[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
>I am new to this process, so I wonder if anyone on the list could
>enlighten me about the process.
>
I think you're understanding the process, Robert, and I appreciate your thoughtful assessments. I'll add my summary of the
situation in hope that it lends perspective. I don't doubt there are others who might see it differently.
The MPS has some excess capacity. How much and where the excess capacity exists and exactly how much of a current and future 'burden' that
excess capacity creates is still a bit fuzzy. I, for one, see excess capacity as possibility and opportunity.
The rationale for the closings has never been explained by anyone. 1/2 of 1% this year, maybe, and some future savings, maybe, is not a
reason for destroying even further the public's confidence in one of the most important institutions in the city.
The current consultant's reports and board action are an attempt to pick up the pieces of the mess that was made when David Jennings decided that he needed to do something bold and newsworthy after he announced he was quitting after he was deemed not suitable for the job of superintendent by a group of people who pay attention to experience, qualifications, skills, and credentials rather than be enamored by personality profiles.
Your suggestion "that successful handling of such situations with consultants comes when the consultants can present a recommendation, explain clearly to the
stakeholders the rationale for the decision, and help bring them all together around the decision" is right on. The clear explanation of the rationale has yet to be presented and is much needed, sooner rather than later.
Dan McGuire
Ericsson
>If I understand the proposed process
>correctly, the intention is to have the consultants present their
>school closing recommendations on the 5th or so, followed by a
>preliminary decision from the board on the 9th or so, followed by
>public meetings around the 17th. This seems to me to be a very rushed
>process, and one that doesn't seem to fit the avowed intention of "get[ting]
>public opinion on the direction of schools." [quote from a story of
>Steve Brandt's]
>
>Why the rush? As a parent, my first impression is that this is an
>attempt to get a decision, ram it through quickly before the community
>can react, and be able to blame any outcome on the consultants.
>Pushing through the decision at a time when the community will be
>distracted by a tight Presidential race, taking their kids
>trick-or-treating, and trying to get to grips with the school board
>election, seems aimed at presenting the community with a fait
>accompli.
>
>Board accountability will be minimized by putting this
>decision as far from an election as possible, by having the decision
>made by a board containing lame ducks, and by allowing them to claim
>that they were simply deferring to the consultants' recommendation.
>
>I confess that this is only a first impression, and perhaps unjust.
>I'm quite prepared to be corrected by people more familiar with the
>facts.
>
>Let me editorialize a little, though. I am somewhat familiar with
>other situations like this, and my impression is that successful
>handling of such situations with consultants comes when the
>consultants can present a recommendation, explain clearly to the
>stakeholders the rationale for the decision, and help bring them all
>together around the decision. Sure, some unhappiness may remain, but
>the rationale helps mollify discontented parties. This process, on
>the other hand, seems to be crafted to minimize meaningful citizen
>participation. I can't imagine that community/Board relations are
>going to be improved by this, rather the contrary.
>
>Thanks,
>Robert
>
>
>
>
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