school board saga

A few random thoughts about the current state of affairs in the Eden Prairie school district.

First, it appears the administration is playing "hide the ball" with enrollment numbers.  Numbers are down, especially involving families whose children were to be moved as part of redistricting.  They should own it.

Second, because the "new" elementary school (Oak Point) is affiliated with the former Intermediate school which failed to make AYP, the students (including my two sons) are permitted under NCLB to transfer to another elementary school in town. I don't think that my kids would transfer. But, I was disturbed that the letter the administration sent out on this issue foreclosed a transfer to two of the four elementary schools in town (read: the two schools that parents would want to send their kids to are not allowed). I see this as kicking sand in the face of the parents.  The administration has screwed this whole thing up and they simply won't take ownership of that. Parents who want to move their kids should be able to move them to any of the four elementary schools in town.

Finally, the school board candidates.  There are two who i'll certainly vote for. Problem is, I have four votes.  Most of the candidates are trying their best to cover all the bases while actually saying nothing--i.e. they're willing to look at everything, study hard, include all stakeholders, and make a decision that is well-thought-out and the best for the district.  Gee, that's illuminating.