Public forum discusses transition
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| Columbia School Board member-elect Amy Miller asks a question of school officials during a public forum on Monday night. The board talked to a crowd of about 100 parents who attended the community forum. Topics such as traffic flow were discussed, as well as the current budget crisis. |
Wasn't able to make it to the meeting. Did anyone find out what they are going to do about parking? Are the going to relocate the playground equipment because the playground at BES is sorry, sad. Also, I want to see a breakdown of how they are saving $600K by shutting down Miller...no one has shown us that yet and it's been requested by quite a few people. Does it even exist?
ReplyDeleteThe actual number is $700,000 in savings. However, there has been NO PLAN shown how this is going to happen and Beamish said most of the savings would come through staff lay-offs.
ReplyDeleteWell, there were two teachers facing lay-off notices, and the incredible secretary Pam Anderson was told she was not going to return (which is a shame). There are even some school aides who haven't been told their fate even on the last school day.
So somehow the current administration thinks they can save $700,000 by letting go of a couple of teachers, a secretary, and a few school aides. If you believe that, I have a lake front property to sell you in the Sahara desert.
We need clarity.
ReplyDeleteThe Columbia School Charter says (Note #5:
The Columbia School District recognizes the National Standards for Parent/Family Involvement Programs based on Dr. Joyce Epstein’s framework:
Standard #1:
Communicating – Communication between home and school is regular, two-way, and meaningful.
Standard #2:
Parenting – Parenting skills are promoted and supported.
Standard #3:
Student Learning – Parents play an integral role in assisting
student learning.
Standard #4:
Volunteering – Parents are welcome in the school and their
support and assistance are needed.
Standard #5:
School Decision Making and Advocacy – Parents are full
partners in the decisions that affect children and families.
Standard #6:
Collaborating with Community – Community resources are used to strengthen schools, families, and student learning.
Also, it reads (note parameter #4):
The Columbia School District operates in accordance with state and federal legislation and the Board of Education policies. The following guidelines will be used to accomplish the adopted mission.
•
Each building will maintain a safe and secure environment in which to learn, to teach and to work.
•
Nothing will take precedence over the K-12 programs and services necessary to meet the district’s mission and student expectations.
•
Site-based decisions will be consistent with established district goals and objectives.
•
Decisions will have measurable outcomes.
•
New programs, as well as existing programs and services, will be consistent with the district’s school improvement plan.
•
Behavior which diminishes the dignity or self-worth of any individual will not be tolerated.
•
The benefits of diversity will be cultivated throughout the district
I have not seen anything to support these Core Beliefs by the Board or Beamish.
ALL SHOW ON MONDAY June 13th FOR THE SCHOOL BOARD MEETING!!!
For Gosh sakes it is time to put this to rest...The new board members have been elected in so let's see what they do...Whats done is done..move on and start working on how to make Columbia Elementary students feel okay about moving into the new environment
ReplyDeleteGood information and comment is is very informative.
ReplyDeleteplayground equipment