Seattle Education This Week
Wednesday, March 6th
Announcement of Charter Commission members by the Governor, Lt. Governor and Speaker of the House.
Two-hour early dismissal for SPS.
School Board meeting at 4:15 p.m. Agenda. It includes:
- action on approving the contracts for the Arbor Heights rebuild (at about $24M which is much more in line with the costs in other districts) as well as for Cedar Park, Van Asselt*, John Marshall**, Thornton Creek (or "equivalent site), Pinehurst*** and Wilson Pacific (at about $62.5M).
I also note the introduction of an item to renovate Jane Addams with 5 new classrooms. I think that shows that JA is running close to full (or will within another year).
*I am a bit confused on this one. Is the current Van Asselt population moving back here?
**I note that my concern over a new daycare at John Marshall may have been heard. The action item is amended to say "minor revisions to existing child care space for before and and after school program." Now that is quite different from "installation of a daycare facility." They are starting fast - March 25th.
***For JA K-8 and this one is at the same price as Arbor Heights and TC, about $23M. I would think a K-8 might cost more because of differing needs.
Saturday, March 9th
Community Meeting with Director Carr from 8:30 am-10 am at Bethany Community Church
Announcement of Charter Commission members by the Governor, Lt. Governor and Speaker of the House.
Two-hour early dismissal for SPS.
School Board meeting at 4:15 p.m. Agenda. It includes:
- action on approving the contracts for the Arbor Heights rebuild (at about $24M which is much more in line with the costs in other districts) as well as for Cedar Park, Van Asselt*, John Marshall**, Thornton Creek (or "equivalent site), Pinehurst*** and Wilson Pacific (at about $62.5M).
I also note the introduction of an item to renovate Jane Addams with 5 new classrooms. I think that shows that JA is running close to full (or will within another year).
*I am a bit confused on this one. Is the current Van Asselt population moving back here?
**I note that my concern over a new daycare at John Marshall may have been heard. The action item is amended to say "minor revisions to existing child care space for before and and after school program." Now that is quite different from "installation of a daycare facility." They are starting fast - March 25th.
***For JA K-8 and this one is at the same price as Arbor Heights and TC, about $23M. I would think a K-8 might cost more because of differing needs.
Saturday, March 9th
Community Meeting with Director Carr from 8:30 am-10 am at Bethany Community Church
Rainier Beach Boys Basketball Takes State/Cleveland Girls Basketball Takes State
The Vikings took the 3A state championship for the second year in a row over Lakeside. It is the second back-to-back championship in a decade for RBHS. They won in overtime 62-59.
Center School class complaint
A student's family brought a complaint against the integrated humanities class at The Center School and, until the complaint has been resolved, the teacher has been instructed not to discuss race or gender in the class.
More information here, from The Stranger.
More information here, from The Stranger.
Board Retreat
Well, that didn't take long.
At the retreat, the agenda has the Alliance logo right at the top of the agenda.
At the retreat, the Alliance person explained how they had been organizing the retreats for the last 5 years. The facilitator explained the agenda. But Sharon Peaslee stopped him and asked how the agenda got shaped.
Peaslee said that she had appreciated how, in the past, Board members were queried about what they wanted
At the retreat, the agenda has the Alliance logo right at the top of the agenda.
At the retreat, the Alliance person explained how they had been organizing the retreats for the last 5 years. The facilitator explained the agenda. But Sharon Peaslee stopped him and asked how the agenda got shaped.
Peaslee said that she had appreciated how, in the past, Board members were queried about what they wanted