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Maybe the long delay was to keep it from looking too much like a done deal. Probably, the decision was made before Arnet's resignation was made public.
I don't think so -- Skrinjar would more likely have been the done deal/business as usual pick.
Other than the resemblances to Arnet's situation (full-time job which deals with the foundation community, young children) which make me worry about how much time she can give to the position, I think this is an okay pick.
Besides, if she can finally goose the administration into some sort of useful career/tech/vocational ed. that could be a big thing.
Those who have had the chance to see and hear the superintendent recently on tv and radio have heard him say his focus will be on the high schools this year. If he had to point to an area where he has fallen down on the job you could guess that the career/vocational area would be the place. The board will vote on articulation agreements with several career schools this week. The mayor's choice seems sound when you consider the big picture.
Hope for the best, but is this someone who has ever spoken at a school public hearing, written to a newspaper about a school issue, attended an A+ workshop, or campaigned for someone running for school board? Being invited to join a committee and agreeing does not show the same initiative and attention to schools. Is this someone who will ever really challenge the superintendent? Is this someone whose focus will be wider than a particular issue or part of the city?
The Post Gazette article mentions that former member Heather Arnet has moved her family to Mount Lebanon.
What would be really helpful would be for her to give an insider's explanation about why she chose Mount Lebanon schools over Pittsburgh schools to educate her child, and what Pittsburgh schools need to do to compete.
Anonymous @10:01 makes a good suggestion. Not too long ago parents asked at a district parent meeting about exit interviews or following up with students/families about reasons they chose alternatives for education. The roadblocks were discussed too. The subject came up during a board meeting and Mrs. Fink stated exit interviews were done many years ago. Unfortunately, although Mrs. Arnet would be a good source for an evaluation, she could damage her professional reputation by giving her opinion.
The appointment of Dr. Allan is brilliant! She has a PhD, young kids, has been working with high school students...Her qualifications and experience are exactly what the board needs to make informed decisions. I hope that the board and community will give her the respect she deserves.
Certainly everyone will respect her. More of an issue will be whether she will find the school board a good use of her limited time. All proposals will be passed whether she is on the board or not. She can advise the district on career training, but wouldn't need to be on the board to do that.
I don't see much of a change coming since the new school board member is tied to yet another non-profit (which as a group seem to have dangerously strong grip over the BoE) and she was appointed by a mayor who hasn't been a helpful influence to the parents of PPS students
13 comments:
Maybe the long delay was to keep it from looking too much like a done deal. Probably, the decision was made before Arnet's resignation was made public.
I don't think so -- Skrinjar would more likely have been the done deal/business as usual pick.
Other than the resemblances to Arnet's situation (full-time job which deals with the foundation community, young children) which make me worry about how much time she can give to the position, I think this is an okay pick.
Besides, if she can finally goose the administration into some sort of useful career/tech/vocational ed. that could be a big thing.
The goose for Vo Tech and HS Reform has not happened yet. Or, more to the point -- the RIGHT goose (i.e., effective) has been less than visible.
Live to fight another day!
Those who have had the chance to see and hear the superintendent recently on tv and radio have heard him say his focus will be on the high schools this year. If he had to point to an area where he has fallen down on the job you could guess that the career/vocational area would be the place. The board will vote on articulation agreements with several career schools this week. The mayor's choice seems sound when you consider the big picture.
Hope for the best, but is this someone who has ever spoken at a school public hearing, written to a newspaper about a school issue, attended an A+ workshop, or campaigned for someone running for school board? Being invited to join a committee and agreeing does not show the same initiative and attention to schools. Is this someone who will ever really challenge the superintendent? Is this someone whose focus will be wider than a particular issue or part of the city?
....sigh of relief that the pick was NOT Skrinjar....I hope that this lady is up to the task.
More extensive PG article:
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09238/993283-298.stm
The Post Gazette article mentions that former member Heather Arnet has moved her family to Mount Lebanon.
What would be really helpful would be for her to give an insider's explanation about why she chose Mount Lebanon schools over Pittsburgh schools to educate her child, and what Pittsburgh schools need to do to compete.
Anonymous @10:01 makes a good suggestion. Not too long ago parents asked at a district parent meeting about exit interviews or following up with students/families about reasons they chose alternatives for education. The roadblocks were discussed too. The subject came up during a board meeting and Mrs. Fink stated exit interviews were done many years ago. Unfortunately, although Mrs. Arnet would be a good source for an evaluation, she could damage her professional reputation by giving her opinion.
It seems like this advice would help build a reputation for being straightforward and providing information that could really make a difference.
The appointment of Dr. Allan is brilliant! She has a PhD, young kids, has been working with high school students...Her qualifications and experience are exactly what the board needs to make informed decisions. I hope that the board and community will give her the respect she deserves.
Certainly everyone will respect her. More of an issue will be whether she will find the school board a good use of her limited time. All proposals will be passed whether she is on the board or not. She can advise the district on career training, but wouldn't need to be on the board to do that.
I don't see much of a change coming since the new school board member is tied to yet another non-profit (which as a group seem to have dangerously strong grip over the BoE) and she was appointed by a mayor who hasn't been a helpful influence to the parents of PPS students
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