tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6270815429299703055.post5311783493211446674..comments2023-09-29T06:32:16.005-04:00Comments on My School Committee Blog: What's next for the Amherst schools? District charts course after sudden exit of superintendentCatherine A. Sandersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03523667921190365891noreply@blogger.comBlogger88125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6270815429299703055.post-16153065910827106292010-03-11T23:11:55.548-05:002010-03-11T23:11:55.548-05:00I've done a separate post now on "the pro...I've done a separate post now on "the process of change" so I'm not going to respond individually to all of these. But here are my assorted thoughts:<br /><br />1. I have no idea if we could have found a strong outside interim or permanent superintendent to start July 1st. But I think it is a shame that we didn't even try. Even if ultimately we chose Maria, at least the community would have known that we made this decision with full awareness of the options -- and not just out of ease. I think that would have increased community confidence in the decision-making and transparency within the district. <br /><br />2. The interim choice last time (Helen/Al) was made in MID-JUNE for a July 1st start. That was obviously less than ideal - but our only choice, since that is when Jere left. I have heard from numerous sources that you can indeed find high quality and experienced interim superintendents (often retired people) who seek one year jobs -- and those people would be available in March/April. Again, I think this would have been worth a shot.<br /><br />3. Anonymous 12:02 - I agree with your comment. I like Maria and believe she did a good job last year when she stepped in. And I think she can keep the trains running on time, which means she can maintain the status quo. What I'm concerned about is her ability to move the trains in a different direction -- and I think we would have more confidence in her ability to do that if we had conducted a real search, and she had emerged as the strongest candidate. <br /><br />Mary Carey - thank you so much for your comments ... I've never thought of myself as the "smart cheerleader" ... but that is a lot better than some things I've been described as of late! Thank you -- and we miss your articles at the Bulletin/Gazette!<br /><br />Anonymous 8:25 - thank you for the transcript of the exchange ... I believe interested viewers can now also watch the exchange on Larry's blog. I do believe Mark's behavior was rude -- and it was hurtful. I am also now hoping we can move on past this to the hard work we all have ahead.<br /><br />Anonymous 9:02 - your comments for me captured a lot of what I see: "Amherst has long been very insular and has not looked at best practice in other higher performing districts. When someone suggests that they do, it threatens the status quo.<br />This is very common when you look at it from an organizational perspective. Whenever anyone with some power comes into a school system (be that superintendent, school administrator, or school committee member) and advocates or implements change, the organization often goes after that person. They will do whatever they can to get rid of that person, because the person is threatening the status quo." Thank you for your wisdom.<br /><br />And finally, let me re-iterate my point: I have NEVER been invited to appear on the Riverwolf production by anyone. If the students are interested in interviewing me for their show, I am absolutely willing to be interviewed, and can be reached by phone (256-4977, 542-2438) or email (casanderson@amherst.edu). <br /><br />One final thing: I believe the interaction between me and Mark Jackson has received plenty of attention. I'd now like to move on to discuss issues related to education ... and not this one incident, so I'm not posting any more responses that address this. <br /><br />And just to be clear: I have posted ALL comments that I've received unless they have really no point (e.g., I didn't post one that said at some point "save the drama for your mama").Catherine A. Sandersonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03523667921190365891noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6270815429299703055.post-81578039015739438462010-03-11T22:27:55.989-05:002010-03-11T22:27:55.989-05:00Nina,
I love the way you sift content to get to ...Nina, <br /><br />I love the way you sift content to get to the stuff that really bugs you. How much apologizing and self-flagellation about my tone do I need to do before you engage the point? <br /><br />If there was an invitation to CS, it was like a tree falling in the woods. <br /><br />Think of it this way: if the news organizations at the High School were taken over by anti-override students who simply pumped out content supporting that position, would any of the adults in the community be concerned about that?<br /><br />With an audience that included first-time ever voters in the spring elections? Oh, you bet they would.<br /><br />I'm guilty of taking these very talented kids and their roles as journalists seriously. Your discomfort is not necessarily the touchstone of proper comment in town.<br /><br />My point has been all along: I believe that there are ideas and issues that Catherine would talk about in an interview that students could get enthusiastic about. That opportunity has been closed down. Do you call that a free press? <br /><br />Rich MorseAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6270815429299703055.post-27619970341424194982010-03-11T21:49:21.960-05:002010-03-11T21:49:21.960-05:00LarryK4's wrong but he just gave us a view int...LarryK4's wrong but he just gave us a view into his brain. He believes the internet changes everything.... and allows for bullying, inappropriate language, and inexplicably bad behavior by adults - towards other adults and children in our community. <br /><br />The internet gives permission for shameful behaviors, "heat". That explains alot.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6270815429299703055.post-49003298204867251812010-03-11T21:15:12.508-05:002010-03-11T21:15:12.508-05:00Nina,
Look around: it's 2010 and the Internet...Nina,<br />Look around: it's 2010 and the Internet has changed EVERYTHING.<br /><br />Student journalists--if they want to become real journalists--better figure out pretty fast how to handle the heat.Larry Kelleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02614645831526190536noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6270815429299703055.post-57834775015796787802010-03-11T19:02:45.404-05:002010-03-11T19:02:45.404-05:00Rich,
I need to say that I am very uncomfortable ...Rich,<br /><br />I need to say that I am very uncomfortable with the way that you are talking to the student journalists. I am especially bothered by the "grow a set" reference in your original email to them, because you don't appear to regret it at this point.<br /><br />I believe them when they say that they extended an invitation to Catherine last year if only because they want their show to have interesting content. I would think they would want any high profile interview they could get. It has nothing to do with whether or not the journalist agrees with the person being interviewed. <br /><br />By the way, they have exams all this week and are probably studying right now. I don't know all of the kids on the crew, but the ones whom I do know are excellent students, in every sense of the word.Nina Kochhttp://www.arps.org/users/hs/kochn/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6270815429299703055.post-31393950087927807612010-03-11T17:46:28.758-05:002010-03-11T17:46:28.758-05:00I would like to echo Joel's call for a public ...I would like to echo Joel's call for a public apology from Principal Jackson. I think this is critical. The whole town in waiting.<br /><br />I had previously suspected that the crux of the problem here is rampant insularity and cronyism. Boor Jackson (it seems wrong to dignify him with "Principal" and certainly not "Principle Jackson" as one poster did) really confirmed this suspicion. GASP--she gave some well deserved credit to THE OUTSIDER!!! <br /><br />Alternatively, if he feels he is unable to render a public apology, I would be happy to meet him in the schoolyard at 4:00. No teachers. Really. Let's go Jackson. Great example you set. That's how I and the other science nerds dealt with bullies back in the day... You deserve the same.<br /><br />Jackass er Jackson seems to have forgotten that the SC is his boss's boss. He is talking UP the chain of command in this display. Imagine how he treats his subordinates! <br /><br />It is the SC's right, and indeed their fiduciary responsibility, to formulate their own opinions and act on them. Even if they are unpopular with the principals or senior administrators or other cronies. ESPECIALLY if they are unpopular. Jackson's rage seemed to stem from his perception that his evaluation of Dr. Rodriguez was not accepted unilaterally as gospel.<br /><br />My wish for the School Committee: DRAIN THIS SWAMP. Clean house. I can tell you the override has no chance of passing now. Jackson's eruption knocked the fencesitters onto the NO side. The public has lost faith. Drain this swamp-- Jackson's miasma is nauseating. He should clean out his desk. Drain it before our children succumb to this perverse malaria which is so unfitting for a town like Amherst. <br /><br />My other wish--that Jackson will meet me at 4:00. Remember mark--no teachers!Davidnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6270815429299703055.post-39332773750093926802010-03-11T17:41:06.211-05:002010-03-11T17:41:06.211-05:00In my view, this school committee is not prepared ...In my view, this school committee is not prepared to fix a system in crisis, especially one of its own making.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6270815429299703055.post-56086540101983644722010-03-11T17:39:46.656-05:002010-03-11T17:39:46.656-05:00to Rich Morse -"pack mentality"? from wh...to Rich Morse -"pack mentality"? from what I can see that may be a perfect way to describe the regulars on this blog. You don't sound impolite at all. You sound like you're trying to demonize and pressure students. <br /><br />What the heck is going on in Amherst? Aren't we supposed to be working together to improve the schools for Amherst kids? Focus, people.<br /><br />Anonymous because I don't want to be slapped in public.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6270815429299703055.post-77702241833546425852010-03-11T17:11:27.832-05:002010-03-11T17:11:27.832-05:00Catherine,
I honor your courage in speaking the t...Catherine,<br /><br />I honor your courage in speaking the truth. You have to put up with a lot of petty and nasty behavior. <br /><br />1) I think Amherst is forgetting that the teachers and administrators are public employees - i.e. they work for us and are responsible to us.<br /><br />2) I believe that there is truth to what has been suggested on the blog - that Mr. Jackson's comments to the effect that he has read the evaluations of Rodriguez are quite troubling. If in fact that occurred the law may have been violated and a severe reprimand should follow . I recognize that you may not be able to act on that supposition, but someone should. In my view there is too much internecine politics within the District. <br /><br />Each passing day shows the extent of the decay of the system. I am not sure the regional system can work without a complete re-vamping - cleaning out the high priced insular administrators and replacing them with experienced but hungry new blood with a fresh view of education. Of course this would have to be done carefully and with an eye to continuous improvement. The idea is that we might be able to save money, improve the schools and better serve our community.<br /><br />3) In my view Ms. Geryk is not a capable candidate for a system in crisis. In fact I believe that her inability was one of the reasons the District is in such fiscal trouble. Just as Rodriguez was forced out after 8 months I see no obligation to keep Ms. Geryk in her position for 16. We do so at our own peril.<br /><br />Please stick around. We need people like you to stand up for what is right for the District.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6270815429299703055.post-48820571543718677582010-03-11T16:38:09.447-05:002010-03-11T16:38:09.447-05:00My point is that the student journalists don't...My point is that the student journalists don't know what CS's views are, and they are not willing to explore them OR they would have been fair to her, as reputable journalists (which I assume that they want to be) would be.<br /><br />And it appears to me that they are hiding from her.<br /><br />They are just part of the pack mentality inside of our schools that serves to caricature, demonize, and distort the views of others, especially those who have not dutifully climbed on the override bandwagon and/or advocated for the closing of Mark's Meadow. I've seen it in the skewed reporting both in the Graphic and on the Student News program. There's a grudge there.<br /><br />As with Catherine, it becomes about my tone, ironically coming from anonymous posters sitting behind their Curtain of Cowardice. <br /><br />So let's be clear, since I might be guilty of being impolite and that might be gumming up the works: these young adults are capable of some really terrific broadcast work, as the recent SC debate demonstrates. It was must-see TV. I would expect a CS interview to be nothing less. How much more complimentary can I be? <br /><br />Day 2: still no invitation to CS.<br /><br />Rich MorseAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6270815429299703055.post-65553690208620321132010-03-11T09:08:18.738-05:002010-03-11T09:08:18.738-05:00Anon 9:02 PM
Please refer to Anon Mar 10 10:06 AM...Anon 9:02 PM<br /><br />Please refer to Anon Mar 10 10:06 AM in the thread that follows this for another persepective about<br />change always being the issue.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6270815429299703055.post-66215784803670651282010-03-11T09:07:15.650-05:002010-03-11T09:07:15.650-05:00But they have the excuse that most of them are 10t...<i>But they have the excuse that most of them are 10th graders.</i><br /><br />Actually, no, they don't.<br /><br />This is a really interesting - and frankly scary - developing issue of law which is best recognized by the music downloading lawsuits.<br /><br />From what I am seeing, there is no "I am just a kid" exemption for things being done in electronic media. And I do find this troubling as an educator because there are developmental issues directly related to age that correspond to responsiblity.<br /><br />More importantly, 10th graders are minors and they can't be doing this on their own. There has to be an adult responsible, at least on paper -- either an adult directly responsible or their collective parents indirectly.<br /><br />Unemancipated minors are unemancipated minors - and no matter how mature they are, they are always under the supervision of an adult who is legally responsible for them.<br /><br />(And if you think this gets messy, think about the 17-year-old college freshman who won't turn 18 until a couple months into the semester...)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6270815429299703055.post-62058767694853352462010-03-11T09:01:43.033-05:002010-03-11T09:01:43.033-05:00if you cant be sophmoric when you're a sophmor...if you cant be sophmoric when you're a sophmore, when the heck are you entitled to be?A.N.W.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6270815429299703055.post-38238016236786785362010-03-11T07:40:02.894-05:002010-03-11T07:40:02.894-05:00Let's be clear -Riverwolf Productions is NOT a...Let's be clear -Riverwolf Productions is NOT affiliated with the schools in any way other than that most of the teens go to ARHS. They do not have a faculty advisor, nor do they need to check in with the principal or the superintendent for approval of what they say or do. <br /><br />Maybe they take exception to what Catherine says because they DISAGREE with her positions. Their lampoon of her was sophomoric- but no more sophomoric than much of what passes for commentary on this blog. But they have the excuse that most of them are 10th graders.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6270815429299703055.post-89175861181915215912010-03-10T22:52:49.444-05:002010-03-10T22:52:49.444-05:00I also don't have the impression that the stud...<i>I also don't have the impression that the student news has ridiculed Irv or Steve, and I've seen clear evidence that I've been ridiculed. So, to be clear to any students involved in Riverwolf productions:</i><br /><br />Two interesting asides.<br /><br />First, the "public figure" exemption to libel is dependent on the public figure being able to defend herself in that or similar forums. So if they are ridiculing Catherine but not interviewing her, well if I were the faculty advisor I would be concerned.<br /><br />Second, what are the guidelines for the organization? There have to be some guidelines and one would hope that they include balance to political issues - not just interviewing one side. And as there are public resources involved (right?) then we get into the State Ethics Commission stuff.<br /><br />The long and short is that you either gotta interview ALL the school committee members willing to show up, or none....Ednoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6270815429299703055.post-6626896583600425142010-03-10T22:05:49.632-05:002010-03-10T22:05:49.632-05:00Mr. Jackson needs to learn some manners<a href="http://onlyintherepublicofamherst.blogspot.com/2010/03/school-bullying-even-in-amherst.html" rel="nofollow">Mr. Jackson needs to learn some manners</a>Larry Kelleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02614645831526190536noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6270815429299703055.post-25306730236537858182010-03-10T21:34:55.313-05:002010-03-10T21:34:55.313-05:008:37 to Rich Morse: if you think you're writin...8:37 to Rich Morse: if you think you're writing to students in your post, I would ask you to please exercise more maturity, discretion, restraint and respect. You ought to use the same tone that you would hope and expect would be used with your own child. I don't know if you're actually writing to students, but if you believe you are, please treat them the way you would want YOUR student treated.<br /><br />I'm not sure what's happening in Amherst, but this kind of taunting even with names, or maybe especially with names, is particularly disturbing and upsetting.Linda L.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6270815429299703055.post-29625847057781941362010-03-10T21:16:16.533-05:002010-03-10T21:16:16.533-05:00It seems as though the MM closing is a big issue f...It seems as though the MM closing is a big issue for the Riverwolf staff - however, Andy Churchill - father of the Riverwolf producer - voted (in the unanimous SC vote) to close MM. So, why is CS being "skewered" but no one else is (besides Rich)?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6270815429299703055.post-55815077481439992102010-03-10T21:05:11.944-05:002010-03-10T21:05:11.944-05:00Catherine- is the report on ARMS going to be poste...Catherine- is the report on ARMS going to be posted?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6270815429299703055.post-77662536555768321602010-03-10T21:05:11.943-05:002010-03-10T21:05:11.943-05:00The ball is clearly in the court of the young folk...The ball is clearly in the court of the young folks at Student News and the Graphic.<br /><br />Given the fabulous SC debate they put on, they seem to realize that there's a news void out there that only they can fill: an appetite for local news (with the attendant controversy) and not enough sources.<br /><br />Heck, I'm giving them free pub. Do you think their interview with you would get some attention? That Wolfsun fellow is a natural in front of the camera. <br /><br />So we wait.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6270815429299703055.post-7700196740925168012010-03-10T21:02:19.747-05:002010-03-10T21:02:19.747-05:00I've read this blog from time to time, but nev...I've read this blog from time to time, but never commented. I also watched the school committee meeting on TV and was dismayed by the majority decision not to look for a superintendent now. There are qualified people out there, and they're out there now. There are reasons that Mark Jackson doesn't want a search now - He really doesn't want to see significant change.<br />I'm a former educator and school administrator, so I think I have a pretty good understanding of what is going on here. Catherine Sanderson is a target (and yes she is being bullied) because she represents change in a system that really doesn't want to change. Many Amherst administrators and some teachers have long felt that Amherst is superior to other school systems. In fact, Amherst is so far behind current educational practice that it's embarrassing. The curriculum doesn't really exist, especially at the elementary level; there are no clear standards about what students should know and be able to do; and accountability for student learning and teacher performance doesn't seem to exist. The two outside reviews that have been done are spot on in their evaluations of the schools. Amherst has long been very insular and has not looked at best practice in other higher performing districts. When someone suggests that they do, it threatens the status quo.<br />This is very common when you look at it from an organizational perspective. Whenever anyone with some power comes into a school system (be that superintendent, school administrator, or school committee member) and advocates or implements change, the organization often goes after that person. They will do whatever they can to get rid of that person, because the person is threatening the status quo. Until Amherst can get a common vision that is shared by the school committee, the superintendent, and the teachers' union, (and this vision supports current practice in education) this will continue. It will take a miracle working superintendent to get everyone on the same page, but this really needs to happen. AND, it's practically guaranteed that any current administrator will NOT be able to lead the type of change that Amherst needs.<br />I feel sorry for the Amherst schools, because they are clearly in a crisis, and it doesn't look like anyone will be able to try to right this sinking ship for years to come.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6270815429299703055.post-5686410314611469282010-03-10T20:52:27.138-05:002010-03-10T20:52:27.138-05:00Nina - I think your suggestion is a great one. I ...Nina - I think your suggestion is a great one. I actually do that all the time myself - and I also copy the principal of my kids' schools when I complement the teachers so that these notes are in their personnel files also. Ask any of the Fort River teachers my kids have had -- I do this all the time, and I do think it is good idea. <br /><br />Rich - OK, so now it is seeming like it is more and more about gender ... I don't see why Irv and Steve had a talk with the student news and not me? And I have no idea what invitation I've ignored -- I went through my SPAM email today to see if it was in that, and I can't find it (at least during the last 6 months). I also don't have the impression that the student news has ridiculed Irv or Steve, and I've seen clear evidence that I've been ridiculed. So, to be clear to any students involved in Riverwolf productions: my email (casanderson@amherst.edu), my home phone (256-4977), my office phone (542-2438).Catherine A. Sandersonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03523667921190365891noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6270815429299703055.post-1280848179165283232010-03-10T20:37:15.734-05:002010-03-10T20:37:15.734-05:00Anon 7:44:
Thanks for the info, and I will try t...Anon 7:44: <br /><br />Thanks for the info, and I will try to look at them.<br /><br />I looked at the SC debate run by the students and it's terrific. I hope that ACTV will run it on multiple occasions. <br /><br />So what's wrong with putting your name down? No one's going to bite you. I suppose that you are with Riverwolf, but who knows? That's the magic of anonymous posting.<br /><br />I've told you who I am and identified myself in a Email to you. And you apparently read it on the air, which apparently "skewered" me. As you can tell, I'm devastated. <br /><br />So where is that invite to Ms. Sanderson? Or is she just a whipping post for you guys? Or are you afraid that she just might make sense to you?<br /><br />Awaiting your response or just simply contact Ms. Sanderson. <br /><br />Rich MorseAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6270815429299703055.post-50872534496100137582010-03-10T20:31:47.231-05:002010-03-10T20:31:47.231-05:00I was just wondering how much the former middle sc...I was just wondering how much the former middle school principle was paid when she left in Sept. I don't recall if that was made public at the time.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6270815429299703055.post-7675906024476376092010-03-10T20:25:37.076-05:002010-03-10T20:25:37.076-05:00I went back to the DVR and found the comment by Ja...I went back to the DVR and found the comment by Jackson which was directed at Sanderson. It is at 9:45 p.m., or 3 hours and 45 minutes into the meeting. You really have to watch it because his delivery is hostile and aggressive. <br /><br />Not only does Jackson bash Rodriguez publicly, he tries to bully Prof Sanderson and makes it sound like Sanderson, by saying something positive about Rodriguez, somehow *betrayed all* the personnel that participated in the evaluation process. It's really a spectacle. <br /><br />Mark Jackson: <br />"So, I want to make a comment about interims in general. But Catherine, I want to address your last comment. Because I find it hugely problematic. For you to say publicly, knowing what you know about what was written in the evaluations, that the former Superintendent is emblematic of the value that can be created by outsiders. I, I am not sure what basis you're making that comment on. And I think you do everybody who participated in the evaluation process a real disservice by even, by even, by even hazarding [with much loud emphasis on hazarding] that kind of reference. Because Dr. Rodriguez represented a lot of things, I mean I'm probably going further than I should should go. But to say that he's emblematic of the kind of change agent that someone could be from the outside, I'm not sure what evaluation document you were reading. So I would hope that you would reconsider that comment." <br /><br />When Sanderson opened her mouth to reply to the multiple inquiries Jackson posed (He did make inquiries, didn't he? Such as I'm not sure what basis you are making that comment on, and what evaluation document were you reading)...<br /><br />Jackson forcefully interrupted, <br /><br />"That's a statement, it's not a question. It's a statement." <br /><br />As someone noted here earlier, how cheap.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com