New strategy?

[Vincent Hill]

We have worked hard and done as good a job as we could in making our case.  Last night I was struck by the fact that many other communities can say the same thing.  I'm worried that the Board does not have the time to look at the various proposals for "minor adjustments" and try to understand why Ms. Tyson made certain redistricting recommendations.  Last night, after trading some platitudes with Don McChesney (he offered more of the same "not everyone is going to get what they want"), I was kicking myself for not asking him directly if he understood why Laurel Ridge was proposed for redistricting.  I know that this is a concern for Donna Edler (and not just for our case).

 

Further emails to the Board to state our case would seem pretty pointless.  They've heard from us (if they're listening at all).  I'm worried that Ms. Tyson will not make any changes to her plan for fear of stirring up another round of criticisms and complaints of unfair treatment.  However, I wonder if we can get some on the Board who care about their roles as policy makers (and not rubber stampers) to vote "no" on Monday if the plan is unchanged.  Should we contact them to basically say, "If you don't understand why the Superintendent is making certain redistricting proposals, please don't vote for her plan.  Vote "no" so that the Board has the time to consider the merits of the community requests for minor adjustments."  I really doubt that any Board member will make a motion on Monday to address a specific community's proposed change (although it would be great if someone like Donna Edler could be convinced to do this on our behalf).  Just seems like they'd be sticking their head out for one community when the whole plan is a house of cards.  But if they vote no, it basically says to Tyson that many of our communities made arguments that had merit (or else they'd vote yes) and that changes to the plan should be considered.  Should we give something like this a shot?

 

Is anyone scheduled to speak before Monday's board meeting?  My wife tried to sign up, but it doesn't seem like she was scheduled.  If we could come up with a last minute strategy, this would be our last opportunity to persuade Board members.

Vince

[Janel Green]

Leisha Flemming is

Sent from my iPhone

[Rebecca Oh]

Vince, you have a really good point.  I was reading the excerpts from Tuesday's meeting, and was overwhelmed in the same way... lots of people asking for lots of small, specific changes. Personally, I think your idea is great.  I for one can't understand all these weird little shifts in attendance zones affecting such small groups of children.  Those small shifts surely can't make that big of an impact to the "big picture", but to those (and our) children, the impact is huge.  I also sense a large amount of discord within the board.  It seems their concerns aren't being addressed either. 

On the other hand I also worry how much the SACS announcement is weighing on their minds, and how easy a YES vote would be to simply 'check' one off the list of SACS demands.

[leisha FLEMING]

Yes, I am speaking on Monday, and Yes I would be happy to use this information in my "commanding" speech on Monday.  What do we all think?

---

From: Vincent Hill <water...@gmail.com>
To: laurel-ridge-...@googlegroups.com
Sent: Fri, March 4, 2011 6:05:12 AM
Subject: New strategy?

[Vincent Hill]

It might be be best if we just have one person from LRES give our
"closing argument" and request that they vote "no" if the plan hasn't
been modified and they don't understand parts of the plan that they
are being asked to approve. Probably should be acknowledges that SACS
wants quick action, but would taking another week or two be a major
delay? It would be time well spent to let Tyson and Drake crunch
numbers related to minor adjustments and for the Board to get a better
understanding of what they're voting on.

Vince

[Victoria Seahorn]

 

Please click on the link below to read about a meeting with the potential new superintendents on Thursday at 6:00 p.m.

Subject: [dekalbschools2010] meet superintendent finalists Date: Tuesday, March 29, 2011, 9:44 AM   This Thursday at 6 p.m. Administration and Instructional Complex 1701 Mountain Industrial Blvd. Stone Mountain http://blogs.ajc.com/get-schooled-blog/2011/03/29/who-should-lead-dekalb-county-schools-what-matters-most/ __._,_.___ . __,_._,___

 

[Janel Green]

Here is the updated information with the candidates names.  I believe all three are from MUCH smaller areas and more rural as well:

http://blogs.ajc.com/get-schooled-blog/2011/03/29/here-are-the-three-candidates-for-dekalb-school-chief-no-internal-candidate/

Janel Green

[Victoria Seahorn]

Hope everyone is enjoying their springbreak…

 

Just wanted to remind everyone to sign-up for our Second Annual Romp Thru The Woods 5K & 1mile Kids Fun Run.

 

Join us on April 23^rd at 8:00am at Laurel Ridge Elementary School for a fun morning with friends and family.

 

If everyone would spread the word and include us on your Facebook, that would help tremendously.

 

We are working toward upgrading our playground and installing an outdoor track up around the soccer field.

 

Register online at http://www.active.com/running/decatur-ga/laurel-ridge-elementary-romp-thru-the-woods-5kfun-run-2011?int=29-6 or by hardcopy, which the form is attached, front and back, and mail in.

 

Our children are doing great with our run/walk program.  If they haven’t told you, they run/walk twice a week in P.E. training for this event.  Now that it doesn’t get dark so late, enjoy a run/walk with them.  Time is just as important as distance, so even a walk or run around the block is a wonderful experience to share with your child!

 

Thanks so very much and please feel free to contact me with any questions.

 

Best,

Victoria Seahorn

PTA-Co VP

Race Director

Laurel Ridge Elementary School

Romp Thru The Woods 5K & 1mile Kids Fun Run

Decatur, GA.

www.marathonmajic.com

vict...@marathonmajic.com

404-421-3231