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WakeEd
The WakeEd blog is devoted to discussing and answering questions about the major issues facing the Wake County school system as it prepares to undergo historic changes. Will the new school board scrap the diversity policy in favor of neighborhood schools? Will year-round schools be converted back to a traditional calendar? How will the new board respond to growth and the school construction program?
WakeEd is maintained by The News & Observer's Wake schools reporter, T. Keung Hui. While Keung posts information and analysis on the issues, keep us posted on your suggestions, questions, tips and what you're doing to cope with the changes in Wake's schools.
Neighborhood school supporters realize their election dream
Love it or hate it, Tuesday's election win by John Tedesco capped what's arguably the most important school board contest in the 33 years of the merged school system.
As noted in today's article, there's now a majority in place on the school board that backs neighborhood schools. It's something that even a few years ago wasn't something that most people thought would happen.
"We did it," said new school board member Deborah Prickett. "I can hardly believe it myself. The parents just had enough. The public has spoken."
Tedesco took special pride in how Tuesday's runoff total of 8,765 votes cast was more than double the 3,753 votes that were cast in 2005 when Horace Tart won the District 2 seat. Tedesco said the higher turnout showed that he and the new board have a "clear mandate" from the community to make the changes they promised.
Fellow new board members Debra Goldman and Chris Malone stressed that Tedesco's victory ensures they can do what they promised during the campaign.
"This is going to be a fantastic opportunity for the children of Wake County," Goldman said.
While the new board and its supporters are thrilled, keep in mind there's still a lot of people who like the existing policies. They'll fight hard to slow the new board down.
T. Keung Hui
T. Keung Hui covers Wake schools.
Comments
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Where ALL the children are beautiful and above average
Wed, 11/04/2009 - 23:42 — TrailerParkGirlThought I'd share these thoughts from a new teacher at one of the high schools where I'm from and where (according to user) all the children are beautiful and above average. (The teacher came from NY.) The median income in the district is $36K. The HS is 48% ED, has a 97% graduation rate overall, 85% graduation rate for ED, and no statistical difference in mean scores between racial groups. (It's a regular high school in a neighborhood schools in a community-based model - not magnet, not KIPP, not charter.)
Teacher - "Here students are clearly different. They are respectful and courteous. The teachers have opportunity to collaborate and there is dialogue between the administration and the teachers. The school is open to new teaching methods and keeps up with technology. The principal models what he expects."
And a quote from the District's philosophy - "The educational process begins with the establishment of self esteem."
Among their guiding principles: "Caring comes first. Everyone, regardless of culture, race, socioeconomic, age or religious differences will be treated with respect. Students will be the focus of everything we do. Commitment to high expectations is our standard. Continuous improvement will occur. We will be partners with parents and the community."
It CAN be done. Wake County has taken a big step 1 in the right direction.
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Interesting!
Thu, 11/05/2009 - 11:55 — MamaLynnInteresting perspective from Dr. Jacob Vigdor from Duke University!
http://www.wptf.com/goout.asp?u=http://wptfmornings.blogspot.com/
Now we just need the Yankees
Wed, 11/04/2009 - 19:46 — CaryCurmudgeonNow we just need the Yankees to win tonight.
you know it! Game 6
Wed, 11/04/2009 - 20:10 — AngelaWyou know it! Game 6 baby!!!
You know I love you guys
Wed, 11/04/2009 - 20:43 — JSBinNCYou know I love you guys but....
EEEWWWWWWWWWW!!!!!! GO PHILLIES!!!!!!!
;)
LOL...
Wed, 11/04/2009 - 20:50 — AngelaWLOL...
No reassignment hearings this year - enjoy the holidays!
Wed, 11/04/2009 - 12:28 — btwalshKudos to all the volunteers and their hours of service. Hats off to the candidates with the intestinal fortitude and vision to run and WIN. Thank you to the voters that made it happen.
Your efforts had an immediate impact on the health and well being of our families. Wake County families just gained 90 days of quality time (November, December and January) since we don't have to prepare for the annual reassignment hearings...I mean Public Engagement Meetings. Parents can truly relax and enjoy Thanksgiving and Christmas with their families. That, my friends, is a priceless gift.
Mind meld
Wed, 11/04/2009 - 13:28 — SDR256You read my mind btwalsh. Before I even saw this post I was thinking to post a 'thank you' to this new board for the early holiday gift. For the first time in years families in Wake County will have a quiet holiday season. So many of my friends have complained about the hidden cost of stolen holiday time with their families and added stress at the holidays. I'll never forget our first reassignment round of hearings and protests - during a time when I'd hoped to decompress after a long project at work - instead I almost had a nervous breakdown with all that had to be learned and done right up to and including Christmas Day. NO MORE.
Holy smokes - - what a relief.
I believe no reassignment
Wed, 11/04/2009 - 23:32 — RevHiDI believe no reassignment hearings this year was brought to you by the old board when they submitted a three year plan. If anything, the new board increases the chance that there will be reassignment hearings.
Wrong
Thu, 11/05/2009 - 11:28 — SDR256Oh no no no no. You're not going to get away with THAT one. The three year plan had so many contingent qualifications it was just about a guarantee that there would be fall out reassignments from that this year. NO way could this board and administration EVER be trusted to keep their hands off of the families of Wake County.
I heard Chuck in person, myself. He was VEEEERRRRRY careful to qualify the 3 year plan. It would ONLY be a three year stable plan IF
(these are the ones I can remember)
- the economy remained stable (it tanked, remember?)
- they would keep the same number of teachers (1500 were laid off, remember?)
- they could get the new buildings built they had in plan (doesn't look so hopeful, does it?)
So, of the three qualifications I can remember that would be required to keep that as a stable plan, three have fallen through. We definitely were looking at changes to that plan this year. Definitely.
Exactly right
Thu, 11/05/2009 - 11:36 — TrailerParkGirlDidn't Chuck already say months ago that there would be changes due to delaying one school (think Walnut Creek)?
yes, yes he did.....
Fri, 11/06/2009 - 20:20 — AngelaWyes, yes he did.....
Schmuck Chuck!
Thu, 11/05/2009 - 12:48 — g88ky07That 3 year "plan" was never going to remain untouched and now that we have a new board I hope they yank the entire thing. And something tells me ...
Congrats John!!!!
Wed, 11/04/2009 - 10:46 — choice4allJohn,
I live in another district and I will tell you at 8:15 I was doing the HAPPY DANCE for you and your new fellow board members. Good Luck and God Bless!
Keung, Without starting a
Wed, 11/04/2009 - 09:59 — shearertwKeung,
Without starting a new account, how can I change my user name to "supportNEWwcpss"?
Once we begin to see the
Fri, 11/06/2009 - 14:34 — changewcpssOnce we begin to see the changes take place may I share that name with you? We could be the *Thing 1* and *Thing 2* of the WakeEd Blog.
Um, well
Fri, 11/06/2009 - 20:12 — SDR256I think you should think about that. Surely your individual ideas are distinct enough that you can separate them from this particular set of people? Or is it to the WCPSS alter - as a stone, as a monarchy - that you bow? I would hope for some individual thought.
I'm going to assume you're
Wed, 11/04/2009 - 10:57 — KeungHui (author)I'm going to assume you're saying this as a joke.
Like most jokes, there's
Wed, 11/04/2009 - 11:16 — shearertwLike most jokes, there's an element of truth...
I've been told that you'll
Wed, 11/04/2009 - 11:50 — KeungHui (author)I've been told that you'll need to reregister to get a new user name.
Thank YOU
Wed, 11/04/2009 - 09:14 — JTedescoTo all of you - each and everyone of you - Thank You. Thank you for believing in us, encouraging us, supporting us, voting for us, and letting your voices be heard loudly! Thank you all for your hard work and many prayers.
We will be good stewards of our children and our resources.
I remain honored and humbled by the outpouring of support.
Thanks again,
John Tedesco
It's an awesome day!
Wed, 11/04/2009 - 09:48 — g88ky07I've never seen anyone work harder than John did this entire campaign. He had a vision, stuck to it, was fiscally responsible in every aspect and delivered a pounding to the status quo and his opponents. The voters have spoken and faith has been restored!
When you can truly hear and understand a person's words, see in their eyes that they are genuine, when that rare candidate comes along who has lived it and truly wants to make others lives better and the community a better place, when you know it's not just politics as usual, it's the right thing to do to pour out the support that this community showed John through all of this.
Congrats again John, I'm proud to be in D2 and I'm especially proud to say I know you!
Now shouldn't you be sleeping in this morning? :c )
I agree 100% with all of
Wed, 11/04/2009 - 10:52 — woodstockI agree 100% with all of that!
Nice post
Wed, 11/04/2009 - 10:12 — TrailerParkGirlI think this is the best post you've ever written and I completely agree with you!
Thanks to all the new board members and Ron Margiotta
Wed, 11/04/2009 - 09:45 — stacy123I am so hopeful, after giving up on all elected officials and the population in general, on these results. So many people are too busy too get involved or even informed - inlcuding myself till I had children in WCPSS and started following the mis-information, mis-mgmt , arrogance and callous decision making - so many I seldom tell people the details because there are so many il-logical, unsensible decisions that were made.
Good luck!! I beleive the heart of these elections were as basic as your messages - stability, neighborhood schools - i.e. the school in the neighborhood where our house is (not Eleanor Goettere's (Spelling?) definition). and choice of calendar and to opt out of low-performing schools (note minneapolis MN has this option). Please work fast to bring it back in 2010 school year. I believe most parents would welcome a forced conversion to the nearest local school with a traditional calendar and the choice to stay in their current school - I think most would opt for the closer school and the WCPSS could accomodate those who choose to stay. For year-round school guarantee all children within the same family the same track but make all tracks equal to maximize school space if we can not fill track 2 to maximize the year round space than convert them back as we are not saving any money. How simple the solution is!!! BTW, I am still confused on how covnerting back cost money other than adminsitrative costs for the schedule changes - which should be offset by other cost savings.
Congratulations and good luck - I look forward to seeing a better run school district.
This is a wonderful day for
Wed, 11/04/2009 - 12:51 — WCTeachrThis is a wonderful day for everyone in Wake County. Thank you to all who fought so hard for change. The sooner these changes take place the better. I was told Leesville schools will all be traditional in August 2010. Music to our ears. Hope the rest of the MYR schools get that as well. This discussion should be part of our Wacky Wednesday agenda. No time like the present.
see also....
Wed, 11/04/2009 - 17:56 — AngelaWBoard-elect member Debra Goldman is part of the new majority. She said it will take more than a year to study the district and come up with a plan to re-create neighborhood schools.
“It’s going to take a process of really evaluating what needs to happen, evaluating how we got to where we are right now before we can move forward with it, and really getting the lay of the land,” Goldman said.
The kind of change we need
Fri, 11/06/2009 - 14:38 — changewcpssThe kind of change we need to bring about neighborhood schools will undoubtedly take much more than a year; implemented in stages. The BoE will have no problem reversing MYR conversions in time for August 2010, which will set the stage nicely for the neighborhood schools formulation.
In my view, the voters said
Fri, 11/06/2009 - 08:45 — woodstockIn my view, the voters said NO to MYR , NO to Wacky Wednesdays and NO to busing solely for diversity's sake. My view is the sooner these oppressive tactics go by the wayside the better. I will concede that "sooner" may be next school year as these changes will have to be managed.
Not all board members saying the same thing. . .
Thu, 11/05/2009 - 20:07 — occum_sharpeI thought Ms. Goldman's comment was interesting considering some of her colleagues have privately promised to many that the move to neighborhood schools and "unconverting" MYR's is going to take place sooner rather than later.
Nothing goes that doesn't need to go
Fri, 11/06/2009 - 09:34 — g88ky07but the budget is going to require it come from somewhere and all the waste at MYR's and certainly some of the busing can put $$ back into the system tomorrow!
...
Wed, 11/04/2009 - 18:10 — SideburnsI just don't understand where all this chatter about Leesville is coming from. The board hasn't even been sworn in and already people are taking in definitives about what's coming.
And, quite frankly, I'm getting a little tired of hearing about Leesville. There are plenty of other schools/communities/families that are suffering from the MYR calendar split. (No offense, AngelaW.)
wow, wow, wow....that would
Wed, 11/04/2009 - 14:55 — AngelaWwow, wow, wow....that would be news to EVERYONE since the NEW BoE hasn't gotten in office yet....
false hope can break hearts....let's wait and see what they decide, shall we?
...
Wed, 11/04/2009 - 13:09 — Sideburns"I was told Leesville schools will all be traditional in August 2010."
Where do you hear such things? Just curious.
At school. At Lowes Foods.
Wed, 11/04/2009 - 22:59 — WCTeachrAt school. At Lowes Foods. From parents. At weekend band competition. At LRHS play. Everywhere. The excitement builds daily. Dream come true.
Agreed. It is the
Fri, 11/06/2009 - 09:38 — woodstockAgreed. It is the expectation of many, many families in the Leesville area. One campus, one calendar!
You have certainly made your
Fri, 11/06/2009 - 14:39 — changewcpssYou have certainly made your case at Leesville. Good place to start dismantleing the mess.
I wonder if supportwcpss
Wed, 11/04/2009 - 09:13 — shearertwI wonder if supportwcpss will change her blog user name?
It's a new day
Wed, 11/04/2009 - 09:06 — loriac'While the new board and its supporters are thrilled, keep in mind there's still a lot of people who like the existing policies. They'll fight hard to slow the new board down.'
I guess you are referring to the folks who didn't have a board member up for election, because in every school board race, the vote for change was at least 60% of the voters. I hope the current board take this as a lesson that 'just making parents go where they're supposed to go' isn't the best approach, especially when there was little benefit to the kids. The status quo also tried to rile up voters with threats of 'resegregation' and doing away with all the magnet schools. Looks like people saw through that.
One of the big promises of the newly elected board members is to listen to the parents. I hope all these people who are threatening 'to fight' will take the time to contact the board members with their concerns. It's a new board - you won't have to stage a media extravaganza to be heard, like with the old board. (Rev Barber - are you listening?) I believe this is a great opportunity to really pull together and put an end to pitting parent against parents, and FINALLY, focus on education!
The impromptu gathering of
Wed, 11/04/2009 - 08:04 — AngelaWThe impromptu gathering of parents at Rudino’s in Cary to celebrate John Tedesco's win was anything but muted. There weren't any balloons, party favors or loud band. No TV cameras or reporters with notepads. These were parents who wanted to celebrate in peace. A victory hard fought from Day 1.
http://venitapeyton.com/2009/11/wake-co-children-win-big.html
Wish
Wed, 11/04/2009 - 11:16 — louiselee44Oh how I wish I could have been there!! I had company here last night, so I still need to join with others at a later date to "hug and holler" :^)
As many others have said, now we will stay engaged and try to bring about a better education for all children in Wake County. None of this should have been a surprise for board members who were warned over and over for years that citizens would not sit idly by and let their child's education and family life be compromised.
I cannot wait to RE-present pertinent facts, figures, etc. that were ignored for so long. Maybe logic and common sense will prevail on this new board - what a sweet thought!
You had our backs long
Wed, 11/04/2009 - 12:53 — WCTeachrYou had our backs long before Wacky Wednesday and MYR nightmares even came along. Thank you too Louise Lee.
Can't wait Louise
Wed, 11/04/2009 - 12:30 — choice4allThank you for your tireless efforts on behalf of ALL Familes.
LOVIN' it!!!
Wed, 11/04/2009 - 08:02 — petehsThank you, Wake County!!!
They Didn't Like The Falsehoods!
Wed, 11/04/2009 - 07:37 — MamaLynnA lot of the people that were against John and the new board members were against them because of the lies they were told. They were told magnets would go away, segregated schools would be created, etc. The truth is this board hasn't done anything yet, but in my heart I can't imagine they will do either of those! It's time for educating all children and if peope are still against that then they are very sad indeed!
"...keep in mind there's
Wed, 11/04/2009 - 06:57 — woodstock"...keep in mind there's still a lot of people who like the existing policies."
But they apparently did not like the existing policies enough to get out and vote. Tedesco won with 77% of the vote; I believe that can be considered a mandate.