Superintendent Taylor

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We are shifting public health norms to accommodate End Stage Capitalism. Schools are disease factories, by design. MVA was the only defense.

MCPS could have used the covid money to upgrade ventilation, used the money to sanitize buildings, supplies, desks, etc every night and more. The BOE chooses their pet products and their wants/needs first. If they are against the MVA and insist on in person, they should open a separate voluntary school with strict illness guidelines and masking for kids who need it.

Yes the chose things like tutors, summer school, PPE, maintenance.

Parents could have tutored their own kids. We should have gotten every classroom and common area up to 12 ACH.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I just re-read the Q&A and Taylor sidestepped these questions and didn't actually answer them:

1. Since you’ve come in, what have you observed?
2. Where do you think literacy instruction — particularly at the early levels for K-3 — is at and this coming year, what are the goals?

It's concerning that he struggles to get to specifics and action, given that you know he had to do his homework on the district as he was interviewing. Given that he's not completely foreign to the district, having been educated here, and that he's now been on the job for a solid 2 months, he should start getting into specifics quickly. As he admits, expectations in this county are high and the house has been on fire for some time. He can't slow roll bringing out the fire hose now.

He really hasn't done much to date.

That's fine, but the first question literally asked him what he has observed. Not what he has done. And the second question was about his goals for literacy in K-3. Even if he hasn't landed on an exact number, he should've been prepared to articulate an informed opinion on the topic, since he obviously knew MCAP scores sucked and he had to have had access to our last few years worth of MAP-R data....

Poor guy still waiting to get a copy of the MCAP scores, same as the rest of us.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:New Post interview with Taylor, with some notable quotes about central office:

"I have a lot of work to do in terms of assessing the central services. I really want to get a good handle of what tasks we really need to have ownership in and what tasks are probably better divesting ourselves of."

"Something a little different this year — we are asking some of our central office staff to be in school buildings at the start of the school year and then periodically throughout the school year to spend some time supporting the schools. Candidly, we’re differentiating that support based on schools that express a desire or a need."

https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2024/09/01/montgomery-superintendent-thomas-taylor/

I guess this sounds good in theory. No idea what this means will truly be different in practice, because many of the people in CO lack skill and competence.

It shouldn't be controversial that the people who manage the teachers and decide on the curriculum and policy should have seen an actual school or an student at least once or twice.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:New Post interview with Taylor, with some notable quotes about central office:

"I have a lot of work to do in terms of assessing the central services. I really want to get a good handle of what tasks we really need to have ownership in and what tasks are probably better divesting ourselves of."

"Something a little different this year — we are asking some of our central office staff to be in school buildings at the start of the school year and then periodically throughout the school year to spend some time supporting the schools. Candidly, we’re differentiating that support based on schools that express a desire or a need."

https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2024/09/01/montgomery-superintendent-thomas-taylor/

I guess this sounds good in theory. No idea what this means will truly be different in practice, because many of the people in CO lack skill and competence.

It shouldn't be controversial that the people who manage the teachers and decide on the curriculum and policy should have seen an actual school or an student at least once or twice.

Huh? Almost all of them are former teachers and principals.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:New Post interview with Taylor, with some notable quotes about central office:

"I have a lot of work to do in terms of assessing the central services. I really want to get a good handle of what tasks we really need to have ownership in and what tasks are probably better divesting ourselves of."

"Something a little different this year — we are asking some of our central office staff to be in school buildings at the start of the school year and then periodically throughout the school year to spend some time supporting the schools. Candidly, we’re differentiating that support based on schools that express a desire or a need."

https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2024/09/01/montgomery-superintendent-thomas-taylor/

I guess this sounds good in theory. No idea what this means will truly be different in practice, because many of the people in CO lack skill and competence.

It shouldn't be controversial that the people who manage the teachers and decide on the curriculum and policy should have seen an actual school or an student at least once or twice.

Huh? Almost all of them are former teachers and principals.

But how many visited MVA before they closed it?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We are shifting public health norms to accommodate End Stage Capitalism. Schools are disease factories, by design. MVA was the only defense.

MCPS could have used the covid money to upgrade ventilation, used the money to sanitize buildings, supplies, desks, etc every night and more. The BOE chooses their pet products and their wants/needs first. If they are against the MVA and insist on in person, they should open a separate voluntary school with strict illness guidelines and masking for kids who need it.

Yes the chose things like tutors, summer school, PPE, maintenance.

Parents could have tutored their own kids. We should have gotten every classroom and common area up to 12 ACH.

I appreciated the tutoring.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We are shifting public health norms to accommodate End Stage Capitalism. Schools are disease factories, by design. MVA was the only defense.

MCPS could have used the covid money to upgrade ventilation, used the money to sanitize buildings, supplies, desks, etc every night and more. The BOE chooses their pet products and their wants/needs first. If they are against the MVA and insist on in person, they should open a separate voluntary school with strict illness guidelines and masking for kids who need it.

Yes the chose things like tutors, summer school, PPE, maintenance.

They also gave away millions to nonprofits, attorneys, bad bus deals, bocce ball and more. It was for things like ppe, tutoring, upgrading ventilation, etc. They also saved a fortune with schools not in person.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We are shifting public health norms to accommodate End Stage Capitalism. Schools are disease factories, by design. MVA was the only defense.

MCPS could have used the covid money to upgrade ventilation, used the money to sanitize buildings, supplies, desks, etc every night and more. The BOE chooses their pet products and their wants/needs first. If they are against the MVA and insist on in person, they should open a separate voluntary school with strict illness guidelines and masking for kids who need it.

Yes the chose things like tutors, summer school, PPE, maintenance.

Parents could have tutored their own kids. We should have gotten every classroom and common area up to 12 ACH.

I appreciated the tutoring.

Yes, I'm sure you appreciate anything that lets you spend less time with your kids, no matter the damage to them. You couldn't wait to send them back to covid schools.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We are shifting public health norms to accommodate End Stage Capitalism. Schools are disease factories, by design. MVA was the only defense.

MCPS could have used the covid money to upgrade ventilation, used the money to sanitize buildings, supplies, desks, etc every night and more. The BOE chooses their pet products and their wants/needs first. If they are against the MVA and insist on in person, they should open a separate voluntary school with strict illness guidelines and masking for kids who need it.

Yes the chose things like tutors, summer school, PPE, maintenance.

Parents could have tutored their own kids. We should have gotten every classroom and common area up to 12 ACH.

I appreciated the tutoring.

Yes, I'm sure you appreciate anything that lets you spend less time with your kids, no matter the damage to them. You couldn't wait to send them back to covid schools.

I didn't send my kids back. Are you ok? I liked virtual school and my kids did well. We supplemented with the tutoring in subjects I couldn't help with. Why didn't you? Why did you send yours back vs. the MVA if you are so against it and wanted more time with your kids? Why wouldn't you use the tutoring if it was offered?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We are shifting public health norms to accommodate End Stage Capitalism. Schools are disease factories, by design. MVA was the only defense.

MCPS could have used the covid money to upgrade ventilation, used the money to sanitize buildings, supplies, desks, etc every night and more. The BOE chooses their pet products and their wants/needs first. If they are against the MVA and insist on in person, they should open a separate voluntary school with strict illness guidelines and masking for kids who need it.

Yes the chose things like tutors, summer school, PPE, maintenance.

They also gave away millions to nonprofits, attorneys, bad bus deals, bocce ball and more. It was for things like ppe, tutoring, upgrading ventilation, etc. They also saved a fortune with schools not in person.

Umm ESSR funds spending is clearly outlined. And if you read what you wrote bs what I wrote you will realize they spent money on the very things they should have, plus covered shortfalls for key initiatives that support pandemic recovery.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:New Post interview with Taylor, with some notable quotes about central office:

"I have a lot of work to do in terms of assessing the central services. I really want to get a good handle of what tasks we really need to have ownership in and what tasks are probably better divesting ourselves of."

"Something a little different this year — we are asking some of our central office staff to be in school buildings at the start of the school year and then periodically throughout the school year to spend some time supporting the schools. Candidly, we’re differentiating that support based on schools that express a desire or a need."

https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2024/09/01/montgomery-superintendent-thomas-taylor/

I guess this sounds good in theory. No idea what this means will truly be different in practice, because many of the people in CO lack skill and competence.

It shouldn't be controversial that the people who manage the teachers and decide on the curriculum and policy should have seen an actual school or an student at least once or twice.

Huh? Almost all of them are former teachers and principals.

But how many visited MVA before they closed it?

We get it, you loved the MVA. Why you and others feel the need to hijack every thread is crazy. You’re not winning people to your side by doing it as the greater majority don’t want their kids in MVA. If anything your just alleviating people to your cause.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We are shifting public health norms to accommodate End Stage Capitalism. Schools are disease factories, by design. MVA was the only defense.

MCPS could have used the covid money to upgrade ventilation, used the money to sanitize buildings, supplies, desks, etc every night and more. The BOE chooses their pet products and their wants/needs first. If they are against the MVA and insist on in person, they should open a separate voluntary school with strict illness guidelines and masking for kids who need it.

Yes the chose things like tutors, summer school, PPE, maintenance.

Parents could have tutored their own kids. We should have gotten every classroom and common area up to 12 ACH.

I appreciated the tutoring.

Yes, I'm sure you appreciate anything that lets you spend less time with your kids, no matter the damage to them. You couldn't wait to send them back to covid schools.

I didn't send my kids back. Are you ok? I liked virtual school and my kids did well. We supplemented with the tutoring in subjects I couldn't help with. Why didn't you? Why did you send yours back vs. the MVA if you are so against it and wanted more time with your kids? Why wouldn't you use the tutoring if it was offered?

Our kids have never gone to school, and have now been denied IIS even after I provided a letter from my doctor saying I'm high risk. I don't know what we'll do. But I'd rather have well-ventilated classrooms than tutoring that I can do myself.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:New Post interview with Taylor, with some notable quotes about central office:

"I have a lot of work to do in terms of assessing the central services. I really want to get a good handle of what tasks we really need to have ownership in and what tasks are probably better divesting ourselves of."

"Something a little different this year — we are asking some of our central office staff to be in school buildings at the start of the school year and then periodically throughout the school year to spend some time supporting the schools. Candidly, we’re differentiating that support based on schools that express a desire or a need."

https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2024/09/01/montgomery-superintendent-thomas-taylor/

I guess this sounds good in theory. No idea what this means will truly be different in practice, because many of the people in CO lack skill and competence.

It shouldn't be controversial that the people who manage the teachers and decide on the curriculum and policy should have seen an actual school or an student at least once or twice.

Huh? Almost all of them are former teachers and principals.

But how many visited MVA before they closed it?

We get it, you loved the MVA. Why you and others feel the need to hijack every thread is crazy. You’re not winning people to your side by doing it as the greater majority don’t want their kids in MVA. If anything your just alleviating people to your cause.

I hate needing MVA, but there's no other option. Because of parents like you, covid is still with us. And now you won't even send your kids to school in masks.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:New Post interview with Taylor, with some notable quotes about central office:

"I have a lot of work to do in terms of assessing the central services. I really want to get a good handle of what tasks we really need to have ownership in and what tasks are probably better divesting ourselves of."

"Something a little different this year — we are asking some of our central office staff to be in school buildings at the start of the school year and then periodically throughout the school year to spend some time supporting the schools. Candidly, we’re differentiating that support based on schools that express a desire or a need."

https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2024/09/01/montgomery-superintendent-thomas-taylor/

I guess this sounds good in theory. No idea what this means will truly be different in practice, because many of the people in CO lack skill and competence.

It shouldn't be controversial that the people who manage the teachers and decide on the curriculum and policy should have seen an actual school or an student at least once or twice.

Huh? Almost all of them are former teachers and principals.

But how many visited MVA before they closed it?

We get it, you loved the MVA. Why you and others feel the need to hijack every thread is crazy. You’re not winning people to your side by doing it as the greater majority don’t want their kids in MVA. If anything your just alleviating people to your cause.

Our kids got a good education in the mva. Why are you so against it? It has no impact on your life.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:New Post interview with Taylor, with some notable quotes about central office:

"I have a lot of work to do in terms of assessing the central services. I really want to get a good handle of what tasks we really need to have ownership in and what tasks are probably better divesting ourselves of."

"Something a little different this year — we are asking some of our central office staff to be in school buildings at the start of the school year and then periodically throughout the school year to spend some time supporting the schools. Candidly, we’re differentiating that support based on schools that express a desire or a need."

https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2024/09/01/montgomery-superintendent-thomas-taylor/

I guess this sounds good in theory. No idea what this means will truly be different in practice, because many of the people in CO lack skill and competence.

It shouldn't be controversial that the people who manage the teachers and decide on the curriculum and policy should have seen an actual school or an student at least once or twice.

Huh? Almost all of them are former teachers and principals.

But how many visited MVA before they closed it?

We get it, you loved the MVA. Why you and others feel the need to hijack every thread is crazy. You’re not winning people to your side by doing it as the greater majority don’t want their kids in MVA. If anything your just alleviating people to your cause.

I hate needing MVA, but there's no other option. Because of parents like you, covid is still with us. And now you won't even send your kids to school in masks.

NP. Lots of illnesses are still with us, and will continue to be with us. Before covid, did you let your kids go to daycare or Kindermusic or co-op preschool knowing they might bring home influenza or any number of other illnesses?

As for masks, no one has asked us to send our kids in masks. If I were asked, and if my child wearing a mask would make another child's attendance possible, I would say yes.