Wednesday, August 10, 2011

School consolidation/ PG article

From the PG:

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11222/1166287-53

18 comments:

Questioner said...

Basically this sounds like a process of just pushing students together to consolidate students in as few buildings as possible.

Re: the explanation that Oliver students would have greater opportunities at Perry and that Langley students would have greater opportunities at Brashear- couldn't the same thing have been said last year, or 5 years ago with the first round of closings? What are the chances however that an influx of students from other schools will destabilize Perry and Brashear?

Anonymous said...

Sorry to go off topic but I just found out that Bill Isler will be challenged in the general election by a write-in. I didn't get the name but will try.

Anonymous said...

Hallelujah!! Now we need a replacement for Colaizzi!

Anonymous said...

Is there a way to get rid of everyone other than Mark Brentley?

Anonymous said...

Until that happens, PPS will not move forward!

We need at least four new, strong, independent, vocal people with critical thinking capacities similar to Mark Brentley.

Of course, nine of the like, would be much better!

Lisa Jones 4 School Board said...

I attended the community meeting at the American Legion in Sheraton that was specifically arranged to discuss closing Langley, but Teresa Smith, Sheraton's city council woman, made an announcement that the Langley meeting is for tomorrow night at the Sheraton Senior Center at 6:00. Right after she welcomed the big turn out wondering why not more people turn out for other community meetings. Well, duh! Everyone thought the meeting was about Langley not Urban Redevelopment plans???? I guess the 'right' people were not present. I saw that she was busy texting during the meeting. Any bets that Sherry Hazuda will be at tomorrow nights presentation.

Anonymous said...

Dear Ms. Jones: challenge the Board President to a series of public debates. Get her off of the script.

Anonymous said...

I doubt that any incumbent will allow him or herself to enter into a debate.

Meanwhile, isn't there any candidate in the Carrick area that can challenge Jean Fink? This is yet another politician who needs to be pushed out the door.

Anonymous said...

Oh yes, we need more board members like Brentley. Abstaining from voting is surely the best way to represent a district.

Questioner said...

Apparently, if there is an abstention it allow discussion on the issue to be continued at a later date whereas a no vote puts an end to it.

Anonymous said...

Mark Brentley's vote as a "no" or an "abstention" never changes the final outcome.
However, his comments leave an indelible mark on those who listen carefully. And, he speaks strongly and honestly for the under-served in the PPS district. Mark's depth of insight and ability to zero in on issues of equity cannot be politically compromised, nor can they duplicated. His comments are never dismissed by the fair and open-minded who are really listening.

Mark Brentley is irreplaceable on the Board even though there are many committed and serious-minded, and caring people who have challenged him for that position.

Questioner said...

Many votes and proposals seem to be sprung on Mr. Brentley with little advance notice. If a vote to abstain permits further discussion, it gives him time to at least research an issue and comment at a future meeting.

Anonymous said...

I always took his refusal to vote as a protest to the process. Sure beats the "yes men" who continually capitulate at the sake of our kids.

Anonymous said...

When the vote is over it is over. One person, on this Board, especially the one we speak of, will not change it no matter how many times it is revisited. The current Board is incapable of thinking independently on anything that Administration brings forward. They, with the exception of Mr. Brentley, are fearful of questioning, or thinking beyond the Administration's position. They do not seem to know that they represent the City, the constituents, the parents, the students, the future. OR, they just don't know enough to form a question and challenge the absurdity of what is put before them. Sad, sad, sad.

Clearly, the public was not aware of this when they were voted into office.

Bulldog Forever said...

Mark has been the only independent thinker on the Board.

Go back and look at the transcripts very carefully. He was right far more often than anyone cares to admit.

Questioner said...

Re: 10:37- apparently if there is an abstention the vote can be reopened for further discussion. Not that this will for our particular board change the results, but it does provide a public airing of the issues.

Anonymous said...

I'm somewhat surprised that Langley is being closed and not Carrick. Unless I'm mistaken, Carrick's population is down greatly from 8 or 10 years ago. They could be pushed into Brashear, too.

deegazette said...

The elementary schools in Carrick are growing and I am sure population projections played a part in decision-making.