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.
Saturday, March 10, 2012
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.
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Monday, January 30, 2012
Change is coming
Lots of things going on in IPS right now.
Quite honestly we have had some very good productive meetings lately. There's no easy way to blog about it all, so I am separating it by topics.
Superbowl- We have had a lot of discussion regarding busing and parking and traffic. I hope schools downtown take advantage of this opportunity to raise funds by charging for parking on game day and weekend events. Dr. White stated 50% goes to the school and 50% to IPS corporate. My first reaction to this was, "uh.....what?" However when he explained that IPS holds all liability if something goes wrong, it then made sense to me.
Takeover - We had a meeting with Tony Bennett regarding the current schools in takeover, the ones with lead partners, and the only school on the list for next year, which is John Marshall. I think that meeting was a very open and honest discussion. I am thankful for Dr. Bennett for always being willing to attend such meetings. Also in attendance were Jim Larson, Director of School Improvement and Turnaround and Dale Chu, assistant Supt. for Policy, Legal and Communications Operations. I have met Dale previously, he has a wealth of knowledge. And I really like Jim, he has a great way of explaining things and making sure everyone understands. Dr. Bennett did state that Dr. White has been very cooperative in this process, event though the media has portrayed him to be less than easy to deal with. However, there were concerns about other IPS employees not being helpful to the process. Overall, it was a good meeting and I hope we can work out hte kinks that are still up in the air.
Administrators - The board had to vote on a list of administrators to receive letters notifying them of termination. I did not oppose this plan, because I know that hard decisions will have to be made soon. Once a certain date has passed we can no longer notify individuals. Not everyone on the list is a guaranteed termination. There are some of the list I feel very strong about, meaning I don't want to see them go. Needing more discussion on the matter the Superintendent offered to hold an Executive Session regarding these employees. This will be a time that we can ask specifics and really understand why these individuals were placed on the list.
Manual - I visited Manual the other day. In a way, I can really empathize with the staff and students that are in the takeover schools this year. Howe closed after I graduated, and I remember the disruption it had in all of our lives. Everything seemed to be going well at Manual. I stood in the halls during passing period and was pleased with the students behaviors. The principal took time with me and answered some questions. I visited with the wonderful parent liaison, Les Martin, whom I met last year at Emma Donnan. The artwork on the walls were more than impressive. And I visited the choir room. Probably my favorite place to visit in a school because that is where I belonged. I had a wonderful visit and I thank the staff for welcoming me.
I know there is more to update you with, I will try and do a better job of keeping the blog updated.
On the schedule this week is our Education Committee Meeting on Thursday Feb. 2nd beginning at 5:30. All of our Committee meetings are open to the public. The following week we have our Legislative meeting on Monday Feb. 6th at 5:30.
Quite honestly we have had some very good productive meetings lately. There's no easy way to blog about it all, so I am separating it by topics.
Superbowl- We have had a lot of discussion regarding busing and parking and traffic. I hope schools downtown take advantage of this opportunity to raise funds by charging for parking on game day and weekend events. Dr. White stated 50% goes to the school and 50% to IPS corporate. My first reaction to this was, "uh.....what?" However when he explained that IPS holds all liability if something goes wrong, it then made sense to me.
Takeover - We had a meeting with Tony Bennett regarding the current schools in takeover, the ones with lead partners, and the only school on the list for next year, which is John Marshall. I think that meeting was a very open and honest discussion. I am thankful for Dr. Bennett for always being willing to attend such meetings. Also in attendance were Jim Larson, Director of School Improvement and Turnaround and Dale Chu, assistant Supt. for Policy, Legal and Communications Operations. I have met Dale previously, he has a wealth of knowledge. And I really like Jim, he has a great way of explaining things and making sure everyone understands. Dr. Bennett did state that Dr. White has been very cooperative in this process, event though the media has portrayed him to be less than easy to deal with. However, there were concerns about other IPS employees not being helpful to the process. Overall, it was a good meeting and I hope we can work out hte kinks that are still up in the air.
Administrators - The board had to vote on a list of administrators to receive letters notifying them of termination. I did not oppose this plan, because I know that hard decisions will have to be made soon. Once a certain date has passed we can no longer notify individuals. Not everyone on the list is a guaranteed termination. There are some of the list I feel very strong about, meaning I don't want to see them go. Needing more discussion on the matter the Superintendent offered to hold an Executive Session regarding these employees. This will be a time that we can ask specifics and really understand why these individuals were placed on the list.
Manual - I visited Manual the other day. In a way, I can really empathize with the staff and students that are in the takeover schools this year. Howe closed after I graduated, and I remember the disruption it had in all of our lives. Everything seemed to be going well at Manual. I stood in the halls during passing period and was pleased with the students behaviors. The principal took time with me and answered some questions. I visited with the wonderful parent liaison, Les Martin, whom I met last year at Emma Donnan. The artwork on the walls were more than impressive. And I visited the choir room. Probably my favorite place to visit in a school because that is where I belonged. I had a wonderful visit and I thank the staff for welcoming me.
I know there is more to update you with, I will try and do a better job of keeping the blog updated.
On the schedule this week is our Education Committee Meeting on Thursday Feb. 2nd beginning at 5:30. All of our Committee meetings are open to the public. The following week we have our Legislative meeting on Monday Feb. 6th at 5:30.
Sunday, January 1, 2012
A New Year
Elected officials are being sworn in today. I can't help but think about this day next year, and what it might mean for the IPS School Board. My hope is that there is no longer a majority. Not just the 4/3 split we seem to have now, but any 4/3 split. I hope that we can have 7 independent thinkers who base every vote on putting the children of IPS first.
I have a lot of concerns with what his happening with IPS, and in regards to IPS.
The Mind Trust Report came out a few weeks ago. I wasn't shocked by their findings, however I was taken with a few of their suggestions. Here is the link of the entire report if anyone wants to look at it.....
http://www.themindtrust.org/OpportunitySchools/MindTrust-Dec15.pdf
Here's some key points: Shifting Funds, Granting Autonomy, Universal Preschool, and Mayor Control of School Board.
I am in favor of most if the ideas, not entirely convinced of how to achieve them all. I am NOT in favor of Mayor Control of the school board. I am not saying it can't work, but I am hoping that changes can be made on the school board so takeover isn't a necessity. I believe in the people's right to vote and choose their elected officials. I think resources could be spent on informing the public of the importance of voting for your school board representative, and letting them know who those representatives are. The concerns that led to the plan of board takeover are not without merit. I have seen, first hand, the dysfunction of the board. It is very real and very scary. Without making compromises and being open minded I have no doubt the school board will be taken over. And what a shame that voters could lose that right forever, because of a few board members. I think we could be a part of these changes if we are so willing. Otherwise someone else will be placed in our chairs, and then we will have no vote at all.
When David Harris sat down and briefed us on the report, he told me that he didn't believe the people were the problem, that the system was broken. I respectfully disagreed and told him I thought he was wrong. In my opinion the system that is there, can and should work. The people are broken. Here's to what 2012 may bring.
As I write this I know I will piss a few people off. I make no apologies for that. As time goes on I am realizing something. I am not alone. Not just here, in Indianapolis, but all over the country. There are board members who believe as I do, and struggle the same. And we are beginning to network, and discuss, and question, and support. Change is happening.
I have a lot of concerns with what his happening with IPS, and in regards to IPS.
The Mind Trust Report came out a few weeks ago. I wasn't shocked by their findings, however I was taken with a few of their suggestions. Here is the link of the entire report if anyone wants to look at it.....
http://www.themindtrust.org/OpportunitySchools/MindTrust-Dec15.pdf
Here's some key points: Shifting Funds, Granting Autonomy, Universal Preschool, and Mayor Control of School Board.
I am in favor of most if the ideas, not entirely convinced of how to achieve them all. I am NOT in favor of Mayor Control of the school board. I am not saying it can't work, but I am hoping that changes can be made on the school board so takeover isn't a necessity. I believe in the people's right to vote and choose their elected officials. I think resources could be spent on informing the public of the importance of voting for your school board representative, and letting them know who those representatives are. The concerns that led to the plan of board takeover are not without merit. I have seen, first hand, the dysfunction of the board. It is very real and very scary. Without making compromises and being open minded I have no doubt the school board will be taken over. And what a shame that voters could lose that right forever, because of a few board members. I think we could be a part of these changes if we are so willing. Otherwise someone else will be placed in our chairs, and then we will have no vote at all.
When David Harris sat down and briefed us on the report, he told me that he didn't believe the people were the problem, that the system was broken. I respectfully disagreed and told him I thought he was wrong. In my opinion the system that is there, can and should work. The people are broken. Here's to what 2012 may bring.
As I write this I know I will piss a few people off. I make no apologies for that. As time goes on I am realizing something. I am not alone. Not just here, in Indianapolis, but all over the country. There are board members who believe as I do, and struggle the same. And we are beginning to network, and discuss, and question, and support. Change is happening.
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Break
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.
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.
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.
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