School Blog

Open Letter Rescinded

Wed, 17 Sep 2008 02:44:52 -0400

I changed my mind. From what I have learned recently, merging Lincoln Heights and Villa Heights is a bad idea. So I let the board know in the letter below. Please note that these emails are to elected government officials and are public record as set forth in the Freedom of Information Act, although some might rather not have this so readily available and searchable in Google, I’m breaking no laws or social mores.

Subject: An open Letter to the CMS board
Date: September 15, 2008 1:49:15 PM EDT
To: superintendent@cms.k12.nc.us, coachjoew@cms.k12.nc.us, kayemcgarry@cms.k12.nc.us, trent.merchant@cms.k12.nc.us, v.leake@cms.k12.nc.us, ken.gjertsen@cms.k12.nc.us,

To whom it may concern,

My name is Andrew {LAST_NAME }, I am a Villa Heights Academic Center parent. Enclosed within are my personal views and opinions. I only speak for myself.

Since my initial writing I have learned much more about this plan and I would like to rescind my previous comments. I was under the impression that this was a well thought out strategic initiative that only needed a greater level of detail to execute. I see now that I was mistaken and this is not the case.

First, I learned that a vital component to the success of Villa Heights is its small size. Moving the program to a larger school would be detrimental to its continued success. To serve the demand in the community at large for this service we need to replicate, not merge and enlarge.

Second, I learned that this isn't a well thought out strategic initiative, but a "pet project" of one of the members of the board. I was told that Vilma Leake is the initiator of this proposal, that she is in the Lincoln Heights district and she's trying to save her school, all I'm sure in good faith. This proposal however, will not promote the prosperity of her district, nor the prosperity of any child in these two schools.

A critical flaw in this proposal is the contingency on the faculty, staff and students of Villa Heights actually moving to Lincoln Heights; trust me, that won't happen -- I am actually considering selling my home and leaving Mecklenburg county because of this.

Vilma's plan will not help Lincoln Heights in any way. This plan will only destroy one of the best performing schools in the county!

Thank you.
--
Andrew {LAST_NAME }

The original letter is published at:
http://wiredsage.com/VHAC/School_Blog/Entries/2008/9/8_An_open_letter_to_the_CMS_board_of_Education.html

I will either update the above open letter, or post a new entry on that blog in 24 to 48 hours.

I thought it was a powerful letter where I spoke my mind and gave good reasoning.

I received a reply from Peter Gorman thanking me for my comments, which is a perfect response because what I truly wanted was to be heard. I wanted to be counted; to share my ideas. His simple reply told me that he read it and at the very least appreciated the time it took for me to put it down in an email, spell check it, and send it.

That’s what made getting the following reply so shocking:

From: trent.merchant@cms.k12.nc.us
Subject: Re: An open Letter to the CMS board
Date: September 15, 2008 2:08:24 PM EDT

Mr. {LAST_NAME },

Your email of September 9, sent at 2:28am, makes more sense than the uninformed, confrontational drivel you sent today. If you want to help Villa Heights, you probably need to refrain from sending any more emails.

I have copied Bill {LAST_NAME }, whom your blog indicates is responsible for leading a committee in Communication with the Board of Education.

Sincerely,

Trent Merchant
Board of Education, At Large
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools
trent.merchant@cms.k12.nc.us

Extremely unprofessional and very unbecoming of an elected official. He actually chastised me for being brusque and did so in a way that was far more confrontational. In this letter I put a name to a proposal. I also thought I was pretty altruistic placing the phrase “I’m sure in good faith” in the above email. My meaning being that I think Vilma Leake was doing nothing crafty, shady or underhanded. I think she’s honestly trying to help. I’m sure she has the best of intentions.

But what Trent’s message told me was that he didn’t even bother reading and understanding my simple, brief opening paragraph. “I am me, and I speak for myself.” Why did he feel the need to involve Bill? Bill’s a great guy, but he is not my keeper. I was offended by this letter on many levels. I really did have all I could do to refrain from stooping to his level. The email reply below was my best attempt at being civil.

Subject: Re: An open Letter to the CMS board
Date: September 15, 2008 2:29:28 PM EDT
To: trent.merchant@cms.k12.nc.us
Cc: superintendent@cms.k12.nc.us, coachjoew@cms.k12.nc.us, kayemcgarry@cms.k12.nc.us, trent.merchant@cms.k12.nc.us, v.leake@cms.k12.nc.us, ken.gjertsen@cms.k12.nc.us,

Mr. Trent Merchant,

Uninformed, confrontational drivel? I don't understand what about my latest letter was confrontational. I thought I was being very rational and calm. Now, to your point of me being misinformed, please enlighten me.

Please refrain from threatening my first amendment right to free speech. I don't appreciate you trying to bully me into silence.

I'm simply stating that I've changed my views based upon new information I have learned. I've searched the CMS website for a detailed plan or a strategic vision. I've found none. Can you send links to the plans, goals, and costs?

For all intents and purposes I'm a stockholder in CMS. If you go against what I believe is best for the community, I must react by selling my stock in this community -- the only way to do that is to relocate. That's pretty rational thought from where I'm standing.

Also, my letters are open since communicating with government officials makes them by default public record.

Thank you for your comments though.
--
Andrew {LAST_NAME }

The original letter is published at:

http://wiredsage.com/VHAC/School_Blog/Entries/2008/9/8_An_open_letter_to_the_CMS_board_of_Education.html

I will either update the above open letter, or post a new entry on that blog in 24 to 48 hours.

His email included Bill and I did Carbon Copy the CMS board in my response to his rude reply. Remember, anyone can read his email. Nothing he sends from that account is private or confidential. I’ve also been very forthcoming in all my communications, advertising that my email correspondences will be published. He can’t cry foul.

From: trent.merchant@cms.k12.nc.us
Subject: Re: An open Letter to the CMS board
Date: September 15, 2008 2:40:06 PM EDT

No one is threatening you. I was suggesting that you since you do not have your facts straight (Vilma's pet-project, etc), you may not want to "help" any more.

Write all you want, forward to whomever you like, and - as you correctly affirmed to be your right - move if it makes sense for your family.

I will end my correspondence with you and wish you the best.

Sincerely,

Trent Merchant
Board of Education, At Large
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools
trent.merchant@cms.k12.nc.us

Well depending on how you read that, he might have tried to cry foul: “forward to whomever you like”.

But his comment to move “if it makes sense” told me he just didn’t get it. This is about MY CHILDREN and THEIR EDUCATION. This is about closing one of the BEST performing schools in the county.

Now he just suggested that I was wrong. He didn’t actually tell me I was wrong. He offered no evidence to contradict my presumed facts. So I sent one last email:

Subject: Re: An open Letter to the CMS board
Date: September 15, 2008 3:31:19 PM EDT
To: trent.merchant@cms.k12.nc.us
Cc: superintendent@cms.k12.nc.us, coachjoew@cms.k12.nc.us, kayemcgarry@cms.k12.nc.us, v.leake@cms.k12.nc.us, ken.gjertsen@cms.k12.nc.us,

Mr. Trent Merchant,

Please don't just say I'm wrong, that I don't have my facts straight and then offer no correction. If I'm wrong, tell me why. Correct me. Give me the facts.

What I know is there were summer meetings held to evaluate the overall magnet program and the purpose of magnet schools. Our family wrote a letter in support of Villa Heights. I didn't attend the meeting because I didn't think Villa Heights was in jeopardy of being shut down because it is such a successful program. One week into the school year I find out there is an initiative to close Villa Heights and I have one month to react.

My question is "What is driving this proposal? What is the purpose of it?"

I'm not able to attend the meetings because I've been working later than traditional business hours. I'm adamant about having my thoughts and opinions heard on this subject. I would also love to be informed. Please reply if you can give me the information and understanding I seek.

Thank you for your time and kind consideration to my correspondences. It is not my intention to cause ill feelings. Please understand that this is very emotional and personal for me. I'm trying to [be] civil and rational in a time of great stress.

I've copied the pertinent parties on this email to promote an open discussion. Sharing information is the best way to avoid misunderstanding and inaccurate comments. Government can only work for the people's best interests when its business is done in the light of day.

Thank you for your time,
Andrew {LAST_NAME }

The original letter is published at:
http://wiredsage.com/VHAC/School_Blog/Entries/2008/9/8_An_open_letter_to_the_CMS_board_of_Education.html

I will either update the above open letter, or post a new entry on that blog with these correspondences in 24 to 48 hours.

I’ll give him one thing, he did keep his word. He didn’t reply. I bet he didn’t even read my comments.

Because of the way this was sprung on us, I have little faith that we actually have any chance of changing the predetermined outcome. We’re looking at real estate now in surrounding counties. If they close Villa Heights we will have just under a year to get the hell out of Dodge.

Disclaimer: Contained within are my thoughts and opinions. I reserve the right to change my mind and form new opinions based on additional facts and circumstances that are brought to my attention.

All personal emails and last names of non-public officials were removed from the above correspondences for child safety concerns. The profiles and email addresses of the CMS board members can be found at http://www.cms.k12.nc.us/boardEducation/.

Place Value Widget

Sun, 14 Sep 2008 14:51:18 -0400

I looked at a math sheet my daughter was working on this weekend and had an idea of creating a simple client-side javaScript to create a random question, calculate the answer, get input from the user, validate the answer, give feedback, and then do it all over again.

I’ve never programmed in javaScript before. I have created CGI scripts with C/C++ and Perl, but never just a little script solely contained on a webpage. It was a good learning experience and a lot of fun.

Below is my little creation. You can also load this script on a page that is less busy by following this link.

VHAC Response to CMS Proposal Meeting

Thu, 11 Sep 2008 18:59:38 -0400

You can download an easy to read/print version of the following document here.

VILLA HEIGHTS ACADEMIC CENTER RESPONSE TO CMS PROPOSAL: MEETING RECAP

A Villa Heights stakeholders meeting was held on September 11, 2008 at 6:15 p.m. in the Media Center. Parents, teachers, staff, other stakeholders and CMS Board of Education Member Tom Tate were in attendance.

As a result of the meeting the following committees were established:

Communication with Dr. Gorman -- Lauren Carter -- Lauren_Carter2003@msn.com
Communication with Board of Education -- Bill Burkholder -- burkphoto@aol.com
Communication with the Media -- Claudette Green -- Claudette.Green@yahoo.com
Communication with CMS staff responsible for proposal -- Jeanine Tabaczynski --Jeanine.Tabacznski@wachovia.com
Create Villa Heights DVD -- Leslie Esposito& Krista Barry -- lae@djinni.homeip.net & KristaGBarry@msn.com

On Monday 9/15 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. there will be a District 3 open meeting at the Education Center on Martin Luther King Blvd. George Dunlap is hosting the meeting. Dr. Peter Gorman is expected to be in attendance. The agenda for that meeting is:
George Dunlap will present opening remarks
CMS proposal will be presented
Question and answer session
Closing remarks

The format of the 9/11 meeting was largely an open discussion which is outlined below.

Art Johnson, PTA President, kicked off the meeting by outlining the purpose:
Develop a strategy
Devise a plan to implement the strategy
Define the format(s) for communication
Plead case to key decision makers to keep Villa Heights as is
Develop a clear, concise and consistent message to make our case so that when it is time to make a decision, the BOE decides in our favor

Kelly Burgess wrote a petition which was circulated and signed during the meeting.

What is the background for this proposal and how did the recommendation to close Villa Heights and move students to Lincoln Heights come about? Response was that based on discussions with Robbie Kale
transportation costs in general are high
buses have capacity to transport 60 students, but buses to VHAC may only transport 10-15 students
the waiting pool for Kindergarten is high and more capacity is needed

VHAC has a formula for success. A smaller school and family-like environment are components of success. Other components of success were then mentioned were the fact that VHAC is a Full LI/TD Magnet with an outstanding staff and curriculum.

There is a need to demand an answer as to why this proposal is being made.

There was a discussion as to whether or not this was an actual recommendation or a discussion topic. Questions were raised regarding the decision status and decision making process. Over the summer a series of community meetings were held to discuss proposes magnet changes. The issues were tabled and more specific recommendations were requested. CMS Staff members responsible for Board proposals have come back with findings and specific proposals. The VHAC closing is one of these.

These changes, should they be adopted, would be effective for the 2009-2010 school year.

There was a great deal of concern expressed about the fact that this proposal had never been mentioned during the community input meetings. Stakeholders questioned “Why Now?” The VHAC closing/move to Lincoln Heights move was never on the agenda. The issue of fairness and open discussion was raised. Furthermore, does the community now have sufficient lead time to respond and provide input?

A person in attendance recommended not shutting down a full magnet, but instead moving the Lincoln Heights LI/TD students to VHAC.

Recommendation was made to bring VHAC school designation banners to the 9/15 meeting.

Question was raised as to whether LI/TD would be preserved as a separate program at Lincoln Heights.

Point was made that previously schools have changed from Full to Partial Magnets. Although parents sign the contract, the requirements of the program have been more than the expected in some cases.

Slogan for preserving VHAC as is should be: “Replicate this model; don’t relocate.”

VHAC should be viewed as a laboratory that works. The success of VHAC reflects on CMS as a whole. VHAC as an LI/TD magnet makes this success possible for the whole city. Why gut a CMS success?

If the demand is not met by the current facility, replicate.

Is it possible to add on to Villa Heights? There is a size limitation; this is one of the reasons for the move to Lincoln Heights.

Lincoln Heights is a struggling school as evidenced by test scores. A move of the VHAC population would make averages look better.

A point was made that all stakeholders have concerns. The VHAC group needs to address Dr. Gorman’s concerns and rationale for considering the proposal.

Lincoln Heights is a ‘Focus’ school. The school’s ABC’s are in the 50th percentile. It is designated a Title 1 school which results in additional funding in order to lower teacher/student ratios and provide other support. If VHAC students are moved into the school it will likely jeopardize Title 1 funding. If additional support resources are required to assist Lincoln Heights students, where will these resources come from? How would it impact TD/LI resources to which VHAC students currently have access? This recommendation is a Lose/Lose situation. Has the BOE been told that this is the situation? Is the BOE considering this or merely looking at school capacity and transportation?

The understanding of the group is that the proposal is to reduce the number of TD/LI Magnets from 6 to 5. Only Lincoln Heights and Villa Heights would be impacted.

This is not a Magnet issue. This is an LI/TD issue and CMS should look at the overall program.

Throughout the meeting there was discussion and speculation regarding Dr. Gorman’s position on Magnet schools in general. It was mentioned that at the elementary level students may not know ‘what they want to know’. LI/TD students are in these programs not because of ‘what they want to know’, but because of ‘what they are’ and what their academic talent and potential is.

This issue should be evaluated from a business perspective. If it is driven by facility issues and will be handled like a merger then there will likely be administrative power struggles and decisions made regarding ‘who and what’ ‘stays or goes’. This model works. It isn’t broken and should not be fixed.

VHAC needs to provide business justification for keeping the model and business reasons why the model should not be moved.
Transportation is not a valid argument for the VHAC closing and move to Lincoln Heights because both schools are centrally located and would require transportation.
Move will be to the financial detriment of Lincoln Heights. Need to be sure this fact is captured and included.

Is the recommendation about kids or numbers?

The action plan for the VHAC stakeholders was outlined:
Get children involved
Form a group of parents who focus directly on BOE members. Each parent should choose a BOE member to contact via phone, email, post cards.
Form a group of parents responsible for contact with CMS staff responsible for proposals.
Form a group of parents responsible for contact with Dr. Gorman.
Inundate the local media with information about VHAC and the proposal, including calling tv reporters
5th graders are already writing editorials
Pamela Murray had post cards printed. These were distributed, along with a list of address. It was recommended that parents and students sign and send these.
Make a ‘We are Villa Heights’ video and distribute to decision makers to allow parents and students who will not be speaking in public meetings to be seen and heard.
Have friends and family members outside of the VHAC community, including those outside of Mecklenburg write and express their support for VHAC
This proposal represents a threat to Magnet programs in general. Ask friends and acquaintances at other Magnets for support. Make this an issue for the community at large, not just Villa Heights.

Dr. Gorman should explain what prompted this proposal.

Children’s input should be included. Every student should be something on paper. Teachers should require this. Students need to be heard.

The stress of this process on students needs to be managed. There is confidence that the teachers can handle this with their classes.

Can/have BOE members visited Villa Heights? Need to challenge BOE members to visit. Need to notify media. 
Some BOE members say/believe VHAC facility is in disrepair.

Video should include view of classrooms, Media Center (including banners) and other facilities.

The proposal ignores school status. It is purely about money. VHAC needs to offer solutions. The proposal is not about students. It is not about a working program. The proposal is about a money crunch. What can VHAC do to offer solutions about how money be saved?

Question was raised, who was involved in the decision to make this proposal? The status of the facility prompted a review. CMS planning staff initiated facility conversation.

A summary of the BOE responses to phone calls with a VHAC parent were provided:
Ken Gjertsen is in favor of full magnets, small schools. He is under the perception that VHAC is a poor physical facility.
Molly Griffin supports VHAC.
Larry Gauvreau spoke at length to a VHAC parent. He does not support Magnet schools that do not have a distinct purpose. In general he supports VHAC.
George Dunlap supports VHAC.
Velma Leake’s only comment is that she wants to help more children.
Tom Tate’s phone conversation was summarized as some support, but along with Dr. Gorman, generally ‘on the fence’ regarding Magnet programs. He was on a committee that diluted TD earlier when full magnets were changed to partial magnets. He was also in favor of changing TD rules to allow partial TD classes. During the call he asked if IB middle school guarantee were the reason for sending children to VHAC. The VHAC parent response was that there needs to be TD middle schools. (These comments were made prior to Tom Tate’s arrival and participation in the meeting).

The BOE knows VHAC is doing well. Stakeholders need to focus efforts on why is this school threatened? Is it a physical plant issue? Why are Myers Park Traditional and Elizabeth Traditional not threatened? The demographics for these schools are different. VHAC stakeholders need to ensure they are recognized as a politically powerful group as well. VHAC should not compare itself with Lincoln Heights or other low performing schools. VHAC should be compared with peer schools, top performing schools.

Involuntary busing ended 5 or 6 years ago. Magnets are completely voluntary. VHAC is a community of diverse race, economic status and ethic backgrounds. It is a beacon of hope in a city that is becoming more segregated by communities and neighborhood schools. VHAC is doing well for all students.

VHAC meets all criteria for a valid Magnet option as defined in the outcome of the summer, 2008 Magnet review. Why should it be eliminated?

Tom Tate joined the discussion at this point.
He came to listen to VHAC concerns.
The proposal is a staff recommendation.
The BOE is divided on the issue.
His daughter attended VHAC in the early 1990’s.
While VHAC has racial and ethic diversity, it does not have socioeconomic diversity. 22% of VHAC students have free/reduced lunch. The district average is 47%. Some schools have up to 90%. Success is greater when there is greater equity in the district.

It was reiterated for Mr. Tate’s benefit that Lincoln Heights is a Title 1 school. The consequences of the VHAC merge were summarized.

Tom Tate responded that it was his preference that Lincoln Heights be a full magnet, possibly even K-8. He has asked CMS staff to look at wait pool numbers to see if a new larger magnet would be better for all.

VHAC parent responded that this is a ‘bunch of numbers’, especially the comparison of the economic differences between VHAC and CMS averages.

Focus should be about TD/LI. The discussion is actually about statistics and money.

VHAC parent wanted to know what are the rules of the game and what is the driving force in coming to a decision so VHAC can respond.

Is the driving force to fill up a new school and bring their performance numbers up or is the driving force to allow more children to participate in the magnet program?

There are 200 children on a waiting list for VHAC. Could VHAC be replicated to help meet demand? It is unlikely any more 15 classroom schools would ever be built. The cost is too great for support teachers. Clarification was made that there are waiting lists for K and 1st grades, but there are still open seats in the 3rd, 4th and 5th grades. The classes were full, but some families opted out prior to the start of school. There are 20/21 in 3rd grade and 18 in 4th.

There was a lot of discussion regarding whether or not free/reduced lunch was a valid measure of diversity. VHAC parent response was that the fact that parents pay for their children’s lunch should not be used against them. VHAC is not a community of rich people. We are not an upscale community like Myers Park. Point was made that it was disingenuous to talk about averages when free/reduced lunch metrics were clusters of 80% and 20%, not really clusters of 47%. Furthermore, it was stated the free/reduced lunch statistics may not be accurate. There may be a ‘pride’ issue were families that could qualify are not using reduced lunch.

The lottery process was discussed. VHAC is open to all. Those who opted in and were selected by the lottery process happen to be paid lunch. A question was raised as to the lunch status of waiting list families. This data is not known.

Question was raised again, why has the theme changed since the Community Meetings? Tom Tate responded that after the community meetings staff came back with recommendations. VHAC was not a bullet point at the community meetings; however, there are summaries of these sessions. It was not clear if these summaries were available for public review. A concern was raised that the staff making the recommendations had not interacted with VHAC representatives. The general feeling in the group was that what was on the agenda for discussion and what happened in the community meeting is different than what has come out in the recommendations. Unsuccessful magnet programs were under review. Villa Heights does not fit the definition of an unsuccessful magnet school.

VHAC should be modeled. North-side schools have a high number of black middle class students, but they still have low test scores.

The diversity at Villa Heights cannot be replicated.

The TD program lost enrollment this year (2008-2009) because the identification process was completed after the enrollment process.

LI/TD schools like Shamrock dilute the program.

VHAC parents should be at home with our children doing schoolwork with them. (instead of being in this meeting)

VHAC student test scores would be brought down by the move. All VHAC students are currently performing well as measured by testing, including the 22% on free/reduced lunch.

What are the drivers for the proposal? This is a wonderful school, look at the whole district. Don’t destroy what is working well, but if it can be improved or expanded, then consider it.

Make other schools full magnets. Expand the program at Barringer.

What is the process and the dates? Response from Tom Tate:
A determination should be made during the 1st meeting in October. The 4th Tuesday of each month is a work session. The 2nd Tuesday of each month is when the public can speak and decisions are made. The agenda is available one week before the meeting. Proposals should be available to those who want to see them by the Wednesday before the Tuesday meeting.
In general there is no sentiment ‘against’ Villa Heights. There is pressure from Lincoln Heights.
5 of 9 board members need to be convinced. 3 are pretty sure they favor retaining VHAC. A couple are sure they are going to vote the other way. The remaining BOE members’ positions are not known. Tom Tate stated he does think he is a friend to VHAC, but he does not make a final decision on any issue until he has heard all discussion.
Email to the BOE members is a good communication method. Weekly on Fridays mail is delivered.

Don’t kill something this powerful.

Would bigger be better? Do we expand the LI/TD program by duplicating/replicating instead of moving?

VHAC staff stated that they like the small school. Success would require all teachers, staff and students to move. This would probably not be the case in reality.

Has the board requested that the CMS staff study what makes VHAC successful? This should be analyzed.

Tom Tate stated that Dr. Gorman is not opposed to Magnet schools. He is in favor of the LI/TD program.

VHAC parent stated that he participated in a session to look at how to attract middle class working families to CMS versus private and charter schools. The LI/TD program is a draw for CMS.

VHAC stakeholders thanked Tom Tate for his attendance and participation.

Other magnet schools that Tom Tate mentioned included:
Idlewild is a successful partial magnet.
Oaklawn is a successful partial Paidiea school.
Elizabeth Traditional and Myers Park Traditional were deemed to not be academically distinctive magnets. There was clarification regarding Elizabeth Traditional – the surrounding community would not fill Elizabeth, so it is a good magnet option.

Tom Tate recommended continued communication with the BOE and to not let down our guard. He did recommend being generous when working with the BOE. Letters can be sent to 701 Martin Luther King Blvd. He recommended contacting the board member where you live. Kay McGarry, Trent Merchant and Joe White are at large members.

A decision needs to be made by early October in time for the 2009-2010 lottery process.

Art Johnson then asked that parents select and break into their action groups.

He compiled a list of stakeholders who will be prepared to speak at the 9/15 meeting.

Stakeholders are urged to call and be put on the speaking list for the 1st BOE meeting in October (second Tuesday). If VHAC speakers want to talk back to back, they need to call in that order. Speakers are ordered on the agenda by call order.

Board of Education Highlights

Tue, 9 Sep 2008 17:36:06 -0400

Government Center - Meeting Chamber  4:30 p.m. CLOSED SESSION, Room CH-14
6:00 p.m. REGULAR BOARD MEETING, Room 267
I. CALL TO ORDER
A. Pledge of Allegiance
Oscar Jerry Lee Reid, an eighth-grade student at Martin Luther King, Jr., Middle, led the Board members and attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance and discussed September’s character trait, which is respect. Oscar is an honors student and was inducted into the National Junior Honor Society this past school year. He also made history in 2007-2008 by becoming the first Martin Luther King, Jr., Middle student to score a four on the state’s seventh-grade writing test.
In addition to Oscar’s studies, he makes time for other interests. He is a member of the football team and was named “Athlete of the Year” in 2008. He is also an actor and earned the lead role of Daddy Warbucks in the play “Annie.” Oscar also loves to travel. He is planning a second visit to Cape Town, South Africa.
Oscar was accompanied by his assistant principal, Willie Howard.
B. Adoption of Agenda
The agenda was unanimously adopted.
II. REQUESTS FROM THE PUBLIC
Kelly Armstrong, a CMS parent, discussed a policy governing CMS’ athletic programs. She asked the Board to consider rewriting the policy.
Pamela Murray advocated for Talent Development magnet programs.
York Reed, a parent of a Villa Heights student, asked the Board to keep the school open.
Pam Grundy, who said she represented Shamrock Gardens Elementary, talked about recent successes at this school, including smaller class sizes, a partial magnet program, increased parent involvement and rising test scores.
Kelly Burgess, the parent of a third-grade student at Villa Heights, discussed the positive qualities of her child’s school. She also mentioned that the school recently raised $2,000 for a cafeteria worker whose home was flooded.
Theresa Watley, a PTA officer and parent at Lincoln Heights Elementary, said she was excited about the proposal to unite the LITD magnet programs at Villa Heights and Lincoln Heights elementary schools.
Tammy Hill, a Lincoln Heights Elementary parent, expressed support for the proposal to join the LITD magnet programs at Lincoln Heights and Villa Heights Elementary.
Vincent Frisina said he would like to see Windsor Park and other neighborhood associations to get involved with nearby schools.
Hiawatha Foster, who represented the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Association of Educators, discussed high-school dropout rates.
Kelly Loving, a Villa Heights parent, expressed concern about the proposal to close Villa Heights and move its students to Lincoln Heights.
Helena Cathcart, who has a student at West Mecklenburg High, discussed researched best practices and personal education plans.
Dennis Townsend, vice president of CMAE and a teacher at Providence High, said the faculty was disheartened that it would not receive full bonuses.
III. CONSENT ITEMS
The Board approved the consent agenda.
A. Recommend approval of minutes B. Recommend approval of appointment of administrative personnel C. Recommend approval of licensed/non-licensed hires and promotions for August 2008
IV. ACTION ITEMS
A. Recommend approval of 2008-09 Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education budget
Chief Financial Officer Sheila Shirley discussed the district’s $1.19 billion operating budget for 2008-09. She said the budget reflects a 1.8 percent increase from the 2007-08 adopted operating budget. She cited several primary reasons why the budget increased. The area: employee salaries and benefits, student enrollment growth and opening of six new schools.
The Board voted 6-3 to adopt the budget.
B. Recommend approval of at-large representative Trent Merchant’s request to direct the superintendent to conduct an audit of self-verified free and reduced-price lunch applications using a random sample methodology
Mr. Merchant withdrew his motion to approve this item.
V. REPORTS/INFORMATION ITEMS
A. Report on Science and Math Programs
Click here to view the science and math report
B. Report/update on Athletic Programs
Click here to view Athletic presentation
C. Report/update on High School Challenge as requested by at-large representative Kaye McGarry -- A full report will be given at the first Board meeting in October.
VI. REPORT FROM SUPERINTENDENT
Dr. Peter C. Gorman said staff will continue to keep the board update on student enrollment data, which mirrors other districts statewide.
VII. REPORTS FROM BOARD MEMBERS
Vilma Leake thanked South Learning Community Area Superintendent Robert Avossa and his staff for supporting students at Sterling Elementary. She also thanked Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., for volunteering at Druid Hills Elementary.
Tom Tate said he heard from principal at Piedmont Middle that they have received world-school status for their IB Program.
Kaye McGarry discussed a meeting she is having Monday, Sept. 22, from 7:30-9 a.m. at the Starbucks in Cotswold.
George Dunlap announced residents of District 3 can attend a meeting he is hosting Monday, Sept 15, from 6-8 p.m. in Board of Education Board Room to discuss proposed changes to graduation requirements and magnet programs.

An open letter to the CMS board of Education

Mon, 8 Sep 2008 21:24:12 -0400

To whom it may concern;

My name is Andrew {last name withheld for online child safety concerns}, I am a Villa Heights Academic Center parent.

My views and opinions are probably not shared by all, if any, of the other Villa Heights parents. So, I speak for myself. I am personally open to change for progress. I work at a local fortune 100 company and have learned to embrace change in my professional career.

I am having a difficult time with the proposed Villa Heights school closing mainly because of the lack of a detailed transition plan. Change often brings fear, uncertainty, and instability to all those involved. I have young elementary school children who will be affected by this proposal. My children do not need any fear, uncertainty or instability in their lives. How are you going to minimize the traumatic effects of these proposed changes on all of the children involved?

My concerns are for the education and well being of my gifted children. I am currently receiving an excellent service from Villa Heights, in the form of a phenomenal learning environment and top notch education, which I have come to expect; I will not settle for less.

Villa Heights is a full LI/TD magnet and there is a great demand in the community at large for the services they provide (in reference to their waiting list). Lincoln Heights is a partial LI/TD magnet, an under-utilized school with no principal. Is your plan to eliminate magnets altogether or better utilize LI/TD resources to serve the community as a whole?

I felt a need to write because, due to my work schedule, I am not able to attend the meeting on September 9th to speak with you personally. I would like to see this plan put on hold and the discussion tabled until a detailed plan can be presented that addresses the well being of our children and the details of this school merger.

Thank you for your time and attention to this important issue.

Sincerely,
Andrew {last name withheld for online child safety concerns}