Wednesday, February 13, 2008

Now is the Time

The King 5 story is just one of several that show a pattern of incompetence and abuse of power by management, superintendent staff, and school board of the Edmonds School District.

We at esd15.org believe there can be change. That is why we met with state Senator Rosemary McAuliffe on February 2nd to discuss our concerns. Senator McAuliffe’s service area covers Brier and the city of Mountlake Terrace. She also chairs the legislative committee on Early Learning and K-12 Education.

The meeting with Rosemary lasted one hour and she listened carefully, asked meaningful questions, and took copious notes. She was given the summary of issues posted on the blog on February 11th as well as selected Edmonds School Board policies that have been blatantly disregarded by the School Board and Superintendent staff. Our message to her was as follows:

We do not have faith in the School Board to self regulate. They have continually flouted the policy and procedures that govern them.

We do not have faith in the Auditors Office. When first informed of the inflated price paid for the New Support Center, they indicated management had “Executive Privilege.”

How do we effect change when our normal course of action seems hopeless?

When citizens can not take action at the local level, they may ask their elected representatives for help. Rosemary reported to us that under direction from her office and that of the education committee, the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction would be directed to conduct an investigation. The wheels are now in motion.

But this still is not enough. The blog is just a platform, it is you that makes the difference. There is strength and validity in numbers. Use your right to contact and inform your legislative representative of your concerns. The District does not have access to correspondence sent to them. So let your voice be heard.

If you are an Employee, Parent and/or Taxpayer:

Email Senator McAuliffe, and tell her you support the investigation of the Edmonds School District by OSPI. If you have a particular issue of concern, tell her. Give her your story. If you feel compelled to ask for removal of Marla Miller, Nick Brossoit, or Board Members, do so. This is your chance. Cut and paste from entries from this blog if you have trouble finding the words. What is important is that she knows the constituents care!

mcauliffe.rosemary@leg.wa.gov
District Voicemail:
(425) 481-7459
Olympia Office:
Rosemary McAuliffe
403 Legislative Building
Olympia, WA 98504-0401
(360) 786-7600

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thank you the well written, informative article; I have sent an e-mail to Ms. McAuliffe asking for her support in the investigation of the Edmonds School District. I urge all readers to the same; let's get these issues to the OSPI, for investigation of all allegations.

Anonymous said...

Thank you the well written, informative article; I have sent an e-mail to Ms. McAuliffe asking for her support in the investigation of the Edmonds School District. I urge all readers to the same; let's get these issues to the OSPI, for investigation of all allegations.

Anonymous said...

I've just finished mine and sent it in.

This is an excellent opportunity to make your voice heard. If you have first hand experience about what is going on, send it to Senator McAuliffe. If you are concerned about these allegations, write to Senator McAuliffe.

The wheels move slowly, but they do move.

Anonymous said...

I was just looking at the picture to the right, with the K5 logo. Did ESC have a bake sale that I missed.