MCPS needs “renewed greatness” if Weast years

[Anonymous]

Here is where MCPS is headed. Superintendent Jerry Weast shut down all alternative programs, allowed sexual predators to stay in classrooms, spent funds without Council appropriation, traveled around the world and touted a fake power point presentation that showed he had closed the achievement gap, shut down all the parent and teacher advocacy groups in the county and used capital budget funds to buy favors.

This is what is considered greatness.

https://montgomeryperspective.com/2024/05/30/learning-the-lessons-of-the-weast-wars/

[Anonymous]

Local control over public schools is a failure. School Boards didn't always have so much power.

https://www.educationnext.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/ednext_XXII_3_kogan.pdf

The worrying findings documented in the research—that school-board members face minimal electoral pressure to improve student outcomes, that they are often cross-pressured by employee interest
groups, and that they do not prioritize the interests of minority-student populations—is largely confirmed by school-board members themselves. I

https://www.usnews.com/news/the-report/articles/2018-03-23/commentary-the-failed-promise-of-local-control-of-schools

"The new federal education law, the Every Student Succeeds Act, was supposed to unleash a wave of innovation by getting Uncle Sam off the backs of state and local educators and restoring local control. Guess what? It doesn't look like they are doing much of anything new or different ... Despite all this flexibility, the promise of local control fails to deliver. Instead, local control offers a legacy of racial segregation, funding inequity and academic mediocrity."

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Local control over public schools is a failure. School Boards didn't always have so much power.

https://www.educationnext.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/ednext_XXII_3_kogan.pdf

The worrying findings documented in the research—that school-board members face minimal electoral pressure to improve student outcomes, that they are often cross-pressured by employee interest
groups, and that they do not prioritize the interests of minority-student populations—is largely confirmed by school-board members themselves. I

https://www.usnews.com/news/the-report/articles/2018-03-23/commentary-the-failed-promise-of-local-control-of-schools

"The new federal education law, the Every Student Succeeds Act, was supposed to unleash a wave of innovation by getting Uncle Sam off the backs of state and local educators and restoring local control. Guess what? It doesn't look like they are doing much of anything new or different ... Despite all this flexibility, the promise of local control fails to deliver. Instead, local control offers a legacy of racial segregation, funding inequity and academic mediocrity."

at least none of this applies to MCPS since they're exclusively focused on closing the gap.

[Anonymous]

I don’t think the point of the article is that the Weast era was perfect. It was more about pointing out that he was an effective politician who understood MoCo politics and dynamics and used that understanding to get what he wanted done, whether you liked what he was doing or not.

And it’s a fair critique of what has ailed MCPS because Monifa was a horrible politician who committed many unforced errors and failed to read the room well, which resulted in her premature ouster. Her replacement, interim superintendent Felder, is not much better.

It’s really advice for the next superintendent on what it takes to succeed in this county.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I don’t think the point of the article is that the Weast era was perfect. It was more about pointing out that he was an effective politician who understood MoCo politics and dynamics and used that understanding to get what he wanted done, whether you liked what he was doing or not.

And it’s a fair critique of what has ailed MCPS because Monifa was a horrible politician who committed many unforced errors and failed to read the room well, which resulted in her premature ouster. Her replacement, interim superintendent Felder, is not much better.

It’s really advice for the next superintendent on what it takes to succeed in this county.

Effective at getting what he wanted done. Keeping sexual predators in classrooms, hiding spending, lying about data etc... Who exactly liked getting all that done? Democrats?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don’t think the point of the article is that the Weast era was perfect. It was more about pointing out that he was an effective politician who understood MoCo politics and dynamics and used that understanding to get what he wanted done, whether you liked what he was doing or not.

And it’s a fair critique of what has ailed MCPS because Monifa was a horrible politician who committed many unforced errors and failed to read the room well, which resulted in her premature ouster. Her replacement, interim superintendent Felder, is not much better.

It’s really advice for the next superintendent on what it takes to succeed in this county.

Effective at getting what he wanted done. Keeping sexual predators in classrooms, hiding spending, lying about data etc... Who exactly liked getting all that done? Democrats?

I believe Weast and his supporters would bucket the things you're talking about under the prerogative of preserving the MCPS brand. And guess what? He was effective at manufacturing and preserving that facade even if the reality didn't match.

His ability to bend perception to his will despite reality, as the blog post points out, is precisely what made him an effective politician and leader for the school system.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don’t think the point of the article is that the Weast era was perfect. It was more about pointing out that he was an effective politician who understood MoCo politics and dynamics and used that understanding to get what he wanted done, whether you liked what he was doing or not.

And it’s a fair critique of what has ailed MCPS because Monifa was a horrible politician who committed many unforced errors and failed to read the room well, which resulted in her premature ouster. Her replacement, interim superintendent Felder, is not much better.

It’s really advice for the next superintendent on what it takes to succeed in this county.

Effective at getting what he wanted done. Keeping sexual predators in classrooms, hiding spending, lying about data etc... Who exactly liked getting all that done? Democrats?

I believe Weast and his supporters would bucket the things you're talking about under the prerogative of preserving the MCPS brand. And guess what? He was effective at manufacturing and preserving that facade even if the reality didn't match.

His ability to bend perception to his will despite reality, as the blog post points out, is precisely what made him an effective politician and leader for the school system.

Everyone knows that MCPS is the same today as 30 years ago. In some maybe better but in others worse. The same kid can probably get a better education today than 30 years ago, but sure there are more behavioral problems. The demographics of the county have changed and test averages reflect this.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don’t think the point of the article is that the Weast era was perfect. It was more about pointing out that he was an effective politician who understood MoCo politics and dynamics and used that understanding to get what he wanted done, whether you liked what he was doing or not.

And it’s a fair critique of what has ailed MCPS because Monifa was a horrible politician who committed many unforced errors and failed to read the room well, which resulted in her premature ouster. Her replacement, interim superintendent Felder, is not much better.

It’s really advice for the next superintendent on what it takes to succeed in this county.

Effective at getting what he wanted done. Keeping sexual predators in classrooms, hiding spending, lying about data etc... Who exactly liked getting all that done? Democrats?

I believe Weast and his supporters would bucket the things you're talking about under the prerogative of preserving the MCPS brand. And guess what? He was effective at manufacturing and preserving that facade even if the reality didn't match.

His ability to bend perception to his will despite reality, as the blog post points out, is precisely what made him an effective politician and leader for the school system.

Everyone knows that MCPS is the same today as 30 years ago. In some maybe better but in others worse. The same kid can probably get a better education today than 30 years ago, but sure there are more behavioral problems. The demographics of the county have changed and test averages reflect this.

I cannot disagree more with this statement. It is not true. But you are free to believe it if you want to.

The rest of us will continue on the work of improving and restoring the school system while you indulge in your fantasy.

[Anonymous]

But who will make MCPS great again?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don’t think the point of the article is that the Weast era was perfect. It was more about pointing out that he was an effective politician who understood MoCo politics and dynamics and used that understanding to get what he wanted done, whether you liked what he was doing or not.

And it’s a fair critique of what has ailed MCPS because Monifa was a horrible politician who committed many unforced errors and failed to read the room well, which resulted in her premature ouster. Her replacement, interim superintendent Felder, is not much better.

It’s really advice for the next superintendent on what it takes to succeed in this county.

Effective at getting what he wanted done. Keeping sexual predators in classrooms, hiding spending, lying about data etc... Who exactly liked getting all that done? Democrats?

I believe Weast and his supporters would bucket the things you're talking about under the prerogative of preserving the MCPS brand. And guess what? He was effective at manufacturing and preserving that facade even if the reality didn't match.

His ability to bend perception to his will despite reality, as the blog post points out, is precisely what made him an effective politician and leader for the school system.

Everyone knows that MCPS is the same today as 30 years ago. In some maybe better but in others worse. The same kid can probably get a better education today than 30 years ago, but sure there are more behavioral problems. The demographics of the county have changed and test averages reflect this.

Very true! MCPS has evolved over the past 30 years, maintaining its commitment to providing quality education while adapting to new challenges and opportunities. Many aspects have improved, such as technological advancements, teaching methodologies, and access to a broader range of educational resources. Students today benefit from these enhancements, contributing to a more robust and comprehensive learning experience.

However, new challenges, such as increased behavioral issues, have also emerged, reflecting broader societal changes. The demographic shifts within the county are significant and have influenced test averages, illustrating the evolving nature of our student population.

Overall, while some areas have seen improvements and others have faced new difficulties, MCPS's core mission to deliver quality education remains constant. The positive strides in educational quality ensure that today's students have opportunities for success that may surpass those available even 30 years ago.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don’t think the point of the article is that the Weast era was perfect. It was more about pointing out that he was an effective politician who understood MoCo politics and dynamics and used that understanding to get what he wanted done, whether you liked what he was doing or not.

And it’s a fair critique of what has ailed MCPS because Monifa was a horrible politician who committed many unforced errors and failed to read the room well, which resulted in her premature ouster. Her replacement, interim superintendent Felder, is not much better.

It’s really advice for the next superintendent on what it takes to succeed in this county.

Effective at getting what he wanted done. Keeping sexual predators in classrooms, hiding spending, lying about data etc... Who exactly liked getting all that done? Democrats?

I believe Weast and his supporters would bucket the things you're talking about under the prerogative of preserving the MCPS brand. And guess what? He was effective at manufacturing and preserving that facade even if the reality didn't match.

His ability to bend perception to his will despite reality, as the blog post points out, is precisely what made him an effective politician and leader for the school system.

Everyone knows that MCPS is the same today as 30 years ago. In some maybe better but in others worse. The same kid can probably get a better education today than 30 years ago, but sure there are more behavioral problems. The demographics of the county have changed and test averages reflect this.

It is not better. Academics are far worse as someone who went to mcps. It’s not the demographics it’s the lack of teaching, lack of textbooks and actual books, lack of teaching the basics like spelling, grammar, math facts, discipline and parental involvement.

[Anonymous]

Damn you Jerry Weast!!!!!!!!11111111!!!!!!!!!!!!1

[Anonymous]

A great school system?! Compared to Newtown, MA? Scarsdale, NY? DODEA? H**l, even Howard County!

You are either clueless, an apologist or a union member. Sorry. It is mediocre at best - more interested in preserving its brand - which is now coming up on 40 years old.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don’t think the point of the article is that the Weast era was perfect. It was more about pointing out that he was an effective politician who understood MoCo politics and dynamics and used that understanding to get what he wanted done, whether you liked what he was doing or not.

And it’s a fair critique of what has ailed MCPS because Monifa was a horrible politician who committed many unforced errors and failed to read the room well, which resulted in her premature ouster. Her replacement, interim superintendent Felder, is not much better.

It’s really advice for the next superintendent on what it takes to succeed in this county.

Effective at getting what he wanted done. Keeping sexual predators in classrooms, hiding spending, lying about data etc... Who exactly liked getting all that done? Democrats?

I believe Weast and his supporters would bucket the things you're talking about under the prerogative of preserving the MCPS brand. And guess what? He was effective at manufacturing and preserving that facade even if the reality didn't match.

His ability to bend perception to his will despite reality, as the blog post points out, is precisely what made him an effective politician and leader for the school system.

Everyone knows that MCPS is the same today as 30 years ago. In some maybe better but in others worse. The same kid can probably get a better education today than 30 years ago, but sure there are more behavioral problems. The demographics of the county have changed and test averages reflect this.

Very true! MCPS has evolved over the past 30 years, maintaining its commitment to providing quality education while adapting to new challenges and opportunities. Many aspects have improved, such as technological advancements, teaching methodologies, and access to a broader range of educational resources. Students today benefit from these enhancements, contributing to a more robust and comprehensive learning experience.

However, new challenges, such as increased behavioral issues, have also emerged, reflecting broader societal changes. The demographic shifts within the county are significant and have influenced test averages, illustrating the evolving nature of our student population.

Overall, while some areas have seen improvements and others have faced new difficulties, MCPS's core mission to deliver quality education remains constant. The positive strides in educational quality ensure that today's students have opportunities for success that may surpass those available even 30 years ago.

I wonder how much this post cost MoCo taxpayers. Consultants usually charge double overtime on the weekends.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don’t think the point of the article is that the Weast era was perfect. It was more about pointing out that he was an effective politician who understood MoCo politics and dynamics and used that understanding to get what he wanted done, whether you liked what he was doing or not.

And it’s a fair critique of what has ailed MCPS because Monifa was a horrible politician who committed many unforced errors and failed to read the room well, which resulted in her premature ouster. Her replacement, interim superintendent Felder, is not much better.

It’s really advice for the next superintendent on what it takes to succeed in this county.

Effective at getting what he wanted done. Keeping sexual predators in classrooms, hiding spending, lying about data etc... Who exactly liked getting all that done? Democrats?

I believe Weast and his supporters would bucket the things you're talking about under the prerogative of preserving the MCPS brand. And guess what? He was effective at manufacturing and preserving that facade even if the reality didn't match.

His ability to bend perception to his will despite reality, as the blog post points out, is precisely what made him an effective politician and leader for the school system.

Everyone knows that MCPS is the same today as 30 years ago. In some maybe better but in others worse. The same kid can probably get a better education today than 30 years ago, but sure there are more behavioral problems. The demographics of the county have changed and test averages reflect this.

Very true! MCPS has evolved over the past 30 years, maintaining its commitment to providing quality education while adapting to new challenges and opportunities. Many aspects have improved, such as technological advancements, teaching methodologies, and access to a broader range of educational resources. Students today benefit from these enhancements, contributing to a more robust and comprehensive learning experience.

However, new challenges, such as increased behavioral issues, have also emerged, reflecting broader societal changes. The demographic shifts within the county are significant and have influenced test averages, illustrating the evolving nature of our student population.

Overall, while some areas have seen improvements and others have faced new difficulties, MCPS's core mission to deliver quality education remains constant. The positive strides in educational quality ensure that today's students have opportunities for success that may surpass those available even 30 years ago.

I wonder how much this post cost MoCo taxpayers. Consultants usually charge double overtime on the weekends.

It's that which now passes for a basic early high school essay.