For anyone curious about what it takes to change school equity: You need elected officials (at least 1) who know politics, understand political strategy, who understand arguments, etc. You need someone who really knows what they are doing. You cant just get the community to do it. Whats it? Doug Birk got the DFL to add the item to its action agenda statewide. He got the Minnesota School Board Association--the most influential education group--to adopt equity language in part because he suggested STMA might leave if the organization wasnt willing to represent our interests, too. Thats smart. Two years ago, we didnt have a legislative platform; last night, the board reviewed one. Four years ago, they never spoke with state reps; now, they speak constantly. For two years, Doug represented the Wright County area and spoke to all of the area legislators about school equity. He wrote editorials published in the local newspapers and Start Tribune about school equity. This is NOT an issue where you can click your heels and hope. You need a strategy and elected officials who really know what theyre talking about, who have credibility, and who can make arguments in ways that state legislators understand. If there ever was a time to choose independence and experience, this is it! The independence of our school boards (fair people focused on kids) has been a strength for the district. Districts that represent specific constituencies/stakeholders, like Minneapolis or Anoka-Hennepin...well, how well are they doing? PLEASE VOTE for DOUG BIRK FOR SCHOOL BOARD IF YOU HAVENT ALREADY.
Posted on: Tue, 04 Nov 2014 20:10:43 +0000
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