[regional_school] Re: Update
- From: Dan Drmacich <dandrmacich@xxxxxxxxx>
- To: regional_school@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
- Date: Fri, 15 Jan 2010 11:10:34 -0800 (PST)
Democracy does not always assure the best solution to a problem. However, it
does assure more ownership & involvement in decisions & as a result more desire
to enthusiastically participate in the future. Isn't that what we'd like to see
with kids, parents & staff in the Regional School? I also wonder whether or not
this new top-down model will influence the direction of schools & classrooms to
become even more un-democratic.
Dan
--- On Fri, 1/15/10, Brad Cherin <bcher14620@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
From: Brad Cherin <bcher14620@xxxxxxxxx>
Subject: [regional_school] Re: Update
To: regional_school@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Date: Friday, January 15, 2010, 8:15 AM
Hi Bill,
I am going through the process to discern the value of mayoral control.
In what ways is an elected school board versus an elected mayor more or less a
democracy? I could make the argument that in a crisis type situation
leadership with one head is more effective than leadership with 7 heads.
I would appreciate your thoughts.
Brad Cherin
--- On Thu, 1/14/10, William Cala <wcala9@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
> From: William Cala <wcala9@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
> Subject: [regional_school] Update
> To: "regional" <regional_school@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
> Date: Thursday, January 14, 2010, 8:07 PM
> #yiv1543396136 p
> {margin:0;}We are nearly
> complete with the first phase of planning for the Regional
> School. I have one last meeting with one of the
> planning teams next week. After that I will be
> planning a general meeting to discuss our progress. It
> is my intent to have committee chairs update us on the fine
> work that has been done by all Curriculum, Advisory, Social
> Justice and Discipline committees.
>
> There are a number of areas that will now need to be
> addressed: teacher selection, union representation,
> governance, transportation and others. We will
> aggressively tackle these areas this winter.
>
> On a related topic, I have been following the issue of
> mayoral control with great attention and serious
> concern. The Regional Academy is a school built on the
> pillars of social justice, civil rights and participatory
> democracy. Mayoral control is the antithisis of these
> important principles. Over the past year I have
> reached out to the mayor without response. This past
> week I have sought advice from friends whose
> opinions and guidance I respect. I have written a
> substantial essay on this topic and I have been debating
> whether or not to make it public. My major conceern is
> that the legislation for the Regional School would be
> stalled or killed as a result of speaking in opposition to
> mayoral control (The same bill drafters of the Regional
> Academy appear to be the principal parties who will draft
> the bill for mayoral control).
>
> The speed at which the movement for mayoral control
> appears to be heading toward Albany has created an urgency
> to respond. After much soul-searching and careful
> thought I do not feel that I can permit this assault on
> democracy without putting up a fight.
>
> We are creating a school whose major role is to produce
> good citizens who will forward not thwart democracy.
> To remain silent is not an option for me. Silence is
> democracy's most strident enemy. As a result, this
> evening I have decided to fight. I have sent my essay
> to City Newspaper. You can read it at:
> http://www.rochestercitynewspaper.com/news/articles/2010/01/COMMENTARY-Mayoral-control-doesnt-work-and-is-wrong/
>
>
> I will also be on Bob Smith's 1370 Connection on
> January 29th @ 1 p.m. and will be speaking before City
> Council on Tuesday evening at 7 p.m.
>
> If you agree that the urban poor of the City of
> Rochester should not be disenfranchised by losing the right
> to vote for school board members (as it is city residents
> cannot vote for their budget, a right suburban residents
> enjoy) I ask that you speak out and let your voices be
> heard.
>
> Another excellent analysis of the mayoral control crisis
> in Rochester is at: http://www.smugtownbeacon.com/news.php?viewStory=430
>
> Thanks for understanding.
>
> Bill
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