BOE Fall Retreat (or how I spent my Saturday)
8:11 a.m. - I’m here at the central office belly full of eggs and sausage and desktop full of paperwork. A few scheduling changes have been made to the agenda but we’ll start off with personnel allotments. This is directly impacted by enrollment numbers and many of you have stated concerns about crowding at schools so stay tuned for info on that.
9:03 - Lots of questions from the board about why positions were taken from some schools and given to others with similar rolls. Staff explain there is a set formula they have to work with and a set number of positions to work with.
Several questions also about why schools are opting to trade teacher assistant positions for other position types (technology specialist is a popular one) when they’ve heard again and again about the need for teachers’ assistants from the schools.
Finally there were several complaints that the figures given were based on the projected enrollment numbers. Board members were disappointed staff did not present even the 10-day count in their presentation, let alone numbers from Friday. The staff rebut they don’t have those numbers. There’s debate about that.
9:42 a.m. – After a long and at points baffling presentation on Magnet school evaluations the final prognosis from Dr. Gongshu Zhang is that the programs are working when it comes to math and reading scores.
From his conclusions “Overall, all students, as well as (African American) students, in GCS Magnet programs performed at least equal to or significantly better than corresponding control group students in reading and math of 2007 EOG, especially Math.”
10:55 a.m. – Green is presenting his portion of the day’s undertakings. First up is tackling the system’s mission statement. The board approved one two years ago but many members who were there say they didn’t like it and still don’t. Green says he needs a clear statement with board approved core values so he can develop a strategic plan that will guide his leadership over the next four years.
Lots of conversation about how to change the statement. Board member Nancy Routh notes some core values are little redundant – Diversity and Equality – and member Anita Sharpe talks at length about how the rural residents of the county feel disenfranchised.
Conversation now shifts to why improvement doesn’t occur more at with top student performers as well as the bottom.
11:05 a.m. – I should back up and say there was a great deal of discussion about Magnet schools, mostly about why some schools are crowded while the sytem is paying into Magnet programs that are well below enrollment capacity. Sharpe spoke passionately about this, condemning the 1999 redistricting vote.
Expect to see some additional reporting on Magnet school programs in the coming months.
11:45 a.m. - Board members seemed please overall with High School Ahead Academy Principal Michelle Hayes’ report on progress at the school. The school works with underachieving and excessively absent middle schoolers to prep them for high school. This year 125 students were recommended to the program and 102 committed to it.
The school posts homework assignments online. Hayes answers questions about how well that’s been received, especially among lower income families. She says no complaints, those that don’t have computers at home can get to a library to access one. Kris Cooke asks Green to look into the feasibility of having a computer at the schools accessible to parents. Sharpe notes not enough libraries in the county. Green says he’s heard the complaint out in the community and is looking into some options for computer access.
12:21 p.m. – Twilight Academy gets high marks from the board as well. One big question loomed, how can the system find more room? Pandora Bell, principal at Twilight, said with 88 students on rolls currently and another seven due next week the program is bursting at the seams. She described a pre-calculus course being taught in an office.
“I can’t tell you what would happen if the fire marshal came,” Bell said.
The program helps students with 1-9 credit hours left to complete to graduate obtain the credits. The program is housed in a cramp wing of Smith High School.
Most of the board appeared concerned about the crowding and want to see a resolution found.
12:55 p.m. - I realized I’ve not mentioned attendance. Deena Hayes (District 8) is the only board member yet to show up. Walter Childs (District 1) was here this morning but left after about the first hour. Garth Hebert (District 2) showed up about 30 minutes late. Dot Kearns (At-Large) ducked out around 11 a.m. but was back by 12:50 p.m. Amos Quick (District 9) slipped out shortly before noon or so.
Also the board voted 7-0 approve an amendment to the school assignment policy, changing only some minor wording to accommodate for the High School Ahead and Twilight School programs. Kearns was present but walked in right at the vote so abstained.
1:19 p.m. - Preschool programs got a talking about. Key among the discussion is how to track the kids enrolled in both public and private Pre-K programs. Suggestions include creating a central database so vacancies can be quickly filled with eligible students and common screening and assessment tools. Kearns requested the report be placed on the agenda.
2:03 p.m. - The school board agreed to have the staff come up with options and recommendations for addressing the overcrowding at Northern Guilford Elementary. The school is at 830 students as of Friday.
Among the options to review – breaking the school board’s policy of a minimum four years between redistricting. The board could vote to dismiss the policy, giving them the needed authority to redistrict the area, breaking up the school.
Three trailers will be added to the school by December.
2:43 p.m. - Participation in bond projects among minority and women owned businesses is performing better than the goals set. However, board member Amos Quick raises some concerns about the lack of more minority owned businesses taking part.
Women owned business only include white women owned, according to staff.
3 p.m. - Board member Deena Hayes arrives.
6:50 p.m. - The board wrapped up about an hour ago. Sorry for so much time between posts, I got busy with...well reporting. The board closed with all but Anita Sharpe in attendance - she left around 2:30 or so. There was some discussion about how the board might support the sales tax increase referendum proposed by the County Commissioners. Mo and Kearns seemed the most interested. Jill Wilson, the board's attorney, noted that while the board itself could not come out in support of the referendum they could individually support it and talk it up.
Tomorrow's paper will have more in-depth coverage. Thanks for following along.
Comments (27)
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Brian,
Fantastic!!! Thank you so much for live blogging the retreat! Keep the information coming!!!
Posted on September 20, 2008 9:59 AM
of course staff has 10 day figures, they just don't want to use them. The NW Observer has reported all in our area
so we spend how much more for magnet schools to get equal or slightly better results
Posted on September 20, 2008 10:03 AM
Thank Anon.
Debora - We've had them too and reported some of them. I think that's the big chip the board members had on their shoulders about this. Several wanted to know why the most current numbers weren't used and pointed out that they'd been used for other reports this week.
Posted on September 20, 2008 11:36 AM
Brian,
Thanks for doing such a super job!
I hope the school board has learned from their past mistakes about redistricting less than 4 years. If not, maybe there could be an amendment when a particular school is so much percent over capacity, that the attendance numbers are a safety issue, fire codes, etc.
One thing is for sure. High Point schools better be left out of this redistricting!
Ever seen the movie "There will be blood"?
Posted on September 20, 2008 8:35 PM
Brian,
Does the retreat go on through Sunday?
If so, can you do more reporting tomorrow?
Posted on September 20, 2008 8:37 PM
Awesome job, Brian. Thanks.
Posted on September 21, 2008 4:38 PM
Awesome job, Brian. Thanks.
Posted on September 21, 2008 4:38 PM
I just heard that Dot Kearns wants to put a lottery in place for students at Northwest, Northern, Page, Grimsley and Dudley.
Posted on September 21, 2008 5:02 PM
Surely you jest! I don't think the BOE wants a new war on their hands. And what would that cost in bussing? Now Page, Grimsely and Dudley could work just fine distance-wise. Now I don't know about a treck all the way to Northwest. I thought the airport school was supposed to help them too?
Posted on September 21, 2008 8:58 PM
Just a note to explain my slipping out of the meeting: As the Executive Director of the 6 Boys and Girls Clubs in Greensboro it was necessary for me to attend a portion of the Day for Kids event we sponsored in the Ray Warren Homes community. I am pleased to announce that the event provided games, information and a great time for more than 200 youth and their families. A huge success!! (Shameless plug)
Also, please note that BOE members Childs and Kearns left to attend the funeral of a long-time friend and former principal.
Board member Hayes was delayed due to flight delays on a return trip to Greensboro.
Posted on September 22, 2008 12:50 PM
Brian...
Can you post the capacity and # of students enrolled in the schools? We know there are
seats...where are they
Posted on September 22, 2008 1:42 PM
Amos,
Thanks for the explanation. You are excused. Thank you for all you do with children in the community. I know they and their parents appreciate you. Keep up the good work.
I've been reading Anita's comments in the newspaper about the country folk feeling disenfranchised. What can we do to make these students feel more engage and a part of Guilford County Schools. We are no just urban and suburban. There are many children who live in the country. How can we touch the lives of ALL children. This county is so vast, with many different needs. How do we reach all families?
Mo, if you are out there, maybe you have some ideas on how to do this.
Posted on September 22, 2008 2:32 PM
I've got an obvious idea.....(and I realize this isn't the county's fault). Bring back programs that allow students who are not college bound to learn skills that ready them for the workforce once high school is over. Remember the days of auto body, etc?
Many of these kids drop out becasue they see zero relevance in taking Algebra, Spanish, and so on. Top that off with a county that makes them take a class over when they do not pass the competency and you have frustrated kids who see no reason to show up. We are not all college bound, but this county forces all kids to take college prep classes....why?
Posted on September 22, 2008 3:29 PM
Redistricting:
So you think Smith High school is too far to bus
Northwest students to....from experience I agree
...but "we are" currently bussing students this far!!
Northwest......29 minutes/14.09 miles from Smith
Page...........13 minutes/8.31 miles from Northern
Page...........15 minutes/7.75 miles from Northeast
Page...........29 minutes/ 13.21 miles from Eastern
What school would you guess that students from the apartment's within view of the Page High School lights attends?
Do you think that it is the students from around THE LAKE that are bussed or from the low income housing?
Posted on September 22, 2008 3:44 PM
Teacher is correct, we need more tech classes and not just at Weaver. I believe that their is a huge demand for this, and the schools that aren't on block have a hard time getting their students scheduled at Weaver. I guess these are expensive to set up, but isn't it expensive to loose students? We could divide the county into 5 or 6 areas and have a tech school for each. A magnet school where kids don't have to drive 30 or more miles to get to, a school that will teach a variety of things, auto shop, construction, brick laying, hairdressing etc. Or have 2 schools one in the North one in the South or one in the west and one in the east for these classes... I think they would be full immediately. Many if not all of the CTE classes are paid for with Federal money, so we should utilize that when possible.
Posted on September 22, 2008 4:00 PM
For a long time, vocational classes have been held in low regard. This is a real shame. The fact that these courses can lead to good paying jobs is lost on the people who run the system. The case against vocational classes is that we want children to be prepared for a variety of career paths. Selecting a path early in High School closes other opportunities. I am not sure that this is true. Being a mechanix is just as honorable work as being a teacher. It starts at the top. We don't hear much about vocational classes because the children of rich families do not take them.
Posted on September 23, 2008 9:14 AM
I do believe there are new "techy" classes at Andrews High. It is the "aviation" school now where kids can go to GTCC for classes. Is this still in exsistance? I know it was just created but you never hear anything about it. How many kids took advantage of this? Did it help fill the empty seats at Andrews? (since we all know that was the main reason for its creation). Also, what ever happend to the cooking-type Academy at Central? Was that a program that didn't work? Again, you hear nothing about these little "magnet" type programs after their inception. I remember Grier gloating about them but now what's their status?
Posted on September 23, 2008 9:15 AM
I do believe there are new "techy" classes at Andrews High. It is the "aviation" school now where kids can go to GTCC for classes. Is this still in exsistance? I know it was just created but you never hear anything about it. How many kids took advantage of this? Did it help fill the empty seats at Andrews? (since we all know that was the main reason for its creation). Also, what ever happend to the cooking-type Academy at Central? Was that a program that didn't work? Again, you hear nothing about these little "magnet" type programs after their inception. I remember Grier gloating about them but now what's their status?
Posted on September 23, 2008 9:16 AM
I've often wondered if one of the mission statements for GCS is "diversity". Why has Dudley never been diversified?
I too have wondered what in the world happened to the cooking academy, the aviation school at Andrews, the other technical schools at Andrews?
and all the other innovative (sarcasm) magnets?
Posted on September 23, 2008 12:49 PM
Joe,
Wouldn't it be better to choose some career path than no career path, i.e., not graduating or graduating without really having the scores to get into college? Votech could still be taught along with basics like reading, writing and math.
Why do students who never have a desire to go to college have to take courses like Algebra 2?
Posted on September 23, 2008 12:52 PM
I think a mechanic is a pretty darn honorable profession when my car needs repaired. A good mechanic makes enough money to support a family. What is wrong with someone wanting to be a hairdresser, carpenter, electrician?
We need all these skills as much today as in the past.
Posted on September 23, 2008 12:56 PM
I believe the cooking school is not going well, not nearly full... aviation school is the first year, but not full either. When the report from GCS covered magnets, the cost and enrollment should have been one of the issues discussed but never heard about either. The Twilight School seems to be a big success as is the school for Newcomers. Those should be expanded... perhaps put at Andrews. Fill those seats with a successful program.
Posted on September 23, 2008 2:20 PM
I am all for vocational education. The problem is that the people who run education in Guilford Co. hold it in low regard. A mechanic is a great profession. I know a car painter that makes 90k. Parents are not down at the BOE demanding better vocational ed. I wish they were.
Posted on September 23, 2008 2:34 PM
Wonder if the best approach for some of the CTE (vocational) programs would be specialized charter schools? Wouldn't that allow them to hire the technical instructors who are the strongest in their field (without forcing them to go through the lateral entry shtick)? They'd probably get stronger support from the related local employers/trade associations, since they could interface directly at the school-based level, without having everything filtered by central office educrats.
Posted on September 23, 2008 9:06 PM
Debora,
You are a genius! I think having a Twilight School or a Newcomers School at Andrews is a great idea. Since both of these schools have proven to be in demand, this would help fill the seat that were unnecessarily put in Andrews in 1999 (see past newspapers and BOE minutes for Anita's feelings on this subject)
Wasn't the BOE also looking for a new name for the Newcomer School?
I think "New Horizons" would be a great name for the Newcomers School.
Posted on September 24, 2008 5:05 PM
RE Vocational Ed. Is a great idea,….where has it been lately? I have pondered that for a long time and would like to bring it forward, but I do not have enough faith in our current staff (not meant as criticism as they are learning to work together…I hope), but after Terry’s consistent ability to start, spend money then give up (partly Boards failure to supervise) projects that were conceived well, I am patiently watching our latest training wheels projects such as new comers and twilight. After that I am also in tune to the No child left behind act impact on a true trade school project. It will take someone more familiar with both major concepts, trade school management and implementation and NCLB for me to have enough faith in such an undertaking.
Yes, I am for it…with the trepidation of one who has been burned. As for cooking academy, the Canadian and European model is a great idea, sadly High Point does not have the proper demographics without a lot of community support. A true cooking school (Chef’s School) needs an outlet or store front. (FYI I went to one in Canada, but only for 12 weeks, I later cooked at the San Diego Yacht Club and yes the money was good, too good for someone putting themselves through college, I quit when I could not motivate myself in school) I would love to see a true trade school along that line of reasoning, but nowadays even a chef must have a decent educational background as well as a knack for cooking.
What other true trade schools are in demand out there? This is a good beginning for exploration.
Posted on September 29, 2008 9:25 AM
Garth,
other trade school might be:
day care/child care
hairdressers
legal secretary
court reporter
medical secretaries; transcriptionists
electricians
plumbers
HVAC
mechanics
law enforcement
paramedics
you could start by looking at the industries moving into this area (instead of leaving, like furniture) and go from there. then there are the old standbys as noted above.
thanks for looking into this with regard to NCLB
Posted on September 29, 2008 5:46 PM