It looks like we now have the person who will emerge as the standard bearer in District 6 for supporters of the old diversity policy.
Christine Kushner, a longtime school volunteer, magnet parent and member of the Great Schools in Wake Coalition, announced today that she would seek the District 6 seat on the Wake County school board.
Her press release hits on the same themes echoed by other critics of the board majority. She talks about the need to make data-driven decisions and avoiding creating low-performing schools.
“I have worked inside the classroom with students and teachers and outside the classroom on committees with teachers, principals, and superintendents,” Kushner said. “In the past decade, I have seen firsthand the excellence of our system, and I have also seen the work that needs to be done, especially in reducing the achievement gap and achieving success for all students. We need data-driven solutions for our children.”
Kushner is a longtime magnet parent with children attending Enloe High School. She applied in 2009 for the District 6 seat after Beverley Clark resigned but Carolyn Morrison was appointed to fill the vacancy.
Morrison's official announcement Thursday that she wouldn't run this fall opened the way for Kushner.
Supporters of the old diversity policy are speaking out on Kushner's behalf.
“Christine has the leadership and broad educational experience that we need on our school Board,” said Virginia Parker, a Sanderson High parent and former Wake County PTA Council President, in the press release.
The word is that Anne Sherron will be helping Kushner as opposed to running herself.
Like Morrison, Kushner is a registered Democrat.
The recently revised school board election boundaries expanded District 6 by nearly 30,000 people. It stretches from areas inside the Raleigh Beltline up through the North Hills area into North Raleigh. It also now has the second-highest percentages of registered Democrats of any of the nine school board districts.
No other candidates have announced yet for the District 6 seat. The filing period starts July 25.
Comments
Thank you, Sarah
Tue, 06/07/2011 - 10:07 — RKCurtrightI like what you said and I like that you have chosen to use your own name in this blog and stand by your posts.
I do not know Christine well, but have seen her speak at BOE meetings and she has been intellegent, used research to back herself up, and has voiced herself respectfully.
The real test is when you become one of 9 board members. Representing a district means understanding your own district and also honoring other views, opinions and learning how we all rise and fall together.
It is much easier to label, judge... And when done "undercover" this type of communication allows people to be unaccountable to themselves and others. With that in mind, mean people are just like those childhood bullies with hurt souls.
It would be helpful if we not label a person based on large groups and organizations. It is inaccurate. A person is not defined by groups. What Ms. Kushner and Ms. Mansfield believes must go beyond any group. I am a member of the Republican Party and do not personally believe in everything they do. Not one person can align themselves with every action of the GOP, NAACP, GSIW, WCSA, NATO,or even the USA and our president.
Though there are some issues we may not completely understand and some we can identify with. I could say that about religious organizations as well and every war and conflict the USA chooses to get involved in .
The grey area is where most of us reside and that is where we should be. It is in this grey area that we are more likely to absorb other ideas and views and use an unbiased approach. As in science, have a hypothesis, test it, and keep our own bias in-check.
We should ask and try to understand Jennifer and Christine. I suspect they have their own mind. They must be their own persons, show they respect, research, and listen to other and all views. And remember we all are evolving. Where they stood 3 years ago should not be frimly where their feet are planted now.
It is a huge personal commitment to choose to give your time to become a School Board member of WCPSS. Citizens test your integrity, like to beat you down in order to win an argument, and people can be just plain mean. Just because we have all grown up does not stop people from being school yard bullies and hurt feelings happen even in adults. It is non-productive and hurts us all in the long run. I hope most people give any candidate a chance to speak with their own mouths and trust they will be their own person.
Terrific Candidate!
Mon, 06/06/2011 - 22:16 — SatchHHIt's so refreshing to have someone with Ms. Kushner's credentials and commitment to students running for our school board. I wish her well and hope that all of District 6 comes out strongly in support of her. Our schools desperately needs someone who will actually look at data, can understand it, and will act in the best interest of our students. Thank you Ms. Kushner!!! I hope she starts a trend. Let's have someone like her step up and get Ron M. out of there.
smart is as smart does
Mon, 06/06/2011 - 20:01 — SDR256I admire anyone who is willing to run for this school board. My lord. Its a terrible test, from what I can tell. Every word you mutter becomes overblown and misinterpreted. Its a labyrinth of human drama and politics - in that order.
Ms. Kushner's credentials are indeed impressive. Since an educational degree is supposed to represent that you can think clearly and procedurally, I hope that's what it means to have her representation. NOT that there is another dull eyed parrot in the chorus. I hope that she will read and read and read, view video and scour this blog past a year ago, and discover the unmined treasures of truth that may have been hidden from her by any 'handlers' who hope to harness her potential. There is a glimmer of hope that this proven intellect will come to her own conclusions. And, I hope she is of a character brave enough to voice a balanced view.
Its an intrigue and a hope to have someone with so much potential who is willing to run for this board. On the other hand....maybe its only the bull fighters who can survive and tolerate the sulfur..... or is it methane?
We'll see.
Christine Kushner has just
Mon, 06/06/2011 - 19:16 — WakeEducation_C...Christine Kushner has just been added to the WakeEducation Community's list of candidates at www.wakeed.com. The website provides a one-stop location for information about each candidate including their website and campaign documents. Information about each candidate will continually be added, including a questionnaire with user submitted questions.
Also, you can watch school board meetings live and communicate with others who are also watching without having to leave the page. That includes tomorrow's meetings beginning at 2:00 pm!
The best feature about the website is that you do not have to refresh to see new comments on the board meeting pages or the discussion pages!
Take a look at www.wakeed.com today and begin discussing with others and while you're there leave your comments and suggestions on how we can make the community better!
WakeEd.com? Who sponsors
Mon, 06/06/2011 - 19:33 — woodstockWakeEd.com? Who sponsors this extremely annoying website. Animated gifs, are you kidding me? Amatuer hour.
Is the fine print at the
Tue, 06/07/2011 - 16:13 — DrActualFactualIs the fine print at the bottom really the sponsoring entity or is that for the ad only? Once I read that, I didn't go into the discussion area.
There's no way I could watch a mtg. or interact...
Tue, 06/07/2011 - 15:44 — midtownmomon that website. Those blinking advertisment sections on the right drove me crazy for the few minutes I was visiting.
We are listening to your
Tue, 06/07/2011 - 16:50 — WakeEducation_C...We are listening to your suggestions and have removed the animated advertisements and as for the links at the bottom of the page they were part of the website template used and have since been removed. We are open to hearing any more suggestions that you or anyone else may have and they can be sent to admin@wakeed.com.
Another Democrat candidate,
Mon, 06/06/2011 - 15:56 — woodstockAnother Democrat candidate, another Barberesque forced-busing, status quo supporter. Anybody notice a trend? But, Mansfield will be the sole exeception to that because she only "leans" Democrat... LOL yeah, right.
Hmm...
Mon, 06/06/2011 - 15:10 — Bob_SconceAnybody know if she had anything to do with the "secret" GSIW memo that threatened another OCR complaint? If she's as involved in GSIW as it seems, that should be something she'd at least be aware of.
I'm certain
Tue, 06/07/2011 - 06:10 — nancyncI'm certain her alliances and prior knowledge or involvement will come out, not through the N&O or WRAL of course, but it will become known through those who want the facts, not those who choose to cherry pick information shared with the public.
Good News for District 6
Mon, 06/06/2011 - 15:05 — yauponI just reviewed Ms. Kushner's press release, and her education and experience are very impressive. She is a Morehead Scholar with a master's degree in public affairs from Princeton. She has also clearly made it a priority to become informed on the most pressing issues of the school system. I am in the camp that believes school board members (1) should be educated and (2) committed to finding the best solutions for the school system based on the best evidence. Ms. Kushner will get a ton of support in District 6, and plenty of supporters throughout Wake County.
You are right, her resume is
Mon, 06/06/2011 - 16:42 — duvalYou are right, her resume is very impressive, as well as her committment to educating all of the children in Wake County.
Thank you BOE for redistricting me out of district 7and into district 6!!
I also have been recieving her e-mails summerizing the events of each BOE meeting, and have been grateful that while I have not been able to attend I have been kept well informed.
Not so fast
Mon, 06/06/2011 - 15:22 — FSandYOUIf she's a deep supporter of GSIW then there should be a full investigation by local media to uncover her role(s) with previous and future complaints as well as any other obstructionist tactics that her group employs on a weekly basis.
She'll get a ton of opposition because of her associations. Just sayin'.
Not So Fast Not So Fast
Mon, 06/06/2011 - 15:50 — yauponWell, you are making a political point, and of course you have the right. But you will have a difficult time finding a more-qualified candidate, one with the educational pedigree and the hours spent studying and learning school system issues. And those things matter to many in this county.
She may be knowledgeable
Mon, 06/06/2011 - 17:20 — woodstockShe may be knowledgeable about and support a failed, highly discriminatory system that is based on antiquated principles that have been resoundingly rejected across the nation, but that does not make her qualified to lead our school system. It does however, qualifiy her for membership in GSIW and Barber's gang of race-hustlers.... organizations that are both mired in the past and desperately seeking relevancy in the 21st Century.
Worried Woody
Mon, 06/06/2011 - 21:21 — stepbystepMore hot air bluster than usual coming from the steam pipe of our little conservative choo choo. Woody is worried, as he should be. In the case of Ms. Kushner, Woody, all your "I think I can, I think I cans" won't tarnish her excellent qualifications and track record as a knowledgeable and committed citizen on her way to being elected to serve as the District 6 BOE member.
Huh? Worried? LOL Hardly.
Mon, 06/06/2011 - 21:32 — woodstockHuh? Worried? LOL Hardly. Kushner quite simply has the wrong message... not sure how that translates to "qualified" for you, but whatever. I am just facinated by the tremendous tone deafness of the Democrats in Wake County about education. They just really do not get it.
great news!
Mon, 06/06/2011 - 13:32 — stepbystepChristine Kushner is a strong advocate for a strong school system in Wake County. I'm glad to hear she is running. She will be an excellent addition to the Board of Education, given her longstanding commitment to our school system in numerous significant roles.
That is impossible!
Mon, 06/06/2011 - 16:01 — woodstockChristine Kushner is a strong advocate for a strong school system in Wake County.
That cannot possibly be true. She supports the failed forced-busing, status quo system, so she obviously does not support achievement... valuing the myth of "healthy schools" over healthy and successful students.
How
Tue, 06/07/2011 - 07:59 — valsparHow do you propose you get a healthy student out of an unhealthy school, Woody? Anyone you come out against with such contrived dribble is who I will attempt to learn more about.
Is Enloe a healthy school?
Tue, 06/07/2011 - 08:30 — woodstockIs Enloe a healthy school? There sure are a lot of low-income and minority students who struggle academically at that school. What about Leesville H.S.? It is the same there and at many other schools in Wake County. The "healthy schools" approach makes ignoring the challenges of the most vulnerable students easy... and politicians can puff up their chests and say, "Hey, look at all of our healthy school, aren't we great?
Here is an example: Let's say there is a school of mostly low-income kids (no, that is not a goal, just an example). In our current "healthy schools" they graduate at a rate of about 58%. What if in a technically "unhealthy school," where they may receive different resources and programs that address the needs and challenges of low-income famlies, they graduate at a rate of 68% or more? What scenario do your prefer?
District 6
Mon, 06/06/2011 - 16:11 — stepbystepI guess we'll have to wait and see what District 6 values.
I seriously doubt it will be
Tue, 06/07/2011 - 07:07 — woodstockI seriously doubt it will be the failed forced-busing status quo approach Kushner and and Barber stand for.
Your attempts
Tue, 06/07/2011 - 07:49 — valsparYour attempts to pigeonhole Kushner out of the gate are comical, Woody. Are you that threatened by intelligence that you have to make up what candidates stand for? So far, what I see is Kushner not wanting high poverty schools, because they cost more, and shortchange students. What I see is Kushner saying either of the two student assignment plans is viable if student achievement is a priority. So far, the candidate is all about educating all students in a cost effective manner. Not busing them to do so. You are one of the few here still talking about busing.
So...
Tue, 06/07/2011 - 09:49 — Bob_SconceWhat I see is Kushner saying either of the two student assignment plans is viable if student achievement is a priority.
Why then is her organization, GSIW, sending around documents pushing the green plan and threatening another OCR complaint if the blue plan is implemented? It sounds like she believes one thing in private and says another to get elected.
her organization?
Tue, 06/07/2011 - 10:55 — Athey01As far as I can tell, she is a member, not part of the leadership team of this organization. If I'm wrong, please let me know.
It is not me who is
Tue, 06/07/2011 - 08:08 — woodstockIt is not me who is pigeonholing Kushner, she's doing it to herself. Plus, you are confusing being educated with intelligence. I keep hearing from the Democrats how educated and informed Kushner is, yet when after looking at the data she comes up with the wrong conclusions, one has to question her reasoning capabilities... and/or her political motives. Also, don't forget she has aligned herself with the Democtratic Party, GSIW and Rev. Barber, who all support failed status quo policies, the complex and burdensome Dulaney node system, and forced busing.
Ok, let me get this right
Tue, 06/07/2011 - 11:01 — Athey01Democratic Party = GSIW = Rev. Barber = NAACP = Kushner = Jenman = social engineering = forced busing = Dulaney = left wing radicals = wrong.
What else is the same?
Here, let me fix that for
Tue, 06/07/2011 - 11:49 — woodstockHere, let me fix that for ya:
Democratic Party + GSIW + Rev. Barber + NAACP + Kushner + Jenman* + social engineering + forced busing + Dulaney + left wing radicals = wrong for students and families in Wake Couny.
* When Mansfield finally decides to explain her very concerning ties to the extreme left/status quo crowd and reasons for facilitating a split vote in efforts to defeat Kevin Hill, maybe she can be removed from the equation. It may very well be her fault is just pure selfishness and a quest for power... which is not unusual for those running for elected office.
...
Tue, 06/07/2011 - 08:37 — SideburnsI do find it interesting that the Dems/GSIW are no longer promoting diversity busing. It's not surprising though. They simply can't run on that platform. They can, however, promote it under that guise of 'student achievement'.
I'd like to know why she feels "Low performing schools waste taxpayer dollars". I guess she doesn't support placing more funding into a school that isn't performing -- just more wastefulness.
Indeed, the Dems/GSIW may
Tue, 06/07/2011 - 09:20 — woodstockIndeed, the Dems/GSIW may no longer promote "diversity busing," but they are simply using different language. The burdensome reality of their desired approach remains the same.
This is not unexpected.
Mon, 06/06/2011 - 13:31 — Carolina_lemurThis is not unexpected. Christine has been closely following the board since the last election, has attended most BOE meetings and spoken at many of them. I'm a magnet parent and receive her board updates by email. She sends out emails detailing the upcoming meetings of the board (and task forces/committees) and what agenda items will be covered. She then sends out followup emails describing what actions were taken. She has been extremely dedicated and has spent countless hours. Although I don't agree with her positions on many things, I appreciate her commitment to serve.
Impressive resume
Mon, 06/06/2011 - 12:53 — valsparImpressive resume. Seems Ms. Kushner brings some well rounded intelligence to the candidate list. I hope there is an all-candidate forum..... I would enjoy hearing her debate those outside of District 6.
...
Mon, 06/06/2011 - 12:57 — SideburnsWhy would she debate those outside of District 6?
She wouldn't, Alison.
Mon, 06/06/2011 - 14:02 — valsparShe wouldn't, Alison.
Read her resume. Then maybe you'll get it.
...
Mon, 06/06/2011 - 14:10 — SideburnsGet what? Is there an offer for a debate challenge to other BOE members in her resume? I just wondered why she would debate those outside of D6. Simple question.
My name has 2 L's, btw. How do you spell yours? ;)
I will explain...if I must
Mon, 06/06/2011 - 16:11 — valsparIt was a crack, comparing the refreshing volunteer, educational, and professional credentials of Ms. Kushner to the other announced candidates....
I bet you are a lot of fun at parties..... :>)
...
Mon, 06/06/2011 - 17:42 — SideburnsOh, that was supposed to be funny? Why didn't you just say so? Your attempt at humor doesn't translate very well in blog posts.
good news
Mon, 06/06/2011 - 13:12 — mainesThis is good news. Ms. Kushner is smart, practical and level headed. She has long demonstrated her deep commitment to and passion for making our public schools better for all children.
Anyone Know What Her Stance is Regarding...
Mon, 06/06/2011 - 16:11 — JanisTangobusing using SES? If she has followed the issues closely I would like to think she wasn't pleased with the instability that many families had to deal with. How would she like to have solved the policy 6200 debate? That is going to be one of the big issues in this upcoming election.
To be honest I'm a little scared about her association with the GSIW. They have not proven themselves to be open to any opinion other than their own!
Wow!
Mon, 06/06/2011 - 16:21 — bpuli9999That last sentence, coming from you, is funny.
WOW!
Mon, 06/06/2011 - 16:58 — JanisTangoI'm entitled to my opinion just like you are entitled to yours! I don't know why you would be surprised. I have never had a positive opinion of the GSIW, NAACP, etc.
At least I put my comments out under my real name...when will you be brave enough to use your own? I guess it's easier to slam people using a handle versus your real name.