Message from Superintendent Francois

Dear Northshore Staff,

I recently had the opportunity to attend and participate in a discussion about the new Davis Guggenheim documentary "Waiting for Superman" with 25 students from our district's Teaching Academy program, high school principals and the president of the Northshore Education Association.  "Waiting for Superman" has received much press since its release last month and has added to an already vigorous debate about public education and the best ways to improve outcomes for all students.
 
"Waiting for Superman" presents compelling stories of mostly disadvantaged children whose lives will forever be influenced by their chances to attend a school other than their sub-standard neighborhood school.  The documentary clearly presents a bias in favor of charter schools and critical of teachers' unions.  I believe both views are simplistic and incomplete.

Recent research has demonstrated that the vast majority of charter schools perform no better, and in many cases worse, than their public school counterparts.  Voters in Washington have repeatedly said no to charter school initiatives.  Despite the portrayal of teachers unions, they serve an important and legal function to advocate for the needs of their members and improve classroom conditions.  And in my experience, union leaders can be helpful in removing or counseling out individuals who truly do not belong in the profession. 

That said, the status quo is simply not good enough for far too many students across America and even in our own community.  Improving outcomes for students struggling to achieve at high levels will require collaboration and partnership between districts, teachers, their representatives, parents and communities.  The Northshore School District remains committed to working in cooperation with all stakeholders to improve opportunities and outcomes for all students. 

The topics surfaced in "Waiting for Superman" ought to be civilly and rationally discussed.  Regardless of whether you share the viewpoints presented, I encourage you to see the film.  The conversation is one in which we should all have a voice. 

We're fortunate in Northshore to have many more advantages than the schools profiled in "Waiting for Superman":  a community that cares about, supports and has high expectations for quality public education; students prepared to learn from homes that reinforce the value of education; and talented, highly qualified staff committed to student success.  As I discussed "Waiting for Superman" with 25 Teaching Academy students who may one day be teachers in our schools, I felt much more encouraged and optimistic than I did leaving the theater.

Truly,

 Larry Francois, Superintendent

School Board Meeting Information
 
The next School Board meeting is Nov. 9, 4 p.m., in the Administrative Center Board Room.  To view agenda or read minutes of past School Board meetings, please click here.

Selected nominees will be featured in Staff BRAVOS on Northshore's Web site.  Be sure to visit   Staff BRAVOS to read about the wonderful accomplishments of our staff, departments and buildings.

• Athletics
• Cost Savings Idea Submission Form
• Employee Discount Program  
• Employee Online
  
• Heard it Through the Grapevine  
• Schools & Inclement Weather
  
• Staff BRAVOS
• Teacher Toolbox - Teacher Opportunities
• Puget Sound ESD One-to-One Newsletter
  
• Professional Development Classes
• Retirement Outlook Newsletter
• HomeStreet Bank Hometown Loan Program

Calendar
   
Oct. 27:   SEPAC Presentation, "Bullying," Administrative Center Board Room, 7 p.m.
Nov. 2:   General Election - Remember to Vote
Nov. 7:   Standard Time, Set Clocks BACK One Hour
Nov. 9:   School Board Meeting, Administrative Center Board Room, 4 p.m.
Nov. 11: NO SCHOOL - Veterans Day
Nov. 12: NO SCHOOL - Teacher Work Day
 
2010-11 District Calendars and Planner