The document provides school board election recommendations from The Kansas City Star for several districts in the Kansas City area. It recommends re-electing most incumbents who have experience and have overseen strong student performance or improvements. It also recommends some newcomers who could provide expertise in finances or have distinguished themselves through community involvement. Voters should also support bond issues to fund building improvements that would not raise taxes. The recommendations aim to elect boards that can maintain educational quality despite looming budget cuts.
This document discusses several articles related to education reform in the United States and other countries. It begins by examining Finland's education system, noting its community-focused approach and lack of economic barriers. It then outlines the Obama administration's Race to the Top initiative, which aims to spur reform through competitive funding. Finally, it discusses an article about empowering teachers and the importance of effective educators in driving change. Overall, the document reflects on lessons that can be learned from high-performing education systems and efforts underway in the US to tackle challenges like achievement gaps.
This document analyzes factors that affect state-level average SAT scores. It examines 5 variables: teachers union strength, average class size, enrollment per district, cost-of-living adjusted teacher starting salary, and percentage of people with a bachelor's degree. Regression analysis found enrollment per district and percentage with a bachelor's degree significantly predicted SAT scores, while teacher salary was also significant but unexpectedly negative. The analysis suggests smaller districts and more educated populations may help student achievement.
13.5.28 final city year linden mc kinley contributionhmhollingsworth
City Year is partnering with AT&T and Columbus City Schools to implement the Diplomas Now program at Linden-McKinley STEM Academy in Columbus, Ohio. The program provides academic and social support to help at-risk 9th grade students stay in school and graduate. Early results show improvements in attendance, behavior, and academic performance. AT&T is contributing $1.2 million to support City Year's work in schools through this partnership and other programs. The goal is to increase graduation rates and help prepare more students for post-secondary success.
The document discusses challenges in developing a sense of professional identity among millennial law students. Research shows millennials prioritize achievement and happiness over caring for others, due to parents emphasizing the former. This can result in a lack of empathy. Law schools must work to equalize students' focus on caring for others, achievement, and happiness. Suggested exercises include reflection activities and considering multiple perspectives to cultivate concern for others, which is important but often not modeled for students. Developing professional identity requires balancing these three values.
Ray Anderson, Jr--PWPT Presentation GR and PARay Anderson
Ray Anderson has over 15 years of experience in education-related management, policy advocacy, and public relations. He has secured over $50 million in direct funding through appropriations and coordinated over 30 congressional hearings and testimonies. Anderson has extensive experience lobbying for education and youth policies and advocating on issues like No Child Left Behind, education funding, and youth programs. He maintains strong relationships with many legislators and has a proven track record of achieving results.
The document discusses the lack of equal funding for charter schools compared to traditional public schools. It provides background on charter schools and notes that while enrollment in charter schools is increasing, the majority of funding goes to traditional schools. This creates financial difficulties for charter schools, potentially leading to closures. Solutions discussed include passing legislation to increase charter school funding through grants and removing caps on charter school openings. Increased parent involvement in advocacy and policymaking is also suggested as a way to achieve more equitable funding.
The document discusses three key "tripwires" or barriers that students face in making a successful transition to postsecondary education:
1) The "birthright lottery" - students from low-income families or who are first-generation college students face significant disadvantages and are less likely to graduate college. Their socioeconomic background and lack of familial experience with college impacts their chances of success.
2) "Veiled college costs" - the expenses of preparing for, attending, and completing college pose major barriers for many students. These costs are not fully transparent and can derail students' progress.
3) "College and career unreadiness" - being academically prepared in high school is not enough
This document discusses several articles related to education reform in the United States and other countries. It begins by examining Finland's education system, noting its community-focused approach and lack of economic barriers. It then outlines the Obama administration's Race to the Top initiative, which aims to spur reform through competitive funding. Finally, it discusses an article about empowering teachers and the importance of effective educators in driving change. Overall, the document reflects on lessons that can be learned from high-performing education systems and efforts underway in the US to tackle challenges like achievement gaps.
This document analyzes factors that affect state-level average SAT scores. It examines 5 variables: teachers union strength, average class size, enrollment per district, cost-of-living adjusted teacher starting salary, and percentage of people with a bachelor's degree. Regression analysis found enrollment per district and percentage with a bachelor's degree significantly predicted SAT scores, while teacher salary was also significant but unexpectedly negative. The analysis suggests smaller districts and more educated populations may help student achievement.
13.5.28 final city year linden mc kinley contributionhmhollingsworth
City Year is partnering with AT&T and Columbus City Schools to implement the Diplomas Now program at Linden-McKinley STEM Academy in Columbus, Ohio. The program provides academic and social support to help at-risk 9th grade students stay in school and graduate. Early results show improvements in attendance, behavior, and academic performance. AT&T is contributing $1.2 million to support City Year's work in schools through this partnership and other programs. The goal is to increase graduation rates and help prepare more students for post-secondary success.
The document discusses challenges in developing a sense of professional identity among millennial law students. Research shows millennials prioritize achievement and happiness over caring for others, due to parents emphasizing the former. This can result in a lack of empathy. Law schools must work to equalize students' focus on caring for others, achievement, and happiness. Suggested exercises include reflection activities and considering multiple perspectives to cultivate concern for others, which is important but often not modeled for students. Developing professional identity requires balancing these three values.
Ray Anderson, Jr--PWPT Presentation GR and PARay Anderson
Ray Anderson has over 15 years of experience in education-related management, policy advocacy, and public relations. He has secured over $50 million in direct funding through appropriations and coordinated over 30 congressional hearings and testimonies. Anderson has extensive experience lobbying for education and youth policies and advocating on issues like No Child Left Behind, education funding, and youth programs. He maintains strong relationships with many legislators and has a proven track record of achieving results.
The document discusses the lack of equal funding for charter schools compared to traditional public schools. It provides background on charter schools and notes that while enrollment in charter schools is increasing, the majority of funding goes to traditional schools. This creates financial difficulties for charter schools, potentially leading to closures. Solutions discussed include passing legislation to increase charter school funding through grants and removing caps on charter school openings. Increased parent involvement in advocacy and policymaking is also suggested as a way to achieve more equitable funding.
The document discusses three key "tripwires" or barriers that students face in making a successful transition to postsecondary education:
1) The "birthright lottery" - students from low-income families or who are first-generation college students face significant disadvantages and are less likely to graduate college. Their socioeconomic background and lack of familial experience with college impacts their chances of success.
2) "Veiled college costs" - the expenses of preparing for, attending, and completing college pose major barriers for many students. These costs are not fully transparent and can derail students' progress.
3) "College and career unreadiness" - being academically prepared in high school is not enough
14-06-2011 La Presidenta Elizabeth Morales declaró que Xalapa es una de las c...Elizabeth Morales
Xalapa de Enríquez, Veacruz.- Gracias al apoyo y trabajo coordinado con el gobierno del estado, Xalapa es una de las ciudades más seguras del país y con menores índices de delincuencia, afirmó la presidenta municipal Elizabeth Morales García.
Will new technologies offer a viable alternative to temporary exhibitions? That's the question that we'll try to answer through the Bruegel box, an immersive art project by the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium.
This project is the concretization of a deep reflection on the changes taking place in the field of museology. In this digital age, the Bruegel box (or any other painter's box) will enable us to explore new possibilities and will become the setting for a new museum space. The technology will serve the art, facilitating its access when physical transportation becomes increasingly binding. It also allows us to expand the museum experience and the meeting with the art pieces, by exporting the project abroad when the work itself can't be loaned overseas anymore.After an introduction of the project, from the original ideas that initiated it to its actual production, we will share our experience with the delegates. We will review both the technical and human difficulties that were faced throughout its production.
Our overall aim is to raise questions on the future of museums in the digital age, opening up a debate. Is it this the future of the temporary exhibition? Will technology offer an alternative to broadcast our collections and enable museums to stay economically sustainable? Will future generations still be more likely to visit museums if we only can display digital or 3D printed duplicated masterpieces in order to protect our cultural patrimony? How to find the good balance between entertainment and scientific researches? And what about the "aura" of the pieces of art (W. Benjamin)? By being the 21st century museums, we need to redefine our fundamental missions.
El documento resume la historia de la Delegación Álvaro Obregón en la Ciudad de México. Los primeros asentamientos en el área datan del período prehispánico, pero su desarrollo se consolidó durante la colonia bajo la influencia de órdenes religiosas como los dominicos, carmelitas y la labor de Vasco de Quiroga. Dos ejes iniciales de desarrollo fueron la zona de Chimalistac-Tizapán y la comunidad de Santa Fe fundada por Vasco de Quiroga. Lugares como San Á
La existencia de la materia oscura y el campo de Higgs se discuten en el documento. La materia oscura hace que el universo se expanda a lo largo del tiempo a medida que las estrellas explotan. Aunque solo conocemos el 4% del universo, el acelerador de partículas LHC podría arrojar más luz sobre la materia oscura u otras explicaciones para los modelos cosmológicos. El descubrimiento del bosón de Higgs en 2012 proporcionó evidencia de que el campo de Higgs le da masa a las partículas fundamentales
Secondment & Recommendation letter by Projects Director or GGMFaisal Mumtaz
Mr. Faisal Mumtaz has been employed as a Process Engineer at Micro CADD Services WLL from August 2014 to July 2016. He has worked on major local and international projects in Bahrain and was seconded to Wood Group PSN in Basra, Iraq. The recommendation letter expresses thanks for his services and wishes him success in the future. The letter describes him as professional, efficient, well-liked by colleagues and clients, well-presented, a fluent speaker, and excellent presenter who is able to work independently and as a team player.
O documento explica como visualizar tentativas em atividades de questionário no Moodle. Instruções incluem: (1) clicar no link "Tentativas" para acessar o relatório; (2) opções no relatório incluem alunos que fizeram ou não o questionário; (3) definir o número de alunos exibidos por página. O relatório mostra notas, questões acertadas/erradas e tentativas múltiplas de alunos.
Este documento presenta una clasificación de los modelos de bases de datos. Describe tres tipos principales de modelos: modelos lógicos basados en objetos como el modelo entidad-relación y el modelo orientado a objetos, modelos lógicos basados en registros como el modelo relacional y modelos físicos de datos que describen cómo se almacenan los datos a nivel de hardware.
Este documento discute métodos extrajudiciais de resolução de conflitos contratuais, como mediação, conciliação e arbitragem. Ele explica a evolução histórica da arbitragem e seu papel no contexto empresarial. Também aborda conceitos como cláusula compromissória, compromisso arbitral e sentença arbitral, além de comparar mediação e conciliação.
En esta presentación podemos encontrar un poco de la historia de cada una según corresponda, al igual que los lugares turísticos que se encuentran en cada delegación.
Este documento apresenta o programa de projeto de urbanismo para um empreendimento habitacional da CDHU, definindo as informações necessárias para a elaboração do projeto como dados do município, do terreno, legislações aplicáveis, caracterização da população alvo, custos e produtos esperados que incluem um relatório com análise das informações e quantificação das áreas por uso.
The document proposes establishing a State Student Advisory Council in Colorado to address the state's high dropout rate by giving students a voice in education policy and decision-making. It discusses the benefits of similar programs in other states and organizations, and outlines a proposed policy and action plan to present the idea to the Colorado State Board of Education. The policy would create a council of 21 students, 3 from each congressional district, who would meet regularly with education officials.
Whatever it Takes: How Twelve Communities Are Reconnecting Out-of-School Yout...nmartin7136
The document discusses the problem of high school dropouts in the United States and provides examples of successful dropout recovery programs. It finds that around 6.3 million 18-24 year olds have not completed high school and discusses the negative consequences. It then highlights 12 communities that have implemented effective dropout recovery programs through schools, community colleges, and job training. Finally, it recommends five actions states can take to support dropout recovery like tracking students, alternative education options, and competency-based credits.
Cmcss parent communication meeting jan 2012Deon Lucke
Cathy Robbins from Rossview Middle School discussed CMCSS hiring the Tennessee School Board Association to help find a replacement for the retiring Director of Schools Mike Harris. TSBA will use feedback from interest groups to create criteria for candidates. A report will be submitted on February 7th and applications will be screened, with the new Director announced on May 1st. At the meeting, parents provided feedback on CMCSS strengths, challenges, and desired characteristics for the new Director.
Report Card on American Education: Ranking State K-12 Performance, Progress, ...ALEC
The 17th edition of the Report Card on American Education contains a comprehensive overview of educational achievement levels (performance and gains for low-income students) for the 50 states and the District of Columbia (see full report for complete methodology). The Report Card details what education policies states currently have in place and provides a roadmap for legislators to follow to bring about educational excellence in their state.
Focusing on the reforms recently enacted in Indiana, and with a foreword by Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels, this Report Card on American Education examines the experiences other states can learn from the struggles and triumphs in Indiana.
For more information, please visit www.alec.org.
Despite the centrality of school districts in all the ways described, we know very little from existing research about how important they are to student achievement relative to other institutional components for delivering education services, including teachers and schools. Neither do we have information on the size of the differences in effectiveness among districts or whether there are districts that show exceptional patterns of performance across time, e.g., moving from low to high performing.
Venture for America is a program for young, talented grads to spend 2 years in the trenches of a start-up with the goal that these graduates will become socialized
and mobilized as entrepreneurs moving forward.
14-06-2011 La Presidenta Elizabeth Morales declaró que Xalapa es una de las c...Elizabeth Morales
Xalapa de Enríquez, Veacruz.- Gracias al apoyo y trabajo coordinado con el gobierno del estado, Xalapa es una de las ciudades más seguras del país y con menores índices de delincuencia, afirmó la presidenta municipal Elizabeth Morales García.
Will new technologies offer a viable alternative to temporary exhibitions? That's the question that we'll try to answer through the Bruegel box, an immersive art project by the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium.
This project is the concretization of a deep reflection on the changes taking place in the field of museology. In this digital age, the Bruegel box (or any other painter's box) will enable us to explore new possibilities and will become the setting for a new museum space. The technology will serve the art, facilitating its access when physical transportation becomes increasingly binding. It also allows us to expand the museum experience and the meeting with the art pieces, by exporting the project abroad when the work itself can't be loaned overseas anymore.After an introduction of the project, from the original ideas that initiated it to its actual production, we will share our experience with the delegates. We will review both the technical and human difficulties that were faced throughout its production.
Our overall aim is to raise questions on the future of museums in the digital age, opening up a debate. Is it this the future of the temporary exhibition? Will technology offer an alternative to broadcast our collections and enable museums to stay economically sustainable? Will future generations still be more likely to visit museums if we only can display digital or 3D printed duplicated masterpieces in order to protect our cultural patrimony? How to find the good balance between entertainment and scientific researches? And what about the "aura" of the pieces of art (W. Benjamin)? By being the 21st century museums, we need to redefine our fundamental missions.
El documento resume la historia de la Delegación Álvaro Obregón en la Ciudad de México. Los primeros asentamientos en el área datan del período prehispánico, pero su desarrollo se consolidó durante la colonia bajo la influencia de órdenes religiosas como los dominicos, carmelitas y la labor de Vasco de Quiroga. Dos ejes iniciales de desarrollo fueron la zona de Chimalistac-Tizapán y la comunidad de Santa Fe fundada por Vasco de Quiroga. Lugares como San Á
La existencia de la materia oscura y el campo de Higgs se discuten en el documento. La materia oscura hace que el universo se expanda a lo largo del tiempo a medida que las estrellas explotan. Aunque solo conocemos el 4% del universo, el acelerador de partículas LHC podría arrojar más luz sobre la materia oscura u otras explicaciones para los modelos cosmológicos. El descubrimiento del bosón de Higgs en 2012 proporcionó evidencia de que el campo de Higgs le da masa a las partículas fundamentales
Secondment & Recommendation letter by Projects Director or GGMFaisal Mumtaz
Mr. Faisal Mumtaz has been employed as a Process Engineer at Micro CADD Services WLL from August 2014 to July 2016. He has worked on major local and international projects in Bahrain and was seconded to Wood Group PSN in Basra, Iraq. The recommendation letter expresses thanks for his services and wishes him success in the future. The letter describes him as professional, efficient, well-liked by colleagues and clients, well-presented, a fluent speaker, and excellent presenter who is able to work independently and as a team player.
O documento explica como visualizar tentativas em atividades de questionário no Moodle. Instruções incluem: (1) clicar no link "Tentativas" para acessar o relatório; (2) opções no relatório incluem alunos que fizeram ou não o questionário; (3) definir o número de alunos exibidos por página. O relatório mostra notas, questões acertadas/erradas e tentativas múltiplas de alunos.
Este documento presenta una clasificación de los modelos de bases de datos. Describe tres tipos principales de modelos: modelos lógicos basados en objetos como el modelo entidad-relación y el modelo orientado a objetos, modelos lógicos basados en registros como el modelo relacional y modelos físicos de datos que describen cómo se almacenan los datos a nivel de hardware.
Este documento discute métodos extrajudiciais de resolução de conflitos contratuais, como mediação, conciliação e arbitragem. Ele explica a evolução histórica da arbitragem e seu papel no contexto empresarial. Também aborda conceitos como cláusula compromissória, compromisso arbitral e sentença arbitral, além de comparar mediação e conciliação.
En esta presentación podemos encontrar un poco de la historia de cada una según corresponda, al igual que los lugares turísticos que se encuentran en cada delegación.
Este documento apresenta o programa de projeto de urbanismo para um empreendimento habitacional da CDHU, definindo as informações necessárias para a elaboração do projeto como dados do município, do terreno, legislações aplicáveis, caracterização da população alvo, custos e produtos esperados que incluem um relatório com análise das informações e quantificação das áreas por uso.
The document proposes establishing a State Student Advisory Council in Colorado to address the state's high dropout rate by giving students a voice in education policy and decision-making. It discusses the benefits of similar programs in other states and organizations, and outlines a proposed policy and action plan to present the idea to the Colorado State Board of Education. The policy would create a council of 21 students, 3 from each congressional district, who would meet regularly with education officials.
Whatever it Takes: How Twelve Communities Are Reconnecting Out-of-School Yout...nmartin7136
The document discusses the problem of high school dropouts in the United States and provides examples of successful dropout recovery programs. It finds that around 6.3 million 18-24 year olds have not completed high school and discusses the negative consequences. It then highlights 12 communities that have implemented effective dropout recovery programs through schools, community colleges, and job training. Finally, it recommends five actions states can take to support dropout recovery like tracking students, alternative education options, and competency-based credits.
Cmcss parent communication meeting jan 2012Deon Lucke
Cathy Robbins from Rossview Middle School discussed CMCSS hiring the Tennessee School Board Association to help find a replacement for the retiring Director of Schools Mike Harris. TSBA will use feedback from interest groups to create criteria for candidates. A report will be submitted on February 7th and applications will be screened, with the new Director announced on May 1st. At the meeting, parents provided feedback on CMCSS strengths, challenges, and desired characteristics for the new Director.
Report Card on American Education: Ranking State K-12 Performance, Progress, ...ALEC
The 17th edition of the Report Card on American Education contains a comprehensive overview of educational achievement levels (performance and gains for low-income students) for the 50 states and the District of Columbia (see full report for complete methodology). The Report Card details what education policies states currently have in place and provides a roadmap for legislators to follow to bring about educational excellence in their state.
Focusing on the reforms recently enacted in Indiana, and with a foreword by Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels, this Report Card on American Education examines the experiences other states can learn from the struggles and triumphs in Indiana.
For more information, please visit www.alec.org.
Despite the centrality of school districts in all the ways described, we know very little from existing research about how important they are to student achievement relative to other institutional components for delivering education services, including teachers and schools. Neither do we have information on the size of the differences in effectiveness among districts or whether there are districts that show exceptional patterns of performance across time, e.g., moving from low to high performing.
Venture for America is a program for young, talented grads to spend 2 years in the trenches of a start-up with the goal that these graduates will become socialized
and mobilized as entrepreneurs moving forward.
Kirk Haskins identifies three main challenges facing Kansas high schools: 1) decreased public school funding has negatively impacted resources, 2) high schools are becoming more diverse while at-risk student populations are growing, threatening retention rates, and 3) preparing students for college completion remains difficult given gaps in freshman retention and graduation rates. As an Education Program Consultant, Haskins proposes solutions like expanding professional development, sharing best practices, increasing mentorship programs, and directing students to entrepreneurship to help address these challenges facing Kansas high schools.
Challenges Facing Kansas High Schools Khguestea592b
Kirk Haskins identifies three main challenges facing Kansas high schools: 1) decreased public school funding has lasting effects on student success, 2) the student population is becoming more at-risk and diverse while dropout rates remain high, and 3) preparing students for college admission and completion remains difficult given retention and graduation rates. As an Education Program Consultant, Haskins proposes solutions like increasing awareness of professional development resources, diversifying curriculum, establishing mentor programs, and improving college preparation standards to help address these challenges facing Kansas high schools.
Recommendations for Education in the United StatesAidJonCar
The document discusses concerns about the direction of public education in the US. It argues that school choice may increase segregation and benefit private companies more than students. While some charter schools see test score gains, these may be due to longer days, selective admission, and high attrition of struggling students. The focus on competition and standardized testing has narrowed curricula and incentivized cheating. Overall, the document calls for strengthening public education's democratic values of equity and social cooperation over a competitive, profit-driven model.
20100101 Murray (Alger) Race to the Top - Can We Compete Nebraska’s Charter S...Vicki Alger
This document summarizes a study on charter school initiatives in Nebraska. It finds that many Nebraska students are underperforming based on national and state test scores, with minority and low-income students faring the worst. Charter schools have been shown to improve outcomes for these disadvantaged groups. However, Nebraska is one of the few remaining states without a charter school law, putting it at a disadvantage for federal funding. The study argues Nebraska should pursue charter schools as well as other reforms to better prepare its students.
Charter schools began in the 1970s as an idea for groups of teachers to explore new educational approaches with more flexibility. The first charter school law was passed in Minnesota in 1991, and by 2004, 42 states had passed such laws. Charter schools are publicly funded, independently run schools that are held accountable for student performance. They provide an alternative choice to traditional public schools and are free from some regulations. However, critics argue they take funding from public schools and may not adequately serve all student needs.
Election2011 - Middle and High school - CharlotteGenerationNation
This document provides information about the Kids Voting Election 2011 for grades 6-12 in Charlotte, including details about candidates and ballot issues. It explains the roles of mayor, city council members, and school board members. It encourages students to learn about the candidates, think critically about their positions, and make informed decisions when voting.
10 31-18 forest ncboe letter & exhbits - redacted resumesEducationNC
The document is a letter from the Wayne County Board of Education to the North Carolina State Board of Education expressing concerns about the selection of Carver Heights Elementary School in Wayne County to be transferred to the Innovative School District for the 2019-2020 school year. The letter argues that the selection process was flawed and did not follow the statutory requirements. Specifically, it claims that the process lacked transparency, did not properly evaluate the factors contributing to the school's performance, did not engage the required stakeholders, and resulted in the State Board's authority to select being usurped as only one school was recommended. The letter requests that the State Board address these issues and ensure the process is carried out with integrity and in accordance with statutes and policies.
Presented poster at Binghamton University's Graduate School of Education's Research Poster Day on how re-segregation in charter schools impact student achievement.
Deborah Bryson is running for the Durham Public School Board of Education. She has over 28 years of experience working with and educating children from diverse backgrounds. As a board member, she would focus on ensuring all children receive a high-quality education and opportunities for success, maintaining strong ethical standards, and prioritizing the needs of students.
This document summarizes a research paper about the impact of charter schools on urban public school systems, using Detroit schools as a case study. It finds that while some charter schools have had success, they have not been a panacea and their rapid growth in Detroit has led to increased segregation. It also discusses critics who argue that charter schools privatize education and are motivated by profit rather than student outcomes. The document advocates for reform of existing public schools rather than replacing them with charter schools.
Standardized testing has transformed education in the U.S. from valuing learning to solely preparing students to take tests. What began as a way to assess poorly performing schools has led to schools focusing only on test material at the expense of a well-rounded liberal arts education. The overuse of standardized tests has created a culture of fear in schools and caused non-tested subjects like art, music and history to be cut. Additionally, the multi-billion dollar standardized testing industry has a strong influence in continuing testing practices despite growing opposition from students, parents and educators. The essay argues that to preserve liberal arts education, standardized testing should be ended and schools should have autonomy to implement their own curricula tailored to student needs.
1. www.kansascity.com | 03/30/2011 | The Star’s recommendations | Elect school boards tha... Page 1 of 3
Back to web version
Friday, Apr 1, 2011
Posted on Wed, Mar. 30, 2011
The Star’s recommendations | Elect school boards that
can cut budgets, but not quality
While Kansas Citians will decide the fate of the 1 percent earnings tax on Tuesday, school board elections
are on tap in Missouri and Kansas suburbs.
Most needed are leaders who can realistically deal with financial shortfalls without compromising
educational quality. Our recommendations in selected contested races:
Blue Springs
A strong slate of candidates is running for the board of one of Missouri’s best-performing school districts. It
has received a perfect score on the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s annual
performance report for nine consecutive years.
Although some well-qualified challengers are seeking to fill the three open seats, the incumbents up for re-
election have earned new terms.
Voters should re-elect Dale Falck, a businessman seeking his second term; Dale Walkup, a businessman
and veteran school board member; and James Coen, a retired teacher and experienced board member.
Other candidates are Rashid Makhdoom, Diane S. Voss and Ginger Duhon.
Grandview
The Grandview School District has made strides in student achievement recently, and needs a strong,
focused school board to maintain its momentum. Nine candidates are on the ballot for three open seats.
Amber F. Woodrome has worked tirelessly since she was seated to fill a vacant position a year ago. She
understands how good school boards work and deserves to be elected. Bob Stewart, a retired teacher in
the district and executive director of the Missouri Middle School Association, is also a strong candidate.
Paul N. Alexander has distinguished himself as a parent volunteer and has earned a spot on the board.
They are joined on the ballot by Barbara Polette, Ron E. Haley, Meagan Jackson, Larry Pulos, Chad
Crosby and Patty Kramer. Haley and Jackson are not actively campaigning.
The Star also recommends that Grandview residents vote “yes” on the district’s request for a $7 million
bond issue for remodeling and building maintenance.
The bond issue would not affect the district’s tax levy, and the money is badly needed. Many district
buildings are 40 years old. Planned upgrades will result in a much more productive learning environment
for students and teachers. The bond issue needs 57.1 percent of the vote to pass.
Hickman Mills
The Hickman Mills School District needs a fully engaged board to tackle the challenges of lagging student
achievement and a threatened loss of accreditation. For that reason, we recommend some changes when
voters choose among five candidates for three open seats.
Incumbent Debbie Aiman has been conscientious about seeking information from the administration and
demanding transparency in board proceedings. She deserves re-election. Newcomer Shawn Kirkwood
has a compelling personal story about the importance of a high-quality education and is running for all the
right reasons. Dan Osman, an attorney for the city of Kansas City, would be a good addition to the board.
Others running are Bonnaye Mims, the current board president; and incumbent Breman Anderson Jr.
http://www.kansascity.com/2011/03/30/v-print/2764362/the-stars-recommendations-leaders... 4/1/2011
2. www.kansascity.com | 03/30/2011 | The Star’s recommendations | Elect school boards tha... Page 2 of 3
Kansas City, Kan.
Kansas City, Kan., Public Schools are looking at more painful budget cuts, including layoffs. But the district
also is buoyed by an upcoming partnership with Google’s new high-speed fiber project.
Fortunately, experienced and committed candidates for the school board’s four open seats are prepared to
handle the highs and lows.
We recommend that voters re-elect the four incumbents on the ballot: longtime board President Gloria A.
Willis, George Breidenthal, Brenda C. Jones and Richard J. Kaminski.
The newcomer on the ballot, Christal Watson, is a dynamic candidate. But the incumbents have the edge.
Lee’s Summit
In the wake of voters’ rejection of a levy increase to raise money for schools, the challenge for the Lee’s
Summit school board is to deal with the new financial realities while upholding the high-quality education
that is the district’s trademark.
To achieve that, we recommend that voters re-elect incumbents Jon R. Plaas and Jack Wiley. Although
they disagree on some issues, notably teachers’ pay, they are knowledgeable and committed to the
students. A good choice to join them is Christopher Storms, a parent who has served the district in
multiple advisory roles.
Other candidates are Terri Harmon and Michael Smith.
Olathe
In the last decade, as the Olathe School District’s economically underprivileged population has almost
doubled, its academic performance has improved. And the district began the decade at a level already
above the state average. But the next school board faces intense challenges as state and federal funds
plummet. Those elected must be ready to innovate. The Star recommends:
Position 1: Le Etta Felter. Her background in building truck and equipment dealerships from lean years to
success gives her an understanding of budgets that will be invaluable. She recognizes there are no easy
solutions but also the importance of district success to Olathe’s success. That obvious passion for the
district will be vital in difficult years. She is running against Michele Lockwood.
Position 2: Rick Schier also brings needed budget expertise. He believes the challenge facing schools is
that they will be required to provide more to students while getting less, and that the solution to this
problem will determine the long-term health of Olathe. He is running against Lister Potter Jr.
Position 7 at large: Harlan C. Parker has been important in the last decade’s growth and improvement in
Olathe schools and has earned another term. His experience and commitment will be crucial. He
understands that the coming changes, whether increasing the local option budget or reducing programs,
must reflect what district residents most want. He is running against R.W. “Duffer” Holm and Cynthia C.
Daugherty.
Park Hill
In this high-achieving and well-run district, voters will decide the fate of a $49.5 million bond issue and
select four school board members.
The Star recommends a “yes” vote on the bonds. They would not increase taxes, leaving Park Hill with the
10th lowest overall property tax levy among 12 area Missouri-side school districts. The money would be
used for needed repairs to existing buildings, technology upgrades, added classroom space at several
schools and a new elementary school.
Eight candidates are running for the three available three-year school board positions.
Impressive newcomer Michael Atchison is well informed about the district’s many accomplishments and
its challenges. Newcomer Rick Turley would bring needed experience in financial matters. Incumbent
Janice Bolin has been an effective leader on the board. Other candidates with strong qualifications are
incumbent Pauli Kendrick and Boon Lee. Others on the ballot are Josh Blackman, Chris Seufert and
Timothy Thompson.
Four candidates are running for the one, one-year term on the ballot.
http://www.kansascity.com/2011/03/30/v-print/2764362/the-stars-recommendations-leaders... 4/1/2011