Dave Mechenbier wrote:I applaud the board for making the decision. Popular or unpopular, now there can be no 11th hour surprise surrounding Lincoln or Grant in regards to the levy.
I did not take part in the planning meetings and haven't read all the postings. Although I appreciate the issues raised on the Deck, I prefer the answers to be based on fact. I do think the board, and I repeat the BOARD owes all of us some definitive answers.
Why was the Kaufmann Park proposal dismissed? By the way, "it would be too hard" isn't a valid answer.
What are the regulations surrounding the sale of a closed building? What is the timetable to dispose of the already closed buildings? If there is no timetable what are the annual carrying costs?
Dave
I too now finally thank the board for putting their names on a decision. Something all
but two could have done over two years ago. They certainly delivered the goods, but
not until they formed another faux committee that was designed to be dysfunctional and
semi-steerable from day one. This is not to belittle the efforts of those that took part, it
is to ask once again why do we have to continue the charades. The volunteers are gold,
but we have a habit of forming committees for things already decided.
I too never took part in any of the meetings, didn't have to, the results were obvious the
day they put Lincoln on the list, almost by mistake. The decision they made was phrased
correctly, they voted to not close Lincoln, something none of them including Mr. Markling
wanted to see happen. But for some reason, they all wanted, no needed, to close Grant,
it became nearly a death march to deliver Grant property for something, and I hope that is
not some magic beans. During the process Mr. Markling saw just how flawed the actual
process was, and he alone started to look at the hard work being done by the committee,
and saw that every time the findings said save Grant, they were either dismissed or
changed. As the magic show continued, from my conversations with Mr. Markling he begin
to see the need to save Grant, fix Roosevelt, and make Lincoln the best school in the
region. As Mel Page had put it, save 7 schools. I had only wished that the rest of the
school board could have seen a larger dedication to education, then delivering the final verdict.
Two people on the board have really gone against a lifetime of effort to deliver the
goods, again who knows maybe it is worth it to the city.
Dave I take some exception with the comment on the Deck. While there is some running
fast and loose with the facts, which is always dangerous. There are others like Kristine,
Ahmie, Betsy, Meg, Christina etc. that took part in nearly every meeting. Were charged
with data, and feasibility, that reported their findings to all of us. Some wondered from
day one why the incredible attempt to control information coming out of the committee to
the public and when they saw their data perverted or dismissed they had a need to get it
out. At the same time others with experience with the players and all involved weighed in,
and while not facts, could easily be seen as "color" in the discussion and not facts. This too
adds to the community discussion, as it would in real life. But when posted and discussed
in public at least gives other parties a chance to correct for all to see. When it is done on
phones and small coffee clatches that does not happen, and that is when it gets ugly. So I
would like to thank all that took the time to take part, and would scold any that saw lies
and misstruths here for no stepping up and making the corrections for all to see and
understand. The Deck and the Observer process is flawed only when those with information
feel no need to share or discuss with others.
Which brings us to Kaufman Park. One board member took me to Kaufman Park to explain
why a school could not be built there. When I got back to my office I called the mayor, the
planning department, and the "renter" only to find out it was all a lie. Simply spun to
make it seem like it could never happen. Maybe that member knew of Quaker Steak and
Lube, and just spun it into an amazing tale, who knows, I just find it very disappointing
when elected officials lie to voters. So I would say, we should continue to look at Kaufman
Park until it becomes something else. There is a ton of potential there and I would hate to
see it squandered.
As for the sale of the buildings, it becomes very, very tough, and we shall see if the schools
can in fact maneuver around the regulations. The quick rules are as Mr. Markling has laid
out. Once decommissioned, charter schools get the first crack at them. From there they
can go anywhere. One line of thought is to transfer the property to Lakewood City
Academy, then they could place the property up for sale, or transfer it to the city or a
group like LakewoodAlive to market and/or develop.
But that would real pervert the "essence" of the rules, and I know that the state is all over
this entire process, and was like you and I merely waiting for a decision from the board.
Because as a member of the state school board said, "We really cannot do anything until
they make a decision, then we can come in and evaluate the process, the reasons, and
the final results." So many, many people have been waiting for the decision.
I had hoped that the Board would have found a way to save all three schools until they
had an actual plan for what to do. To lose Grant Lakewood Blue Ribbon School that has
become an example of how to teach 1st year students, many with English as a second
language should have been seen as plus, not a minus, and I had hoped that Lakewood's
longtime dedication to Education would have shined a light on a better way.
My biggest fear at this point, and one I expressed to Dr. Madak his first week back, was
that this entire process would have been mismanaged so poorly, that it would have made
the board look foolish and inept, and that it would divide the community at exactly the
time we need the city to come together and support a school levy.
Vote for the levy, continue our support of education.
Yeah, I agree with Dave thank you for making finally making the decision. Now we have
a right to know why you made your choice.
For the record, what I have said to every board member, Dr. Madak, and others for the
past 2 years. "Well if you feel that way, why not just close Grant. Please do not put this
city through another series of faux meetings to trick the city into making your decision
for you. Please, we do not need another civil war." Along the way, like Mr. Markling I
learned just how good Grant is as a school and family, but terrible as a building. I hope
that the school board finds a way to serve the most densely populate part of the city,
outside of the gold coast. Even with everything against them, the deck stacked beyond
belief, Grant School has continued their excellent programs and stayed out of the politics.
Which brings us back to the Deck. If any board member wants to correct my post, or
even call me a liar, I am here, or send me an email, or post elsewhere. I stand by my
words, and I sign my name to them, and look forward to defending myself if needed.
Support the levy, Lakewood must stay dedicated to education even if our board waivers.
FWIW
or at least for Lakewood.