Several people have claimed that because I am anti teachers union I am anti public education. It's actually the opposite, because I am pro public education I am anti teacher's union. I think unions are an important and valuable part of our body politic. But the teachers unions have made absolute job security their prime directive and the result is that no matter how bad a teacher is, if they have tenure our kids are stuck with them.
This is incredibly destructive toward our children. every child suffers from several incompetent teachers as they go from kindergarten through 12th grade. Some leave school because of uninspiring teachers. Others are ill prepared for college and don't go or drop out. The effects of these incompetents is immense.
This election is vastly more important than the City Council election (and yet gets much less attention). The City Council determines how livable our city is. The school board determines how successful a future our children have. (Or if you don't have kids, how well the taxpayers who will pay for your nursing home are doing.) Read up on the candidates in Districts C & G.
At the same time, take a snapshot of the district 10, 20, 30 years ago and compare it to today. There has been no improvement! Over 50% of our 10th graders are not proficient in math. Socio-economic status remains the overwhelming determinator of success in school. So all these candidates that are a variation upon the theme of things are good, we'll make them a little better, are a recipe for our continued failure. Meanwhile, they have lots of meetings that aren't making things better.
Resources:
- Daily Camera election page
- Boulder Weekly election page (not up yet)
- Colorado Daily election page
- {to add a resource please email david@thielen.com}
Scheduled Candidate Events:
- {to add an event please email david@thielen.com}
| candidate | website | blog | daily camera |
|---|---|---|---|
| District A | |||
| Helayne Jones | www.helayne.org | {none} | Q&A |
| District C | |||
| John Satter | {none} | Q&A | |
| Laurie Albright | www.AlbrightForSchoolBoard.com | {none} | Q&A |
| District D | |||
| Kenneth J. Roberge | {none} | Q&A | |
| District G | |||
| Edward A. Gazvoda | www.readit.us | {none} | Q&A |
| Rosabelle Rice | www.rosabellericeruns.com | {none} | Q&A |
| Jim Reed | www.reedforbvsd.com | {none} | Q&A |
Candidate Statements:
Ed Gazvoda - For the 2006-07 school year, the CDE's reports confirmed that BVSD's performance was dismal. Less than half of BVSD's 10th grader scored proficient in math, reading, and writing. BVSD is failing to meet the basic educational needs of over 15,000 students.
In fourth grade, our students achieve near the top on standardized international education assessments. Given another 8 years in our educational system, they rank below 25 other industrialized countries.
BVSD is inefficient and ineffective. The onus falls solely with the way the school district is organized. For an organization to be efficient and effective, it must be properly aligned. Given the teachers' union's contract (which evoked memories of George Orwell's book: Animal Farm, with its ridiculously stupid rules), the school district is in a confused state with no clear lines of accountability and control.
To achieve desired educational outcomes, I propose making a parent dominated local school board responsible and accountable for their children's education. The parent led site-based school boards would consist of 4 parents, 1 teacher, 1 administrator, and 1 community member.
With this proper alignment, the site-based school board would hire and fire principals. Principals would be given substantial autonomy. Principals would reward teachers for their accomplishments or let them go. Administrators would serve as support staff for the parents, principals, and teachers.
Perhaps you and or your children received or are receiving a good education in the BVSD. If so, you are in the minority. Recognize the fact that a majority of the students are not receiving an adequate education. Even those proud of their educational achievement in the BVSD would have faired better had the educational system been organized to maximize their potential. I urge you not to be a complacent bystander to the harm being done to students. Vote to reform BVSD.
Jim Reed - Hello, I'm Jim Reed. My wife and I have three daughters under the age of eight, attending our neighborhood school, Lafayette Elementary. I've served as Legislative Chair for the PTA, as well as on the school improvement team. Last year, I was appointed to the Citizens Bond Oversight Committee (CBOC,) that oversees compliance of the $296.4m bond with the facilities master plan. I also serve as that committee's liaison to the ITAC, working on the $10m fiber-optic network for our schools. I have a BS degree in Chemical Engineering, and have worked my entire professional life, 17 years, in information technology for Boulder County companies.
As your voice on the school board, I will work to reduce stratification, narrow the achievement gap, and invest for the future in early childhood education, technology and sustainability.
With my background in information technology, I know how to solve problems. I have experience working to build bridges, even among traditionally adversarial parties. I believe my style of creative collaboration is a good fit as we transition to make a great district better.
I am a thoughtful, reasonable problem solver who understands the scope and responsibilities of the job. I'm proud to have the unanimous recommendation of the Boulder Valley Education Association as well as the support of many citizens of BVSD.
