Submitted by Taniesha Lyons.
Dear Voters,
The quote below is a comment in the Suburban times written by one of the people who attended the Clover Park school district board meeting and who happens to be a mental health counselor. How one can be a counselor and push back against equity is a whole different conversation. However, my point is that the people seeking power over your children are doing it by lying to you. They are twisting the truth to win. These are the same people who use overt and covert bigotry by comparing Obama to monkeys, who bully people in the LGBTQ+ community and think women victims of sexual harassment play a part in their trauma by their clothing choice. They also support sayings like crack the whip when talking about black and brown students, who continuously harass the black and brown staff in the district and even plot against them.
They want to make policies for your children. What happens if your child does not fit into the narrow confines of the box they have created for themselves? If they win, who will represent your child?
Their endorsements are telling. Do the research look up the organizations that endorsed Dave Anderson and Jeff Brown. One of the organizations said they are looking for people who will push their agenda in the school system. No education or experience is necessary. Is this whom you want to make policies that affect the health and well-being of your children?
I do not care if you support them openly or worry about your social status, okay, but when you close your doors and you are about to make your decision, please DO NOT fill in the bubbles next to their name. I said it in 2019, and people called me all kinds of things that you could not or probably could imagine when dealing with far-right white supremacists also done with their encouragement. If the community of Lakewood allows Jeff Brown and Dave Anderson to hold a seat on the school board, it says that Lakewood supports bigotry and upholds racism.
This school board election is a defining moment for the City of Lakewood and asks who LAKEWOOD is? Voting in Dave Anderson and Jeff Brown will say that anyone who can check the box does not matter and is not welcome here. Where is humanity in that?
On My page on Facebook, Taniesha Lyons Community Advocate, you will find precisely how Dave Anderson, Jeff Brown, Paul Wagemann, and John Arbeeny feel when they think no one is looking in their own words. From comparing the two black men with positions of power in the district to Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton (who happen to be excellent leaders in the black community) as slave masters to John Arbeeny’s disgusting comments below:
“as long as we’re discussing Critical Race Theory………race. The can be no push back since race is all important so let’s start addressing that right now. Not that many years ago we used to call “black and brown” people “coloreds” or “colored people” but that became taboo as we went to black, African-American, etc. Yet today CRT refers to them as “people of color” without blinking an eye. Wonder how CRT supporters would respond if we went back to the old, formerly taboo terms? Perhaps the best way to combat CRT is start rubbing its supporters’ noses in it and see how they like it.” -Written by John Arbeeny on June 12, 2021, at 12:41 PM in an email to Paul Wagemann, a current sitting school board member.
Paul Wagemann created the narrative Kerry Hills used in his comments at the school board meeting when he voted NO on the equity policy for the district.
“The money has been there, and this “Equity Policy” which just passed will only take from one group of students and reallocate those dollars to other students. To me, that does not sound equitable and fair.”
The statement above is not true, and it was said to make people, mainly the white folks in this community, feel like they are losing something to black and brown families in the district. Furthermore, the statement is an outright lie; equity is about finding out why students who already have low proficiency scores are failing by looking deeper beyond the surface of what one sees to determine if there are barriers to education.
For example, I have a child who loves candy and also loves to read. She kept scoring low on her reading comprehension test, and I could not understand why. I know my child, and I know she reads and comprehends very well. I was frustrated and thought something was going on. After a conversation with my daughter, I discovered the teachers give out candy in the extra support classes to students who passed their short tests; when the teacher got ready to remove her from the program, her scores would drop. I went to the school counselor Mr. Claudio at the time, and we took a deeper look at the teacher’s assessments and the fluctuations in her scores. We sat down with my daughter, talked with her, and discovered she hates taking and sitting for those long tests, and the candy was a strong incentive for her to stay in the reading help class. She is pretty active, so to be done quicker, she would choose any answer to get done.
Her reading and comprehension were fine, and she was immediately removed from the reading program. Together, we created a strategy that allowed her to take tests without having to sit so long without putting her on medication, and she was removed from a class she did not need and was no longer being pulled from her core math class. Moreover, it worked for her; this is equity, plain and simple. The proficiency rates cannot increase until we find out what is in student academic success. Is it grief from losing loved ones to violence or COVID? Could divorce affect a child’s learning? How about being hungry or houseless, no wifi? What if the child has dyslexia? Who is checking to see these are all measurable equity questions? The equity policy is comprehensive because they took a look at the data in the Clover Park school district that shows where the disproportionalities are because guess what? The numbers will not change until those areas are addressed through a lens of equity. To continue a one size fits all model is the pure definition of insanity because it has not worked and has failed children throughout the nation. The district is taking action to make sure they turn the numbers around to get to student success. Any other narrative is a lie. I go back to the endorsements of Dave Anderson and Jeff Brown. They are on a mission to push a far-right agenda in the schools, and they are hoping to use your fears to do it.
https://www.parentsforsafeschools.com/about note Washington parents voted NO on their referendum, so who are they representing?
Wow! Thank you Taniesha for bringing out the reality of what is going on in this campaign. You nailed it and explained in a parent’s terms. I know they will come after you, as before . Thank you for having the courage to speak up.
Dear Ms. Lyons,
I feel that you are painting the supporters of the CPSB non-incumbents with a very broad brush. I am a proud graduate of CPHS, and I also have two adult sons who are graduates. I have watched the CP schools’ test scores and academic proficiencies decline over the last two decades. I was a tutor/mentor for a few years, which was truly eye-opening. I know parents who feel that they have little to no voice in their childrens’ education in the district. If they are able, many pull their children to home or private school, or send them to other districts, yet still pay taxes to CPSD. Personally, I worry about selling our home when it comes time to downsize with the shape of our schools. Our district needs an intervention, and I believe that a refresh of the School Board and new ideas for student success AND family involvement might help in that cause.
Some emails I am holding on to. I want to allow them the opportunity to do the right thing and bow out gracefully while they can. It’s a long shot but I am trusting God to work on their hearts and leave our babies alone. I hear what you say about parents wanting a voice in the district, but ask yourself do you want white supremacists speaking for you? Are you ok with that? People who vote no on bullying policies because they are against LGBTQ+ students so they feel they deserve no protection are you really ok with that? This is deeper than test scores and parent voice. To stay focused there when you have bigotry and white supremacy staring you in the face says a lot.
Mrs. Lyons-
You and I used to work together and I think, at that time, we knew each other well. I am confused why you would try to misrepresent me with your selected quote. I have posted my entire statement below from when I responded to Mr. O’Keeffe.
Taniesha, I think you know me well enough that I would never misrepresent what you siad. My focus was solely of the disparity of income in the Clover Park School District.
My prior comment…
_______________________
Mr. O’Keeffe-
You and I have known each other for years and I have a great deal of respect for you as an individual and the communiry work you do/did with the Lions and CIS Lakewood.
However, your premise that solely because CP students have a high rate of poverty is a reason for low test scores is offensive. Just because someone comes from a low income family does not set their future in stone, as to their educational success.
As we both know CP School District has successfully passed a levy every time for more than 20 years. Making it one of the higher per student cost districts in the State. And, as you point out in your submission there are several community programs already in place to help. How come with more money from the levy over the last 20+ yrs, plus the programs you mention, have we not seen any equatable outcome in test scores. The money has been there and this “Equity Policy” which just passed will only take from one group of students and reallocate those dollars to other students. To me that does not sound equitable and fair. Those who are succeeding should have every opportunity to continue their success in FULLY FUNDED PROGRAMS.” If I learned one thing from speaking @ many different community meetings against the levy it was that the community members wanted more funded than “just a basic education” The levy was passed to do the extras!
I just finished watching a PBS 4 part documentary “College Behind Bars” which proves my point about income
The inmates in the series came from the poorest neighborhoods in NYC yet all of them as adults are doing amazing in their college programs. They were raised poor so by your premise they should have no chance in school let alone college right?
The problem at the district is not funds. The issue is Board Leadership. All the years Marty and Carole have been on the Board, with several superintendents, there has been NO progress in the educational outcomes.
Mr. O’Keeffe think about it this way… Would you have wanted opportunity and programs taken away from either of your sons? The dollars stripped away to support them and their full potential so someone else could benefit instead of them?
Unfortunately, all they have is race-baiting and back breaking reaching. I mean look how well it did for her run against Paul. Who wouldathunk that “crack the whip” is a reference to horse and buggy. Maybe they are projecting. Maybe they are the racists. They seem to assume that the answer of “equality for all” and “our job is to focus on education” are somehow bigoted dogwhistles or something.
Ms. Lyons,
….I’m taking a deep breath. This entire CRT hysteria was manufactured all along. It was their strategy to make CRT the issue to remove Schafer and Pearson. I assume you asked for a records request of Paul Wageman’s district account to get these emails? Can you post a link to the rest of the emails so people who do not have Facebook can see them? I’m stunned! Every Lakewood citizen needs to see what has been going on and know what individuals are involved. I see several donors to campaigns on these emails including a candidate! Unbelievable!
Kerry Hills I said what you said there is no misrepresentation. Both candidates are in several of the emails along with the current seated school board member who is working with them. I am unable to post the remaining emails at this time.
Yes, Cheri, it was. They knew what to do, and they did it. They didn’t think we would ever find out, and we almost didn’t. I am unable to post any more at this time. They will have to gain access to Facebook to see the ones I posted there.
Kerry Hills your comment mirrored the exact comment of Paul Wagemann. When he voted no on the equity policy. I in no way misrepresented what you said it was an exact quote.
Kerry Hills, your comment mirrored the exact comment of Paul Wagemann. When he voted no on the equity policy. I in no way misrepresented what you said; it was an exact quote. This is about white supremacists running for the school board and the community that supports them. I have been attacked for telling the truth. I didn’t lie to the community and this has never been about a vendetta against Paul Wagemann because I lost the election to him. Quite honestly, I never expected to win. Me running was to put Paul on notice that his covert racism and bigotry were showing. Many of you can’t see it because you have never experienced what it feels like when you hear people say the things Paul says about people who look like me and people he is unable to identify with, how gross it feels, and how deeply hurtful it is. Then he went and found more people who think just like him. What I have endured fighting for the students in the district you couldn’t imagine. I told Carole Jacobs win or lose I am not going anywhere and I will continue to fight for families and students who for whatever reason don’t feel they can use their voice. I was that parent who endured while my babies suffered because I was too busy fighting cancer and was trying everything I could just to live. And when I found my voice I made a vow to God I would fight for those who can’t and that’s what I am doing. Some call it speaking truth to power I call it justice. Paul Wagemann, Dave Anderson, and Jeff Brown are exactly that. Pull a public disclosure and see what you find. I never lied to my community the same things I said in 2019 I am still saying it. I attached a copy of Paul Wagemann’s email but it was not posted with my letter. I wanted the community to see what is actually said behind closed doors when no one is looking. The email where they plotted the CRT Narrative because race in their words was a big topic and they knew people would buy into it. And guess what they were right. They played the community. I called it they knew CRT was not happening in the Clover Park school district they made it up. For the win.
I will create a Dropbox and post them I can’t do it right at this moment because I am doing homework before my next meeting but I will post some, but not all of them. Some I am holding on to. I want to allow them the opportunity to do the right thing and now out gracefully while they can. It’s a long shot but I am trusting God to work on their hearts and leave our babies alone.
This is a deal breaker for me. A school board member conspired with candidates and their donors to try and take political control of the school board. Paul Wagemann and Arbeeny are exchanging emails titled, ” Race pimps have always existed only today they are called Equity”
Wagemann needs to go! NOW! I want this investgated. I want to know from the 4 school board members if Paul Wagemann was undermining their work in any way. Did he do anything to stop the work of this school board? These guys tried to set up Ron Banner in these emails. Wagemann had a knife in the back of the superintendent.
The same political extremist who runs a ” private” conservative poltical club, that David Anderson advertized on his own campaign site, is on these emails. Anderson has told voters he is a total nonpartsan. Lies and more lies.
This community has been torn apart by these people. Votes may have already been cast, but the public was duped.
There is more to this story and it will come out. It will be interesting to see how these unethical people try and spin this…they are going to fail because now we know who they are and what they are.
As a district employee I have read, watched, listened to the numerous lies that have sidelined our work. I am beyond disgusted by the behavior of Paul Wagemann, David Anderson and Jeff Brown.
Today I am an ANGRY. An elected official “comparing two black men with positions of power in the district to Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton (who happen to be excellent leaders in the black community) as slave masters…”
Paul will twist this and say he meant something else. We know the truth, Paul. You are evil and do not deserve to be representing the CPSD family.
White doesn’t make Right, and Right (as in Conservative) doesn’t make Right either. To be fair Left also doesn’t make Right. It’s way more complicated than that. I seldom agree 100% with anyone and Ms Lyons is no exception here, but her points and positions are valid and mostly well-founded in this debate. CRT, for example, has been turned into a mind-numbing dog whistle with the intent to polarize and get out the vote nationally. The increasingly extreme-sounding messages supporting the two challengers, who recently have stayed mostly quiet, risk alienating a significant part of our community if elected, and I care enough about the schools to type this. Please think of the whole picture when voting. Thank you.
“They want to make policies for your children. What happens if your child does not fit into the narrow confines of the box they have created for themselves? If they win, who will represent your child?”
Yet another case of a leftist activist using the psychological defense mechanisms of “transference” and “projection” to accuse others of exactly what they are doing.
Indeed, radical critical race theory (CRT) supporters are the ones who have, not merely want, to make policies for your children without the participation or consent of their parents. The “equity policy” was constructed not by parents but by a select group of District administrators, staff, teachers and supporting activists, commercial and outside interests: over 80% of participants to include Lyons. Parents accounted for less than 8%. Lyons fits in several of these categories: activist and commercial outside interest (her LLC). She pedaled her activism in the last Board election against Paul Wagemann and lost 62% to 38%. The people of Lakewood weren’t fools then or now.
David Anderson and Jeff Brown, challengers to the Board incumbents have made it abundantly clear to anyone who wants to listen that a central part of their candidacies is parental involvement and I’m not talking about 3 minutes before the Board at their once a month public meeting. The fact that parents didn’t play a primary role in “equity policy” development is responsible for the push back it is now receiving here and across the country.
I stand by the quote noted. Race is the defining characteristic of CRT and the District’s “equity policy”. Despite protestations to the contrary, CRT shows up behind terms like “people of color”, “marginalized communities” and concepts such as “ending zero-tolerance discipline”, “inclusive curricula” “unexamined privilege”. These terms are part of the District’s “equity policy”, administrators (principals) support statement and the CRT playbook. ‘
Indeed the “equity policy” is already taking away from superior students, regardless of race or ethnicity. Inflated graduation rates, to make it “fair” in the face of dismal academic performance, is there for everyone to see. The District has become something of a diploma mill. This is seen by college recruiters and employers who will look elsewhere for a District from which a diploma signifies academic excellence. Expect more of the same. The ultimate effect of the “equity policy” is dumbing down not building up. It’s so much easier to do it that way! Graduating students “on a curve” does no one a favor.
As far as racism as a career choice, I think there is enough out there on Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton that I don’t have to go into who has benefited from their race hustling. It’s them, not the people they supposedly represent. By the way: who voted them into their “position” as representatives of our black population? Perhaps Taniesha Lyons should read up on the very different approaches of Booker T. Washington and W.E.B DuBois to black liberation to understand the conflict that still occurs within the black community to this day: internal vs. external change. There are too many successful people of all races who have advanced themselves to think that only the “intellectual elite” or “woke” activists are their salvation.
If you want to see how racism pays just take a look at the over $250,000 the District is spending for salary and benefits for a “Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Coordinator” at $76817 (plus benefits) and “Director of Equity & Community Engagement” at $146727 (plus benefits). I think most Lakewood tax payers would agree that a quarter of a million dollars should have been spent in the classroom instead of Board room.
Mr. Arbeeny,
How dare you! Your inflated ego has no boundaries. You have lost all credibility.
David Anderson, Jeff Brown, Paul Wagemann and 8 other people from the Brown /Anderson campaigns are on an email with you plotting how to make Anderson and Brown look like nonpartisans while others in the campaign are to attack the “opponent”.
Here are Arbeeny’s exact words:
“There is a time and place for direct confrontation and I relish the opportunity to be the “bad cop in a “good cop-bad cop” scenario. But, don’t be confused! This is all about manipulating and exploiting opponent behavior…..”. The rest of the email explains more of their campaign strategy.
“Manipulating and exploiting”!
Yes, like good soldiers they all went out and spread lies and hate. They tried to ruin the reputation of our entire school district, our mayor and his family, our superintendent, all school board members except their co-conspirator Paul Wagemann. They attacked anyone who tried to push back against their lies.
David Anderson and Jeff Brown were in on this from the start based on dated emails. They orchestrated it and signed off on everything. We need to hold them responsible for this disgusting campaign along with the other names associated with this effort. They all belong to the same political party that is supporting and funding these identical attacks on school boards across this country.
Mr. Arbeeny, please tell David Anderson, Jeff Brown and Paul Wagemann they can drop their “good cop” roles. Their need to pretend is over.
In the face of relentless personal pressure and attacks, Alyssa Pearson and Marty Schafer remained who they are; steady, ethical, nonpartisan, dedicated to moving forward to meet the needs of our ALL of our students. This is what integrity and leadership looks like! Keep politics out of our schools!
The “good cop-bad cop” strategy has been used as long as there have been candidates vying for the same position in an election be it partisan or non-partisan. There is the “bad cop” who critiques the opposition and “good cop” who proposes their platform to overcome flaws in that of their opponent.
Both sides are necessary in any campaign. Manipulation and exploitation of human behavior occurs at all levels of human behavior from interpersonal relations to the national level. To you it may have a negative connotation but you are doing exactly that by posting articles to the Suburban Times in support of the incumbents. Who is more honest?
By the way: to my knowledge no one here has said anything about Schafer or Pearson’s politics. It’s been all about performance; something you can’t address based upon the facts. Rather you seek to “manipulate” public opinion by hiding the facts rather than dealing with them in the open. Who is more honest?
You’ve probably “manipulated” your children (and spouse for that matter) if you have some: “Eat your broccoli or no ice cream for desert.” There’s nothing dishonest or underhanded about it. Done in the public interest, and based upon facts to encourage people to vote for David Anderson and Jeff Brown is quite different than you supporting incumbents based upon emotions Pejoratives and “disgusting” are not a logical arguments. Who is more honest?
Thank you Mr. Arbeany for being “honest”. Although it’s hard to deny what has been proven. You are quite the operative and it is interesting that you ascribe your behavior and motivations to everyone else.
It’s sad to me that even though you don’t live in Lakewood or have children in the Clover Park schools your tactics have done irreparable harm to our community by amping up a campaign to turn us against each other. The losers are the students and the whole community.
And you’re right that the incumbents didn’t have a “well oiled” machine. They are working at their jobs as well as working on the school board and had no idea you would create an attacking and hateful campaign. It’s all about winning but not for the benefit of students but for your ideology.
Honesty is the best policy. Perhaps you’re not aware that I ran two campaigns for City Council: lost the first ( 2001 by 217 votes) and won the second (2003) in tough races against incumbents. Lessons learned; lessons applied. I take responsibility for my own behavior and motivations as I have done consistently in my posts.
It wasn’t me who “turned us against each other”: it was the conduct of the Board over many years to the exclusion of parents who have had enough. This is a national movement and we are but a small part of it. At least in Schafer’s case, he has never had to face competition. That being said, neither David Anderson nor Jeff Brown have any political experience.
What they do have is a set of values, principles, strategic goals and a wonderful work ethic that propelled their campaigns to where they are today and will serve them well on the Board. You have to admire that even if you disagree with them. It’s not “hateful” (a pejorative); it’s a factual performance based campaign.
Elizabeth,
Yes, you are right on target. It sounds like Arbeeny lives in a political echo chamber. Imagine school board candidates who would allow this guy to speak for them. Everyone should be questioning the judgment of David Anderson and Jeff Brown.
Well said Cheri! That group reflects the alarming direction this country is headed if people like them are elected.
If you want to read a real manipulation in the Board election I’d suggest you take a look at Mayor Don Anderson’s fact-less, emotionally driven (after all he’s Pearson’s Dad), virulent (dismissive of honorable military service) post to the Suburban Times on 7/2/21. Manipulation? You bet! Dishonest? You bet! Political? You bet!
https://thesubtimes.com/2021/07/25/letter-school-board-race-disinformation/comment-page-1/
During this campaign I have yet to see a single article by either Schafer or Pearson in the Suburban Times either critiquing David Anderson or Jeff Brown or more imporantly outlining their platform for re-election. However both Anderson and Brown have done so and exposed their positions to the public for comment.
What is really griping incumbent supporters is that the opposition has had its stuff in order, I think one of them said “well oiled, for the last 6 months while incumbents sat on their hands and only recently realized there’s a contested election coming up in 11 days. Playing catch up is tough. What does that say about the dedication of the challengers versus that of the incumbents as Board members? Volumes!
Mr Arbenny,
For months you have repeatedly expressed your views concerning Clover Park School Board. I was beginning to wonder if you were a weekly columnist for the Suburban Times. We get it, you are unhappy about the direction and want change, but respectfully it is your version of change.
Last spring ESSB 5044 was passed in Washington. This bill identified a need to expand training for teachers and staff to assure equity in the treatment of all students. All school districts are tasked with developing a plan within the framework. This is not something that our school board covertly chose to do. It is their compliance with the law. Nowhere in the bill is Critical Race Theory (CRT) mentioned. Have you read the bill? Perhaps contacted your representative to voice your concerns since it was initiated at the legislative level? The bills intent was to support children not divide them.
There is a misperception that equality and equity are the same thing. Equality means everyone is treated the same exact way, regardless of need or any other individual difference. Equity means everyone is provided with what they need to succeed. You are upset about higher level students losing advanced educational opportunities. Is that an example of equality or equity? You would only want “the superior students” to have opportunities to expand their skills, but not others?
Interesting terms you use are CRT, leftist, intellectual elite and woke activists. Last May, on his Battle Room podcast, Steve Bannon sounded the battle cry: “The path to save the nation is very simple, it’s going to go through the school boards.” School boards have been under attack with false narratives that CRT is being taught. To politicize equity is to deprive children of opportunities.
You suggested some reading for Ms. Lyons. Perhaps you should expand your reading as well to expand insight into equity as a teaching tool. I’d suggest the US Department of Education articles on Reading Equity or the Center for Public Education as resources. Additionally you might look at the text that CP teachers are using as an educational guide.
I suggest that you read the District’s recently passed “equity policy” and the CP Association of School Principals letter in support of that policy. Although the goals might sound admirable “…….to launch each and every one of them (students) into a fantastic future.” (CPASP) the methodology is based upon CRT.
That’s the problem with the “equity policy”: it espouses nice sounding goals on its face but uses an inappropriate methodology for implementation which is bound to fail just like the Marxist philosophy from which it grew. Cadillac makes fine cars but you can’t drive one from Seattle to Honolulu. When you design a system antithetical to the goals you want to achieve you don’t achieve those goals regardless of how hard you try. It’s a matter of system design
I find it ironic that in an “equity policy”, so sensitive and concerned about “people of color”, “marginalized communities” and willing to institutionalize race based programs like “ending zero-tolerance discipline”, defines racism in terms which are an apt description of the “equity policy” itself.
Mrs. Lyons-
If you are lumping me and my comments, which were a response to Mr. O’Keeafe’s Suburban Times letter, in with some email(s) between a CPSD Board Member and others then YES you have totally misrepresented me. I have not been a party to any email(s) and therefore you may not attribute my comments to that group of individuals. Taniesha, you may recall from when the Levy was @ topic, just about a year ago, I was saying the same things about the District and the Board then as well. The District gets more money than it needs at the cost of tax payers and the test scores are terrible. The other part to that is that some of the Board has been in office for way too many years. Marty and Carole both need to go. I have endorsed no candidates in this race anywhere ever.
Please be courteous and conscious about how you use someones name when you throw out terms like “white supremacist” or “bigot.” I am certain our past encounters, through work, would have been much different if you honestly thought that of me.
Taniesha Lyons, you lost your bid for the CPSD school board, get over it already! Each time you plant a piece in the Suburban Times you sound like a very angry rattle snake. My best suggestion is that you get therapy for being such a sore loser!
You are not going to change people’s minds now anyway, most have already chosen to go with the 2 sane candidates Anderson & Brown over the insanity of the current 16 year long term incumbent Schafer and the futile 4 year incumbent Pearson.
Schafer alone has been on the school board 4 years longer than a full term & graduate of CPHS of 12 years. Time to shake things up and make the system finally work so other students feel fulfillment by going to CPSD school to actually learn useful subjects rather than just show up and waste time or no shows at all.
Talk about angry rattlesnakes. Have you reread what you wrote?
These comments from the first to the last one before mine are all about as effective as a carnival barker. Guardians with children attending schools in the CPSD must critique each and every school staff member that effects their child(ren)’s educational opportunities and outcomes. Yes, take a hard look at the teachers and administrators especially.
If you are not happy with the progress your child(ren) are making in school, call out the teachers and administrators as well. Their silence on matters of equity amount to acceptance of the lack of equity.
Some on here are asking why 20 plus years ago test scores were better, and there seemed like more students were coming through CPSD with the skills to succeed at life after K-12. Two primary reasons – (1) 20 some odd years ago cell phones and social media weren’t distracting our young students to the point of brain lethargy, and (2) 20 some odd years ago we had better trained educators coming out of our state and national universities. Today we have teachers with a masters in gobblygook that they received from a 1 year night program at some online random for profit religious “college” or a similarly uncompetitive school, just so they can grab that higher pay on the certified educator pay scale! Are some of these educators even certified and holding an endorsement in the subjects they are even teaching currently, no! Go ahead and look for yourselves.
So many are beating each other up on these CPSD related forums and I wonder do any of you ever actually look at who the employees are working with your children?!
Values and culture can be taught at home, but if your child(ren) aren’t learning the basic curriculum year over year – that is where poor outcomes are stemming from. Is CRT and bickering over the underwhelming choices for CPSD school board the best use of your collective energies?
The outcomes for your child(ren) starts at home – if you see educators and principals and people at the CPSD offices aren’t meeting your reasonable and education success related concerns, you have a right and should all be calling the office of the Governor’s Educational Ombudsman. contact info is: Washington State Governor’s Office of the Education Ombuds, 3518 Fremont Avenue North, #349. Seattle, WA 98103. Toll-free phone: 1-866-297-2597. Ombudsmen speak to all parties involved to understand the problem, research applicable laws and policies, facilitate and/or mediate conversations between parents and school officials, and guide all parties towards resolution focusing on what is best for the student. The staff can really move mountains that seem immoveable so I urge those truly concerned about an issue effecting your child(ren) in relation to their schooling to call and start the process of receiving assistance.
I have to disagree with you on handling parent complaints. Operations are planned top down and executed bottom up. Change in any organization starts at the top, in this case the Board, not middle management or even the teachers. The Board are the elected representatives of the people, particularly parents and accountable to them. In addition to being representatives, they also set policy and demand accountability of the Superintendent. If the Board fails in its responsibilities the system will fail. The Superintendent is the sole employee of the Board and answers to them. Administrators and teachers are all employed through the Superintendent’s authority: they answer to him.
While it may be worth while for a parent with a problem to start at the teacher level, the bureaucratic response must traverse layers of management before it ever sees the light of day. That is a daunting and discouraging task.We have too many such occurrences which wind up in a curt one page letter from the Superintendent with nothing changed or resolved.
Complaining to a State level agency in Seattle may be advisable but it inserts another level of bureaucracy into the mix. Ultimately it is the Board’s responsibility to deal with voter issues directly instead of requiring them to navigate the maze that is the District’s bureaucracy. Want more parent involvement? Then the Board has to start listening to them.