2. I will NOT avoid controversial issues which effect the health of our schools.
3. I will attempt to listen to all reasonable suggestions from ALL of our neighborhoods in our district.
4. Right now there is a disconnect between practicality and theory. After 34 years in the classroom I know what works and what doesn't.
5. School boards often lose touch with how schools are run on a day to day basis. We must find a balance between education and business operations that reflect positively on all our students.
4 comments:
While I know you are wildly busy at the moment - Please think hard about any support you can give parents right now in the transportation challenges facing certain families.
This will affect so many children in our county (and your district) - the discontinuation of bus service proposed for our magnet, theme, charter and NCLB schools.
I left my career in internet security (went back to grad school)to become a teacher. I am making huge financial sacrifices so that I can make a difference (like you). I will now be teaching school next year. Based on the transport changes and my schedule, I am forced to pull both of my children out of Kittredge, and send them to Briar Vista and Shamrock. This will devastate my children who are performing well at Kittredge. (Where will my children go? Who will pick them up? There is no aftercare. - these are the questions swirling through my brain). The school is 9.3 miles from my house, a nanny charges $30/day to get my children home -and then they will be going to an empty home and become latch-key at 9 and 11 years old (scary idea). If the county can offer us an application with the words "transportation provided" - don't they think that is a huge part of the decision making process? Now I have to make the best decision for our family and get my children safe after school care.
Imagine the conversation: "Mommy and Daddy can't find a way to pick you up at your new Magnet school, so you will have to change back to your old school, because they have transportation . So sorry girls, that's just the way it is."
Suggestions:
1) Bus students to a hub school with aftercare.
2) Charge me $100/month for transportation per child.
3) Provide aftercare at Kittredge - it can actually MAKE MONEY and help the school.
Problems:
1) Environmental issues with 1,000's of new cars on the road day and night. (increased traffic)
2) Parents with 3 or more children at 3 schools - can't be 3 places at once - e.g. picking up kids at DSA, Evansdale and their home high school at the same time.
3) Neighborhoods will balk at the 700-900 new cars that will come to Chamblee High, Chamblee Middle and Kittredge daily - amazingly daunting thought.
4) This could potentially take much of the diversity out of the Kittredge/Chamblee Magnet program.
Don! Great for you!!! I'm so happy you're taking this step. Your insight could be valuable. That's awesome. I'll see if I can find a way to get in touch with you and say hello that way. This is great. Hope you win and can do some good!
Heard the news! Wonderful! Friend from the "Creek"
Susan Ledbetter
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