I believe that the Columbia Public School System needs to focus on on the following primary goals:
I believe that a school district's primary business is to teach students; the curriculum constitutes the body of what and how the students learn. Specifically, I believe that the following information is public and must be made readily available to students, teachers, and parents:
The math curriculum at CPS has been a major controversy since the introduction of 'Integrated math" curricula several years ago. This is the issue that initailly got me into the campaign. It is unconscionable that college and career options of some students continue to be compromised by a relentlessly inferior series of curricula. A bad curriculum harms all students, disadvantaged students in particular have fewer resources to overcome a bad curriculum.
The story behind the CPS math curricula is complicated and not very well-known, but it is well worth your time to research, and to draw your own conclusions. I have compiled:
The tax levy has become a dominant issue in this campaign. This is a summary of my position on it.
I am a strong supporter of public education, and of consistent and strong level of public funding. However, I regret that I cannot support the April tax levy because I do not believe the process that led to the proposal is sound, and that the budgeting is adequately justified. I also find it abhorrent that the job security of teachers is being held hostage as a political tactic. Remember, teacher jobs cannot be cut without school board approval.
I believe the best situation is for the voters to reject the April tax levy and the decision-making that resulted in it , and demand that CPS immediately gets to work to present a proper tax levy on an a ballot later in 2008 (in August or November 2008?). I will be among the strongest voices supporting a well-formulated and fully justified tax levy when I'm confident that the funds will be managed by an accountable and open school administration. Unfortunately the tax levy on the April 2008 ballot does not in my opinion meet the required standards.
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