APS School Board Chair Drama

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:Wow the CDT, DP and BZS peeps are sure throwing a tantrum. Guess they're mad their little plot got exposed. How embarrassing for them.

+1. Is this really over the career center? How petty.

Yes and a difference of belief in how to be a good school board member. Mary wants to ask questions. She thinks it's ok for members to disagree. The others don't. If you don't fall in line and do what you're told, this is what happens. The community should be making a HUGE fuss about this. Or STFU forever when you wonder why the school board doesn't "do it's job," and "hold APS accountable." This is why, and Mary is trying to do just that. If you want her to keep doing that, speak up. If you like the status quo of a do-nothing board, then stay quiet I guess.

A couple things: why does being chair even matter? It seems like a titular/honorary thing that’s surface only. You still just have one vote. I think it’s wrong to block anyone, and it seems petty AF, but also like it’s not important either in terms of how the board functions or acts. And lastly, it has ALWAYS bothered me that they expect to vote as a block. That’s back from when NVD ruled the SB with her iron fist and expected unanimity and called other members dumb on a hot mic. It’s wrong and anti democratic. You can disagree, in private, and in public. It’s a democracy, and it’s what we should expect from our elected leaders. This whole idea that if you’re in the party you can only vote a certain way that someone else has determined is really not very cool, and really subverts the idea of an elected board who represents the people. This has been true for the CB as well. It really doesn’t sit well with me, at all. And I’m a faithful D voter. I sat out the most recent SB caucus, because of “inside” stuff like this. It’s disgusting actually.

NVD didn't rule the board with an iron fist. Barbara did, and this comes from her influence.

NVD did not tolerate dissension and was publicly much ruder.

How well did you know Barbara? She was/is quite awful in private. I'd prefer public rudeness frankly.

Seriously. I would respect the board members more if they just came out and said "MK would be a bad board chair for X, Y, and Z reasons, and that's why I'm supporting someone else." Just own it already. People would take it more seriously that way. Unless your reasons just don't look good in the first place...

That is not the Arlington way. We never dissent publicly.

That appears to be the problem. Mary dared to. And they are punishing her for that.

I do agree that it sounds like they are punishing Mary for not falling in step. What I don't get is why her supporter is saying that Mary won't vote for herself if everyone else votes for Bethany. Show that this was not unanimous. Go on record that you were skipped. Fight it, if you really care. The type of people who plan these retaliation efforts have a much easier job when you won't speak out against them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Wow the CDT, DP and BZS peeps are sure throwing a tantrum. Guess they're mad their little plot got exposed. How embarrassing for them.

+1. Is this really over the career center? How petty.

Yes and a difference of belief in how to be a good school board member. Mary wants to ask questions. She thinks it's ok for members to disagree. The others don't. If you don't fall in line and do what you're told, this is what happens. The community should be making a HUGE fuss about this. Or STFU forever when you wonder why the school board doesn't "do it's job," and "hold APS accountable." This is why, and Mary is trying to do just that. If you want her to keep doing that, speak up. If you like the status quo of a do-nothing board, then stay quiet I guess.

A couple things: why does being chair even matter? It seems like a titular/honorary thing that’s surface only. You still just have one vote. I think it’s wrong to block anyone, and it seems petty AF, but also like it’s not important either in terms of how the board functions or acts. And lastly, it has ALWAYS bothered me that they expect to vote as a block. That’s back from when NVD ruled the SB with her iron fist and expected unanimity and called other members dumb on a hot mic. It’s wrong and anti democratic. You can disagree, in private, and in public. It’s a democracy, and it’s what we should expect from our elected leaders. This whole idea that if you’re in the party you can only vote a certain way that someone else has determined is really not very cool, and really subverts the idea of an elected board who represents the people. This has been true for the CB as well. It really doesn’t sit well with me, at all. And I’m a faithful D voter. I sat out the most recent SB caucus, because of “inside” stuff like this. It’s disgusting actually.

It matters a lot, the board chair sets the agenda. It's their opportunity to get their priorities addressed. So skipping over Mary is a big deal. It silences her.

Isn’t the agenda set by the needs and priorities of APS, which are determined by the school administrators? It’s not like she could decide, hey, we’re not going to focus on reading this year and then it wouldn’t be taught, or we’re not going to build that new Career Center after all. Can you explain exactly how the chairs “sets the agenda?”

Don't be daft, if it really didn't matter who the chair is, 3 members wouldn't be scheming to skip over the one who is next in line.

and it wouldn't have happened to Emma V-S either.

Of course it matters.

Then tell me HOW it matters. Really, the SB is votes. Otherwise it’s a dog and pony show. Staff dictates the agenda, then the SB approves (almost always) or not. They don’t actually run things, and the chair isn’t any more powerful than the other members, except they get to talk more. I don’t think they should skip anyone for any reason, but it’s more a petty move than one I’d describe as a coup. It’s anti democratic and childish, I’m not saying they’re right to do it. But let’s not pretend this is some super powerful position and that who is the chair will actually change things (or not).

If it doesn’t matter then why would these 3 pull this? You sound like you’re defending it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Wow the CDT, DP and BZS peeps are sure throwing a tantrum. Guess they're mad their little plot got exposed. How embarrassing for them.

+1. Is this really over the career center? How petty.

Yes and a difference of belief in how to be a good school board member. Mary wants to ask questions. She thinks it's ok for members to disagree. The others don't. If you don't fall in line and do what you're told, this is what happens. The community should be making a HUGE fuss about this. Or STFU forever when you wonder why the school board doesn't "do it's job," and "hold APS accountable." This is why, and Mary is trying to do just that. If you want her to keep doing that, speak up. If you like the status quo of a do-nothing board, then stay quiet I guess.

A couple things: why does being chair even matter? It seems like a titular/honorary thing that’s surface only. You still just have one vote. I think it’s wrong to block anyone, and it seems petty AF, but also like it’s not important either in terms of how the board functions or acts. And lastly, it has ALWAYS bothered me that they expect to vote as a block. That’s back from when NVD ruled the SB with her iron fist and expected unanimity and called other members dumb on a hot mic. It’s wrong and anti democratic. You can disagree, in private, and in public. It’s a democracy, and it’s what we should expect from our elected leaders. This whole idea that if you’re in the party you can only vote a certain way that someone else has determined is really not very cool, and really subverts the idea of an elected board who represents the people. This has been true for the CB as well. It really doesn’t sit well with me, at all. And I’m a faithful D voter. I sat out the most recent SB caucus, because of “inside” stuff like this. It’s disgusting actually.

It matters a lot, the board chair sets the agenda. It's their opportunity to get their priorities addressed. So skipping over Mary is a big deal. It silences her.

Isn’t the agenda set by the needs and priorities of APS, which are determined by the school administrators? It’s not like she could decide, hey, we’re not going to focus on reading this year and then it wouldn’t be taught, or we’re not going to build that new Career Center after all. Can you explain exactly how the chairs “sets the agenda?”

Don't be daft, if it really didn't matter who the chair is, 3 members wouldn't be scheming to skip over the one who is next in line.

and it wouldn't have happened to Emma V-S either.

Of course it matters.

Then tell me HOW it matters. Really, the SB is votes. Otherwise it’s a dog and pony show. Staff dictates the agenda, then the SB approves (almost always) or not. They don’t actually run things, and the chair isn’t any more powerful than the other members, except they get to talk more. I don’t think they should skip anyone for any reason, but it’s more a petty move than one I’d describe as a coup. It’s anti democratic and childish, I’m not saying they’re right to do it. But let’s not pretend this is some super powerful position and that who is the chair will actually change things (or not).

If it doesn’t matter then why would these 3 pull this? You sound like you’re defending it.

Because they’re doing it to spite her. It’s a slap on the wrist. I’m NOT defending it. Jeez. I called it petty childish and anti democratic. But let’s not lie and say it’s somehow going to change the way APS operates. Who is chair for one year doesn’t affect my life, won’t affect my kids’ experience in APS. However, I think it IS a big deal because this way of operating in secret undermines public confidence in elected boards. When people feel they don’t have a voice, they care less, they vote less. And then some really shady stuff can happen, and bad actors can make real inroads. It’s a slippery slope. Let’s talk about why it matters. Not because of the chair “setting the agenda.” It matters because demanding unity over all else does not a healthy democracy make and it’s not how sitting or future members should behave!

[Anonymous]

Drama's over, people. Mary will be chair.

[Anonymous]

It looks like Bethany came around. Good move on her part but concerning that she even considered being part of the little coup. CDT and DP still look terrible.

[Anonymous]

Message from Mary Kadera -

School Board Leadership Succession

I know this is not everyone's idea of a juicy "Memorial Day Kickoff To Summer" topic, but some questions have come up this week on social media and in other forums about succession on the school board. I'd like to respond to them rather than leave them unanswered. I am doing so in a personal capacity; these statements are not official positions of the board or of APS.

Every July, at the official beginning of our school division’s new fiscal year and school year, the School Board elects its Chair and Vice Chair. While there are no official rules that dictate who should be voted in, it has been the custom for the Vice Chair to move into the Chair role, and then for the School Board member “next in line” in terms of seniority to become Vice Chair. I’ll refer to this practice as “orderly succession” in the interest of brevity and clarity.

It is also normal for School Board members to discuss questions and concerns they may have about the change in leadership with the person who is likely to assume the role of Chair. This year, that would be me. And this year, the discussion has taken a little while longer than in the other two instances I’ve personally been involved with.

My wish is for all of us to move forward together with an open-hearted interpretation of this experience: namely that there was serious deliberation because we all care so deeply about this community, its schools, the people who teach and love our children, and the children of Arlington.

My second wish (if I get two) is that we reaffirm the value of orderly succession as a general operating practice. While some may point out that this practice has a few flaws, I believe its benefits greatly outweigh those flaws. The School Board is a part-time job. Its members and this community cannot afford the distraction and potential divisiveness that the alternatives to orderly succession would present. This body has serious business to do, and that’s what you elected us to focus on.

Each Chair will bring particular strengths and something of their authentic self to the role, which means by definition we won’t all do the job the same way. To my mind, this is a good thing for our community. We learn from seeing what others try. Not one of us will do it perfectly. We risk it anyway. This is what we encourage our students to do every day.

I am proud to share that I intend to be your next School Board Chair and I am incredibly grateful that I will have the good counsel of Bethany Zecher Sutton in the role of Vice Chair. Bethany has always been and continues to be a colleague I count on for thoughtful dialogue, a nuanced understanding of equity, and an appreciation of the many ways we can cultivate and measure academic success. I know you’ve seen those qualities in her, too. We are focused on moving forward and tackling the serious work in front of us, which to my mind, as always, yields its best result when we have you alongside us.

[Anonymous]

Very diplomatic and classy statement from Mary.

All the people who tried to shut this down as a rumor look pretty silly now. Or worse - they were trying to cover it up.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Very diplomatic and classy statement from Mary.

All the people who tried to shut this down as a rumor look pretty silly now. Or worse - they were trying to cover it up.

+1

[Anonymous]

hard agree. great letter!

[Anonymous]

Note that Mary publicly states her desire for the School Board members to "reaffirm the value of orderly succession as a general operating practice."

That's an open invitation to the other members. Will they respond???

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:hard agree. great letter!

And all the people who tried to make Mary look bad, well, lol nice try. Didn't work. We all know who looks bad here.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Very diplomatic and classy statement from Mary.

All the people who tried to shut this down as a rumor look pretty silly now. Or worse - they were trying to cover it up.

Love that she didn't back down.

+1 for class and sass

This year, that would be me. And this year, the discussion has taken a little while longer than in the other two instances I’ve personally been involved with

[Anonymous]

I am glad Mary will be Chair, and I like her statement. It did sound like a rumor to me, not because of some crazy cover-up, but because the whole thing is bizarre. I agree Mary's statement seems to confirm there was truth in it. I'm just posting, though, to speak to the idea that there's some merit in not immediately believing every crazy thing you see posted on the Internet. Just because this does seem to have been true, I do not regret my initial skepticism.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am glad Mary will be Chair, and I like her statement. It did sound like a rumor to me, not because of some crazy cover-up, but because the whole thing is bizarre. I agree Mary's statement seems to confirm there was truth in it. I'm just posting, though, to speak to the idea that there's some merit in not immediately believing every crazy thing you see posted on the Internet. Just because this does seem to have been true, I do not regret my initial skepticism.

I trusted the source. The OP on AEM wouldn’t burn her own bridges making baseless accusations. Kudos to her for getting it out in the open.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am glad Mary will be Chair, and I like her statement. It did sound like a rumor to me, not because of some crazy cover-up, but because the whole thing is bizarre. I agree Mary's statement seems to confirm there was truth in it. I'm just posting, though, to speak to the idea that there's some merit in not immediately believing every crazy thing you see posted on the Internet. Just because this does seem to have been true, I do not regret my initial skepticism.

I trusted the source. The OP on AEM wouldn’t burn her own bridges making baseless accusations. Kudos to her for getting it out in the open.

Me too. This OP is credible. I'm sure she checked her sources before she posted. No way she would make baseless accusations. If it wasn't for her post, I bet this would have gone through. Kudos to her.

My question now is what the fallout will be for the three schemers who tried to pull this - CDT, DP and BZS???? Seems like it will be a stain on their reputations.