Debt disservice - Pittsburgh Tribune-ReviewDebt disservice
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
At a time when Pittsburgh Public Schools is facing a monumental debt of nearly $476 million, the answer to this economic crisis should not be more debt ("Hard numbers haunt district: City schools' debt $476 million," June 10 and PghTrib.com).
Yet, that is exactly what Superintendent Mark Roosevelt offers as part of his sweeping consolidation program for the Pittsburgh Public Schools.
Before we take another step down this path, we should ask: Would the planned program be doomed to fail because there is not money available to carry it out when it is time to execute?
I urge Pittsburgh Board of Education members to delay any decision regarding any of the planned mergers until a full accounting for all costs is presented to the board.
Our children's and our region's future depends on their decision. This is their last chance to make the right decision. They should not make it in haste.
Brian K. Del Vecchio, Squirrel Hill
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Debt disservice - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
Great letter in today's Tribune Review:
PolicyBlog: Limiting political speech won’t create good government
PolicyBlog: Limiting political speech won’t create good government Monday, June 16, 2008My reply there
Limiting political speech won’t create good government
Hold the phone:
I worked to de-rail the campaign finance reform bill in Pgh about three years ago. Then, after begging, got onto the group to help draft this version. Then it was changed a bit with amendments.
I don't speak for Tim -- but for myself.
Of course none have pledged to make politics free from influence of special interests. That is an absurd wish. But, campaign finance reform can put an upper price tag on that influence.
Do you think that corporations feel left out and rights have been denied because there can be no corporate donations to candidates?
Just as goofy.
Of course it would be great to have the conventions paid for by the parties and not the taxpayers. But that is a different matter.
Campaign finance reform does not limit political speech. Your speech is always a right you have to yourself. A donation is not a speech. Rights are not able to be purchased. Speech is still free.
I do think that campaign finance reform will better serve the public.
I feel that elections will be more competitive with finance limits. Different. More people will run too. That is more important. It is hard to be more less competitive than the case now when too many run without any opposition.
Every corrupt politician and big city political machine does not favor campaign finance reform -- because Luke Ravenstahl just vetoed the bill.
The Pgh campaign finance reform was not with any part of government giving taxpayer handouts to favored businesses.
We agree that a way to "get money out of politics" is to limit the size and role of government. So, it makes sense then to limit the size and role of donations to candidates.
SI reporting that the Tiger has just left the building
Report: Tiger to Miss Rest of SeasonPerhaps we'll see Tiger in Beijing in August, soaking up the Olympics, and doing golf's political work to insure that his sport gets inserted into the line-up in future Olympiads.
Days after what he called his "greatest tournament," Tiger Woods will miss the rest of the season because of a left knee that will require more surgery, a person with knowledge of the decision told the Associated Press earlier today. That means Woods will miss a major championship for the first time in his career. "This excitement of this past major championship created a transcendent drama and it may be the one we remember the best of all his majors," said SI senior writer John Garrity. "Not to be able to continue this soap opera the rest of the year is tough. I think we thought it would kind of be an on-again, off-again story and even that would have kept the excitement going for fans. Now the curtain has been pulled back. Sorry, that’s the show for this year. It was fabulous, but it’s over."
Council resolution to delay Schenley vote fails
Council resolution to delay Schenley vote fails: "Ms. Harris and Ms. Payne wanted council to ask the board to put off its vote until the public could study the conflicting accounts on the cost of fixing Schenley and all interested parties could come together. They won the support of colleague Bruce Kraus and Council President Doug Shields, who argued that there are 'no easy choices here' but that the district should make its decisions on Schenley only as part of a complete plan for its buildings.My email was just sent:
Hi Tonya, Ricky and Darlene,
Thanks for your listening last night....
I did not watch the discussion unfold in person or on TV today. But, I've got a few thoughts for you after reading about it on the PG site.
Was it possible that you had to rush a tad too much. Peduto could have called in -- or --
otherwise waited. ?? So sad to have the resolution about Schenley and HS Reform NOT pass.
We got to get to five votes. Counting to five is sorta important.
To get to Rev. Burgess -- let's jump to the selfish points for a moment. I'm not sure if it is clear -- but Schenley is an all-city magnet. District 9 kids are able to go to Schenley. That helped get Chelsa into the game. This is everyone's school.
I know for a fact that there is one family that is moving out of his district and downsizing to a house to stay in the city but be put into the feeder pattern for Dice. The family is very close to leaving the city, loves the present home -- but does not want to be part of an 'experiment.'
Mr. Roosevelt has said that only 20% of the students in the Peabody feeder pattern choose to attend Peabody. I'd love to see Peabody turn into an all city magnet for either boys or girls. Put the other gender into Oliver.
Peabody needs serious attention in an urgent way. The new principal is great. But there is much to be done.
And, I'd love to see the Science and Technology magnet / HS go into Westinghouse. There is no reason to put the Sci/Tech school into Frick. For the wired -- being in Westinghouse is even better than being in Oakland. Teleconf needs, etc.
Is middle-school, CAPA / Rodgers in city council district 9 too (Lincoln Lemington) ?? It is a shame to have 6-9 Rodgers depart that area. The move to CAPA downtown is going to make an empty building in a frail neighborhood. And, the tightness of quarters is going to downsize a
great opportunity -- allowing few of his kids to get into the best performing school.
Lots of kids from the south of the Mon go to Rodgers and love it there. They are getting a good education.
The other huge factor for Rev. Burgess to know is the property next to Bakers' Square -- where Reizenstein sits -- can be sold and re-developed if the school at Schenley stays at Schenley. That property can be a great upside for that area of the city. Councilman Burgess is on the redevelopment committee. That is a key location with tons of upside for the city and district 9. Putting a school next to an upscale hotel is not going to make for a great fit.
We really need to get Darlene Harris to work upon both Skip Mc. (firefighter) and Mrs. Fink (ex-board bud) to have one or both of them flip their vote.
Can we get some info to the Firefighters to put some 'old-fashioned heat' upon Skip? The firefighters send their kids to the schools. Some are sure to be grads of the district too. When the city shrinks -- the firefighters are sure to suffer as well.
Tonya needs to get to Tom Sumpter.
There is some homework for you three.
Let's get another resolution to another vote -- and have the five votes in hand before the meeting begins. But, the real push needs to be with PPS Board: McCray, Fink and Sumpter.
Engineers say Schenley is safe, claim there is no asbestos problem in building
Great read.
Where is the fabrication now?
Engineers say Schenley is safe, claim there is no asbestos problem in building Two engineers claim that if Pittsburgh Public School officials had read their own reports, they would realize that there is no asbestos problem at the Schenley High School building.This is what we need. MSM coverage of the real story.
Not only should it not be permanently closed, they said, it should reopen in the fall.
“Schenley can open in the fall for zero dollars,” said Lafean. “It is just as safe today as it was when it was built.”"Bring it on."
Lafean, an industrial engineer formerly with Westinghouse who also did extensive work for the U.S. Navy, said Superintendent Mark Roosevelt’s $72 million repair estimate—which he said the district cannot afford—is a complete fabrication.
Even if the expenditure was needed, Lafean said, Roosevelt is prepared to spend at least that much to renovate the closed Reizenstein and Milliones middle schools and Frick 6-8 to house the displaced Schenley students. So, he asked, if it’s not about money or about safety, what is it about?
“In all those reports, there is not a single quote from any asbestos abatement firm, ventilation or air conditioning contractor—no one has submitted any bids,” said Lafean. “He just took all the square footage and asked what would a total rehab cost.”
Nick Lardas, owner of Niko Contracting, who earned his civil engineering degree from Carnegie Mellon University and has remodeled several historic buildings including Smithsonian Institute buildings in New York City and Washington, D.C., said Schenley need not be renovated all at once, nor completely gutted to address its issues.
Where is the fabrication now?
Fewer TV cameras last night
fans urge council to support their cause
Pittsburgh Post Gazette - Pittsburgh,PA,USA
By Joe Smydo, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette About three dozen residents last night implored City Council to jump into the controversy over Pittsburgh Schenley ...
Pittsburgh Post Gazette - Pittsburgh,PA,USA
By Joe Smydo, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette About three dozen residents last night implored City Council to jump into the controversy over Pittsburgh Schenley ...
Students, Parents Fight To Save Schenley High
WPXI.com - Pittsburgh,PA,USA
PITTSBURGH -- Parents and students who are upset about the closing of Pittsburgh's Schenley High School took their protest to the halls of the City- County ...
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Statement to City Council from citizen about Schenley.
Kathy Fine reported to have made this statement to city council tonight at the public hearing:
Good evening City Council Members. Thank you for providing us an opportunity to voice our concerns regarding the upcoming vote on the Schenley High School closure. It has been a long eight months since Mark Roosevelt first announced his plan to closure this flagship of the Pittsburgh Public Schools.Three, including Kathy, were also on PCNC TV's NightTalk, tonight. I didn't get home in time to watch.
Although we realize that this entity is has no real jurisdiction regarding school district affairs, we felt that we needed to use this venue to shine a spotlight on the fact that the administration has had an advantage when it comes to framing this debate and that our viewpoints have not been clearly heard.
One point that is essential to make is that everyone in the “Save Schenley” movement is in favor of meaningful reform. We are not obstructionists. In fact, I have been dedicated to achieving progressive school board governance by working tirelessly to get first Patrick Dowd, your esteemed colleague, and then Heather Arnet elected to the school board. Ultimately, my work on these elections contributed to bringing Mr. Roosevelt to Pittsburgh. No one is here to tear the superintendent down. We want, no, need him to succeed for the sake of our children and for the sake of our city.
But just because we need a forward thinking, dedicated superintendent does not mean that parents, community members, school board directors or city leaders should be a rubber stamp for all of his efforts. Parent and community input is crucial to the success of reform on the scale that Mr. Roosevelt is proposing. That is all we are asking for, that Mr. Roosevelt allow us to be a part of creating a better public school system for our children.
Francesmary Modugno letter to editor about school sports
Francesmary Modugno is a real 'running mate.'
I think that this will run in the P-G West tomorrow.
Comments:
Editor: In light of the upcoming Carlynton School Board meeting in which the directors will vote on a facilities usage policy, I submit the following letter for publication. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions.
Editor:
Despite opposition from residents representing youth programs, some elected Carlynton school directors want to limit facility use to organizations with 100% district youths. Why? They believe non-residents take opportunities from Carlynton kids because non-residents outperform our kids; thus, Carlynton kids need contrived opportunities for success because they are unable to succeed on their own. Not only are these beliefs untrue, they are insulting. Without basis, these directors also claim that clubs "train the competition" and that's the reason HS teams don't win. What they don't realize is that barring non-residents won't hurt those kids, it will only hurt ours. Non-residents will train elsewhere, while our kids will lose out because without non-residents, many Carlynton programs will fold. Carlynton is too small to field teams by itself. In the end, our kids will get less training and HS teams will suf! fer.
When asked, no director could explain what Carlynton gains by limiting programs. In contrast, youth leaders stated that further restrictions would hurt our programs and our kids. Nonetheless, some directors still advocate excluding non-residents. These "non-residents" aren't aliens from Mars. They're our neighbors in Ingram, Thornburgh and Scott. They live down the street from us. They work, play, shop and worship with us, and their districts warmly welcome Carlynton kids into their programs. Let's hope those districts don't adopt the "us only" view of some Carlynton directors - our kids will suffer greatly. Instead, let's hope Carlynton's directors listen to the people who elected them and adopt policies to keep our kids off the streets and engaged in positive, directed pursuits.
Francesmary Modugno
http://carlynton.blogspot.com/
called a bombshell: There is enough asbestos to fit in my pocket -- says ex-principal at Schenley
Tim Stevens wrote, in part:
The first Black Principal of Schenley High School informed me today that asbestos was removed from Schenley in the summers of 1970 and 1971. This is a BOMBSHELL!! He states that if there is asbestos there, it
would only be enough to fit in this pocket!!
He is willing to come tonight, and at my request has just signed up to speak...
Mark Roosevelt has the "Midas Touch" in reverse. Stop the fuss. Don't break other worthy programs!
KDKA TV coverage (first link) has great video statements from parents. The reporter slants to the side of Superintendent Mark Roosevelt who says the district can't afford the estimated $75 million in renovations the high school needs to stay open. We agree, in part. We don't want to see the district spend $76-million on Schenley. But, Schenley can stay open. Schenley is safe. Much, much less should be spent on Schenley -- because those other schools, the failing ones, are being ignored.
Schenley supporters push to save school: "Speakers say a new plan must come before decisions to close"
The P-G photo looks as if it came from the TV show, Batman, with the twisted photo. We are evil and crooked, so says the P-G editors. Kathy Fine looks fine. The press event was great. Sadly, the P-G hasn't been 'square' with the coverage nor its watchdog functions.
Pittsburgh Schenley High School supporters last tried to shift the momentum in the debate over the building's future, with leaders of the city Democratic Committee, the Pittsburgh NAACP and the Black Political Empowerment Project calling for additional efforts to save it.
Supporters didn't try. We were successful. We pounded home the message and have taken all the momentum out of Mark Roosevelt's train wrecked policies. This is way beyond Scheley too.
Every member of the city's Dem Committee voted -- VOTED -- to save Schenley. And, I spoke, as a Libertarian, just after the city chair. Wish the Republicans would have answered the call. Everyone is against the moves. And, there is that 'done deal mentality' that we're fighting too.
Mr. Stevens was among the speakers who said it would be unwise to close Schenley until Mr. Roosevelt unveiled a plan for improving all 10 district high schools. Absent such a plan, he said, how can the board make an intelligent decision?
School supporters, many of whom also plan to attend City Council's hearing on Schenley at 6 p.m. today, said Mr. Roosevelt has been able to frame the Schenley debate with exaggerated estimates for renovating the 92-year-old Oakland landmark.
They said they're trying to re-frame the discussion by focusing on how much the school district stands to lose -- in reputation, academic quality and students who withdraw from the school district -- if officials walk away from it.
The city does stand to lose. We'll lose a bunch of school board members when they get voted out. And, we'll lose a politician/superintendent and a few weenie school administrators too. Then, after the next board comes into place, we'll still re-open Schenley and un-do much of the harm these present folks are causing.
Supporters said last night's turnout comprised a cross-section of racial, neighborhood and civic groups, hinting at the breadth of pressure they intend to bring to bear on board members.
Leslie Horne, a member of the NAACP Education Committee, said the reasons to save Schenley include community support for the school, successful academic programs and a diverse student population, including students learning English as a second language.
True.
"What is the hurry?" she said of Mr. Roosevelt's proposal to close the building this month. "Vote to table the permanent closing of Schenley until all options are considered."
There is no rush, except to make a crisis for Mark Roosevelt. He needs a rush to keep ahead of the mob that is still waiting on the report of the things that were messed up so badly in past years. He needs to keep up a new fuss as the prior changes not only didn't bear fruit -- but have crumbled to nothingness. Roosevelt has a "Midas Touch" in reverse.
Democratic Committee Chairwoman Barbara Ernsberger said a group of about 80 voted overwhelmingly at a May 21 meeting to support efforts to save Schenley.
Mr. Roosevelt repeatedly has proposed closing the school, saying the district cannot afford $76.2 million in renovations, including asbestos remediation.
But speakers last night repeated their assertion that a Schenley renovation could be done for less. They questioned his plans to reassign students to new schools and his motivation for wanting to close Schenley, again suggesting that the cash-strapped district will try to sell the building.
Shadyside resident Annette Werner said MacLachlan, Cornelius & Filoni Inc., the architectural firm that provided the $76.2 million estimate, suggested the district save $15 million by renovating only three of the school's four floors.
The $76.2 million estimate represents an unnecessary gutting of the building -- "great if you can afford it," Oakland resident Nick Lardas said, noting one architectural firm estimated that a scaled-down project would cost less than $40 million.
Supporters Urge Board To Save School
Group Fights To Save Schenley High School
KDKA - Pittsburgh,PA,USA
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) ― Supporters of Schenley High School are making a last-ditch effort to save it. The Pittsburgh Public School Board is set to vote next ...
WPXI.com - Pittsburgh,PA,USA
PITTSBURGH -- Supporters of Schenley High School make a last ditch effort to save the school. They attended a public hearing in front of the school board, ...
Pittsburgh Channel, WTAE TV:
http://www.thepittsburghchannel.com/video/16626216/index.html
Great quotes: "gentle investment" ... "Colossal mistake."
Schenley supporters push to save school: "Speakers say a new plan must come before decisions to close"
The P-G photo looks as if it came from the TV show, Batman, with the twisted photo. We are evil and crooked, so says the P-G editors. Kathy Fine looks fine. The press event was great. Sadly, the P-G hasn't been 'square' with the coverage nor its watchdog functions.
Pittsburgh Schenley High School supporters last tried to shift the momentum in the debate over the building's future, with leaders of the city Democratic Committee, the Pittsburgh NAACP and the Black Political Empowerment Project calling for additional efforts to save it.
Supporters didn't try. We were successful. We pounded home the message and have taken all the momentum out of Mark Roosevelt's train wrecked policies. This is way beyond Scheley too.
Every member of the city's Dem Committee voted -- VOTED -- to save Schenley. And, I spoke, as a Libertarian, just after the city chair. Wish the Republicans would have answered the call. Everyone is against the moves. And, there is that 'done deal mentality' that we're fighting too.
Mr. Stevens was among the speakers who said it would be unwise to close Schenley until Mr. Roosevelt unveiled a plan for improving all 10 district high schools. Absent such a plan, he said, how can the board make an intelligent decision?
School supporters, many of whom also plan to attend City Council's hearing on Schenley at 6 p.m. today, said Mr. Roosevelt has been able to frame the Schenley debate with exaggerated estimates for renovating the 92-year-old Oakland landmark.
They said they're trying to re-frame the discussion by focusing on how much the school district stands to lose -- in reputation, academic quality and students who withdraw from the school district -- if officials walk away from it.
The city does stand to lose. We'll lose a bunch of school board members when they get voted out. And, we'll lose a politician/superintendent and a few weenie school administrators too. Then, after the next board comes into place, we'll still re-open Schenley and un-do much of the harm these present folks are causing.
Supporters said last night's turnout comprised a cross-section of racial, neighborhood and civic groups, hinting at the breadth of pressure they intend to bring to bear on board members.
Leslie Horne, a member of the NAACP Education Committee, said the reasons to save Schenley include community support for the school, successful academic programs and a diverse student population, including students learning English as a second language.
True.
"What is the hurry?" she said of Mr. Roosevelt's proposal to close the building this month. "Vote to table the permanent closing of Schenley until all options are considered."
There is no rush, except to make a crisis for Mark Roosevelt. He needs a rush to keep ahead of the mob that is still waiting on the report of the things that were messed up so badly in past years. He needs to keep up a new fuss as the prior changes not only didn't bear fruit -- but have crumbled to nothingness. Roosevelt has a "Midas Touch" in reverse.
Democratic Committee Chairwoman Barbara Ernsberger said a group of about 80 voted overwhelmingly at a May 21 meeting to support efforts to save Schenley.
Mr. Roosevelt repeatedly has proposed closing the school, saying the district cannot afford $76.2 million in renovations, including asbestos remediation.
But speakers last night repeated their assertion that a Schenley renovation could be done for less. They questioned his plans to reassign students to new schools and his motivation for wanting to close Schenley, again suggesting that the cash-strapped district will try to sell the building.
Shadyside resident Annette Werner said MacLachlan, Cornelius & Filoni Inc., the architectural firm that provided the $76.2 million estimate, suggested the district save $15 million by renovating only three of the school's four floors.
The $76.2 million estimate represents an unnecessary gutting of the building -- "great if you can afford it," Oakland resident Nick Lardas said, noting one architectural firm estimated that a scaled-down project would cost less than $40 million.
Monday, June 16, 2008
Points were pounded into their brains tonight. Dominos is okay for senior citizen center -- not school reform.
The citizens spoke tonight. If you have comments and want to have them on this blog -- send them to me via email, or post in the comments, or sling them to the wiki, FixPA.wikia.com. If they are on the wiki, they can also be on this blog as well.
Erik, my son, gave his 3-minutes too. Here are his words:
Statement to Administrators and Board of Pittsburgh Public Schools
Hello my name is Erik Rauterkus. I am here to address the issue of sports in my school district. First, some background on myself.
I just finished 7th grade at Pittsburgh Frick, 6-8 -- or 6-9 next year. Frick is one of the best middle schools in the city.
This year I got a first place in the regional science competition, PJAS, at Heinz Field. I went onto the state competition at Penn State University for three days in May. I was the only student in Frick to attend. At states, I got second prize in the category of physics among all 7th graders.
I love the subject of science and really enjoy studying it is school and elsewhere.
This morning I got up at 5:55 in the morning to go swimming at from my club swim team. At the Pgh Public Schools Elementrary championship meet, I received first place in 5th grade. This past year my little brother, Grant, got first place in the same meet.
Last school year, as a Frick swimmer, I got 4 gold medals at the middle school championship meet.
Next year I want to continue swimming and getting straight As in 8th grade.
I want to go to High School and make states in swimming. Then I want to go to a great college who likes well rounded students. I expect I'll get accepted because of my academics, sports performances, and my violin, plus all the other activates that I am in, including student council.
Now I could go to a school like Allderdice or Schenley. Hopefully Schenley stays open so I could have that choice. Then there is a choice about CAPA.
I could pass the audition for violin there -- or enter for creative writing. It would be great if I would go there. Plus, there is the new science and technology school. Again, I love science and technology and would love to also go there.
But wait. Neither CAPA nor the new school has sports.
For me, and a lot of my friends, and for many that are there now, the lack of sports is a serious draw back. My friends and I want a well rounded education which includes sports and not just gym. And it is not only that sports make you fit (because they do) but it gives you an experience like no other. You get many more friends. You meet lots of new and fun people. We enjoy sports.
Sports offers competition which is critical for the real world. In our jobs we'll face competition. Sports gives training to face that completion.
Lastly, sports teams give opportunities. I got the pleasure of meeting Schenley Grad, Pitt Player, D. Blair, a few days ago. Without sports at Schenley he would not have been able to go to Pitt on a full ride. I believe it is critical to keep sports in all the school not only for health, but for the rest of life.
Without sports, more people will leaving the district. I believe it is an essential to keep sports in our school.
Thanks for the time.
One of the changes tonight -- beyond the press event, the reportcard, the experts on our side, and the longer nose from the wooden marionettes -- the force and conviction of speakers from CAPA and Rodgers.
CAPA High School is not a clown car.
Erik, my son, gave his 3-minutes too. Here are his words:
Statement to Administrators and Board of Pittsburgh Public Schools
June 16, 2008
Hello my name is Erik Rauterkus. I am here to address the issue of sports in my school district. First, some background on myself.
I just finished 7th grade at Pittsburgh Frick, 6-8 -- or 6-9 next year. Frick is one of the best middle schools in the city.
This year I got a first place in the regional science competition, PJAS, at Heinz Field. I went onto the state competition at Penn State University for three days in May. I was the only student in Frick to attend. At states, I got second prize in the category of physics among all 7th graders.
I love the subject of science and really enjoy studying it is school and elsewhere.
This morning I got up at 5:55 in the morning to go swimming at from my club swim team. At the Pgh Public Schools Elementrary championship meet, I received first place in 5th grade. This past year my little brother, Grant, got first place in the same meet.
Last school year, as a Frick swimmer, I got 4 gold medals at the middle school championship meet.
Next year I want to continue swimming and getting straight As in 8th grade.
I want to go to High School and make states in swimming. Then I want to go to a great college who likes well rounded students. I expect I'll get accepted because of my academics, sports performances, and my violin, plus all the other activates that I am in, including student council.
Now I could go to a school like Allderdice or Schenley. Hopefully Schenley stays open so I could have that choice. Then there is a choice about CAPA.
I could pass the audition for violin there -- or enter for creative writing. It would be great if I would go there. Plus, there is the new science and technology school. Again, I love science and technology and would love to also go there.
But wait. Neither CAPA nor the new school has sports.
For me, and a lot of my friends, and for many that are there now, the lack of sports is a serious draw back. My friends and I want a well rounded education which includes sports and not just gym. And it is not only that sports make you fit (because they do) but it gives you an experience like no other. You get many more friends. You meet lots of new and fun people. We enjoy sports.
Sports offers competition which is critical for the real world. In our jobs we'll face competition. Sports gives training to face that completion.
Lastly, sports teams give opportunities. I got the pleasure of meeting Schenley Grad, Pitt Player, D. Blair, a few days ago. Without sports at Schenley he would not have been able to go to Pitt on a full ride. I believe it is critical to keep sports in all the school not only for health, but for the rest of life.
Without sports, more people will leaving the district. I believe it is an essential to keep sports in our school.
Thanks for the time.
One of the changes tonight -- beyond the press event, the reportcard, the experts on our side, and the longer nose from the wooden marionettes -- the force and conviction of speakers from CAPA and Rodgers.
CAPA High School is not a clown car.
Chelsa Wagner steps up: Sends letter to Mark Roosevelt about Schenley and SPORTS
See a copy of her letter at the link below:
I was able to talk to Chelsa and her staffers and explain a few of the details in this saga. Within a few short days -- she sent out this letter.
People are watching. And, people are not happy. Furthermore, the concept of opening these boutique high schools and not having scholastic sports is terrible.
Chelsa also came to understand how Mark Roosevelt's move to fire all the swim pool workers at the school means that the kids in physical education classes will have to both provide their own swim suits and towels. Mark Roosevelt killed swimming in our schools in physical education classes.
Who wants to have a wet suit and wet towel in their book bags and lockers in high school?
Text of letter:
Mark Roosevelt, Superintendent
Pittsburgh Public Schools
341 S. Bellefield Avenue
Room 245, Administration Building
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
SENT VIA FACSIMILE AND U.S. MAIL
Dear Mr. Roosevelt,
Over the past few weeks, I have had many constituents contact me with their concerns about the closure of Schenley High School and the restructuring of other schools in the city that would accompany this action. In order to adequately address their concerns and answer any further questions that they may have, I am requesting the following information from you:
1. A detailed cost analysis of the renovations and repairs that would be necessary to
reopen Schenley High School in the fall of 2008.
2. A detailed cost analysis of the improvements to other facilities that would be necessary
to accommodate Schenley High School students if it does not reopen.
3. The availability of sports and extracurricular activities for students who will attend Specialty Schools if Schenley does not reopen.
I would also welcome the opportunity to meet with you to address these issues more fully.
Thank you for your time and I look forward to hearing from you.
Kind regards,
Chelsa Wagner
State Representative, 22nd District
http://images.wikia.com/fixpa/images//a/a7/Chelsa-to-MarkRoosevelt6.13.08.pdfChelsa Wagner is an athlete. She is also a key player in Harrisburg as a member of the PA House. Furthermore, in Harrisburg, she has roles and keen interests in education.
I was able to talk to Chelsa and her staffers and explain a few of the details in this saga. Within a few short days -- she sent out this letter.
People are watching. And, people are not happy. Furthermore, the concept of opening these boutique high schools and not having scholastic sports is terrible.
Chelsa also came to understand how Mark Roosevelt's move to fire all the swim pool workers at the school means that the kids in physical education classes will have to both provide their own swim suits and towels. Mark Roosevelt killed swimming in our schools in physical education classes.
Who wants to have a wet suit and wet towel in their book bags and lockers in high school?
Text of letter:
June 10, 2008
Mark Roosevelt, Superintendent
Pittsburgh Public Schools
341 S. Bellefield Avenue
Room 245, Administration Building
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
SENT VIA FACSIMILE AND U.S. MAIL
Dear Mr. Roosevelt,
Over the past few weeks, I have had many constituents contact me with their concerns about the closure of Schenley High School and the restructuring of other schools in the city that would accompany this action. In order to adequately address their concerns and answer any further questions that they may have, I am requesting the following information from you:
1. A detailed cost analysis of the renovations and repairs that would be necessary to
reopen Schenley High School in the fall of 2008.
2. A detailed cost analysis of the improvements to other facilities that would be necessary
to accommodate Schenley High School students if it does not reopen.
3. The availability of sports and extracurricular activities for students who will attend Specialty Schools if Schenley does not reopen.
I would also welcome the opportunity to meet with you to address these issues more fully.
Thank you for your time and I look forward to hearing from you.
Kind regards,
Chelsa Wagner
State Representative, 22nd District
Press Event Today
MEDIA ADVISORY: Monday, June 16, 2008, 6:30pm, Press Conference
Pittsburgh Board of Education 341 S. Bellefield Avenue - Pittsburgh, PA 15213
Save Schenley Advocates "Speak Truth to Power"
CONTACTS: Tim Stevens: (412) 758-7898 and Kathy Fine (412) 361-7904
Visual for Press Conference: Large Poster with Report Card that show grades for the School District Administrators, School Board, Students, Parents and Community.
ADVOCATES DEMAND THAT SCHENLEY HIGH SCHOOL BE SAVED FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS AND THAT ALL SPENDING STOP UNTIL THERE IS A PLAN FOR COMPREHENSIVE HIGH SCHOOL REFORM.
Pittsburgh—A cross-section of Schenley High School advocates representing, parents, students, alumni, community leaders will gather for a Press Conference in front of the Pittsburgh Board of Education Building in Oakland at 6:30pm. Speakers will address issues regarding the lack of a comprehensive plan, safely dealing with asbestos concerns; Green Building, Alternative fiscal and academic plans, transparency, other Reform Proposals and the demand that Superintendent Roosevelt and reform chief Derrick Lopez refrain from writing and saying to other community people we respect, that the Schenley advocates are "the opposition". They have used this tactic to divide the Pittsburgh Public School community along racial and class lines which is a shameful way to push through their high school reform agenda.
Following the press conference at the 7pm Public Hearing where there are currently 65 speakers scheduled which is a strong indication of how important these issues still are. Many Schenley advocates will be asking that the school board "Vote No" to close Schenley on June 25th, demand more information from the administration and take more time to evaluate a complete and comprehensive plan addressing all high schools, all buildings, all programs and enrollment.
Schenley advocates will continue their relentless and noble quest to "Save Schenley" and to improve high school reform for all children, Tuesday, June 17th at 6:00 P.M. where they petitioned and secured the right to have a Public Hearing held before Pittsburgh City Council. City residents are urged to sign up to speak by calling 412-255-2138. Saving Schenley and having good comprehensive high school reform IS a citywide issue and concern that will have a dramatic effect on our quality of life for many years to come.
Schenley advocates are urging the Pittsburgh community to show their support by coming out in full force for these hearings.
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Schenley High School -- a 'Green Building' ahead of its time
Great article in today's PG. Wonderful work Vivian and John Allison. Thanks!
Schenley is what it is. But, the option, Reizenstein, has no windows in the entire building. None. Another option, Peabody, is getting the robotics. Peabody is far under capacity. Only 20% of the students in the Peabody feeder pattern choose to go to Peabody. Peabody is working to get its act together -- but. Another option, Milliones, was designed to be a middle school, not a high school. Milliones was already closed. Now Mark Roosevelt wants to re-open that school. Another option for kids is Frick. Frick is a middle school -- not a high school.
Just so you get this straight, the Schenley students will be going to four different locations next year, according to the bone-headed plans: Reizenstein, Peabody, Milliones and Frick. Both Reizenstein and Milliones have been closed schools this past year and they need to be re-opened. Reizenstein would be good to sell. Reizenstein needs short term fix-up investments. And, to make it worthy of long-term school (who wants to spoil your child's next three or four years of their education?) would be far more costly than doing the complete overhaul of Schenley. Milliones needs more than $10-million too. But, it was to get even more if it was to host a move from Rodgers CAPA middle school to that building, as per plans from a couple of years ago.
Frick is like Schenley in that it is a top performing middle school. It is going to close as it is today. It will be converted to a 6-12 high school. Costs are nearly $20-million. And, the work for the fix-up at Frick is going to occur while the kids are in school. Those kids don't get to move out for construction. Rather, Frick's school gets an additional grade while the work progresses.
Schenley is what it is. But, the option, Reizenstein, has no windows in the entire building. None. Another option, Peabody, is getting the robotics. Peabody is far under capacity. Only 20% of the students in the Peabody feeder pattern choose to go to Peabody. Peabody is working to get its act together -- but. Another option, Milliones, was designed to be a middle school, not a high school. Milliones was already closed. Now Mark Roosevelt wants to re-open that school. Another option for kids is Frick. Frick is a middle school -- not a high school.
Just so you get this straight, the Schenley students will be going to four different locations next year, according to the bone-headed plans: Reizenstein, Peabody, Milliones and Frick. Both Reizenstein and Milliones have been closed schools this past year and they need to be re-opened. Reizenstein would be good to sell. Reizenstein needs short term fix-up investments. And, to make it worthy of long-term school (who wants to spoil your child's next three or four years of their education?) would be far more costly than doing the complete overhaul of Schenley. Milliones needs more than $10-million too. But, it was to get even more if it was to host a move from Rodgers CAPA middle school to that building, as per plans from a couple of years ago.
Frick is like Schenley in that it is a top performing middle school. It is going to close as it is today. It will be converted to a 6-12 high school. Costs are nearly $20-million. And, the work for the fix-up at Frick is going to occur while the kids are in school. Those kids don't get to move out for construction. Rather, Frick's school gets an additional grade while the work progresses.
The Next Page editorial: Sunday, June 15, 2008, by Vivian Loftness
The debate over closing Schenley High School has been long and bitter. It has also been a pivotal event for the Pittsburgh Public Schools, which faces declining enrollment and immense financial challenges.
Superintendent Mark Roosevelt has concluded that the district simply cannot afford to renovate the school, which requires absestos removal and a major mechanical overhaul.
Vivian Loftness, of Carnegie Mellon's School of Architecture, contends that the district will save money in the long run by preserving a school of superb design, rather than wasting resources retrofitting substandard buildings to replace Schenley. Here, she examines the qualities that make Schenley visionary.
"Green Schools" are being built across the nation in an effort to provide the healthiest and most productive classrooms for our children. The attributes of Green Schools are many, embodied in national standards such as CHPS (Collaborative for High Performance Schools) and LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design).
Some of the most significant characteristics of sustainable, green and healthy schools are embodied in our own Schenley High School.
The quality and invention of Schenley could never be afforded today. It should be a centerpiece for the Pittsburgh Public Schools for tomorrow.
Fresh air in every classroom
Click for larger image.
International research demonstrates that increased levels of fresh air in classrooms increases both student performance and health. Fresh air can be delivered in high quantities through windows that open with "cross ventilation," and through vertical chimneys that contribute to "stack ventilation."
Schenley High School was designed as a naturally ventilated school, the healthiest and highest performance environment. Not only was each classroom given large quantities of fresh air through tall double-hung windows, corridors and stairs, lunchrooms and gyms, even the theater could be naturally ventilated. Natural ventilation does not eliminate the potential for air conditioning as needed, or for additional forced ventilation.
Daylight in every classroom
International research demonstrates that access to daylight as the dominant light source in classrooms, accompanied by views, increases student performance. A 2000 classroom study in three states (by the Heschong-Mahone Group) identified 20 percent higher math scores, 26 percent higher reading scores for students with the most daylight in their classrooms, as well as 7 to 8 percent greater academic progress in classrooms with operable windows.
Daylight provides a high level of lighting needed for reading fine print and music, provides full-spectrum light to ensure illustrations and art are seen in true colors, and provides important vitamins and melatonin production critical to healthy sleep patterns.
Schenley High School was designed for daylit classrooms, daylit corridors and stairs, daylit cafeteria and gymnasiums (originally), and even a daylit theater for practice periods, with blackout shades for events.
Solid acoustic separations
Noise control between classrooms is extremely important for student learning, and for protecting the health of teachers. Overhearing other teachers and background noise makes it difficult for students to concentrate and forces teachers to speak at higher levels, causing vocal strain.
Schenley is built with very solid materials that ensure excellent separation between classrooms and support class management.
Timeless materials with low maintenance
Buildings were at one time built for centuries of service, not 35 to 50 years as today. Materials were timeless and craftsmanship was celebrated.
Once asbestos is abated, the solid materials and craftsmanship in the Schenley High School building will ensure that maintenance, replacement and repair costs are lower than all newer schools with less durable construction.
Given timeless, crafted surfaces, the associated reduction in paints, adhesives, outgassing fabrics and cleaners will support student and teacher health.
Safe, social, and educationally rich settings
The social science community has rediscovered the value of the grand stair and generous corridors that support visual connections between teachers and students and groups of students.
After years of squeezing square footage out of circulation areas, eliminating space, daylight and natural ventilation, we now realize that they are critical to socialization, reducing stress and ensuring safety. Generous daylit stairs have the additional benefit of encouraging walking and climbing over elevator use and sitting, increasingly important in our children's all-too-sedentary lives.
In addition, the provision of classrooms with views and high ceilings provide important inspiration for students and teachers alike, including rooms for art and music and yes, computer skills.
Schenley High School is one of the few Pittsburgh schools with multiple grand stairs, with generous corridors and easy sight lines for adult supervision, with sunlight and fresh air to calm tempers and nervousness, and uplifting windowed classrooms for every discipline.
'Passive Survivability'
If the power goes out in a sealed, artificially lit, artificially conditioned building, we have to go home. Today's most progressive schools are designed as a refuge for our kids and their communities, with passive systems that will run even if the power is down.
Images of Schenley from the Journal of the Pittsburgh Architectural Club in 1916, the year the school opened.
Schenley has the most reliable conditioning systems -- daylighting, natural ventilation, gravity-fed heating (gas or coal needed to create hot water, but no electricity), and the most
amazing fresh air distribution system hidden in the corridor walls.
Hundreds of vertical chimneys with rooftop vents take preheated or earth-cooled air from the basement vertically to every classroom, without the need for fans -- a system that ensures "passive survivability" for all of us, and energy efficiency with the highest environmental quality. Allegheny County Courthouse had a similar system for heating in winter, and bringing in naturally cooled air in summer -- technologies that are today being rediscovered.
Sustainable Sites: mobility, safety, cultural and educational amenities
A key aspect of sustainability is accessibility for diverse populations to the school and to cultural amenities that are important to education. Today, environmentally sustainable communities have been defined as mixed use, diverse and walkable.
The location of Schenley in the cultural, academic and medical center of Oakland ensures multiple transportation options; walkability to cultural and educational amenities and after-school opportunities; and safety to maintain middle-class commitment to public schools.
Historic building -- embodied energy and infrastructures
The green building community recognizes the energy and environmental value of existing buildings and infrastructures. While all public schools under consideration meet this environmental goal, only Schenley has the historic qualities that ensure long-term "cherish-ability." Buildings that don't inspire preservation long-term will end up being "money pits" with funds yielding five to 10 years of prolonged use rather than 25 to 50 years.
This is a very important life-cycle consideration as investments in alternative schools are debated -- schools that do not have the daylight, natural ventilation, timeless materials and craftsmanship, social settings and location, location, location of Schenley High School.
First published on June 15, 2008 at 12:00 am
Vivian Loftness is university professor of architecture at Carnegie Mellon University, where she served as head of the School of Architecture from 1994 to 2004 (loftness@cmu.edu).
Mark C's latest LTE
Mark Crowley of Plum, a LTE Genius reported on LTE on Election Choices, not Counting Methods
I had a LTE printed today in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. It was the one I shared earlier that promoted the LP and attacked the Rs&Ds for abandoning the few principles they had at one time. It was in response to this editorial
www.post-gazette.com/pg/08153/886158-109.stm from two Sundays ago.
They trimmed it down a bit, but kept the intent well intact. Oddly, they kept the part about Ron Paul not dropping out yet intact. I was expecting a call from them about that where I would have suggested, "...Ron Paul still hasn't endorsed the Republican nominee..." I guess they're really busy at the PG too.
Mark
PS -- Given this editorial, my LTE could have easily been crafted to promote the Voter's Choice Act. That's the great thing about LTEs, often you can go anywhere with them.
Sunday, June 15, 2008
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08167/889852-35.stm
The voting problem
Fixing the election system with new counting methods ("Gaming the Vote" by William Poundstone in the June 1 Forum section) is like recataloging recipes while starving. In presidential election years, about 50 percent of the voting age population votes. The persistent silence of the other 50 percent is deafening.
Former Republican congressman Bob Barr is now the Libertarian presidential candidate. Former Democratic Sen. Mike Gravel is now a Libertarian. Former Democratic congresswoman Cynthia McKinney is now the Green presidential candidate. And the libertarian-leaning Republican, Ron Paul, still hasn't dropped out of the Republican presidential race. What's happening?
Republicans traded non-interventionism for a nation-building welfare program. They sold fiscal restraint for ethanol subsidies and a prescription drug program. They replaced tax-and-spend big government with borrow-and-spend big government.
"Little guy" Democrats embraced the Patriot Act's huge government expansion. It treats all little guys equally -- like they're all in sleeper cells requiring surveillance,
control and federal (real ID) papers. Privacy and incandescent bulbs joined gun rights on their ash heap.
It's not about counting strategies. It's about both parties sacrificing our individual rights to grow government.
And they say my Libertarian vote is a waste!
MARK CROWLEYm Plum
We ask that you Vote NO or table all aspects of this proposed High School Reform plan
Parents and B-Pep (Black Empowerment Project) have called a press conference for Monday evening at the Board of Education building, in advance of the public testimony. I'll be there.
Mr. Derrik Lopez, is now in Pittsburgh and working to advance the Mark Roosevelt agenda.
He must have been one of the ones to hire the newest principal in Pittsburgh Public Schools. A new employee joined the district on May 1, 2008, to serve as the new principle of a new high school, a university prep. That new high school that begins with only 9th graders, is going to be in The Hill District in a former middle school, Milliones. The new principal has been the assistant principal at Woodland Hills High School. Go figure.
Have you heard that one teacher at Woodland Hills who had to break up more than 60 fist fights in the hallways and classrooms of that school this past school year. He is just one example. The media has been reporting on the total lack of discipline at Woodland Hills in the past seasons. Woodland Hills must be the worse breeding ground for a new hire for a new school in Pittsburgh.
Mr. Lopez and the administration have been trying to pull the strings to get their agenda implemented. Generally they get things done without parent involvement and have been masters at avoiding a vote from the school board. Often, much gets done because Mark Roosevelt has been empowered by certain boosters on the school board -- such as Board President and former board member, now councilman, Patrick Dowd.
This "University Prep" school is another 'boutique school' that is part of the Mark Roosevelt agenda. They spent the last few years closing schools (22 with right sizing plan). Now they want to open new schools.
When Milliones was a middle school, it was 100% black. As it opens again, the school is going to be very close to the same population. They seem willing to want to create an all black school in the Hill District. Ninth grade students will arrive in the fall and be the big men on campus. The school starts with only 9th graders, who are there without a choice. The following year, this high school accepts kids in grades 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10.
The new schools, so far, seem to be University Prep (at Milliones), Science and Tech, I.B. Perhaps Vo Tech is on a list of schools to open too, somewhere.
A couple of years ago, there was a plan to move CAPA Rodgers middle school to Milliones. A fix up was needed. But, those plans fell apart. The fix up for the middle school plans does not match what the fix up for the high school plans.
Meanwhile, Pittsburgh has spent a lot of money on changing schools. There was a recent push by Mark Roosevelt to make schools span the grades of K to 8. Now they want to have schools go from grades 6 to 12.
This makes everyone dizzy and is killing the district.
And, they go ahead and do back-channel deals. The Pgh Promise, the selling of Schenley, the take over of Duquesne, the hand-picked commissions (High School Reform Task Force), the junking of gifted, the movement of Rodgers, the re-opening of Milliones, etc.
Here is how some of the district feels about inclusion of city residents and how to out-flank the public process: get to the black ministers in The Hill District. Rev. Monroe is who he is.
Subject: University Prep Vote This Evening
-----Original Message-----
From: Johnnie Monroe [mailto:jmongrace@msn.com]
Sent: Wednesday, February 27, 2008 12:15 PM
To:Lopez, Derrick; Reed, Carolyn Woods; Anthony Bell; Daniel LaVelle; efrazier@hillhouse.org; wallsj216@aol.com
Cc: Roosevelt, Mark; Lane, Linda; Fischetti, Lisa
Subject: RE: University Prep Vote This Evening
Dear Friend,
Please know that I support the opening of the Milliones School Building as University Prep. I think this ventur wii offer great opportunities for the childre of the Hill District as well as the rntire distric. There are those who feel that this is re-segregation. The truth of the matter is when we look at the schools of the district some of them are segregated. My concern is that we have excellence in education. University prep has the opportunity to offer such. This opportunity becomes very crucial also in light of the fact that the children of the Hill district have been short-changed by this district for so long.
Count me as a strong supporter of University Prep at Milliones.
Please pass this along to School Board members.
Peace and love,
Johnnie Monroe, Pastor, Grace Memorial Presbyterian Church
Co- chair, Hill District Education Council
I agree with Larry. Mark Roosevelt and crew have been masterful heretofore in framing the issues and information in this debate. No longer.
Nobody is shocked that Mark Roosevelt got $100-million from UPMC for the Pittsburgh Promise -- and it was a down payment on the building and property that is known as Schenley High School. Roosevelt has a mention in the WTAE TV 4 news yesterday that he expects Schenley to not be vacant -- but be with UPMC for them to do what they want.
Roosevelt wants the district to choose "instruction over bricks?" Fine. Let's keep the places where the best instruction occurs.
Below is an excerpt of the B-PEP statement that addresses some of what the PPS administrators accuse the concerned citizens of NOT caring about.
We ask that you Vote NO or table all aspects of this proposed High School Reform plan and not move ahead with making any other expenditures until there is a comprehensive approach to programs that address the needs of all students associated with the 9 High Schools that failed to make Adequate Yearly Progress. Can you please share with us where you are with that? Maybe those plans are somewhere in the ever growing and changing documents connected to high school reform...
We agree with you and understand the fierce urgency of now to ensure that ALL of our children receive a high quality education, especially the many that have been denied that opportunity for so long.
One more message:
Callie Thuma posted
Jen's email:
Mr. Derrik Lopez, is now in Pittsburgh and working to advance the Mark Roosevelt agenda.
He must have been one of the ones to hire the newest principal in Pittsburgh Public Schools. A new employee joined the district on May 1, 2008, to serve as the new principle of a new high school, a university prep. That new high school that begins with only 9th graders, is going to be in The Hill District in a former middle school, Milliones. The new principal has been the assistant principal at Woodland Hills High School. Go figure.
Have you heard that one teacher at Woodland Hills who had to break up more than 60 fist fights in the hallways and classrooms of that school this past school year. He is just one example. The media has been reporting on the total lack of discipline at Woodland Hills in the past seasons. Woodland Hills must be the worse breeding ground for a new hire for a new school in Pittsburgh.
Mr. Lopez and the administration have been trying to pull the strings to get their agenda implemented. Generally they get things done without parent involvement and have been masters at avoiding a vote from the school board. Often, much gets done because Mark Roosevelt has been empowered by certain boosters on the school board -- such as Board President and former board member, now councilman, Patrick Dowd.
This "University Prep" school is another 'boutique school' that is part of the Mark Roosevelt agenda. They spent the last few years closing schools (22 with right sizing plan). Now they want to open new schools.
When Milliones was a middle school, it was 100% black. As it opens again, the school is going to be very close to the same population. They seem willing to want to create an all black school in the Hill District. Ninth grade students will arrive in the fall and be the big men on campus. The school starts with only 9th graders, who are there without a choice. The following year, this high school accepts kids in grades 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10.
The new schools, so far, seem to be University Prep (at Milliones), Science and Tech, I.B. Perhaps Vo Tech is on a list of schools to open too, somewhere.
A couple of years ago, there was a plan to move CAPA Rodgers middle school to Milliones. A fix up was needed. But, those plans fell apart. The fix up for the middle school plans does not match what the fix up for the high school plans.
Meanwhile, Pittsburgh has spent a lot of money on changing schools. There was a recent push by Mark Roosevelt to make schools span the grades of K to 8. Now they want to have schools go from grades 6 to 12.
This makes everyone dizzy and is killing the district.
And, they go ahead and do back-channel deals. The Pgh Promise, the selling of Schenley, the take over of Duquesne, the hand-picked commissions (High School Reform Task Force), the junking of gifted, the movement of Rodgers, the re-opening of Milliones, etc.
Here is how some of the district feels about inclusion of city residents and how to out-flank the public process: get to the black ministers in The Hill District. Rev. Monroe is who he is.
Subject: University Prep Vote This Evening
Date: Wed, 27 Feb 2008 11:23:14 -0500
From: dlopez1@pghboe.net
To: creed1@pghboe.net; tbell@hillhouse.org; rdlavelle@pahouse.net; efrazier@hillhouse.org; jmongrace@msn.com; wallsj216@aol.com
CC: mroosevelt1@pghboe.net; llane1@pghboe.net; lfischetti1@pghboe.net
Hi All,
The events of the next two days will determine whether the work that has been put into the design and concept for University Prep at Milliones will move forward. We have the vote of the Board of Education this evening, and we have the community meeting tomorrow.
I am confident that we have designed a "school" that can and will become the hallmark for school excellence in the district. It was specifically designed with the students that we are charged to serve in mind. That being said, I also know that we have a lot of work to do, to involve the parents in the Hill District and the greater Pittsburgh community to create a joint vision and real partnership to determine how we can partner with them to best meet the needs of our children. Therefore, tomorrow night's conversation will be crucial to this. I hope that each of you can attend this historic meeting, and that each of you will participate.
While I know that the African American community does not speak with a monolithic voice, I am quite certain that when we converse about the needs of African-American youth, we do coalesce around key principles: ensuring that our students have a safe and secure environment that is conducive to learning; setting high expectations, both academically and behaviorally; establishing solid, personal relationships with our students; and providing the needed support and advocacy for students who have not heretofore been served. We need your help in spreading that mission-driven message as we move through tonight and tomorrow. My fear is that right now that mission is being clouded by the supposition that the opening of University Prep is a return to a model of segregation.
I urge you to assist in spreading the message that this is simply not true. The truth of the matter, which the opposition seems loathe to admit, is that students in the Schenley feeder pattern have been allowed to flounder and fail, under the guise of diversity within a building. University Prep as a model brings those students out of the background and requires us to serve their needs in new and real ways. I fear that their needs, in the face of advocacy for the facility that is Schenley, are being overshadowed and drowned out once again.
If there is a letter of support that you are willing to forward to me or telephone advocacy on behalf of these students that you would be willing to offer prior to the vote this evening that we can share with the Board of Education, that would be exceedingly helpful in our efforts to move this project forward. You can send it to me by return email.
I would be remiss if I did not thank you for your willingness to enter into a partnership with us on this very difficult issue, when PPS has not been a willing partner to you in the past. The creation of the University Prep concept document is the essence of faith, i.e. the substance of things hoped for, and the evidence of things not seen (if I am allowed to say that in an email.). You put your faith in us to deliver for your students. If this project is allowed to move forward, I believe we can that we can work together on behalf of our students in this project and in the many to come over the next several years.
I look forward to your participation in tonight's meeting and tomorrow's parent forum.
With warmest regards,
Derrick
-----Original Message-----
From: Johnnie Monroe [mailto:jmongrace@msn.com]
Sent: Wednesday, February 27, 2008 12:15 PM
To:Lopez, Derrick; Reed, Carolyn Woods; Anthony Bell; Daniel LaVelle; efrazier@hillhouse.org; wallsj216@aol.com
Cc: Roosevelt, Mark; Lane, Linda; Fischetti, Lisa
Subject: RE: University Prep Vote This Evening
Dear Friend,
Please know that I support the opening of the Milliones School Building as University Prep. I think this ventur wii offer great opportunities for the childre of the Hill District as well as the rntire distric. There are those who feel that this is re-segregation. The truth of the matter is when we look at the schools of the district some of them are segregated. My concern is that we have excellence in education. University prep has the opportunity to offer such. This opportunity becomes very crucial also in light of the fact that the children of the Hill district have been short-changed by this district for so long.
Count me as a strong supporter of University Prep at Milliones.
Please pass this along to School Board members.
Peace and love,
Johnnie Monroe, Pastor, Grace Memorial Presbyterian Church
Co- chair, Hill District Education Council
I agree with Larry. Mark Roosevelt and crew have been masterful heretofore in framing the issues and information in this debate. No longer.
Nobody is shocked that Mark Roosevelt got $100-million from UPMC for the Pittsburgh Promise -- and it was a down payment on the building and property that is known as Schenley High School. Roosevelt has a mention in the WTAE TV 4 news yesterday that he expects Schenley to not be vacant -- but be with UPMC for them to do what they want.
Roosevelt wants the district to choose "instruction over bricks?" Fine. Let's keep the places where the best instruction occurs.
Below is an excerpt of the B-PEP statement that addresses some of what the PPS administrators accuse the concerned citizens of NOT caring about.
We ask that you Vote NO or table all aspects of this proposed High School Reform plan and not move ahead with making any other expenditures until there is a comprehensive approach to programs that address the needs of all students associated with the 9 High Schools that failed to make Adequate Yearly Progress. Can you please share with us where you are with that? Maybe those plans are somewhere in the ever growing and changing documents connected to high school reform...
We agree with you and understand the fierce urgency of now to ensure that ALL of our children receive a high quality education, especially the many that have been denied that opportunity for so long.
One more message:
Callie Thuma posted
Date: June 14, 2008
Subject: Be stubborn, be pushy, be aggressive!To all those who oppose the closing of Schenley:As a Schenley alumna (c/o 2006), I have watched from my current home in Saint Paul, MN as Roosevelt has moved forward with his plans to close Schenley High. Like many of you, I am outraged.As I see it, shutting down Schenley would effectively advance the resegregation of the Pittsburgh Public School system. Over the past decades, our nation has returned to an "apartheid schooling" system with high levels of segregation by class and race not seen since before Brown v. Board. I am both furious and heartbroken to see Schenley broken apart by this trend towards injustice and inequality.I am writing to you today because I want to encourage you all to be demanding and relentless in your final efforts to counter Roosevelt's plans. Here's what I have been taught from two amazing organizers on the West Side of Saint Paul (Carlos Garcia Velasco & Monica Carbajal):To be effective, you MUST make your voice heard--LOUDLY!Be BOLD! Be AGGRESSIVE! Be STRATEGIC!In order to have your demands met, you must DISRUPT business as usual!I offer this advice so that you will recognize and claim your power. I know you can stop Roosevelt! But you must do it together and you must NOT play by their rules.Here is a story from the famous organizer, Shel Trap. He is writing about his pet dog, Big Guy, from who he learned much."Big Guy is frightened of thunder. He gets very nervous and jumps on our bed--your have not lived until you have had ninety pounds hit you in the middle of a deep sleep. One night during a storm we put him in the bathroom and closed the door. The next morning we found a cabinet door chewed to pieces and the finish of the bathroom door clawed away. He did not want to be in the place we had assigned to him, so we paid a price. The role of the community organization is similar. An organization does not stay where the power structure wants it, sitting quietly in the corner, or closed off in some room; it makes the power structure pay a price for trying to keep it in a place it doesn't want to be.We were going after a slumloard with little success when we discovered he was an important member of his church and would preach when the pastor was on vacation. On Sunday when he was preaching, we went to his church with fliers using some of the Ten Commandments. 'Thou shalt not bear false witness: Mr. Jones, who is preaching to you now, lies to his tenants when he says he is going to fix up the building.' 'Thou shalt not steal: Mr. Jones, who is preaching to you now, steals from his tenants by collecting rents and not giving them garbage pick-up, cleaning the hallways, or making repairs.' This in not where Mr. Jones wanted us to be. He paid a priace and also fixed up his building. IF YOU STAY MEEKLY IN THE PLACE WHERE SOMEONE WANTS YOU TO BE, YOU LOSE! WHEN YOU STEP OUT OF THAT PLACE AND MAKE HIM PAY A PRICE, YOU WIN. I like winning better than losing."pg. 9 "Dynamics of Organizing" by Shel TrapPlease remember this wisdom as you prepare your final fight against the plans to close Schenley. Attack back! Don't let them shut you down!I stand with you in support!peace and power,Callie Thuma
Jen's email:
Today's paper: Schenley High School -- a 'Green Building' ahead of its time
We know it's summer vacation and many families are away.
We know it's been forever and ever.
We know that it may be hot.
We surely know people work and have lives.
But please show up if you can, if you want to speak, even better!Monday: Board of Education Public Hearing
6:30 pm press conference
7:00 pm public hearing
Sign up to speak is open until noon tomorrow, call 412-622-3600
Overall message: Until there is a comprehensive high school reform plan and that plan has been made clear to all stakeholders, there should be NO vote on closing Schenley and NO MORE SPENDING on other buildings and moves and renovations.
The school board should demand enough information and time to evaluate a complete and comprehensive plan addressing all high schools, all buildings, all programs and enrollment.
*****
Tuesday: 6:00 P.M. - Public Hearing: City Council
City County Building
414 Grant St.
Sign up to speak through Tuesday at 412-255-2138 (have heard you can sign up until 5 pm, but try to do it before noon to be safe!)
Bill No. 2008-0482 - Petition from the residents of the City of Pittsburgh requesting a public hearing before City Council relative to the stated intent of the Pittsburgh Board of Public Education to close Schenley High School. (CABLECAST)
Overall message: same as above, emphasizing the city/public value of Schenley High School.
*****
Please consider writing (especially if you can't make it to a hearing) to:
the Post-Gazette
the Tribune Review
the school board (boardoffice@pghboe.net)
city council (click on picture for phone number) and/or
your state legislator.
Thank you and Happy Father's Day to all the dads!
Jen Lakin
Letter from yesterday's Civic Arena Schenley Graduation
Dear Schenley Graduate,
It has come to our attention that, despite today being graduation day, we have a problem. You might think you are done, but not so fast. We have noticed that there are some outstanding homework assignments that still linger and need your attention.
To rectify this matter, call 412-622-3600 and sign up to speak at the board meeting on Monday, June 16, 2008 to the Pgh Public School Board and Administrative office in Oakland. You'll need to give a 3-minute prepared speech on the value of keeping Schenley High School open for future generations of Pittsburgh's kids.
If that is not possible, call the clerk of the city of Pittsburgh at 412-255-2138 and get a time to speak at a public hearing on Tuesday, June 17 at 6 pm in City Council Chambers. Likewise, your voice is welcomed and needed. The costs to fix Schenley is much less than all the alternatives they are proposing.
If you can't come and speak either of these days, you can have others come and speak on your behalf.
A letter to the editor might be a suitable alternative, if it gets published, and if there are no typos.
Life is going to be a struggle, one after another. Real world success comes only to lifelong learners. As engaged parents, taxpayers, neighbors and citizens, we are thrilled to have you join us in our battles for our community and freedom. Feel recruited.
By the way, the still uncompleted homework assignment you have yet to complete is but a fraction of the work still due from others. Your task is small when contrasted to the still unfinished plans that we await from Mark Roosevelt.
Thanks for your swift attention on these matters.
With love and the greatest respect, today, and always,A person who isn't your parent nor relative.
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