By Antonio D. French
Filed Monday, July 17 at 9:43 AM
Forces are lining up on both sides of the debate about a the future of who controls the St. Louis Public Schools. The April election brought a change in control of the school board and the last vestiges of Mayor Francis Slay's three-year control of St. Louis Public Schools went out the door with the exit of now former Superintendent Creg Williams. But the manner of Williams' departure has now sparked public cries for the State of Missouri to intervene in the running of the district.
On Friday, after Williams resigned (many think he was forced out by the board majority) Slay and board members Bob Archibald and Ron Jackson publicly said they believe the state should take over the district. Almost immediately, the public relations campaign began. In the newspaper, on television, on the radio, and even on the Internet, the seeds have been planted to build support for a takeover.
"We're sharing this e-mail over the weekend, due to the seriousness of the dismal actions taken by the foolhardy majority of the St. Louis School Board of Education, said a mass email from someone calling himself "Rare Gentleman."
"As residents and taxpayers, we urge you to join us in calling for Governor Matt Blunt of Missouri to take over the St. Louis Public School System. On Monday get your friends and associates to call or write. Let the Jefferson City officials hear from you, no matter where you live," he wrote.
On the other side, supporters of the board majority also began organizing by email.
Nicholas Clement, a supporter of the two newly elected board members, Peter Downs and Donna Jones, sent out an email also encouraging people to call Kent King, the head of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
"Let him know you are opposed to the State taking over our district, whose board majority was recently elected by the people of St. Louis," wrote Clement. "The Republicans who own Slay do not think they are obliged to live by the government of the people, by the people, and for the people. This is a naked attempt by them to get around a democratically elected board."
"Archibald, Jackson, and Slay sound like a spoiled brats, who, if they can't own the school district are willing to smash it. That's the damn shame," he wrote.
People from both sides are expected to show up at tomorrow's school board meeting. The meeting will be at Carr Lane VPA Middle School, 1004 N. Jefferson Ave. The open session will be held at 7:00 p.m. in the school auditorium. People wanting to speak should show up early to sign up.
3 Comments:
Nicholas Clement is also very strong in the teachers union, he teaches at my son's school, I am not impressed by his abilities. Nor do I support any union members who stand behind the mediocrity of our teaching staff!!!!!!!
Monday, July 17, 2006 11:34:00 AM
In all the present confusion, the only thing I am absolutely certain about is that I do not want the state to take over. We would become a grand experiment!
Monday, July 17, 2006 7:15:00 PM
Let every Democrat remember that Francis G. Slay has openly invited one of the most right-wing Republican governors in the state's history to raid our schools.
Slay seems way more Gambaro than Smith these days.
Primary challenge in 2009! We need a real Democrat in Room 200.
Tuesday, July 18, 2006 8:35:00 AM
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