeting, but they weren't polled by the president, they were polled by me.
I can not discuss the Executive Session.
Ugly- The Board Retreat is right around the corner. An important part of that discussion will be budget cuts. No matter where you point the blame finger, cutting the budget is a necessity, And it will be ugly.
That's all for now.
Other good news in IPS -
Christine Collier, Head of Schools for the IPS Centers for Inquiry, who is among 61 outstanding elementary and middle school principals from across the globe to be named a 2011 National Distinguished Principal (NDP) by the National Association of Elementary School Principals.
Tyler Kniess, a senior at Arsenal Technical High School, who is a 2012 National Merit Scholarship Semifinalist. Tyler is among approximately 16,000 semifinalists nationwide who are competing for 8,300 National Merit Scholarships to be awarded next spring.
And today we have learned that the Colts owner is helping the Tech band with their trip to Hawaii for the 70th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor.
Bad- Well, the lingering effects of the comments. (You know the ones) Most of my anger about this situation was the way that it was handled. Actually the way it wasn't.
At the Oct. 18th meeting I read this statement to the President.
Madam President, I am deeply disappointed with the way you handled my concerns and the concerns of other board members regarding the Superintendents controversial comments. Not only have you not provided leadership or guidance you haven't even responded. I believe, as a Board, we need to sit down and discuss the situation in an Executive session called by you, the board president. At the very least you should have responded to the concerns. I believe you should set your personal feelings aside to properly represent the needs and concerns of all board member, not just the ones you agree with. I ask that in the future any board president be fair, honest, and respectful to all board members. I also believe this to be grossly unfair to the position of the superintendent. Being a personnel issue the school board should have had a discussion first. My hope is that we can move forward, work as a board, and remember there are 7 elected officials.
The Board President refused to call an Executive Session regarding this matter, stating she would not go against policy. Policy however states that an Executive session can be called one of three ways. By the Superintendent, by the Board President, or with a majority of four. It's disheartening to know that 1) The president and board member for the last 3 decades is so unaware of the policy or 2) they decided to ignore policy to protect their self interest. As it turns out 4 members were interested in meeting, but they weren't polled by the president, they were polled by me.
I can not discuss the Executive Session.
Ugly- The Board Retreat is right around the corner. An important part of that discussion will be budget cuts. No matter where you point the blame finger, cutting the budget is a necessity, And it will be ugly.
That's all for now.
Friday, October 14, 2011
School Board Open House
One of my goals as an IPS School Board Member was to help bridge the gap between Board Members and the parents. I felt I could offer some insight, since I had been a student and a current parent of young children in IPS. It's a tough job to bring on change.....
One idea I had was to host an IPS School Board Open House. This will be held in the lobby of Central Office on October 25th from 6-6:45pm. All are welcome to attend the Action Session immediately following. There will be some special guests including the Tech Culinary students who will be providing some treats, the Manual choir, and a presentation form the AVID program at Manual. Please mark this on your calendars and try to attend. Children are absolutely welcome!
The Open House will provide time to meet the IPS Board Members, view their district map, learn your district, and a time to ask questions.
One idea I had was to host an IPS School Board Open House. This will be held in the lobby of Central Office on October 25th from 6-6:45pm. All are welcome to attend the Action Session immediately following. There will be some special guests including the Tech Culinary students who will be providing some treats, the Manual choir, and a presentation form the AVID program at Manual. Please mark this on your calendars and try to attend. Children are absolutely welcome!
The Open House will provide time to meet the IPS Board Members, view their district map, learn your district, and a time to ask questions.
After being in the sticks for 4 days, I thought the worst I would come home to is cat puke.
Boy was I wrong.
I felt like Intersession was the ticking time bomb and I wanted to be around to see how it went. However, I planned a trip with the family, and while gone rarely even had internet connection. Since I have been back I have heard both positive and negative. Mostly though, I stand my ground on my disappointment with the program. It was not the program we approved.
However, I thank all the employees who dedicated hours and hours to organizing and planning Intersession after it was handed off to them. Why? Because the person in charge dropped the ball. And they truly saved the day, and did the best possible job they could. It is not their fault that this was not the plan that was promised to parents.
But the biggest mess I walked into was the horrid comments made by our Superintendent regarding IPS accepting students. Facebook, Twitter, Emails, Blogs, and News Channels have been going crazy. Here is what he said in an interview...
"You've got to understand. We are public schools. What does that mean? We take everybody that come through the door, whether they are blind, crippled, crazy..."
Ouch. No matter the intent, these comments are hateful and ugly. They have hurt our children that come to us with special circumstances. No excuses.
I felt like Intersession was the ticking time bomb and I wanted to be around to see how it went. However, I planned a trip with the family, and while gone rarely even had internet connection. Since I have been back I have heard both positive and negative. Mostly though, I stand my ground on my disappointment with the program. It was not the program we approved.
However, I thank all the employees who dedicated hours and hours to organizing and planning Intersession after it was handed off to them. Why? Because the person in charge dropped the ball. And they truly saved the day, and did the best possible job they could. It is not their fault that this was not the plan that was promised to parents.
But the biggest mess I walked into was the horrid comments made by our Superintendent regarding IPS accepting students. Facebook, Twitter, Emails, Blogs, and News Channels have been going crazy. Here is what he said in an interview...
"You've got to understand. We are public schools. What does that mean? We take everybody that come through the door, whether they are blind, crippled, crazy..."
Ouch. No matter the intent, these comments are hateful and ugly. They have hurt our children that come to us with special circumstances. No excuses.
Thursday, September 22, 2011
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
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
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....
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.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
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.
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.
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
"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.
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.
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