Dear Mayor Murray, No and Hell No
Too impolite? But it is my real and true reaction to my preliminary reading of the Seattle Housing Affordability and Livability Agenda (HALA) committee report that was issued yesterday.
I want to note that this was called to my attention by "does this guy ever sleep" Rep. Gerry Pollet.
There are 20 times that the word "school" is mentioned in the report. Here's the first one on page 20 which starts with a sentence about the City working with state/regional entities including Seattle School District. But two paragraphs later, it says:
Who decided the "mandate" for "new public investments" should be charter schools?
I don't know but it's a slap in the face to SPS. That phrase "charter schools" needs to go.
And, coming on the heels of Mayor Murray's statement about the district"playing ball" with the City over preschools, it very much sounds like SPS is not a partner but a mere chess piece to be moved around on the board.
What is strange -either as if no one on the Committee knows or cares - is that Seattle Schools Community Forum: Dear Mayor Murray, No and Hell No:
I want to note that this was called to my attention by "does this guy ever sleep" Rep. Gerry Pollet.
There are 20 times that the word "school" is mentioned in the report. Here's the first one on page 20 which starts with a sentence about the City working with state/regional entities including Seattle School District. But two paragraphs later, it says:
When land is not suitable for housing development, the unrestricted proceeds from sale should be dedicated to affordable housing development. The City should also create a mandate for the co- development of affordable housing in conjunction with new public buildings and investments such as community centers, libraries, charter schools, etcWho decided that phrase had to be "charter schools" and not "public schools?"
Who decided the "mandate" for "new public investments" should be charter schools?
I don't know but it's a slap in the face to SPS. That phrase "charter schools" needs to go.
And, coming on the heels of Mayor Murray's statement about the district"playing ball" with the City over preschools, it very much sounds like SPS is not a partner but a mere chess piece to be moved around on the board.
What is strange -either as if no one on the Committee knows or cares - is that Seattle Schools Community Forum: Dear Mayor Murray, No and Hell No: