[Mpls] Draft Resolution on layoffs and realignments

[Michael Atherton]

Madeline Douglass wrote:

> Are Minneapolis teachers getting any support/action from
> this organization?
> http://www.educationminnesota.org/
> 
> Are Minneapolis schools getting shortchanged via this formula?
> http://www.startribune.com/stories/1592/4868654.html
> 
> Some teachers like Polly Smull will have a job(?) but not
> doing what they're accustomed to with the same students.
> http://www.startribune.com/stories/1592/4865572.html
> 
> What's the source of this mess anyway?

The teachers themselves, their union, the school board,
the DFL, and parents.  All of them are responsible for a 
contract that places their personal convenience before quality 
education and the needs of students.

John O'Neal wrote:

> I would like to see Minneapolis as an International city. 
> That requires an International quality education and 
> community outlook. Our students should have the opportunity 
> to be literate in at least two of the six official languages 
> of the United Nations. I used the term official language because 
> there are five Chinese languages and several distinct forms of 
> each of the other five. To do that, we need to start them in the 
> K-6 grades.

I believe that these statements help to illustrate how out
of touch many people are with the Minneapolis public schools.  
We have a problem insuring that all of our children are literate 
in ONE language let alone two or more.  Before we worry about 
International quality education, let's face up to our problems 
here in Minneapolis.  

Michael Atherton
Prospect Park