I never thought I would be the person who gets caught up in feeling so important that I forget why I wanted to be on the school board. I want to be the person that connects with our parents and the public. Now, I am not saying other people can't be the same way, this is just my goal for myself.
I try to remain level headed and grounded. I do this a few different ways.
At public, neighborhood meetings I choose to not sit by the other Board members. Nothing personal really. But I find I get much more out of the meeting if I do this. Most people don't know who I am, and I don't expect them to. So I hear their comments. Their true, uncensored comments.
Lately I have been sitting in the Board Room before the meeting starts. Not in my chair, but on the main floor with everyone else. I feel their excitement if their child is getting a recognition. I also remember how I felt as a nervous parent getting ready to speak. And I also see how far away we, the board members, are from the very people we represent. Getting closer was a goal of mine from the beginning, yet I haven't gotten very far. Change can be very hard for some people.
Anyway, I write this because I recently received an email that made me feel like I am actually getting it right. That I am reaching people who otherwise wouldn't of been reached. So tonight, I sleep well.
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Pomp and Circumstance or Pompous Circumstance
Several emails have come in today regarding the date changes of graduation ceremonies. For my out of town readers, let me update you.
Because of the 4 Snow days IPS occurred the school year has been extended by 3 days.
Up until last year IPS has had no issue with graduating the seniors early even those students then fall short of the 180 required says of school. Last year our State Superintendent, Dr. Tony Bennett, made IPS submit a waiver so these seniors could graduate with less than 180 days, making it clear that in the future the full 180 days would be expected.
Even without the three make up days IPS needed to submit another waiver. The waiver was denied. Now several graduation times and dates have been changed, just a few weeks away from the original schedule. This is leaving families in terrible predicaments. Many have friends and other family members coming from out of state. Flights have been booked, hotels have been booked, and parties have been planned. Now so many will be out time and money, and may miss this special occasion entirely.
The superintendent can speak for himself and our president can speak on behalf of the board. But I speak for me. This is a huge mistake made and then made worse by mere pride. I don't believe IPS should be pointing fingers elsewhere. This should have been expected and dealt with months ago.
On behalf of myself I want to apologize to all of our families and students who have been negatively affected by these changes. I know how I would feel had this happened to one of my children, and I am truly sorry.
Because of the 4 Snow days IPS occurred the school year has been extended by 3 days.
Up until last year IPS has had no issue with graduating the seniors early even those students then fall short of the 180 required says of school. Last year our State Superintendent, Dr. Tony Bennett, made IPS submit a waiver so these seniors could graduate with less than 180 days, making it clear that in the future the full 180 days would be expected.
Even without the three make up days IPS needed to submit another waiver. The waiver was denied. Now several graduation times and dates have been changed, just a few weeks away from the original schedule. This is leaving families in terrible predicaments. Many have friends and other family members coming from out of state. Flights have been booked, hotels have been booked, and parties have been planned. Now so many will be out time and money, and may miss this special occasion entirely.
The superintendent can speak for himself and our president can speak on behalf of the board. But I speak for me. This is a huge mistake made and then made worse by mere pride. I don't believe IPS should be pointing fingers elsewhere. This should have been expected and dealt with months ago.
On behalf of myself I want to apologize to all of our families and students who have been negatively affected by these changes. I know how I would feel had this happened to one of my children, and I am truly sorry.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Start in your own backyard
First of all, let me say how ashamed I am that it has been SO LONG since I have written. Maybe only three people read this, but I really want to be open and inclusive in this process.
Lots of hot topics right now, but leading the pack is the BUDGET. Funny how I hate that word in my home, and I am beginning to hate it at work. Only because when the word "budget" is brought up at either place, bad news always follows.
I was out of town when Amos aired asking, Where were the board members? Well, there is no secret where I stand. I don't think central Office has sacrificed much at all, I don't believe administrators who make a (more than) comfortable salary have done enough, and I think the Superintendent should have started with himself, long ago.
I have no problem making tough decisions or unpopular ones. There will come a time when a school has to be closed and more teachers laid off. I am not taking the easy way out, as some have stated. When the proposal is right, and fair, then I will support it. But as long as the proposals set before me are grossly unfair to the students, teachers, taxpayers, and parents of IPS, it will NOT be supported by me.
I make no apologies for my bluntness, and my opinion is not private.
Lots of hot topics right now, but leading the pack is the BUDGET. Funny how I hate that word in my home, and I am beginning to hate it at work. Only because when the word "budget" is brought up at either place, bad news always follows.
I was out of town when Amos aired asking, Where were the board members? Well, there is no secret where I stand. I don't think central Office has sacrificed much at all, I don't believe administrators who make a (more than) comfortable salary have done enough, and I think the Superintendent should have started with himself, long ago.
I have no problem making tough decisions or unpopular ones. There will come a time when a school has to be closed and more teachers laid off. I am not taking the easy way out, as some have stated. When the proposal is right, and fair, then I will support it. But as long as the proposals set before me are grossly unfair to the students, teachers, taxpayers, and parents of IPS, it will NOT be supported by me.
I make no apologies for my bluntness, and my opinion is not private.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
The questions unasked.
There always seems to be some "heat" on school systems, school boards, and their superintendents. There probably always will be. Wayne Township is under the microscope right now with the Superintendents retirement package, and the Board's spending habits while in the middle of huge budget cuts. I decided to attend their Board Meeting last night. I thought this would be a great opportunity to also see how their Board handled this kind of situation.
They met in a different location than they normally do, so there was room for everyone who wanted to attend. At first it was standing room only. There were several student recognitions. (that is a separate blog) Once those were complete the room emptied out a little. At that time, I found a seat.
One thing I appreciated about this meeting is that anyone who wanted to sign up to speak could do so that night. There was a sheet in the hall, and anyone could sign up. Right before the delegations started the Superintendent, Dr. Butts, gave another opportunity for anyone to sign up. Two individuals did so. And again, after the last delegate spoke Dr Butts gave yet ANOTHER opportunity for anyone to speak. BRAVO to being so willing to hear from the public and NOT keep them at arms length.
I would say everyone who spoke showed disappointed with the Board Members and their failure to do their job properly. Some were supportive, forgiving and were ready to look to fixing the problems. Other were angry, less forgiving and demanded the Board Members step down immediately. Some shed tears. All wished the Board would have asked more questions. Many stated they had simply lost trust in the Board.
This got me thinking.....
The Wayne Township Board trusted their Superintendent and didn't question things. And now there is a much bigger problem. The community has lost faith in their School Board.
Since being sworn in on the IPS School Board I have asked my share of questions. Because of this I have received some not so favorable emails, and I have felt as an outsider. There seems to be this undertone that if you question anything, you are being disrespectful.
It is not easy for me to go to a meeting with the knowledge that it could be heated. In fact, I hate it. But I was elected to ask the tough questions and to inquire when something doesn't quite add up. I may be proven wrong in my concerns at times and that is ok. I know one thing for sure, I never want to be in the position that the Wayne Township Board members were in, I would rather ask one too many questions than one too few, no matter who I tick off while doing so.
They met in a different location than they normally do, so there was room for everyone who wanted to attend. At first it was standing room only. There were several student recognitions. (that is a separate blog) Once those were complete the room emptied out a little. At that time, I found a seat.
One thing I appreciated about this meeting is that anyone who wanted to sign up to speak could do so that night. There was a sheet in the hall, and anyone could sign up. Right before the delegations started the Superintendent, Dr. Butts, gave another opportunity for anyone to sign up. Two individuals did so. And again, after the last delegate spoke Dr Butts gave yet ANOTHER opportunity for anyone to speak. BRAVO to being so willing to hear from the public and NOT keep them at arms length.
I would say everyone who spoke showed disappointed with the Board Members and their failure to do their job properly. Some were supportive, forgiving and were ready to look to fixing the problems. Other were angry, less forgiving and demanded the Board Members step down immediately. Some shed tears. All wished the Board would have asked more questions. Many stated they had simply lost trust in the Board.
This got me thinking.....
The Wayne Township Board trusted their Superintendent and didn't question things. And now there is a much bigger problem. The community has lost faith in their School Board.
Since being sworn in on the IPS School Board I have asked my share of questions. Because of this I have received some not so favorable emails, and I have felt as an outsider. There seems to be this undertone that if you question anything, you are being disrespectful.
It is not easy for me to go to a meeting with the knowledge that it could be heated. In fact, I hate it. But I was elected to ask the tough questions and to inquire when something doesn't quite add up. I may be proven wrong in my concerns at times and that is ok. I know one thing for sure, I never want to be in the position that the Wayne Township Board members were in, I would rather ask one too many questions than one too few, no matter who I tick off while doing so.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Parent Power
I attended (most of) the parent power meeting today at 10am. They will have another one tonight at 6pm. I will add the information below if someone is interested in attending.
I think this group is exactly what IPS needs right now. I believe the term I heard to today was, "friendly critic". Or something like that. There were parents and community members present today.
Just a little info...
Parent Power’s Vision : Empower parents to become informed decision makers in the process of educating our children. To provide parents training in leadership so they will be empowered to be leaders in schools.
THis is a great place for parents or community members that want to do something, but don't know what. For persons with concerns and questions, but no answers. This is not an angry group that wants to sit around and complain. They want to focus on a concern, find solutions, and implement change. They recognize the good in IPS, as many choose IPS for their children. If you want to get involved, this is a great palce to start.
They have a facebook page as well.
http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Parent-Power-Indianapolis/113715475354342?v=wall
Meeting Information -
Wednesday Feb.23rd
10am-11:30am
6pm-7:45pm
Points of Discussion:
~IPS $530 MILLION Budget
~Where/ How to look up information on your child's school academic performance
~Parent's definition of Invovlement
~Parents and Radical Education Reform
Location
I think this group is exactly what IPS needs right now. I believe the term I heard to today was, "friendly critic". Or something like that. There were parents and community members present today.
Just a little info...
Parent Power’s Vision : Empower parents to become informed decision makers in the process of educating our children. To provide parents training in leadership so they will be empowered to be leaders in schools.
THis is a great place for parents or community members that want to do something, but don't know what. For persons with concerns and questions, but no answers. This is not an angry group that wants to sit around and complain. They want to focus on a concern, find solutions, and implement change. They recognize the good in IPS, as many choose IPS for their children. If you want to get involved, this is a great palce to start.
They have a facebook page as well.
http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Parent-Power-Indianapolis/113715475354342?v=wall
Meeting Information -
Wednesday Feb.23rd
10am-11:30am
6pm-7:45pm
Points of Discussion:
~IPS $530 MILLION Budget
~Where/ How to look up information on your child's school academic performance
~Parent's definition of Invovlement
~Parents and Radical Education Reform
Location
37 PLACE (IPS #37)
2605 E. 25th St
Indianapolis, IN 46218
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Donation
On Feb. 14th the IPS School Board held a Special Called Meeting. I disagreed with this meeting for many reasons. This meetings one and only purpose was to (re)vote on the proposal submitted by Dr. White on the personnel changes. I thought (along with other Board members) that this should just be added to the meeting on Feb. 15th for these reasons:
1) It will save money.
2) Although both meetings were open to the public, the meeting on the 14th was not video taped and therefore not available for viewing for anyone other than who attended the meeting.
THe money issue was a concern for other Board members as well.
One Board Member refused payment. I decided to take this money and donate it to a school. This could be an individual teacher used for a classroom, a sports team, PTSA, for Field trips, anything. It is not a lot of money, but I don't feel right keeping payment for a 17 minute meeting. And 3 of those minutes were me complaining about having the meeting.
So if you know of anyone who could use this money please leave a comment or email me at roof2@ips.k12.in.us
I am not the only Board Member donating this payment, so if is ok I would like to forward any suggestions on.
1) It will save money.
2) Although both meetings were open to the public, the meeting on the 14th was not video taped and therefore not available for viewing for anyone other than who attended the meeting.
THe money issue was a concern for other Board members as well.
One Board Member refused payment. I decided to take this money and donate it to a school. This could be an individual teacher used for a classroom, a sports team, PTSA, for Field trips, anything. It is not a lot of money, but I don't feel right keeping payment for a 17 minute meeting. And 3 of those minutes were me complaining about having the meeting.
So if you know of anyone who could use this money please leave a comment or email me at roof2@ips.k12.in.us
I am not the only Board Member donating this payment, so if is ok I would like to forward any suggestions on.
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Things coming up
There are a lot of things happening right now. There are the vouchers, Charter School Bill, and State Takeover. Personally I think one of these could really damage IPS. I can only imagine what would happen if all three of these happen.
THere are some thing happening right now that IPS has control over, and we need your input!
IPS TO HOLD MEETINGS ON BUDGET CUTS:
IPS will host two public meetings to share the need for proposed cuts to the 2012 budget. The first is Feb. 24 in the cafeteria of George Washington Community High School, 2215 W. Washington St.; the second is March 9 at Arlington Community High School, 4825 N. Arlington Ave. Both meetings begin at 6 p.m. IPS must cut $15 million from the General Fund budget. Superintendent Eugene G. White will share proposed cuts and seek community feedback on the plan.
Now, I am glad these meetings are being held. When we went through his last year I attended the budget cut meetings, and I think the parent input made a difference. However, why aren't we getting the proposal of the budget cuts before this meeting? That way we can be informed and ready to ask questions.
On another note:
It seems that the Magnet School Acceptance letters started arriving in mailboxes yesterday. Good luck to everyone.
THere are some thing happening right now that IPS has control over, and we need your input!
IPS TO HOLD MEETINGS ON BUDGET CUTS:
IPS will host two public meetings to share the need for proposed cuts to the 2012 budget. The first is Feb. 24 in the cafeteria of George Washington Community High School, 2215 W. Washington St.; the second is March 9 at Arlington Community High School, 4825 N. Arlington Ave. Both meetings begin at 6 p.m. IPS must cut $15 million from the General Fund budget. Superintendent Eugene G. White will share proposed cuts and seek community feedback on the plan.
Now, I am glad these meetings are being held. When we went through his last year I attended the budget cut meetings, and I think the parent input made a difference. However, why aren't we getting the proposal of the budget cuts before this meeting? That way we can be informed and ready to ask questions.
On another note:
It seems that the Magnet School Acceptance letters started arriving in mailboxes yesterday. Good luck to everyone.
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