Notes on the MCCSC school board meeting, Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2013
This was another long meeting, almost three hours. A lot of it was devoted to recognition of students and community partnerships. Repeatedly, in wonderfully overlapping ways, the students, teachers, and community partners conveyed the value of relationships, community connections, field trips, and especially outdoor time spent exploring and doing, whether in a garden, on a farm, or in a nature preserve. The length of this meeting (and the fact that the long intervals between meetings led the board to delegate authority to MCCSC's fiscal officer to change the employee benefits plan) would be arguments in favor of more frequent meetings, I would think. The consistent length of these meetings is a disincentive to attend. Also included in this meeting: I-STEP update, a new administrative position focusing on diversity, new guidelines for instructional materials that seem to be a move toward deprofessionalizing our library staff, and a date (November 12) for the next community conversation with the board--to be held at the Academy of Science and Entrepreneurship at 6 p.m.
Board members present: Jeanine Butler, David Sabbagh, Martha Street, Keith Klein, Lois Sabo Skelton, Sue Wanzer
Absent: Kelly Smith
The meeting began with public comment.
• Dan Maki, a grandparent of MCCSC students, objected to the tone of some board members' comments on charters ("We're the best! We can beat anybody. Bring 'em on!"--Jeanine Butler and David Sabbagh spoke in this vein at the last meeting.) He compared MCCSC to a ship and charters to icebergs in the water to convey his sense the wrong-headedness of responses that convey enthusiasm for competition.
• Jim Sims commended the board on the hiring of Dianne Hanks as a diversity administrator, but sounded a note of caution: he doesn't want quick fixes. He wants MCCSC to reach out to resources within the community, and to make sure any personnel appointments are sustainable.
• I (Jenny Robinson) talked about my concerns with the new program guidelines dealing with instructional materials, which affects the school library program. 1) In the context of the iPad acquisition and the pressure to move to electronic resources, the deletion of the word "physical" seems to indicate less of a commitment to actual book holdings in the school libraries. 2) The revised document shifts responsibilities from school library media specialists to central office administrators (the directors of elementary and secondary education). The curriculum directors will have the final decision on the selection of materials for the school library media centers. 3) The revision replaces a commitment to each Dewey area with a commitment to a collection that supports "academic disciplines." With the pressure to define academics in terms of what it tested on ISTEP, this could be a considerable narrowing of the collection. 4) The revision deletes a detailed description of the various levels of the collection, from minimal to comprehensive. Why? 5) It revises the appeals process for the reconsideration of materials so that media professionals are not required to be on the review committee assembled by the principal. It replaces a structure of appeals that extends up to the Superintendent and then to the school board with one that ends with the directors of curriculum. My biggest concern is that these guidelines seem to show an unannounced effort to eliminate guidelines which require the presence and expertise of school librarians, perhaps to open the way to having only one in the central office. (But I don't think that I clearly stated that last part in my statement to the board.)
Foundation of MCCSC report: Ms. Helm said that the foundation has finished selecting grant proposals. There is going to be an online auction from Nov. 25-Dec. 9, for which they are currently collecting donations. The spelling bee earned close to $40,000.
Superintendent's report/Celebration of success (I got confused about when one ended and the next began):
• Dr. DeMuth commended the football coaches and team for their response to an serious accident that occurred directly in front of them as they were traveling to a game. The head coach and others were first responders and stayed with the accident while the players (with some coaches) continued on to the game, when traffic cleared. The coach spoke briefly about how it brought perspective to all of them. He said, "Life is about relationships and experiences."
• A high school student was recognized for walking 500 miles on the Appalachian trail with his dog to raise money (over $10,000) for "Giving Back to Africa." He spoke powerfully about the experiences in MCCSC that had been steps toward this endeavor: going to Peden Farm and holding chicks as a young boy, then visiting Honey Creek, Leonard Springs, Bean Blossom Bottoms, and Lake Griffy, as well as a teacher that had two milk snakes (?) in the classroom.
• MCCSC got Riley Corporate Status for broad participation in fundraising for Riley.
• Jasmin Martinez was recognized for receiving the Outstanding Hispanic Senior award from the H-T.
• Joe and Joyce Peden were recognized for opening their farm to the community once a year and for all the work (involving over 100 volunteers) to make that experience a wonderful one for so many local children. They brought a number of their helpers to also be recognized.
• Lipton the "reading dog" and his owner (a retired IU professor) were honored for their weekly visits to Rogers Elementary. Rogers' literacy coach read a wonderful quotation which a colleague had shared with her: "No significant learning occurs without a significant relationship." She and Lipton's owner spoke movingly of the enjoyment that children take in communicating with Lipton, how they select books that they think will interest him, and how they get a chance to feel successful and comfortable with him (he never corrects them). She thanked Mr. Peden, noting that the kindergarteners wrote books about their visit to Peden Farm for Lipton.
• Four elementary schools were sites for a celebrity read-aloud of a book by Loren Long.
I-STEP update, presented by Tammy Miller (director of elementary education) and Jan Bergeson (director of secondary education):
I don't remember Jan or Tammy mentioning this, but I want to say that it's hard to read anything into small drops in scores in some areas because of the widespread computer glitches with I-STEP last spring. Students were not taking this test under normal conditions.
In general, on ISTEP, MCCSC was very slightly above state averages, but 3rd and 6th grade scores dropped and 3rd and 4th were very slightly below the state average. Overall, MCCSC had 1/2 of a percentage point drop from last year. Social studies showed an increase in scores, and there were no results for science yet. The IDOE was still setting the cut scores. "Schools are drilling down to see what happened to each student."
Jan showed a graph that depicted the performance of various ethnic sub-groups (pointing out that there is more variability with lower numbers). She said they can't seem to narrow the gap in performance for some of the groups. They are charging the principals with figuring out what it is they have to do to narrow the gap. Special education scores have gone down in the last several years, but not in all schools. They are "looking at each individual student."
There were no questions from the board.
MCCSC Garden project update:
This presentation showcased a community collaboration to get more garden projects going in MCCSC schools. IU Health/Bloomington Hospital obesity outreach guy, Alex Purcell, is bringing together other local organizations in a school garden initiative, to increase children's access to fresh foods and their experience of environmental stewardship, social skills, exercise, and connection to their schools. Three local schools are pilots: Arlington, Clear Creek, and Edgewood. Bloomington Hospital is assembling a toolkit on the process to distribute to any interested school in the state. Community partners include United Way, a fiscal sponsor, and Mother Hubbard's Cupboard, which donated seeds and actually received some produce back--as well as lots of parents and teachers.
An unexpectedly moving part of this evening was the presentation about how a group from North is also involved in this project. The group, VOICE, is intended to create a supportive community for girls who are identified by their teachers as having leadership potential, and to provide them with positive relationships with female mentors. Three of the young women were there and spoke. One of their projects last year (I think) was reading to children in a local preschool. Now they want to do a garden project with those preschoolers ("The kids will love digging in the dirt and finding worms, it will be a privilege"). The girls spoke with gratitude of this group and of their comfort with Dr. Mobley, assistant principal at North, who organized the group). This is clearly a labor of love for the teachers/administrators involved (one said, "This has become a major project and bonding--it's a highlight in our life") and sitting there, I felt convinced of its great value and was grateful.
Gardens at Templeton and Childs were briefly mentioned, as well as ones in development at Jackson Creek and Summit.
Donations (read by board president Klein): There were many, many of them, totaling over $16,000. Several were for transportation to Peden Farm. I'm curious if MCCSC was able to cover part of those transportation costs.
Tim Thrasher presented on the tax rates for the referendum. They will be lower this year, if I understood correctly, because the valuation of property has increased. Student enrollment is lower this year than last.
The board members present voted unanimously to delegate authority to Mr. Thrasher to amend employee benefits plans. The administration feels this is advisable because of unpredictability in how the Affordable Care Act will affect them and so that MCCSC can be "agile"--act quickly. Board meetings of just once a month preclude acting quickly, said Mr. Thrasher.
Keith Klein: This helps us stay agile.
Tim Thrasher: So we can react in a timely way. We have every intention of keeping the school board apprised of plans. We've committed to keeping people informed and giving them an opportunity for input. We have so many deadlines coming from so many directions. This makes us more nimble.
Sue: Is this removing authority from the board? No, the board would have authority to revoke this (I'm not clear on whether she meant decisions or the authorization).
Tim Thrasher. That's right, you've delegated authority but not the responsibility.
Keith Klein: I like that. We've delegated the responsibility but not the authority.
Tim Thrasher: No, you've delegated the authority but you still have the responsibility.
Personnel report (Peggy Chambers):
Carol Gardiner, former RBB assistant superintendent, has taken a one-year position as a grant specialist.
The new assistant principal at Tri-North said he was excited to take the position because MCCSC was known for its commitment not just to academic learning but to the whole child.
Five new teachers, 29 substitute teachers, 30 support staff, 2 retirements/resignations, one of whom was the media specialist at Marlin and Arlington for 20 years.
New talent and diversity specialist Dianne Hanks said the central office team was working to make a comprehensive plan to make more culturally relevant schools. They are starting by making assessments. Dr. DeMuth or Ms. Hanks (?) has visited Ivy Tech, the hospital, IU, the Kelly School, and county and city government. Ms. Hanks has requested a meeting/summit where they can host a forum for all minority personnel; participation would be voluntary. This will be a perfect opportunity to make a plan that is thoughtful, purposeful, contemplative, and reflective. It will take time, commitment, hard work, and money. (Her words.)
Jeanine: I'm very pleased. I can't think of anyone better suited for this.
Sue: I've been waiting for this for thirteen years. I'm delighted. It's overdue.
Keith Klein: I look forward to what you are going to do for us.
Contracts, presented by Tim Thrasher: Employee Health Plan: We've gone three years without a premium increase, but this year a 1% increase is necessary. There are $10 increases in co-pays, but employees can receive free prescriptions at the employee health and wellness center.
Ms. Bergeson presented on the new guideline for instructional materials. She said, This is just a guideline. It's been months in development, involving Jason Taylor, Peggy Chambers, Tammy Miller, and MCEA. She thanked Jean Schick for updated the policy on animals in the classroom.
Jan Bergeson:
Regarding how materials are selected, it's always been the practice that the building principal signs off on selections. We felt that the directors of elementary and secondary education should sign off, so people at that administrative level are advised of selections.
With the change from "Dewey areas" to "academic disciplines," we actually felt that academic disciplines was a broader category.
As for the levels of the collection, they can still use those, we just don't feel that it adds to the guidelines.
About the procedure for reconsidering materials. The librarians felt strongly that we need to continue to have a form. We went to discussion twice on this.The librarians were tasked with creating these forms and they did an excellent job. These guidelines come with the forms attached. We wanted to make the process more concise, less burdensome. About the curricular issue: The appeal should go to the curricular department, that's why directors of curriculum hear the appeals.
About the access to networked information resources (the Internet), we didn't delete this, we moved it (to 5136?).
Sue: I like the form that makes the process objective. Also, I could see how it could give more freedom to educators to eliminate definitions of levels of the collection. You've said this was developed with MCEA, and Jan, you've made me feel more comfortable. I'm concerned that the appeals process now states, "may include media specialists," not "will include."
Jan: Well, it also may include parents and other teachers. It's a broader group. I don't think anyone would not want a media specialist on an appeals committee.
Sue: I would feel more comfortable if you changed this to "will include," but I recognize that you do not need to get the board's permission to issue guidelines. I appreciate your guarantee.
No other board members asked questions.
In other business, Dr. DeMuth had to ask the board to approve a profile amendment for several schools that now have preschools. She explained this is just a formality to deal with new bureaucracy at the IDOE. She vented some annoyance at this requirement; I guess they used to be able to go into the system and change it themselves.
Jeanine Butler: No one understands what's going on at the DOE. If the state superintendent would come back from China, maybe things would get better.
Board comment ends the meeting:
Sue Wanzer: At the ICPE meeting on Saturday (which Dr. DeMuth also attended), Kristin Reed talked about how all the other members of the SBOE sent a letter to the state legislature asking that since the A-F grading hadn't been done, the Legislative Services Agency should calculate the grades. Glenda Ritz's office has now filed suit.
Also, thanks to the board for sending a letter to Ball State regarding the proposed charter school, and thanks to Dr. DeMuth and Valerie Merriam.
Jeanine Butler: I'll try not to talk as long. Bloomington South gave an outstanding performance of Les Mis. It was 75 - 80 different kids., a beautiful production. Also, Jason Taylor gave an iPad demonstration to a retired educators group. He showed us the mind-boggling things our teachers can do on the iPads.
I'll say to anyone who wants to open a charter school: Go for it. I don't think you can compete with MCCSC.
David Sabbagh: Some things are politics. We have to follow the state law, and we do. I support everything going on, I want to talk about positive things, keep emphasizing positive things.
Martha Street: I'll second David and Jeanine's comments, and thanks to Jason from the retired teachers.
Keith Klein: Announcement: Next community conversation will be November 12, 6 p.m. at the Academy of Science and Entrepreneurship (ASE).
I'm disappointed in the response from BSU, it was combative. But I'm proud of the response from Dr. DeMuth.
And our students in Les Mis were spectacular.
This was another long meeting, almost three hours. A lot of it was devoted to recognition of students and community partnerships. Repeatedly, in wonderfully overlapping ways, the students, teachers, and community partners conveyed the value of relationships, community connections, field trips, and especially outdoor time spent exploring and doing, whether in a garden, on a farm, or in a nature preserve. The length of this meeting (and the fact that the long intervals between meetings led the board to delegate authority to MCCSC's fiscal officer to change the employee benefits plan) would be arguments in favor of more frequent meetings, I would think. The consistent length of these meetings is a disincentive to attend. Also included in this meeting: I-STEP update, a new administrative position focusing on diversity, new guidelines for instructional materials that seem to be a move toward deprofessionalizing our library staff, and a date (November 12) for the next community conversation with the board--to be held at the Academy of Science and Entrepreneurship at 6 p.m.
Board members present: Jeanine Butler, David Sabbagh, Martha Street, Keith Klein, Lois Sabo Skelton, Sue Wanzer
Absent: Kelly Smith
The meeting began with public comment.
• Dan Maki, a grandparent of MCCSC students, objected to the tone of some board members' comments on charters ("We're the best! We can beat anybody. Bring 'em on!"--Jeanine Butler and David Sabbagh spoke in this vein at the last meeting.) He compared MCCSC to a ship and charters to icebergs in the water to convey his sense the wrong-headedness of responses that convey enthusiasm for competition.
• Jim Sims commended the board on the hiring of Dianne Hanks as a diversity administrator, but sounded a note of caution: he doesn't want quick fixes. He wants MCCSC to reach out to resources within the community, and to make sure any personnel appointments are sustainable.
• I (Jenny Robinson) talked about my concerns with the new program guidelines dealing with instructional materials, which affects the school library program. 1) In the context of the iPad acquisition and the pressure to move to electronic resources, the deletion of the word "physical" seems to indicate less of a commitment to actual book holdings in the school libraries. 2) The revised document shifts responsibilities from school library media specialists to central office administrators (the directors of elementary and secondary education). The curriculum directors will have the final decision on the selection of materials for the school library media centers. 3) The revision replaces a commitment to each Dewey area with a commitment to a collection that supports "academic disciplines." With the pressure to define academics in terms of what it tested on ISTEP, this could be a considerable narrowing of the collection. 4) The revision deletes a detailed description of the various levels of the collection, from minimal to comprehensive. Why? 5) It revises the appeals process for the reconsideration of materials so that media professionals are not required to be on the review committee assembled by the principal. It replaces a structure of appeals that extends up to the Superintendent and then to the school board with one that ends with the directors of curriculum. My biggest concern is that these guidelines seem to show an unannounced effort to eliminate guidelines which require the presence and expertise of school librarians, perhaps to open the way to having only one in the central office. (But I don't think that I clearly stated that last part in my statement to the board.)
Foundation of MCCSC report: Ms. Helm said that the foundation has finished selecting grant proposals. There is going to be an online auction from Nov. 25-Dec. 9, for which they are currently collecting donations. The spelling bee earned close to $40,000.
Superintendent's report/Celebration of success (I got confused about when one ended and the next began):
• Dr. DeMuth commended the football coaches and team for their response to an serious accident that occurred directly in front of them as they were traveling to a game. The head coach and others were first responders and stayed with the accident while the players (with some coaches) continued on to the game, when traffic cleared. The coach spoke briefly about how it brought perspective to all of them. He said, "Life is about relationships and experiences."
• A high school student was recognized for walking 500 miles on the Appalachian trail with his dog to raise money (over $10,000) for "Giving Back to Africa." He spoke powerfully about the experiences in MCCSC that had been steps toward this endeavor: going to Peden Farm and holding chicks as a young boy, then visiting Honey Creek, Leonard Springs, Bean Blossom Bottoms, and Lake Griffy, as well as a teacher that had two milk snakes (?) in the classroom.
• MCCSC got Riley Corporate Status for broad participation in fundraising for Riley.
• Jasmin Martinez was recognized for receiving the Outstanding Hispanic Senior award from the H-T.
• Joe and Joyce Peden were recognized for opening their farm to the community once a year and for all the work (involving over 100 volunteers) to make that experience a wonderful one for so many local children. They brought a number of their helpers to also be recognized.
• Lipton the "reading dog" and his owner (a retired IU professor) were honored for their weekly visits to Rogers Elementary. Rogers' literacy coach read a wonderful quotation which a colleague had shared with her: "No significant learning occurs without a significant relationship." She and Lipton's owner spoke movingly of the enjoyment that children take in communicating with Lipton, how they select books that they think will interest him, and how they get a chance to feel successful and comfortable with him (he never corrects them). She thanked Mr. Peden, noting that the kindergarteners wrote books about their visit to Peden Farm for Lipton.
• Four elementary schools were sites for a celebrity read-aloud of a book by Loren Long.
I-STEP update, presented by Tammy Miller (director of elementary education) and Jan Bergeson (director of secondary education):
I don't remember Jan or Tammy mentioning this, but I want to say that it's hard to read anything into small drops in scores in some areas because of the widespread computer glitches with I-STEP last spring. Students were not taking this test under normal conditions.
In general, on ISTEP, MCCSC was very slightly above state averages, but 3rd and 6th grade scores dropped and 3rd and 4th were very slightly below the state average. Overall, MCCSC had 1/2 of a percentage point drop from last year. Social studies showed an increase in scores, and there were no results for science yet. The IDOE was still setting the cut scores. "Schools are drilling down to see what happened to each student."
Jan showed a graph that depicted the performance of various ethnic sub-groups (pointing out that there is more variability with lower numbers). She said they can't seem to narrow the gap in performance for some of the groups. They are charging the principals with figuring out what it is they have to do to narrow the gap. Special education scores have gone down in the last several years, but not in all schools. They are "looking at each individual student."
There were no questions from the board.
MCCSC Garden project update:
This presentation showcased a community collaboration to get more garden projects going in MCCSC schools. IU Health/Bloomington Hospital obesity outreach guy, Alex Purcell, is bringing together other local organizations in a school garden initiative, to increase children's access to fresh foods and their experience of environmental stewardship, social skills, exercise, and connection to their schools. Three local schools are pilots: Arlington, Clear Creek, and Edgewood. Bloomington Hospital is assembling a toolkit on the process to distribute to any interested school in the state. Community partners include United Way, a fiscal sponsor, and Mother Hubbard's Cupboard, which donated seeds and actually received some produce back--as well as lots of parents and teachers.
An unexpectedly moving part of this evening was the presentation about how a group from North is also involved in this project. The group, VOICE, is intended to create a supportive community for girls who are identified by their teachers as having leadership potential, and to provide them with positive relationships with female mentors. Three of the young women were there and spoke. One of their projects last year (I think) was reading to children in a local preschool. Now they want to do a garden project with those preschoolers ("The kids will love digging in the dirt and finding worms, it will be a privilege"). The girls spoke with gratitude of this group and of their comfort with Dr. Mobley, assistant principal at North, who organized the group). This is clearly a labor of love for the teachers/administrators involved (one said, "This has become a major project and bonding--it's a highlight in our life") and sitting there, I felt convinced of its great value and was grateful.
Gardens at Templeton and Childs were briefly mentioned, as well as ones in development at Jackson Creek and Summit.
Donations (read by board president Klein): There were many, many of them, totaling over $16,000. Several were for transportation to Peden Farm. I'm curious if MCCSC was able to cover part of those transportation costs.
Tim Thrasher presented on the tax rates for the referendum. They will be lower this year, if I understood correctly, because the valuation of property has increased. Student enrollment is lower this year than last.
The board members present voted unanimously to delegate authority to Mr. Thrasher to amend employee benefits plans. The administration feels this is advisable because of unpredictability in how the Affordable Care Act will affect them and so that MCCSC can be "agile"--act quickly. Board meetings of just once a month preclude acting quickly, said Mr. Thrasher.
Keith Klein: This helps us stay agile.
Tim Thrasher: So we can react in a timely way. We have every intention of keeping the school board apprised of plans. We've committed to keeping people informed and giving them an opportunity for input. We have so many deadlines coming from so many directions. This makes us more nimble.
Sue: Is this removing authority from the board? No, the board would have authority to revoke this (I'm not clear on whether she meant decisions or the authorization).
Tim Thrasher. That's right, you've delegated authority but not the responsibility.
Keith Klein: I like that. We've delegated the responsibility but not the authority.
Tim Thrasher: No, you've delegated the authority but you still have the responsibility.
Personnel report (Peggy Chambers):
Carol Gardiner, former RBB assistant superintendent, has taken a one-year position as a grant specialist.
The new assistant principal at Tri-North said he was excited to take the position because MCCSC was known for its commitment not just to academic learning but to the whole child.
Five new teachers, 29 substitute teachers, 30 support staff, 2 retirements/resignations, one of whom was the media specialist at Marlin and Arlington for 20 years.
New talent and diversity specialist Dianne Hanks said the central office team was working to make a comprehensive plan to make more culturally relevant schools. They are starting by making assessments. Dr. DeMuth or Ms. Hanks (?) has visited Ivy Tech, the hospital, IU, the Kelly School, and county and city government. Ms. Hanks has requested a meeting/summit where they can host a forum for all minority personnel; participation would be voluntary. This will be a perfect opportunity to make a plan that is thoughtful, purposeful, contemplative, and reflective. It will take time, commitment, hard work, and money. (Her words.)
Jeanine: I'm very pleased. I can't think of anyone better suited for this.
Sue: I've been waiting for this for thirteen years. I'm delighted. It's overdue.
Keith Klein: I look forward to what you are going to do for us.
Contracts, presented by Tim Thrasher: Employee Health Plan: We've gone three years without a premium increase, but this year a 1% increase is necessary. There are $10 increases in co-pays, but employees can receive free prescriptions at the employee health and wellness center.
Ms. Bergeson presented on the new guideline for instructional materials. She said, This is just a guideline. It's been months in development, involving Jason Taylor, Peggy Chambers, Tammy Miller, and MCEA. She thanked Jean Schick for updated the policy on animals in the classroom.
Jan Bergeson:
Regarding how materials are selected, it's always been the practice that the building principal signs off on selections. We felt that the directors of elementary and secondary education should sign off, so people at that administrative level are advised of selections.
With the change from "Dewey areas" to "academic disciplines," we actually felt that academic disciplines was a broader category.
As for the levels of the collection, they can still use those, we just don't feel that it adds to the guidelines.
About the procedure for reconsidering materials. The librarians felt strongly that we need to continue to have a form. We went to discussion twice on this.The librarians were tasked with creating these forms and they did an excellent job. These guidelines come with the forms attached. We wanted to make the process more concise, less burdensome. About the curricular issue: The appeal should go to the curricular department, that's why directors of curriculum hear the appeals.
About the access to networked information resources (the Internet), we didn't delete this, we moved it (to 5136?).
Sue: I like the form that makes the process objective. Also, I could see how it could give more freedom to educators to eliminate definitions of levels of the collection. You've said this was developed with MCEA, and Jan, you've made me feel more comfortable. I'm concerned that the appeals process now states, "may include media specialists," not "will include."
Jan: Well, it also may include parents and other teachers. It's a broader group. I don't think anyone would not want a media specialist on an appeals committee.
Sue: I would feel more comfortable if you changed this to "will include," but I recognize that you do not need to get the board's permission to issue guidelines. I appreciate your guarantee.
No other board members asked questions.
In other business, Dr. DeMuth had to ask the board to approve a profile amendment for several schools that now have preschools. She explained this is just a formality to deal with new bureaucracy at the IDOE. She vented some annoyance at this requirement; I guess they used to be able to go into the system and change it themselves.
Jeanine Butler: No one understands what's going on at the DOE. If the state superintendent would come back from China, maybe things would get better.
Board comment ends the meeting:
Sue Wanzer: At the ICPE meeting on Saturday (which Dr. DeMuth also attended), Kristin Reed talked about how all the other members of the SBOE sent a letter to the state legislature asking that since the A-F grading hadn't been done, the Legislative Services Agency should calculate the grades. Glenda Ritz's office has now filed suit.
Also, thanks to the board for sending a letter to Ball State regarding the proposed charter school, and thanks to Dr. DeMuth and Valerie Merriam.
Jeanine Butler: I'll try not to talk as long. Bloomington South gave an outstanding performance of Les Mis. It was 75 - 80 different kids., a beautiful production. Also, Jason Taylor gave an iPad demonstration to a retired educators group. He showed us the mind-boggling things our teachers can do on the iPads.
I'll say to anyone who wants to open a charter school: Go for it. I don't think you can compete with MCCSC.
David Sabbagh: Some things are politics. We have to follow the state law, and we do. I support everything going on, I want to talk about positive things, keep emphasizing positive things.
Martha Street: I'll second David and Jeanine's comments, and thanks to Jason from the retired teachers.
Keith Klein: Announcement: Next community conversation will be November 12, 6 p.m. at the Academy of Science and Entrepreneurship (ASE).
I'm disappointed in the response from BSU, it was combative. But I'm proud of the response from Dr. DeMuth.
And our students in Les Mis were spectacular.