well, there is no fiasco taking place. as one member of the school committee, i listened to the message that was loud and clear from the brown school community - and i personally spoke with both parents and children the elimination of the 6th grade section would have affected. subsequently, during the budget process, i was one of a couple of members who led the charge to instruct the superintendent to reinstate the section for a number of reasons - first, that it was entirely too little notice given to the people it would have affected; second, while increasing middle grade rigor is a top priority for myself, as well as a long term goal of the school committee and the district, eliminating one section here and there doesn't get the job done adequately; and finally, my suggestion is that over the next fiscal year, the superintendent and the school committee take a long hard look at the possibility of leveling every grade/section across the city.
sorry for the long answer, but this was a very emotional topic with many layers that need to be addressed. at the end of the day, beyond everything else, it's about the kids - and quite frankly, it wasn't right. i am glad i could help put a stop to it and engage discussion on a higher level for future section determination.
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Date: 2009-07-31 12:41 am (UTC)well, there is no fiasco taking place. as one member of the school committee, i listened to the message that was loud and clear from the brown school community - and i personally spoke with both parents and children the elimination of the 6th grade section would have affected. subsequently, during the budget process, i was one of a couple of members who led the charge to instruct the superintendent to reinstate the section for a number of reasons - first, that it was entirely too little notice given to the people it would have affected; second, while increasing middle grade rigor is a top priority for myself, as well as a long term goal of the school committee and the district, eliminating one section here and there doesn't get the job done adequately; and finally, my suggestion is that over the next fiscal year, the superintendent and the school committee take a long hard look at the possibility of leveling every grade/section across the city.
sorry for the long answer, but this was a very emotional topic with many layers that need to be addressed. at the end of the day, beyond everything else, it's about the kids - and quite frankly, it wasn't right. i am glad i could help put a stop to it and engage discussion on a higher level for future section determination.
JN