What is your take on these issues? What do you see as the best way to move forward?

What is your take on these issues? What do you see as the best way to move forward?

Re-districting is an issue that I actively participated in. The end result was far from what I expected and I was very much against the process used. In the end I have a 2nd grader at Kaler and a 5th grader at Skillin.

The problem as I told the school board was that the process was flawed, not responsible and not well thought out.

My solution, which I spelled out to them in detail, was to develop a process where they included the citizens early in the process, they listened AND responded to all perspectives and used a collaborative process to determine a solution. I urged them to hire a professional or find one willing to volunteer services to facilitate the process.

More ideas would have certainly produced a more inclusive result. They voted unanimously to re-district using a last minute plan that was developed by people who wanted to find a way so that their kids weren't affected. This certainly drove a huge wedge between the board and the citizens.

As for what to do about it now? That is a good question. Time has passed and kids have already went through enough disruption. The only thing we should be doing in the near future is whatever it takes to make sure we don't re-distict.

I have heard rumblings about a few "over the desirable limit" classes at the schools. Unless someone can educate me otherwise, my position today would be to do whatever we need to do to make sure there is enough staff to handle the numbers. So, if we need to hire extra hands to lower the student to adult ratio, we must do it. Additional re-districting is out of the question. Two "wrongs" do not make a "right".

Re-districting is an issue that I actively participated in. The end result was far from what I expected and I was very much against the process used. In the end I have a 2nd grader at Kaler and a 5th grader at Skillin. The problem as I told the school board was that the process was flawed, not responsible and not well thought out. My solution, which I spelled out to them in detail, was to develop a process where they included the citizens early in the process, they listened AND responded to all perspectives and used a collaborative process to determine a solution. I urged them to hire a professional or find one willing to volunteer services to facilitate the process. More ideas would have certainly produced a more inclusive result. They voted unanimously to re-district using a last minute plan that was developed by people who wanted to find a way so that their kids weren't affected. This certainly drove a huge wedge between the board and the citizens. As for what to do about it now? That is a good question. Time has passed and kids have already went through enough disruption. The only thing we should be doing in the near future is whatever it takes to make sure we don't re-distict. I have heard rumblings about a few "over the desirable limit" classes at the schools. Unless someone can educate me otherwise, my position today would be to do whatever we need to do to make sure there is enough staff to handle the numbers. So, if we need to hire extra hands to lower the student to adult ratio, we must do it. Additional re-districting is out of the question. Two "wrongs" do not make a "right".

As for what to do now, is to start by redistricting the school board and get some new members on the board. Every single member voted for the redistricting, and what is the use of a board if all will simply fall in line. Their vote was definitely not a good representation of the parents of South Portland. Vote for Change!

As for what to do now, is to start by redistricting the school board and get some new members on the board. Every single member voted for the redistricting, and what is the use of a board if all will simply fall in line. Their vote was definitely not a good representation of the parents of South Portland. Vote for Change!

For a little information on the work I did during the re-districting process to encourage the board to do a better job of listening and bring all together to produce a responsible solution, please read the document attached to the following link:

http://www.kfassett.com/downloads/files/skillin_redistricting.pdf

For a little information on the work I did during the re-districting process to encourage the board to do a better job of listening and bring all together to produce a responsible solution, please read the document attached to the following link: [url]http://www.kfassett.com/downloads/files/skillin_redistricting.pdf[/url]

Below are documents created by me throughtout the redistricting issue starting in Spring 2007. I offer these as an example of my unending pursuit of responsible planning and citizen involvement. These are some of my strengths and I will bring this element of inclusion to this board!

1st letter in 2007 after the initial board meeting re: redistricting where a "plan" was recommended by the current Superintendent:

http://www.kfassett.com/downloads/files/2007_redistricting.pdf


1st e-mail in 2008 when the Superintendent again offered a redistricting plan:

http://www.kfassett.com/downloads/files/skillin_redistricting.pdf


Text of the speech I gave during my public comment opportunity right before the board voted UNANIMOUSLY to approve the redistricting plan that "helped with the 2008 budget" and offered "lower class sizes" and provided for "future expansion" so that redistricting and classroom concerns would not be an issue for at least 5 years:

http://www.kfassett.com/downloads/files/2008_redistricting_speech.pdf

Below are documents created by me throughtout the redistricting issue starting in Spring 2007. I offer these as an example of my unending pursuit of responsible planning and citizen involvement. These are some of my strengths and I will bring this element of inclusion to this board! 1st letter in 2007 after the initial board meeting re: redistricting where a "plan" was recommended by the current Superintendent: [url]http://www.kfassett.com/downloads/files/2007_redistricting.pdf[/url] 1st e-mail in 2008 when the Superintendent again offered a redistricting plan: [url]http://www.kfassett.com/downloads/files/skillin_redistricting.pdf[/url] Text of the speech I gave during my public comment opportunity right before the board voted UNANIMOUSLY to approve the redistricting plan that "helped with the 2008 budget" and offered "lower class sizes" and provided for "future expansion" so that redistricting and classroom concerns would not be an issue for at least 5 years: [url]http://www.kfassett.com/downloads/files/2008_redistricting_speech.pdf[/url]

I'm not sure I understand all of the fascination with the redistricing. The schools in SoPo are PUBLIC schools, which means that you as a resident have a right to have your child educated. It does not mean you get to "choose" which school your child goes to. Why do you think the schools are so unfriendly and unwelcoming, unless you feel its the school your child "deserved" to go to?


I am not unfamiliar with redistricting. My first child spent his entire education at Brown and my second started there as well, but then was redistricted to Small. I was very unhappy about it at the time. However, I have to say it was one of the best moves available to her because now that she is in middle school she knows so many more kids than she did when at Brown. She has integrated into middle school fabulously. Kids are very resilient. I think you need to give them a little more credit. They will adapt and make friends very quickly if given the chance and support from their elders.
And, of course, the kids eventually all end up together in high school so it does them well to participate in activities all over the city.

Lower class sizes and less redistricting would have occured if we as a city had voted for one or two elementary schools and not four. It would have consolidated resources, offered more inclusiveness and COST LESS. However, the voters rejected it, in fact voters actually wanted 6 schools. This is just not a cost effective way to school the kids.
I understand your stance that the people of SoPo need to be included in the decisions, but I dont think that everyone will always be happy no matter how many meetings are scheduled. I think at some point the decisions need to be made and move on.
Its always disconcerting that when budget meetings or school board meetings are held, very, very, very few people ever attend. Watch one on the SoPo public tv channel some time.
The schools have so little money and particularly in SoPo, which sends millions of tax dollars to the state and gets nothing in return. Unlike as you will read Falmouth, which will get upwards of 40 million to build a new middle school and residents will pay 6. If we are to have a school system that does not have to be so heavily funded by us, the residents, then we need to make more noise in Augusta. Your suggestion that we "hire" an outside facilitator to handle the redistricting is so ridiculous. Where do you think this money is going to come from? Hire more teachers? With WHAT money? Arent we already spending enough to fund our schools? I dont want my taxes to go up ANY MORE!

Get to Augusta, point out how unfair our tax base is, and quit trying to blame things on the city, the schools and the board, who I feel are doing a pretty good job of things, especially considering what you see going on in Portland. Are things perfect? Of course not! But unless SoPo gets some relief from the unbearable lack of tax money from the state for education, the city needs to be very careful of how the money is spent. I'd much rather spend my money on a fabulous teacher than on some silly "redistricing" facilitator to hold a meeting where all the voices can be heard. Use that money for a great teacher, man! Keep the money in the schools...with the teachers...with gardens and green buildings and solar energy. This whole redistricing nonsense has gone on too long. Talk to the legislature in Augusta to get more money for us so we dont have to drive our residents away with a high tax base and we can do some of the things you are suggesting. But as it stands right now, there just isnt any money available for these fancy meetings you are suggesting.

I'm not sure I understand all of the fascination with the redistricing. The schools in SoPo are PUBLIC schools, which means that you as a resident have a right to have your child educated. It does not mean you get to "choose" which school your child goes to. Why do you think the schools are so unfriendly and unwelcoming, unless you feel its the school your child "deserved" to go to? I am not unfamiliar with redistricting. My first child spent his entire education at Brown and my second started there as well, but then was redistricted to Small. I was very unhappy about it at the time. However, I have to say it was one of the best moves available to her because now that she is in middle school she knows so many more kids than she did when at Brown. She has integrated into middle school fabulously. Kids are very resilient. I think you need to give them a little more credit. They will adapt and make friends very quickly if given the chance and support from their elders. And, of course, the kids eventually all end up together in high school so it does them well to participate in activities all over the city. Lower class sizes and less redistricting would have occured if we as a city had voted for one or two elementary schools and not four. It would have consolidated resources, offered more inclusiveness and COST LESS. However, the voters rejected it, in fact voters actually wanted 6 schools. This is just not a cost effective way to school the kids. I understand your stance that the people of SoPo need to be included in the decisions, but I dont think that everyone will always be happy no matter how many meetings are scheduled. I think at some point the decisions need to be made and move on. Its always disconcerting that when budget meetings or school board meetings are held, very, very, very few people ever attend. Watch one on the SoPo public tv channel some time. The schools have so little money and particularly in SoPo, which sends millions of tax dollars to the state and gets nothing in return. Unlike as you will read Falmouth, which will get upwards of 40 million to build a new middle school and residents will pay 6. If we are to have a school system that does not have to be so heavily funded by us, the residents, then we need to make more noise in Augusta. Your suggestion that we "hire" an outside facilitator to handle the redistricting is so ridiculous. Where do you think this money is going to come from? Hire more teachers? With WHAT money? Arent we already spending enough to fund our schools? I dont want my taxes to go up ANY MORE! Get to Augusta, point out how unfair our tax base is, and quit trying to blame things on the city, the schools and the board, who I feel are doing a pretty good job of things, especially considering what you see going on in Portland. Are things perfect? Of course not! But unless SoPo gets some relief from the unbearable lack of tax money from the state for education, the city needs to be very careful of how the money is spent. I'd much rather spend my money on a fabulous teacher than on some silly "redistricing" facilitator to hold a meeting where all the voices can be heard. Use that money for a great teacher, man! Keep the money in the schools...with the teachers...with gardens and green buildings and solar energy. This whole redistricing nonsense has gone on too long. Talk to the legislature in Augusta to get more money for us so we dont have to drive our residents away with a high tax base and we can do some of the things you are suggesting. But as it stands right now, there just isnt any money available for these fancy meetings you are suggesting.

Amy,

I am sorry, you must have mis-understood something you read. I am NOT suggesting we do anything with redistricting. Please read the 2nd post in this category to see where I stand.

The category began because a citizen asked me for my position on redistricting. Since I am running on a foundation of listening to AND responding to the citizens, it was only prudent that I address their questions.

As for professional facilitators for redistricting workshops, this was my suggestion to begin an inclusive process with the citizens BEFORE the vote happened. I posted links to my documents as a reply to some who were questioning if I would really listen. The documents are simply a display of my position of listening and inclusiveness that go back almost 2 years.

I understand your point that not everyone will be happy with whatever the result is as I also stated that very point. However, there has to be a balancing point. Offering a plan to the citizens 12 days before the vote will take place that will effect 150+ students directly and many more indirectly is just not a responsible way to "represent" the citizens. In addition, touting that the citizens were involved when many who were selectively invited felt it was a joke is not proper "representation", and then using "we had to do something" as your defining statement.

I would like to address your issue with hiring a facilitator. I believe it is prudent to spend money to save money. This is my position for redistricting, high school projects, other projects and even "green endeavors".

Spending $5,000 to provide citizen input and offer a well thought out and inclusive plan for redistricting is less money than even having to hire 1 ed tech because your plan that got voted in didn't quite deliver what you expected it to. Just like spending an additional 5K or 50K for that matter on a solar energy project may make more sense than saving the money and blowing it on a less efficient energy project. If there is not 5K to hire a facilitator, where is the money coming from for all the things you mentioned you would like?

If you have some other specific questions for me, please post them.

Amy, I am sorry, you must have mis-understood something you read. I am NOT suggesting we do anything with redistricting. Please read the 2nd post in this category to see where I stand. The category began because a citizen asked me for my position on redistricting. Since I am running on a foundation of listening to AND responding to the citizens, it was only prudent that I address their questions. As for professional facilitators for redistricting workshops, this was my suggestion to begin an inclusive process with the citizens BEFORE the vote happened. I posted links to my documents as a reply to some who were questioning if I would really listen. The documents are simply a display of my position of listening and inclusiveness that go back almost 2 years. I understand your point that not everyone will be happy with whatever the result is as I also stated that very point. However, there has to be a balancing point. Offering a plan to the citizens 12 days before the vote will take place that will effect 150+ students directly and many more indirectly is just not a responsible way to "represent" the citizens. In addition, touting that the citizens were involved when many who were selectively invited felt it was a joke is not proper "representation", and then using "we had to do something" as your defining statement. I would like to address your issue with hiring a facilitator. I believe it is prudent to spend money to save money. This is my position for redistricting, high school projects, other projects and even "green endeavors". Spending $5,000 to provide citizen input and offer a well thought out and inclusive plan for redistricting is less money than even having to hire 1 ed tech because your plan that got voted in didn't quite deliver what you expected it to. Just like spending an additional 5K or 50K for that matter on a solar energy project may make more sense than saving the money and blowing it on a less efficient energy project. If there is not 5K to hire a facilitator, where is the money coming from for all the things you mentioned you would like? If you have some other specific questions for me, please post them.

Sorry, I thought you were suggesting that we redistrict again.

Im not sure what "things" you think I might like.......other than more money from Augusta for our poor city who sends a gazillion of cash in taxes to the coffers there.

I just dont think the city or its residents can afford to spend a lot of money on things, anything for that matter, with the economy and funding issues ahead of us right now.

My specific questions for you are these: how are you going to change things within the school department? What would your position be on the board as far as what is important to you to address?

What is your position on how to address the high school, the middle school conditions? Are you for or against consolidating the middle schools?

What about spending for special education? What is your feeling about the amount of programs there and spending for them? How do you feel about the ELL programs?

Do you feel the superintendent is doing a good job? Why or why not?

Are you more of a no-nonsense kind of voter or are you a talk it out til you're blue type?

Are you for more fiscal restraint within the schools?

Were you for or against the extra ed techs who were funded for Skillin and Small? How would you have voted?

Based on your responses I assume that you would not have voted to redistrict along with the rest of the board. Since all of them voted for it, one can assume (****) that they had the children's best interests at heart. Do you not agree?

I'm actually having a difficult time deciding who to vote for this year. Help me out!

Sorry, I thought you were suggesting that we redistrict again. Im not sure what "things" you think I might like.......other than more money from Augusta for our poor city who sends a gazillion of cash in taxes to the coffers there. I just dont think the city or its residents can afford to spend a lot of money on things, anything for that matter, with the economy and funding issues ahead of us right now. My specific questions for you are these: how are you going to change things within the school department? What would your position be on the board as far as what is important to you to address? What is your position on how to address the high school, the middle school conditions? Are you for or against consolidating the middle schools? What about spending for special education? What is your feeling about the amount of programs there and spending for them? How do you feel about the ELL programs? Do you feel the superintendent is doing a good job? Why or why not? Are you more of a no-nonsense kind of voter or are you a talk it out til you're blue type? Are you for more fiscal restraint within the schools? Were you for or against the extra ed techs who were funded for Skillin and Small? How would you have voted? Based on your responses I assume that you would not have voted to redistrict along with the rest of the board. Since all of them voted for it, one can assume (****) that they had the children's best interests at heart. Do you not agree? I'm actually having a difficult time deciding who to vote for this year. Help me out!

Amy, I have posted my answers to your questions under a new section called "answers to citzen questions". Thanks.

Also, if I am successful, I would like to have a conversation with you about Augusta and our "gazillion" that we send there.

Amy, I have posted my answers to your questions under a new section called "answers to citzen questions". Thanks. Also, if I am successful, I would like to have a conversation with you about Augusta and our "gazillion" that we send there.