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Sunday, June 2, 2013

Seattle Schools Community Forum: Seattle Schools This Week

Seattle Schools Community Forum: Seattle Schools This Week:

Seattle Schools This Week

Tuesday, June 4th
The Board will be evaluating the Superintendent in an Executive Session.  I would think that he would get a pretty favorable evaluation given that he has filled some key posts.  As well, at yesterday's Board retreat, various people were thanking others.  Director Carr said, about Banda's efforts on the Strategic Plan, that she appreciated his collaborative attitude as compared to the previous SP which she labeled "top-down."

Wednesday, June 5th
Board Meeting, starting at 4:15 pm.   Agenda.
I regret to inform you that, once again, the school calendar for next year has been pulled off the agenda by the Superintendent.  I would assume this is about the teachers contract but this is now getting very late for next year's calendar.  
  • Cleveland High School will name its library after a teacher who taught there for 25 years, Edward Landon, and was beloved by students.
  • The district is getting a grant from the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation ($600k) to be used at Denny Middle and Aki Kurose Middle over three years to support a tiered intervention program, Diplomas Now.   What is a bit odd here is that the granted started - according to the letter from the Allen Foundation - last December but the Action report says it hasn't.  
  • Change in Board policy 6550, around internal audits.  The biggest action here appears to be giving staff more time to draft a corrective plan and the carry it out.
  • The Introduction of a new contract with NWEA who brings us the MAP.   The contract, for almost $470k would be for one year as the Taskforce recommended this as new assessments are coming for Common Core.
Saturday, June 9th
Community meeting with Director Carr from 8:30-10:00 am at Bethany Community Church.