[Mpls] School Closings

[rpgoldman at real-time.com]

I am new to this process, so I wonder if anyone on the list could
enlighten me about the process.  If I understand the proposed process
correctly, the intention is to have the consultants present their
school closing recommendations on the 5th or so, followed by a
preliminary decision from the board on the 9th or so, followed by
public meetings around the 17th.  This seems to me to be a very rushed
process, and one that doesn't seem to fit the avowed intention of "get[ting]
public opinion on the direction of schools." [quote from a story of
Steve Brandt's]

Why the rush?  As a parent, my first impression is that this is an
attempt to get a decision, ram it through quickly before the community
can react, and be able to blame any outcome on the consultants.
Pushing through the decision at a time when the community will be
distracted by a tight Presidential race, taking their kids
trick-or-treating, and trying to get to grips with the school board
election, seems aimed at presenting the community with a fait
accompli.

Board accountability will be minimized by putting this
decision as far from an election as possible, by having the decision
made by a board containing lame ducks, and by allowing them to claim
that they were simply deferring to the consultants' recommendation.

I confess that this is only a first impression, and perhaps unjust.
I'm quite prepared to be corrected by people more familiar with the
facts.

Let me editorialize a little, though.  I am somewhat familiar with
other situations like this, and my impression is that successful
handling of such situations with consultants comes when the
consultants can present a recommendation, explain clearly to the
stakeholders the rationale for the decision, and help bring them all
together around the decision.  Sure, some unhappiness may remain, but
the rationale helps mollify discontented parties.  This process, on
the other hand, seems to be crafted to minimize meaningful citizen
participation.  I can't imagine that community/Board relations are
going to be improved by this, rather the contrary.

Thanks,
Robert


-- 

Robert P. Goldman
ECCO
rpgoldman at real-time.com