In a recession there is supposedly no money to fund the non-profit programs… but we can’t deny the public schools.

In my experience most of the principles of these new Oakland Small Schools and Charter Schools are very business savvy. They know where and how to get the money. Period. Thank God some positive results are necessary to get this money or our children would be faring much worse. I believe that for most of these principles it is more about creating a comfortable work environment for themselves than actually serving the children. They are egotistical and self serving… so the best you can do is find one that serves themselves well so that your children will actually reap some benefits.

I worked with one principle who walk through his campus with a confident and somewhat arrogant stride, like he was the big man in charge. However whenever I had a question he would magically disappear, or refer me to his secretary. When his school had no hot water and the children had to eat the same cold bologna and cheese sandwiches for three or four weeks straight, he magically disappeared, out of town on business or family emergency. I found it laughable when the boiler was fixed, he magically reappeared.

I have experienced another principle that allowed the student bathroom at her school to go without soap for over a year. I know for a fact these were not the conditions of the staff restrooms. Installing internet services throughout the school, or providing the kids with updated technology like a mobile laptop cart was not a top priority here… but the salad bar is a major hit.

I’m not from Oakland, but I have been around long enough to see what is really going on here. My parents were a part of the “flight” movement of the 80′s. I was raised in some other valley. So I understand very well about the “Grass Valley” mentality, and it saddens me. I am Black, and I have experienced even among my own people a sense of separate… and not equal. It may not be obvious to some people that have been in Oakland most or all of their lives, but I assure you it is quite apparent to someone on the outside looking in.

I teach here (OUSD), and my children attend school here. That is because I live here, and I refuse to allow stereotypes the power to define me, my children, their level of intelligence, or the quality of their education. I thought about commuting my kids out to New Haven School District (where I graduated from), but then I realized not only should I not have to… I don’t want to. I send my kids to these schools with full knowledge that their education is in my hands. Period.

As parents, and educators, we simply have to take personal responsibility for the work we do. And I am thankful for every educator out there that is committed to doing what is best for these children, even if if has to be AGAINST all of the the odds.

By the way, can you tell us something about yourself – so we can understand where your point of view comes from? You appear to be black, female, and a public school teacher. What education? Age range? upbringing?

I don’t expect we will agree on much of anything. That’s all good. The real shock is if we ever do agree on something. And that will happen sometime.
I don’t encounter many like you in my field. They don’t last very long. You can probably say the same.

One of the things I do like about Katy’s Blog is the difference between the various posters. In our lives we don’t mingle with the polar opposites. We don’t listen to them either – and if I were to make my points in a room with liberals – and orthodox blacks – they would be unable to retain their composure (chimp out?). Sad but true. Free debate doesn’t exist with liberals, as anyone with experience with CA Universities sees daily.

Oakland Parent/Teacher mentioned above that I hide behind anonimity. Well, it’s my choice as to when and where I put myself out to strangers. And yours. I would not waste my breath trying to tell a fool to get off the railroad tracks. And I mean that. Been there, done it. I won’t contribute one penny to Haiti either. Why fight evolution in action? My interests are closer to home. In the work I do I can try to fix or save one person at a time. As I get older I’m more picky as to who I really exert for. So no, I’m not interested in more than a form of muttering the emperor has no clothes. Somebody should do it. Other readers here just might get jogged into new lines of thought. Hopefully younger ones.

You will see when everytime somebody here says “Why oh why are all these bad things happening to us!!”

Brave New World.

Yes, school leadership is crucial. I can also say from (unwanted) experience, that sometimes a school leader can be perceived as doing well, but inside the school is crumbling. Nexos really have no idea of what goes on in most schools. But I still hold that unless someone in particular is being discussed, it is not okay to just put out criticisms of random people. We all (teachers and site principals) have hard enough jobs without having to face that with our morning coffee.

I do disagree that one comment would lead to seeds of doubt. I give teachers/parents more credit than that. There has to be doubt there already. I really hope this blog is not going to be used as a forum for that. If people need to say something, it should not be hidden inside another message.

Now, back to the thread…

Now Katy, I agree that as public officials, school administrators are open to evaluation and scrutiny, especially given the huge impact that leadership has on schools. However, this forum is not legitimate! It is based on opinion alone, and not backed by data. I’ve witnessed school leaders be raked over the coals on your blog! Good people, who I know work tirelessly to the detriment of their health and their personal/family life, only to be slashed to pieces by someone on your blog with an obvious grudge. And all of these comments are one sided opinions and only speak to a tiny segment of their job. There is an obvious lack of balance; after all there are two sides to every story. And underneath every action, there is a motive. Not to mention anonymity allows people to be careless and mean-spirit because their identity is protected. (Nextset is a primary example of this) We expect school leaders to be strong and bold. We expect them to hold the line and fight for what students need and deserve. But I would argue that this task is difficult with a forum that can literally annihilate one’s spirit, and more importantly, destroy the confidence a school community has in its leader. All it takes is a mere suggestion and the seed of doubt is planted. Unfortunately, slander is one of the risks school leaders have to deal with when they assume a public position. But that does NOT make it right! This country has freedom of speech, but is also has due process rights for a reason.

Clearly you are intimidated by an “educated Black” who speaks her mind. Is calling me “ghetto” the best that you can do? Who appears weak now? Work on your rebuttals and get back to me. I think that your response is hilarious, thanks for making me laugh today! You are the very reason why I decided to become a teacher. I wanted to help my minority students succeed in a country with persons like yourself…judgmental, close-minded, and somewhat out of touch with reality by the use of their stereotypes.

Sorry to disappoint you, but slavery has ended. You don’t get to play the race card with me Yea, there’s all types of Blacks, as with any race. Again, KUDOS to TCN for helping our Black students succeed, whatever type of Black you may consider them, and the Latino students as well. Yay, for public education!!! Review my comment on #13 with my reply to this debate. It remains the same.

I am happy to attend a panel discussion with you any day. Thank you kindly for the invite. By the way, there are more people in this country who are “unsuccessful Whites” considering they are the majority and all. I am thankful to know that all people in this world are not as confused as you. In closing, February is Black History Month…not Black sub-group month.

P.S. All of the Liberals want you to have a Terrific Thursday!