Will mcps get better post-McKnight?

[Anonymous]

How are we supposed to answer this? The obvious answer is that we hope so, but honestly, we have scant evidence and reason to believe that to be true with the track record of MCPS's failures of leadership.

[Anonymous]

There is such a strong culture in central office that it will take a complete shakeup with all of the leadership being fired to change it. McKnight was only part of the problem.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:No it will not. The problems at MCPS are systemic.

This is so true, the CO leadership cadre needs a clean sweep, as the entrenched bureaucracy is responsible for much of the malaise and the crazy merry-go-round of educational fads.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Unless we adults and students stay informed, stay active in happenings within schools, advocate, probably no, it will not improve. How many will vote in the primary in May not knowing anything about the Board of Education members? More than we think.

I don't think the election is as consequential as you believe. The reality is that being a member of the board does not come with sufficient compensation for members to truly dedicate the time it requires, nor do they have the staff needed to help them make independent decisions and provide proper oversight. The current president of the board has a separate full time job and two children. I am frustrated with the BOE's enabling of McKnight and by extension Biedleman. But the issue is structural.

Bethany Mandel is horrible, has no business being on the BOE and will not get elected. Just in case you were wondering about her.

I'm more focused on education issues and opportunities than tawdry gossip like the Beidleman fiasco. MCPS seems to use the school system as a way to try out various educational fads, which does more harm than good. Really just need to get back to basics and focus on educating children.

Over 25 reports of bullying and sexual harassment since 2016 is hardly tawdry gossip. I agree the focus should be on educating children but that starts with creating and ensuring a safe and supportive environment for educators and students alike.

I'd read there were 30 anonymous reports even and that teacher who sexting him nude photos too!

[Anonymous]

People need to stop assuming that all problems begin and end in CO or with the BOE, or teachers generally. Many of the problems with McPs are the same with public education generally and those start with politics, funding, and American culture.

So much of our society is predicated on the idea that one parent will stay home and that when kids go to school many of those same parents will then volunteer their time in schools and other parts of civic life. This however is now not the majority and we’ve yet to fully shift to a more modernize ideal of family life. Further, we place a huge value on money. Mostly who has it and who doesn’t and how we can wield it for power. This is anti creating systems and process that benefit the greater good. Governments have bloated budgets and lack modernization because it’s about who is getting rich and powerful.

Special education has problems because of funding vs mandates. School districts have problems because of mandates vs span of control vs funding.

Etc etc. If you want the district to be better, then become more civically minded. This means following BOE meetings, City council meetings, volunteering in the community, being willing to serve on your school’s PTA.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:MCPS used to be well regarded. It’s now a complete mess.

What’s the likelihood new administration will be able to right the course? What will it take?

Considering moving out of state because it’s been such a nightmare- especially with one kid in special Ed.

You should definitely get out of MCPS - you have a child with SN and MCPS will not provide appropriate services.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:There is such a strong culture in central office that it will take a complete shakeup with all of the leadership being fired to change it. McKnight was only part of the problem.

Start with Lance Dempsey.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:People need to stop assuming that all problems begin and end in CO or with the BOE, or teachers generally. Many of the problems with McPs are the same with public education generally and those start with politics, funding, and American culture.

So much of our society is predicated on the idea that one parent will stay home and that when kids go to school many of those same parents will then volunteer their time in schools and other parts of civic life. This however is now not the majority and we’ve yet to fully shift to a more modernize ideal of family life. Further, we place a huge value on money. Mostly who has it and who doesn’t and how we can wield it for power. This is anti creating systems and process that benefit the greater good. Governments have bloated budgets and lack modernization because it’s about who is getting rich and powerful.

Special education has problems because of funding vs mandates. School districts have problems because of mandates vs span of control vs funding.

Etc etc. If you want the district to be better, then become more civically minded. This means following BOE meetings, City council meetings, volunteering in the community, being willing to serve on your school’s PTA.

This is true, but it's also true that MCPS has some specific rot and dysfunction within it that need to be rooted out.

Also, the idea that a bunch of volunteers should determine whether we have a healthy, functioning school system or not is an absolutely foolish premise to operate with.

[Anonymous]

Doubt it. There needs to be a complete change from the BOE, superintendent and top MCPS leadership.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Unless we adults and students stay informed, stay active in happenings within schools, advocate, probably no, it will not improve. How many will vote in the primary in May not knowing anything about the Board of Education members? More than we think.

I don't think the election is as consequential as you believe. The reality is that being a member of the board does not come with sufficient compensation for members to truly dedicate the time it requires, nor do they have the staff needed to help them make independent decisions and provide proper oversight. The current president of the board has a separate full time job and two children. I am frustrated with the BOE's enabling of McKnight and by extension Biedleman. But the issue is structural.

Bethany Mandel is horrible, has no business being on the BOE and will not get elected. Just in case you were wondering about her.

I'm more focused on education issues and opportunities than tawdry gossip like the Beidleman fiasco. MCPS seems to use the school system as a way to try out various educational fads, which does more harm than good. Really just need to get back to basics and focus on educating children.

Over 25 reports of bullying and sexual harassment since 2016 is hardly tawdry gossip. I agree the focus should be on educating children but that starts with creating and ensuring a safe and supportive environment for educators and students alike.

I'd read there were 30 anonymous reports even and that teacher who sexting him nude photos too!

Slut-shaming does not help Biedelman's case, I assure you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There is such a strong culture in central office that it will take a complete shakeup with all of the leadership being fired to change it. McKnight was only part of the problem.

Start with Lance Dempsey.

+1000

[Anonymous]

Umm have you read about the acting superintendent? Who leaves a school district in the middle of the year…..

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:MCPS used to be well regarded. It’s now a complete mess.

What’s the likelihood new administration will be able to right the course? What will it take?

Considering moving out of state because it’s been such a nightmare- especially with one kid in special Ed.

You know there's no evidence to believe it got worse because of McKnight. The problems most people here complain about predate her administration.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Unless we adults and students stay informed, stay active in happenings within schools, advocate, probably no, it will not improve. How many will vote in the primary in May not knowing anything about the Board of Education members? More than we think.

I don't think the election is as consequential as you believe. The reality is that being a member of the board does not come with sufficient compensation for members to truly dedicate the time it requires, nor do they have the staff needed to help them make independent decisions and provide proper oversight. The current president of the board has a separate full time job and two children. I am frustrated with the BOE's enabling of McKnight and by extension Biedleman. But the issue is structural.

Bethany Mandel is horrible, has no business being on the BOE and will not get elected. Just in case you were wondering about her.

I'm more focused on education issues and opportunities than tawdry gossip like the Beidleman fiasco. MCPS seems to use the school system as a way to try out various educational fads, which does more harm than good. Really just need to get back to basics and focus on educating children.

Over 25 reports of bullying and sexual harassment since 2016 is hardly tawdry gossip. I agree the focus should be on educating children but that starts with creating and ensuring a safe and supportive environment for educators and students alike.

I'd read there were 30 anonymous reports even and that teacher who sexting him nude photos too!

Slut-shaming does not help Biedelman's case, I assure you.

Hyping flimsy evidence to further your political agenda doesn't either.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:MCPS used to be well regarded. It’s now a complete mess.

What’s the likelihood new administration will be able to right the course? What will it take?

Considering moving out of state because it’s been such a nightmare- especially with one kid in special Ed.

You know there's no evidence to believe it got worse because of McKnight. The problems most people here complain about predate her administration.

It was a Smith-McKnight combo. Both are to blame.