In response to MACALUSO: RCSD opted-out by Tim Louis Macaluso
Last night, the Rochester School Board revised its three-year-old policy on military recruitment.
Essentially, board members Melisza Campos, Allen Williams, Cynthia Elliott, and Malik Evans capitulated to pressure that is being passed down from the Pentagon to state education departments: Give us access to your kids and we'll give you money.
That about sums up Title I federal funding, which tends to be the lifeblood of poor urban and rural school...
PRESS STATEMENT
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For Immediate Release....................For Immediate Release....................For Immediate Release
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Howard J. Eagle: Candidate (Commissioner of Education, Rochester City School District)
A time for cooperation, collaboration and accountability
August 1, 2009
As it relates to a potential solution regarding the possibility of the Rochester City School District (RCSD) losing 70, 80 or more teachers during the 2009 - 2010 school year --- it is vitally important that the discussion not take place exclusively between Rochester Teachers Association (RTA) president, Dr. Adam Urbanski, Superintendent Jean-Claude Brizard and members of the Rochester Board of Education.
Those who have the most at stake (students, parents, taxpayers, and the larger community in general) should have input and say-so concerning final decisions. It seems clear that Rochester's education leaders are in general agreement concerning the fact that cutting large numbers of teaching positions is not in the best interest of RCSD students. Therefore, with regard to Superintendent Brizard's proposition that "teachers could avoid the layoffs entirely if the Rochester Teachers Association would forego pay raises next year," and Dr. Urbanski's response that: "That idea hasn't been discussed, and it won't be. It's not worth a discussion. It's an artificial way to afford something that is already affordable, if he used the stimulus funding as they were intended" --- open, honest, public dialogue is in order.
As a parent, educator and candidate for the Rochester Board of Education --- our campaign is calling on Superintendent Brizard, Dr. Urbanski, and Rochester Board of Education Commissioners to (cooperate, collaborate and demonstrate seriousness regarding accountability) by immediately convening a widely publicized, open forum, in which they can explain their respective positions regarding this critical issue, and hear from those who have the most to lose (students, parents, taxpayers, and the larger community in general).
Also, as co-producers of 'What's Hot' T.V. --- Mr. Dana Bratcher and I are issuing an open invitation to Superintendent Brizard and Dr. Urbanski to appear together on our program. We believe that if WDKX and other mass media are truly interested in and concerned about the state of education in Rochester, and overall conditions among Rochester's youth --- they will follow 'What's Hot' lead.
Contact: Howard J. Eagle: heagle@rochester.rr.com
(585) 752-1426
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