I think that we can have both (speaking to Mathlady). This isn’t a one or the other issue. While you make the point that students can double up at the Academy to make up for potentially lost time from the middle school, this does not address problems such as Reality Check had brought up earlier. RC made the claim that there were a fair amount of students in WMS who had taken 8th grade algebra and yet failed the Academy algebra placement exam. Sure we can double up at the Academy to make up for this, but I do not view this as a solution. We can also fix the problem at WMS and it shouldn’t be that difficult.

I brought up this issue at the BOE meeting on Thursday where parents were invited to participate in the development of the Board’s longe range planning. It was not only a very productive meeting but a great opportunity for parents to voice their concerns and have a say in what they want from their schools. I was grateful for the opportunity to participate and came away confident that this issue and others were not only addressed but that they would be acted upon.

Lindsey Paul suggested that the identification of this specific issue of algebra was important in that it may also lead to the identification of broader needs and help identify underlying issues that prevent such malallignments. One such underlying issue identified by Mr. Rosendahl was the need to strengthen communication between the WPS and the Woodstock Academy. I agree with him and mentioned that strong partnerships don’t mean both sides have to agree on every issue (except for placing the students first).

Though political impasses may bump the way, we do have, as Mathlady suggested, Math coordinators at the WMS and a fine chair of the Math Dept. at the Academy whom I’m certain can work this out. I am a believer that direct people to people communication can often times easily solve the most pressing problems.

Kevin Ford also brought up the idea that he had previously suggested on this website which was to develop the role of the BOE finance subcommittee. It was suggested by Mr. Ford that the subcommittee communicate more information to the public. I supported his idea and felt that the Board could turf specific financial concerns and complaints to this subcommittee so that they could be addressed in a more thorough, efficient, and personal manner.

There were many other issues discussed. Many concerns and needs addressed. I found myself siding with Mr. Corden who emphasized the point repeatedly that much of these long range strategies and objectives were dependent on funding. While the PTO and the WEF provide some relief, he felt that the BOE should work on communicating their needs and seek creative ways to obtain additional resources.

The BOE will compile these long range strategies and objectives and make them available in Sept.

Bill Sowka