tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6270815429299703055.post3270403249282381470..comments2023-09-29T06:32:16.005-04:00Comments on My School Committee Blog: My Decision: I'm Not RunningCatherine A. Sandersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03523667921190365891noreply@blogger.comBlogger43125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6270815429299703055.post-89537694839568837672011-02-13T14:44:17.014-05:002011-02-13T14:44:17.014-05:00"Down in the arena are the do-ers...
off in ...<i>"Down in the arena are the do-ers...<br /><br />off in the stands are the hecklers..."</i><br /><br />But up on the scoreboard will always be the results, for all to look at, year-in, year-out. Go Hurricanes!Tom Porterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08763818256131443456noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6270815429299703055.post-24610699864428336622011-02-13T09:12:42.129-05:002011-02-13T09:12:42.129-05:00I just want to remind my blog readers that the poi...I just want to remind my blog readers that the point of this blog is to discuss education issues - not criticize me, or district employees, or other posters. I'd remind everyone - think about whether you would still post your comment if you weren't anonymous.Catherine A. Sandersonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03523667921190365891noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6270815429299703055.post-67535677611909049602011-02-13T08:56:09.627-05:002011-02-13T08:56:09.627-05:00February 13, 2011 12:19 AM
The above post must be...February 13, 2011 12:19 AM<br /><br />The above post must be a from Amy Wasserman or Hajir. Why don't you guys start your own blog instead of being lazy and using Catherine's.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6270815429299703055.post-56036094960062847182011-02-13T00:19:44.820-05:002011-02-13T00:19:44.820-05:00ironic title for this post. in fact, you are &quo...ironic title for this post. in fact, you are "running".<br /><br />just like rodriguez, you are "running" away, the day before your evaluation.<br /><br />and you know it, and we know you know it. yes, "we". as in crowds of us. the crowds who would have swarmed to the polls to vote you out, had you the guts to be evaluated publicly.<br /><br />but you just love evaluating others publicly, don't you?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6270815429299703055.post-25609926264102768502011-02-10T13:50:14.773-05:002011-02-10T13:50:14.773-05:00Catherine, you get my write-in vote. I can't i...Catherine, you get my write-in vote. I can't imagine voting for anyone else. I hope for your family's sake that you don't get too many!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6270815429299703055.post-11585112302018165052011-02-09T22:28:09.260-05:002011-02-09T22:28:09.260-05:00Catherine, being your neighbor, I am always impres...Catherine, being your neighbor, I am always impressed by the way you are raising your three wonderful children. You are a remarkably bright, well educated, perfect mother, with great values and someone who can look into the future. I was so thrilled to see you a member of the school committee. Unfortunately, we see with great disappointment, that our "liberal" town does not support people who are not afraid to speak their minds and try to make a change in the right direction. I am saddened to see that you are not running, but I think you are making a wise decision of not putting yourself and your family though this again. Thank you for your commitment and endless hours of work you put into improving Amherst Public schools. You already made a big dent in the system. Job well done.<br />Seren DerinSeren Derinnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6270815429299703055.post-52399098283210084742011-02-09T17:46:35.798-05:002011-02-09T17:46:35.798-05:00Catherine,
You have made a difference. Thank you...Catherine, <br />You have made a difference. Thank you for all your hard work these past three years. <br />Best wishes,<br />AdrienneAdrienne Levinenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6270815429299703055.post-59073683294193051402011-02-08T23:31:11.685-05:002011-02-08T23:31:11.685-05:00As with many change efforts, some brave soul has t...As with many change efforts, some brave soul has the fortitude and ability to speak out and to not be silenced by those who wish to preserve the status quo. Some historical figures who come to mind are Nelson Mandela, Martin Luther King, Malcolm X, Sojourner Truth, and Rosa Parks. All of these individuals were quite controversial and had many enemies during the time that they sought change(some still have those enemies and are still considered controversial). At the time they sought change, their ideas seemed radical and unneccesary to many, yet today we have progressed and changed as a society due to these individuals. This is often how we get change - someone comes across as radical and outrageous, but they end up moving us forward in our thinking.<br />While I'm not putting Catherine Sanderson in the same category as these historical figures, I do believe that there are many similarities. Catherine has been chastised, blamed, and generally devalued by many in the community. She has not backed down, however, and as a result, she has paid a very big price for her willingness to fight for what she believed would improve the Amherst schools. She got people's attention, and many changes have already happened, and I hope that more are coming.<br />For many years, the Amherst schools have been complacent. There has been a sense that Amherst didn't really need to be accountable and that they were "a fine school system," in the words of Tracy Kidder. I might add that Amherst schools have been a fine school system for some students, including my own children, but many students are underserved by the Amherst Schools and that has been the case for a very long time.<br />What Catherine Sanderson has done is to have demonstrated a courageousness that few of us possess, and she has challenged the status quo. This is not done easily in our so called "liberal" town, in which it seems there is the "Amherst way" and the "wrong way." While Catherine was threatening to many, often outspoken, and I, for one, certainly did not always agree with her (especially her vote for the superintendent's job) there is no doubt that she is one of the few people who has been able to wake the school system up and help to move it forward.<br />So, kudos to you Catherine, and I do think that you made the right decision in not running again. You've gotten your point across, the wheels are turning in the right direction (even though they may not be turning as fast or going as far as you might have wished). I think that Amherst is beginning to embrace current trends in education and is realizing that many children slip through the cracks when there is no accountability and high expectations do not exist for all students. <br />As an aside, I listened to all the interviews for the superintendent's position, and Maria Geryk was the only candidate who communicated a clear vision for our schools. Maria Geryk's interview remarks were head and shoulders above any of the other candidates. She clearly is well versed on current trends in education and wants to see educators held responsible for results. Geryk answered each interview question thoughtfully and most importantly with a depth of knowledge that clearly showed she knows what the strengths and challenges are in Amherst, and she has specific plans in mind to address the challenges. She repeatedly demonstrated that she knows best practices, has read widely, and is quite aware of all of the resources out there to help her to make this happen. This depth of knowledge was clearly not present in the other candidates, at least from what they communicated in their interviews. If they can't communicate their vision and knowledge during an interview, how would they ever inspire and lead teachers and administrators?<br />But back to my original point, congratulations, Catherine, and best wishes in the days ahead. You have made a difference!<br />Ruth WadeRuth wadenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6270815429299703055.post-570233294214217162011-02-08T23:26:17.709-05:002011-02-08T23:26:17.709-05:00As with many change efforts, some brave soul has t...As with many change efforts, some brave soul has the fortitude and ability to speak out and to not be silenced by those who wish to preserve the status quo. Some historical figures who come to mind are Nelson Mandela, Martin Luther King, Malcolm X, Sojourner Truth, and Rosa Parks. All of these individuals were quite controversial and had many enemies during the time that they sought change(some still have those enemies and are still considered controversial). At the time they sought change, their ideas seemed radical and unneccesary to many, yet today we have progressed and changed as a society due to these individuals. This is often how we get change - someone comes across as radical and outrageous, but they end up moving us forward in our thinking.<br />While I'm not putting Catherine Sanderson in the same category as these historical figures, I do believe that there are many similarities. Catherine has been chastised, blamed, and generally devalued by many in the community. She has not backed down, however, and as a result, she has paid a very big price for her willingness to fight for what she believed would improve the Amherst schools. She got people's attention, and many changes have already happened, and I hope that more are coming.<br />For many years, the Amherst schools have been complacent. There has been a sense that Amherst didn't really need to be accountable and that they were "a fine school system," in the words of Tracy Kidder. I might add that Amherst schools have been a fine school system for some students, including my own children, but many students have been and are underserved by the Amherst Schools and that has been the case for a very long time.<br />What Catherine Sanderson has done is to have demonstrated a courageousness that few of us possess, and she has challenged the status quo. This is not done easily in our so called "liberal" town, in which it seems there is the "Amherst way" and the "wrong way." While Caterine was threatening to many, often outspoken, and I, for one, certainly did not always agree with her (especially her vote for the superintendent's job) there is no doubt that she is one of the few people who has been able to wake the school system up and help to move it forward.<br />So, kudos to you Catherine, and I do think that you made the right decision in not running again. You've gotten your point across, the wheels are turning in the right direction (even though they may not be turning as fast or going as far as you might have wished), I think that Amherst is beginning to embrace current trends in education and is realizing that many children slip through the cracks when there is no accountability and high expectations do not exist for all students. <br />As an aside, I listened to all the interviews for the superintendent's position, and Maria Geryk was the only candidate who communicated a clear vision for our schools. Maria Geryk's interview remarks were head and shoulders above any of the other candidates. She clearly is well versed on current trends in education and wants to see educators held responsible for results. Geryk answered each interview question thoughtfully and most importantly with a depth of knowledge that clearly showed she knows what the strengths and challenges are in Amherst, and she has specific plans in mind to address the challenges. She repeatedly demonstrated that she knows best practices, has read widely, and is quite aware of all of the resources out there to help her to make this happen. This depth of knowledge was clearly not present in the other candidates, at least from what they communicated in their interviews. If they can't communicate their knowledge and vision during an interview, how would they ever inspire and lead teachers and administrators?<br />But back to my original point, congratulations, Catherine, and best wishes in the days ahead. You have made a difference!<br />Ruth WadeAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6270815429299703055.post-17077685929883714292011-02-08T22:49:50.592-05:002011-02-08T22:49:50.592-05:00Can't say I agree with all of the Catherine as...Can't say I agree with all of the Catherine as some sort of demi-god talk I am seeing here. Yes she worked hard and she meant well. She gave a lot to her volunteer job, but she did it with some questionable methods and frustrating attitudes. <br /><br />I have to agree with an earlier post who mentioned the "us vs them" environment that I feel she had a lot to do with fostering. <br /><br />I don't think the world is coming to an end over her decision. I am sure it is the right one for her. Now I expect the rest of us can probably go on just fine without her on the SC. This is certainly not the tragedy or travesty that some are portraying.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6270815429299703055.post-66254555920295907382011-02-08T21:06:09.096-05:002011-02-08T21:06:09.096-05:00Let the healing begin!Let the healing begin!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6270815429299703055.post-28867404992741435572011-02-08T20:56:53.106-05:002011-02-08T20:56:53.106-05:00Thank you Catherine for your tireless advocacy for...Thank you Catherine for your tireless advocacy for Amherst's kids. Your passion for evidence-based, data-driven decision making will be sorely missed. If your kids are being harassed, then you made (regrettably) the right decision not to run again. Tom KnightAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03439951755977047180noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6270815429299703055.post-77333332088667070182011-02-08T20:19:16.523-05:002011-02-08T20:19:16.523-05:00Amherst is strangely insular, suspicious of strang...Amherst is strangely insular, suspicious of strangers and new ideas- the Twilight Zone. Leverett, Shutsbury and Pelham seem even more extreme. This is revealed to me most clearly when we seek new leadership, such as the recent Superintendent search or the Middle School principal search. In both these cases, there seemed to be a large majority that felt we could only hire someone from within, as only someone from within could understand our particular and unique needs and only someone from within could have the trust of teachers and lead them. I say this with certainty because folks fought for these inside candidates before they even knew who the other candidates might be. I am afraid of where this kind of thought will lead us. I know in biological systems that isolated populations, through inbreeding, become deformed, diseased and ultimately disappear because they were unable to adapt. New ideas and experiences, like new gene variants, are critical for innovation and vitality. <br /> <br />While many in our community clearly disliked Catherine and anonymous attacks were especially frequent and shameful, I believe that Catherine’s time on the school committee was valuable. Her time on the committee and her blog clearly brought out the worst in many in our community. Allowing anonymous comment on her blog was a mistake, I believe, and offered a venue for people to spew their vitriol and meanness anonymously. How those folks can live with themselves continues to mystify me and I often wonder how many of our town’s so-called ‘respected’ citizens posted anonymously. All so sordid…And yet, Catherine unfailingly responded to these despicable posts with reason and considerable respect. I also wonder how many who so fervently criticize Catherine actually attended or watched School Committee meetings. <br /><br />I thank Catherine for spearheading many important changes, two that I think were most important (1) closing Marks Meadow so that all the kids would not have to lose services due to ever present budget constraints and (2) redistricting for equity, it was shameful that our community seemed content for so long to have one school with such a disproportionate level of poverty.<br /><br />I fear that given the way that Catherine has been treated by our ‘community’ we can say goodbye to the hope that anyone with any ideas that might conflict with the monolithic school system and those that unfailingly and unquestioningly support it would even consider running for School Committee. I predict that in a few years, the School Committee will return to the days of old- the rubber stamp. Complacency has its rewards, unfortunately, for our kids.Abbiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02989627808442831131noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6270815429299703055.post-31908890035640858512011-02-08T20:15:26.629-05:002011-02-08T20:15:26.629-05:00Catherine,
WELL DONE! :-)
It is already proven t...Catherine,<br /><b>WELL DONE! :-)</b><br /><br />It is already proven that you have what it takes to inspire the brightest college students, and to form and lead a determined and powerful movement in this town. It's clear to me that, if it were your interest, you have what it takes to build a great company: Energy, passion, absolute commitment to principle, and zero tolerance for excuses or ungrounded assertions.<br /><br />The SC has shown itself to be a very different system, one that punishes the very traits that would make one a successful leader in those other realms.<br /><br />One cannot be a change agent in such a system. The system has to want to change. This system wants to put on blinders and decompose in its own platitudes.<br /><br />Thank you for outlining the work that remains to be done. I hope it gets addressed. I am proud to have supported you, and to see your tenacity and class, in the face of such coarse challenge, mediocrity and hypocrisy.<br /><br />I salute you. We salute you. For every person who has posted today in support there are so many more who feel as we do, and will go on feeling this way and acting upon it until the system is righted or dismantled.<br /><br />Feeling <b>great</b> relief for you and your family. Godspeed!Tom Porterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08763818256131443456noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6270815429299703055.post-44368635403036933232011-02-08T20:07:18.611-05:002011-02-08T20:07:18.611-05:00Anonymous 1:08 PM
Get a grip, please. It's no...Anonymous 1:08 PM<br /><br />Get a grip, please. It's not the apocalypse. It's one volunteer elected town official who decided not to run for reelection after taking an unpopular stand and facing inevitable criticism.<br /><br />If she didn't want to her the criticism, she didn't need to create a blog and open it up to public comments. <br /><br />It's naive to think that taking a wildly unpopular stand like she did against Maria Geryk, keeping the fight up on her blog and then opening up her blog to comments wouldn't be met with criticism, even with rude comments.<br /><br />Unfortunately, Catherine couldn't stand the heat. She could dish it out but she couldn't take it. She'll be better off back in the hallowed halls of academia where she doesn't have to compromise or play very nice with people that don't agree with her.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6270815429299703055.post-2692026951298812272011-02-08T19:44:06.990-05:002011-02-08T19:44:06.990-05:00Whoa! Navneet!!
I voted for CS in the last elect...Whoa! Navneet!!<br /><br />I voted for CS in the last election. I've never personally attacked her or her family. I did disagree with some of her positions and some of her ways of presenting them. So now I don't deserve her (along with the whole town)? It's these kinds of blanket condemnations by supporters of CS that have contributed to the vile us vs them atmosphere. <br />I'm not saying Amy Wasserman was a big help, but I'm not sure your "doesn't deserve you" comment helps either.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6270815429299703055.post-40134884358017395362011-02-08T19:39:24.681-05:002011-02-08T19:39:24.681-05:00Best to you and your family Catherine! AliBest to you and your family Catherine! AliAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6270815429299703055.post-8170588492475327522011-02-08T19:33:06.452-05:002011-02-08T19:33:06.452-05:00Good luck, Catherine! On to bigger and better thin...Good luck, Catherine! On to bigger and better things.Mary E.Careyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13038834344347616519noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6270815429299703055.post-88356252053839443272011-02-08T19:05:36.108-05:002011-02-08T19:05:36.108-05:00Anonymous 1:08 PM: "Now you've been taken...Anonymous 1:08 PM: "Now you've been taken out." Really? There was no coup d'état. She was not impeached. It was her choice not to run. You probably would have had the same reaction if she had ran and lost. Then she would have just failed. Don't make her out to be some martyr.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6270815429299703055.post-21463855019454536342011-02-08T18:51:04.453-05:002011-02-08T18:51:04.453-05:00If your children have been subject to comments by ...If your children have been subject to comments by staff and teachers, I would hope the principals of those schools will investigate this issue immediately and take corrective steps. I would hope the people also apologise to your chidren.Curious observernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6270815429299703055.post-30793646545853984302011-02-08T17:08:09.756-05:002011-02-08T17:08:09.756-05:00Thank you for everything you have done for our chi...Thank you for everything you have done for our children. No one fought harder than you to give voice to parent concerns and to improve education for all children in this town. I am immensely grateful to you for your valiant fight on our behalf. I have appreciated your transparency and communication to keep parents and the community informed about the state of our schools. This level of communication did not exist before and is sure to die with your departure. <br /><br />You have faced abuse that has been unwarranted and despicable, and yet you demonstrated unparalleled strength, honesty and integrity. These are qualities I want my children to have, these are the qualities of a role model. I am ashamed and embarrassed for the mean spirited people who have constantly and personally attacked you and your family. <br /><br />Today is indeed a sad day for our schools and community, however, I support your decision completely; this town does not deserve you.Navneet Marwahanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6270815429299703055.post-84378857574506188092011-02-08T15:35:44.084-05:002011-02-08T15:35:44.084-05:00Catherine,
You have had an impact, and you will b...Catherine,<br /><br />You have had an impact, and you will be missed. Thank you for all the good that you achieved.<br /><br />Best wishes to you and your family.Caren Rotellonoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6270815429299703055.post-5206708440740569432011-02-08T15:06:25.869-05:002011-02-08T15:06:25.869-05:00"I was 1000% right about ~them~ all along.&qu..."I was 1000% right about ~them~ all along."<br /><br />Of course, you were, just like all of your friends. None of you are ever wrong.<br /><br />When she bashes people it's ok, but when someone gives her back a taste of that medicine, it's not ok.<br /><br />Got it.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6270815429299703055.post-25829968434842979332011-02-08T15:03:11.813-05:002011-02-08T15:03:11.813-05:00"A few negative blog posts"???
Where ha..."A few negative blog posts"???<br /><br />Where have you been?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6270815429299703055.post-4167778527044837092011-02-08T14:48:29.164-05:002011-02-08T14:48:29.164-05:00Oh, please.
Give me a break.
So, she isn't r...Oh, please.<br /><br />Give me a break.<br /><br />So, she isn't running.<br /><br />Big deal.<br /><br />This little episode in our tiny little lives pales in comparison to real problems in the world.<br /><br />Midnight in Amherst, indeed. You have obviously not had any real problems in your life if Sanderson's decision not to run again for school committee brings midnight.<br /><br />Go out and experience life and you'll get a dose of reality.<br /><br />Ask people who are experiencing real hardship how this compares to their plight.<br /><br />Middle class suburbia in America grieves in despair over the decision of a school committee mom to take her kids and go to private school.<br /><br />Wake up!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com