Point-Counter Point: Oh What to Wear?

School Board in Quandry
Decisions, Decisions



Dear Johnny,

How have you been. I know you don't have a TV, you hippie do gooder, so I know you didn't see the last board of education meeting on public access. I completely missed Undercover Boss because of the fireworks. Uniforms! Oh My. It hurts my brain to think so hard!This whole uniform thing has got them stumped. Last time they took a vote and 87% of the students' parents said they wanted uniforms. But the board didn't know if they really wanted uniforms or maybe everyone was just kidding. Now the parents are banging on the desk chanting WE WANT UNIFORMS! WE WANT UNIFORMS! demanding that their school wear uniforms, and the board can not figure out what to do. They are completely flummoxed. That big boy in yellow almost turned into a very large beet until sweet Sue snarled at him which seemed to calm him down. This is better than the Guiding Light. I wish the town wasn't paying for it in the education of its youth, but what drama. Of course I can't help but think that it's because of this bulls**t our students are saddled with among the lowest achievers in the state, except the DECCA KIDS who won 5 first place awards with the fewest member group. (Did I mention that program is being cut (Ana can't figure out how business and science might go together, gee whiz, imagine that)). So these uniforms! They need another survey, they don't need another survey, what does it matter? It doesn't matter, so if it doesn't matter why not have a survey. (these are quotes from the dialogue that occurred) Not even the Switch nor the good Dr. A could waylay the uniform avalanche completely. Oh yeah? Yeah! ANNNNDDD! We are not done with this. Our BOE is dedicated to figuring this whole thing out and don't you or anyone try to stop them. 
What the hell are these people doing?
Oh right, nothing. Or wait, not nothing, not nothing...all the wrong things. They've been working like mad at that now for over 20 years.
They can debate in grand exclamations and peculiar fervor about the importance of everyone looking alike in school (heil somebody anyone?) But when asked a direct and simple question about their budget sat in silence- mouths agape with perhaps a fly swooping in as they stared off into the distance.
Did I mention Ana brought them all cake for their hard work. Bravissima Mamacita! This chick certainly knows where her bread is buttered.
You know what I say?
Let them eat cake.

Let's charter them out!

Whaddya say Johnny? Let's cut the Board of Ed to five members with 2 year terms. Let's at least start there.

Hope you're well. Don't eat too many hot dogs! Too many nitrates and no one will be able to visit.

David

David

Why the hissy fit? Why the pot shots? 

It's a matter of a dress policy. If an overwhelming number of parents sign a petition endorsing a dress code.....so what. Didn't the town council ignore the voters wishes to a referendum over a town meeting? Hasn't the board of education been playing make believe until the state moved in and said enough? I often wonder when does the transformation take place. When does a civilian elected to office lose the ability to listen to those that elect him?

When does he or she become an authority running a school system or overseeing town government? Is it immediately after the returns come in or is it a slower evolution?  

Unfortunately for our students and teachers the board of education has never acquired the knack of overseeing Windham's education process. Some have served, for what seems, like before the invention of chalk.They have been mentored by the state for the last five years, they have been forced attend state BOE school. After twenty years of playing educator you would  think that our boe would be teaching, not attending Lighthouse Training classes. With  the arrival of Dr. Adamowski our schools were in complete disarray.(Absolutely read this) Asked at a state board meeting what the problem areas were, Superintendent Ortiz replied, "governance structure, decision makers and union contracts." Sorta sums up what a board of education is all about.

Let's forget the dramatics, the special master is in charge, while it appears he is granting some responsibility to the board after a year and a half of delegating "busy work." He is feeling the board out: have they evolved from a micro manager mind set to a policy making board. Are they comfortable delegating authority? Or do they stick their nose in the superintendent's staff business? Do they attempt to implement policy and still get involved in day to day affairs? It appears they are still in that micro manage mind set. Doesn't each individual school have the responsibility to determine a dress code? It's just a duplication of effort. Adamowski realizes, I'm sure, if the board isn't capable of making a dress code decision, what decisions are they capable of making? While I commend him for his patience with this dysfunctional group it maybe time for the state to reconstitute the board or must we wait for November elections? 

David, the board of education doesn't take criticism lightly. Every criticism is viewed as an insult; each opinion is viewed as a challenge to authority. Conversely, the board of education is quick to lay blame away from its door and on to factors like adverse media coverage, state mandates, parents, taxpayers, town hall, and the state board of education. Lately the board has adopted the rationale that students don't achieve because of the school's physical facilities. Tell me, when was the last time the board took the blame for a screw up? 

And David, have some respect for Superintendent Ortiz. She has yet to have an opportunity to put her stamp on Windham School's operations.  I also understand she bake's a great cake.

John