There was some strong community participation last night. That's an encouraging sign for our schools and students.
Last night, the SOC community turned out in large numbers to once again advocate for a new building. One of the speakers made an appeal to split the money being given to Pinkston in the bond, saying that there was enough money there to build two new campuses. He also made the argument that the poor state of schools like SOC is pushing kids toward charter schools. There's no question that SOC has been ignored and neglected over the past decade and more. It wouldn't be in this condition if it hadn't. The argument, once again, is coming down to money and who is high enough on the priority list to get it.
The SOC folks came in hopes that Dr. Blackburn would motion to call a vote for SOC to get more money and a new campus and left disappointed. In the past, Dr. Blackburn mentioned the potential of taking money from Pinkston to putting it toward SOC repairs. Last night, he showed restraint and consistency with his reputation as one of the more fiscally conservative board members and did not call that vote. I respect that even though I believe in an overhaul at SOC. Before the end of this election season, he very well may call a motion, knowing it will be defeated, and claim to have done what the community wanted, but I'd argue that the time to do that was last night if there were to be any political benefit from it.
The Montessori folks were also there in force to ask for a district level Montessori coordinator and an exemption from the testing for those same schools. Montessori is cool and I understand why they want what they're asking for; however, I don't think they are very high on the current DISD priority list. That makes me sad, but widespread application of the method in the district is far away and because of that, they will be seen as an educational luxury for the foreseeable future.
A few folks also came to protest TEI to little effect, but the board did vote to give $1000 stipends to those teachers that were distinguished but didn't receive any reward or compensation. A good faith effort, but not a solution to what many are calling a huge problem with the system. This is one of those hot button issues this election season and I'm excited to see the new plans that different candidates will have for remedying the issue.
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The SOC folks came in hopes that Dr. Blackburn would motion to call a vote for SOC to get more money and a new campus and left disappointed. In the past, Dr. Blackburn mentioned the potential of taking money from Pinkston to putting it toward SOC repairs. Last night, he showed restraint and consistency with his reputation as one of the more fiscally conservative board members and did not call that vote. I respect that even though I believe in an overhaul at SOC. Before the end of this election season, he very well may call a motion, knowing it will be defeated, and claim to have done what the community wanted, but I'd argue that the time to do that was last night if there were to be any political benefit from it.
The Montessori folks were also there in force to ask for a district level Montessori coordinator and an exemption from the testing for those same schools. Montessori is cool and I understand why they want what they're asking for; however, I don't think they are very high on the current DISD priority list. That makes me sad, but widespread application of the method in the district is far away and because of that, they will be seen as an educational luxury for the foreseeable future.
A few folks also came to protest TEI to little effect, but the board did vote to give $1000 stipends to those teachers that were distinguished but didn't receive any reward or compensation. A good faith effort, but not a solution to what many are calling a huge problem with the system. This is one of those hot button issues this election season and I'm excited to see the new plans that different candidates will have for remedying the issue.
Follow us on Facebook; Twitter; iTunes; Soundcloud; Stitcher
Related Articles
Dallas ISD Politics of Change
Dallas ISD Superintendent Hinojosa Holds Community Meeting
Dallas ISD Trustee Meeting Review 12.3
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