A New Beginning?
![[Post New]](/jforum/templates/default/images/icon_minipost_new.gif){kind=icon}
Anonymous
What an insanely long winded post to tell us all you don’t know how to be a parent. |
Anonymous
Opinion noted, but at least you now know why McKnight needs to resign or be fired. |
Anonymous
The fact that you led with bocce ball tells me all I need to know |
Anonymous
The post at 09:37 brought it up, so why not? |
Anonymous
I’ll take a gander 1)Just because you don’t value bocce ball doesn’t mean others don’t. It’s a sport that was played prior to the pandemic and one known for being inclusive to those w/ special needs. 2) There are many schools that need renovation and resolution of over allocation. A collaborative Super would try to ensure that schools in all areas across the county are being worked/constructed etc. Seems to be what is going on. Additionally, with the rising cost of materials not all projects can continue as originally planned. 3) Recruiting at HBCU was a priority in the approved HR strategy. Accepting a award while doing so, particular in her position is a PR statement. And yes PR is part of her job as she serve as the head of the MCPS brand 4) She had a Covid plan; keep kids in schools 5 days a week as much as possible. This was achieved except for schools that had significant spread. Everyone may not have agreed with this, but had she closed schools everyone would not have agreed with that decision either. And given that learning loss was/is already an issue and many folks stated that their kids couldn’t learn via distance, and many parents were going back to the office,the decision to keep schools open was the actual better risk calculation 5) Bus drivers go out sick just like anyone. Ask for help for National guard meant that she was willing to acknowledge a problem and seek a solution that would still allow school to stay in session while getting kids where there needed to be. It was also an idea that was being suggested nationally. 6) Yea she didn’t turn the magnet program into a Vegas style lottery. The DISTRiCT tried to include better equity and diversity into the process/school. Whether effective or right can be debated but this was started before she became Interim so blaming it squarely on her is wrong. 7) This goes with #6 above. 8) See number 4. Also she didn’t infect anyone a virus did. Also 31 schools in a district with 200 is a small number is comparison to the ones that stayed open. 9)Not sure why where she lives is of any concern to anyone. She gets to choose where to live just like you and everyone else. Also, why she is or isn’t in her office on a given day shouldn’t be judged. She could have been at a meeting or WFH. She’s the executive of a large school district. She can’t plan her day/life around the chance that their might be a school incident. And judging her for wearing pink. Again, she can wear what she wants and that might have been what she had on for the day. So wasting time changing would have been for what. Jackie O stood for the oath of office for Lyndon in a blue suit with her husband blood. She did it for a reason and McKnight had a reason for what she wore. Stop judging a woman’s ability to effectively do her job based on what color she happens to be wearing. 10) MCEA did have two no confidence votes. But its also my understanding that a majority of teachers didn’t actually vote in these 11) Stats were changed because folks complained. Do I think these and the process could have better, YEs, but I won’t mark her incompetent based on this. 12) Um MCPS and every school district in the US is experience teacher shortages. This has been a known issue nationally for years and Covid and Covid recovery just exacerbated. So why this is being held against here I don’t understand. And shuffling teachers around sounds like an executive trying to do the best with the resources available. 13) The suits are against MCPS not McKnight. I can guarantee this did not all begin as soon as McKnight became Interim and despite wanting to combat discrimination, she can’t snap her fingers and make it all go away. - She’s kept schools open - She moved forward with the anti racist audit -Moved forward with the County boundary study -Is addressing the communication complaint that many have had by communicating more(even though people are complaining about that). -Moving to LETRS and Science of Reading next year - Generally doing the job despite vitriol (which frankly anyone in the job is going to get ) Did I answer everything for you |
Anonymous
Meh. Haters gonna hate. 
|
Anonymous
| hopefully the newly elected non-incumbent board will find a suitable replacement. Tired of theatrics at MCPS and paid PR posting on DCUM |
Anonymous
Why would they want to do that? She's been doing a great job. |
Anonymous
Totally! So tired of the McKnight Stalker... |
Anonymous
| Let us hope that this election will bring a fresh board and new beginning with a new leadership who will encourage ALL students and not drag down the highly abled students to benefit other students |
Anonymous
Not really. Sticking to the points made would be better. 1) The issue is how much taxpayer federal covid money did an incompetent administration waste and overspend, but nice try confusing the point. Next. 2) The issue is which schools are prioritized due to health and safety issues and yes, that is her job. Next. 3) You're advocating recruiting from a low-ranked university versus being globally competitive? And no, her job is not to pick up personal awards (ex. from her sorority.) Next. 4) Was calling the National Guard part of that plan? How about changing the dash board calculations three times, and changing policy mid-week? Explain how that is a "risk calculation" versus a CYA, since the schools with high covid percentage rates didn't shut down, and the first set of schools shut down before they were even in session yet. It was right after Christmas break, remember? Next. 6) Kids in the 85th percentile are selected by random to attend, versus selection by merit. On one hand, the definition of Random is "made, done, happening, or chosen without method or conscious decision". On the other hand, if the district "tried to include better equity and diversity into the process/school" then someone needs to make up their mind whether the process was really random or if someone was picking favorites? Maybe the Asian discrimination lawsuit has merit and MCPS is in trouble? Next. 7) You're saying they're linked together and the lawsuit has merit? Next. 8) An airline pilot finds out a person on the aircraft is sick and needs medical attention. Does the pilot pull back into the terminal? Or does the pilot say, "hey, we're out the gate so just hang on til we get to Florida!" McKnight made the call to keep kids in-person. At least 9% of the student body and 2100 staff were infected. Bad judgement calls. Next. 9) Because after 21 years of working in MCPS, the school isn't good enough for her own kids? Because when a shooting occurs and she feels the need to drive in for a press conference and needs to be escorted by the police through traffic? Does anyone know why she was even at home on a workday? She makes teachers go into classrooms every day, right? All bad judgement calls. Next. 10) The SECOND vote was short suspense (two days?). There was also an unofficial, short-notice poll by parents. In two weeks I think it had 24,000 signatures? I'll try to find it again. All I know is that when someone writes something like this, that person really should get off their high horse. "In results released today, a whopping 94.28% of the almost 7,000 Montgomery County Education Association members who voted supported a no-confidence resolution against the Montgomery County Public Schools Board of Education and its Interim Superintendent Monifa McKnight." "The resolution states, “The members of MCEA declare that we have no confidence in the ability of current members of the Montgomery County Board of Education or Interim Superintendent Monifa McKnight to effectively address the current crisis in our schools caused by the effects of COVID-19. MCPS leadership has consistently shown a dereliction of duty and a lack of competence. We demand immediate action to address our concerns.” https://www.mymcmedia.org/mcea-members-almost-unanimously-support-no-confidence-vote-against-mcps-leadership/ 11) Health stats are critical to understanding the public health situation. By suppressing that information, MCPS did not provide an accurate assessment that everyone could understand. In my opinion, yes, McKnight changed the stats to CYA since the National Guard issue was blowing up in her face in January. Next. 12) If it's so normal, then you would agree that everything is fine and there will be full staff in August. But if there isn't, it is McKnight's half-a-mil job to fix it, or resign. Next. 13) You even said she focused on an audit and boundary study and comms (and making videos about her favorite cafeteria lunch). Next. - She’s kept schools open At the expense of 2100 staff and 9% of students ill - shows bad judgement as a leader. See #13. Next. - She moved forward with the anti racist audit BFD - schools are falling apart and she's playing games. See #13. Next. -Moved forward with the County boundary study BFD - schools are falling apart and she's playing games. See #13. Next. -Is addressing the communication complaint that many have had by communicating more(even though people are complaining about that). IMHO, hiring CYA staff isn't helping anyone but herself. See #13. Next. -Moving to LETRS and Science of Reading next Math (esp Algebra) was the bigger concern, remember? See #13. Next. - Generally doing the job despite vitriol (which frankly anyone in the job is going to get ) For half-a-mill contract + perks, she can suck it up. Next. As far as keeping her Superintendent? Next. |
Anonymous
Ya they write these long incoherant posts that seem unhinged. |
Anonymous
Excellent points! Thanks for clarifying. |
Anonymous
Lol. You’re all over the place. The problem isn’t that I can’t stick to the points, the problem is your opinion vs reality. Let’s take some examples - You claim that Algebra was the bigger concern vs reading. Says who? Plenty of parents all around the county are complaining about reading, including grade reading statistics. There is also a concerted MD state, DMV area, and nationally a focus on addressing phonics in reading. Any leader ignoring this would be an idiot. - Bocce ball. Why is it a waste if it something that encourage kids in sport, team work and inclusivity. All of which are know to be helpful for mental health and anxiety. Coming out of a pandemic where kid’s mental health and socialization were greatly impacted this seems like a great spend. - The Magnet lottery. Your whole post was that McKnight is a terrible Super, and you use this as an example. My point, it that the blame for the lottery does not rest w/ here because the change preceded her becoming Super. Further, she’s not in control of whether people sue MCPS. What she NOW in control of is the response. - Keeping schools open is a BIG deal. HUGE in fact. And 9% of the school population gets sick’s ever winter from cold, flu and other. Now that’s not to say that Colds and Flu are the same as Covid, but it is to say that 9% of the population vs 91% getting to stay in school is a big difference. You may personally agree, which is fine, but that doesn’t necessarily make her a bad leader. Particularly when the majority of the county which who she reports, disagrees with you. - We don’t even know what you’re talking about in #8, because a pilot’s decision would greatly depend on where he was in flight. For instance if its over the middle of the Atlantic he’s likely going to divert to the close airport he can get to. If he’s closer to his destination then his departure, may continue on to his destination. If its a medical emergency and there is a doctor onboard that can safely handle the situation that may be an option. So like anything situations require context and assessment of variables and risk. A concept you apparently don’t understand since you threw out this airplane/pilot situation without thought. - The no confidence vote, the key words in the quote are “Who voted”. How many people voted? Also, MCEA represents 7K teachers even though this about 13K of them in the county. So again, context matters. I’d continue, but I know I’d just be argue with your opinion and not actual reasonable rational facts. |
Anonymous
|
I really don't understand how you can support McKnight after everything she's done? I just don't get it.
- You claim that Algebra was the bigger concern vs reading. Says who? Plenty of parents all around the county are complaining about reading, including grade reading statistics. There is also a concerted MD state, DMV area, and nationally a focus on addressing phonics in reading. Any leader ignoring this would be an idiot. *** Here you go: https://moderatelymoco.com/mcps-middle-school-algebra-1-proficiency-test-score-data-by-school-over-time/ Now, I will agree that statewide, yes, Maryland overall is in the dumpster - but I'm talking about MCPS since this is an MCPS forum. I would concede that English is also in the dumpster, if that's what you were looking for? https://moderatelymoco.com/mcps-grade-3-english-language-arts-ela-proficiency-test-score-data-by-school-over-time/ But doing half a job is still shoddy work, I would say. Isn't 50% still an F at MCPS, isn't it? - Bocce ball. Why is it a waste if it something that encourage kids in sport, team work and inclusivity. All of which are know to be helpful for mental health and anxiety. Coming out of a pandemic where kid’s mental health and socialization were greatly impacted this seems like a great spend. *** Never said bocce ball isn't a game for kids. I said that I think SPENDING A MILLION DOLLARS OF FEDERAL COVID FUNDING ON BOCCE BALL IS WASTE FRAUD AND ABUSE. Bocce ball is currently played at HS level with PVC tubes and $50 bocce ball sets indoors in the gym, so why would MCPS funding bocce ball courts (probably unusable in inclement weather and most of the winter when the tournaments are held, but even then why is a bocce ball court even necessary, etc.) at MS level? Another poster said MCPS funded bocce ball because of a federal lawsuit? If that's true then bocce ball funding should have been out of the regular operations budget (honestly, the HS program isn't that expensive by comparison), not federal covid funding. Hiding behind disabled kids is slimy and scummy, btw. MCPS should be ashamed of themselves. - The Magnet lottery. Your whole post was that McKnight is a terrible Super, and you use this as an example. My point, it that the blame for the lottery does not rest w/ here because the change preceded her becoming Super. Further, she’s not in control of whether people sue MCPS. What she NOW in control of is the response. *** No, but she is in control whether and how MCPS fights parents in court when MCPS screws up. She was also Deputy for a while, so it was a nice try. She also could have changed lottery / selection policies last year, but didn't. She could have changed MCPS stance on the lawsuits but didn't. She spent her time blowing smoke doing a discrimination survey when she could have just focused on already submitted CFP's and open OCR cases. It's her's and the incumbent board's issue to own. - Keeping schools open is a BIG deal. HUGE in fact. And 9% of the school population gets sick’s ever winter from cold, flu and other. Now that’s not to say that Colds and Flu are the same as Covid, but it is to say that 9% of the population vs 91% getting to stay in school is a big difference. You may personally agree, which is fine, but that doesn’t necessarily make her a bad leader. Particularly when the majority of the county which who she reports, disagrees with you. *** Really? I don't remember voting McKnight into office? Who says schools must be open (versus hybrid or two-weeks out when the school has major issues)? And you're arguing she's just a puppet following orders and doesn't think for herself when the chips are down? I think a Sup is responsible for the health and safety of the students under her care. Make up all the after-the-fact stories you want to justify calling the National Guard, or switching the covid dashboards, or putting 31 schools virtual while keeping schools with huge covid infection rates in-person. In my opinion, she failed as a leader and I believe she cared about her career more than the kids or staff. People are not robots and not all are stupid. Treat teachers like trash and they leave - simple as that. - We don’t even know what you’re talking about in #8, because a pilot’s decision would greatly depend on where he was in flight. For instance if its over the middle of the Atlantic he’s likely going to divert to the close airport he can get to. If he’s closer to his destination then his departure, may continue on to his destination. If its a medical emergency and there is a doctor onboard that can safely handle the situation that may be an option. So like anything situations require context and assessment of variables and risk. A concept you apparently don’t understand since you threw out this airplane/pilot situation without thought. *** When the health and safety of children and teachers are at stake, a leader should PROTECT them, not command them. I feel sorry for you that you don't get that point. She was hell-bent on only one course of action, no matter how many teachers, bus drivers, staff or students fell ill. In my opinion, that makes her dangerous and not fit to be in charge of a school system. - The no confidence vote, the key words in the quote are “Who voted”. How many people voted? Also, MCEA represents 7K teachers even though this about 13K of them in the county. So again, context matters. *** Yes, it does. When 7,000 teachers vote SHORT NOTICE within 48-HOURS in a middle of winter school week, that's really saying something. In comparison, only about 60'ish% of the voters voted in last year's presidential elections. When half of all teachers vote within 48-hours of a short notice election, and the Sup is too stubborn and tone-deaf to listen to their voices, that means she's got to go. I’d continue, but I know I’d just be argue with your opinion and not actual reasonable rational facts. *** sure sure. I understand. My point is that if she is this bad in just the time she was the interim sup, I don't think she'll improve any. |