By Antonio D. French
Filed Sunday, February 04, 2007 at 11:12 AM
COMMENTARY Labels: Commentary, Media_Watch, Schools
The editorial board of the Post-Dispatch told its urban readers yesterday that they don't give a damn about what they think about the future of their public schools — and neither should the state.
"Let's get real," said the editors condescendingly. The editorial says that sure, at the first and only opportunity the public has had to let its feelings be heard about this matter, hundreds of people showed up to clearly, and often very articulately, express their opposition. But what do they know?
The Post says the public should not trust in the ability of the current superintendent, Dr. Diana Bourisaw, but rather in the wisdom of Mayor Francis Slay (who brought us such figures as Veronica O'Brien and Dr. William Kincaid) and the sensitivity of Gov. Matt Blunt (who's said that nobody in their right mind would live in St. Louis City).
The Post says the parents, voters and taxpayers of the City should trust that what is being threatened will only be "temporary" and in ten years the politicians will give us our rights back. Kind of like state control of our police department was just a temporary action when the nation was gripped in civil conflict.
The Post joins its partner the American in asking the public to have faith in something for which their is no proof; that the State of Missouri or any three people it empowers can do what has, so far, been very difficult for us to do locally: get parents, teachers, school board members, political leaders, civic leaders, the business community, the general public, and the media to focus on the needs of young people in the City of St. Louis and help them, in all parts of their lives, prepare for a better future.
Just one problem: There's nothing about how to do that in the Danforth-Freeman report. A takeover in no way guarantees success. In fact, no plan at all has been presented on how the state plans to improve the district. But Dr. Bourisaw has.
And the reality that DESE, the Danforth-Freeman committee, the Post-Dispatch, and the American never seem to acknowledge is that SLPS is just recovering from one takeover. From 2003 to 2006, the district was under the de facto authority of the mayor's office. And during that time, things got worse.
During the same period, the Wellston school district was under the authority of DESE and the Governor's office. And things got worse.
So what now, by bringing these two failures of leadership together, are the people and parents of St. Louis promised in exchange for turning over their power, tax dollars and children?
And as one speaker at last week's public forum asked so appropriately: If ten years from now we find ourselves in the very likely situation of having a failing, state-operated school district, then what? Will they hand it back to the voters? What is the exit strategy?
There are few times in history that power is given up and given back without a fight. The editors at the Post-Dispatch and the St. Louis American must excuse us if we don't share in their faith in the abilities or promises of politicians.
It is up to the people and parents of the City of St. Louis to make right our own house. The state can aid in that by: better funding public education across the state, passing Sen. Maida Coleman's bill to allow for the recall of school board members, and respecting the rights of the citizens of this city as you do those of people elsewhere in this state by allowing our vote to mean something on April 3, 2007.
68 Comments:
And another thing: Many of these "opinion makers" at the Post-Dispatch live in St. Louis County, home of the Wellston, Normandy and Jennings School Districts.
Perhaps they should should clean their own houses before they point out the failures of the city schools.
2/04/2007 11:27 AM
Antonio,
I, too am amazed at how many people from the county, with no firsthand SLPS experiences of any kind, are adamant in the opinions they have formed based on the media portrayal. The power of the media in this has been frightening. It is reminiscent of "1984" history rewriting.
2/04/2007 1:40 PM
I agree that the Mayor has made bad decisions by appointing Dr. William Kincaid, however I love me some Veronica O'Brien. Antonio admit it, you love you some Veronica O' Brien too. St. Louis has a Howard Cosell/Muhammad Ali relationship with Veronica O' Brien, and when everyone gets done talking they love to Boooo.... Veronica O' Brien at meetings!
Veronica O'Brien has brought out more people to school board meetings than anyone in prior history, except Rochelle Moore.
Veronica O'Brien has energized St. Louis citizens about the St. Louis Public Schools, and she definitely is not bad on the eyes either. Fine as wine.
Yea, she has her bad points, but doesn't everybody in leadership.
Veronica O'Brien keep doing what you are doing because as soon as you stop, nobody is going to show up at meetings anymore. The meetings will be like they were before you came along with students producing low academic test scores/production and nobody caring or showing up at meetings!
Love me some Veronica O'Brien!
2/04/2007 1:55 PM
I have more respect for the outstate conservative republicans with whom I intensely disagree, than I do for the editorial people at the Post Dispatch.
Those republicans sincerely, though wrongly, see the dark forces of the teachers and their unions as the culprits in all that is wrong in education. They make no pretense of their disdain and disrespect for professional educators. They offer a fair fight, in which facts can be used to prevail against them.
I am not clear exactly what the Post believes-----but whatever it is, it has no logic and it is a betrayal of their heritage.
It is difficult to argue with people who simply ignore the challenges to what they say.
2/04/2007 2:04 PM
LOL...
(I couldn't help it)
2/04/2007 2:07 PM
(laughing about the 1:55 blog)
2/04/2007 2:08 PM
"2/04/2007 1:55 PM" blog: with all due respect, there's something wrong with you; you're not right.
Same thing about the PD Editorial department. Maybe it's time to talk boycott of advertisers again. When I started talking about that on the for KMOX, on the blogs, they knocked off their pro-take-over editorials (did they ever give us equal time like they promised?). Coincidence? I dont know.
Just a thought. I try to have at least one a day.
2/04/2007 2:15 PM
I am a parent with children in the SLPS system by choice - I can afford private schools. My daughter attends one of the magnet schools (not Kinnard) and my wife and I are both pleased with the instruction and staff of the school.
We both support gthe state take-over. Not asa a bad reflection on individual schools, but on the running of the district at the top. Our position can be summarized as "Why did not the state do this earlier." SLPS has been performing poorly for years. According to Missouri's constitution, one of the responsibilities of our state is to provide a system of free public education. The state can delegate the authority to do this to local school boards, but it cannot delegate the responsibility for providing this education. I think the state not only should step-in in St. Louis, but should have done it sooner, and should do it for other districts in the state that are poorly performing. I think the state is not stepping up to its responsibility by allowing all public education in the state to reach the low level it has. Instead of complaining about the state taking over SLPS, you should be complaining to your state representatives to do more to support and improve public education.
2/04/2007 3:15 PM
Mike said---
I think the state not only should step-in in St. Louis, but should have done it sooner, and should do it for other districts in the state that are poorly performing.
Just want to make sure you know who the president of the state board is:
Branson Politics - Contributions
Missouri Political Abstract
Missouri is the 6th largest conributer to the Republican Party. The state ranks 6th lowest in contributions to the Democrats. 84.6% of reported contributions were made to the Repulicans in the 2004 election cycle.
Of the top 10 largest single check political contributions made by a Branson resident during the last cycle the Herschend family accounts for 9.
Political Contributions by Branson Residents
Huffman, T L Dr. (Self-employed/Physician), (Zip code: 65616) $250 to MISSOURI MEDICAL POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE on 04/17/03
Klein, Robert B. Mr. (Retired), (Zip code: 65616) $200 to REPUBLICAN NATIONAL COMMITTEE on 07/01/03
Herschend, Sharon Mrs. (Self-Employed/Theme Parks Co-Owner), (Zip code: 65616) $500 to REPUBLICAN NATIONAL COMMITTEE on 09/12/03
Herschend, Sharon Mrs. (Self-Employed/Theme Parks Co-Owner), (Zip code: 65616) $750 to REPUBLICAN NATIONAL COMMITTEE on 09/23/03
Klein, Robert B. Mr. (Retired), (Zip code: 65616) $300 to REPUBLICAN NATIONAL COMMITTEE on 09/17/03
Klein, Robert B. Mr. (Retired), (Zip code: 65616) $300 to REPUBLICAN NATIONAL COMMITTEE on 12/16/03
Herschend, Peter F Mr. (Herschend Family Entertainment/Vice), (Zip code: 65616) $25000 to REPUBLICAN NATIONAL COMMITTEE on 02/18/04
Mc Daneld, Kent Mr. (Self-Employed/Real Estate), (Zip code: 65616) $500 to REPUBLICAN NATIONAL COMMITTEE on 03/16/04
Williams, Andy Mr. (Moon River Theatre/Entertainer), (Zip code: 65616) $25000 to REPUBLICAN NATIONAL COMMITTEE on 03/08/04
Cushman, Gerald E. Mr. (Self-Employed/Tourist), (Zip code: 65616) $250 to REPUBLICAN NATIONAL COMMITTEE on 04/15/04
Tsahiridis, Christine Ms., (Zip code: 65616) $1000 to REPUBLICAN NATIONAL COMMITTEE on 06/02/04
Tallon, Rick Mr., (Zip code: 65616) $375 to REPUBLICAN NATIONAL COMMITTEE on 08/05/04
Tallon, Rick Mrs., (Zip code: 65616) $375 to REPUBLICAN NATIONAL COMMITTEE on 08/05/04
Herschend, Jack R Mr. (Self-Employed/Co-Owner Theme Parks), (Zip code: 65616) $1000 to REPUBLICAN NATIONAL COMMITTEE on 09/13/04
Herschend, Sharon J Mrs. (Self-Employed/Theme Parks Co-Owner), (Zip code: 65616) $1000 to REPUBLICAN NATIONAL COMMITTEE on 09/14/04
Herschend, Sharon J Mrs. (Self-Employed/Theme Parks Co-Owner), (Zip code: 65616) $1000 to REPUBLICAN NATIONAL COMMITTEE on 09/13/04
Herschend, Peter (Silver Dollar City Inc.), (Zip code: 65616) $4000 to MISSOURI REPUBLICAN STATE COMMITTEE-FEDERAL on 06/19/03
Herschend, Peter (Silver Dollar City Inc./Executive V), (Zip code: 65616) $10000 to MISSOURI REPUBLICAN STATE COMMITTEE-FEDERAL on 10/08/03
Herschend, Peter (Silver Dollar City Inc./Executive V), (Zip code: 65616) $1000] to MISSOURI REPUBLICAN STATE COMMITTEE-FEDERAL on 10/09/03
Herschend, Sherry, (Zip code: 65616) $500 to MISSOURI REPUBLICAN STATE COMMITTEE-FEDERAL on 09/13/04
Arvin, Cheryal O Mrs. (Lagniappe Hosp./Register Nurse/Cert), (Zip code: 65616) $250 to DNC SERVICES CORPORATION/DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL COMMITTEE on 02/05/03
Arvin, Cheryal O Mrs. (Lagniappe Hosp./Register Nurse/Cert), (Zip code: 65616) $250 to DNC SERVICES CORPORATION/DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL COMMITTEE on 06/17/04
Arvin, Cheryal O. O Mrs. (Lagniappe Hosp./Register Nurse/Cert), (Zip code: 65616) $250 to DNC SERVICES CORPORATION/DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL COMMITTEE on 08/06/04
Connell, Pat (Connell Insurors/Insurance Agent), (Zip code: 65615) $250 to INDEPENDENT INSURANCE AGENTS OF AMERICA POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE (INSURPAC) on 03/25/03
Connell, Patrick (Connell Insurors Inc./President), (Zip code: 65615) $250 to INDEPENDENT INSURANCE AGENTS OF AMERICA POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE (INSURPAC) on 04/28/04
Herschend, Peter (Herschend Family Entertainment/Prin), (Zip code: 65616) $250 to IKE SKELTON FOR CONGRESS COMMITTEE on 04/15/04
HERSCHEND, SHARON (SILVER DOLLAR CITY INC), (Zip code: 65616) $300 to NATIONAL REPUBLICAN SENATORIAL COMMITTEE on 07/14/03
HERSCHEND, SHARON (SILVER DOLLAR CITY INC), (Zip code: 65616) $300 to NATIONAL REPUBLICAN SENATORIAL COMMITTEE on 07/16/03
ZIMMERMAN-SAPP, BARBARA J (CJR COMMERCIAL GROUP/Real Estate Br), (Zip code: 65616) $210 to NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE on 05/30/03
GERKEN, KAY L (GERKEN & ASSOCIATES/Real Estate Bro), (Zip code: 65616) $220 to NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE on 05/30/03
GERKEN, DUANE H (GERKEN & ASSOCIATES/Real Estate Bro), (Zip code: 65616) $202 to NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE on 05/30/03
KAY, LA NORA (BRANSON HOMES AND LAND/Real Estate), (Zip code: 65616) $269 to NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE on 06/21/04
MOON, DONNA L (CAROL JONES. REALTORS (BN)/Real Est), (Zip code: 65616) $324 to NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE on 06/21/04
GERKEN, DUANE H (GERKEN & ASSOCIATES/Real Estate Bro), (Zip code: 65616) $250 to NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE on 07/20/04
HARTLEY, ROBERT (MOUNTAINVIEW PRODUCTS), (Zip code: 65616) $300 to NATIONAL REPUBLICAN CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEE on 01/06/03
HAMON, CHRISTOPHER L. (WHITE RIVER VALLEY ELECTRIC), (Zip code: 65615) $300 to NATIONAL REPUBLICAN CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEE on 01/15/03
Bradford, William R Mr. (MESILLA VALLEY TRANSPORTATION INC./), (Zip code: 65616) $625 to NATIONAL REPUBLICAN CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEE on 02/18/03
Salama, Ahmed A Mr. (EMBROIDERY PARADISE INC./BUSINESS O), (Zip code: 65616) $625 to NATIONAL REPUBLICAN CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEE on 02/14/03
Shamblin, Karen J Ms. (APPLIED DIGITAL), (Zip code: 65616) $500 to NATIONAL REPUBLICAN CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEE on 02/07/03
Hall, Robert L Mr. (SYNCOR ENTERTAINMENT INC/PRESIDENT), (Zip code: 65616) $300 to NATIONAL REPUBLICAN CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEE on 02/20/03
Bradford, William R Mr. (MESILLA VALLEY TRANSPORTATION INC./), (Zip code: 65616) $625 to NATIONAL REPUBLICAN CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEE on 03/20/03
Salama, Ahmed A Mr. (EMBROIDERY PARADISE INC./BUSINESS O), (Zip code: 65616) $625 to NATIONAL REPUBLICAN CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEE on 03/17/03
Rich, Gary Mr. (SERVICE DOOR OF THE OZARKS INC/OWNE), (Zip code: 65615) $300 to NATIONAL REPUBLICAN CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEE on 03/12/03
Dutton, Dean Mr. (THE DUTTON FAMILY THEATRE/OWNER), (Zip code: 65616) $300 to NATIONAL REPUBLICAN CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEE on 05/06/03
Stennett, Charles A Mr. (CHARLIE`S STEAK RIBS AND ALE/OWNER), (Zip code: 65616) $500 to NATIONAL REPUBLICAN CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEE on 05/23/03
Hartley, Robert R Mr. (Mountainview Products), (Zip code: 65616) $500 to NATIONAL REPUBLICAN CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEE on 06/30/03
Salama, Ahmed A Mr. (Embroidery Paradise Inc./Business O), (Zip code: 65616) $300 to NATIONAL REPUBLICAN CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEE on 06/06/03
Hamon, Christopher L Mr. (White River Valley Electric Coop./O), (Zip code: 65615) $300 to NATIONAL REPUBLICAN CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEE on 07/24/03
Salama, Ahmed A Mr. (Embroidery Paradise Inc./Business O), (Zip code: 65616) $300 to NATIONAL REPUBLICAN CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEE on 07/02/03
La Core, Shirley A Ms. (self/Publisher), (Zip code: 65615) $300 to NATIONAL REPUBLICAN CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEE on 07/01/03
Smith, Barbara (Coldwell Banker/Owner), (Zip code: 65616) $600 to NATIONAL REPUBLICAN CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEE on 08/14/03
Stennett, Charles A Mr. (Stennett Properties/President), (Zip code: 65616) $300 to NATIONAL REPUBLICAN CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEE on 09/22/03
Salama, Ahmed A Mr. (Embroidery Paradise Inc./President), (Zip code: 65616) $1250 to NATIONAL REPUBLICAN CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEE on 09/04/03
Wegis, William Mr. (Diversified Dirtworks/excavation/Ow), (Zip code: 65616) $300 to NATIONAL REPUBLICAN CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEE on 11/10/03
Williams, Julie Mrs. (Branson Nephrology/Administrator), (Zip code: 65616) $300 to NATIONAL REPUBLICAN CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEE on 11/19/03
Besser, Randall D Mr. (Mo's Old Time Photos/Owner), (Zip code: 65616) $500 to NATIONAL REPUBLICAN CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEE on 11/18/03
Hintz, David Mr. (Tri Lakes Diagnostic Tech/President), (Zip code: 65616) $350 to NATIONAL REPUBLICAN CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEE on 11/24/03
JUSTUS, JOHN W MR. (Retired/Retired), (Zip code: 65616) $500 to NATIONAL REPUBLICAN CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEE on 12/19/03
STAFFORD, ANN B MS. (Stafford Theater/Co-owner), (Zip code: 65616) $750 to NATIONAL REPUBLICAN CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEE on 12/12/03
MC DANELD, KENT MR., (Zip code: 65616) $200 to NATIONAL REPUBLICAN CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEE on 12/19/03
HAMON, CHRISTOPHER L MR. (White River Valley Electric Coop./O), (Zip code: 65615) $300 to NATIONAL REPUBLICAN CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEE on 12/18/03
SALAMA, AHMED A MR. (Embroidery Paradise Inc./President), (Zip code: 65616) $750 to NATIONAL REPUBLICAN CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEE on 12/02/03
Stafford, Ann B Ms. (Stafford Theater/Co-owner), (Zip code: 65616) $750 to NATIONAL REPUBLICAN CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEE on 01/12/04
Salama, Ahmed A Mr. (Self/President), (Zip code: 65616) $750 to NATIONAL REPUBLICAN CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEE on 01/02/04
Salama, Ahmed A Mr. (Self/President), (Zip code: 65616) $300 to NATIONAL REPUBLICAN CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEE on 02/02/04
Hamon, Christopher L Mr. (White River Valley Electric Coop./G), (Zip code: 65615) $300 to NATIONAL REPUBLICAN CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEE on 03/16/04
Salama, Ahmed A Mr. (Embroidery Paradise Inc/President), (Zip code: 65616) $250 to NATIONAL REPUBLICAN CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEE on 03/23/04
White, Deborah A Mrs. (Fairfield Resorts Inc/Dist Prop Mgr), (Zip code: 65616) $300 to NATIONAL REPUBLICAN CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEE on 03/11/04
Buchanan, Kenneth Mr. (Rozell Survey Co./Owner), (Zip code: 65616) $500 to NATIONAL REPUBLICAN CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEE on 03/29/04
Salama, Ahmed A Mr. (Embroidery Paradise Inc/President), (Zip code: 65616) $250 to NATIONAL REPUBLICAN CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEE on 04/27/04
Salama, Ahmed A Mr. (Embobroidery Paradise Inc./Presiden), (Zip code: 65616) $1250 to NATIONAL REPUBLICAN CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEE on 07/01/04
Hamon, Christopher L Mr. (White River Valley Electric Co/Ceo), (Zip code: 65615) $300 to NATIONAL REPUBLICAN CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEE on 09/08/04
Herschend, Sharon Mrs. (Self/Owner), (Zip code: 65616) $500 to NATIONAL REPUBLICAN CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEE on 09/14/04
Gillespie, Robert (Alaska Down South/President), (Zip code: 65616) $350 to NATIONAL FEDERATION OF INDEPENDENT BUSINESS/ SAVE AMERICA'S FREE ENTERPRISE TRUST on 03/10/04
Gillespie, Robert (Alaska Down South/President), (Zip code: 65616) $350 to NATIONAL FEDERATION OF INDEPENDENT BUSINESS/ SAVE AMERICA'S FREE ENTERPRISE TRUST on 07/28/04
Earls, Scottie (N/A/Retired), (Zip code: 65616) $1000 to MISSOURI DEMOCRATIC STATE COMMITTEE on 03/31/03
DANNER, KATHLEEN STEELE (SLOPE COMMUNITY ENTERPRISE), (Zip code: 65616) $1000 to MIKULSKI FOR SENATE COMMITTEE on 03/31/03
Herschend, Jo Dee, (Zip code: 65616) $1000 to HASTERT FOR CONGRESS COMMITTEE on 03/12/03
Herschend, Peter F., (Zip code: 65616) $1000 to HASTERT FOR CONGRESS COMMITTEE on 03/12/03
DANNER, KATHLEEN, (Zip code: 65616) $500 to MISSOURIANS FOR KIT BOND on 03/31/03
HERSCHEND, JO DEE (HOUSEWIFE), (Zip code: 65616) $1000 to MISSOURIANS FOR KIT BOND on 03/04/03
HERSCHEND, PETER (SILVER DOLLAR CITY INC), (Zip code: 65616) $500 to MISSOURIANS FOR KIT BOND on 01/07/03
HERSCHEND, PETER (SILVER DOLLAR CITY INC), (Zip code: 65616) $500 to MISSOURIANS FOR KIT BOND on 03/31/03
WHITE, DEBBIE JO (KANAKUK), (Zip code: 65616) $1000 to MISSOURIANS FOR KIT BOND on 03/31/03
HERSCHEND, PETER (SILVER DOLLAR CITY INC), (Zip code: 65616) $1500 to MISSOURIANS FOR KIT BOND on 06/30/03
HERSCHEND, JO DEE (HOUSEWIFE), (Zip code: 65616) $500 to MISSOURIANS FOR KIT BOND on 06/30/03
HERSCHEND, SHARON (OWNER), (Zip code: 65616) $200 to MISSOURIANS FOR KIT BOND on 05/29/03
HERSCHEND, JO DEE (HOUSEWIFE), (Zip code: 65616) $500 to MISSOURIANS FOR KIT BOND on 07/22/03
WHITE, DEBBIE JO (KANAKUK), (Zip code: 65616) $1000 to MISSOURIANS FOR KIT BOND on 07/25/03
Debbie Jo White (Kanakuk Kamps/Camp Director), (Zip code: 65616) $2000 to FRIENDS OF ROY BLUNT on 06/23/03
Sherry Herschend (Not Applicable/housewife), (Zip code: 65616) $1000 to FRIENDS OF ROY BLUNT on 09/08/03
Peter F. Herschend (Silver Dollar City Inc./Executive), (Zip code: 65616) $2000 to FRIENDS OF ROY BLUNT on 01/27/03
Rick Huffman (HCW LLC/CEO - Owner), (Zip code: 65616) $2000 to FRIENDS OF ROY BLUNT on 03/07/03
Dee Herschend, Jo (Not Applicable/Homemaker), (Zip code: 65616) $2000 to FRIENDS OF ROY BLUNT on 10/08/03
Earls, Charles (Self Employed/Broadcaster), (Zip code: 65616) $1000 to FRIENDS OF ROY BLUNT on 03/18/04
Herschend, Sherry (Not Applicable/housewife), (Zip code: 65616) $1000 to FRIENDS OF ROY BLUNT on 03/17/04
Presley, Raeanne (Presleys Inc./Secretary), (Zip code: 65616) $250 to FRIENDS OF ROY BLUNT on 04/02/04
White, Debbie Jo (Kanakuk Kamps/Camp Director), (Zip code: 65616) $1000 to FRIENDS OF ROY BLUNT on 04/02/04
McDowell, Robert (Ride the Ducks/Owner), (Zip code: 65615) $250 to FRIENDS OF ROY BLUNT on 09/10/04
Herschend, Peter (Silver Dollar City/Principal), (Zip code: 65616) $1000 to SPIRIT OF AMERICA PAC on 03/03/04
Herschend, Peter (Silver Dollar City/Principal), (Zip code: 65616) $1000 to SPIRIT OF AMERICA PAC on 08/24/04
HERSCHEND, SHARON (SELF-HERSCHEND FAM ENTRTAINMNT/THEM), (Zip code: 65616) $2000 to CAMPAIGN FOR WORKING FAMILIES on 07/16/03
HERSCHEND, SHARON (SELF-HERSCHEND FAM ENTRTAINMNT/THEM), (Zip code: 65616) $2000 to CAMPAIGN FOR WORKING FAMILIES on 05/18/04
HERSCHEND, SHARON (SELF-HERSCHEND FAM ENTRTAINMNT/THEM), (Zip code: 65616) $500 to CAMPAIGN FOR WORKING FAMILIES on 06/21/04
Herschend Peter F. (Silver Dollar City/Co-Owner), (Zip code: 65616) $500 to TODD AKIN FOR CONGRESS on 05/29/03
Herschend, Peter F. (Silver Dollar City/Co-Owner), (Zip code: 65616) $2000 to TODD AKIN FOR CONGRESS on 10/04/04
DANNER, KATHLEEN STEELE (ATHENA CONSULTING LLC), (Zip code: 65616) $500 to FRIENDS OF HILLARY on 08/12/03
Hoberock, Thomas R (Surgeon), (Zip code: 65616) $250 to AMERICAN COLLEGE OF SURGEONS PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATION PAC on 02/19/03
Hoberock, Thomas R (Surgeon), (Zip code: 65616) $200 to AMERICAN COLLEGE OF SURGEONS PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATION PAC on 05/23/03
Hoberock, Thomas (Surgeon), (Zip code: 65616) $250 to AMERICAN COLLEGE OF SURGEONS PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATION PAC on 02/19/03
Herschend, Sherry, (Zip code: 65616) $500 to FRESHMEN PAC on 09/14/04
Huffman, Richard (Grand Vista LLC/CEO), (Zip code: 65616) $1000 to GEPHARDT FOR PRESIDENT INC. on 03/28/03
Williams, Marci (Grand Vista LLC/COO), (Zip code: 65615) $1000 to GEPHARDT FOR PRESIDENT INC. on 03/28/03
Akers, Edd (Akers Arney Insurance Agent/Insuran), (Zip code: 65615) $500 to GEPHARDT FOR PRESIDENT INC. on 08/27/03
Danner, Kathleen Steele (Swope Community Enterprises/Vice Pr), (Zip code: 65616) $2000 to GEPHARDT FOR PRESIDENT INC. on 08/27/03
Huffman, Rick Mr. (H C W LLC/Attorney), (Zip code: 65616) $500 to RUSS CARNAHAN FOR CONGRESS COMMITTEE on 06/30/04
Akers, Edd (Akers & Arney Insurance Assoc./Insu), (Zip code: 65615) $500 to STOLL 2004 on 02/27/04
Epps, Harold (Tri-State Utilities/President), (Zip code: 65616) $500 to STOLL 2004 on 02/04/04
Akers, Edd (Akers & Arney Insurance Assoc./Insu), (Zip code: 65615) $250 to STOLL 2004 on 06/30/04
Epps, Harold (Tri-State Utilities/President), (Zip code: 65616) $500 to STOLL 2004 on 06/30/04
Ruda, Dan (Table Rock Investments LLC/Develope), (Zip code: 65616) $500 to STOLL 2004 on 06/08/04
Styron, Harry (Styron Law Firm/Attorney), (Zip code: 65616) $250 to STOLL 2004 on 06/30/04
Herschend, Jo Dee Mrs. (Self-Employed/Co-Owner), (Zip code: 65616) $1000 to BUSH-CHENEY '04 (PRIMARY) INC. on 06/30/03
Herschend, Peter F. Mr. (Self-Employed/Owner), (Zip code: 65616) $1000 to BUSH-CHENEY '04 (PRIMARY) INC. on 06/30/03
Williams, Andy Mr. (Self-Employed/Entertainer), (Zip code: 65616) $2000 to BUSH-CHENEY '04 (PRIMARY) INC. on 06/30/03
Williams, Deborah Mrs., (Zip code: 65616) $2000 to BUSH-CHENEY '04 (PRIMARY) INC. on 06/30/03
HERSCHEND, JACK R. MR. (SELF-EMPLOYED/CO-OWNER THEME PARKS), (Zip code: 65616) $1000 to BUSH-CHENEY '04 (PRIMARY) INC. on 07/15/03
HERSCHEND, JACK R. MR. (SELF-EMPLOYED/CO-OWNER THEME PARKS), (Zip code: 65616) $1000 to BUSH-CHENEY '04 (PRIMARY) INC. on 07/25/03
HERSCHEND, SHARON JUNE MRS. (SELF-EMPLOYED/CO-OWNER THEME PARKS), (Zip code: 65616) $1000 to BUSH-CHENEY '04 (PRIMARY) INC. on 07/15/03
HERSCHEND, SHARON JUNE MRS. (SELF-EMPLOYED/CO-OWNER THEME PARKS), (Zip code: 65616) $1000 to BUSH-CHENEY '04 (PRIMARY) INC. on 07/25/03
HERSCHEND, JO DEE MRS. (SILVER DOLLAR CITY/CO-OWNER), (Zip code: 65616) $1000 to BUSH-CHENEY '04 (PRIMARY) INC. on 11/07/03
HERSCHEND, PETER F. MR. (SILVER DOLLAR CITY/OWNER), (Zip code: 65616) $1000 to BUSH-CHENEY '04 (PRIMARY) INC. on 11/07/03
HARTLEY, RICHARD MR. (SELF EMPLOYED/PRESIDENT), (Zip code: 65616) $2000 to BUSH-CHENEY '04 (PRIMARY) INC. on 02/25/04
GOODWIN, CHARLEY D MR. JR., (Zip code: 65616) $250 to BUSH-CHENEY '04 (PRIMARY) INC. on 03/29/04
PETERS, RANAE MRS., (Zip code: 65616) $500 to BUSH-CHENEY '04 (PRIMARY) INC. on 04/09/04
WHITE, DEBBIE J MRS. (KANAKUK KAMPS INC./VICE PRESIDENT), (Zip code: 65616) $2000 to BUSH-CHENEY '04 (PRIMARY) INC. on 04/01/04
WHITE, JOE T MR. (KANAKUK KAMPS INC./PRESIDENT), (Zip code: 65616) $2000 to BUSH-CHENEY '04 (PRIMARY) INC. on 04/01/04
GOODWIN, CHARLEY D MR. JR., (Zip code: 65616) $250 to BUSH-CHENEY '04 (PRIMARY) INC. on 06/10/04
KLEIN, N. S MRS. (RETIRED), (Zip code: 65616) $200 to BUSH-CHENEY '04 (PRIMARY) INC. on 06/21/04
Herschend, Peter F. (Herscherd Family Entertainment/Vice), (Zip code: 65616) $8333 to 7TH DISTRICT CONGRESSIONAL REPUBLICAN COMMITTEE FEDERAL ACCOUNT on 09/29/03
Herschend, Peter F. (Herscherd Family Entertainment/Vice), (Zip code: 65616) $8333 to 7TH DISTRICT CONGRESSIONAL REPUBLICAN COMMITTEE FEDERAL ACCOUNT on 02/19/04
Wehr Jr., Arno A. JR (Self-Employed/Resort owner), (Zip code: 65616) $200 to 7TH DISTRICT CONGRESSIONAL REPUBLICAN COMMITTEE FEDERAL ACCOUNT on 02/04/04
Herschend, Jo Dee (none/Home Maker), (Zip code: 65616) $8333 to 7TH DISTRICT CONGRESSIONAL REPUBLICAN COMMITTEE FEDERAL ACCOUNT on 07/21/04
Danner, Stephen L (Self employed/Attorney), (Zip code: 65615) $250 to CLARK FOR PRESIDENT INC on 12/04/03
DUNAVANT, LES, (Zip code: 65616) $1000 to HUMPHREYS FOR SENATE INC on 06/11/04
Danner, Kathleen (Self Employed/Consultant), (Zip code: 65616) $500 to CLEAVER FOR CONGRESS on 08/24/04
Herschend, Peter F. (Silver Dollar City Inc./President), (Zip code: 65616) $10000 to BOND SENATE VICTORY COMMITTEE on 07/29/04
2/04/2007 3:43 PM
Also---consider Deborah L. Demien of Building God's Way, and Blunt's attempt to name Whitmore Smith to this state board.
They might be exactly what you want.
2/04/2007 4:00 PM
Mike, this is a serious question, not starting a fight. I too am a parent and I don't support the takeover because the state has not shown they have any sort of plan. They just say to let three politicians with no personal connection to the schools pick three people to run it, and trust that those three people will somehow make things "better." Can you explain to me how you think this lack of a plan is a better option than sticking with a superintendent as loved as Diana Bourisaw, who has a plan, who has already greatly improved morale among the teachers, and who just simply exudes a feeling of truly caring about our kids? If you haven't had the pleasure of meeting her, I hope you get to soon. She's visiting every school personally.
2/04/2007 4:02 PM
I am looking at the three responses to my post and will counter the 3 main points as I see them:
1. I have not met Dr. Bouirsaw, but my wife has and was impressed with her. If she is the right person for the superintendant's position, then by all means, I support her staying. But, I have not heard anything that would suggest that if the state takes-over, she is gone. Has anyone else heard anything solid in this regard?
2. As to the state not having a plan, what plan does the current board have? For where I sit, I see Dr Bourisaw with a plan (one based largely on Creg William's plan), but have not seen anyhting substantial from current board members, or from candidates for the board. Also, if I remember correctly, the mayor's slate in '03 had a plan and ran on it. So, having a plan or not having a plan should not hold back the state from fulfilling its responsibility to provide the education.
3. Which leads me to the last point made in response to my post, that I should fear a state take-over because the out-state Republicans control the state government and the state board of education. Actually, that response is at the heart of my arguement: we in Missouri have not made the state live-up to its responsibility to provide a top-notch system of free public education. If the Republicans are in charge of a state government that will not live-up to this responsibility, then the Democrats should make improving education their clarion call in the next election to take back the reins of power. If my memory of the past few state-wide elections serves me right, the state-wide elections have centered upon abortion, stem-cell research, conceal and carry, gay marriage, and other "value issues", none of which would have the deep and lasting impact on this state as improving its system of public education. So if you are afraid because the Republican controlled state government will move-in and take-over, then make education THE issue to get them out of office and replace them with folks who will make education THE issue to make Missouri a better state.
2/04/2007 5:09 PM
Thanks Mike, for responding to me (I'm the other parent). I don't see that the Board members need to have a plan, their job is to approve the superintendent's plan (or not) and then make sure she is able to implement it. They are not the educators, she is. The three Board members who were appointed/anointed by the mayor have made it very clear they do not like Bourisaw. I take that as an indication of his feelings, since they are all working in lockstep. That's what makes me think she's gone if the state takes over and he and Blunt get two of the three votes on the appointed board. The whole idea of the state taking over is that things are so bad they have to, so why would they keep anyone who, in their mind, has made things bad? I see them cleaning house completely if they get the chance. We can't risk another setback just when we have a good superintendent who has some momentum started.
2/04/2007 7:27 PM
Notice the complete negativity towards Bourisaw in the Post Dispatch----they have yet to acknowledge that she has done anything right----and they are not willing to say anything against the Slay appointees.
One concrete thing is the replacement of substitute teachers with permanent teachers. The fact that Bourisaw has trust and confidence from teachers and parents----at a level much higher than Williams just seems to make her a suspect character among the powers that be----Blunt, Slay and the Post Dispatch editorial board.
2/04/2007 9:14 PM
I support the state take-over and I hope not only does it lead to a stabilized district, but I hope that it does open the door to more options for parents.
As a parent of a child in a Magnet school I see my self as being both Lucky and fortunate. I tried for three years to get my child in the Magnet program before he was finally accepted. That is why I support school choice, not all parents are so lucky. Most are not in a position like Mike where they can afford to pay for private education either.
Our local school was not meeting my goals for my childs education and I was not able to afford private education. I have heard about the violence, uncaring teachers and poorly managed instructional time found in other schools and I feel for those children who are stuck in those schools. In another post a parent poses the question "why should a child be subjected to these learning environments?" and compares it to leaving a child in a "burning building". I would say it's more like forcing a family to live in an asbestos & lead contaminated dwelling when there are other homes available.
People continue to ask that we sacrifice our children so that these teachers have their jobs. To me that's no different than Bush sacrificing the lives of our young (mostly poor) children so that the oil companies can continue to reap their huge profits. They are not sacrificing their children, just like these teachers and legislators are not sacrificing theirs. By the way, I don't believe Mr. French has children in the district either.
State records show that SLPS was failing before Slay, before Schoemel and before Roberti. Yes, they added to the mess - but they sure as hell didn't create it. A parent should have the same rights to take their child out of this system, just as they can determin their childs diet. Our taxes pay for the food stamps that the poor use to shop with and we don't tell them were to shop or what types of food to buy; so why do we deny them the right to use tax dollars for what best suits their families?
2/04/2007 10:53 PM
Mike, you are absolutely correct:
(1)No one has said that Bourisaw would loose her positon. The proposed take-over is targeted at the incredibly disfunctional school board; (2)Bourisaw is following Criag Williams' plan with very few changes; and (3)the teachers union continues these attempts at making us fear the Boogyman, if Republicans want to help urban childen, let them start with mine.
Anon 9:14 said "they have yet to acknowledge that she has done anything right". I don't recall Purdy or Downs acknowledging anything that Williams did. Yet he was the one who began the partnership with SLU to offer college course to high school seniors, opend up two 9th grade centers to create better learning environments for high school freshman and re-opened Northwest as a High School after the failed attemps of previous boards, and quickened the pace of getting schools in the district air conditioned.
2/04/2007 11:12 PM
Antonio said . . .Perhaps they should should clean their own houses before they point out the failures of the city schools.
Perhaps you should have some children before you suggest what is best for mine!
2/04/2007 11:12 PM
Creg Williams did start ninth grade academies and the partnerhsips with colleges. He also overloaded magnet schools, alienated the staff and turned the district into a dictatorship with a clique of his friends brought in from out of state to run it.
If you will look at Bourisaw's new plan it is much different than Williams' plan. Her plan actually has details to it and doesn't require multi-millions the district doesn't have.
As for the PD, I've seen people on here gripe about Steve Geigerich. Did anyone notice his boss at the PD, the education editor, was sitting beside him at the DESE public comment session. She's never been at a school board meeting before that I noticed, but I bet she had a big hand in writing that editorial.
I expect Slay's crowd will come out with another blow against the elected board before the state school board meeting on Feb. 15-16. They just don't stop.
2/04/2007 11:28 PM
You take-over crowd, not a flippin clue between you. That the Slay group in 2003 ran on a plan? Like turning the district over to the Roberti crowd from New York for $5,000,000 plus expenses? Like that plan? Not a word of it during the campaign. Not a word. What world do you live in?
2/05/2007 12:43 AM
I have one word for takeover proponents: sabotage. State and local government is unhappy with public education as it has been. If they have a plan at all it is to simply shift money from one place or person to another.
The solution when my nephew was a student at SLPS and when my son was a SLPS student was SPEND THE MONEY.
The state has no plan. The mayor's plan is to creat charter schools which by all measurements here and in other parts of the country aren't better that traditional public schools.
Having a plan is all that Creg Williams accomplished. Otherwise, his actions made things worse. He forced the principal at my son's school to admit an 18 year old student with 3 credits toward graduation to the 12th grade.
The state cannot run the SLPS any better than the current board with the budget that is now in place.
State takeover and tax credits (vouchers) are 2 sides of the same coin. That coin is privatization of public education. That is the personal agenda of the current State Board of Education as previously noted.
Smart people will look around the country to see what other urban districts have become since their State has taken over their districts. If you look into Oakland, CA and Balitmore, MD you'll see private companies like Edison schools making a lot of money and not improving the quality of education. Those States simply redirected the money from the public schools into the hands of business owners. They went a long way toward busting the teacher's unions too. I think it's immoral to underfund education. I think it's immoral to use a child's education as a battle ground to overpower unions.
A person could also learn something by studying States that have excellent public education. What do you suppose the obvious difference might be? The adults in those States value children and want ot help them have a productive life. So, guess what, they PAY to educate them. There isn't any political wrangling over who should pay or how much. Examine the performance of public education in Iowa. Examine rural education in MO and ask any principal what they could do with the same amount of money a principal in Iowa gets. What Slay and his minions have done to sabotage the SLPS is immoral because they reduced the accreditation score of the district and put the district on the brink of financial insolvancy.
I feel fortunate that my son is a recent graduate. There is NO WAY I would want him in any district run by this State Board of Education or their contractors.
2/05/2007 7:54 AM
Keep your hands off my child said...
Antonio said . . .Perhaps they should should clean their own houses before they point out the failures of the city schools.
Perhaps you should have some children before you suggest what is best for mine!
2/04/2007 11:12 PM
It's so strange that some people who support State takeover live outside the district and we know nothing about them. And yet, others demand that you be a parent before you have an opinion.
2/05/2007 7:59 AM
Mike said . . "the mayor's slate in '03 had a plan and ran on it. So, having a plan or not having a plan should not hold back the state from fulfilling its responsibility to provide the education."
I agree with him. Having a plan does not neccessarily mean you have the children of the district in mind. The state should have stepped in a long time ago; but not doing so then, does not preclude the state from stepping in now.
Why should I continue to allow my children to be exposed to a failing system just becuase others choose to do so? Is it because I am poor? That is just like the hundreds of people who have been wrongly incarcerated simply because they could not afford a good attorney. But, then again, what's a few years of a person's life wrongly spent in the penitentiary? Apparently nothing to most of you bleeding heart union supporters - until it's your son or daughter!
Sure the majorit of teachers (public defenders) are good, competant people. Sure some of the schools (jails) are better than others. Sure some of the School Board members (parole board members)care more than others.
However the overall system has problems that has caused far to many people to be subjected to unfairness and change is needed.
2/05/2007 8:02 AM
Smead Hearn, if your concern is that charter schools fail to meet your expectations why don't you get up off you behind and start one of your own.
I agree with Brian, dont force me to be ap part of your dreams, just because I can't afford to get out and have not been lucky enough to win the Magent School Lottery!
It's so refreshingto other share the same views I do that our children should not have to be sacrificed, just so that the union can survive. Let the union start a school for their members and see how many children show up!
2/05/2007 8:10 AM
If my memory of the past few state-wide elections serves me right, the state-wide elections have centered upon abortion, stem-cell research, conceal and carry, gay marriage, and other "value issues", none of which would have the deep and lasting impact on this state as improving its system of public education. So if you are afraid because the Republican controlled state government will move-in and take-over, then make education THE issue to get them out of office and replace them with folks who will make education THE issue to make Missouri a better state.
2/04/2007 5:09 PM
Mike,
Maybe you haven't been keeping up with current events, but trusting the democratic process is what people have done and want to continue to do. A State takeover would CIRCUMVENT the democractic process.
Also, you may have noticed that for years and years, the State has withheld millions of dollars worth of funds earmarked for public education. The State has not taken an interest in public education for decades. It took Federal intervention before. Here we are again and this time we have a weak mayor, too. It's time to let the local people decide. That opportunity is 2 months away but some politicians urgently want a takeover before we have an opportunity to vote.
2/05/2007 8:42 AM
As a childless city taxpayer, I frankly don't give a damn either.
2/05/2007 8:49 AM
It's too bad, all of you political experts don't know or don't care to know that Bill Kincaid was appointed by Vince Schoemehl. Mayor Slay reaapointed him when no one else wanted the job. If any of you had one ounce of brains you'd be dangerous, know you're just impotent.
2/05/2007 9:05 AM
Thomas Jefferson noticed and said this so many years ago, "Men by their makeup are naturally divided into two camps: those who fear and distrust the people and wish to draw all powers from them into the hands of higher classes; and those who identify themselves with the people, have confidence in them, cherish and consider them the safest and most honest, if not always the wisest repository of the public interest. These two camps exist in every country, and wherever men are free to think, speak, and write, they will identify themselves."
2/05/2007 10:08 AM
Anonymous said...
Smead Hearn, if your concern is that charter schools fail to meet your expectations why don't you get up off you behind and start one of your own.
I agree with Brian, dont force me to be ap part of your dreams, just because I can't afford to get out and have not been lucky enough to win the Magent School Lottery!
It's so refreshingto other share the same views I do that our children should not have to be sacrificed, just so that the union can survive. Let the union start a school for their members and see how many children show up!
2/05/2007 8:10 AM
It might be that we are on the same side! Maybe we have the same dream, giving our kids a quailty education. I don't want to re-invent the wheel by putting resources into charter schools. I say put all of our resources into public education. The Magnet schools should tell us how much money it takes to educate a child well. I'm not advocating for dividing the pie differently. I say fund all the schools the same way. Give every school in the SLPS the same resources we used to give the Magnet Schools.
Also, don't forget history. Unions didn't organize spontaneously and without cause or inspiration. The organized in response to administrators who wanted to make school districts top-heavy. Teacher's unions speak out about a lot of things besides making more money. Teachers should be well paid, whether they are union or not.
From what I can tell neither you nor Brian have taken the time to delve into the issue very deeply. I've been involved on some level with the SLPS for 14 years and I can tell you things have been a lot better and the potential remains for things to be restored. State takeover and it's cousin, tax credits (vouchers), will not be restorative. Why do you think non-public schools and charter schools are salivating at the prospect of vouchers? THEY know that more money means a better education.
PUT MORE MONEY INTO PUBLIC EDUCATION STATEWIDE!! PROBLEM SOLVED.
2/05/2007 10:33 AM
Anonymous said...2/05/2007 9:05 AM
It's too bad, all of you political experts don't know or don't care to know that Bill Kincaid was appointed by Vince Schoemehl. Mayor Slay reaapointed him when no one else wanted the job. If any of you had one ounce of brains you'd be dangerous, know you're just impotent.
Well that's just it, isn't it. Public School Boards were created to insulate the schools from politics. Before then, politicians tried to use the schools to their advantage when they so chose. So, this is what you get when politicians try to weasel their way into something they know nothing about and care nothing about.
Perhaps YOU are a political expert but you fall short as an astute historian.
Are you telling us everything about the history of Dr. Kincaid's position, about the Health Dept. Maybe, just maybe, there are too many politicians with their hands on something they know nothing about. So, maybe no reasonable and ethical professional would want the job. Maybe Kincaid needed a job badly when none of his colleagues would touch the position.
2/05/2007 10:41 AM
Interesting, all these "parents" coming out of nowhere to write on a blog about how supportive they are of takeover. And where were you all at the public hearing at Harris Stowe, when all of us parents who prioritize this issue came out overwhelmingly against it? Oh, I see, because one person can look like a crowd writing lots of anonymous posts on a blog, but it's hard to deny that you aren't a crowd when you have to show up in person.
2/05/2007 12:39 PM
We are blogging on here so that others know there is another point of view. Some of us saw no point in going to the meeting at Harris-Stowe because the writng was on the wall that it was nothing more than a 420 rally. Those who are in the Union have showed no interest in allowing others to speak, as evidenced by the booing and other noises that are made when we speak at the regular Board meetings.
All of these wonderful historians who have talked about what Slay did, what Jefferson said, and what the Republicans are going to do; yet none have answered the question as to why children should be sacrificed in this system until things are made better.
I am a supporter of public schools and have been actively doing so at all levels. I, however, choose not to jepordize my childrens futures while I work on making the system better. When all of you have gone the way of the dinosaur, it will be me who my children hold accountable for the education they received.
The fight should be with those who refuse to adequately fund education, not withthose who choose to educate their child outside of the "public" system. The SLPS Board, the NAACP and others could have long ago worked to ensure that schools were equally funded across the full spectrum of SLPS rather than creating a sub-sytem of "Magnet" schools that a parent had to be lucky (or well conected)to get their child into.
As a person of the Catholic faith, I can support a woman's right to choose without that abortion being a choice for me. The same thing applies to education - I can support a parents right to choose w/o traditional public schools being the choice for me. In either case, if a person is to poor to afford the "choice", the government should step in and help.
2/05/2007 2:48 PM
Helen Louise said...
Thomas Jefferson noticed and said this so many years ago, "Men by their makeup are naturally divided into two camps: those who fear and distrust the people and wish to draw all powers from them into the hands of higher classes; and those who identify themselves with the people, have confidence in them, cherish and consider them the safest and most honest, if not always the wisest repository of the public interest. These two camps exist in every country, and wherever men are free to think, speak, and write, they will identify themselves."
2/05/2007 10:08 AM
This is very true. Many people are afraid of change because 1) they believe that they will loose power or 2) they are afraid the future might be worse, but they give up the possibility that the future might be better.
I hope that I can get people to think out of the box and that the future could be better.
Maurice
2/05/2007 2:50 PM
PUT MORE MONEY INTO PUBLIC EDUCATION STATEWIDE!! PROBLEM SOLVED.
2/05/2007 10:33 AM
No the problem is not solved. Throwing money into the mix does nothing without a plan as to how it will be spent.
Many administrations (not all) are overpaid and overstaffed while the class doesn't have current textbooks or the copier is out of paper.
Maurice St. Pierre
school board candidate
"the board needs a saint!"
2/05/2007 3:01 PM
Liberal Catholic, your comment about supporting a woman's right to choose while not having an abortion yourself hardly relates to choosing a school for your child.
As a Catholic, you have a right to sacrifice a bit monetarily to send your child to a Catholic school, but since you are for a woman's right to murder her unborn baby, perhaps this point won't quite hit the mark the mark with you either.
Your positions in either case, abortion or education, seem to prefer choices that don't entail any sacrifice on your part.
2/05/2007 3:35 PM
Liberal Catholic (Is there such a person?)said: "Some of us saw no point in going to the meeting at Harris-Stowe because the writng was on the wall that it was nothing more than a 420 rally. Those who are in the Union have showed no interest in allowing others to speak, as evidenced by the booing and other noises that are made when we speak at the regular Board meetings."
The meeting you called a 420 rally was a meeting put on by the State Department of Education. I am a Local 420 member and have never booed anyone. How do you know all those who make a noise at regular board meetings are union members? Do you attend Local 420 meetings to identify union members?
You didn't come out to the meeting because you don't care enough to be involved.
2/05/2007 3:42 PM
Anon 3:35 . . I sacrifice my personal time every day working to ensure that people are able to enjoy the freedom of choice that we have been (or should be)endowed with. What a woman does with her body should remain beween her and GOD. I don't have to stand with her on the Day of Judgement and neither do you.
Likewise, you won't be around when my children are grown and reflecting on their past education. So don't tell me about sacrificing! You sound like the same foolish people that are supporting Bush's call to allow more children to die so that Exxon and Halliburton can continue to reap the huge profits they are receiving on the backs of our children.
2/05/2007 3:53 PM
PEOPLE, WHAT WE HAVE HERE IS A MATTER OF POLITICS! SHOULD NOT BE A SURPRISE.
2/05/2007 4:35 PM
Liberal Catholic: I too believe a woman should choose what she can do with her body, but it's not her body being snuffed out; it's her baby's body. I'm a woman and do with my body what I want; but I haven't begun a baby's life only to take it before or after birth.
And, no, I'm not with Bush, Halliburton, Exxon, or anyone else where our young people's lives are sacrificed for an unwinnable war or where Iraqi children lose their lives either. By the way, I'm not for Israeli children losing their lives either to suicide bombers.
2/05/2007 4:35 PM
Mr. Fat Nutts said...
PEOPLE, WHAT WE HAVE HERE IS A MATTER OF POLITICS! SHOULD NOT BE A SURPRISE.
I agree, but there are several ways to interpret just what the politics are.
My take is that Slay is essentially more of a republican than a democrat---what he did in 2003 was one way to push the corporate agenda----now, in 2007 that he has a republican to work with in Jefferson City he has no problem disenfranchising the largely democratic voters who have not been voting the way he tells them to.
2/05/2007 5:16 PM
Liberal Catholic, that's fine, educate your children as you see fit. But don't tell those of us who are committed to public schools that you should get to choose how our schools are governed. We don't come into your Catholic school and declare how you should do things or throw out your administration. So don't think you should have the right to do that to us.
And that's a loser of an argument about the hearings. If there were that many of you out there and you had cared enough to show up, your opinion would have been heard when they called your name, just like everyone else. Even O'Brien got to finish her statement. There just aren't that many takeover proponents and it isn't that important to you, like it is to all of us who did show up.
2/05/2007 6:15 PM
So Anon4:35 - You do support children wasting their time trying to get an education in the confusion that is St. Louis Public School. You won't sacrifice bodies, but will sacrifice minds - that's as pitiful as telling a woman what is best for her life situation. In an ideal world people would be responsible to practice abstinance untilt hey are ready for children or people would make use of the many contraceptives that are available. But as evidenced by the SLPS BoE, we are not living in an ideal word. An unwanted pregnancy is bad enough without bringing an unwanted child into the world. Why not let GOD be the judge and get off your high horse?
Beside all that - you still haven't answered the question: Why should I sacrifice my children in this mess, just because you choose to sacrifice yours. You are as hypocritical as your president - he hasn't sent his daughters into harms way (they were in vacation in Trinidad last I heard), but he is quick to send the children of others. Those are some real good Christian values!!!!!!!!
2/05/2007 7:25 PM
Anon6:35 - I don't need your permission to educate my children as I "see fit",I'm going to do that anyway.
I have nver said one-way-or-another what my position is on the possibilty of athe state taking control of the District. But before you go getting things all wrong you should know that I DON'T. I beleive that those who have children in the district or have a particular interest or direct stake inthe district should be able to govern the district as you see fit. . . . BUT . . .you should not be able to tell me that I have to leave my child in the district because you need the money. Nor should you be able to tell corporations that want to give scholarships to poor students whose parents want to opt out that they can not do so.
As far as the 420 rally, it doesn't matter who facilitated the meeting, it was called for by Jamilla Nasheed - someone who is clearly anti-choice. And yes, I was at the meeting and I know more about the Union than you would ever care to believe. I know who you all are without you being able to come and picket my house. Ahhh, the beauty of anonymity {{SMILE}}!
2/05/2007 7:42 PM
P.S.
There are enough of us out here, that the charter schools have waiting lists and some of us work two jobs jsut to pay the tuition to keep our children out of SLPS!!!!!!
You all are the ones telling the state not to let the childen go because it "drains" the resource that feed your pension.
2/05/2007 7:45 PM
A couple of years ago (or more) the Catholic teachers tried to organize. It didn't work. At the time I thought SLPS employees (in particular Local 420) should support their right to organize. If I'm not mistaken the mayor is tight with Catholic schools...they stand to lose more students (money)if charters spread as well. Just a thought.
2/05/2007 8:08 PM
the liberal Catholic said...
So Anon4:35 - You do support children wasting their time trying to get an education in the confusion that is St. Louis Public School. You won't sacrifice bodies, but will sacrifice minds
Wait a minute! You are talking about a scheme to turn over the schools to a Mayor who has made a bunch of disastrous, ill-informed choices which greatly contributed to the "confusion" of which you speak, and a Governor who has tried to put two creationists on the state board which is already well-populated with republican big-shots----and you want to discard the people who are making changes, and who have been able to hire a superintendent who has a clue-------------meet the enemy who is causing confusion and abusing children by wasting their minds-----the enemy is you.
2/05/2007 8:09 PM
Anon8:09 - Your post shows what happens when you educate a child in a sub-par system . .they don't learn to read!
Please ask someone for assistance and then go back to my post at 7:42 . .
. .I have never said one-way-or-another what my position is on the possibilty of athe state taking control of the District. But before you go getting things all wrong you should know that I DON'T. I beleive that those who have children in the district or have a particular interest or direct stake inthe district should be able to govern the district as you see fit. . . . BUT . . .
2/05/2007 8:20 PM
Interesting, liberal Catholic, (this is anon 6:15,not 6:35 as you wrote)--you accuse others of not being able to read, but you certainly didn't read my post very well. Nothing in my post says you can't educate your children in whatever school you want, or that private scholarships aren't okay. Have at it. Just don't make assumptions while accusing others of doing it.
2/05/2007 8:49 PM
Liberal Catholic, you are very liberal, indeed, liberal with wasting the most vulnerable's lives and liberal in your abuse of those with opinions in disagreement with yours.
You speak to me of "my" president. He is as much your president as he is mine. I didn't vote for him, so why do you think you can thrust on me he is "my" president. He is, nevertheless, this country's president until the next Democrat is elected, which will be in 2008.
Read through your posts, as you contradict yourself. First you say, "Some of us saw no point in going to the meeting at Harris-Stowe because the writng was on the wall that it was nothing more than a 420 rally."
Then you turn around and say, " was at the meeting and I know more about the Union than you would ever care to believe."
Talk about hypocrisy, to call yourself Catholic when you oppose the teachings of that Church hardly makes you Catholic. I won't mention my religion, but I wouldn't claim it if I opposed its cardinal teachings. I would leave it. By the way abortion has been around for ages, and the first teaching document of the Christian Church in the very first 100 years of its existence prohibited abortion as the pagans practiced. So maybe you're just in the total wrong religion -- the Christian religion.
Your child won't waste his or her mind wherever he or she goes to school if you are behind that child promoting learning. Teaching does go on in the City schools despite the many children who come from dysfunctional homes and who try to disrupt it.
Now please leave your liberal verbal abuse behind and try to work with people who really care about the children and their education. We didn't need to know you are for abortion, but you brought up the subject right away.
2/05/2007 9:06 PM
liberal catholic
Not trying to start a fight, but I am curious who is included when you say:
"I beleive that those who have children in the district or have a particular interest or direct stake inthe district should be able to govern the district as you see fit."
I'm wondering exactly where the line is drawn with who has a "particular interest" or "direct stake". Maybe everyone does.
2/05/2007 9:12 PM
Hey there, Liberal Catholic, how does your school stack up on the State tests? Do all of the subgroups at your school meet the goals for No Child Left Behind? That law is creating the false sense of failure in public schools. The goals are unrealistic, but the schools that don't have to play the game can pretend that they are superior because they aren't labeled failures, since they never take the same tests. It's like all of the people who believe that they would be much better teachers than the ones we have, only they've never done it, so they don't have to prove whether or not they could do it to make their claim.
2/05/2007 9:13 PM
I think MS. OBRIEN IS ON THIS BLOG AND HAS BEEN POSTING,,,, O'BRIEN YOUR NOT SLICK, I see the writing on the walls, Your skinny ass is trying to drum up support for a takeover, but it aint happenin!
2/05/2007 10:14 PM
It seems to me that if the teachers solution is to increase the funds to the district, why don't they put
THEIR money where their mouth is. They could easily choose to give or loan the district the money to get out of debt from the 1 billion they have. This certainly would go towards helping the district with its financial situation. If they trust Bourisaw so much, I am sure they could broker a deal that she could help with. I am sure that if the district showed signs of removing their debt, that would indicate some level of financial accountability. If Bourisaw has a plan as you say, with some teeth, this would go a lot further than just the talk that is going on. I mean, if the plan had some deadlines, accountability, real numbers, and consequences for all involved.
The truth is the children are at the hands of politicians and unions, and no matter what they say, they have their own reason for doing and saying whatever they do or say. It is also evident that while individuals may have the children's interest at heart, the organizations that are involved clearly do not. If they did, they would spend more time trying to find solutions where all can benefit instead of shooting down others ideas for solutions. You really have to ask yourself if your actions are part of the solution....or the problem.
2/05/2007 10:18 PM
jim heger said...
liberal catholic
Not trying to start a fight, but I am curious who is included when you say:
"I beleive that those who have children in the district or have a particular interest or direct stake inthe district should be able to govern the district as you see fit."
I'm wondering exactly where the line is drawn with who has a "particular interest" or "direct stake". Maybe everyone does.
2/05/2007 9:12 PM
Jim, though we disagree on my previous posting regarding new teachers required to live in the city, I do agree with you here.
EVERYONE has a stake in the schools. Those who sit back and say they don't because they don't have kids in the system are fooling themselves.
They have an interest when the neighbor's kids are in the system. They have an interest when they have to hire kids for their first job and they can't fill out an application. They have an interest when juvenile crime is high (in their neighborhood and the city). They have an interest when their tax dollars are squandered on wasted efforts. I could go on, but you get the drift.
For the record, I am a Catholic. I don't always agree with the Archbishop, but the Archbishop is not the Church. I do not have children in the system, but I have relatives, I have neighbors in the system. I hire the results from the system. I could find other things to do with my time, but I care enough about the city and my neighbors to try and improve what we have.
When children are taught self-respect and pride, we will see the unwed mother and abortion rate decrease, along with a host of other ills.
Maurice
'the board needs a saint'
2/05/2007 10:35 PM
Today, my child told me that she learned that the district would be destroyed and teachers are going be fired if the state takes over. She obviously planted her own fears and issues into her classroom lesson. This is unacceptable. It is time to put down the fear of politics. The fear of terrorist. The fear of changing the status quo. The fear of something different. The fear of parents choosing. The fear of whatever. Fear has never achieved any lasting results. It does not heal nor does is bring togetherness or understanding. Its only product is destruction, division, and hate. While each side battles for who is right, the children still suffer. The test scores still do not improve. The students still fall in the cracks. The only real solution is to bring all factions together to try to come to a solution. There has got to be some give and take. There are some ideas that will have to be surrendered. Everyone says they are for the children. Why don’t you demonstrate to them how “adults” should behave when faced with conflicts. So far, all they have done is act worse than the children.
2/05/2007 10:39 PM
Dear Africasdaughter,
I totally agree with you that people manage by fear. fear of loosing what they have rather than the potential of something better.
Another innocent victim has been claimed. What possible lesson plan could have included what she heard? And why wasn't there an opposing opinion be offered so that a balanced view could be discussed? Because then there would be no fear.
Sometimes I wonder if we adults shouldn't step aside and place some children on the board. I think we could get better results.
Maurice
2/05/2007 11:10 PM
Africa's Daughter, in order for me to believe your daughter was taught that, come up with the school and the teacher. I don't believe everything I read or hear because so much is made up by the Mayor's office and O'Brien to stir up fears.
Come forth with the genuine facts so we can all believe you. Also, the district administration would deal with it pronto.
I guess this is a "put your money were your mouth is" request. Otherwise, it is simply baseless and unfounded innuendo.
2/06/2007 6:29 AM
Mr. Dalton: I understand your argument about not requiring those receiving food stamps to shop at certain establishments. However, there are still some basic criteria about what those vouchers can be used for and EVERYONE follows those rules. If we instituted vouchers, would ALL schools that accept those students be willing to take the state MAP tests and have their ability to stay open based upon the scores of those scores? That would be similar to your analogy. Also, the welfare of society and it's future is not dependent upon where one "shops" for groceries....as it is upon public education.
2/06/2007 10:54 AM
PUT MORE MONEY INTO PUBLIC EDUCATION STATEWIDE!! PROBLEM SOLVED.
No the problem is not solved. Throwing money into the mix does nothing without a plan as to how it will be spent.
Many administrations (not all) are overpaid and overstaffed while the class doesn't have current textbooks or the copier is out of paper.
Maurice St. Pierre
school board candidate
"the board needs a saint!"
2/05/2007 3:01 PM
Well Mr. St. Pierre, you certainly reveal your abilities in this post. History has shown that you are wrong. And it shows that you didn't read my post thoroughly.
We can't afford to have quick and shallow thinkers on the Board of Education.
2/06/2007 11:04 AM
Liberal Catholic,
You write as though you have some information and experience with the SLPS. But, I doubt that you do. You seem very judgemental of students at SLPS and of parents who would send their children to a SLPS. This doesn't strike me as being liberal.
I consider someone liberal when they at least demonstrate critical thinking skills. Liberals who post here and on other forum blogs state an opinion and then support it with facts. You haven't written anything but your opinion which seems laden with personal morals.
I find it a little offensive when you write about public school students in that my son is a recent graduate. Also, he appears to be far more competent than his private and parochial school peers.
You haven't given any facts to support your contention that private/parochial schools provide a superior education. I wonder if you are a graduate of such a school. That would be one way to measure quality.
The vast majority of parents of private/parochial/charter school students I have spoken with have ONE over-riding interest in sending their kids to these schools. It is not that they want a Catholic education for their kids. It is not that they want a better education for their kids. It IS that they want to alleviate their irrational fears aroused by the thought of sending their kids to school to mingle with minority students.
This issue is by far the one that is left unspoken here and on other blogs.
2/06/2007 11:26 AM
the liberal Catholic said...
Anon8:09 -
Please ask someone for assistance and then go back to my post at 7:42 . .
I was wrong. I apologize.
2/06/2007 12:05 PM
Back to the original topic...the Post.
I see today they have once again chosen a headline that pushes for the mayor's agenda (Mayoral Control of St. Louis City Schools is Best, Report Concludes) while the article itself points out how biased the "report" is.
The Post continues to insult the intelligence of its own readers by assuming they will form opinions based on headlines without actually examining the sources or content of the story. Trouble is, it seems to work for those who just want to trash the schools without facts to back up their talk.
How about a headline that actually conveys the truth ... maybe something like "Neoconservative Group Lobbies for Dismissing the Right to Vote"
2/06/2007 11:33 PM
Jim Heger, I'm with you on the Post. It's disturbing how so many people simply rely on sound bytes and headlines above the fold. This forum reflects my FTF experiences when I attempt to engage people on the issue. Most people don't or can't discuss it in depth. I assume it's because they don't have enough information and/or don't want any more information.
2/07/2007 7:46 AM
The pd called me this morning to tell me my letter to the editor was under consideration for publication. I told them fine, but I do have a tendency to use local web sites to publish what I actually wrote to be compared to any version which is significantly edited to alter or weaken my points.
This is what I wrote---any predictions about whether it will or should be discarded or edited?
The state takeover of St. Louis schools is a bad idea
The Post Dispatch support of the state takeover of the St. Louis Schools is essentially a vote to preserve the status quo.
In 2003, Mayor Slay was able to take the schools in the direction he wanted by endorsing or appointing members of the school board. Ironically, the bizarre behavior and mistakes of those people are being used as justification to give the Mayor another round of appointment power------something he will not be able to achieve if free elections are held. Voters will make necessary changes, electing members to replace the obstructionists on the board, and giving Diana Bourisaw all the support she has earned during this difficult period..
I predict the first action taken by the appointees of Governor Blunt and Mayor Slay, (before they start playing the blame game against each other) will be to continue the tradition of having a revolving door of superintendents They will fire Bourisaw, just to make sure the parents and teachers know who is boss.
2/07/2007 12:49 PM
Snead Hearn,
I don't want to this to come across as a personal attack, and I don't know your ethnicity, but you wrote that people overtly express racist tones makes me wonder what fantasy land I am living in. I am sad that you have a different experience.
Is it racist to say that I want my kids to go to school with people of wealth because I believe, rightly or wrongly, that they will make connections that will help them along in life? Or, I don't want my kids to go to a school with lax disciplinary standards? Is that culturalism or classism? A mix? I don't see racism in that.
2/08/2007 5:34 PM
The pd called me this morning to tell me my letter to the editor was under consideration for publication.
All the letters in the Saturday edition were against the takeover. Maybe the other point of view is so weak no one could write a coherent letter expressing it---or maybe there will be a page full of letters next week for the takeover, featured prominently just before the state board meets. I don't know. The only thing they edited out of my letter was the parenthetical point hinting that the appointees of Slay and Blunt will eventually blame each other for any failures down the road. Everyone else wrote better letters than mine. I was glad to see them.
2/10/2007 11:59 AM
armstrong said...
Snead Hearn,
I don't want to this to come across as a personal attack, and I don't know your ethnicity, but you wrote that people overtly express racist tones makes me wonder what fantasy land I am living in. I am sad that you have a different experience.
Is it racist to say that I want my kids to go to school with people of wealth because I believe, rightly or wrongly, that they will make connections that will help them along in life? Or, I don't want my kids to go to a school with lax disciplinary standards? Is that culturalism or classism? A mix? I don't see racism in that.
2/08/2007 5:34 PM
Being unspoken, it is covert not overt. And the racism is revealed by looking at the numbers and population demographics over the last 40 years or so.
The concept I write about is commonly called "white flight". Now what would the opposite of "white flight be? I wonder... The Federal government's response to white flight was desegregation in the form of a legal mandate.
Desegregation was effective for a while but, here we are. Now government officials are now talking about vouchers in the form of tax credits. But, again look at the numbers and tell me what percent of SLPS parents can take advantage of tax credits. Maybe 20%. Can we guess at racial demographics? And, since vouchers won't be accepted by people if we have a true democracy, the State will have to rule over us an make vouchers the law.
This struggle isn't unique to St. Louis and it has been written about by people more knowledgable than me. This is about oppression. It's classist and racist.
This conservative movement may or may not be about you Armstrong. Only you know that. It gives people an opportunity to avoid looking at racism if this movement makes them feel better about the school their kids attend. They won't feel compelled to point out racist policies because their kids are provided "safety", kind of like hush money.
2/10/2007 4:52 PM
I accept your racist take on white flight, but I was thinking about parents, today, living in the city. They have a choice of a public school system that is not that good, or a school, private, parochial, whatever, that may be better. They are trying to do the best for their kids. I am going to call them racists for sending their kids to the schools with the best educational opportunity available to them.
Some may say that those kids going somewhere else is largely the reason that the education in the public schools is not that good. That may or may not be true, but it is the public schools' job to provide something worthwhile, and many parents would say that the public schools aren't doing that. Some parents are voting with their feet by leaving the city or voting with their dollars and sending their kids to another school. I would rather have them vote with their dollars, than their feet.
2/13/2007 3:55 PM
Dear Antonio, when was the last time YOU ACTUALLY ATTENDED a Wellston school board meeting or YOU ACTUALLY WALKED the halls of any of its buildings? My guess is it has been a LONG while…if ever.
I am personally embarrassed by your careless and IRRESPONSIBLE BLOGGING on the district. You do all of your readers a disservice by passing judgment on Wellston, a district that YOU CLEARLY HAVE MADE NO EFFORT to gain personal knowledge of.
2/19/2007 10:25 PM
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