Tonight the RUSD board voted on, and approved, two separate recommendations from the Executive Search committee. The new RUSD interim superintendent will be Dr. Jackson Parker, and the interim/permanent chief financial officer for the district will be Mr. David Hazen. Both men have long and successful careers, and both have previous ties to the school district.
Dr. Jackson Parker started his teaching career in 1963 in Racine. He was one of the co-founders of Walden III, Racine’s most successful middle and high school. He went on to become a RUSD administrator, and left the district in 1989 to become the superintendent of Burlington’s school district. He retired from that position in 1997.
Mr. David Hazen has an extensive background in finance – he has an MBA and is a CPA, having his own successful business for over 20 years. He also served on the Racine Unified School District Board of Education from 1995-2003, two of those years as RUSD Board President. He is also a current Racine County Supervisor.
The district is lucky to have both of them on board. I have to be honest, my first choice for interim superintendent would have been Dr. Marguerite Vanden Wyngaard, but fate does work in mysterious ways. When one door closes, another opens - if Dr. V had to deal with the day-to-day dealings of the district, she would not have time to transform our secondary schools.
Dr. V unveiled her “Secondary Transformation” plan tonight for the RUSD board and the 4 people in the audience. Unfortunately the JT reporter had left by then, so I will probably be the only person talking about her visionary plan in the immediate future. I apologize up front for what I’m sure will be a never-ending discussion of her plans for the district.
Showing posts with label RUSD. Show all posts
Showing posts with label RUSD. Show all posts
Monday, September 24, 2007
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Bringing home the "gold"
For those of you who don’t follow the world of education, you might not have heard of the Broad Prize. Like the Stanley Cup and Lombardi Trophy are for the NHL and NFL, the Broad Prize is the pinnacle of success for large urban school districts across this country.
The New York City school district, the largest in the country, is the latest recipient of this prestigious award. Why should I mention this and what in the heck does this have to do with our local schools?
You might be interested in knowing that RUSD has ambitions to bring home this prestigious award by 2010. In fact there are signs all over RUSD – Beat Atlanta – to continually remind RUSD employees of who is our biggest competition for this award.
Under Dr. V’s tutelage, this actually could happen, in my humble opinion. I think she is focused enough to accomplish this by drawing on her strengths in closing the achievement gap and realigning our curriculum. She has only just begun, and I am already seeing positive changes in the middle school curriculum.
Hopefully, the board will act expeditiously in bringing in a new superintendent and business manager, so Dr. V can concentrate on the teaching and learning division and finally making RUSD an academic success.
The New York City school district, the largest in the country, is the latest recipient of this prestigious award. Why should I mention this and what in the heck does this have to do with our local schools?
You might be interested in knowing that RUSD has ambitions to bring home this prestigious award by 2010. In fact there are signs all over RUSD – Beat Atlanta – to continually remind RUSD employees of who is our biggest competition for this award.
Under Dr. V’s tutelage, this actually could happen, in my humble opinion. I think she is focused enough to accomplish this by drawing on her strengths in closing the achievement gap and realigning our curriculum. She has only just begun, and I am already seeing positive changes in the middle school curriculum.
Hopefully, the board will act expeditiously in bringing in a new superintendent and business manager, so Dr. V can concentrate on the teaching and learning division and finally making RUSD an academic success.
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Contracts make for better students
Looking over my last few posts, I realized it was time to share some positive happenings here in the Racine area. School has begun, and for the first time in a very long time, my children look forward to going to school. Okay, maybe they are not jumping-up and down with excitement (although the younger one is close!), but there is definitely a different vibe this year – and that’s a good thing.
Since one of them is attending the same school as last year, I spent some time trying to figure out what is so different this year from last. They are so much more relaxed and seem confident of what it expected of them. The answer dawned on my earlier this week after I signed what seemed to be the 1000th piece of paper that had to be returned to school.
In each and every class at my son’s middle school, they have been told what to expect throughout the year – the grading policy, the tardiness policy, etc. I’m not suggesting that this has never happened before, but signed contracts (with the exception of Orchestra) are a first! Every classroom contract was signed by the teacher, the student AND the parent with clear objectives and goals – it makes the student “own” his academic performance and record. I’m sure it will also help hone the soft skills that are needed for success later in life.
I’m not sure if this is done at other schools in RUSD, but I think it definitely should be!
Since one of them is attending the same school as last year, I spent some time trying to figure out what is so different this year from last. They are so much more relaxed and seem confident of what it expected of them. The answer dawned on my earlier this week after I signed what seemed to be the 1000th piece of paper that had to be returned to school.
In each and every class at my son’s middle school, they have been told what to expect throughout the year – the grading policy, the tardiness policy, etc. I’m not suggesting that this has never happened before, but signed contracts (with the exception of Orchestra) are a first! Every classroom contract was signed by the teacher, the student AND the parent with clear objectives and goals – it makes the student “own” his academic performance and record. I’m sure it will also help hone the soft skills that are needed for success later in life.
I’m not sure if this is done at other schools in RUSD, but I think it definitely should be!
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Still waiting for news on the PBCG settlement
It’s been, what, about 3 weeks now since the board received the preliminary report of the PBCG audit? Three weeks, and the public is still very much in the dark about PBCG’s future financial relationship with RUSD…
Is the RUSD board going to terminate their contract without any further payment, or will PBCG be given a lovely parting gift, courtesy of the taxpayers and the children of the district?
The way I see it is this – the board has 2 basic duties, and each of these duties are equally important. As elected officials, their first role is representing the taxpayers and the children of this community, and the second is representing the district in a professional and positive way. I fear that some board members are having difficulties addressing both of these duties simultaneously.
Trying to terminate the contract without any further payments could result in a lawsuit from PBCG – even though the audit shows that PBCG failed to perform even their most basic accounting duties. Many people believe that they have not held up their end of the bargain, so why should the district uphold theirs? Don’t even get me started on the unbilled incentives based on “revenue enhancements” (BTW, that is a code word for tax increases, not savings!)
However, lawsuits do have a tendency to get ugly and there may be some on the board who would rather try to make this all quietly go away, and spend millions doing so, in the name of bringing some kind of quick and painless closure for the district.
However, this action may have its own unintended consequences. I cannot believe that many of the Racine area residents will take this scenario lying down. Instead of having the RUSD board deal with important issues like grade configuration, busing, and other educational matters – the board may ultimately end up dealing with their own recall elections.
The alternative - standing up to PBCG and not paying them the unbilled incentives from the still unrealized savings and “revenue enhancements” - would be the righteous and noble thing to do, according to many in this community. It’s the “right thing” to do on the behalf of the taxpayers, and it’s definitely the best for the children within this district. Terminating the PBCG contract and paying them the contentious bonus will only take more money from all the classrooms in the district.
Let me put it this way – I’d rather have the district take their chances in a court fight then pay PBCG any kind of settlement outright. At least then I could respect the board for trying to represent the best interests of the taxpayers, the children they serve, and the district they represent.
Is the RUSD board going to terminate their contract without any further payment, or will PBCG be given a lovely parting gift, courtesy of the taxpayers and the children of the district?
The way I see it is this – the board has 2 basic duties, and each of these duties are equally important. As elected officials, their first role is representing the taxpayers and the children of this community, and the second is representing the district in a professional and positive way. I fear that some board members are having difficulties addressing both of these duties simultaneously.
Trying to terminate the contract without any further payments could result in a lawsuit from PBCG – even though the audit shows that PBCG failed to perform even their most basic accounting duties. Many people believe that they have not held up their end of the bargain, so why should the district uphold theirs? Don’t even get me started on the unbilled incentives based on “revenue enhancements” (BTW, that is a code word for tax increases, not savings!)
However, lawsuits do have a tendency to get ugly and there may be some on the board who would rather try to make this all quietly go away, and spend millions doing so, in the name of bringing some kind of quick and painless closure for the district.
However, this action may have its own unintended consequences. I cannot believe that many of the Racine area residents will take this scenario lying down. Instead of having the RUSD board deal with important issues like grade configuration, busing, and other educational matters – the board may ultimately end up dealing with their own recall elections.
The alternative - standing up to PBCG and not paying them the unbilled incentives from the still unrealized savings and “revenue enhancements” - would be the righteous and noble thing to do, according to many in this community. It’s the “right thing” to do on the behalf of the taxpayers, and it’s definitely the best for the children within this district. Terminating the PBCG contract and paying them the contentious bonus will only take more money from all the classrooms in the district.
Let me put it this way – I’d rather have the district take their chances in a court fight then pay PBCG any kind of settlement outright. At least then I could respect the board for trying to represent the best interests of the taxpayers, the children they serve, and the district they represent.
Monday, September 10, 2007
RUSD seeks new administrator
For immediate posting:
Large, rural-suburban-urban school district seeks energetic administrator to lead into 21st century. Candidate must be dynamic and have a thick skin; must be willing to accept criticism from all sides at all times and be second-guessed on all decisions. The candidate should be embraced by the business community, community leaders, teaching staff, parents, and taxpayers regardless of how impossible that would be.
Job duties include:
1. Engaging apathetic community members.
2. Teaching parents how to be parents.
3. Raising test scores 100% in the first year. (Anything less will be considered a failure by the public).
4. Bringing innovation to the teaching and learning division in such a way that the teaching staff does not realize they are doing anything different.
5. A complete understanding of the budgeting process.
6. Ensuring every child’s bus ride is less than 10 minutes, additionally; door-to-door service must be provided for all.
7. All the above must be accomplished without spending any additional tax dollars.
Only qualified candidates need apply. Salary and benefits package will be determined by the local tax payer advocacy group.
Large, rural-suburban-urban school district seeks energetic administrator to lead into 21st century. Candidate must be dynamic and have a thick skin; must be willing to accept criticism from all sides at all times and be second-guessed on all decisions. The candidate should be embraced by the business community, community leaders, teaching staff, parents, and taxpayers regardless of how impossible that would be.
Job duties include:
1. Engaging apathetic community members.
2. Teaching parents how to be parents.
3. Raising test scores 100% in the first year. (Anything less will be considered a failure by the public).
4. Bringing innovation to the teaching and learning division in such a way that the teaching staff does not realize they are doing anything different.
5. A complete understanding of the budgeting process.
6. Ensuring every child’s bus ride is less than 10 minutes, additionally; door-to-door service must be provided for all.
7. All the above must be accomplished without spending any additional tax dollars.
Only qualified candidates need apply. Salary and benefits package will be determined by the local tax payer advocacy group.
Friday, September 07, 2007
PBCG under fire again
PBCG, the consultant group that manages the RUSD business office, is under fire once again – but not from the usual suspects, the angry torch-wielding public. This time it appears a RUSD board member, Brian Dey, is leading the charge. Mark Lindem, RUSD’s Chief Operations Officer, AND a PBCG employee, apparently faced problems with the last school district that employed him as its Business Manager.
For the record, I’m am going to state that being the Business Manager of a school district is a crap-shoot. A good business manager has to gamble sometimes – they have to create the schools budget before the state has completed their biennial budget. How exactly can someone plan long term for a district’s financial well-being when he/she doesn’t even know how much money the district will receive from the different taxing authorities? Factor in revenue caps, the QEO, and expensive mandates from NCLB and the average person’s head will start spinning like that little girl in the Exorcist.
However, with that said, Mr. Dey does make excellent points. He explains that because of our contract agreement with PBCG, PBCG was allowed to fill any position with whomever they deemed fit. I am fairly certain, if given a vote to extend a RUSD employment contract to Lindem, Dey and others on the board would have had some very serious concerns. In fact, Dey and others did have concerns when PBCG brought him on board last year, but because Lindem is technically not a RUSD employee, these concerns fell on deaf ears.
It certainly seems that many “concerns” have fallen on deaf ears since PBCG has taken up residence on Northwestern Avenue.
For the record, I’m am going to state that being the Business Manager of a school district is a crap-shoot. A good business manager has to gamble sometimes – they have to create the schools budget before the state has completed their biennial budget. How exactly can someone plan long term for a district’s financial well-being when he/she doesn’t even know how much money the district will receive from the different taxing authorities? Factor in revenue caps, the QEO, and expensive mandates from NCLB and the average person’s head will start spinning like that little girl in the Exorcist.
However, with that said, Mr. Dey does make excellent points. He explains that because of our contract agreement with PBCG, PBCG was allowed to fill any position with whomever they deemed fit. I am fairly certain, if given a vote to extend a RUSD employment contract to Lindem, Dey and others on the board would have had some very serious concerns. In fact, Dey and others did have concerns when PBCG brought him on board last year, but because Lindem is technically not a RUSD employee, these concerns fell on deaf ears.
It certainly seems that many “concerns” have fallen on deaf ears since PBCG has taken up residence on Northwestern Avenue.
Thursday, September 06, 2007
Reading between the lines
In trying to fully understand the latest RUSD brouhaha, many in Racine look to the local media for answers. Unfortunately, even after reading numerous news articles many readers (including myself) still have questions. I am sure I am not the only one that is trying to decipher the comments of the parties involved.
For example take the following comment from Alioto, which is from the 9/6/07 JT story – he is disputing the fact that the original contract was drawn up without proper legal counsel:
"(The document) clearly proves that Dr. Hicks had provided a full copy of the proposal and contract document to legal counsel and had asked counsel to work on the contract document together with PBCG and that, based on counsel’s handwritten notes, the contract entered into did reflect many of the suggested changes," Alioto said.
Okay, I have questions. I believe Alioto is stating the initial proposal and contract was reviewed by legal counsel, and then changes were made.
What "handwritten notes" were NOT included in the final contract?
Was the final contract (with the changes) reviewed and signed off by RUSD legal counsel??
Reading between the lines is not a reliable way to get information – we deserve some real answers.
For example take the following comment from Alioto, which is from the 9/6/07 JT story – he is disputing the fact that the original contract was drawn up without proper legal counsel:
"(The document) clearly proves that Dr. Hicks had provided a full copy of the proposal and contract document to legal counsel and had asked counsel to work on the contract document together with PBCG and that, based on counsel’s handwritten notes, the contract entered into did reflect many of the suggested changes," Alioto said.
Okay, I have questions. I believe Alioto is stating the initial proposal and contract was reviewed by legal counsel, and then changes were made.
What "handwritten notes" were NOT included in the final contract?
Was the final contract (with the changes) reviewed and signed off by RUSD legal counsel??
Reading between the lines is not a reliable way to get information – we deserve some real answers.
Wednesday, September 05, 2007
PBCG still working in Unified
This morning, while having coffee with my husband and discussing the recent RUSD events, I realized that my husband did not realize that the district has not removed PBCG from the CFO and COO positions. The board statement, as reported in the press, states “it has become clear to both parties that a consultant acting in the role of COO and CFO creates a potential conflict”, but the statement does not state that their contract was terminated, only that the contract will be renegotiated.
Granted, Mr. Alioto and Mr. Dickson may no longer work within the walls of Unified, but many PBCG employees are still very much working in Central office, including Mark Lindem, the Chief Operations Officer.
I was surprised when I realized my husband thought the CFO and COO positions were no longer PBCG employees. I am wondering if they are others out there that think the same thing.
Granted, Mr. Alioto and Mr. Dickson may no longer work within the walls of Unified, but many PBCG employees are still very much working in Central office, including Mark Lindem, the Chief Operations Officer.
I was surprised when I realized my husband thought the CFO and COO positions were no longer PBCG employees. I am wondering if they are others out there that think the same thing.
Tuesday, September 04, 2007
Better customer service from the RUSD Transportation Department
(Because it always seems that I write disparaging comments about RUSD, I must make a point of sharing the good things that happen, too.)
For those readers who know me, know that I have had ongoing issues with the RUSD Transportation department. In fact, I wrote about my first good experience last year about this time.
Okay, first the bad news:
Unified apparently did not get all the bussing information to the parents as promised.
My daughter did NOT receive any bussing information from the RUSD Transportation Department. Of course, this has happened so many times in the past that I don’t even panic anymore. I drive them the first few days until I can finally get a hold of somebody in the Transportation Department and get it straightened out.
Now, the good news:
The Transportation knew (?) the students who did not receive bussing information and personally called what must have been every family with the bussing information. I received my phone call late Saturday afternoon.
While I am very appreciative of the phone call I received Saturday afternoon, I do respectfully suggest the following for next year:
Plan ahead.
I realize that many children move in/out throughout the summer and the district tries to hold off creating the schedules until all the transfers are done, but I suggest you make a deadline for changes and stick to it. It seems by trying to accommodate a few, many more suffer .
For those readers who know me, know that I have had ongoing issues with the RUSD Transportation department. In fact, I wrote about my first good experience last year about this time.
Okay, first the bad news:
Unified apparently did not get all the bussing information to the parents as promised.
My daughter did NOT receive any bussing information from the RUSD Transportation Department. Of course, this has happened so many times in the past that I don’t even panic anymore. I drive them the first few days until I can finally get a hold of somebody in the Transportation Department and get it straightened out.
Now, the good news:
The Transportation knew (?) the students who did not receive bussing information and personally called what must have been every family with the bussing information. I received my phone call late Saturday afternoon.
While I am very appreciative of the phone call I received Saturday afternoon, I do respectfully suggest the following for next year:
Plan ahead.
I realize that many children move in/out throughout the summer and the district tries to hold off creating the schedules until all the transfers are done, but I suggest you make a deadline for changes and stick to it. It seems by trying to accommodate a few, many more suffer .
Thursday, August 30, 2007
The PBCG Legacy
Thought I would pass this link along - it was written by a former St. Francis School board member. The post is somewhat lengthy, but please read the whole thing...
As many of you know, PBCG has done work with many school districts across Wisconsin and this is not the first time that PBCG has created havoc within a district.
As many of you know, PBCG has done work with many school districts across Wisconsin and this is not the first time that PBCG has created havoc within a district.
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Who's to blame for RUSD fiasco?
Everyone I have talked to about the recent happenings within RUSD is looking for someone to blame. Some blame the consulting group PBCG, some the (now former) superintendent, Dr. Hicks, and finally some are blaming the board for their lack of oversight.
Having watched all three parties in action over the years, I would agree that all 3 (Hicks, PBCG and RUSD board) are culpable in the matter. Hicks may be guilty of abusing his Executive Limitations, PBCG may be guilty of fleecing the district and the board is definitely guilty of not providing any oversight over both of them.
Policy Governance, the governing style the board adopted in January 2006, is the main culprit (in my humble opinion). This governing style is a “hands-off” approach, the board members do not approve payments on a regular basis and the superintendent has near-autonomous control over everything. The board "clarifies" their needs, and the superintendent goes about trying to meet those needs anyway he sees fit.
You can quickly understand how RUSD got itself into this mess…
But I hear very little about another party that can be blamed for this fiasco; the voters and taxpayers of eastern Racine County. If we (as a collective group) continue to vote board members in that do not understand the true meaning of accountability – this scenario will keep playing out again and again. Do yourself a favor next April; actually try to make an INFORMED vote. Go to a forum, call the candidates, but just get acquaint yourself with the candidates!!
And if you are not apprised of the issues or candidates, please do me a favor and stay away from the polls on Election Day.
Having watched all three parties in action over the years, I would agree that all 3 (Hicks, PBCG and RUSD board) are culpable in the matter. Hicks may be guilty of abusing his Executive Limitations, PBCG may be guilty of fleecing the district and the board is definitely guilty of not providing any oversight over both of them.
Policy Governance, the governing style the board adopted in January 2006, is the main culprit (in my humble opinion). This governing style is a “hands-off” approach, the board members do not approve payments on a regular basis and the superintendent has near-autonomous control over everything. The board "clarifies" their needs, and the superintendent goes about trying to meet those needs anyway he sees fit.
You can quickly understand how RUSD got itself into this mess…
But I hear very little about another party that can be blamed for this fiasco; the voters and taxpayers of eastern Racine County. If we (as a collective group) continue to vote board members in that do not understand the true meaning of accountability – this scenario will keep playing out again and again. Do yourself a favor next April; actually try to make an INFORMED vote. Go to a forum, call the candidates, but just get acquaint yourself with the candidates!!
And if you are not apprised of the issues or candidates, please do me a favor and stay away from the polls on Election Day.
Bangs calls for more resignations
The Journal Times is reporting that Randy Bangs, a RUSD school board member, is calling for the resignations of some of his fellow board members. While I wholeheartedly agree that certain board members should voluntarily resign, I respectfully question his methodology.
This district is in absolute turmoil; the resignation of Hicks and the uncertainty of PBCG’s relationship in the district is certainly bad enough, isn’t asking for resignations via a newspaper article a little brash? There has got to be a more subtle way, although Bangs is not known for his subtleties.
(Of course, that is akin to the pot calling the kettle black; I am not known for my subtleties either!)
I believe that board needs to get together informally and have a little heart-to-heart with one another. I am certain after a fashion, the 9 of them can come up with one or two board members that need to “take one for the team” and resign.
This district is in absolute turmoil; the resignation of Hicks and the uncertainty of PBCG’s relationship in the district is certainly bad enough, isn’t asking for resignations via a newspaper article a little brash? There has got to be a more subtle way, although Bangs is not known for his subtleties.
(Of course, that is akin to the pot calling the kettle black; I am not known for my subtleties either!)
I believe that board needs to get together informally and have a little heart-to-heart with one another. I am certain after a fashion, the 9 of them can come up with one or two board members that need to “take one for the team” and resign.
My thoughts on Hicks resigning
It's been a couple of days, and I think I have finally figured out exactly how I feel. I know the feeling is not "happiness" - yet it's not "sadness" either. I do, however, feel somewhat vindicated because I now have a 5 page report that validates my every thought for the last 4 years, but I find absolutely no joy in being right.
I wish I could just say "bite me" to all the people that have called me a whack-job (or even worse) for years, but I cannot. I will not be high-fiving the people on the street either. Hicks stepping down may be a reason to celebrate for some, but not for me.
He has done (possibly) irreparable damage to this district over the last 6 years, but he is not the only person to blame. The board is as guilty as Dr. Hicks, but that is a whole other story for another time...
I wish I could just say "bite me" to all the people that have called me a whack-job (or even worse) for years, but I cannot. I will not be high-fiving the people on the street either. Hicks stepping down may be a reason to celebrate for some, but not for me.
He has done (possibly) irreparable damage to this district over the last 6 years, but he is not the only person to blame. The board is as guilty as Dr. Hicks, but that is a whole other story for another time...
Monday, August 27, 2007
120 seconds
That’s all it took for tonight’s meeting, 120 seconds. In that very short amount of time the RUSD board approved both Dr. Hicks’ resignation and removing PBCG as the COO and CFO. Talk about anti-climatic…
They also released the long-anticipated 5 page report from the legal firm that conducted the recent audit. I’m sure I will pick this report apart for days, but here are my initial thoughts on some of their findings…
Preliminary Finding C: There was insufficient oversight for PBCG payment.
The law firm points out that “nearly all the payments were based on future estimates, which contradicts the requirement that PBCG achieve “actual savings” before it is compensated.”
Ya think?? Hey didn’t I say that over 1 year ago??
The law firm also points out that Energy Education Inc, another consulting firm hired to find savings in the district’s utility bills “contacted RUSD to initiate a relationship before PBCG began working for RUSD”. This means PBCG should not have been paid a bonus on the anticipated savings.
Wait, I think I said that over a year ago, too!
Perhaps, if the board had listened to me and others like me, the district would not have had to shell out $200,000 for an audit that states that the district’s contract “problems” stem from having little oversight for the CEO.
Ya think?
They also released the long-anticipated 5 page report from the legal firm that conducted the recent audit. I’m sure I will pick this report apart for days, but here are my initial thoughts on some of their findings…
Preliminary Finding C: There was insufficient oversight for PBCG payment.
The law firm points out that “nearly all the payments were based on future estimates, which contradicts the requirement that PBCG achieve “actual savings” before it is compensated.”
Ya think?? Hey didn’t I say that over 1 year ago??
The law firm also points out that Energy Education Inc, another consulting firm hired to find savings in the district’s utility bills “contacted RUSD to initiate a relationship before PBCG began working for RUSD”. This means PBCG should not have been paid a bonus on the anticipated savings.
Wait, I think I said that over a year ago, too!
Perhaps, if the board had listened to me and others like me, the district would not have had to shell out $200,000 for an audit that states that the district’s contract “problems” stem from having little oversight for the CEO.
Ya think?
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Finally, some answers?
According to the Journal Times, the RUSD board will be meeting Monday at 7:00 to discuss Dr. Hicks' contract and the 1st phase of the PBCG audit.
I will not speculate on tomorrow's meeting; what I think might happen is simply my opinion and I prefer to hold my comments until after the meeting tomorrow.
However, I do hope the APATHY the permeates this district takes a permanent vacation. This brouhaha (hopefully!) has opened many eyes, and I certainly expect that the board room will be packed tomorrow evening to hear the information firsthand.
I will not speculate on tomorrow's meeting; what I think might happen is simply my opinion and I prefer to hold my comments until after the meeting tomorrow.
However, I do hope the APATHY the permeates this district takes a permanent vacation. This brouhaha (hopefully!) has opened many eyes, and I certainly expect that the board room will be packed tomorrow evening to hear the information firsthand.
It's about time...
Updated at 9:06AM 8/27/07:
Nevermind, the redistricting work session has been cancelled due to the "special meeting" tonight at 7 and the "secret meeting" at 5:30.
In my never-ending quest for documented information regarding the PBCG contract, I recently visited the RUSD website. What I found was surprising, at least to me anyway. I found a notice of a scheduled work session meeting that will discuss redistricting.
My first thought was, “WHAT IS THE BOARD THINKING??? DON’T THEY HAVE MORE IMPORTANT THINGS TO TALK ABOUT??
(Actually that is not exactly what I was thinking, but Racine’s Report Card is a family-friendly blog, so you will have to put up with my edited version)
However, I quickly recovered and started thinking about past board actions (or should I say inactions??). As I see it, NOTHING ever gets done because important and EDUCATIONALLY BENEFICIAL decisions are always put on the back-burner as the board flits from managing one crisis to another.
(Yes, I realize this crisis may be more serious than past ones, but I digress)
Thankfully, it appears that this behavior has come to an end! Going ahead with the business at hand, while still managing the current crisis IS the right thing to do. I wholeheartedly applaud the board, and its new leadership in Mr. Baumgardt, for trying to accomplish what we, as taxpaying voters, elected them to do.
It’s about time…
Nevermind, the redistricting work session has been cancelled due to the "special meeting" tonight at 7 and the "secret meeting" at 5:30.
In my never-ending quest for documented information regarding the PBCG contract, I recently visited the RUSD website. What I found was surprising, at least to me anyway. I found a notice of a scheduled work session meeting that will discuss redistricting.
My first thought was, “WHAT IS THE BOARD THINKING??? DON’T THEY HAVE MORE IMPORTANT THINGS TO TALK ABOUT??
(Actually that is not exactly what I was thinking, but Racine’s Report Card is a family-friendly blog, so you will have to put up with my edited version)
However, I quickly recovered and started thinking about past board actions (or should I say inactions??). As I see it, NOTHING ever gets done because important and EDUCATIONALLY BENEFICIAL decisions are always put on the back-burner as the board flits from managing one crisis to another.
(Yes, I realize this crisis may be more serious than past ones, but I digress)
Thankfully, it appears that this behavior has come to an end! Going ahead with the business at hand, while still managing the current crisis IS the right thing to do. I wholeheartedly applaud the board, and its new leadership in Mr. Baumgardt, for trying to accomplish what we, as taxpaying voters, elected them to do.
It’s about time…
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