A City of Enemies
Dear Friends:
It’s not too early to declare that Mayor Fenty’s takeover of the
school system is a failure, and here’s why. Fenty started his school
takeover with soothing rhetoric about how he wouldn’t be able to
improve DC’s schools unless we all worked together, but that rhetoric
has long since been abandoned. Now the administration’s rhetoric
matches its actions, and they both show that it has abandoned any
attempt at forging a citywide partnership. Instead, Mayor Fenty and
Chancellor Rhee see themselves as working alone against every other part
of the city, imposing their will on their enemies inside and outside of
the school system, rather than working together with citizens and
parents as well as teachers, school administrators, and other employees
of the school system. The school takeover began by eliminating any real
power and responsibilities held by the elected school board. Once that
was done with the assistance of the city council, the administration
cast the council aside as a working partner. It now treats
councilmembers as presumptuous hindrances, and is openly scornful of
council oversight. Rhee has long since stopped pretending to work
cooperatively with any of the longtime school reform and parents groups
in the city, and now she is proposing a teachers contract that basically
eliminates any job protection for them. Any “reform” that is imposed
by force and will, without the democratic agreement of, much less the
enthusiastic support of, the people who are most affected by it, is by
definition not a reform, but an abject failure.
Teacher tenure in public schools is often misunderstood. In colleges
and universities, tenure’s main purpose is to protect ideas, to
protect professors who hold unpopular viewpoints from being fired
because of their opinions. In public schools, teacher tenure arose from
quite different motives. Public school teachers’ jobs are protected
from political interference for the same reason other civil servants’
jobs are protected — the knowledge that without job security for the
civil service, politicians will use the bureaucracy as a jobs program,
regularly sweeping out their opponents and hiring their supporters,
demanding political obedience from government employees. Government
employees have to be protected from the demand that they belong to the
right political party or, in a one-party state like the District of
Columbia, belong to the right faction of the right political party.
Government employees, including teachers, shouldn’t have to declare
their allegiance to and support for the Fenty-Rhee regime in order to
keep their jobs. But that is what Rhee is basically demanding: that she
be given the power to fire those who “aren’t with the program,”
“don’t fit in with the plan.” Make no mistake; the aim is not to
separate the competent from the incompetent, but the loyal from the
disloyal. During and after the 1880’s, the spoils system of hiring
government employees was replaced with the merit system, largely freeing
bureaucrats from the iron whims of politicians. Fenty and Rhee want to
make government hiring and firing more like that in private industry,
with all employees being at-will; in other words, they want to return to
the days before civil service reform created a professional civil
service, back to the spoils system, so they can build a team of
sycophants. They want to do this first in the schools, and then
throughout the rest of city government. The implications for other DC
government employees and their unions are clear.
Bill Turque, in the DC Wire blog (http://voices.washingtonpost.com/dc/2008/08/rhee_sounds_off_on_council.html),
pointed to a highly laudatory, almost worshipful, article about
Chancellor Michelle Rhee by Jeff Chu in the upcoming September issue of Fast
Company magazine. Chu even praises Rhee because she “eats
heroically.” The quotes from Rhee that Turque lifted from the article
have spread widely, but the whole article is already online at http://www.fastcompany.com/article/fixing-washington-dcs-school-system,
and the inflammatory things Rhee said about her disdain for city
councilmembers are only the start of the trouble it should make for her.
It’s worth reading the whole article in order to understand the heroic
image the Fenty-Rhee regime has of itself, “crusaders” against a “creaking
bureaucracy,” working alone against a city of enemies, instead of
together with a city of people who are concerned about their children
and the education they are receiving.
Gary Imhoff
themail@dcwatch.com
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Unlimited City Resources for Ballpark
Disappear for School Renovations
Ed Delaney, profeddel@yahoo.com
From http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/08/19/AR2008081902816.html:
When Allen Lew was the CEO of the DC Sports and Entertainment Commission
and essentially the head of the ballpark project in charge of getting it
to be finished on time, no expense or expenditure of manpower
round-the-clock was spared to get the task at hand done. The driving
force behind that haste was none other than a self-created obligation by
the city and its bureaucrats to a private business entity for whose use
the publicly funded ballpark was created.
Flash forward to today, and the same “never say die” commitment
to getting the ballpark done on time from Lew and the city is not
present, as the towel is thrown in on completing essential repairs in a
timely fashion on schools. Lew is now in charge of the school
renovations, but doesn’t seem to have the drive to finish them all in
the time frame and to the completion standards that the ballpark
required, saying, per the Post that “there might be ‘some
things that roll into the school year.’ Any remaining work will be
done after school hours, he said.”
All that is a far cry from the army of workers hired at
ever-escalating costs to finish the ballpark to Major League Baseball’s
and Ted Lerner’s specifications. Unfortunately, it’s not Ted Lerner
or MLB cracking the whip on the school project, but only the DC taxpayer
through its redoubtable mayor and city council. And since they don’t
stand to get free luxury box access, garage parking, and other ballpark
perks as an incentive to get the schools done in the same uncompromising
fashion that the ballpark project received, there’s not a thing
(especially public stewardship and duty) that will have them weigh the
importance of getting the schools done nearly as quickly as the
ballpark. You get what you pay for in DC, especially if you’re a major
private business entity.
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The Teachers Union and the Democrats
Thomas Smith, smith1965@hotmail.com
Like Stevie Wonder said, “When you believe in things you don’t
understand, you suffer.” The DC Statehood Green Party has approached
the teachers union on numerous occasions and our school board candidates
have talked to the teachers union. The response from the union over the
years? Stick with the Democrats, no matter how abusive they are.
We have tried to explain to the Washington Teachers Union the
political nature of our school system ever since Williams was first
elected. Do you think they might want to talk with us now?
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Michelle Rhee Pushes Agendas Instead of
Helping Youth
Richard Urban, Rurban@ultrateenchoice.org
The attempt to influence teachers to give up tenure by hiring some
teachers to lobby is another example of how the Fenty/Rhee
administration puts agendas before the well-being of students, parents,
teachers, and citizens. In my role as the director of a nonprofit that
was operating at Eastern Senior High School and several other DC Public
Schools, I can attest to the pressure and manipulation that was put on
teachers who have served the school system for many years. I personally
know of four teachers who retired just this past year. One did not
bother to finish the school year. After twenty-five years of teaching,
he was fed up with unruly classrooms and lack of support from the school
administration. Another teacher worked heroically to help tenth grade
students who were reading at fifth grade level. She was subjected to
repeated “evaluations,” and has also retired. Another teacher had a
stoke and recovered. She too had served students for over twenty-five
years, and has also retired.
Why does Ms Rhee want to fire, retire, or otherwise push out so many
teachers? Could she be pushing other agendas than the welfare of the
youth? Yes, definitely. One agenda is getting rid of older, tenured
teachers to make way for younger teachers (see the New Teacher Project,
Ms. Rhee’s former organization), who are more comfortable promoting
“diversity” (such as promoting the normalization of same sex
relationships for youths, starting in the sixth grade). Could there also
be a bias against teachers who may display an inclination to partner
with faith-based organizations in the community? That is a possibility,
too.
Ms. Rhee lied repeatedly when she kicked the ULTRA Teen Choice
program out of DC Public Schools, while her staff stated back in
December that the real reason was that they do not agree with programs
that promote abstinence and waiting to have sex until marriage, but do
not specifically include discussion of same sex relationships.
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Shaw Group Asks Evans to Intervene on
Libraries
Robin Diener, rdiener@savedclibraries.org
Disheartened by downgraded designs for the new Watha T. Daniel
neighborhood library in Shaw, advocates from the Shaw Library Study
Group have asked Councilmember Jack Evans to intervene with the DC
Public Library. The group notes that DCPL has not adequately addressed
other concerns as well in its community input processes, and was already
taken to task by the local Advisory Neighborhood Commission 2C. Last
month, in a unanimous vote, commissioners of the Shaw ANC 2C cited DCPL
for not having “lived up to its legal obligation to invite ANC’s
into the library transformation process in any meaningful way.” DCPL
did not immediately respond to the ANC resolution, but shortly
thereafter announced a “final” community design meeting for
Wednesday September 4, causing the Study Group to turn to its
councilmember to bring all parties to the table before it’s too late.
“There is still time to hammer out refinements,” said Barbara
Carter, one of the study group members who visited with Evans staff last
week to request his intervention. “Everyone wants the same thing –
the best possible library under the circumstances.” Watha T. Daniel
Library in Shaw was closed for rebuilding in December 2004, but the
four-million-dollar design plans were deemed inadequate by the Board of
Library Trustees. New plans for a sixteen-million-dollar library were
presented on January 30. The community responded favorably to the
overall design — a glass jewel box set in a triangle along Rhode
Island Avenue — but recent updates show glass on only one side. DCPL
cited cost constraints as the reason for the change.
In addition to restoring the glass, the Study Group is asking for: a
more distinctive entrance, prominent security, a cafe, green elements, a
dedicated computer training lab, space for adult literacy programming
and senior activities. The group has also asked to see a line item
budget in order to help the community understand spending limitations
and priorities. Text of ANC-2C Resolution: http://www.districtdynamos.org/dynamos/shaw/reports/anc_2c_declaration_july_08.
Compare basic designs from January and June: http://www.districtdynamos.org/dynamos/shaw/library_evolution.
Detailed Current DCPL Design Plans for Watha T. Daniel Neighborhood
Library: http://www.dclibrary.org/dcpl/cwp/view.asp?a=1273&q=568410.
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CLASSIFIEDS — EVENTS
DC Vote Pre-Convention Meeting, August 21
Eugene Dewitt Kinlow, DC Vote, info@dcvote.org
Join DC Vote at the Democratic National Convention and Republican
National Convention. Are you headed to Denver for the Democratic
Convention, August 25-28? Please join Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes
Norton, DC Vote, and DC for Democracy, this Thursday evening for a DNC
briefing. We’ll be discussing our strategies for raising the issue of
DC voting rights through canvassing, events, volunteer activities, and
more. The event is open to all, including volunteers, convention
delegates, elected officials, and media.
Please note the new time and location for this meeting on Thursday,
August 21, 6:00 p.m., at Bohemian Caverns/Mahogany Restaurant and
Lounge, 2001 11th Street, NW. Also, stay tuned for DC Vote’s plans to
highlight DC voting rights at the Republican National Convention,
September 1-4.
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Brookland Demands Undergrounding of Power
Lines, August 23
Anne Anderson, mobileanne@earthlink.net
The Brookland community will hold a march and rally to demand that
the District ‘underground’ the overhead power lines on Brookland’s
commercial corridor as part of the Brookland Streetscape project. The
“Leave the Trees” Coalition has invited Mayor Adrian Fenty, Council
Chairman Vincent Gray, Councilmember Harry Thomas, Jr., and other
District officials to join the Brookland community. The march will be on
Saturday, August 23, beginning at 9:00 a.m.; the rally and press
conference will begin immediately following the march, at 10:00 a.m. The
march starts at 12th Street, NE, and Rhode Island Avenue, NE. The rally
and press conference will take place at 12th Street, NE, and Monroe
Street, NE, St. Anthony’s.
For years, DDOT has been holding meetings in the Brookland
neighborhood, ostensibly seeking community input into the Brookland
streetscape project. At these meetings, the neighborhood has emphasized
its priority of undergrounding the power lines. A streetscape project
that fails to underground the power lines is not a true streetscape
project. “Undergrounding” the overhead power lines on Brookland’s
commercial corridor will allow: 1) healthy trees to grow, trees that are
not hacked by utility crews. 2) The installation of proper pedestrian
lighting that will result in a safe, well-lit commercial corridor.
Proper pedestrian lighting cannot be installed with overhead power
lines. 3) The full economic benefits of a streetscape project.
Streetscape projects are drivers of real economic reinvigoration.
Failure to underground the power lines will rob Brookland of many of the
economic benefits of a streetscape project. Other District streetscapes
include below-ground power lines for safety and economic vibrancy. Why
should Brookland be different?
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Fun Family Films Under the Stars, August 22-24
John A. Stokes, john.astokes@dc.gov
The District’s Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) will hold
“Fun Family Films Under The Stars,” its 2008 Family Movie Night
Season, this summer. “Fun Family Films Under The Stars,” which
continues until late-September, will afford residents of all ages and
families of all sizes the opportunity to enjoy viewing the free,
family-oriented films in DPR’s outdoor settings. As in previous years,
viewers are invited to bring their own snacks, chairs, and blankets.
This year, District residents will have a greater selection of viewing
locations. Movies will be shown from 8:45 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Community members who arrive early enough for each screening will
have the opportunity to place a vote between two movies that may be
shown that evening. The movie that receives the most votes will be
shown.
Friday, August 22, Florida Park, 1st Street and Florida Avenue, NW
Friday, August 22, Guy Mason Recreation Center, 3600 Calvert Street, NW
Saturday, August 23, Trinidad Recreation Center, 1310 Childress Street,
NE
Saturday, August 23, Benning Park Community Center, 51st and Fitch
Street, SE
Sunday, August 24, Langdon Park Recreation Center, 2901 20th Street, NE
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Leprosy and Stigma, August 27
Jessica Stark, nmhminfo@afip.osd.mil
Elizabeth Schexnyder, Curator, The National Hansen’s Disease
Museum, will speak on “Carville: The Landscape of Stigma,” at an
afternoon coffee talk at the National Museum of Health and Medicine (on
the campus at Walter Reed Army Medical Center). Join a discussion on how
the fear of leprosy led to displays of stigma associated with the
disease. Learn how “othering” human beings diagnosed with leprosy
shaped the unique social and physical landscape of the National
Leprosarium at Carville, Louisiana.
Wednesday, August 27, 2:00-3:00 p.m., at Russell Auditorium (AFIP,
Bldg. 54), 6900 Georgia Avenue, NW, at WRAMC. For directions, go to http://www.nmhm.washingtondc.museum/about/directions.html.
Free; coffee also included. Parking is available. Photo ID required. For
more information, go to http://www.nmhm.washingtondc.museum
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Community Design Meeting for Shaw Library,
September 4
Martha Saccocio, martha.saccocio@dc.gov
Please join DC Public Library staff, your neighbors, and the firm of
Davis, Brody, Bond Aedas for the final community meeting to discuss the
design of the new Watha T. Daniel-Shaw Neighborhood Library. Thursday,
September 4, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Watha T. Daniel-Shaw Interim
Library, 945 Rhode Island Avenue, NW. For more information, please visit
the DCPL web site at http://www.dclibrary.org
or contact Archie Williams at archie.williams@dc.gov
or 727-1437.
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DC Library’s Adult Literacy Volunteer Fair,
September 11
Ben Merrion, benjamin.merrion@dc.gov
The DC Public Library and the literacy advocacy group DC LEARNs will
host our fifth annual Adult Literacy Volunteer Fair on Thursday,
September 11, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Martin Luther King,
Jr., Memorial Library, 901 G Street, NW, in the Great Hall (Main Lobby).
The event will feature representatives from numerous literary
organizations in the city, who will counsel prospective volunteers on
the programs, training, and opportunities available, whether it’s
helping adults learn to read, earn a GED, or grasp the basics of English
as a second language. For more information and to RSVP, call Ben Merrion
at 727-2431 or E-mail benjamin.merrion@dc.gov
by September 8.
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CLASSIFIEDS — HELP WANTED
I am looking for an interpreter and translator who can translate from
English to any foreign language or vice-versa. I have a project at hand
that demands some vital language learning. This book has been written to
help parents know their duties and obligations to kids from ages two to
twelve years. I will like to know your area of specialization and also
what languages you know, as this book will be published and distributed
around the world. The book contains twenty-five pages; the word count in
English is nine thousand to eleven thousand. I will need to know the
cost and your contact information. Once we agree on a payment, I will
send you a copy of the book through fax or mail. You can also contact me
at 909-539-9640 or by E-mail. I am not requesting editing, only
translation, but I hope you will be able to finish this job within one
month. The book is titled What Teenagers Need from their Parent.
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CLASSIFIEDS — RECOMMENDATIONS
Handyman Service
Taylor Simmons, ttsimmons at aol dot com.
Folks, I’d like to recommend Colonel Josh Handyman Service. I’ve
known Josh Arnson for twenty-five years and can personally vouch for his
fix-it skills and integrity. He’s recently installed for me a
dishwasher, kitchen faucet, and shutoff valves, and also bondo’d some
rusty areas of my car to help get it passed through DC inspection.
All your handyman needs. Electrical, plumbing, painting, assembly.
Sash window cord repair specialist. Reasonable rates and references
available. Call Josh Arnson 631-3376 or E-mail josharnson@hotmail.com.
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