As a current BPS parent and former employee, I am simultaneously hopeful and pessimistic. My realism is based on six years of working for the district and seeing how the value of quality schools can vary in terms of rhetoric and practice depending on who's doing the talking and implementing.
On Monday, the district released its five proposals at the Frederick School on Columbia Road. I don't need to regurgitate basics because nearly everyone (Herald, Globe, WBUR, Reporter, Patch) has covered the basics of what they entail.
From my assessment, there are your usual extreme folks who simply "can't get right" like Bokeem Woodbine in the movie Life. And there are those who can assess and analyze and rationally evaluate the proposals based on their merits and flaws.
There are those who are ready to act and possibly leave the city if necessary. There are those who have already identified key things that are missing. Common themes and calls for action include a common-sense model, a focus on quality over proximity, the true value of projected transportation cost savings, and grandfathering.
I, like many others, already see the writing on the wall that the district is leaning more towards the 6-, 9-, and 11-zone proposals; having almost unilaterally ruled the other two options from the table less than hour after releasing the proposals. I agree that the no-zone system would essentially have the city revert back to it pre-busing routine where schools reflect their neighborhoods. To hell with equity and diversity. In case you are s-l-o, that was a joke. But it's also telling that so many of Boston's white residents don't have their children in the schools; as reflected by their making up only 14% of the BPS student population. There are always subtle calls to draw back more middle class families - of all races - back to the city. What irks me is the fact that so many families felt that leaving the city or going to private/parochial route was the only option originally.
As the community meetings commence and the rest f this drama unfolds, we'll be sure to hear a lot more facts and opinions. But the truth has to rise to the top.
Friday, September 28, 2012
Monday, August 27, 2012
Some thoughts on redistricting
Redistricting has taken the main stage this past week here in Boston. Here's a quick media re-cap of coverage and then some additional information so you know how you can help. For background information on why redistricting is important and an explanation of the basics, check out Tim Davis' great analysis from over a year ago.
For starters, the key to the coalition's entire is to stand as a unified front to advocate on behalf of multiple communities. To that end, the coalition settled on the theme, "Don't Crack 2, Don't Pack 4," which breaks down to reference the cracking of South End in District 2 and the packing of Black and Latino voters in District 4.
So, now to answer a few questions I've gotten over the past few days.
For starters, the key to the coalition's entire is to stand as a unified front to advocate on behalf of multiple communities. To that end, the coalition settled on the theme, "Don't Crack 2, Don't Pack 4," which breaks down to reference the cracking of South End in District 2 and the packing of Black and Latino voters in District 4.
So, now to answer a few questions I've gotten over the past few days.
- Yes, the city council did pass the map filed by Councilor Linehan.
- Yes, we are encouraging others to call on Mayor Menino to veto the map.
- Yes, you can help by calling 617-635-4500 or emailing mayor@cityofboston.gov to urge Mayor Menino to VETO the map.
- No, none of the maps submitted by the council come close to truly un-packing district 4 while not cracking district 2.
- No, the proposed map by Councillor Yancey does a weak job of not diluting minority voting strength; while it does continue to pack his very district.
- Yes, the map passed last week by the city council does pack District 4
- Yes, work is underway to research legal options and possible outcomes
- Boston Globe Letter to the Editor: Mayor Menino must veto redistricting plan
- Boston Globe's Editorial: Mayor Menino should veto flawed redistricting plan
- BNN News: Advocates Criticize New Boston City Council Map
- Tu Boston: Concejo Municipal aprobó mapa de redistribución distrital
- WBUR/Radio Boston: Boston City Council Votes On New Redistricting Plan
- Boston Globe: In a 7-6 vote, districts for Boston City Council changed despite fear minority voters will lose clout
- Boston Herald: Controversial redistricting plan splits City Council
- Univision: Grupos en Boston Rechazan Mapa de Redistribucion Electoral
- Dorchester Reporter: Menino weighs Council's redistricting proposal, notes District 4 'packing'
- South End News: Communities of Color prepared to sue city over proposed map
- Dorchester Reporter: Threat of lawsuit hangs over City Council redistricting vote
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Youth business plan competition sponsored by Brockton Workforce Investment Board
The Brockton Workforce Investment Board is organizing its first Youth Business Plan Competition.
Youth ages 16-21 from Abington, Avon, Bridgewater, Brockton, East Bridgewater, Easton, Hanson, Stoughton, West Bridgewater and Whitman can explore starting a business and gain knowledge of entrepreneurship. Cash awards of $100-$500 for winning teams, along with support in launching their business! More information at www.bawib.org or contact Kystel Love at klove@bawib.org.
Youth ages 16-21 from Abington, Avon, Bridgewater, Brockton, East Bridgewater, Easton, Hanson, Stoughton, West Bridgewater and Whitman can explore starting a business and gain knowledge of entrepreneurship. Cash awards of $100-$500 for winning teams, along with support in launching their business! More information at www.bawib.org or contact Kystel Love at klove@bawib.org.
Deadline for submissions is March 30, however, youth participants are working with adult sponsors and Youthworks staff to develop their plans NOW.
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