Seattle Schools Community Forum: On Who Speaks for a School Community

Seattle Schools Community Forum: On Who Speaks for a School Community

On Who Speaks for a School Community

I recall that at the last Board meeting, there were two issues raised during public testimony about the (now-called) Rising Star Elementary (formerly Van Asselt at AAA building).


One came from school board candidate, Liza Rankin, about the condition of the building on the first day of school.  It was fine to express dismay that this would happen but it seems she decided to make something out it in a north/south way.  (I have a query into the district about why this happened but I can also say that the district is fairly careful to make sure buildings are ready to be used at the start of the school year.)

The other comment came from former SCPTSA president, SebRena Burr.  She said "the community" was not brought in on this name change.

Interestingly, an actual parent from the Rising Star community also testified and said the confusion over having a "old Van Asselt" building and a "new Van Asselt building" made for trying times.  It sounded very much like the current community at Van Asselt was in favor of this change.

Then there is this message from the Rising Star PTA Board via Facebook.

PTA Board Statement Regarding Rising Star's Roof Renovation:

Many people across Seattle have expressed concern about our roof renovation. PTA has done its best to listen to the concerns of staff, CONTINUE READING: Seattle Schools Community Forum: On Who Speaks for a School Community