Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Superintendent's goals

On the post started in November 2008 on this topic, Anonymous recently wrote:


He gets a Huge Raise every summer - how can he meet the goals, if he keeps his goals secret. (Typical politician) He has had a 15,000 dollar raise for every year he has been here. In a district that has financial problems. In this economy! All he does is throw out Propangada. All Roosevelt and his numerous newly hired cronies do is manipulate the media. Marky Mark makes sure the promise is constantly in the media. It is the only thing he can hang his hat on. He also keeps the administration growing at the Ivory tower and keeps reducing the number of teachers in our schools. Please research the Broad Foundation, they are not for the Children of Pittsburgh.Sorry for venting.
Frustrated Parent and Teacher
May 6, 2009 4:41 PM (typos corrected for re-posting)

9 comments:

fixit said...

Your arguement loses steam and credibility when you use language like "Marky Mark."

Questioner said...

This is true- facts and logic will be much more convincing than name calling.

Anonymous said...

I want to applaud the writer for hitting the nail on the head. You only "lose credibility" when those with their heads in the sand choose to chastise over a phrase and fail to grasp the importance of the message. In the case of "fixit" and others like her, it's better to be in denial than face the stunning realization that the man in charge has snowed the public during his tenure here. Academics have suffered greatly. The reputation of this district has become a laughing stock where it matters most--in the eyes of college admissions representatives.

No, your "arguement" is right on target. Perhaps "fixit" should invest in some spelling lessons rather than castigate those who see the bigger picture.

Questioner said...

It really didn't seem like Fixit expressed an opinion on Anon's points- just that calling names is a distraction from those points.

Anonymous said...

Disagree Questioner. When you can read the editorial page of your favorite newspaper or news magazine and see pundits not expressing their dismay via colorful references, let me know. Until then, you and folks like "fixit" should continue to dwell on Fantasy Island and make believe that someone down on Bellefield Avenue actually wants to work for positive change for the kids...which is what it should always be. You keep playing nice while the people in control put on the brass knuckles.

Questioner said...

What do you think their goal is, if not "positive change for kids"?

The disagreement seems more over what is "positive change" (is it the % proficient on a particular standardized test no matter what else is given up to get there); what is the best way to achieve positive change (how important is the input of parents and teachers; how important are particular configurations and "themes"; should teaching be heavily scripted); and whether in attempting to reach this goal almost any means justify the end (how important is transparency; is propaganda appropriate from a school district).

Anonymous said...

I personally dislike Mr. Roosevelt and have privately called him names but I think to gain greater strength on this board it is wise to try to stick to the facts.

fixit said...

It would sure be a lot easier to have a continued exchange if so many were not named ANONYMOUS. It does concern me when some posters who write with an insiders knowledge are disparaging in presenting their arguments in this public forum. It would be helpful if the ANONYMOUS posters would identify themselves by interest. PPS Parent, PPS Teacher, PPS Administrator, Concerned City Resident...

I too used to think parents had the power in many decisions, but we don't. Arguments are often directed at the superintendent and guess what? He is NOT elected. The only influence that matters? The school board. I really would like to hear from all the Anonymouses (sp?) with details of exactly what parents are supposed to do. Anonymous, I did not castigate "those who see the bigger picture." Just one post, two words, from someone with an opinion that obviously matters.

Questioner said...

Good idea- let's have the anonymouses try to at least say what they are- parent, teacher, etc. In terms of what to do- parents concerned about a particular issue can email to us at purereform@gmail.com, and if enough people express interest in that issue we can devote a meeting or part of a meeting to that issue and discuss the best way to make ourselves heard.