Electing a New School Board Schools & Kids, posted by Soccer Mom, a resident of the Community Center neighborhood, on May 28, 2007 at 8:02 am
After watching the last several school board meetings, its clear that Dana Tom, Many Lowell, and Camille Townsend have no business being on any board. Shame on us for electing them.
Take Mandarin Immersion - a divisive issue in our community whose impact has been greatly amplified by their leadership vaccuum. Barb Mitchell and Gail Price, though on opposite sides of the issue, have made their decision process clear with logical and to the point comments and questions. No grandstanding, no waffling, no concern about the political impact of this decision on them personally. I applaud both of them for their honesty and efficiency.
The rest of the board has no business being on a decision making body. While I am sure they are all good people and concerned about our schools, they can not lead or decide. After 18 meetings on Mandarin Immersion, the board deferred the vote yet again - even though it was very clear a majority had already decided how to vote. Their stated reason for deferring was ludicrous, I can only imagine what they are thinging - that people will stop paying attention if they drag it on long enough? that they can maneveur themselves to be seem in a more positive light on this issue?
While delibrative government is usually a good thing, this is too much. A lot of time has been spent discussing the "cost" of MI. The true cost is the intellectual bandwidth the issue consumes - with 18 meetings on the topic, many other board issues have had to be ignored or delayed. Imagine how much more this board and staff could have accomplished if they didn't allow this issue to spiral out of control.
Camille's leadership of the board is non-existent. She leads by abdicating. Dana Tom and Mandy Lowell appear to have flawed decision making processes and are unwilling to say they made a mistake with their original votes and want to change them. Instead they cast about for justifications to change. They are unwilling to stand on their principles and instead seek "approval polls" through town meetings.
I have seen enough. I hope you will join me in electing new faces to the board to replace these three.
Posted by Parent, a resident of Another Palo Alto neighborhood, on May 28, 2007 at 10:21 am
Good idea.
Any idea who? I have heard nothing about anyone standing? What happens if no brave soles stand forward. In these times, they have to be brave. Anyone willing?
Posted by Parent, a member of the Palo Alto High School community, on May 29, 2007 at 8:47 am
The Board of Education already voted against introducing MI into PAUSD at this time. Stick to your recent decision and stop being strong-armed by anyone. It really does make the entire Board look pathetic.
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