Why hasn't the 2.5 million dollars spent last year for the reinvention of John Muir High School brought significant results? Every dollar we spend must result in recognizable benefit to our students.
Accountability
Why hasn't the 2.5 million dollars spent last year for the reinvention of John Muir High School brought significant results? Every dollar we spend must result in recognizable benefit to our students. Expenditures should not "feather the nest" of high-paid consultants, or fund unearned stipends for teachers. Our monies should directly fund our students' achievement. Programs that result in measurable accomplishment can be incentivized and rewarded; there is no time for irresponsible bureaucratic waste and inaction. Our targeted efforts must be research-based and interest-oriented + the Board should hold the administration accountable for achievement results.
Why did PUSD institute small learning communities in the disciplines of Design and Construction, without inquiring of our students whether or not they were interested in these programs? Why did our District call for a community mentor for every student in our high schools, fail to follow through and connect those mentors with students, and subsequently blame the students because of their lack of interest in the program? Let's ask our students what their interests are, and then determine how to engage them in those interests. How can we develop strong ties with community members, resulting in a successful mentorship program - mirroring programs we know are established throughout this country and are making a difference for students? Last year I attended a Pasadena Board Meeting, during which the Board Members were discussing an amazing program for afterschool tutoring. One of the Board Members questioned, "How many students are involved in this program?" Another Board Member responded, "Oh, only a few." The resulting comment: "You can lead a horse to water but you can't make them drink." The rest of the Board laughed, reinforced in their belief that they were doing the right thing, even if it wasn't serving the needs of our students. That is not "customer service". What other business would blame their failure on the client/customer? If a customer doesn't buy your product, your business will certainly close its doors. I plan to bring a business-oriented responsiveness to the Board of Education.
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