To the members of Marty McLaren’s listServ:

Hello all,

Here are several weeks’ worth of comments:

1)      Timing of the Arbor Heights rebuild

2)      Overview of the BEX IV and M & O Levies.

3)      K5 STEM’s ultimate home still unresolved

4)      Crowded science classes at Madison Middle School

5)      My (belated) report of the first day of school

Also, a reminder that I’ll be having a community meeting at Concord Elementary , 723 S. Concord St., Tuesday, October 30, from 9:45 – 11:15 AM. 

Regards,

Marty McLaren

Arbor Heights in BEX IV

As you can see by the Board Action Report posting, we have not been able to move Arbor Heights ahead in the schedule, however, I feel much better about the situation than I did three weeks ago. 

It’s clear to me now that all the Board members, as well as staff, are committed to finding a way to move AH ahead in the schedule; for example, this might be financed with short-term borrowing.  However, since we can’t encumber funds before they’ve been approved by the voters, there can be no formal commitment made at this time.  I have arrived at a high degree of trust in the intention of everyone concerned.  Of course, it all depends on the passage of the levy.

Also, my fear that Arbor Heights would “drop off the schedule” entirely, as has happened with previous BEX projects, has been assuaged.  The history is that these calamities happened during periods when the construction inflation rate was 10%+.  In recent years, with the economic downturn, as we’ve seen with BEX III and BTA III, Lucy and her team have been able to complete the list of projects “on time and under budget.”  The money saved has been used to renovate Fairmount Park, among other things. Construction costs remain extremely low, and it’s reasonable to expect/hope, that things won’t heat up and increase costs greatly in the near term. Thus, there’s good reason to be optimistic that the plans can be fulfilled.

It seems to me that, if the Arbor Heights Community wishes to move to Boren early, this would be a way to get out of the old building quickly.  The plus side is that, if the new building gets moved ahead, you’ll already be well situated in the interim.  If it doesn’t, you’ll have the stability of several years in the Boren building, and can have a strong, predictable base from which to continue to nourish your school programs and community.

Thanks so much to all of you who’ve demonstrated a passionate commitment to Arbor Heights and to the district. I’m disappointed that we didn’t get what we wanted, but thrilled that Arbor Heights is on the schedule with a great deal of commitment from everyone concerned.  I’m also really, really encouraged that this came about because of the careful and conscientious work of the Arbor Heights community to reach out to the whole West Seattle peninsula.  You helped us to achieve authentic community dialogue in a climate of mutual respect.

For the lingering question of: “Why does this plan prioritize Schmitz Park over Arbor Heights?” my take is that Schmitz Park’s overcrowding is so extreme, and rising so fast, that it’s a question of putting a roof over the heads of students who otherwise won’t have a roof at all. This is, indeed, a crisis. That doesn’t in any way discount the deterioration at Arbor Heights, but I think the logic is correct. Regarding the suggestion that Thornton Creek’s new building be delayed – so far, each person whom I’ve consulted confirms that capacity issues are equally severe in that NE area as at Schmitz Park.

Speaking of Schmitz Park:  We have heard loud and clear from members of the Schmitz family. (Dietrich Schmitz gave the 7 acres of Schmitz Park to the district for the exclusive purpose of a school over fifty years ago.)  Mr. Schmitz’s family strongly believes that Schmitz Park should continue to operate as an elementary school, while also acknowledging that a new building is clearly needed.  My observation is that the continuing rise in enrollment may mean that the Schmitz Park building will continue to be sorely needed as a district school, and the concern that it might be closed would be moot. What program(s) would be housed there after the Genessee Hill building is finished is an open question.

BEX IV:  (9/29/12)

Many parents have shared concerns and questions about the BEX IV levy.  I want to give a quick overview, and then discuss particular concerns that have been expressed by West Seattle parents.

Overview:

Building Excellence levies have been occurring for the last 18 years; a levy is developed and voted upon every 6 years for capital projects such as major renovations and new buildings; technology infrastructure is another component. In February citizens will be voting on BEX IV, and also another levy, for operating funds.  The second levy is usually called the “M & O” or Maintenance and Operations levy, although I’m seeing those funds referred to in the SPS budget as the “Local Effort Allocation.” There are strict guidelines about how much we can ask for in the M & O levy; this depends on total school funding by the state.

Levy campaign

A community organization called Schools First formed some years ago to promote passage of BEX levies.  It’s strictly illegal for the district to campaign for the passage of the levy, and so Schools First has organized to take up that responsibility.

Due to the harsh economic climate in our city and region, Schools First has advised the district that our BEX levy needs to be at the low end of the scale (initial estimates were from $600 million to $800 million).  Thus, we’re trying to keep the levy package close to $650 million.

I’m very pleased at our staff’s commitment to stretching our dollars with each iteration of the draft levy proposal. 

The current proposal has many, many projects, throughout the city, included – they are being weighed carefully in order to meet the most pressing needs, in terms of providing needed classrooms to alleviate overdependence on portables, addressing deterioration of aging buildings, and also to allow flexibility in responding to unpredictable enrollment patterns – for example, designs which are mean to facilitate possible future additions.

And yes, I do acknowledge that the round of building closures in 2007 was short-sighted and based on incomplete data.  Although we would still need to add much capacity because of changing population patterns, the problem would not have been so acute without the building closures. This is unfortunate, but true.

BEX IV in West Seattle

The draft BEX plan keeps changing, based on rounds of feedback from the two citizens’ advisory committees, the School Board, and community meetings (one of the two committees consist of people with design, architectural, engineering, and project management expertise, the other consists of interested citizens representing different areas of the city).

The current draft of the BEX IV levy plan shows reopening Fairmount Park by 2014, relocating Schmitz Park to a new building on the Genessee Hill site by 2015, and rebuilding Arbor Heights by 2019.  The Fairmount Park building plans have recently been augmented to allow expansion by adding a wing.  This is due to continued higher than projected enrollment growth.  For details of the current draft, see this link: http://district.seattleschools.org/modules/groups/homepagefiles/cms/1583136/File/Departmental%20Content/facilities/bex/BEX%20IV%20Planning%20Scenarios%209-11-2012.pdf?sessionid=320ec6a5edabd8c72fbd57f6087e5674

The West Seattle community’s concerns about this proposal center around Arbor Heights and STEM K5.  Arbor Heights is an extremely deteriorated building (acknowledged by staff to be in the worst condition of any SPS building in the city), and parents are outraged that the school would not be replaced until 2019. Under the plan, Arbor Heights would be placed on an interim basis at Boren from fall of 2017 to spring of 2019. Waiting five more years does not strike parents as a viable plan. The BEX IV draft, being a building plan, does not specify where STEM K5 at Boren would be placed. STEM K5 parents are asking the district to make a commitment to place STEM K5 in the Fairmount Park Building in 2014.

I attended the BEX IV community meeting at Madison Middle School on Monday, September 24, and heard these concerns from many people.  Those who attended my community meeting at the Delridge Branch library on the 25^th echoed them.  They also committed to working to develop a common vision for the future of our West Seattle schools.

I’m impressed with the fact that people from all areas of the West Seattle peninsula are adamant that they will not be pitted against each other, and that we need a plan approved by families in all corners. This doesn’t mean that everyone in West Seattle must be, or can be, satisfied that their needs are met as desired, but that everyone has had a chance to look at the big picture and agree on a plan that considers the needs of all. By the same token, we must face the fact that other districts of the city have critical needs, in terms of seats and building condition.

Re identifying the ultimate home of STEM K5:  I’m sorry that the answer to this is uncertain.  However, I do see good reasons to delay this decision at least until the BEX IV proposal has been finalized.  First, because it is a “Program Placement” decision – K5STEM is a unique program, and its location must be considered in the light of a host of factors – including what other programs are desirable in West Seattle, equity of access and distribution, community input, etc.  The second reason is based on fluctuating enrollment patterns. This year’s higher than predicted kindergarten enrollment in central West Seattle may point to a need for Fairmount Park to become a neighborhood school rather than an option program. In this event, K5 STEM would probably need to be placed elsewhere. There are several possibilities. This discussion is complex, and while it’s important to think about it early on, as we are doing, it’s unwise, in my opinion, to try to make concrete decisions until we have a firm plan for building construction and timelines.   That said, I want to assure you all that I am well aware of the multitude of compelling arguments in favor of placing STEM at Fairmount Park, and that I am committed to making sure that the final STEM K5 placement decision is made as quickly as is reasonable, with participation by all interested parties.

Madison Middle School Science classes

10/26/12: Here is a letter to concerned parents from Executive Director Carmela Dellino, regarding the overenrolled science classes at Madison.

“Thank you for contacting us regarding the Science situation at Madison Middle School.  I know that two of the Science classes have had a substitute since the beginning of the year.  The Science Department Head and other Science teachers have been providing ongoing support to the substitute in those classes.  Mr. Carlisle was set to interview for the position and then on Oct. 11th learned of a staffing adjustment.  Unfortunately, at the October 1st deadline, Madison Middle School did come under projected enrollment, which resulted in a need for the school to reduce staffing.  How that staffing adjustment is made is the responsibility of the principal.  Of course, Mr. Carlisle would seek out the input from his Assistant Principal, the BLT, and the entire staff. I know that he has established the procedures to determine what is the best course of action so that all students are served with a high quality education.  

I completely understand how difficult it can be when there is a substitute in a class for an extended period of time and when a school loses staffing due to reduction in enrollment. Mr. Carlisle has been mindful to work with the substitutes and Science Department to ensure students are receiving the same instruction in that class as the other Science classes.  Yes, this is not the best situation, since admittedly, high quality instruction is very complex.  

If classes need to be consolidated and student schedules are adjusted at this time in the year, it is disruptive.  I have full confidence that Mr. Carlisle and the amazing staff at Madison will do their best to minimize the impact of any adjustments that are made. Having worked at the secondary level for over 20 + years as a school counselor and administrator, I truly understand that this is not the optimal situation, however I know that the adjustments can be made without compromising student learning.  I know that Mr. Carlisle will assure that is the case at Madison.

I will be supporting Mr. Carlisle as he pursues all available options in this  challenging situation.  I know he is already diligently working on this and I trust his ability to assess his resources and options and make the best decision for students.  

Unfortunately, the district does not have the financial means to provide mitigating staffing for Madison M.S.

Sincerely,

Carmela Dellino

Executive Director of Schools, West Seattle Region”

9/29/12 – recalling the first day of school:

I made a marathon of the first day, and managed to make quick visits to 16 of our 17 West Seattle Schools between 7:30 and 2:45.  Thus, I witnessed Principal Clark’s welcome to the parents of incoming 6^th graders at Denny as their students settled into classes, and 9^th graders at Sealth anxiously awaited freshman orientation.  I went on to West Seattle Elementary, Gatewood, Arbor Heights, Roxhill, STEM K5, Sanislo, Concord, Highland Park, Pathfinder, Alki, Schmitz Park, Lafayette, Madison, West Seattle High School, and Middle College at Neighborhood House.  Whew! It was an amazing experience to see how staff and parent volunteers at all the different schools came together, warmly welcoming students, settling them into classes, managing meltdowns, transitions, orientations, and lunch on the first day. Last week, I finally had a chance to drop in at Interagency High at Youngstown Center, and caught an after school drama class.

It’s an incredible privilege to be able to visit schools and to be in the presence of the children, from preschoolers to high schoolers, and all the adults who are committed to supporting them in their education. 

To me, it’s the most important work that goes on in our whole city. It’s carried out with enormous energy by the students and their varied educators, from the classroom teachers and paraprofessionals to the administrative, food service, custodial, transportation, security, grounds, and district support and central office employees, as well as many volunteers.  It’s a fantastic enterprise that we carry on for the sake of our children and our society as a whole. It’s a joy and honor to be connected with this work.              ##

To members of Marty McLaren’s listServ:

Thanks to those who responded to my Vision query. Two documents are attached: One has the main points which I made at Tuesday’s District Vision Work Session, along with suggestions from several people who responded to my email request for ideas.  (I didn’t name most contributors – let me know if you want credit for your wisdom!) The second doc is excerpts of a lengthy email by Rick Burke, an SPS parent and math activist, whose vision concerns the importance of working to improve math curriculum, and ways to do it.

At the Work Session, the vision ideas  from Board Directors, Senior Administrators, and Superintendent Banda were truly inspiring.  This conversation will be ongoing as we begin to talk about Guiding Principles for our next Strategic Plan on Nov. 27th. Your further thoughts on this are welcome.

Clarification re this listServ: I’m sorry that I don’t have time to manage my listServ as a discussion forum.  Thank you to the two individuals who made comments to the whole listServ this week – however, to keep it simple, I’ve now closed the “reply all” option . You may have been as impressed as I with Mr. Rod Clark’s knowledgeable comments – perhaps we can persuade him to start a blog! In the meantime, individual responses to martha.mclaren@... are always welcome.

School Visits: I’ve visited 8 schools in the last week, many in connection with their planned BEX IV levy work. Much as I was interested in the condition/capacity issues at each school, I was diverted and inspired by the intense engagement of students, teachers, principals and support staff at Thornton Creek, Olympic Hills, Pinehurst K8, Jane Addams K8, Interagency HS and Cascade Parent Partnership at Wilson Pacific, and Bagley Elementary. Director Patu and I toured Arbor Heights on Tuesday, and came away with the same impressions – amazing work is happening, even in worn-out buildings!

Community Meeting at Concord International School: It was very good to visit Tuesday morning with Concord families, plus some supporters of the Seattle World School.  Thanks to PTA President Angelica DeLorenzo for her very fluent translation. Concord has been experimenting with having lunch recess before lunch, rather than after, as a way to encourage students to eat more lunch.  Staff will vote in early December on whether to continue the experiment.  Concord’s dual language program is thriving; I’ve been impressed with Principal Norma Zavala’s leadership – she is guiding her school through a thicket of budget woes, while setting a high bar for effective teaching. The same can be said for all the principals with whom I’ve met.

State of the District: Yesterday Superintendent Banda presented his “State of the District” address.  I found it energizing and hopeful, despite the realities of the many great challenges we face. I will forward the website announcement, along with links.

Next Community Meeting: Monday, December 3, 6 PM to 8 PM at the High Point Center, 6400 Sylvan Way SW.

Regards,

Marty McLaren

To the members of Marty McLaren’s listServ:

Hello all,

The School Board voted unanimously on a Building Excellence IV proposal on Wednesday night. Thanks again to all who gave their time and energy to help us craft a very solid proposal that meets the needs of the community much better than did the first drafts.  The BEXIV levy proposition that will come before voters on February 13 addresses safety and health concerns, the need for more classrooms and a reduction in use of portables, improvements that will strengthen buildings in the event of earthquakes, and technology needs.  The Building Levy and the accompanying Operations Levy are scheduled to replace the current levies, which expire in 2013. In the meantime, Seattle Public Schools will proceed with planning to address capacity needs in the interim period until the new buildings are completed.

The two West Seattle projects are listed below; the full list is shown on the Seattle Public Schools website.

·         Arbor Heights Elementary: Replace existing building with new/expanded facility by 2018 or earlier if feasible.

·         Schmitz Park Elementary: Replace existing Genesee Hill building with a new/expanded facility on the Genesee Hill site; relocate Schmitz Park staff and students to the new facility by 2015 and repurpose the Schmitz Park building for elementary seats

(Recall also that the renovation of Fairmount Park Elementary is being funded by underspend funds from the previous BTA levy.)

Those of you who voiced concerns were responsible for two changes in the wording on the levy projects:  The proposal states explicitly that Arbor Heights will be replaced earlier than 2018 if feasible, and the proposal also states explicitly that Schmitz Park school will be repurposed for elementary seats. (It may become a neighborhood school or an option school.)

The Schmitz Family: One important learning experience for me has been an ongoing conversation with Vicki Schmitz Block. She prompted me to find out more about the Schmitz family’s connection with Schmitz Park Elementary School, and I was spurred to write a statement about the Schmitz family for last Wednesday’s meeting:

I want to take a moment to pay homage to the Schmitz family, for their momentous gift of land, service, and commitment to our children and our community. 

Ferdinand and Emma Schmitz’s act of generosity in 1908 and 1912, donating 38 acres of pristine land to the city and its citizens has set a standard for all of us, as well as for their descendants. It’s been a source of joy and inspiration to thousands of people. 

Ferdinand and Emma’s son, Dietrich Schmitz, took up their mission of inspired service and carried it forward, serving as President of the Seattle School Board for 33 years – from 1928-61! The Schmitz family has led the way in showing us all how to be outstanding citizens – putting the well-being of our children and our community ahead of personal gain.  The family has walked the talk – over the years showing absolute dedication to our children and their right to an excellent education. The legacy that they steward and pass on to us and our children, is surely much, much greater than Ferdinand and Emma Schmitz could ever have envisioned. 

We, School Board Directors, Educators, and Support Staff, families, and community members, can proudly and gratefully make a renewed commitment to preserve their legacy of land, education, and service. In this levy proposal, it is my belief that this board is committing to honoring the Schmitz family legacy by retaining the site for our children’s education.

Enjoy the long weekend, everyone!

Marty McLaren

To members of Marty McLaren’s listServ:

I hope you all had a peaceful and enjoyable Thanksgiving holiday.  I really enjoyed the chance to relax and hang out with dear friends.

You’re invited to my next community meeting. This one is on Monday, December 3^rd, 6 to 8 PM at the High Point Center, 6400 Sylvan Way SW.  Please feel free to email me ahead of time with particular questions or issues you’d like to discuss so that I can gather information for you if possible.

On the 15^th and 16^th I attended the Washington State School Directors Association Conference in Spokane.  It was tremendously interesting and I learned a lot.  I’m attaching the overview I shared with Board Members.  It refers to additional documents and links; just email me if you’d like me to forward any of them.

Best,

Marty McLaren