Anonymous
11/13/2018 12:13
Subject: Re:Ward 4 State Board of Education Special Election
Anonymous wrote:Will the voting be a regular polling places, or will they do one central ward 4 spot?
It will be at your regular precinct location, per the timeline posted on the DCBOE website: https://www.dcboe.org/dcboe/media/PDFFiles/W4-Board-of-Education-Special-Election-Calendar.pdf (scroll to December 4)
If you've only ever early voted and don't know your precinct location, you can find it here: https://www.dcboe.org/Voters/Where-to-Vote/Find-Polling-Place
Anonymous
11/13/2018 06:25
Subject: Re:Ward 4 State Board of Education Special Election
After watching the recent candidate forum, my order of support would be:
1. Frazier O’Leary
2. Ryan Tauriainen
3. Elani Lawrence
4. Rhonda Henderson
Frazier O’Leary: was definitely the most interesting candidate as a recently retired teacher in DCPS for 47 years, including something like the last 30 at Cardozo high school. He has been well-known in the city for years as the AP English teacher and he’s still involved with College Board and with DCPS in some kind of advisory capacity. He’s been involved for years with the PEN Faulkner program to bring authors into schools to speak to students, including bringing Isabel Wilkerson (The Warmth of Other Suns) to speak to Cardozo students recently. He also coached for many years. During the forum, he seemed Tom Ben most effective with the crowd, with a kind of “aww shucks” demeanor that got a few laughs from the audience and even the other candidates. For example, when making the case for himself, he said something to the effect of, “since this position is only for two years [because it’s filling a vacancy], if I don’t do what I said I will, just vote me out,” and, “I’ll be in school so everyday because I’m retired and all I have I say time.” Policywise, he’s the neighborhood schools candidate and he’s endorsed by the Washington Teachers Union. He seemed to highly value teachers opinions, though he seems open to hearing more about some of the statewide policy positions.
Ryan Tauriainen: was probably next best if you are looking for someone with a record of success in his previous roles and who could walk the line between traditional public schools and public charter schools since he's worked in both. He's a Teach For America alum and he seems to have started in a traditional public school before moving over to the charter sector in DC. He's been a teacher and principal, winning the 2016 DC Principal of the Year award. We know this because he said it like 5 times, so he would seem to struggle a little with how to have confidence without coming across a little arrogant. But, aside from seeming a little nervous, he did come across as fairly knowledgeable about some of the issues discussed. He made the good point that there isn't a former school leader currently on the board, so he would bring that perspective which is interesting. He mentioned having issues with people violating residency requirements, so he would probably support tougher policies on that issue and his background is mostly in early childhood, so he's definitely supportive of that. Probably the best moment was when he threw some shade at DFER, who he says never even sent him a questionnaire. Overall, probably not a bad second choice.
Elani Lawrence: was not especially memorable from the forum because she didn't give very long answers or leave a lasting impression. Apparently she's the sister of former local politician Sekou Biddle and she's mostly coming at the role as a parent. While she didn't say much, she made a few comments that revealed her charter preference, so that's not a great sign. She did not seem very knowledgeable about the issues, so she's possibly the most open of the candidates. Given that she doesn't seem to have a natural constituency, it would be surprising if she finished higher than 3rd.
Rhonda Henderson: was the most polished of the candidates in that she thanked the moderator/audience member who asked the question, restated the question. and then gave usually clear answers. She worked in some kind of operations role for DC Prep charter, but her current role is a little unclear. She seems bright and prepared, but, there was an audible gasp from the audience when she admitted she had been endorsed by DFER. Given the near total sweep of anti-DFER candidates last week, that seems to me more of a liability to her. Also, the clarity of her answers made it clear that she would be an unabashed supporter of those charter policies (e.g., pushing to greatly expand charters, giving over DCPS schools to charter operators, pushing voodoo like competency-based credits that lower standards to boost grad rates, etc.) She's the most dangerous of the candidates in that she appears to be a solid candidate, but she supports all the worst ideas and would probably do so more effectively than Lawrence.
1. Frazier O’Leary
2. Ryan Tauriainen
3. Elani Lawrence
4. Rhonda Henderson
Frazier O’Leary: was definitely the most interesting candidate as a recently retired teacher in DCPS for 47 years, including something like the last 30 at Cardozo high school. He has been well-known in the city for years as the AP English teacher and he’s still involved with College Board and with DCPS in some kind of advisory capacity. He’s been involved for years with the PEN Faulkner program to bring authors into schools to speak to students, including bringing Isabel Wilkerson (The Warmth of Other Suns) to speak to Cardozo students recently. He also coached for many years. During the forum, he seemed Tom Ben most effective with the crowd, with a kind of “aww shucks” demeanor that got a few laughs from the audience and even the other candidates. For example, when making the case for himself, he said something to the effect of, “since this position is only for two years [because it’s filling a vacancy], if I don’t do what I said I will, just vote me out,” and, “I’ll be in school so everyday because I’m retired and all I have I say time.” Policywise, he’s the neighborhood schools candidate and he’s endorsed by the Washington Teachers Union. He seemed to highly value teachers opinions, though he seems open to hearing more about some of the statewide policy positions.
Ryan Tauriainen: was probably next best if you are looking for someone with a record of success in his previous roles and who could walk the line between traditional public schools and public charter schools since he's worked in both. He's a Teach For America alum and he seems to have started in a traditional public school before moving over to the charter sector in DC. He's been a teacher and principal, winning the 2016 DC Principal of the Year award. We know this because he said it like 5 times, so he would seem to struggle a little with how to have confidence without coming across a little arrogant. But, aside from seeming a little nervous, he did come across as fairly knowledgeable about some of the issues discussed. He made the good point that there isn't a former school leader currently on the board, so he would bring that perspective which is interesting. He mentioned having issues with people violating residency requirements, so he would probably support tougher policies on that issue and his background is mostly in early childhood, so he's definitely supportive of that. Probably the best moment was when he threw some shade at DFER, who he says never even sent him a questionnaire. Overall, probably not a bad second choice.
Elani Lawrence: was not especially memorable from the forum because she didn't give very long answers or leave a lasting impression. Apparently she's the sister of former local politician Sekou Biddle and she's mostly coming at the role as a parent. While she didn't say much, she made a few comments that revealed her charter preference, so that's not a great sign. She did not seem very knowledgeable about the issues, so she's possibly the most open of the candidates. Given that she doesn't seem to have a natural constituency, it would be surprising if she finished higher than 3rd.
Rhonda Henderson: was the most polished of the candidates in that she thanked the moderator/audience member who asked the question, restated the question. and then gave usually clear answers. She worked in some kind of operations role for DC Prep charter, but her current role is a little unclear. She seems bright and prepared, but, there was an audible gasp from the audience when she admitted she had been endorsed by DFER. Given the near total sweep of anti-DFER candidates last week, that seems to me more of a liability to her. Also, the clarity of her answers made it clear that she would be an unabashed supporter of those charter policies (e.g., pushing to greatly expand charters, giving over DCPS schools to charter operators, pushing voodoo like competency-based credits that lower standards to boost grad rates, etc.) She's the most dangerous of the candidates in that she appears to be a solid candidate, but she supports all the worst ideas and would probably do so more effectively than Lawrence.
Anonymous
11/12/2018 10:18
Subject: Ward 4 State Board of Education Special Election
Anonymous wrote:Brandon Todd is useless. On principle, not voting for her.
My point is that I do not know for whom to vote (first time parent to infant), and most candidates seem qualified. Brandon Todd (and Muriel Bowser before him) are terrible - and so I have never voted for them for anything and never will. I did not even consider voting for Dionne Reeder, for example. Also, Ledo's is NOT pizza. As a warm cracker, it's tasty, however.
Anonymous
11/12/2018 09:38
Subject: Ward 4 State Board of Education Special Election
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Brandon Todd is useless. On principle, not voting for her.
That says more about you than her. You should vote for the best possible person. If he is a fan of Stevie Wonder, does that mean you’re never going to listen to Stevie again? If he likes Ledo’s, you’re done with pizza?
Today I learned that local politics is like a pizza.
It seems like a good idea to start with, but really it's greasy and makes you feel bad? Also it stinks after a few days.
Anonymous
11/12/2018 08:22
Subject: Ward 4 State Board of Education Special Election
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Brandon Todd is useless. On principle, not voting for her.
That says more about you than her. You should vote for the best possible person. If he is a fan of Stevie Wonder, does that mean you’re never going to listen to Stevie again? If he likes Ledo’s, you’re done with pizza?
Today I learned that local politics is like a pizza.
Anonymous
11/11/2018 17:27
Subject: Ward 4 State Board of Education Special Election
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Keep in mind as it now stands the Board has a very limited role.
Folks on the state board have NO authority over some of the things mentioned in their interviews or brought up by posters including DC's school budgets, facilities, charters v. DCPS ...
Why do you think DFER and their types throwing so much money in? Do you think they're stupid?
DFER thinks it’s buying something with all that money to Rhonda (and Jessica Sutter and Jason Andrean’s failed campaign). DFER think buying seats on the board gets them something. DFER advocates for policies that undermine public schools, devalues teachers’ work and experience, does not do much to support the many kids who in DC live in poverty.
Anonymous
11/10/2018 18:00
Subject: Ward 4 State Board of Education Special Election
Anonymous wrote:Brandon Todd is useless. On principle, not voting for her.
That says more about you than her. You should vote for the best possible person. If he is a fan of Stevie Wonder, does that mean you’re never going to listen to Stevie again? If he likes Ledo’s, you’re done with pizza?
Anonymous
11/10/2018 15:14
Subject: Ward 4 State Board of Education Special Election
Brandon Todd is useless. On principle, not voting for her.
Anonymous
11/10/2018 09:44
Subject: Ward 4 State Board of Education Special Election
Anonymous wrote:Yeah, I’m not a fan of Brandon Todd, but I know Rhonda Henderson, and I think she would be a great BoE member. She’s not an empty suit like him at all. She is smart, thoughtful, passionate about public schools, and personally kind & generous.
I don’t know her, but her sibling is our neighbor—super nice family. I signed her petition when they came around.
Anonymous
11/10/2018 09:35
Subject: Ward 4 State Board of Education Special Election
Yeah, I’m not a fan of Brandon Todd, but I know Rhonda Henderson, and I think she would be a great BoE member. She’s not an empty suit like him at all. She is smart, thoughtful, passionate about public schools, and personally kind & generous.
Anonymous
11/10/2018 08:19
Subject: Re:Ward 4 State Board of Education Special Election
When considering which candidate to support, remember the specific (and limited) responsibilities of the State Board. Mainly, they are advisory to the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) and they don’t currently have many formal responsibilities outside approving (or not) particular policies from OSSE. While there are some people calling to increase their power, in the current system of mayoral control, their direct impact is limited, but they can still influence and ask questions to OSSE, DCPS, and the Public Charter School Board (PCSB).
In the last few years, the State Board has gotten somewhat more energetic, creating task forces on Competency-Based Credits, Graduation Requirements, the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), and State Academic Standards. Mainly, they are responsible for approving high school graduation requirements, state academic standards, attendance and residency requirements, and the accountability measures required under the federal ESSA law. While some of the candidates’ answers at the forum on Thursday were interesting to better understand their experience and educational philosophy, they were mostly irrelevant to the actual things they would be able to do as a State Board member.
It’s worth taking a little time to peruse the DC State Board of Ed website for more info: https://sboe.dc.gov
In the last few years, the State Board has gotten somewhat more energetic, creating task forces on Competency-Based Credits, Graduation Requirements, the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), and State Academic Standards. Mainly, they are responsible for approving high school graduation requirements, state academic standards, attendance and residency requirements, and the accountability measures required under the federal ESSA law. While some of the candidates’ answers at the forum on Thursday were interesting to better understand their experience and educational philosophy, they were mostly irrelevant to the actual things they would be able to do as a State Board member.
It’s worth taking a little time to peruse the DC State Board of Ed website for more info: https://sboe.dc.gov
Anonymous
11/09/2018 22:42
Subject: Ward 4 State Board of Education Special Election
The endorsement from Brandon Todd helped me decide who I won't be voting for.
Anonymous
11/09/2018 19:52
Subject: Re:Ward 4 State Board of Education Special Election
Anonymous wrote:Will the voting be a regular polling places, or will they do one central ward 4 spot?
Good question! I've voted early at the Takoma rec. center since we've moved here ... I don't even know my actual polling place.
Anonymous
11/09/2018 19:16
Subject: Re:Ward 4 State Board of Education Special Election
Will the voting be a regular polling places, or will they do one central ward 4 spot?
Anonymous
11/09/2018 19:05
Subject: Ward 4 State Board of Education Special Election
Ugh. I hate to say this but for me a Todd endorsement makes me less likely to vote for whomever he is endorsing. And his letter of support wasn't very compelling to me. I don't know what most of those roles mean in terms of being a good board member.
I was turned off by Ryan's residency fraud rant on his video. Maybe I'm sheltered but is that really among the biggest issues we need to tackle? It does nothing to make schools better and as someone with a babysitter with MD plates, I always thing the DCUM policing is a bit overblown.
I was turned off by Ryan's residency fraud rant on his video. Maybe I'm sheltered but is that really among the biggest issues we need to tackle? It does nothing to make schools better and as someone with a babysitter with MD plates, I always thing the DCUM policing is a bit overblown.