Can anyone help decipher this?
From Dr. Daugherty
On September 4, the Delaware State Department of Education announced three Red Clay Consolidated School District elementary schools (Highlands, Shortlidge and Warner) would be designated as Priority Schools. The last few weeks have brought questions, concerns, excitement and apprehension from many in the schools, community and state. The district has spent a great deal of time to understand the proposed MOU and the turnaround guide provided by the DDOE and the implications for students, families and staff.
The Priority School designation provides an opportunity for additional resources to drive improvement in our schools, however it also presents challenges as we work through the development of each school’s plan. Please be aware that the MOU and the planning process are not the same. The MOU is an agreement to collaborate during the planning process. Once approved by the school board, RCEA and myself, the MOU will be sent to the Delaware Secretary of Education for approval. After this approval, all parties will begin the work to develop the school plan. School staff, administrators, parents and community members will work together to create a plan for student success. I believe we have a template for success and understand that each school’s plan will be unique. One plan does not fit all schools.
As we work through this process, it is critical to recognize the staff and tremendous work that is already happening each day in these three schools.
Many remember that several years ago Red Clay had three schools designated as part of the State’s Partnership Zone initiative. Red Clay learned many lessons through the Partnership Zone process with the most important lesson being that when our parents, teachers and administrators work in a collaborative and purposeful manner, we can increase achievement. We are proud to say that Lewis, Marbrook and Stanton all met the state targets and were removed from the PZ list as successful schools.
In the coming months, we will continue to partner with parents, RCEA, local leaders and the Delaware Department of Education to develop a plan that will move the academic achievement of our students to greater levels. The success of our students depends on the willingness to work together for a common cause: children and their future. I do not believe the answer to this situation rests on charter schools or nonprofit agencies operating these schools. If there was an easy solution, this problem would not be a national issue. We have the ability and the track record to meet these challenges.
Children First,
Merv
So… is Merv saying that the MOU is simply an invitation to get-together and chat? That nothing in it is binding? It’s just a “Hey, could you RSVP so we can set up a time to come up with a plan that doesn’t exist – just ignore all that talk in the MOU about the school leaders’ salaries and teachers having to reapply for their jobs, etc. because none of that means anything.”
Question… the 9/30 due date is today – there’s a workshop scheduled tonight. Can the board vote at a workshop? If not, what happens if the deadline isn’t met?