Today?s Charlotte Observer announced the board of the newly formed Mecklenburg Citizens for Public Education. For those holding the paper version you will see my picture and discover I have agreed to serve. Before anyone thinks my philosophical beliefs regarding K-12 education have changed, or that my serving on this board will stifle my opinions, I want to set your mind at ease.
Knowing my professional and personal views might differ greatly from a majority of those serving on this board, I rejected the invitation when first approached. However, after several conversations it was agreed upon I would at least give some time to this community endeavor.
In a letter from Dr. Woodward to myself, he wrote he recognized at times the positions of this group might be in conflict with my views and those of the Alliance. When this occurs, Woodward agreed my principal responsibility would be to the Alliance?s viewpoint. My responsibility to MCPE is subordinate to my professional responsibilities as the Director of the North Carolina Education Alliance.
While serving on the School Building Solution Committee, I had no problem working on a “Minority Report.?Common sense views regarding K-12 education need to be expressed whether the majority of committee members agree or not.
The Observer article?s headline states, ?Group expected to aid campaign for bond issue.? Well, the Observer?s headline might be a little premature. This group has not had its first meeting, and no one knows the details of the bond proposal. In 2005, I debated against the school bond proposal and voters rejected these bonds. Concerns continue to exist regarding the priority of spending and the system?s status quo mentality. Time will tell if this committee is successful in moving CMS forward with reform. However, you can count on me being at the table presenting the philosophical views of the Alliance.
