The rest of the column is more space filler. It doesn’t continue flogging Art. It does not admit any culpability in the sorry state of the Duluth Schools. It simply asks for community help. its entirely appropriate and hopeful. I believe it is undermined by the beginning of the column which attempts to vilify Art Johnston for being right while saying he’s wrong.
I think its time someone in the Duluth Schools owned up to the damaging consequences of the Red Plan. That would be refreshing. Someone screwed up. Other’s followed but not to foul of the schools but because they were believers. They were misled. In some cases lied to. They should, perhaps, have been less credulous but they were not themselves liars. They were boosters. They were parents. Their path to hell was paved with good intentions.
This brings me full circle back to the first post in the series. Their leader Dr. Dixon was a scoundrel and worse. I don’t blame the W’s for the current state of the District more than I blame myself. We are all to blame. Had we acted differently our schools might not be in this fix.
A little more candor about our situation and how it came to pass might be very much appreciated at future community brainstorming sessions which Ann and Bill’s column calls for to solve the problems in our schools.
In addition to actively and cooperatively controlling costs, a change in the district’s revenue stream through increased state funding or a successful operating levy would help immensely.
Gathering the very best thinking and creativity from people inside and outside our schools is key. Progress already has been made in this regard by bringing together teachers, staff, parents and community leaders to
provide advice regarding budgets, student achievement and school climate. City, business and higher-education leaders are providing invaluable advice and support as schools step up to meet challenges.
Organizations often work with the community to develop a common vision that can help identify priorities and make the best and most efficient use of resources. This winter, members of the community are being invited to participate in a community-wide conversation regarding education in Duluth. People will be asked to talk about what’s going well with Duluth schools, what could be improved and what specific needs should be addressed. A detailed list of meetings and other ways to participate in this important discussion will be released by mid- to late December.
Schools are part of our community; some would say they are the heart of a community. We appreciate everything members of the community do to support education and look forward to further conversations this year as we continue to take on the challenges of public education in Duluth.
