Liveblogging the LCSD Special Session

I will try and liveblog the LCSD Special Session that's happening Monday, in case anyone wants to follow along. Consider yourself forewarned.

6:50 PM - Just got situated and online. There is no sign of the board and the room is almost full already. Wow.

7 PM - Kelley came out to announce that Wineteer told him they'd be another 15-20 minutes. Kelley had a really big smile plastered on his face.

7:15 PM - There are a lot of older white men in suits in the room, all carrying leather cases. I could be wrong, but they all look like attorneys. Meeting is starting.

Other notable attendees: Lyndon Brown, Jay Jackson, the Bauers, Tre Kennedy, Joyce Weatherly, etc.

7:16 PM - McUne makes motion "Whereas relationship between LCSD board and Superintendent has broken down, and that breakdown has caused a loss of focus on student achievement, and that etc. etc..... be it resolved that Superintendent and Board enter into agreement regarding negotiations about resignation of superintendent."

Shimmin seconds.

No discussion.

Vote: Unanimous (did not hear Fisher vote).

Room is alternating between shocked silence and applause.

Holy crap.

7:17 PM - Floor is open to audience comments.

Dave Champion - representing a number of parents in the audience. Noted that parents have signed in and ceded time to Dave. Has prepared statement on behalf of parents to read.

.... parents want to engage administrators and staff at LHS in constructive dialogue

List of requests from parents regarding 9/24 public meeting:

1. Linda Denham (??) a chance to speak.

2. Rep from teaching staff share thoughts on parent involvement, student performance, what they need from parents.

3. Group that visited Oregon City and Forest Grove present their findings.

4. List of concerns to be addressed and commented on by Mr. Finch at public meeting.
4a. That the academy system is not helpful.
4b. Cross-academy territorialism and intimidation is a bad thing [Dennis agrees wholeheartedly]
4c. Scheduling is fragmented, and this is problematic, especially for math.
4d. Suggested that forming departments rather than academies would be better.
4e. Early notification of parents. Want active, rather than passive, communication regarding the status of their children.
4f. Class schedules delivered too late. Need before first day of class - want at least two weeks before the start of class - and want staff available to address schedule corrections as required.
4g. Concerned that students are advanced a grade even when underperforming (defined as D or F). Worried about students falling further behind.

Concludes @ 7:23 PM.

Wineteer: Can we have a written copy?

Special session is over. Wineteer adjourns.