Showing posts with label MaryEllen Elia. Show all posts
Showing posts with label MaryEllen Elia. Show all posts
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
What To Do When You Created A Problem And Are Afraid To Let Go
The ongoing situation with Goader must provide the local government agency, otherwise known as the Hillsborough County Public Schools, with several perplexing issues. Balancing apparent long held practices of keeping problems in-house and away from public scrutiny against an aggressive and apparent unilateral decision to create a legal charge could be one of those quagmires. According to the information that I have, the fact that the sheriff's department and the state's attorney did not find cause to collaborate an in-house charge apparently did not sit well with the first named government agency.
And then there is the problem of "who knew, what did they know, when did they know it, and how did they decide to act on what they knew". A classic government albatross.
A little history provides a little perspective to the here and now:
The significance of this state complaint is the duration of the alledged compliance issues. So, how does a government agency balance having their finger on the pulse of all that is good and having no information on ongoing issues? How does a government agency control the flow of information? Is there a "street code"? What about "don't ask, don't tell"?
Control of information may be the cornerstone of the establishment. Without that control, the fulcrum on the balance of power and influence is lengthened. How can the establishment let go when control of information is the only weight they have?
Goader has 16 parts that provides information. And then there is Lee's blog which adds to the information. My understanding is that Goader is still biding his time, waiting for an answer. My farm boy logic leads me to believe that he therefore must not be in favor of the establishment.
And for those who enjoy honing their critical reading skills, peruse the comments found here:
It’s Goader—Got It! : Goader Online
And then there is the problem of "who knew, what did they know, when did they know it, and how did they decide to act on what they knew". A classic government albatross.
A little history provides a little perspective to the here and now:
Communication Still Problem For Hillsborough Schools:"By MARILYN BROWN
The Tampa Tribune
Published: September 21, 2008
Updated: 09/21/2008 12:16 am
TAMPA -
Lack of communication.
It's often the official answer when things go sour in Hillsborough County schools.""......some school board members don't always get all of the information they want and ask for.
"I've had trouble getting information since I have been a board member," said Griffin, who was elected in 2006. "I ask for things and sometimes it takes weeks to get it. I've asked for reports that I have not received to this day."
"Communication is very selective in this district," said Griffin, who has often been at odds with Elia. "If you're in their favor the communication seems to be a lot more open and a lot quicker."
Complaint Alleges Hillsborough Withheld Services To Students#comments#comments: "By MARILYN BROWN | The Tampa Tribune
Published: October 1, 2008
Updated: 10/01/2008 02:42 pm
TAMPA - A class action complaint was filed in Tallahassee today with the Florida Department of Education by three civil rights groups on behalf of six students with mental and emotional disorders in Hillsborough County."
"Elia said she was surprised when she got notice Monday of the upcoming news conference because she was not aware of the concerns."
The significance of this state complaint is the duration of the alledged compliance issues. So, how does a government agency balance having their finger on the pulse of all that is good and having no information on ongoing issues? How does a government agency control the flow of information? Is there a "street code"? What about "don't ask, don't tell"?
Control of information may be the cornerstone of the establishment. Without that control, the fulcrum on the balance of power and influence is lengthened. How can the establishment let go when control of information is the only weight they have?
Goader has 16 parts that provides information. And then there is Lee's blog which adds to the information. My understanding is that Goader is still biding his time, waiting for an answer. My farm boy logic leads me to believe that he therefore must not be in favor of the establishment.
And for those who enjoy honing their critical reading skills, peruse the comments found here:
It’s Goader—Got It! : Goader Online
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Will The Alafia Elementary Public and Public School Sing Kumbayah Soon?
In yesterday's Tribune, there were two articles written, as best as I can tell. After my recent misread of a post date, I am trying to make sure I am reading the correct dates. Two articles, just like the events playing out at Alafia Elementary, are unusual.
In this article Alafia Principal, Parents Begin Reconciliation
we read comments attributed to Ms. Elia:
I would love to know what "the system" thinks should have been done differently. The true answer to that question would reveal the truth of how the District views it's relationship with the public and it's employees. Would "the system" have put more effort into squashing the beginning of the discontent or would "the system" ameliorated the issues by bringing in supportive resources in the fashion that they are now, only then it would have been seen as pro-active.
Then there is this:
I am curious as to what defines "out of control". I have witnessed "public uprisings" for years, usually around the issue of boundary changes. Countless times, the District goes through the charade of asking for public input, only to end up with what their plan was from the beginning. For some reason, this issue did not go the usual course that the District is accustom to. Usually time takes care of the isolated parents that are complaining and the District continues on, secure with it's power. Something different happened here.
And then there is this:
The full quote is this:
I have been in several contesting situations with "the system" over the years. I have seen what it takes to move them off their position, and "they" don't like to move. It is a hell of a position for one of them to be in when someone "has to fix it".
On to the next article:
The post date of this article just seems like it doesn't fit. It has been six days since the meeting, and most of this is old news. Except for one thing.
On the side of the article are the links to the gator pit.
I must say I am seeing things I thought would never happen. Over the years, I have more than once written and spoke to various members of the local media and asked in many different ways that they perform their duty in ferreting out the truth about our local education agency. As some of you have recently seen, there is usually a world of difference in what you read in the Tribune compared to what you read in the Times about the same event here in HCPS.
The public deserves to know the truth. The school employees deserve to know the truth. I have said previously I don't know what happened at Alafia Elementary, but what we can see is that the usual course of events have changed dramatically.
In this article Alafia Principal, Parents Begin Reconciliation
we read comments attributed to Ms. Elia:
"'We thought we were working on this issue. We obviously weren't doing it the way we needed to be doing it............."
I would love to know what "the system" thinks should have been done differently. The true answer to that question would reveal the truth of how the District views it's relationship with the public and it's employees. Would "the system" have put more effort into squashing the beginning of the discontent or would "the system" ameliorated the issues by bringing in supportive resources in the fashion that they are now, only then it would have been seen as pro-active.
Then there is this:
....""I think part of this got out of control for all of us."
I am curious as to what defines "out of control". I have witnessed "public uprisings" for years, usually around the issue of boundary changes. Countless times, the District goes through the charade of asking for public input, only to end up with what their plan was from the beginning. For some reason, this issue did not go the usual course that the District is accustom to. Usually time takes care of the isolated parents that are complaining and the District continues on, secure with it's power. Something different happened here.
And then there is this:
"She's got to fix it."
The full quote is this:
"I've accepted responsibility, and I've also accepted responsibility for the principal," she said. "She's got to fix it."
I have been in several contesting situations with "the system" over the years. I have seen what it takes to move them off their position, and "they" don't like to move. It is a hell of a position for one of them to be in when someone "has to fix it".
On to the next article:
Parents Complain About Alafia Elementary Principal
The post date of this article just seems like it doesn't fit. It has been six days since the meeting, and most of this is old news. Except for one thing.
On the side of the article are the links to the gator pit.
I must say I am seeing things I thought would never happen. Over the years, I have more than once written and spoke to various members of the local media and asked in many different ways that they perform their duty in ferreting out the truth about our local education agency. As some of you have recently seen, there is usually a world of difference in what you read in the Tribune compared to what you read in the Times about the same event here in HCPS.
The public deserves to know the truth. The school employees deserve to know the truth. I have said previously I don't know what happened at Alafia Elementary, but what we can see is that the usual course of events have changed dramatically.
Monday, November 10, 2008
One More Story About Alafia Elementary
Alafia principal keeps her job for now
Thanks for the tip from anon. Anon says I hit the nail on the head. We will have to wait a while to see if I my prediction on how the parents will feel later.
Low on time resources, so there may be more to this story I haven't seen yet.
Find link below to what the nail was that I hit on the head:
Public Education - Politics, Business and Education: Response To A Comment About An "Assessment Team" Going To Alafia Elementary:
By the way, this may be the last of any media reports of anything negative about HCPS:
Public Education - Politics, Business and Education: Media Blitz - Truth or Propaganda
Thanks for the tip from anon. Anon says I hit the nail on the head. We will have to wait a while to see if I my prediction on how the parents will feel later.
Low on time resources, so there may be more to this story I haven't seen yet.
Find link below to what the nail was that I hit on the head:
"Here is my prediction. They will develop a team of district people and targeted parents. They will hold a set number of meetings. The District will be in control of all paperwork regarding the recording of all of the meetings. The first meeting will be to bring out all of the problems. Emotions will be kept in check as this is 'just the information gathering phase, and emotions get in the way of positive outcomes'. The District will take this information and synthesis it into 4 areas. The District will identify the problem areas 'based on information gathered', and bring it back to the group. The group will then be subdivided so that the parents are divided. These sub-groups will hash out the emotional aspects of 'the issues'. The next meeting will be where the District 'brings to the whole group' a breakdown of how the issues were decided upon. There will be a 'discussion' and a 'consensus' will be 'agreed upon' by all. The final outcome will be that the problem was taken care of and 'everyone' is in agreement. It won't be until later on that the parents figure out they were snookered, but the official paperwork and 'official decision that the parents agreed to' will be on record."
Public Education - Politics, Business and Education: Response To A Comment About An "Assessment Team" Going To Alafia Elementary:
By the way, this may be the last of any media reports of anything negative about HCPS:
Public Education - Politics, Business and Education: Media Blitz - Truth or Propaganda
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Parents Critical Of Alafia Elementary Principal - Comments After Board Meeting
The fact that so many people can now watch the HCPS school board meetings either on TV or on their computer is going to change how business is done. Those who control information have power. When "the information" is not the truth is when things get bad. A review of history should teach us about that.
I don't know what the truth is about Alafia Elementary, but I believe there are a few people who do. Time will tell if the rest of us will learn the truth.
It is very interesting what happens when the public gets involved in the public education system. One thing we do know is there is going to be a lot of meetings held.
Below are some of the new comments on the Tribune site that were posted after the board meeting yesterday where so many people eagerly awaited the report on the situation:
Don't forget to look up what the Delphi Technique is and how public school systems use it.
I don't know what the truth is about Alafia Elementary, but I believe there are a few people who do. Time will tell if the rest of us will learn the truth.
It is very interesting what happens when the public gets involved in the public education system. One thing we do know is there is going to be a lot of meetings held.
Below are some of the new comments on the Tribune site that were posted after the board meeting yesterday where so many people eagerly awaited the report on the situation:
Don't forget to look up what the Delphi Technique is and how public school systems use it.
Parents Critical Of Alafia Elementary Principal#comments#comments#comments#comments#comments: "Posted by ( ConcernedTaxpayer ) on 10/21/2008 at 10:10 pm.
I was really disappointed in Elia's speech at the school board meeting. I feel like I'm paying a lot of people a lot of money to have continous meeting about a problem that has existed for several years. In the real world we deal with problems. I guess when the government has problems, they pay a lot of people a lot of money to attend meeting and continue to sweep the problems under the rug. Well Otero and Sikes, am I correct? Your brooms should be worn out by now. When I see how my tax money is be spent, I really want to get a refund!
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( raider1 ) on 10/21/2008 at 10:29 pm.
I just finished viewing the school board meeting. Mrs. Elia refers to Mr. Otero and how he was open to teachers calling his office to discuss the concerns expressed by the teachers following his June 4th meeting with parents. That is not what I experienced. After numerous attempts to contact him through his secretary I was finally told he had heard from enough teachers and would not be taking any more calls. Not exactly open and willing to listen. I appreciate Mrs. Elia's desire to inform the public and school board about the history of this situation, but be careful when stating he was there to hear what teachers had to say. I know of one teacher who did speak with Mr. Otero personally and she was extremely disappointed in his attitude and his lack of attention to her concerns.
Certain sounded like lip service then, we'll wait to see if it's lip service now."
Thursday, October 16, 2008
A Few Pictures - Not Sure What They Are or Could Be Worth
MyPaperNow.com - Your Stories, Your Life. / Join Us In The Journey / :
They say a picture is worth a thousand words. It is not uncommon for the HCPS to stifle words. How many of you remember the night that Glen Barrington asked that the cameras be turned off for the publicly televised meeting of the school board meeting? It was the night that Doug Erwin was speaking. I was there.
How many of you remember the night that Lee DeCesare was cut off from speaking and then escorted off the ROSSAC premises by the school board security?
How many of you know that Ms. DeCesare filed an ethics complaint about Tom Gonzalez regarding the issue of free speech? How many of you know what the implications of this complaint had regarding how the HCPS school board conducts it's business with the public?
How many of you know the full story of how the "old guard" silenced the "new members"? How many of you know the story about how Jack Lamb publicly commented about how he used to "send notes" to Ms. Faliero to coach her when she was new and feisty?
The information is available for those who want to know the truth.
One who understands the meaning and intent of Mr. Lamb's "notes" might find the following comments, found on the below link, interesting.
"Hillsborough County School Superintendent MaryEllen Elia noted at the town hall meeting that Area 5 schools had 10 five-star schools: Apollo Beach, Brooker, Cimino, Corr, Mintz, Sessums, Summerfield and Symmes elementary schools; and Dowdell and Giunta middle schools. Alafia, the first elementary school to house an official branch of the Suncoast Federal Credit Union, is a 2008 Little Red Schoolhouse winner in the category of community involvement."
They say a picture is worth a thousand words. It is not uncommon for the HCPS to stifle words. How many of you remember the night that Glen Barrington asked that the cameras be turned off for the publicly televised meeting of the school board meeting? It was the night that Doug Erwin was speaking. I was there.
How many of you remember the night that Lee DeCesare was cut off from speaking and then escorted off the ROSSAC premises by the school board security?
How many of you know that Ms. DeCesare filed an ethics complaint about Tom Gonzalez regarding the issue of free speech? How many of you know what the implications of this complaint had regarding how the HCPS school board conducts it's business with the public?
How many of you know the full story of how the "old guard" silenced the "new members"? How many of you know the story about how Jack Lamb publicly commented about how he used to "send notes" to Ms. Faliero to coach her when she was new and feisty?
The information is available for those who want to know the truth.
One who understands the meaning and intent of Mr. Lamb's "notes" might find the following comments, found on the below link, interesting.
Parents Critical Of Alafia Elementary Principal#comments#comments#comments
Posted by ( raider1 ) on 10/15/2008 at 03:45 pm.
Go to the video of the school board meeting at the SDHC website and look up the meeting these parents attended and listen to the male voice you hear after Mrs. Elia is asked to look into this and she responds she will.(Little over 2 hours into the meeting) There is a male voice that says "Can we move on to the next?" Which male at the board meeting would have had access to a microphone? There are a few gentlemen at the meeting - but only one male on the board itself. Ms. Griffin makes a comment, then Mrs. Elia informs the board Mr. Otero has met "numerous times" to work through issues with these parents. Mr. Otero had been Smith's area director when she was at Seffner Elementary. Do you think he is hearing these comments and complaints for the first time?!
Something to think about.
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( Gatorfan1 ) on 10/15/2008 at 08:50 pm.
raider1,
The male voice you are hearing is Jack Lamb. I know this because I was there at the meeting and saw him try to hurry the whole thing along before any other school board members could get any comments in.
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( lwb250 ) on 10/15/2008 at 11:00 pm.
How ironic. He (Jack Lamb) was tending bar at a "meet and greet" she held at her home the first year she was there. Sort of a subtle "I have friends in high places" thing.
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( ernstruntz ) on 10/15/2008 at 11:20 pm.
Jack Lamb earlier in the year:
"I'm really appalled at the lack of community attendance at this meeting, school board member Jack Lamb scolded before four parents got up to complain about bus problems and a lack of communication about Tuesday's meeting."
Guess he has changed his tune about parents expressing themselves at the school board meetings??
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( ConcernedTaxpayer ) on 10/16/2008 at 09:50 pm.
Elia, Lamb, Otero, Sikes and the school board have all been put on notice. If there is a serious injury or worse because of their failure to act, they will have no where to hide now.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Could This Become A "Mess Up and Move Up" Action or "Put The Parents in Their Place" Mission
Yesterday, I used the Tampa Tribune article along with the public comments that were available yesterday to make a few points about the situation at Alafia Elementary. Find all the links here: Public Education - Politics, Business and Education: Ellyn Smith, Ashley Smith, and a "Miffed Elia" - Relationships are Important
Since yesterday, there have been several more public comments.
Here are a few that suggest that this situation comes from the top. My own humble opinion is either this principal is being protected by the higher ups or she was sent to the school to disenfranchise the parents. My guess is as good as anyone's.
Posted by ( RalphM ) on 10/08/2008 at 10:54 pm.
Take note that Smith was "appointed" by the Board shortly before Lennard's departure. There were a number of likely candidates that were under consideration, but all of the sudden Smith is appointed and those in the queue swept aside.As for the area director, she had no say in this decision, and has been essentially powerless to do anything. If she kept any sort of record of the complaints and calls regarding Smith I'm willing to bet there wasn't a day that went by without one. That being said, she probably feared some sort of retribution from downtown as well should she try and escalate things.I find it ironic that Otero and others were already aware of problems - of course they were - mainly due to the substantial number of complaints that *had* to be making their way downtown. They just chose to ignore them, for reasons we may never know.As for the media, I personally knew of a number of parents who contacted local media outlets, both newspaper and TV, only to be blown off.Someone downtown is covering up for her, I suspect, but the overwhelming crush of complaints has probably gotten to the point where they know they can't be ignored. Maybe it has something to do with her husband's departure from the district?It's about time. It's only taken 4 years, and that's no fault of the parents - they have been trying to get this resolved since almost day 1.
Posted by ( Ateacher ) on 10/08/2008 at 11:35 pm.
I am a teacher who was under ES at a different school. Because I disagreed with her on some personnel and educational issues, I became the vindictive target of ES. She actually told her AP's to "get the goods" on me (they have told me in these very words!). They all told her -as did the people she sent from "downtown" - that I was doing everything that was expected of a good teacher. She made every effort she could to get me to leave and to fire me. Eventually, she knew she was not going to be able to remove me, nor would I transfer to make her happy. Because my students consistently scored above the county and school average, she was unsuccessful. I could write a book on the cruel, uncaring and unprofessional comments and actions committed by ES. It was common knowledge (although, in all fairness, never substantiated) that she was made a principal in order to get her "out" of the downtown administrative position she held. Her professional and personal life was making it uncomfortable for those downtown.Despite her hate for me, I will give her credit for being very intelligent and being a quick study. However, there are personality flaws and social disabilities, which make her unfit to be a principal. The people downtown have known of this for YEARS. I believe they think it is too much trouble to remove an ineffective, misanthropic principal than to step up to the plate and do what is best for the teachers and students.
Posted by ( ConcernedTaxpayer ) on 10/09/2008 at 05:26 am.
Even with all this, are you still only looking at the tip of the iceberg? If the Sikes, Otero and Elia have known of problems all along, why would they suddenly be capable of dealing with them now? Where would you go for help if they are incapable of dealing with some serious issues, the legislature or the governor? Where is the accountability to the families who pay taxes and thereby pay their salaries?
Posted by ( lwb250 ) on 10/09/2008 at 08:26 am.
Concerned Taxpayer:You have to understand the way the District works - Mrs. Sikes is a wonderful, caring area director, who (I believe) was (and is) genuinely concerned about the goings on at Alafia. However, from what I could see, there were things going on above her in the administration that more or less prevented her from doing anything about the situation.Someone is protecting Smith at the Board or higher levels of the administration, and if you rock that boat, you're going to pay.I think it is clear to most citizens who have observed the workings of the school board that those who challenge authority are either forced out or pigeonholed in a job that is either unpleasant or unlikely to allow for future progression professionally. Those who find favor with the upper echelon progress rapidly, or are "awarded" jobs of little substance with ridiculous compensation.The faculty was devastated by this woman, and what was once a true "A" school in every respect has been reduced to a group of dedicated professionals who have to divide their efforts between educating our children and preserving their jobs for fear of retribution. Alafia was a community at one time, now it's a fractured bunch of individuals who are mainly concerned with self preservation (and I don't say that in a way to be critical of the faculty - they are all caring professionals, who unfortunately are under siege.)Hopefully (although I doubt it will happen) the Board will act swiftly and remove her so that Alafia can regain it's former place as a true "A" school.
Posted by ( ConcernedTaxpayer ) on 10/09/2008 at 08:57 am.
lwb250You may know Mrs. Sikes, I personnally have never met her, but have followed the goings on at the school very closely. Do you know who recently made the comment, "My job is to look out for the principal." What happened to: Let's look out for the welfare of the school, the neighborhood, the school system, the children, the parents or the teachers? I am not in position to question those in authority, or the decisions they have made, but I strongly encourage those who are to take a long hard look at this whole fiasco, and to make the facts known to all, and bring the school, teachers, and students back to where it once was. Why should students, parents and teachers have to leave in fear of the school administration or the school board. A problem like this should never have occurred, but it did. Now someone needs to address it. Let's do what the system usually does, keep the problem, just transfer it to someone else. Those who have allowed this situation to go on and on and on should be held just as accountable as those who may be the problem. I am not trying to throw stones at anyone, I just want a very serious situation corrected before too many others are harmed.
Since yesterday, there have been several more public comments.
Here are a few that suggest that this situation comes from the top. My own humble opinion is either this principal is being protected by the higher ups or she was sent to the school to disenfranchise the parents. My guess is as good as anyone's.
Posted by ( RalphM ) on 10/08/2008 at 10:54 pm.
Take note that Smith was "appointed" by the Board shortly before Lennard's departure. There were a number of likely candidates that were under consideration, but all of the sudden Smith is appointed and those in the queue swept aside.As for the area director, she had no say in this decision, and has been essentially powerless to do anything. If she kept any sort of record of the complaints and calls regarding Smith I'm willing to bet there wasn't a day that went by without one. That being said, she probably feared some sort of retribution from downtown as well should she try and escalate things.I find it ironic that Otero and others were already aware of problems - of course they were - mainly due to the substantial number of complaints that *had* to be making their way downtown. They just chose to ignore them, for reasons we may never know.As for the media, I personally knew of a number of parents who contacted local media outlets, both newspaper and TV, only to be blown off.Someone downtown is covering up for her, I suspect, but the overwhelming crush of complaints has probably gotten to the point where they know they can't be ignored. Maybe it has something to do with her husband's departure from the district?It's about time. It's only taken 4 years, and that's no fault of the parents - they have been trying to get this resolved since almost day 1.
Posted by ( Ateacher ) on 10/08/2008 at 11:35 pm.
I am a teacher who was under ES at a different school. Because I disagreed with her on some personnel and educational issues, I became the vindictive target of ES. She actually told her AP's to "get the goods" on me (they have told me in these very words!). They all told her -as did the people she sent from "downtown" - that I was doing everything that was expected of a good teacher. She made every effort she could to get me to leave and to fire me. Eventually, she knew she was not going to be able to remove me, nor would I transfer to make her happy. Because my students consistently scored above the county and school average, she was unsuccessful. I could write a book on the cruel, uncaring and unprofessional comments and actions committed by ES. It was common knowledge (although, in all fairness, never substantiated) that she was made a principal in order to get her "out" of the downtown administrative position she held. Her professional and personal life was making it uncomfortable for those downtown.Despite her hate for me, I will give her credit for being very intelligent and being a quick study. However, there are personality flaws and social disabilities, which make her unfit to be a principal. The people downtown have known of this for YEARS. I believe they think it is too much trouble to remove an ineffective, misanthropic principal than to step up to the plate and do what is best for the teachers and students.
Posted by ( ConcernedTaxpayer ) on 10/09/2008 at 05:26 am.
Even with all this, are you still only looking at the tip of the iceberg? If the Sikes, Otero and Elia have known of problems all along, why would they suddenly be capable of dealing with them now? Where would you go for help if they are incapable of dealing with some serious issues, the legislature or the governor? Where is the accountability to the families who pay taxes and thereby pay their salaries?
Posted by ( lwb250 ) on 10/09/2008 at 08:26 am.
Concerned Taxpayer:You have to understand the way the District works - Mrs. Sikes is a wonderful, caring area director, who (I believe) was (and is) genuinely concerned about the goings on at Alafia. However, from what I could see, there were things going on above her in the administration that more or less prevented her from doing anything about the situation.Someone is protecting Smith at the Board or higher levels of the administration, and if you rock that boat, you're going to pay.I think it is clear to most citizens who have observed the workings of the school board that those who challenge authority are either forced out or pigeonholed in a job that is either unpleasant or unlikely to allow for future progression professionally. Those who find favor with the upper echelon progress rapidly, or are "awarded" jobs of little substance with ridiculous compensation.The faculty was devastated by this woman, and what was once a true "A" school in every respect has been reduced to a group of dedicated professionals who have to divide their efforts between educating our children and preserving their jobs for fear of retribution. Alafia was a community at one time, now it's a fractured bunch of individuals who are mainly concerned with self preservation (and I don't say that in a way to be critical of the faculty - they are all caring professionals, who unfortunately are under siege.)Hopefully (although I doubt it will happen) the Board will act swiftly and remove her so that Alafia can regain it's former place as a true "A" school.
Posted by ( ConcernedTaxpayer ) on 10/09/2008 at 08:57 am.
lwb250You may know Mrs. Sikes, I personnally have never met her, but have followed the goings on at the school very closely. Do you know who recently made the comment, "My job is to look out for the principal." What happened to: Let's look out for the welfare of the school, the neighborhood, the school system, the children, the parents or the teachers? I am not in position to question those in authority, or the decisions they have made, but I strongly encourage those who are to take a long hard look at this whole fiasco, and to make the facts known to all, and bring the school, teachers, and students back to where it once was. Why should students, parents and teachers have to leave in fear of the school administration or the school board. A problem like this should never have occurred, but it did. Now someone needs to address it. Let's do what the system usually does, keep the problem, just transfer it to someone else. Those who have allowed this situation to go on and on and on should be held just as accountable as those who may be the problem. I am not trying to throw stones at anyone, I just want a very serious situation corrected before too many others are harmed.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Last week, Marilyn Brown with the Tampa Tribune wrote this:
follow links to find it: PRO on HCPS: There Is Communication In No News
Yesterday, Marilyn Brown with the Tampa Tribune wrote this:
follow links to find it: Motel Special Ed: Where Is The Substance To The IEP?
I know first hand over many many years what it is like to try to get attention to a legitimate "parental concern". I know first hand how I was lied to, deceived and "given the run-a-round" both up and then back down the chain of command.
Same old news to me.
TAMPA - Lack of communication.
It's often the official answer when things go sour in Hillsborough County schools.
When another class period was added to the day for high school teachers in 2007, and a new middle and high school curriculum program adopted, district officials admitted that communication was poor.
In late August, as the new school year's bus debacle unfolded, Superintendent MaryEllen Elia apologized for the late notification to parents, schools and bus drivers, and a lack of staff to answer phones.
After every communications miscue, there follows a promise to do better.
"We need to do a better job giving information to parents and our principals next year," Elia said at a town hall meeting Sept. 2.
At a town hall meeting recently, when a parent complained about communication, saying, "We are not part of the process," Elia responded, "You're absolutely right - we've got to get better at that."
In fact, the only real criticism school board members have of Elia's management has focused on communication."
follow links to find it: PRO on HCPS: There Is Communication In No News
Yesterday, Marilyn Brown with the Tampa Tribune wrote this:
"Elia said she was surprised when she got notice Monday of the upcoming news conference because she was not aware of the concerns."
follow links to find it: Motel Special Ed: Where Is The Substance To The IEP?
I know first hand over many many years what it is like to try to get attention to a legitimate "parental concern". I know first hand how I was lied to, deceived and "given the run-a-round" both up and then back down the chain of command.
Same old news to me.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
There Is Communication In No News
In today's Tribune, we find this:
Communication Still Problem For Hillsborough Schools
Read more commentary here:
Lee Drury De Cesare's Casting-Room Couch: The "Poor Communication" Racket
and here:
TheWall: DON'T CALL US WE'LL CALL YOU
Are teachers and parents like the lead singer in this song by Lonestar?
For auditory learners, watch here:
YouTube - Lonestar - No News
For reader learners, read here:
"She said "It's just a woman thing" and pulled out of the drive
I said not to worry I'm an understanding guy.
I've heard that when you love someone, you gotta let em go.
She hollered "When I find myself you'll be the first to know."
Ooh No news
I learned to do the laundry, feed the cat, and clean the house.
I promised to be patient while she worked her problems out.
When she packed her bags, her destination wasn't clear;
But I sensed that her intentions were honest and sincere.
Ooh No news
She could telephone, tell a friend, tell a lie about where she's been.
Send a pigeon, send a fax; Write it on a post-it pad.
Send a signal up in smoke, tap it out in Morse Code.
I'd prefer a bad excuse to no news
Her mama's been a little vague as to her whereabouts.
Her sister says "I'm certain your romance is headed south."
I don't have a single doubt that she's still in love;
My level of anxiety is just a product of
Ooh No news
She could telephone, tell a friend, tell a lie about where she's been.
Send a pigeon, send a fax; Write it on a post-it pad.
Send a signal up in smoke, tap it out in Morse Code.
I'd prefer a bad excuse
She missed her bus, missed her plane; surely this can be explained.
Lost her car at the mall; got locked in a bathroom stall.
Playing guitar with The Band; on the road with Pearl Jam.
Buried with The Grateful Dead; came back as a Parrot Head.
Got derailed, got de-iced; offered as a sacrifice.
FBI, CIA; if they've seen her they ain't saying.
No news
Still no news!" Lonestar - No News
Communication Still Problem For Hillsborough Schools
Read more commentary here:
Lee Drury De Cesare's Casting-Room Couch: The "Poor Communication" Racket
and here:
TheWall: DON'T CALL US WE'LL CALL YOU
Are teachers and parents like the lead singer in this song by Lonestar?
For auditory learners, watch here:
YouTube - Lonestar - No News
For reader learners, read here:
"She said "It's just a woman thing" and pulled out of the drive
I said not to worry I'm an understanding guy.
I've heard that when you love someone, you gotta let em go.
She hollered "When I find myself you'll be the first to know."
Ooh No news
I learned to do the laundry, feed the cat, and clean the house.
I promised to be patient while she worked her problems out.
When she packed her bags, her destination wasn't clear;
But I sensed that her intentions were honest and sincere.
Ooh No news
She could telephone, tell a friend, tell a lie about where she's been.
Send a pigeon, send a fax; Write it on a post-it pad.
Send a signal up in smoke, tap it out in Morse Code.
I'd prefer a bad excuse to no news
Her mama's been a little vague as to her whereabouts.
Her sister says "I'm certain your romance is headed south."
I don't have a single doubt that she's still in love;
My level of anxiety is just a product of
Ooh No news
She could telephone, tell a friend, tell a lie about where she's been.
Send a pigeon, send a fax; Write it on a post-it pad.
Send a signal up in smoke, tap it out in Morse Code.
I'd prefer a bad excuse
She missed her bus, missed her plane; surely this can be explained.
Lost her car at the mall; got locked in a bathroom stall.
Playing guitar with The Band; on the road with Pearl Jam.
Buried with The Grateful Dead; came back as a Parrot Head.
Got derailed, got de-iced; offered as a sacrifice.
FBI, CIA; if they've seen her they ain't saying.
No news
Still no news!" Lonestar - No News
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
One More Bus Story
Today in the Tampa Tribune, we read:
Elia Apologizes Again For Bus Schedule Confusion
Not much new here.
I wonder what the implications are of this quote:
"I'm really appalled at the lack of community attendance at this meeting," school board member Jack Lamb scolded before four parents got up to complain about bus problems and a lack of communication about Tuesday's meeting.
Does anyone know what value these meetings have for the parents?
No, really.
Does this mean that if the public doesn't show up for these meetings, then the public doesn't care about the local education system?
Does this mean that if the public doesn't show up for these meetings, then the public doesn't care what the local education system representatives have to say?
Does the public and the school administrators have the same expecations for these "town meetings"? Does anyone know if the public used to show up for these "town meetings" but have learned not to go?
Does the public see these "town meetings" as a method of placation? (same question as above, just worded differently).
Is there a war going on between the administration and the public?
Is there a strong collaborative relationship between the administration and the public?
Does the public see these "town meetings" as a method of placation, based on experience" (same question
Or does the administration and the public still go on, blaming each other, night after night, day after day?
Elia Apologizes Again For Bus Schedule Confusion
Not much new here.
I wonder what the implications are of this quote:
"I'm really appalled at the lack of community attendance at this meeting," school board member Jack Lamb scolded before four parents got up to complain about bus problems and a lack of communication about Tuesday's meeting.
Does anyone know what value these meetings have for the parents?
No, really.
Does this mean that if the public doesn't show up for these meetings, then the public doesn't care about the local education system?
Does this mean that if the public doesn't show up for these meetings, then the public doesn't care what the local education system representatives have to say?
Does the public and the school administrators have the same expecations for these "town meetings"? Does anyone know if the public used to show up for these "town meetings" but have learned not to go?
Does the public see these "town meetings" as a method of placation? (same question as above, just worded differently).
Is there a war going on between the administration and the public?
Is there a strong collaborative relationship between the administration and the public?
Does the public see these "town meetings" as a method of placation, based on experience" (same question
Or does the administration and the public still go on, blaming each other, night after night, day after day?
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Society Struggles With Who Is In Command of the Future
Middleton High Struggles To Get School Spirit Back
Read the article.
Sounds like a sociologist and an anthropologist might give some insight into the problem.
"He knows Middleton's progress has been hindered by a lack of continuity, which is crucial for a young school. He is the third principal since 2002. The old Middleton had just four principals in 37 years."
There is something in the last two sentences that just gets my attention.
Who is in charge of Middleton?
That is not a simple question.
Maybe it is just me, but it seems like those who are fighting to reestablish the "history" of Middleton (and Blake) are caught in a bad spot because they are trying to reestablish a sense of "community" that can not be established in today's world.
How would it play out if a "white community" tried to reestablish the history of a past segregated "white school"?
Can we imagine a group of "white community leaders" getting together to talk about "the white community" and asking their kids to embrace "their white heritage"?
There seems to be a disconnect.
"
"Segregation forced us to take care of one another," said Fred Hearns, who graduated in 1966.
But the Middleton that the alumni remember is much different from what exists today."
Exactly.
Maybe it is just me, but I wonder if the black kids get a mixed message when they are told to embrace the past.
Maybe it is just me, but "embracing the past" brings many different sociological and psychological challenges, all of which are not warm and fuzzy like the Alma Mater.
Maybe it is just me, but perhaps one reason there is difficulty in developing a sense of "community pride" by the black leaders is because "the community" no longer is restricted to a black-only population. Middleton is a magnet school. It attracts others from "outside the community".
There seems to be a disconnect.
Maybe it is just me, but I wonder if the students feel the disconnect. And maybe the hypocrisy.
Read the article.
Sounds like a sociologist and an anthropologist might give some insight into the problem.
"He knows Middleton's progress has been hindered by a lack of continuity, which is crucial for a young school. He is the third principal since 2002. The old Middleton had just four principals in 37 years."
There is something in the last two sentences that just gets my attention.
Who is in charge of Middleton?
That is not a simple question.
Maybe it is just me, but it seems like those who are fighting to reestablish the "history" of Middleton (and Blake) are caught in a bad spot because they are trying to reestablish a sense of "community" that can not be established in today's world.
How would it play out if a "white community" tried to reestablish the history of a past segregated "white school"?
Can we imagine a group of "white community leaders" getting together to talk about "the white community" and asking their kids to embrace "their white heritage"?
There seems to be a disconnect.
"
"Segregation forced us to take care of one another," said Fred Hearns, who graduated in 1966.
But the Middleton that the alumni remember is much different from what exists today."
Exactly.
Maybe it is just me, but I wonder if the black kids get a mixed message when they are told to embrace the past.
Maybe it is just me, but "embracing the past" brings many different sociological and psychological challenges, all of which are not warm and fuzzy like the Alma Mater.
Maybe it is just me, but perhaps one reason there is difficulty in developing a sense of "community pride" by the black leaders is because "the community" no longer is restricted to a black-only population. Middleton is a magnet school. It attracts others from "outside the community".
There seems to be a disconnect.
Maybe it is just me, but I wonder if the students feel the disconnect. And maybe the hypocrisy.
Friday, August 29, 2008
Who Will "They" Hire - Part Four
Calls flood school bus hotline - St. Petersburg Times
Another news article.
Here is what got my attention in this article:
"The transportation hotline fielded 1,500 calls Thursday over bus route changes. While the volume has dropped during week, the numbers remain strikingly high."
""Have we gotten to the point of the performance level where we should be, ought to be and need to be? I don't think we have," said board member Doretha Edgecomb, looking beyond the immediate crunch. "One of the things we have really got to work hard on is repairing the public's trust.""
"Davis said he could no longer work 70-hour weeks after fracturing two vertebrae in his back in late June. He wants to turn the job over to someone with the energy to put in the necessary effort at this critical juncture."
******
In one of my previous posts, I alluded to the pro's and con's about Mr. Davis. The "cons" were that he went along with the system's practices even when the system's practice did not meet the requirements needed.
For lack of time, I will make a long story short. In the early 90's, my son was at Colson Elementary when Mr. Davis was the principal. My son was provided a "one-to-one" through his IEP because he needed someone to help him learn signing skills and act as an "intervener". Mr. Davis "had to hire someone through the pool". This person had no signing skills and openly stated she was not going to learn them.
From my perspective, the system was more important to "them" than meeting the intent of the IEP which was to meet the needs of the student.
In fairness to Mr. Davis, he worked very hard to compensate for the system. I just wished he could have confronted it.
Apparently the only way to confront the system is to resign.
Sad ending for a long career.
Another news article.
Here is what got my attention in this article:
"The transportation hotline fielded 1,500 calls Thursday over bus route changes. While the volume has dropped during week, the numbers remain strikingly high."
""Have we gotten to the point of the performance level where we should be, ought to be and need to be? I don't think we have," said board member Doretha Edgecomb, looking beyond the immediate crunch. "One of the things we have really got to work hard on is repairing the public's trust.""
"Davis said he could no longer work 70-hour weeks after fracturing two vertebrae in his back in late June. He wants to turn the job over to someone with the energy to put in the necessary effort at this critical juncture."
******
In one of my previous posts, I alluded to the pro's and con's about Mr. Davis. The "cons" were that he went along with the system's practices even when the system's practice did not meet the requirements needed.
For lack of time, I will make a long story short. In the early 90's, my son was at Colson Elementary when Mr. Davis was the principal. My son was provided a "one-to-one" through his IEP because he needed someone to help him learn signing skills and act as an "intervener". Mr. Davis "had to hire someone through the pool". This person had no signing skills and openly stated she was not going to learn them.
From my perspective, the system was more important to "them" than meeting the intent of the IEP which was to meet the needs of the student.
In fairness to Mr. Davis, he worked very hard to compensate for the system. I just wished he could have confronted it.
Apparently the only way to confront the system is to resign.
Sad ending for a long career.
Who Will "They" Hire- Part Three
Hillsborough School Bus Administrator Retiring
From the reader comments we now have this one. I have highlighted the sentence that got my attention:
"Posted by ( hhrusso ) on August 28, 2008 at 9:30 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Jack Davis has been much more than Transportation administrator. After 34 years of service he is very deserving of his retirement. He served the district as an instructor, principal, and administrator. I wish he and his family much happiness in his retirement.
Some of these comments are pure trash. Some Board Members vote on something and then blame anyone but themselves. It is unfortunate that this transportation conversion had some very serious giltches. What you do not here is how everyone is pitching in to get it all on track. With a district the size of Hillsborough it is a difficult task at best.
If everyone would step back and take responsibility for their own that would be great. Parents - it is YOUR responsibility to get your children to and from school. Busing is a SERVICE!!!
Superintendent Elia you have my support. It is a pity that people are so narrow minded that they can't see the good you have done and continue to do for our children. Thank you. Board members take a hard look on what you have before you lose it. You have a leader that is recognized nationwide for her accomplishments. Pity you do not see it at home.
Now watch all the little minds jump on a positive posting with even more simple minded comments."
*****************
Remember when I talked about how the public school system decides to provide something to the public for "free"? Remember when I talked about that when this "free" provision becomes too costly for the school system, the system discontinues the "free" provision. Remember when I talked about how the public then becomes angry and frustrated when something is taken away? Remember how I talked about that when the parents get angry for losing this "free" provision, the school system blames the parents for being irresponsible? Remember when I said that everyone forgets that the school system started the mess by offering a "free" provision.
I conceptualized this when I read the article about "free" breakfast being offered by the school system. What do you think is going to happen when the "free" breakfast is taken away? Parents will be blamed for not being responsible for giving their children breakfast and everyone will forget that the school system was the one that started the dependency.
PRO on HCPS: Blaming Parents 101
From the reader comments we now have this one. I have highlighted the sentence that got my attention:
"Posted by ( hhrusso ) on August 28, 2008 at 9:30 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Jack Davis has been much more than Transportation administrator. After 34 years of service he is very deserving of his retirement. He served the district as an instructor, principal, and administrator. I wish he and his family much happiness in his retirement.
Some of these comments are pure trash. Some Board Members vote on something and then blame anyone but themselves. It is unfortunate that this transportation conversion had some very serious giltches. What you do not here is how everyone is pitching in to get it all on track. With a district the size of Hillsborough it is a difficult task at best.
If everyone would step back and take responsibility for their own that would be great. Parents - it is YOUR responsibility to get your children to and from school. Busing is a SERVICE!!!
Superintendent Elia you have my support. It is a pity that people are so narrow minded that they can't see the good you have done and continue to do for our children. Thank you. Board members take a hard look on what you have before you lose it. You have a leader that is recognized nationwide for her accomplishments. Pity you do not see it at home.
Now watch all the little minds jump on a positive posting with even more simple minded comments."
*****************
Remember when I talked about how the public school system decides to provide something to the public for "free"? Remember when I talked about that when this "free" provision becomes too costly for the school system, the system discontinues the "free" provision. Remember when I talked about how the public then becomes angry and frustrated when something is taken away? Remember how I talked about that when the parents get angry for losing this "free" provision, the school system blames the parents for being irresponsible? Remember when I said that everyone forgets that the school system started the mess by offering a "free" provision.
I conceptualized this when I read the article about "free" breakfast being offered by the school system. What do you think is going to happen when the "free" breakfast is taken away? Parents will be blamed for not being responsible for giving their children breakfast and everyone will forget that the school system was the one that started the dependency.
PRO on HCPS: Blaming Parents 101
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Who Will "They" Hire- Part Two
Embattled Bus Administrator Retiring
As always, read the public comments.
My previous post asked the question "would the person be hired by how long they have worked for the District?"
Please read "Peas" post - the last two sentences (copied below).
Am I the only one that thinks that promotions to administrative positions are based on the "life time of sacrifice" that one has given to the District, therefore they will be rewarded simply based on this criteria?
Does the District promote "The Peter Principle"?
Are people promoted to positions of responsibilities based on their qualifications to meet the job requirement?
Does a person who was first a teacher and then a principal gain the required knowledge to "Direct" or "Supervise" any area in the District?
Has anyone looked at the job history of the current Director of Exceptional Special Education? Is there anyone out there that knows what qualified her for this position?
The same question could be as asked for all of the ESE positions.
"Posted by ( Peas ) on August 28, 2008 at 12:45 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
I cannot in any way say that what happened is acceptable. However please consider, Hillsborough County Schools has 193K kids and 40K employees in one county almost the size of Rhode Island. It is inconceivable that any business process being recreated from the top down would not cause construction inconveniences/mishaps. I do not in any way mean to down play the problems. But it was NO ONE PERSONS GOAL to ever cause this intentionally to the parents or students of this county. Employees of Hillsborough County Schools are expected do more and more with less and less. Ask anyone who works there in any capacity and you will develop an understanding. Although he made a good salary, he was one individual. His job description shows his responsibility. In every aspect of industry the county school system pays its employees FAR LESS than that of private sector employees for the work performed. Maintenance staff, custodians, BUS DRIVERS, food service workers, clerical staff...etc...etc... receive nickels and dimes comparatively and are expected to produce superior results. This administrator did not start off making this salary. He worked in the school system and contributed to the greater good for decades before making the money he made. ANYONE would expect that kind of compensation after that personal investment of time and dedication vs. responsibility."
As always, read the public comments.
My previous post asked the question "would the person be hired by how long they have worked for the District?"
Please read "Peas" post - the last two sentences (copied below).
Am I the only one that thinks that promotions to administrative positions are based on the "life time of sacrifice" that one has given to the District, therefore they will be rewarded simply based on this criteria?
Does the District promote "The Peter Principle"?
Are people promoted to positions of responsibilities based on their qualifications to meet the job requirement?
Does a person who was first a teacher and then a principal gain the required knowledge to "Direct" or "Supervise" any area in the District?
Has anyone looked at the job history of the current Director of Exceptional Special Education? Is there anyone out there that knows what qualified her for this position?
The same question could be as asked for all of the ESE positions.
"Posted by ( Peas ) on August 28, 2008 at 12:45 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
I cannot in any way say that what happened is acceptable. However please consider, Hillsborough County Schools has 193K kids and 40K employees in one county almost the size of Rhode Island. It is inconceivable that any business process being recreated from the top down would not cause construction inconveniences/mishaps. I do not in any way mean to down play the problems. But it was NO ONE PERSONS GOAL to ever cause this intentionally to the parents or students of this county. Employees of Hillsborough County Schools are expected do more and more with less and less. Ask anyone who works there in any capacity and you will develop an understanding. Although he made a good salary, he was one individual. His job description shows his responsibility. In every aspect of industry the county school system pays its employees FAR LESS than that of private sector employees for the work performed. Maintenance staff, custodians, BUS DRIVERS, food service workers, clerical staff...etc...etc... receive nickels and dimes comparatively and are expected to produce superior results. This administrator did not start off making this salary. He worked in the school system and contributed to the greater good for decades before making the money he made. ANYONE would expect that kind of compensation after that personal investment of time and dedication vs. responsibility."
Who Will "They" Hire- Part One
Embattled Bus Administrator Retiring
I first met Mr. Davis in the early years of the 90's. Colson Elementary was opening. Since I do not have time to elaborate, I will just say that I encountered both pros and cons with Mr. Davis. Maybe I could write more on that later.
The question we should all be asking today is what will be the hiring process to replace Mr. Davis. Will the new person be picked simply because how long they have worked in the District?
I first met Mr. Davis in the early years of the 90's. Colson Elementary was opening. Since I do not have time to elaborate, I will just say that I encountered both pros and cons with Mr. Davis. Maybe I could write more on that later.
The question we should all be asking today is what will be the hiring process to replace Mr. Davis. Will the new person be picked simply because how long they have worked in the District?
Sunday, August 24, 2008
The Out-Of-Control Bus Goes Crash, Crash, Crash
I love it. Insight into the Great Oz - the HCPS. Please note that I am making comments about the system, not individuals. While we can assume that individuals are the cause of the failure of the system, most of us are not privy to which individuals and to what extent each individual contributes to the failure of the system. Therefore, I am not speaking of "isolated incidents" nor am I making "broad brush attacks", to which we know the system is inoculated against (dripping with sarcasm known to my frequent readers).
If one goes to this link and clicks on the related links:
Related Links
Consultants' Report (PDF)
Consultants' Report (PDF of PowerPoint slides)
then read the reports. They are eye opening at least that "out there" there are true professionals that understand the systemic challenge of busing.
One gets the idea from reading the report that bus schedules are still done like they were 30 years ago, similar to weather reports being done by throwing a dart at a chart.
Today's HCPS fiasco was predicted, and it was reported how and why it would happen in 2006. And, this prediction was paid for with our money.
Here is just the beginning:
"The transportation program at the Hillsborough County Schools is not in crisis, but is under significant pressure. While costs are reasonable relative to industry norms, they are increasing while the quality of service is rapidly deteriorating. Left unchecked, this trend will inevitably lead to major service disruptions and a concurrent loss of confidence in the system. This situation has been studied a number of times, and is generally well understood. This Transportation Improvement Plan represents the culmination of an effort to define a coherent improvement strategy that will reverse the trend of decline and set the program on a path towards stability and long-term success.
The time for further study is, we believe, long since past. The time for action is now. As such, the focus of the project undertaken by Management Partnership Services, Inc. (MPS) was to define the nature and root causes of the department’s shortcomings, and to develop an action oriented plan for improvement. Rather than focus on describing our findings and providing a list of disconnected and impractical recommendations, this document describes a coherent plan for implementation of improvements with only a minimum of explanatory and supportive background discussion.
If one goes to this link and clicks on the related links:
Related Links
Consultants' Report (PDF)
Consultants' Report (PDF of PowerPoint slides)
then read the reports. They are eye opening at least that "out there" there are true professionals that understand the systemic challenge of busing.
One gets the idea from reading the report that bus schedules are still done like they were 30 years ago, similar to weather reports being done by throwing a dart at a chart.
Today's HCPS fiasco was predicted, and it was reported how and why it would happen in 2006. And, this prediction was paid for with our money.
Here is just the beginning:
"The transportation program at the Hillsborough County Schools is not in crisis, but is under significant pressure. While costs are reasonable relative to industry norms, they are increasing while the quality of service is rapidly deteriorating. Left unchecked, this trend will inevitably lead to major service disruptions and a concurrent loss of confidence in the system. This situation has been studied a number of times, and is generally well understood. This Transportation Improvement Plan represents the culmination of an effort to define a coherent improvement strategy that will reverse the trend of decline and set the program on a path towards stability and long-term success.
The time for further study is, we believe, long since past. The time for action is now. As such, the focus of the project undertaken by Management Partnership Services, Inc. (MPS) was to define the nature and root causes of the department’s shortcomings, and to develop an action oriented plan for improvement. Rather than focus on describing our findings and providing a list of disconnected and impractical recommendations, this document describes a coherent plan for implementation of improvements with only a minimum of explanatory and supportive background discussion.
The Baby on the Bus Goes Whah, Whah, Whah
Bus Chaos Travels Familiar Route
I don't have enough information to point fingers at individuals, nor should that be my responsibility as a member of the public.
However, as a member of the public, I can ask what is it about the system that creates such a dysfunctional program. Finally, the HCPS transportation issue has deteriorated to the point that it can no longer be glossed over and defended with the "isolated incident and broad brush attack" defense.
Eric Martin paid for the dysfunctional system with his life. All his mother wanted was the system to be fixed. All she got was $200,000. (read the article).
I want to thank the local media for finally airing the issues of dysfunction. Hopefully it will cause a change at our local level, which is what has the most direct influence on our kids, despite the smoke and mirror defense of outside causes such as lack of money.
I don't have enough information to point fingers at individuals, nor should that be my responsibility as a member of the public.
However, as a member of the public, I can ask what is it about the system that creates such a dysfunctional program. Finally, the HCPS transportation issue has deteriorated to the point that it can no longer be glossed over and defended with the "isolated incident and broad brush attack" defense.
Eric Martin paid for the dysfunctional system with his life. All his mother wanted was the system to be fixed. All she got was $200,000. (read the article).
I want to thank the local media for finally airing the issues of dysfunction. Hopefully it will cause a change at our local level, which is what has the most direct influence on our kids, despite the smoke and mirror defense of outside causes such as lack of money.
Friday, August 22, 2008
Ms. De Cesare has an uncanny insight
Just like Goader, I have never met Ms. De Cesare - however I have seen both of them on the HCDS school board public broadcast. I probably would not recognize either one of them if I ran into them in a store.
Each of us has our own writing style. I admit up front that Lee's style of writing is a bit distracting. If I had paid more attention, I might be able to compare her writings to classic writers who took 375 pages to say what I would say in 3 pages, double spaced in large letters.
I have to say Lee has an uncanny insight into the ethos of the HCPS. In fact, she nails it every time. One must read through the fluff and puff of her tangents of ridicule to see that she speaks the truth regarding the character of the different school personnel that she writes about.
She and I both have written about our perception that the district could be an allegory to the Wizard of OZ. Just read all of our posts to see the connection.
Here is one more post I agree with her on: Realpolitik at ROSSAC
Each of us has our own writing style. I admit up front that Lee's style of writing is a bit distracting. If I had paid more attention, I might be able to compare her writings to classic writers who took 375 pages to say what I would say in 3 pages, double spaced in large letters.
I have to say Lee has an uncanny insight into the ethos of the HCPS. In fact, she nails it every time. One must read through the fluff and puff of her tangents of ridicule to see that she speaks the truth regarding the character of the different school personnel that she writes about.
She and I both have written about our perception that the district could be an allegory to the Wizard of OZ. Just read all of our posts to see the connection.
Here is one more post I agree with her on: Realpolitik at ROSSAC
Thursday, August 21, 2008
The Driver On The Bus Says "Move On Back"
The Tampa Tribune is wading in dangerous waters. I would expect a comment coming soon from the higher up at HCPS to set the record straight. I can almost see the billowing smoke and towers of flames in front of the huge curtain.
Here is another story on the bus situation.
Hillsborough Parents Fume At School Bus Chaos
The reader comments are a bit more off base.
Is Hillsborough capable of overcoming these obstacles? Does the system know it's limits? Are they preparing for next year already?
The wipers on the bus go swish, swish, swish.
Here is another story on the bus situation.
Hillsborough Parents Fume At School Bus Chaos
The reader comments are a bit more off base.
Is Hillsborough capable of overcoming these obstacles? Does the system know it's limits? Are they preparing for next year already?
The wipers on the bus go swish, swish, swish.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
The Wheels On The Bus Go Round and Round
In today's Tampa Tribune, we have this:
Parents Right To Be Upset Over District's Debacle With Bus Stops
As usual, read the comments.
Am I the only one that thinks that the District people think that the transportation department should be graded on effort, not, as the Tribune states, on "create(ing) a system that met their constituents' needs."?
Communication is a reciprocal relationship. I know that school systems are not businesses, but simply making a check mark that a missive was sent does not mean communication occurred. There is nothing more frustrating for the top dog person to be told "well, I handed out the flyer, I left a message on the phone, or I sent a note home with the kid". If the question is asked "did communication occur", and if no one knows the answer, the attempts fell short of their goal.
Salespeople know this well. They send the message, and then they follow it up with a personal connection. That is how salespeople make money. Like it or not, without true communication, school systems need true communication with parents and students.
Blame everyone you want, without real communication, systems fail.
Parents Right To Be Upset Over District's Debacle With Bus Stops
As usual, read the comments.
Am I the only one that thinks that the District people think that the transportation department should be graded on effort, not, as the Tribune states, on "create(ing) a system that met their constituents' needs."?
Communication is a reciprocal relationship. I know that school systems are not businesses, but simply making a check mark that a missive was sent does not mean communication occurred. There is nothing more frustrating for the top dog person to be told "well, I handed out the flyer, I left a message on the phone, or I sent a note home with the kid". If the question is asked "did communication occur", and if no one knows the answer, the attempts fell short of their goal.
Salespeople know this well. They send the message, and then they follow it up with a personal connection. That is how salespeople make money. Like it or not, without true communication, school systems need true communication with parents and students.
Blame everyone you want, without real communication, systems fail.
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