TERRORS DOMINATE SPARTANS HOMECOMING 2011
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So, basically this is what each candidate said at the time they said it, to the best of my ability to hear and transcribe it. What you see is what I typed, and I've edited minimally so as to keep my own spin off of the candidate's words.
I'm not sure yet how I'm going to comment, but I will. (update: my comments and scoring at the end of each candidate - in alphabetical order by last name).
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Sam Dunlap
Al Loma
Nick Gledich
June Waller
Sandra Mann
Pete Lee
Alejandro
Tim Pleasant, CSEA
Mary Thurman
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NORA BROWN
1. Regarding the departure from No Child Left Behind, how will the District measure student growth and progress?
Long time PTA advocate; a lot of our schools have had to get rid of the fun programs; she is happy about getting rid of the CSAP. No answer.
2. If Proposition 103 passes, where should the additional monies be spent?
We had significant cuts over the past several years, we’ve had lots of cuts that have adversely affected the district, classroom, etc. Our teachers need manageable class sizes.
3. If Proposition 103 doesn't pass, how should further budget cuts be prioritized?
Get input from users, continue to look at efficiencies, take a look at redundancies, she’d like to work with other districts to get economies of scale, community involvement.
4. Will new standards improve achievement and other measurements?
48 states have agreed on the new standards she is hoping that it will improve the alignment of students to teachers. it’s just an expensive proposition; all of the new tools will be expensive and costly.
5. Have you toured all of the schools, and spoken with staff and students?
Parent involvement; it’s what they can do at home. Kids need to be well fed and well prepared. That shows kids that they matter; air conditioning, and the bullying is an issue that she’s concerned about. Wants kids to feel safe in school.
6. In what specific areas is the District doing well, and in which do they need improvement?
CSEA is a professiojnal association that provides teachers with agents who advocate for them rather than having people work against them.
7. Over 70% of teachers belong to the teachers' union; please comment on the District’s relationship with CSEA.
Crystal apple award – good; achievement is where they need to improve, as well as the achievement gap. They need to insure that they have the arts, the PE, the autoshop.
8. One minute to speak on their candidacy
She has been an advocate for students and parents for several years. She wants to be our voice on the school board.
(Spydra muses: Is "community involvement" the new code speak for "taxes"? Just something I was wondering, I guess, as I typed her comments.
1000 points for mentioning the importance of autoshop - which leads me to presume she's associated with Doherty High School, I would say the most well-to-do of District's high schools, and I think the only District school to still offer autobody. -5000 because her "well fed" comment and others are canned Tannerisms.
Total: - 4000 points
1. How will the District measure growth and progress now that "No Child Left Behind" has been left behind?
There will be some kind of standardized testing, there are several benefits to standardized, the structure and the content are the same for all. Whether your child is attending a private or public school, it’s important for them to take a standardized test. The test helps you and everyone else know how your child is doing.
2. If Proposition 103 passes, where should the additional monies be spent?
As a teacher who is currently substituting at $10.80 an hour, she thinks teacher pay should be increased. Reduce class sizes. That means hire more teachers to reduce class sizes.
3. If Proposition 103 doesn't pass, how should further budget cuts be prioritized?
She has problems with federal and state mandates; we are required to use ways and means that can be costly; “stabilitizing” no one likes to have a cut in salary; she wants bang for their buck.
4. Will new standards improve achievement and other measurements?
New standards and such will not improve student performance; if that was successful, why aren’t our children doing better? We need to look at where we began to fall, and what were the best practices when we were at their best.
5. Have you toured all of the schools, and spoken with staff and students?
She subs at D20 as well. Their staff are professionals; she’s unaware of another field where professionals are prevented from being a professional. I think often times parents don’t feel welcome or appreciated; she tells her parents and students to do their best; pay be now or pay me later(?).
6. In what specific areas is the District doing well, and in which do they need improvement?
We have a very professional staff. Working within budget restraints. Working to raise achievement in lieu of budget cuts. They have a dedicated staff. They need to improve lettinug teachers do their jobs. She can help with that.
7. Over 70% of teachers belong to the CSEA; please comment on the District’s relationship with CSEA.
Advocacy, collaboration; she’s glad to see their educators have taken a wider scope; if one part doesn’t work that affects the whole.
8. One minute to speak on their candidacy.
Her decision to run is not about her; it’s about being an advocate, she wants to assure parents abour their children’s performance, tax payers as a steward of their money, and studnets
(Spydra musing: 2000 points for being an educator; 2000 points for speaking well; 2000 points for looking good; 2000 points for being black like me; minus 5,000 points for my inability to disassociate her from Delia Busby; minus 20 points for refusing to help me raise $100 I was short of buying a new MacBook, and then adding me to the mailing list of new business venture she'd started; minus 20 points for saying "stabilitizing")
Total: 2960 points
JIM MASON
1. How will the District measure growth and progress now that "No Child Left Behind" has been left behind?
Humble origins, Bible believer. When he was growing up and in school, teachers knew who a kid was, and knew that kid's name - they knew who he was, and knew his name. Teachers need to make the assessments, and strive for teamwork. We need to trust the teachers, who are trained professionals.
2. If Proposition 103 passes, where should the additional monies be spent?
He currently serves as the chairman of the district budget subcommittee, and has an intimate understanding of the district’s finances. In order to improve student achievement, money has to go to teachers...to prepare them and make them great role models. You are going to have to look at reducing class sizes; teachers need to have the resources and the time to focus on the students who need it.
3. If Proposition 103 is not approved by the voters, how should further budget cuts be prioritized?
Graduation rate is 65%; we need everyone to pitch in. We need to first hold true to the number one goal - educating children. How will they prioritize? Anything that doesn’t add to the student’s achievement probably isn’t required.
4. Will new standards improve achievement and other measurements?
No. But there is very little new in the field of education; we have to hold to the standards. Grade level proficiency is the standard. If we hold true to that standard, live that standard, reinforce and fund that standard, then all of the things we are dicussing are simply symptoms related to the standard. There’s nothing new - we’re tool old for new stuff.
5. Have you toured all of the schools, and spoken with staff and students?
The present issue is enpowerment of parents and teachers. Principals often feel they don’t have the freedom to do the things they must do and for which they're responsible. He wants to ensure that the superintendent does all he can to enpower parents and staff.
6. In what specific areas is the District doing well, and in which do they need improvement?
D11 has an impressive administrative staff. The district is also blessed with many volunteers, retired people, educational support professionals. They need to improve by bringing everyone together and working in a synchronized way. He can help develop comprehensive programs; he will behave in an accountable manner because he is and will be accountable.
7. Over 70% of teachers belong to the teachers' union; please comment on the District’s relationship with CSEA.
We all have to work together; he didn’t answer the question. They need to work with CSEA.
8. One minute to speak on their candidacy.
Who you vote for, is your choice, but he asks 3 things: vote for someone who knows how to think; vote for someone who’s courageous; select a leader with the interpersonal skills to buld a consensus.
(Spydra muses: 5000 points for the courage to mention the Bible. +1000 points for his "we're too old for new things" comment...although...Ol' Miss Spydra was recently shown a new trick that has given her pause, caused her to rethink this; subtract 500 from the 1000. 2000 for being black like me [say what you want - like i really care, or even mean it, per se, so shut up]. 2000 points for being chairman of the District subcommittee.
Total: 9,500 points.
LISANN MCNEW
1. How will the District measure growth and progress now that "No Child Left Behind" has been left behind?
She is a Colorado springs native. Incomplete answer to question 1.
2. If Proposition 103 passes, where should the additional monies be spent?
If it passes, she wants to make sure that the money goes to education-related things, and to quality professional development programs, not just fads.
3. If Proposition 103 doesn't pass, how should further budget cuts be prioritized?
She agrees with the zero-based budgeting, and has lots of experience in that field; mentioned Glenn's name.
4. Will new standards improve achievement and other measurements?
Looking at a new curriculum is good, looking at budget issues is important - but we need to have all of the stake holders involved. We will have new standards that we have to deal with; we can definitely work with a new curriculum, and if we work with all those groups we will achieve those goals.
5. Have you toured all of the schools, and spoken with staff and students?
Communications need improvement between teachers and parents. She wants parent involvement, and would like to take an example from another state that held "Boo-Hoo Breakfasts" on the first day of school, when parents are often feeling emotional and open; it really helped boost parent involvement.
6. In what specific areas is the District doing well, and in which do they need improvement?
As a business owner she wants to see improved community involvement; she is involved with the chamber. She'd like to usher in mentoring, and mentioned someone who was recently put on the governors educational leadershp council.
7. Over 70% of teachers belong to the teachers union; please comment on the District’s relationship with CSEA.
CSEA needs to communicate what they’re doing with the entire community; the business community doesn’t always know what CSEA's goals are.
8. One minute to speak on their candidacy.
She is very connected in the community. She wil be the liaison with the elected officials and for the chamber. Its so important for the community.
(Spydra musings: Minus 100 points for mentioning her involvement with the chamber so much. 100 points for enthusiasm. Minus 50 points for mentioning Glenn's name. Plus 50 points for mentioning Glenn's name. 500 points for speaking directly to the CSEA. 5000 points for being a Colorado Springs native. 100 points for mentioning mentoring. Minus 100 points for having a name that annoys me, and minus 100 points for wanting to make sure monies went to "educational related things".
Total: 5,400 points.
ELAINE NALESKI
1. How will the District measure growth and progress now that "No Child Left Behind" has been left behind?
Student growth and progress are the key words here. She supports the RTi model, which provides on-going assessment. The teacher is the key: quit stifling teacher creativity, let them decide how they are going to get to that point. We have and will continue to depend on our teachers.
Student growth and progress are the key words here. She supports the RTi model, which provides on-going assessment. The teacher is the key: quit stifling teacher creativity, let them decide how they are going to get to that point. We have and will continue to depend on our teachers.
2. If Proposition 103 passes, where should the additional monies be spent?
3. If Proposition 103 doesn't pass, how should further budget cuts be prioritized?
4. Will new standards improve achievement and other measurements?
She has been teaching since 1967; she’s had a lot of experience in new standards, curricula and methodologies. New standards and curriculum will not improve the achievement or graduation rates; we need to go back to allowing teachers to be creative, and teach as they teach.
5. Have you toured all of the schools, and spoken with staff and students?
She has and will continue to do so, to keep her finger on the pulse of school environments. She wants to make sure teachers have all that they need, and help them get the resources they need to do the best job possible.
6. In what specific areas is the District doing well, and in which do they need improvement?
School safety is good - it is the District’s #1 priority. She wants to improve relationships with volunteers, as well as with the chamber, the county commission, and the city council.
7. Over 70% of teachers belong to the teachers' union; please comment on the District’s relationship with CSEA.
CSEA is the advocate for teachers. They need to work closely together as a team. Sometimes they even need to do a little policing of their own group - and they do, to make sure everyone is getting what they need.
8. One minute to speak on their candidacy.
There are lots of well qualified people, after being a teacher administrator, communicator, as a volunteer , she would really like to help the district take it to a higher level.
(Spydra muses: Elaine Naleski is someone I really admire and like. She's on the ball, she thinks on her feet...the Ginger Rogers of education.
When she looks at you, she looks you in the eye - 5000 points. When she touches your hand, all you feel is cool energy - 5000 points. She is one of the most gracious people I have ever met - 5000 points. Could teach a course in good manners - 5000 points. 200 - points for ideal southern drawl.
Total: 22,000 points)
When she looks at you, she looks you in the eye - 5000 points. When she touches your hand, all you feel is cool energy - 5000 points. She is one of the most gracious people I have ever met - 5000 points. Could teach a course in good manners - 5000 points. 200 - points for ideal southern drawl.
Total: 22,000 points)
BOB NULL
1. How will the District measure growth and progress now that "No Child Left Behind" has been left behind?
We’ve not yet been relieved from CSAP requirements. There are national standards that do have assessments; there's also MAP. CSAPs measure a district, they measure a school, but not necessarily the student.
2. If Proposition 103 passes, where should the additional monies be spent?
They have no clue if it will pass, much less how much money they might get. If we're lucky enough to get the money, he does not agree with passing another tax that will put money into the general fund. The last mill levy only provided for a fraction of an FTE, and that’s not good enough. It's important to him that we bridge the achievement gap - how can that be done when we still don't know what's causing the gap?
3. If Proposition 103 doesn't pass, how should further budget cuts be prioritized?
No more unfunded mandates. A zero-based budget. Instead of budget cuts, let’s look at cost avoidance. If we're experiencing significant savings in X, then lets try to apply those best practices to Y and Z, District-wide. 10% of the District's students are homeless - they have special needs of their own. We need to quit hoping for the magic fairy solutions to the problems.
4. Will new standards improve achievement and other measurements?
So, are they going to dumb it down? Classroom management, classroom instruction, color of skin, diversity, knowing the culture - all this helps make a good teacher.
5. Have you toured all of the schools, and spoken with staff and students?
No one wants to address the elephants in the room. The elephant in the District is parent involvement; we need improved communication between the District, parents and volunteers.
6. In what specific areas is the District doing well, and in which do they need improvement?
Good things: technology; the TAP program; the evaluation program; business plan. Bad things: once yearly CSAP measurements. Work force needs to be looked at and diversified; the District only has 5 Hispanic teachers and 70 black teachers.
7. Over 70% of teachers belong to the teachers' union; please comment on the District’s relationship with CSEA.
CSEA involvement is contractual and mandatory. The District and CSEA introduced interest-based bargaining last year, which was a real plus. They're now better able to focus on the relationship; the relationship is much improved - now they must work continue to work on root causes and fixes.
8. One minute to speak on their candidacy.
He and his wife both serve as substitutes for the District. He wants to continue to focus on eliminating the achievement gap, working with CSEA; he's committed to D11, concerned about tax dollars and wants to improve diversity.
(Spydra muses: Bob has always questioned the CSAPs and what, exactly, was being measured. He's truly passionate about the "achievement gap" and I believe he means it when he says he'd like to see improved diversity at school; why do I always get the feeling lately that "diversity" these days means Hispanics and gays, though?
100 points for being good with numbers. 100 for saying what he thinks. 500 for genuinely caring about kids, and 500 for being old-fashioned in a good way. 2500 points for visiting every school. Parent involvement would probably be much improved if the elementary school around the corner hadn't been shut down - Bob did vote to close the eight elementary schools and one middle school - minus 900 points. He and Charlie Bobbitt were the only two brave enough to call out Jan Tanner on her pizza conflict of interest, however - 5000 points...and once he helped me out in an especially meaningful way - 100 points. Bob is for the most part a very sincere man who will give someone he's arguing with a ride home - 100 points. 1,000 points for being an all-around good guy. 1000 points for being a trustworthy treasurer.
Total: 10,000 points)
JAN TANNER
1. How will the District measure growth and progress now that "No Child Left Behind" has been left behind?
It’s wonderful that we're finally realizing that we can never reach the 100% goal for achievement. We will get there; we have multiple measures. Teachers are taught how to assess whether students are learning. D11 is developing its own evaluation system.
2. If Proposition 103 passes, where should the additional monies be spent?
The money from the proposition would just be to stop the cuts to education. The legislators will be up against the people; they will be held accountable by the state. Put the money towards teacher salary.
3. If Proposition 103 doesn't pass, how should further budget cuts be prioritized?
Somehow I missed her answer.
4. Will new standards improve achievement and other measurements?
No. Curriculum is different in each school. Identifying the standards is important; but adhering to those standards rigorously...teaching those standards with fidelity - is what’s most important.
5. Have you toured all of the schools, and spoken with staff and students?
She wants to hear the issues that happen with teachers, but doesn’t feel people should think they can come to her and have their problem solved.
6. In what specific areas is the District doing well, and in which do they need improvement?
D11 is spending money wisely. They have the Irving Educational Center; she thinks it was a bold move and improved student achievement. The biggest complaints she's heard concern school environment and bullying. We’re going to have to change the way our children think.
7. Over 70% of teachers belong to the teachers' union; please comment on the District’s relationship with CSEA.
There are all kinds of educational associations. Most importantly teachers work hard. Teachers aren't supposed to be experts on employment law...there’s a comfort to know there are people advocating for you.
8. One minute to speak to their candidacy.
She is not there to push a personal agenda. She will represent Colorado Springs. She will learn from staff, students, and neighbors how to teach the students well.
JUDITH WALTON
1. How will the District measure growth and progress now that "No Child Left Behind" has been left behind?
2. If Proposition 103 passes, where should the additional monies be spent?
3. If Proposition 103 doesn't pass, how should further budget cuts be prioritized?
4. Will new standards improve achievement and other measurements?
She agrees with Bob on this issue; trying to get parents to be involved and to attend events has been difficult; we need to do that at the elementary level.
5. Have you toured all of the schools, and spoken with staff and students?
D11 doees a lot of great things; they have the best alternative programs; as a counselor, being able to help a child find just the right school for them is a great gift.
6. In what specific areas is the District doing well, and in which do they need improvement?
Prevention is what’s important; so it’s important to do the pre-k stuff.
7. Over 70% of teachers belong to the CSEA; please comment on the District’s relationship with CSEA.
They are the bargaining agent for the teachers; they are important.
8. One minute to speak on their candidacy.
Voters need to realize that the four people elected will represent all of the people in the city; no personal agendas willing to work as a team.
(Spydra muses: I was tired by the time I got here, but my final push. I liked her answers, she knew her stuff and came across very genuine. It was the first and only time I ever saw her; she rocked her eye patch like Mitch Christiansen rocked his oxygen tubes the first time I saw him.
1000+1000+1000+3500=6,500 points
OH COME ON GUYS, YOU KNOW THE POINTS ARE ALL A JOKE.
Walton, Null, Mason, Naleski
xoxo
(Spydra muses: I was tired by the time I got here, but my final push. I liked her answers, she knew her stuff and came across very genuine. It was the first and only time I ever saw her; she rocked her eye patch like Mitch Christiansen rocked his oxygen tubes the first time I saw him.
1000+1000+1000+3500=6,500 points
OH COME ON GUYS, YOU KNOW THE POINTS ARE ALL A JOKE.
Walton, Null, Mason, Naleski
xoxo
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