Friday, October 12, 2007

Weakening standards is not a strategy for success.

I just received the District's response to my request for their interpretation of the English language. Wow, they really have no regard for anyone but themselves. Here is essentially what is happening, in the form of an analogy they might understand.

Mr. and Mrs. Smith insist that their child receive the best education possible and have relocated to the Edmonds School District because they were convinced of higher standards. Unfortunately, after the Smiths relocated, the teaching staff decided to degrade the curriculum and stop challenging students. All those pesky questions from academically-stimulated children were just creating stress among the teachers and state standards were far easier to achieve.

Essentially, voters decided to elevate the standard of district policies to a higher level than dictated by state law by electing thoughtful board members years ago. They found the wisdom in making sure the Edmonds School District continues to churn out the region's most academically-gifted students and thought they were accomplishing this by demanding the highest quality board members. Regrettably, it is clear that this particular board just wants to meet weaker, all-accommodating state standards and not the standard they agreed to uphold.

I thought the Edmonds School District was better than rock bottom. Apparently, this board is happy to wallow among the weakest in the state.

6 comments:

ESD15.org said...

How can we expect our children to succeed when these people cannot even read and follow basic directions? Why not just eliminate the higher standard and strike it from board policy? They want the clout of a higher standard without the work it ultimately requires.

Anonymous said...

Did Duncan really pass the bar? If so, the examiner needs help too.

Anonymous said...

Readers of English: This is why lawyers have a bad reputation.

Lawyers: You have a bad reputation. You, meaning the person reading this right now. Meaning your mother's child. The person using the computer you are using. The person wearing your pants right now.

Anonymous said...

Part of what is really sad is that the district is using funds to pay for poor legal advice. Funds that could be used in the classroom, or funds that could be used to alleviate employee morale and other legitimate concerns. Any number of things.

This blog's mission is to work together and improve the district for the sake of our children.

The current administration and school board has knowingly violated board policy, closed their eyes to questionable business deals, and allowed rampant unethical (if not illegal) behavior. It is frustrating to see something we love so dearly be compromised and denigrated.

Anonymous said...

Let's assume the attorney is correct that Mr. Nobles and his wife can both be employees of this district - but what about the appearance of fairness doctrine? Has Gary ever once stepped down from making a decision that would appear to possibly be of benefit to his wife employment or has he never publicly said prior to taking a vote or even when just discussing teacher contracts, benefits or Lynnwood High School issues this is going to benefit my wife?

One more question, in the future will Mr. Nobles disclose or recuse himself prior to voting on a matter that could benefit his wife?

Anonymous said...

It is blatantly obvious to your readers and the former school board, that directors cannot make unbiased decisions when their spouse or dependent works for the district. That is why the board policy forbidding it exists. The last place you want a possible conflict of interest is when public money is involved. How does this lawyer sleep at nigt?