Congratulations Cassidy !

Forgive my unabashed bias, but congratulations to the students, faculty, parents and leadership at Cassidy School on their cool Transition Index of 123. Very nice.

This finish places Cassidy back on top among elementary schools in Fayette County.

Other Fayette County Notables include:

Rosa Parks @ 122
Veterans Park @ 119
Scapa At Bluegrass @ 118
Meadowthorpe Elementary @ 117 !
Maxwell Spanish Immersion Elem @ 114
Dixie Elementary Magnet @ 114
Glendover Elementary @ 113
Stonewall Elementary @ 111
And check out ....Ashland Elementary @ 111

And ...All above 100

Athens-Chilesburg Elementary
Clays Mill Elementary
Picadome Elementary
Yates Elementary
Julius Marks Elementary
Sandersville Elementary
Lansdowne Elementary
Liberty Elementary
Squires Elementary
Northern Elementary
Garden Springs Elementary

Overall, the FCPS elementary scores looked pretty strong to me. Yes, I know the popular rhetoric is that we must do more quicker. That's true enough. But some historically unproductive schools have really turned around and that means more children of poverty are getting off to a better start in life.

We all do better when we really try.

In fact only one Fayette County elementary school showed a steady decline in performance and that was the Booker T Washington Academy. The data say that school is going in the wrong direction.

Somewhere....Peggy Petrilli is smiling.

Check out the numbers for your favorite schools at KASC.

District flunked test on evaluating school principals

Disappointed by the silent treatment Fayette County has given the issue of principal evaluations, while they rest on the board attorney's public proclaimation that the district was doing exactly what they should be doing, I whipped together a little piece that ran in the Herald-Leader today. It won't be new to KSN&C readers. ...just reworked, and said a little louder.

PETRILLI TRIAL REVEALED WEAKNESS

By Richard Day in the Herald-Leader:

At issue: Herald-Leader editorial, July 31: “The rest of the story; Petrilli case leaves troubling questions.”

A surprising revelation from Peggy Petrilli’s unsuccessful racial discrimination suit against Fayette County Superintendent Stu Silberman was that principals rarely — if ever — get marked down on their evaluations.

A Herald-Leader editorial was correct to say, “the district must do a better job of evaluating employees. ... employees who aren’t accurately graded can’t really be expected to improve.”

Given his considerable talents, it must have been difficult for the editorial board to pen comments critical of Silberman, although they softened it as much as they could. Their assessment that problems existed with “the district” deflected responsibility. And writing that “employees” weren’t being marked down takes the focus off principals, the real issue.

Silberman testified that he was aware of numerous problems at Booker T. Washington Academy, but incredibly, the Herald-Leader claims he “had no inkling of the irregularities that would later be discovered.”

Silberman told the jury that the district immediately reported allegations that Petrilli was cheating on state tests to the Kentucky Department of Education. In fact, before her resignation, the board attorney advised Silberman to suspend Petrilli, but he refused.

No inkling? C’mon.

Silberman testified, “It was an ongoing litany of problems and we supported Peggy in every single one of them... please understand there was a problem every other day.”

The jury heard that she demoted fourth graders on the first day of testing, monkeyed with test booklets, muffed hiring practices, created tremendous staff turnover, went back on agreements, ignored students’ individual education plans, jeopardized Reading First funding for 11 schools and made unilateral program
changes that damaged relationships.

The district showed, to great effect, that parents had reason to complain on grounds that had nothing to do with race, thus crippling Petrilli’s claim of a discriminatory conspiracy.

But you wouldn’t know any of it from looking at Petrilli’s stellar evaluations.

Silberman says they “supported Peggy.” But what the district really did was enable Petrilli by not using the evaluation system as it was intended: to motivate her to improve in areas where she was weak.

In a May 2008 editorial the Herald-Leader regretted its prior belief in “miracle-working” principals and noted “how eager everyone was to be gulled, to believe that all it takes is the right principal for kids who have almost no advantages to suddenly knock the lid off standardized tests.”

Has the paper really sworn off the idea of a savior, or just switched to superintendents? Having helped build the pedestal from which Petrilli fell, would they erect a new one for Silberman?

We should support our leaders when they are right and depart from them when they are wrong. But if leadership is not challenged through the evaluation system or in the public forum, the motivation to do better disappears.

State regulations already outline an evaluation system that will work, but only if the district uses it as designed.

Richard Day of Lexington is a former principal of Cassidy Elementary School.

Capturing the Twittering Bird

Just for the record...I wanted to capture my chirps (and some very poor photography) from the Petrilli v Silberman trial on KSN&C. For those of you who didn't follow the trial that way, they are time and date stamped and read from the bottom up.

KSN&C: Enabling Reform - a response to H-L's Friday editorial on Petrilli v Silberman. http://theprincipal.blogspot.com/7:34 PM Aug 2nd from web

Was Twitter worth doing? Let us know at Kentucky School News & Commentary. http://theprincipal.blogspot.com/12:14 PM Jul 29th from mobile web

A quick note of thanks to those of you who followed me during the trial. It was an interesting experiment in instant reporting.11:30 AM Jul 29th from mobile web

Jury finds for Silberman.3:36 PM Jul 28th from mobile web

Jury has reached a verdict.3:33 PM Jul 28th from mobile web

The jury has now had the case for 2 hrs and 30 min. The longer it goes...more likely the verdict favors plaintiff.3:24 PM Jul 28th from mobile web

...their own kids.2:44 PM Jul 28th from mobile web

McNeill: To side w/Plaintiffs "you have to reach the...insulting conclusion that Afr Am parents care more about Afr Am teachers than...2:44 PM Jul 28th from mobile web

Just looking at the jury, one does not get the sense that they are naturally radical... by any stretch.2:30 PM Jul 28th from mobile web

Golden used a jury nullification approach telling the jury they could do whatever they wanted.2:27 PM Jul 28th from mobile web

McNeill stuck close to the jury instructions...a real left brained approach. He told the jury what they couldn't do.2:26 PM Jul 28th from mobile web

Reflections on the closing arguments...2:25 PM Jul 28th from mobile web

Golden completes his close. Case goes to the jury.12:52 PM Jul 28th from mobile web

Golden begins his close.12:04 PM Jul 28th from mobile web

Re: Jury instructions...Those must be the best possible instructions for FCPS.11:54 AM Jul 28th from mobile web

Court in recess for 15 minutes. Golden to close next. Then the jury will get the case to deliberate over lunch.11:49 AM Jul 28th from mobile web

McNeill rests.11:46 AM Jul 28th from mobile web

McNeill begins close.10:47 AM Jul 28th from mobile web

Wow. So the central question of the case becomes THE big question for the jury. If they believe her resignation as written...it's over.10:43 AM Jul 28th from mobile web

If no...then jury proceeds to 8 pages of instructions on race discrimination, retaliation and whistleblower claims.10:41 AM Jul 28th from mobile web

If you answer Yes...you have found for the defendants...FCPS.10:36 AM Jul 28th from mobile web

...Booker T Washington Academy on August 27, 2007?10:34 AM Jul 28th from mobile web

"Question #1 Do you believe from the evidence that the plaintiff, Peggy Petrilli, voluntarily resigned from her position as Principal of...10:33 AM Jul 28th from mobile web

Jury instructions hinge on one question alone.10:30 AM Jul 28th from mobile web

After side bar..another break...McNeill prepares to close.10:27 AM Jul 28th from mobile web

Testimony concluded. Next up closing arguments and jury instructions.10:21 AM Jul 28th from mobile web

Golden completes his cross examination. Court in recess for 15 minutes.10:06 AM Jul 28th from mobile web

Visiting Russian judges are in attendance today. Court will resume in 5 minutes.9:13 AM Jul 28th from mobile web

Long debate - now @ 55 minutes - is delaying the start of today's testimony.8:56 AM Jul 28th from mobile web

KSN&C has been promised a copy of the final jury instructions when the jury goes into deliberation.8:27 AM Jul 28th from mobile web

Golden: Petrilli had no bargaining power...If you're not the person holding the gun, you don't waive anything.8:24 AM Jul 28th from mobile web

Ishmael: If the jury decides she voluntarily resigned, knowing her options, how is that not a waiver of any claims?8:22 AM Jul 28th from mobile web

Attnys and judge debate jury instructions. The focus is on whether the jury believes Petrilli voluntarily resigned.8:21 AM Jul 28th from mobile web

All parties present. Let the wild rumpus begin.7:58 AM Jul 28th from mobile web

Fearless ramblings on the outcome @ KSN&C. http://theprincipal.blogspot.com/7:57 AM Jul 28th from mobile web

Getting ready for Day 8! Petrilli v Silberman. First order of business...fussing over jury instructions.7:56 AM Jul 28th from mobile web

Across town Fayette Co Board gets ready to meet.5:43 PM Jul 27th from mobile web

McNeill concludes. Golden's cross will wait until morning when court will resume.5:39 PM Jul 27th from mobile web

Jury members are getting tired...checking the clock.5:34 PM Jul 27th from mobile web

Alva Clark on stand....McNeill plows old ground.5:14 PM Jul 27th from mobile web

Quick break. Alva Clark still on stand. If they plan to finish today...they better get a move on.4:26 PM Jul 27th from mobile web

McNeill calls Alva Clark.3:53 PM Jul 27th from mobile web

Lynch chairs the Concensus Forecasting Group.3:08 PM Jul 27th from mobile web

Lynch is attorney...experienced in public administration and forensic economics.3:04 PM Jul 27th from mobile web

Trial resumes. McNeill calls Lawrence Lynch.3:01 PM Jul 27th from mobile web

Stone excused. PM break. 3 more witnesses to go.2:30 PM Jul 27th from mobile web

Golden: Would this document justify taking an adverse employment action against Peggy a year later?2:22 PM Jul 27th from mobile web

Stone recounts list of parent complaints.2:05 PM Jul 27th from mobile web

Lisa Stone takes the stand as trial resumes.1:04 PM Jul 27th from mobile web

The Plan: Finish all proof today. Come back tomorrow for closing and deliberations.11:50 AM Jul 27th from mobile web

Golden continues to show that whatever problems may have existed were all resolved and were not germane.11:48 AM Jul 27th from mobile web

Court in recess for Lunch.11:45 AM Jul 27th from mobile web

Golden begins cross of Dykes.11:10 AM Jul 27th from mobile web

Kathy Dykes still on the stand.10:55 AM Jul 27th from mobile web

Trial resumes10:54 AM Jul 27th from mobile web

McNeill continues to try to show that there were lots of reasons why parents were upset with Peggy that go beyond race.10:48 AM Jul 27th from mobile web

From Kathy Dykes: litany of complaints...non compliance10:35 AM Jul 27th from mobile web

..."too fast" "too focused" "left stakeholders behind" "stakeholders (PR)" "lessons learned"10:33 AM Jul 27th from mobile web

Young - Notes from Petrilli interviewers: "parents left behind"..."must have PR"...10:32 AM Jul 27th from mobile web

Jury in recess for 15 minutes.10:27 AM Jul 27th from mobile web

McNeill calls Sp Ed Dir Kathy Dykes.9:37 AM Jul 27th from mobile web

Notes from Jess interview not shredded as usual..admitted as exhibits.9:11 AM Jul 27th from mobile web

Young says Stu only relayed positive assessment of Petrilli.9:10 AM Jul 27th from mobile web

Conversation with Silberman re: Petrilli suit came after Jessamine passed on her.9:09 AM Jul 27th from mobile web

Young says Jess Co was concerned with circumstances surrounding BTWA from news stories.9:07 AM Jul 27th from mobile web

McNeill calls Jessamine Co Supt Lu Young.8:47 AM Jul 27th from mobile web

Jury enters. Trial continues with defense case. McNeill expects to finish his part today.8:44 AM Jul 27th from mobile web

Ishmael Overruling Plaintiff's motion: I'm troubled by each of those elements. I'm going to let the jury hear ...the proof on that.8:32 AM Jul 27th from mobile web

Ishmaeł on Defense motion for directed verdict: Petrilli had the requsite constitutional guarantees.8:29 AM Jul 27th from mobile web

Trial will proceed on 3 claims: Racial discrimination, Retaliation and whistleblower.8:26 AM Jul 27th from mobile web

Judge throws out Constitutional claims.8:24 AM Jul 27th from mobile web

Court is in session early. Judge expected to hear motions.8:14 AM Jul 27th from mobile web

Petrilli v Silberman Day 7 coming up soon.8:04 AM Jul 27th from mobile web

Just Posted @ KSN&C: Flash Poll. The jury will find for.... Tell us what you think. http://theprincipal.blogspot.com/11:00 PM Jul 25th from web

Just Posted @ Kentucky School News & Commentary Petrilli v Silberman Day 6: http://theprincipal.blogspot.com/5:19 PM Jul 24th from web

Court in recess until Monday morning.4:32 PM Jul 23rd from mobile web

Jurors indicate to Judge that they all can continue to serve next week.4:31 PM Jul 23rd from mobile web

Plaintiff rests.4:29 PM Jul 23rd from mobile web

Judge says it looks like another long day Monday...possible Tuesday.4:13 PM Jul 23rd from mobile web

Golden calls Brenda Allen. Court rules Allen does not have to appear due to attorney client privilege.4:10 PM Jul 23rd from mobile web

Judge confers with attorneys on remainder of trial.4:08 PM Jul 23rd from mobile web

Silberman excused.4:07 PM Jul 23rd from mobile web

Golden: "Wasn't the goal to send Carmen & Fabio out to her house, to pressure her to resign.4:00 PM Jul 23rd from mobile web

Golden bears down on Silberman.3:57 PM Jul 23rd from mobile web

Stu: That's the bottom line on this whole situation. I did not make Peggy leave.3:39 PM Jul 23rd from mobile web

"Did you throw Peggy under the bus? Stu "Oh no. Peggy made the decision to leave."3:31 PM Jul 23rd from mobile web

Court resumes. Stu still on the stand.3:02 PM Jul 23rd from mobile web

Court in recess.2:35 PM Jul 23rd from mobile web

After side bar...McNeilll begins cross.1:45 PM Jul 23rd from mobile web

Golden: "Didn't you decide it would just be easier to turn your back on Peggy?" Stu: "That is just not true."1:44 PM Jul 23rd from mobile web

Golden concludes. McNeil reserves right to recall Silberman. Does not cross.1:40 PM Jul 23rd from mobile web

Stu: Peggy could have gone back to BTWA.1:39 PM Jul 23rd from mobile web

Stu is back on the stand. Lisa Stone is probably next.1:05 PM Jul 23rd from mobile web

Trial resumes.1:04 PM Jul 23rd from mobile web

McNeilll's client is Stu but it's also the Board. Is that the thing? ? ? ?12:41 PM Jul 23rd from mobile web

Doesn't Stu own the privilege? Can't he waive it at will? Hummmm.12:35 PM Jul 23rd from mobile web

...but he didn't say everything he wanted to citing priv. My question is....12:33 PM Jul 23rd from mobile web

...attny/client priv. Stu told the jury he wanted to answer and that "it was critical." ...12:32 PM Jul 23rd from mobile web

Is there a lawyer in the house? Before lunch Golden asked Stu a question involving the board attorney. McNeilll cautioned Stu about ...12:30 PM Jul 23rd from mobile web

This AM: Ishmael admonished attorneys "Remember Rule # 1...Attnys ask...Witnesses answer...and can explain.12:22 PM Jul 23rd from mobile web

Stu said: I knew her to be an outstanding instructional leader...had a significant issue with management...relationships12:14 PM Jul 23rd from mobile web

Court in recess until 1PM11:22 AM Jul 23rd from mobile web

Stu: Sir, There was nothing more that I wanted than for Peggy Petrilli to succeed11:17 AM Jul 23rd from mobile web

Stu on Aug 22 Mtg:I thought it was just one more thing that Peggy had gotten us into. I was there to smooth things out.11:15 AM Jul 23rd from mobile web

Trial resumes with Silberman back on the stand.10:43 AM Jul 23rd from mobile web

Golden adopts a more combative tone with Stu.10:35 AM Jul 23rd from mobile web

Court in recess for 10 minutes. Judge has conflict @ 11:30.10:32 AM Jul 23rd from mobile web

Stu takes the stand.9:48 AM Jul 23rd from mobile web

Council selection was by consensus. "We all had to agree."9:39 AM Jul 23rd from mobile web

McCuley: On Council selection of new principal - Berry wanted more "diverse" candidates. Requested more from Stu.9:37 AM Jul 23rd from mobile web

Another juror was excused before this morning's session. Down to 12. No more alternates.9:33 AM Jul 23rd from mobile web

Golden calls BTWA teacher Leigh McCuley.9:07 AM Jul 23rd from mobile web

Court back in session.8:53 AM Jul 23rd from mobile web

Petrilli v Silberman Day 6...coming up.8:39 AM Jul 23rd from mobile web

Just Updated @ KSN&C: Petrilli v Silberman Day 5 http://theprincipal.blogspot.com/7:01 AM Jul 23rd from web

Court in recess until morning. Coleman excused.5:32 PM Jul 22nd from mobile web

Golden redirect of Coleman.5:22 PM Jul 22nd from mobile web

Judge announced that excused jurors brother passed away.4:57 PM Jul 22nd from mobile web

Jury asks for 5 minute recess. Coleman on stand.4:50 PM Jul 22nd from mobile web

McNeill begins cross examination of Coleman.4:25 PM Jul 22nd from mobile web

Coleman: She was supposed to call...next thing I knew she had an Attorney and I was out of the loop.4:24 PM Jul 22nd from mobile web

Golden: Do you remember !tu makikng the decision that she had to resign or retire?...4:22 PM Jul 22nd from mobile web

Cranfill excused. Golden calls former FCPS dIrector Carmen Coleman.3:37 PM Jul 22nd from mobile web

Golden calls Calvin Cranfill. CPA.3:11 PM Jul 22nd from mobile web

...If everybody is having a problem with Bob. The problem is probably Bob.3:10 PM Jul 22nd from mobile web

McLaughlin testified he spoke to Petrilli about Maxwell's "Bob Principle"...3:09 PM Jul 22nd from mobile web

Court back in session...but giving the jury some time to regroup.3:05 PM Jul 22nd from mobile web

Juror became upset upon receiving some bad news related to the health of a family member and was excused.3:04 PM Jul 22nd from mobile web

McNeill finishes cross. Court in recess for 15 minutes.2:45 PM Jul 22nd from mobile web

Court resumes with Bob McLaughlin on the stand. McNeill to begin cross examination.1:30 PM Jul 22nd from mobile web

Court in recess for lunch.12:00 PM Jul 22nd from mobile web

...told her to go slow...relationships first.11:55 AM Jul 22nd from mobile web

McLaughlin warned Petrilli in advance old historical trust issues between BTW and FCPS, he testifies.11:54 AM Jul 22nd from mobile web

Golden calls Bob McLaughlin.11:16 AM Jul 22nd from mobile web

Jones says: Over the years...always at the top of the list was Afr Am males11:16 AM Jul 22nd from mobile web

Court resumes. Golden calls Cheryl Jones...by video deposition.10:48 AM Jul 22nd from mobile web

Re: Not liking Berry...I've been married 48 years and there have been days we didn't like each other10:46 AM Jul 22nd from mobile web

...by November he had policies on discipline and committees10:44 AM Jul 22nd from mobile web

On cross...Gum says he always talked with parents about out of area requests...10:43 AM Jul 22nd from mobile web

...that Berry was opinionated and could fly off the handle but he never had a problem with Alva Clark10:42 AM Jul 22nd from mobile web

...said that the next principal would be better off without Berrry and Clark...10:40 AM Jul 22nd from mobile web

Gum testified that the instructional piece was in place and he focused on relationship building10:39 AM Jul 22nd from mobile web

Gum excused. Court in recess for morning break.10:26 AM Jul 22nd from mobile web

Golden redirect. Back to McNeill.10:20 AM Jul 22nd from mobile web

McNeill cross examines Gum.9:48 AM Jul 22nd from mobile web

Golden calls Jock Gum...followed Petrilli as interim @ BTWA8:48 AM Jul 22nd from mobile web

Court is in session for Day 5 Petrilli v Silberman8:44 AM Jul 22nd from mobile web

Also posted: Did the Jury Buy Buddy? http://theprincipal.blogspot.com/8:34 AM Jul 22nd from mobile web

Posted at KSN&C: Petrilli v Silberman Day 4 http://theprincipal.blogspot.com/8:32 AM Jul 22nd from mobile web

Wiseman concludes and court is in recess until 8:45 tomorrow morning.5:16 PM Jul 21st from mobile web

Wiseman is now Asst Supt in Paris.4:54 PM Jul 21st from mobile web

Connor excused. FCPS DPP Gary Wiseman called.4:53 PM Jul 21st from mobile web

Golden completes direct...McNeill begins cross.4:24 PM Jul 21st from mobile web

Berry excused. Golden calls Barbara Conner...FCPS civil rigths compliance officer.4:11 PM Jul 21st from mobile web

Court resumes with Jessica Berry still on the stand. Berry says teachers complained about the low teacher retention rate...3:08 PM Jul 21st from mobile web

Court in recess for 15 minutes.2:43 PM Jul 21st from mobile web

...saw administrators in room with tests..looked like erase marks...2:40 PM Jul 21st from mobile web

Berry: It was my understanding admin were not supposed to be in contact with tests.2:39 PM Jul 21st from mobile web

...one by one, while Berry testifies who offered each complaint.2:37 PM Jul 21st from mobile web

McNeill is working Berry through the 2 1/2 page list of complaints from Aug 22 mtg.2:35 PM Jul 21st from mobile web

BOE member Becky Sagan is in the gallery this PM.2:31 PM Jul 21st from mobile web

McNeill cross examines Berry. Berry is very matter of fact with both Golden and McNeill.2:11 PM Jul 21st from mobile web

Trial resumes. Golden calls Jessica Berry.1:21 PM Jul 21st from mobile web

will the jury see him as too smooth?1:20 PM Jul 21st from mobile web

...on the stand, he presented himself as a smooth individual...crafting his answers.1:20 PM Jul 21st from mobile web

Thoughts on Clark: Much of Petrilli's case, it seems to me, depends on the jury seeing Clark as someone who was reacting from anger...1:18 PM Jul 21st from mobile web

Afternoon line up includes Jessica Berry, Barbara Connor, Jock Gum, with Gary Wiseman on hold.12:09 PM Jul 21st from mobile web

McNeill concludes cross examination.12:04 PM Jul 21st from mobile web

Judge adds Twitter to his list of jury admonitions as court is in recess for lunch.12:03 PM Jul 21st from mobile web

McNeill begins cross examination of Buddy Clark.11:13 AM Jul 21st from mobile web

Clark testifies has had heard of people threatening to go to the media...but not picketing.11:04 AM Jul 21st from mobile web

Court resumes...Clark still on the stand.10:57 AM Jul 21st from mobile web

Did Clark threaten FCPS with fed suit? Clark: It was an option but we didn't want it..."10:55 AM Jul 21st from mobile web

According to Buddy Clark he didn' have anything to do with letters written to Silberman' except for the actual language.10:32 AM Jul 21st from mobile web

Golden continues to grill Clark.10:03 AM Jul 21st from mobile web
Golden calls Buddy Clark.8:56 AM Jul 21st from mobile web

Amanda Main Ferguson is back for more.8:46 AM Jul 21st from mobile web

Court in session. FCPS COO Mary Browning is in the house.8:45 AM Jul 21st from mobile web

Petrilli v Silberman Day 4 coming up in a few minutes. Barbara Conner is in the hallway.8:27 AM Jul 21st from mobile web

Golden conclues. Court in recess until morning. Judge warns...trial is moving slower than anticipated.5:24 PM Jul 20th from mobile web

McNeill concludes. Golden redirect.5:17 PM Jul 20th from mobile web

McNeill continues his cross examination of Peggy Petrilli.3:38 PM Jul 20th from mobile web

Court resumes3:33 PM Jul 20th from mobile web

Walther testified the he advised Petrilli that cost of defending would be $25 K + and that's only through hearing level.3:33 PM Jul 20th from mobile web

Walther says district investigations typically are concluded within 20 days.3:30 PM Jul 20th from mobile web

Walther excused. Court takes 15 min recess.3:08 PM Jul 20th from mobile web

Walther explains what it takes for a principal , non-KEA, to sue while unemployed. No income. High fees.2:11 PM Jul 20th from mobile web

Weinberg: It was very obvious to me that Jessica Berry and the Clarks wanted an Afr Am principal1:55 PM Jul 20th from mobile web

Weinberg says Stu threw Peggy under the bus.1:53 PM Jul 20th from mobile web

After cross - Weinberg excused. Golden calls Attny Jeff Walther.1:51 PM Jul 20th from mobile web

After side bar judge announces the court is going to take 2 witnesses out of order. Golden calls Alice Weinberg.1:31 PM Jul 20th from mobile web

I get the feeling McNeill is just warming up...expect him to dominate much of the afternoon1:25 PM Jul 20th from mobile web

Court resumes with Petrilli back on the stand for cross examination from McNeill1:21 PM Jul 20th from mobile web

By law, it was the council, not Silberman, that chose the permanent replacement, a black female.1:04 PM Jul 20th from mobile web

McNeill effectively argues that when Silberman chose the interim replacement it was a white male.1:02 PM Jul 20th from mobile web

Golden must prove that"Petrilli was replaced by a person of a different race"1:01 PM Jul 20th from mobile web

In this morning's cross, McNeill took dead aim at the racial discrimination charge.1:00 PM Jul 20th from mobile web

Court in lunch recess....McNeill continued to score points related to the circumstances surrounding resignation.12:02 PM Jul 20th from mobile web

Court resumes10:38 AM Jul 20th from mobile web

Shout out to FCPS BOE member Amanda Main Ferguson who is in attendance.10:17 AM Jul 20th from mobile web

McNeill pounds on the fact that none of Petrilli's present claims came up in her resignation letter or efforts to get job in Jessamine Co10:07 AM Jul 20th from mobile web

...shows effective coaching.10:05 AM Jul 20th from mobile web

Petrilli keeps cool and faces jury not McNeill despite his suggestion to the contrary.10:04 AM Jul 20th from mobile web

Petrilli under fire as McNeill tries to shake her testimony.10:03 AM Jul 20th from mobile web

Here come da Judge.8:49 AM Jul 20th from mobile web

McNeill will try to shake Petrilli's characterization of events in front of the jury.8:48 AM Jul 20th from mobile web

The case will resume with John McNeill's cross-examination of Peggy Petrilli. The show's about to begin.8:47 AM Jul 20th from mobile web

Petrilli v Silberman Day 3 is about to begin.8:46 AM Jul 20th from mobile web

Just Posted: "Instructions for the Jury" at Kentucky School News & Commentary. http://theprincipal.blogspot.com/7:42 AM Jul 19th from web

Just Posted: Stu's Warrior @ KSN&C http://theprincipal.blogspot.com/9:09 AM Jul 18th from web

Just posted @ KSN&C Petrilli v Silberman Day 2...http://theprincipal.blogspot.com/12:13 PM Jul 17th from mobile web

Holliday's pay $225,000; starts Aug 59:57 AM Jul 17th from mobile web

Find lots of background info on new Ed Commish Holliday @ Kentucky School News & Commentary9:42 AM Jul 17th from mobile web

Holliday Selected as Education Commissioner9:30 AM Jul 17th from mobile web

New Commish Expected this AM. Anybody seen Terry at the Holliday Inn? When I hear from Lisa Gross, Ill give a chirp.8:30 AM Jul 17th from mobile web

Just Posted @ KSN&C...HE SAID. http://theprincipal.blogspot.com/7:41 PM Jul 16th from mobile web

Court in recess until Monday morning @ 8:45.4:08 PM Jul 16th from mobile web

Golden finishes with Petrilli.4:06 PM Jul 16th from mobile web

Aug 26 HL says you were leaving BTWA. Did you ever say that? Petrill: "No"3:23 PM Jul 16th from mobile web

Judge mildly fusses at attorneys due to # of objections & side bars.3:07 PM Jul 16th from mobile web

BOE member Becky Sagan is in the house.3:06 PM Jul 16th from mobile web

Petrilli: He was very clear, emphatic, I could resign or retire.3:06 PM Jul 16th from mobile web

Petrill: Stu told me he had never seen such a hostile parent meeting as the one on Aug22, 20073:04 PM Jul 16th from mobile web

Lots of objectioms...side bars. When Petrilli says "secret meeting" McNeill objects.3:03 PM Jul 16th from mobile web

Court back in session. Petrilli still on stand.2:36 PM Jul 16th from mobile web

At the break Judge Ishmael made a comment that led me to believe he has discovered "those things called blogs."2:30 PM Jul 16th from mobile web

Court in recess with Petrilli still on stand. Golden is working through documents: 10 exhibits so far.2:15 PM Jul 16th from mobile web

Petrilli takes the stand.12:50 PM Jul 16th from mobile web

Ishmael has Grand Jury hearing. Jury doesn't want Petrill testimoný broken up, so court will recess until 12:4511:06 AM Jul 16th from mobile web

McNeill ends opening statement. Golden calls 1st witness...Peggy Petrilli11:02 AM Jul 16th from mobile web

Court back in session. McNeill to open for defense.10:03 AM Jul 16th from mobile web

Golden concludes opening. Court in recess for 15 minutes.9:44 AM Jul 16th from mobile web

For Goldens and outline of Golden's opening see: http://theprincipal.blogspot.com/9:23 AM Jul 16th from mobile web

Golden opening statement9:01 AM Jul 16th from mobile web

Day 2: Petrilli v Silberman -Trail Begins8:55 AM Jul 16th from mobile web

Judge reviewed rules for the courtroom concerning cameras and audio recording...and adjourned for the day.4:34 PM Jul 15th from mobile web

On trial dates judge anticipates closing each day in the 4:30-5:00 range.4:28 PM Jul 15th from mobile web

Tomorrow the trial will shift to Courtroom F...8:45am4:26 PM Jul 15th from mobile web

Jury seated...5 men, 9 women; 3 blacks, 11 whites4:19 PM Jul 15th from mobile web

Judge says, we'll get our jury and call it a day4:15 PM Jul 15th from mobile web

...says "This is a very unusual case...highly unusual circumstances...we're trying to do everything right4:14 PM Jul 15th from mobile web

Judge apologizes to jury for long wait and long day.4:12 PM Jul 15th from mobile web

Court back in session. Judge meets w/ attnys in sidebar.3:52 PM Jul 15th from mobile web

"I am embarassed by this but I assure you it is necessary, says judge.3:21 PM Jul 15th from mobile web

This break is for attorneys to research an important legal issue.3:20 PM Jul 15th from mobile web

After a long side bar with attorneys, Ishmael calls for antoher 15 minute break.3:19 PM Jul 15th from mobile web

Sorry. No video of opening arguments as planned.2:53 PM Jul 15th from mobile web

Had a nice chat with the judge during break...directed not to record audio...limited to 1 pic per witness2:51 PM Jul 15th from mobile web

Court in recess for 15 minutes2:33 PM Jul 15th from mobile web

Final juror candidate seated...is NOT a teacher...2:32 PM Jul 15th from mobile web

McNeill finishes voir dire. Another sidebar2:09 PM Jul 15th from mobile web

McNeill voir dire begins1:49 PM Jul 15th from mobile web

Golden does not ask his racial discrimination question again.1:28 PM Jul 15th from mobile web

Court back in session. Golden continues questioning.1:27 PM Jul 15th from mobile web

Waitin' for the judge1:20 PM Jul 15th from mobile web

Recess until 1:1511:57 AM Jul 15th from mobile web

Golden questions jurors11:57 AM Jul 15th from mobile web

Judge intros Silberman and defense attorneys11:20 AM Jul 15th from mobile web

Judge intros Petrilli and attnys.11:19 AM Jul 15th from mobile web

Juror w/5 mo old is excused11:17 AM Jul 15th from mobile web

Court resumes11:14 AM Jul 15th from mobile web

15 minute recess10:53 AM Jul 15th from mobile web

Judge admonishes jury not to read about case, watch TV, read paper, look up on Internet10:53 AM Jul 15th from mobile web

One juror excused and replaced10:48 AM Jul 15th from mobile web

6 have...and one potential juror is reading today's H-L on the front row.10:30 AM Jul 15th from mobile web

Anybody heard about or read about, or know about the case?10:28 AM Jul 15th from mobile web

...any language concerns?10:26 AM Jul 15th from mobile web

Ishmael_"We'll be conducting the case in good ol' Kentucky English...10:25 AM Jul 15th from mobile web

Lafayette tchr excused and replaced10:23 AM Jul 15th from mobile web

Replacement jurors called...one teaches @ Lafayette10:12 AM Jul 15th from mobile web

Five more excused for other reasons10:05 AM Jul 15th from mobile web

Four juror candidates w/FCPS connections excused9:57 AM Jul 15th from mobile web

Side bar...Attorneys question individual juror candidates9:37 AM Jul 15th from mobile web

Ishmael...Do you think that if you voted against bd you would lose job?9:31 AM Jul 15th from mobile web

10 in pool have connections with FCPS9:29 AM Jul 15th from mobile web

Judge questions jury pool9:28 AM Jul 15th from mobile web

08-CI-608 begins9:06 AM Jul 15th from mobile web

Judge James Ishmael presiding Silberman and Petrilli present9:04 AM Jul 15th from mobile web

Petrilli v Silberman begins9:03 AM Jul 15th from mobile web

Testing this device8:23 PM Jul 11th from mobile web

Petrilli v Silberman begins next Wednesday. I am considering Twittering the Trial. Good idea? Respond: http://theprincipal.blogspot.com/10:06 AM Jul 11th from web

Enabling Reform

It must have been difficult for the Herald-Leader’s editorial board to pen comments critical of Superintendent Stu Silberman. But they did it.

Oh sure, they softened and buried it as much as they could; but criticized nonetheless. “[T]he district must do a better job of evaluating employees… [E]mployees who aren't accurately graded can't really be expected to improve,” they wrote.

This assessment, while accurate, deflects attention away from Silberman who was clearly aware and supported Peggy Petrilli every step of the way. The editorial board is only sorry the judge didn’t allow the defense to pile on more than it did. Having helped build the pedestal from which Petrilli fell, the Herald-Leader would now like us to keep Silberman on his.

In H-L’s mind Judge James Ishmael erred by restricting evidence in the case to only what was known by the parties at the moment Peggy Petrilli resigned. They suggest that by not allowing the jury to hear evidence from a district report generated eight months later – a report that the plaintiffs were not allowed discovery on - the judge prevented jurors from hearing that Petrilli’s “academic successes were built on questionable and possibly fraudulent practices.”

But H-L fails to point out that this restriction was implemented with the full consent of the defense. In a June 23rd pre-trial hearing, where the ground rules for the case were discussed, school board attorney John McNeill told the judge,

“I don’t disagree with the report’s contents itself being off the table. Now, there were attachments to the report that dealt with matters prior in time to August 23, 2007…I think are obviously relevant. But, no, I think the court understands that issue well and I think the court’s tracking the right way on that.”

And by allowing those attachments, the jury heard plenty about Petrilli’s shortcomings including the testing allegations. In fact, Silberman told the jury that following a parent meeting on August 22nd the district reported allegations that Petrilli was cheating on the test to KDE.

Consistent with that same thinking, Ishmael’s focus on the moment of resignation gave the defense its biggest advantage in the form of jury Question #1:

“Do you believe from the evidence that the Plaintiff, Peggy Petrilli, voluntarily resigned from her position as Principal of Booker T Washington Academy on August 23rd, 2007?”

The jury answered “Yes,” and the trial was over without any other considerations.

H-L incredibly laments that “Superintendent Stu Silberman had no inkling of the irregularities that would later be discovered.” Silberman may not have always known in advance, or the extent of problems, but what he did know about administrative irregularities at Booker T could fill a book. Soon after that meeting, School Board Attorney Brenda Allen advised Silberman to suspend Petrilli, but he refused.

No inkling?!

Silberman testified,

“It was an ongoing…litany of problems…and we supported Peggy in every single one of them... please understand…there was a problem every other day...”

Silberman told the jury “you look at the number of management problems…from Peggy compared to all others…” and he gestured to indicate a tall stack of problems from Petrilli and a short stack for all other principals.

The district was able to put into evidence a long list of failings that showed with great effect that Petrilli's management and relationship problems gave parents a reason to distrust her administration of the school on grounds that had nothing to do with her race, thus crippling the idea of some kind of racial conspiracy.

In action after action, the district portrayed Petrilli as the principal who couldn't shoot straight. The jury heard that she muffed hiring practices, created tremendous staff turnover, went back on agreements, ignored special education students’ IEPs, demoted 4th graders on the first day of testing, jeopardized Reading First funding for 11 participating schools, advised staff members to do “illegal things,” and made changes with a level of intuitive caprice that damaged relationships with community partners and cut her off from those she would otherwise be leading.

But jurors also heard the story of school principals who got a kind of special evaluation that teachers could only dream of. No bad marks.

The district claims they "supported Peggy.” But it seems clear that what the district really did was enable Petrilli, by not using the evaluation system as it was intended; to motivate her to improve her performance in areas where she was relatively weak. It got to the point where district directors thought, "This is just one more thing Peggy has gotten us into."

In a May editorial following the long awaited release of the district’s investigation into BTWA, H-L regretted their praise of Petrilli and their belief in “miracle-working” principals.

H-L said,

“The most amazing thing about all this is how eager everyone was to be gulled, to believe that all it takes is the right principal for kids who have almost no advantages to suddenly knock the lid off standardized tests. People want to believe that because if all it takes is leadership, then schools don't need more money or teachers or days of instruction or better-trained teachers.”

True. But if that was a confession, it falls short.

No one was more eager to be gulled than the editorial board. H-L helped spread the news of the principal-as-savior and didn't want anyone to get in the way of the narrative. They wanted to print the legend.

H-L claims it has learned a lesson from setting Petrilli up on that pedestal. Now they are fighting to keep Silberman up there. That’s a mistake.

The truth is that Silberman is a zealous, hard-working leader. It’s not that he isn't deserving of praise for his dedication; he has fended off numerous entreaties to become education commissioner, but he should not be confused with a savior.

If the Herald-Leader wants to help the public improve the schools, perhaps they should tell the story of how difficult this work really is, and resist the temptation to join those who engage in politically-motivated easy speak that promises much while ignoring reality.