Finalists for Kentucky Commissioner of Education
Published comments from various newspapers
Richard La PointeAge: 64 Education: Bachelor's degree in history from the University of California at Berkeley; master's degree in Latin American Studies from UCLA; and a doctorate in comparative education from UCLA.
Family: Married with five daughters and four sons
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Note: I was unsuccessful finding much on Dr. La Pointe in recent years. I did find his name on lists of conference speakers and on federal vocational grant applications. I assume my difficulties are the product of his assimilation into the vast education bureaucracy.
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Richard LaPointe Tapped as New Director of High School, Postsecondary Education and Career Education
From U S Office of Education News Archives 2002
Assistant Secretary Carol D'Amico is pleased to announce that Richard La Pointe will be joining our staff. Richard has been appointed to the position of Director, Division of High School, Postsecondary and Career Education. As such, he will serve as the principal program advisor to the Office of the Assistant Secretary on matters related to high school, postsecondary and career education programs under the overall purview of the OVAE.
Richard has had an extensive career at the Department of Education. He has held various positions in Office of Elementary and Secondary Education, Office of Educational Research and Improvement, Office of Postsecondary Education, and the Office of the Secretary and is currently working for the Deputy Secretary. Richard also served as Senior Advisor to the Secretary at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, President of a major, not-for-profit literacy organization, and Superintendent of Public Instruction for the Commonwealth of Virginia.
He holds a Ph.D and Masters degree from U.C.L.A. and an A.B. from the University of California, Berkeley. While in Federal service he earned a certificate in Management from Harvard's Kennedy School of Government.
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In October 2001 the following vital was presented for Dr. La Pointe
at a conference on Study & Learning Abroad.
Richard T. La Pointe is Senior Advisor to the U.S. Deputy Secretary of Education. He is a former president of Laubach Literacy of Syracuse, NY, and Superintendent of Public Instruction for the Commonwealth of Virginia. Over the years, Dr. La Pointe has held numerous roles within the U.S. Department of Education, including deputy assistant secretary for Elementary and Secondary Education, director of the Fund to Improve and Reform Schools and Teaching, executive director of the National Council for Educational Research, special assistant to the Office of the Secretary for Private Education, and deputy director for Postsecondary Relations, Higher Education. He is also a former senior policy advisor to the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture.
Dr. La Pointe has been a Fulbright Fellow and a Title VI Foreign Language Fellow. He is a former Henry Toll and W. K. Kellogg Foundation National Fellow and was selected for three Secretary's Honor Awards from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Dr. La Pointe received an A.B. degree in history from University of California, Berkeley, and did graduate work at U.C.L.A., where he earned a master's in Latin American Studies and a Ph.D. in education.
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Lifetime of literacy manifest through service
Deseret News, The (Salt Lake City, UT)July 17, 1999
One of Richard T. La Pointe's earliest memories is watching his grandmother read to his grandfather from the Bible. Each evening at bedtime, just before turning out the light, his grandfather would lean back against his pillow, intertwine his fingers together across his chest and listen as his wife shared the night's verse of scripture. It was tradition.
This image has remained through the years with the now 56-year-old Richard La Pointe -- a symbol to him of the enriching power of reading on self and family. This deeply ingrained belief has served him well as a public school teacher and in later administrative positions and will now serve him as the new president of Laubach Literacy, an international literacy organization based in Syracuse, N.Y.
Brother La Pointe, a member of the McLean (Va.) 1st Ward and a member of the stake high council, took over the reins of the organization June 1 when the former president, Robert F. Caswell, retired after 17 years. The new president was chosen from among 172 candidates after a nationwide search.
In a Church News telephone interview, he expressed his pleasure in his new post. "I'm a teacher. Teaching those who cannot read and write is a pretty noble challenge. My whole career has been involved in literacy, teaching people to read and write. This position is just a logical extension."Laubach Literacy, a non-profit educational organization, is dedicated to helping adults of all ages learn to read, write, and gain math and problem-solving skills.
Founded in 1955 by literacy pioneer Frank C. Laubach, the organization has 1,100 member programs throughout the United States and 69 partner programs in 36 developing countries in Africa, the Middle East, Asia and Latin America. The vast majority of those involved are volunteers -- some 90,000 -- who either teach people in their communities to read or train tutors themselves.In addition, Laubach's international programs have collaborated with Latter-day Saint Charities, the Church's relief and development agency, in literacy and self-development projects in Bangladesh, Haiti, Zimbabwe, Cambodia, Mexico and Uganda. The current literacy section of the Church's Welfare Services exhibit at the Museum of Church History and Art in Salt Lake City includes photos of projects in which Laubach has cooperated with the Church.
To Brother La Pointe, literacy helps people unlock the door to their educational and spiritual potential. Ultimately, he declared, education is "to make life more enriching. It's the key to unlocking the door to happiness. We don't seek education for just economic reasons, but also for deep personal satisfaction and happiness."These threads of happiness seem woven throughout his family fabric."My family has about 150 years in education. My first teacher was my grandmother, who taught for 65 years. My father is a retired school teacher. My youngest brother is a school teacher. I'm a school teacher and my daughter has been accepted into the University of Virginia, in the School of Education," Brother La Pointe related.
This is not surprising, considering favorite family activities when he was growing up were having spelling bees and going to Shakespearean festivals. Brother La Pointe actually grew up in two communities. During the school year, he lived with his parents in West Pittsburg, Calif., and during the summer he lived in Ashland, Ore., with his grandparents. As a teenager, he learned about the Church through his best friend, Michael Lee. Missionaries visited the La Pointe home, and Brother La Pointe and two brothers were baptized. (Brother La Pointe baptized his 75-year-old mother two years ago.)
In Ashland, a logging town, he became familiar with Shakespeare. The citizens valued cultural events and built a replica of the Globe Theater to host a Shakespearean festival. From the time he was 3 years old to the time he left to serve in the Brazil Mission in the 1960s when he was 19, he attended the festival.The La Pointe family were also avid readers. This has carried over to his family today, consisting of his wife, Ann, and their nine children, ranging in age from 33 to 13. (Two sons are currently serving missions.)"In more recent times, I served as Scoutmaster for 12 years, and one of the important things I've done is read stories to my Boy Scouts around the campfires. [Literacy is] not only important to me and my family, but also to the young people I was entrusted with."These include children he taught and supervised throughout his educational career.
Most recently, he was superintendent of public instruction for Virginia. He has also served U.S. Presidents Ronald Reagan and George Bush in the U.S. Department of Education, was executive director for the National Council for Educational Research of the National Institute of Education, and was a senior policy adviser in the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
He and his family have also lived in California, where he is a former superintendent of schools, an English and history teacher and principal. At one time, he was also mayor of Concord, Calif. He received his doctorate in philosophy and master's degree from UCLA, his bachelor's degree from the University of California at Berkeley, and a certificate of management from Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government.
In his new position as president of Laubach Literacy, he intends on implementing a series of initiatives, including areas of family literacy, women and literacy, and a national scholarship book fund (generating resources to distribute books nationally and internationally to individuals and educational organizations).Brother La Pointe said there are some 40 million Americans with literacy challenges today. And, he added, "you cannot have a [truly] open society with people who are not literate."
SOURCE: NEWSBANK
Edition: AllSection: Church NewsPage: Z13
Index Terms: News
Copyright (c) 1999 Deseret News Publishing Company
Record Number: 9907190037
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LAUBACH LITERACY NAMES LEADER EDUCATOR RICHARD T. LA POINTE
WILL SERVE AS PRESIDENT OF THE SYRACUSE-BASED ORGANIZATION
Post-Standard, The (Syracuse, NY) - July 9, 1999
Syracuse-based Laubach Literacy, the world's oldest and largest literacy organization, has named Richard T. La Pointe its new president.La Pointe replaces Robert F. Caswell, who is retiring after 17 years.
La Pointe has served with the U.S. Department of Education in the Reagan and Bush administrations and with the National Institute of Education. A former English and history teacher, he has served as a school superintendent in Contra Costa County, Calif., and as mayor of Concord, Calif. Most recently, he was state superintendent of public instruction in Virginia.He received his bachelor's degree at the University of California at Berkeley, his master's and doctorate at UCLA and a management certificate from Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government.
Widely published, he has done field research in Brazil and lived in Japan."We are truly delighted to have Richard La Pointe as president of Laubach Literacy," Thomas E. Noel, chairman of the nonprofit's board, said in a prepared statement. "His unique combination of scholarship, leadership and practical experience will bring an exciting new vision and strong direction to our organization at a time when our nation and world face an increasing number of educational challenges, especially in the field of adult literacy."Laubach Literacy is dedicated to helping adults of all ages improve their lives and their communities through reading, writing, math and problem-solving skills. It has 1,100 member programs throughout the United States, Africa, the Middle East, Asia and Latin America, including The Learning Place in Syracuse.
SOURCE: NEWSBANK
Edition: FinalSection: LocalPage: B6
Copyright (c) 1999 The Herald Company
Record Number: 9907090095
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FOR STAPLETON, IT'S CHILDREN FIRSTAPPOINTMENT SIGNALS MOVE TOWARD MODERATION
Richmond Times Dispatch – 14 April 1998
The first thing Paul D. Stapleton did in his new downtown Richmond office was remove the historical portraits and put up framed artwork by children.The decor sums up the educational philosophy of Stapleton, who became the state superintendent of public instruction on April 1: children first.
It's a motto found on the gold lapel pin that adorns his jacket and on the colorful coffee mugs he passes out to employees as motivational reminders of a school system's focus."I was told once before that it was silly to get to the state level and start talking about children first, that that wasn't the way we did things," he said. "What else would you talk about? If you're heading the state Department of Education, what would be your priority if it wasn't the children? Because that's what public education is about."
Educators and legislators across the state praise the one-time school bus driver and elementary school teacher for having the leadership and people skills to lead Virginia's public schools into the 21st century as they embark on one of the nation's toughest accountability programs.He also is expected to help pull the state Department of Education out of the low morale that followed major staff cuts during the Wilder administration and reached a nadir during the tenure of Stapleton's predecessor, Richard T. La Pointe.
Insiders also believe Stapleton's appointment by Gov. Jim Gilmore signals a continuing move toward a moderate education policy and away from the perceived ideological bent that marked the administration of fellow Republican George Allen.
SOURCE: NEWSBANK
Edition: CitySection: Area/StatePage: B-1
Index Terms: SCHOOL; JIM GILMORE; APPOINTMENT; EDUCATION
Copyright 1998 Richmond Newspapers, Inc.
Record Number: 9804140265
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April 7 1998 – Newport News Daily Press
There's a note of optimism among state educators because of changes Gov. Jim Gilmore has made in the top leadership ranks. Most recently, Gilmore appointed Paul D. Stapleton as state superintendent of public instruction. Stapleton spent 11 years as school superintendent in Charlotte County, where he built a reputation as a miracle worker…
That will be a major change from the atmosphere of the last year when Richard La Pointe's management of the department created serious morale problems.
SOURCE: NEWSBANK
Edition: FinalSection: EditorialPage: A8
Index Terms: Editorials
Copyright 1998, 2000 Daily Press (Newport News, VA)
Record Number: 9804070136
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La Pointe Not Reappointed - Richmond Times-DispatchJanuary 17, 1998
[Virginia] Gov.-elect James S. Gilmore III yesterday appointed Scott Pattison as state budget director in his new administration…
Meanwhile, Richard T. La Pointe, state superintendent of public instruction, wasn't so lucky.
On Thursday, Gilmore's staff told La Pointe that he wouldn't be reappointed. A former education official in the Reagan and Bush administrations, La Pointe has been criticized by some in the legislature as too ideological.
The dumping of La Pointe is another indication that Gilmore will eschew the ideology-driven agenda of his predecessor who often had major fights with lawmakers over education and protection of the environment.
Yesterday, the former state schools' chief said he sought reappointment after serving 18 months in the Allen administration. He pointed proudly to the new accreditation standards and statewide testing program that were established during his tenure, accomplishments that both Allen and Gilmore have praised."I've carried out what Governor Allen has asked me to do, and I'm terribly pleased with the opportunity I had," La Pointe said yesterday.
SOURCE: NEWSBANK
Edition: CitySection: Area/StatePage: A-6
Index Terms: BUDGET; OFFICIAL; GOVERNMENT
Copyright 1998 Richmond Newspapers, Inc.
Record Number: 9801170167
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PARENTS TO GET SCHOOL REPORT CARDSIT WILL GIVE RATINGS ON HOW EACH PERFORMS IN FIVE AREAS
Richmond Times-Dispatch - 9 January 1998
"The school report card will clearly bring accountability to our schools," said [Virginia Governor George] Allen, the father of two elementary-age children. "If the school is doing well, [parents] will be happy. If schools continue to underperform, they will demand changes and improvements."The easy-to-read report cards also will let parents know at a glance what the new criteria are.
While educators will pore through the new accreditation standards, "Normal people will not read through the [Standards of Accreditation]," Allen said."That's why the school report cards are so important," he said. "It's one card, and it's printed on either side of the paper. Folks can laminate it if they so desire or pick their teeth with it."
The report cards will not contain any demographic data, such as racial or sex indicators. Richard T. La Pointe, state superintendent of public instruction, said local school divisions can add more information in an insert if they wish. The cards will be an abridged version of more detailed information that will be available, La Pointe said.
SOURCE: NEWSBANK
Edition: CitySection: Area/StatePage: B-1
Index Terms: GEORGE ALLEN; BOARD; EDUCATION; SCHOOL; REPORT
Copyright 1998 Richmond Newspapers, Inc.
Record Number: 9801090203
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COUNTDOWN TO STATE TESTS: MORE QUESTIONS THAN ANSWERS AS AN UNNKOWN DEADLINE DRAWS NEAR,
TEACHERS WORRY THAT THEY WON'T HAVE TIME TO PREPARE STUDENTS FOR THE TEST.
Virginian-Pilot, The (Norfolk, VA) - 5 January 1998
Texas-based Harcourt Brace Educational Measurement designed the field test and is contracted to design future tests. Committees made up of Virginia teachers and administrators review and revise the tests.The field test, James said, contained ``too many errors'' - including questions for which none of the proposed answers was correct.Virginia Beach's schools superintendent, Timothy R. Jenney, thought so, too.
In a letter to state Superintendent Richard T. La Pointe last spring, Jenney wrote: ``The scope and quantity of errors and flaws raise serious questions about the technical quality of the SOL tests and their value as measures of student achievement. . . . Tests which contain so many errors or which do not pass the scrutiny of external experts will never be embraced by teachers.''Citing more than three dozen examples, his letter itemized problems found by his staff including errors (one algebra question had no right choices), the testing of ``trivial information'' (the year the telephone was invented - 1876) and a mismatch between some questions and the curriculum standards…
…State Superintendent La Pointe predicted that the department, after looking at the results this summer, will propose a rate that will be considered by the Board of Education in the fall.The state, he said, would not bow to any pressure to artificially lower the pass rate to ensure that more students pass.
Critics fear that schools in low-income areas will have a particularly rough time meeting the accreditation requirement that 70 percent of their students pass the tests.``We will get the results back in midsummer, and we will have groups of national experts working with us,'' he said. ``My experience in this process is that there's a great deal of thoughtful care that goes into this.''
SOURCE: NEWSBANK
Edition: FINALSection: FRONTPage: A1
Index Terms: EDUCATION STANDARDIZED TESTING
Copyright (c) 1998 The Virginian-Pilot
Record Number: 9801050062
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On state funding - 12 December 1997 – Roanoke Times
The Commission on the Future of Education estimates the cost of curing much of what ails Virginia's schools at some $545 million in the next four years. That’s what it will take to embark on such initiatives as retraining teachers for new state tests, expanding programs for needy preschoolers and providing pay incentives for staff at the best schools…
Not every member of the commission endorsed the report.Richard La Pointe, state school superintendent and a Republican appointee, objected to some teacher retraining recommendations. The state already is taking those steps, he argued.
He also opposed a recommendation requiring fine arts in high school, saying it would reduce opportunities for students interested in vocational education.And he thought the commission's official cost estimates were too conservative. "I've tried to be fiscally responsible," La Pointe said after the meeting. This report "makes people feel good, but I don't think it's fiscally responsible."
SOURCE: NEWSBANK
Edition: METROSection: VIRGINIAPage: B1
Copyright (c) 1997 The Roanoke Times
Record Number: 9712120057
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On Family Life Education program - 24 May 1997 – Newport News Daily Press
The issue of counseling for elementary school pupils has spawned an ideological war among members of the State Board of Education considers tougher public school accreditation standards.The proposed standards would leave intact a requirement that elementary schools offer counseling. Some board members, however, want local school districts to decide for themselves whether to offer counseling.
Many conservatives claim counselors use inappropriate psychotherapeutic techniques that can cause more harm than good when practiced on very young children.Counselors say if such problems exist, they are rare and should be dealt with on an individual basis without obliterating a service that does a lot of good for children who often have nowhere else to turn…
…The standards were drafted by Superintendent of Public Instruction Richard La Pointe and put through a series of public hearings throughout the state. The standards recommend keeping the controversial Family Life Education program, a key component of which is sex education.
SOURCE: NEWSBANK
Edition: FinalSection: StatePage: C3
Dateline: RICHMOND
Copyright 1997, 2000 Daily Press (Newport News, VA)
Record Number: 9705240077
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On High Standards - 8 APRIL 1997 – Roanoke Times
State education officials, backed by Gov. George Allen, say high statewide academic standards are needed to prevent students -including culturally and economically disadvantaged children - from becoming victims of low expectations.But some teachers, parents and school administrators question whether all students can meet high expectations - and whether the push for higher standards will cause an increase in failures and dropouts.
Richard La Pointe, state superintendent of public instruction, doubts it. The dropout rate has declined in recent years and there is no reason to believe the trend will change, he said.
SOURCE: NEWSBANK
Edition: METROSection: VIRGINIAPage: C-1
Index Terms: MGR
Copyright (c) 1997 The Roanoke Times
Record Number: 9704080035
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ART AND MUSIC LOSE IN CULTURAL WAR,
EDUCATORS SAY TEACHERS WANT STATE TO RESTUDY REQUIREMENTS
Roanoke Times - 2 April 1997
Virginia high school students would have to study more history with fewer opportunities to take art and music courses if proposed new graduation requirements are approved…
… Some Roanoke County school officials are worried that the new requirements would mean students would take fewer art and music courses because they wouldn't have time for them….
…But Richard La Pointe, state superintendent of public instruction, defends the proposals, saying they would better prepare students for college and jobs. La Pointe said the standards are driven by the belief that the core subjects are more important.
The proposals are part of the effort by Gov. George Allen and the Board of Education to emphasize the basics and higher academic standards.
Students still would have the opportunity to take fine arts and vocational education courses, although there would be less time for electives, La Pointe said. State education officials said some students would begin taking required courses in the eighth grade to free up more time for electives during the later grades.
SOURCE: NEWSBANK
Edition: METROSection: VIRGINIAPage: C-1
Index Terms: MGR
Copyright (c) 1997 The Roanoke Times
Record Number: 9704020025
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On Accountability - 2 March 1997 – Virginian Pilot
A foot-high stack of memos and drafts at the state Department of Education documents the thorny path to the release last week of proposed standards of accreditation for Virginia's public schools…
In a Jan. 19 memo, for example, Board President Michelle Easton advised Superintendent of Public Instruction Richard La Pointe, ``Board members are not prepared to accept either your accreditation criteria or procedures at this time.''
A response, unsigned but apparently drafted by a DOE staff member, challenged her logic. ``Easton says that this is the area of `greatest concern,' but she cannot articulate why. . .
''Other documents suggest that board members and staff disagreed on an array of issues ranging from whether or not to mandate the teaching of family-life education to the question of whether to require that a specific percentage of classroom time be spent on English, math, social studies and science.
The competing ideas reflect the complexity of the task Gov. George F. Allen has assigned his education team: finding a way to judge public schools based on the performance of their students.The documents reveal, as well, some of the internal struggles in an administration where ideology wars with pragmatism.
La Pointe and Easton both came out of the Reagan administration, and both were appointed by Allen. But insiders say their current relationship is strained by Easton's more ideological orientation.
The document La Pointe presented last week warrants analysis both for its politics and its policy. Due to be threshed over in public hearings for the next two months, the outcome can affect the direction of Virginia schools for years to come.Essentially, the proposed accreditation plan is Step 2 in an overhaul that began earlier in the Allen administration with the adoption of tougher standards for what must be taught in classrooms…
SOURCE: NEWSBANK
Edition: FINALSection: COMMENTARYPage: J5
Index Terms: Opinion
Dateline: RICHMOND
Copyright (c) 1997 The Virginian-Pilot
Record Number: 9703010014
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TOUGHER STANDARDS
THE ALLEN ADMINISTRATION HAS AVOIDED IDEOLOGICAL PITFALLS BY KEEPING PERFORMANCE PARAMOUNT.
Virginian Pilot – 2 March 1997
In setting school accreditation standards, Gov. George F. Allen has commendably steered his state Board of Education away from ideological battles and has focused, instead, on basic accountability.Many feared that the proposed standards, unveiled this week, would prompt polarizing divisions by concerning themselves with emotional issues such as family-life education and the powers of guidance counselors. Correctly, the administration left such disputes for another day.
What Superintendent Richard La Pointe instead submitted was a thoughtful accreditation plan that toughens graduation standards, aims at ending social promotion, and demands - largely through a regimen of student-achievement tests - that public schools be more accountable to the families they serve…
..One potential controversy - timing - may have been put to rest when the state board agreed to delay until the class of 2,003 a key graduation requirement. Thereafter, students will have to pass a competency test in the 11th grade before they can graduate from high school.The Virginia Education Association argued that it would be unfair to enforce the requirement earlier because a final decision on how the tests are written and graded will not be made for some time. Students and teachers deserve to know well in advance what information they're being held accountable for, the VEA said. La Pointe agreed, and the board acquiesed.
SOURCE: NEWSBANK
Edition: FINALSection: COMMENTARYPage: J4
Index Terms: Editorial
Copyright (c) 1997 The Virginian-Pilot
Record Number: 9702280013
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PANEL OKS EDUCATION PLANREPORT PROPOSES $156 MILLION ANNUALLY IN NEW PROGRAMS
Richmond Times-Dispatch - December 12, 1997
A bipartisan commission yesterday approved a report that recommends up to $156 million a year in new education programs despite concerns from some members about a lack of focus and absence of detailed costs.The Commission on the Future of Public Education, also known as the Bennett Commission for its chairman, Halifax County Democratic Del. W.W. "Ted" Bennett, concluded its work after a two-year study that cost $200,000. The vote was 9-2, and two members abstaining to protest the lack of specifics about program costs.
The 34-page report places a heavy emphasis on school staff development, remediation programs and more resources for early childhood education. It also calls for the legislature to consider independent public schools, known as charter schools…
… Richard T. La Pointe, state superintendent of public instruction, voted against the report…
…However, the state's top two education officials - both Republican gubernatorial appointees - were among the members who disapproved of the report, contending it needed concrete numbers to back up its proposals and encompassed too broad a scope.recommendations don't even acknowledge why something needs to be changed..."
…Some saw the commission, the brainchild of assembly Democrats, as a way to promote the education agenda of Lt. Gov. Donald S. Beyer Jr., the party's unsuccessful gubernatorial candidate…
…La Pointe objected to about half of the recommendations, saying the new accreditation standards passed by the state Board of Education are stricter."I think the proposals we presented nine or 10 weeks ago are a far more comprehensive effort than what was being represented here, so why should I support something that's less rigorous and demanding?" La Pointe said after the 2 1/2-hour meeting.
SOURCE: NEWSBANK
Edition: CitySection: Area/StatePage: A-1
Index Terms: EDUCATION; MONEY; REPORT
Copyright 1997 Richmond Newspapers, Inc.
Record Number: 9712120256
Showing posts with label commissioner. Show all posts
Showing posts with label commissioner. Show all posts
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Kentucky Education Commissioner finalist: Mitchell Chester
Finalists for Kentucky Commissioner of Education
Published comments from various newspapers
Mitchell ChesterAge: 55 Education: Master's and doctorate degrees in administration,
planning and social policy from Harvard University.
He also holds advanced degrees from the University of Connecticut
and the University of Hartford.
Family: Married with a daughter and two sons.
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Academic report cards increasingly complex
Plain Dealer, The (Cleveland, OH)August 20, 2006
…In 2007-08, [school report cards] will include data from Ohio's nascent "value-added" model - a new and sometimes controversial data analysis that measures the effectiveness of schools based on the amount of academic progress students make from year to year.The value-added system uses a mind-boggling array of data to track the performance of public school students in third through eighth grade.
Every student in the state has been assigned an individual identification number that will allow educators to monitor performance, regardless of how many times he or she changes districts."We think we're providing a very robust, accurate picture of the district," Mitchell Chester, associate state superintendent for policy and accountability, said during the release of this year's reports. "We like to think the mystery is taken out of the system."
SOURCE: NEWSBANK
Edition: FinalSection: MetroPage: B1
Copyright, 2006, The Plain Dealer. All Rights Reserved. Used by NewsBank with Permission.
Record Number: MERLIN_5446604
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Some schools feel left behind - State report cards show improvement, but some districts bemoan federal act
Columbus Dispatch, The (OH)August 15, 2006
A third of Ohio school districts improved their grades last school year, but many districts struggled to ensure that their poor, disabled, minority and non-English-speaking students were keeping up. Last year's test scores boosted 200 of the state's 610 school districts to a higher rating, the Ohio Department of Education announced today. Now, 491 districts are rated excellent or effective -- equal to an A or B, respectively. None landed in academic emergency, the equivalent of an F. Of the 262 charter schools receiving report cards, about 49 percent are rated in the bottom two categories, compared with 71 percent on the previous report card."This is real improvement," said Mitchell Chester, who oversees testing and accountability for the state. "Almost 97 percent of districts improved their (performance) over last year."
… "I think this shines light ... on where the gaps exist," Chester said in defending the federal progress measure. "The situation probably existed in the past, but we didn't unmask it."
SOURCE: NEWSBANK
Section: NewsPage: 01A
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH Copyright (c) 2006 The Dispatch Printing Co.
Record Number: 0608150077
Edition: Home Final
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Report cards show A's for effort
Plain Dealer, The (Cleveland, OH)August 15, 2006
"It's as the law is titled - No Child Left Behind," said Mitchell Chester, the state's associate superintendent for policy and accountability. "It's not about making exceptions. We think it's the right thing to do. We look at all children and not just some children."
…The optimism surrounding the testing gains is tempered by concerns about funding. Many districts have been forced to lay off teachers and make deep program cuts during the last two years, and public enthusiasm for raising taxes to pay for schools remains low. In the Aug. 6 election, 71 percent of the school tax issues statewide failed."Investment in public education is crucial," Chester said. "Educators can't do it alone."
SOURCE: NEWSBANK
Edition: Final Section:
Copyright, 2006, The Plain Dealer. All Rights Reserved. Used by NewsBank with Permission.
Record Number: MERLIN_5428576
National Page: A1
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No Child Left Behind yields unfair state ratings, districts say
Columbus Dispatch, The (OH)February 4, 2006
…David Estrop, superintendent of Lakewood schools, said the ratings are biased against diverse districts. Homogenous schools that don't have enough students in any subgroup aren't asked to meet most federal standards, he said.But state education officials argue that Ohio should have one rating system, not separate state and federal standards.
"We believe 'excellent' should be 'excellent' for all students in the districts, not just some of the students," said Mitchell Chester, who oversees testing and accountability for the Ohio Department of Education.
McVey fires back that state education officials are "out of touch" on the issue. Hilliard's population, he said, has grown rapidly, and a number of new students have little English-speaking ability."We cannot expect these students to become academically proficient within a few short years," he said.
Chester said state lawmakers already have built in plenty of leeway for districts.The bill that created Ohio's new testing and report-card system in 2003 says a district's rating is not hurt unless it misses federal standards for three straight years.
SOURCE: Newsbank
Edition: Home FinalSection: NEWSPage: 01B
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH Copyright (c) 2006 The Dispatch Printing Co.
Record Number: 0602040052
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A new way to evaluate success in schools
Plan will use data analysis to measure the progress for each Ohio student
Plain Dealer, The (Cleveland, OH)October 13, 2005
Ohio is preparing for a revolutionary change in the way it measures how schools and teachers are performing. The “value-added” model – a new and sometimes controversial data analysis used in only a handful of states – measures the effectiveness of schools based on the amount of academic progress students make from year to year.
“In a lot of educators’ minds, the benefit of value-added is that it takes into account the fact that we don’t all work with the same kids,” said Mitchell Chester, an assistant superintendent with the Ohio Department of Education. He addressed a task force Wednesday charged with implementing value-added statewide by the 2007-08 school year.Value-added could radically redefine how Ohio’s school districts are performing. Districts with chronically low test scores might be lauded for making significant progress, given where their students started. Likewise, the state’s best-performing districts based on test scores could have their egos deflated if it is found their students are not progressing year-to-year…
SOURCE: NEWSBANK
Edition: FinalSection: NationalPage: A1
Copyright, 2005, The Plain Dealer. All Rights Reserved. Used by NewsBank with Permission.
Record Number: MERLIN_4322176
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Schools make strides
Cincinnati Enquirer, The (OH)August 16, 2005
…Mitchell Chester, the state's associate superintendent for policy and accountability, said he was proud of the progress of all of Ohio's eight largest public systems. "For the first time since we've given these designations, three of the Big Eight are in continuous improvement," he said, listing Akron, Cincinnati and Toledo public school systems. Two of the big urban districts, Columbus and Canton, are in "academic watch." He declined to comment on the other three…
SOURCE: NEWSBANK
Edition: FinalSection: NewsPage: 1A
Copyright (c) The Cincinnati Enquirer. All rights reserved. Reproduced with the permission of Gannett Co., Inc. by NewsBank, inc.
Record Number: cin89281048
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Fewer schools meeting goals
Cincinnati Enquirer, The (OH)August 16, 2005
…”We've seen results going up for four or five years," said Mitchell Chester, the state's associate superintendent of policy and accountability. "We know school districts are delivering improved instruction and higher test scores, and they're doing it with the resources they have…"
..."We know we need to focus more on math and science, statewide and in the middle grades," Chester said. He said the state would push for more teacher training in math and science…
… Chester said the bar for federal standards rose this year for the first time and will continue to rise. Schools and districts that don't make adequate yearly progress for two years or more face sanctions from having to bus students to other public schools and districts, to having to pay for vouchers to send them to private schools.Chester said Ohio schools have made progress narrowing the achievement gaps of minority, poor and disabled students. Nevertheless, black high school students drop out at three times the rate of their white peers, and nearly 30 percent of Ohio's Hispanic students do not graduate from high school, he said…
… As an educational alternative, charter schools are growing in numbers in large, urban districts like Cincinnati. However, fewer than half the 264 charter schools in Ohio received state ratings on the various indicators this year, Chester said. Of the 130 that received ratings, 71 percent were in "academic watch" or "academic emergency," an increase from the 56 percent that rated so low last year, Chester said.
SOURCE: NEWSBANK
Edition: FinalSection: MetroPage: 1B
Copyright (c) The Cincinnati Enquirer. All rights reserved. Reproduced with the permission of Gannett Co., Inc. by NewsBank, inc.
Record Number: cin89285134
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Grades are in; Results unclear Ohio scores chasing tougher standards
Plain Dealer, The (Cleveland, OH)August 16, 2005
…Under No Child Left Behind, states are required to raise academic targets every two years. That’s why fewer schools (76 percent) and fewer districts (56 percent) met AYP. Districts and schools that continually miss AYP face sanctions ranging from using tax dollars to offer students outside tutoring to converting to a charter school. “There’s no question that raising the bar on standards for AYP has had an impact,” said Mitchell Chester, an assistant state superintendent…
… “We’ve seen results go up, but we are very concerned we may be reaching a point of diminishing returns if we don’t invest in Ohio’s education system,” Chester, the assistant state superintendent, said.
SOURCE: NEWSBANK
Edition: FinalSection: NationalPage: A1
Copyright, 2005, The Plain Dealer. All Rights Reserved. Used by NewsBank with Permission.
Record Number: MERLIN_4082769
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LAGGING STUDENTS CAN TRY NEW TEST
Ohio begins switch to graduation exam to earn a diploma
Columbus Dispatch, The (OH)March 6, 2005
… Students rarely make it all the way to 12th grade and don't pass the exam, said Mitchell Chester, who oversees Ohio's testing program. Those students haven't learned material the test is designed to measure, he said…
… Chester said juniors and seniors might do better on the new test simply because they've been in high school longer and have taken more courses…
… Passing rates, called "cut scores," for the science, social-studies and writing portions, won't be set until June, Chester said, after the state sees how well students do on this month's tests….
SOURCE: NEWSBANK
Edition: Home FinalSection: NEWSPage: 01A
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH Copyright (c) 2005 The Dispatch Printing Co.
Record Number: 0503060137
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Bill would relax school sanctions
Plain Dealer, The (Cleveland, OH)December 2, 2004
… The bill that passed the Senate Wednesday states that a failing-grade group, as long as others have shown academic progress over the previous year, will no longer drop a district into the lower category…
… “This bill doesn’t change at all the fact that every district has to demonstrate to its community that students from every group are learning at a grade-level standard,” said Mitchell Chester, assistant superintendent for policy and accountability for the education department…
SOURCE: NEWSBANK
Edition: FinalSection: MetroPage: B3
Copyright, 2004, The Plain Dealer. All Rights Reserved. Used by NewsBank with Permission.
Record Number: MERLIN_3313918
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BILL WOULD SOFTEN 'NO CHILD' ACT'S RULES
Ohio plan may make sanctions less likely for school districts
Columbus Dispatch, The (OH)November 26, 2004
Some call it flexibility. Others call it backtracking. But if a recently proposed education-accountability measure becomes rule in Ohio, this much will be true: It will be harder for school districts to be labeled failures. "It is a watering down of rigor and of standards and expectations," said Terry Ryan, program director for the Thomas B. Fordham Foundation in Dayton, which supports the charter-school movement…
… State education leaders say Ohio's accountability system won't be weakened. "People should not see this as backtracking or weakening or lowering standards," said Mitchell Chester, who oversees testing and accountability for the Ohio Department of Education. "It really focuses on those districts not showing good achievement at any level and distinguishes those districts having success at some levels that require a lesser form of intervention."In central Ohio, the Columbus, Hamilton, Newark and South-Western districts are on the list.
Chester speculated that none of them would be affected by the change because they are not close to meeting the improvement goals.The Education Trust, a Washington-based nonprofit that tracks changes in No Child Left Behind, is supportive of the change -- as long as it affects only districts…
… Progress goals -- and the sanctions in place when they're missed for too long -- will remain in place at the school level, Chester said….
SOURCE: NEWSBANK
Edition: Home FinalSection: NEWSPage: 01A
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH Copyright (c) 2004 The Dispatch Printing Co.
Record Number: 0411260089
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Achievement gap remains in Ohio schools
Plain Dealer, The (Cleveland, OH)November 12, 2004
Six years of steady academic gains have failed to erase Ohio’s large achievement gap between white and minority students, according to a just-released report.
…“In some sense, Ohio is a victim of its success with all students,” said Assistant State Superintendent Mitchell Chester. “One of the concerns I have with the report is that someone might conclude that no progress has been made, and that would be an inaccurate conclusion. You see very, very strong progress.”The Ohio report is different from other state data because it compares the average raw test scores of students year-to-year rather than the test passage rate for each group of students. Chester said he believes the passage rate is a better gauge because it is the standard to which schools and districts are held accountable…
SOURCE: NEWSBANK
Edition: FinalSection: NationalPage: A1
Copyright, 2004, The Plain Dealer. All Rights Reserved. Used by NewsBank with Permission.
Record Number: MERLIN_3269446
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Student test scores improve
Cincinnati Enquirer, The (OH)August 24, 2004
Mitchell Chester, assistant state superintendent for policy development, said he's concerned that many black and Hispanic students are not reaching an education level to ensure success as adults. "Most of our students, regardless of the group that they're from, are making gains," he said. "However, there is a large gap."On the reading section of the fourth-grade test, white students outperformed blacks by 29 percentage points. The gap was 33 percentage points for math and 37 percentage points for science.
SOURCE: NEWSBANK
Edition: FinalSection: MetroPage: 1C
Copyright (c) The Cincinnati Enquirer. All rights reserved. Reproduced with the permission of Gannett Co., Inc. by NewsBank, inc.
Record Number: cin24297769
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SPECIAL-ED STUDENTS GIVE SCHOOLS NEW CHALLENGE
Disabled students' scores can hinder state ratings, some officials say
Columbus Dispatch, The (OH)August 25, 2003
Some central Ohio school officials attribute lower ratings on this year's state report cards, in part, to the inclusion of all disabled students' proficiency-test scores. They question whether the new requirement is fair for students with mental or physical disabilities.
Helping all students reach their potential is the overriding goal of the No Child Left Behind Act, said Mitchell Chester, assistant superintendent for policy development for the Ohio Department of Education."Accountability for students with disabilities has been a tremendous lightning rod in this new federal legislation," he said. "Are there superintendents that are frustrated? Yes. And then there are superintendents who think it is the right thing to do."
SOURCE: NEWSBANK
Edition: Home FinalSection: NEWSPage: 03B
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH Copyright (c) 2003 The Dispatch Printing Co.
Record Number: 0308250083
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DO THE MATH - Practice test shows where schools need to help more students
Columbus Dispatch, The (OH)July 15, 2003
…"In many high schools, there are too many students who are not experiencing the kind of math curriculum that the state board and math educators think is essential," said Mitchell Chester, assistant state superintendent, such as algebra and geometry classes.School districts need to match their curricula to state standards, which were designed to prepare students for life beyond high school. Those efforts should begin soon, because this fall's freshman class will have to pass the test to graduate…
SOURCE: NEWSBANK
Edition: Home FinalSection: EDITORIAL & COMMENTPage: 16A
Index Terms: EDITORIAL; EDITORIAL
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH Copyright (c) 2003 The Dispatch Printing Co.
Record Number: 0307150094
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OHIO STUDENTS SCORE BETTER THAN NATIONAL AVERAGE ON TEST
8th-graders ahead of curve in writing
Columbus Dispatch, The (OH)July 12, 2003
Ohio's eighth-graders can write better than many of their peers across the United States…
… "It's a testament to having a coordinated effort around literacy," said Mitchell Chester, Ohio assistant superintendent…
… But achievement gaps in Ohio remain. "They're troubling," Chester said. Solving them, "is one of the state board's top priorities. It's about offering challenging courses to all."In Ohio, white fourth-graders' average scores were 21 points higher than those of their black peers. White eighth-graders' average scores were 32 points higher than black eighth-graders.Chester said the state is studying methods used by schools across Ohio where gaps seem to be closing. For example, in Steubenville in eastern Ohio, black fourth-graders met standards on all state tests and are catching up with white peers."One thing you hear very clearly there -- it's a no-excuse attitude," Chester said of Steubenville. "You can't say the problem is the kids. It's not a matter that they're from tough backgrounds. It's our job to educate them."
SOURCE: NEWSBANK
Edition: Home FinalSection: NEWSPage: 02B
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH Copyright (c) 2003 The Dispatch Printing Co.
Record Number: 0307120093
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NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND ACT
SCHOOLS FEAR LAW'S EFFECT ON TEST SCORES
Columbus Dispatch, The (OH)April 17, 2003
Gov. Bob Taft doesn't like it; state school Superintendent Susan T. Zelman doesn't like it; Columbus Public Schools Superintendent Gene Harris and many of her counterparts across the state don't like it. But the federal No Child Left Behind Act is about to force Ohio to change the way it calculates student proficiency rates. As a result, districts and schools can expect lower scores on state "report cards" this summer…
… "We've pushed back hard on them because we don't think the policy makes a lot of sense," said Mitchell Chester, assistant superintendent for policy development with the Ohio Department of Education.Chester described the state's ongoing tangle with federal officials as a "dogfight" that Taft and Zelman have weighed in on with letters to U.S. Secretary of Education Rod Paige…
… A bill under consideration in the Ohio House to bring the state into line with No Child Left Behind eliminates multiple rounds of testing in favor of an annual exam, Chester said.The Department of Education believes lawmakers should retain multiple testing dates but move the first test from October to March to give teachers more time to work with students, Chester said.But that would take away the October test as an evaluation tool for teachers to assess which students need help with reading.So state officials are considering a compromise in which districts could offer an October proficiency test that isn't officially given by the state, Chester said. That way, it wouldn't count in the state report card…
SOURCE: NEWSBANK
Edition: Home FinalSection: NEWSPage: 10C
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH Copyright (c) 2003 The Dispatch Printing Co.
Record Number: 0304170108
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OHIO'S PROFICIENCY TESTS 13TH BEST IN NATION, SURVEY FINDS
Columbus Dispatch, The (OH)June 19, 2002
…The Ohio Department of Education is working to develop assessment tests for students with disabilities and those with limited English proficiency, said Mitchell Chester, an assistant superintendent of the department.
Though students with disabilities have been tested differently for the past two years, the test for limited-English students will be new, he said.Those tests are part of a $33 million program that in the next two years will revamp the department's testing system, by developing more exams to replace current fourth-, sixth- and ninth-grade tests and more scoring categories to better identify struggling students.
The testing changes were prompted by the "No Child Left Behind" Act, which ties federal education money to schools' performance on accountability testing. Since President Bush signed that act earlier this year, evaluating testing has become especially important, Kutno said.
As for students from different places being given different tests, Chester said Ohio would rather have tests consistent across the state, so students can be measured against the same standards."There's a tension that exists between tests that address different learning styles and a system that is consistent," Chester said. "We come down on the side of consistency…"
SOURCE: NEWSBANK
Edition: Home FinalSection: NEWSPage: 04B
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH Copyright (c) 2002 The Dispatch Printing Co.
Record Number: 0206190135
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Kentucky Educucation Commissioner finalist: Barbara F. Erwin
Finalists for Kentucky Commissioner of Education
Published comments from various newspapers
Barbara F. ErwinAge: 56 Education: Bachelor's degree in special education from Indiana University; master's degree in school administration from Purdue University; and a doctorate in school administration from Indiana University
Family: Married with two sons.
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From the Kane County Chronicle, 28 February 2007
Published comments from various newspapers
Barbara F. ErwinAge: 56 Education: Bachelor's degree in special education from Indiana University; master's degree in school administration from Purdue University; and a doctorate in school administration from Indiana University
Family: Married with two sons.
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From the Kane County Chronicle, 28 February 2007
District 303 Superintendent Barbara Erwin is a finalist to be the new superintendent at Oak Park-River Forest District 200.
In and of itself, such news is not that big a deal. People change jobs all the time, regardless of what field they are in. But several facts make Erwin's situation a bit more interesting.Erwin has been at the district about three years. In July 2005, Erwin received a new, five-year contract that extended through June 2010.
Despite the commitment of the school board, Erwin announced in October 2006 that she planned to retire in July. The school board even filed a notice with the state.The fact that Erwin chose to retire and not finish the contract is not that unusual. When it's time to retire, it's time to retire, and Erwin certainly is prepared for retirement. She is set to collect some pension money from St. Charles as well as school districts in Arizona, Texas, and maybe Indiana.
A Kane County Chronicle story in December estimated that Erwin was set to make at least $34,000 annually in pensions. But that estimate is conservative because Indiana would not release any information on what kind of a pension package she is to receive from there. Also, it's hard to estimate other income. For example, Erwin is set to earn about $36,000 in annuities from St. Charles. So Erwin could make $70,000 or more annually in retirement.
Erwin can't be faulted for taking advantage of the system. Lifelong administrators such as Erwin can add significantly to their pensions by working in several states.However, one would think that after all taxpayers have given Erwin - including local taxpayers in District 303 - the least she could do would be forthright.
Instead, after announcing her retirement and ditching the remaining years on her contract, she went off to interview for another job. The fact that Erwin's tenure has been bumpy - defeated referendums, controversial boundary issues - only exacerbates matters. Worst though is the fact that since news of the Oak Park-River Forest job broke, Erwin has remained silent.
Apparently taxpayers have not earned an explanation.
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STC tweaks school zoning - Kane County Chronicle - 27 February 2007
...The board did not discuss the recent news that Superintendent Barbara Erwin, who had announced in October that she would retire, is a finalist for a superintendent position in Oak Park.
Erwin said before the meeting that she did not have time to comment. During the break before executive session, she left and did not answer questions.
Hewell said she thought Erwin had too much passion to go into retirement quietly.“Any district would be very lucky to have her,” Hewell said. “I’m sorry to see her go.”
Erwin is one of three finalists for the top job at District 200. The near-west suburban district has one school, Oak Park and River Forest High School....
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Controlling “the message?”
A recent flap in St Charles led one board member to speak publicly about “criticisms” being discussed in closed session. The member apologized. The Chairman, who advised board members not to speak with district Superintendent Barbara Erwin individually or attend district staff meetings, later resigned.
Free speech issues have been brewing in Scotsdale, Arizona where Erwin was once superintendent. In January, an attorney wrote in the Arizona Republic – 26 January 2007: “We must demand that our elected officials give us information on matters of public concern. I encourage the media to report whenever school board members refuse to comment on agenda items, based on the advice of their attorney. Board members who will not discuss issues with citizens should be replaced.
During my four years on the board, I communicated regularly with the public through every available means, including those that are now apparently forbidden. No one other than former Superintendent Barbara Erwin and her cronies ever suggested my activities violated the Open Meeting Law.”
SOURCE: NEWSBANK
Edition: Final
ChaserSection: Scottsdale Republic North
Page: 13
Column: COMMUNITY COLUMNIST
Copyright (c) The Arizona Republic. All rights reserved. Reproduced with the permission of Gannett Co., Inc. by NewsBank, inc.
Record Number: pho163543889
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A February 2, 2006 editorial in the Arizona Republic
……touts the accomplishments of Erwin’s successor saying, “The district has significantly improved during his short tenure.” “…[board members] insisted on receiving a monthly financial report. Before that, the board had no financial information except the annual budget forms.”
The new superintendent and others, “pushed the board to end the district's use of contracted legal services and hired and in-house attorney. The district's once exorbitant legal fees, which topped $650,000 in former Superintendent Barbara Erwin's last year, are now less than $200,000 annually.”
SOURCE: NEWSBANK
Edition: Final Chaser
Section: Scottsdale Republic NorthPage: 11
Column: MY TURN
Copyright (c) The Arizona Republic. All rights reserved. Reproduced with the permission of Gannett Co., Inc. by NewsBank, inc.
Record Number: pho126327348
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18 January 2006 – The Arizona Republic
“To appreciate how far Scottsdale Unified School District has come with Superintendent John Baracy, you've got to remember how bad things were when he got here.
After years of infighting and political maneuvering, School Board meetings had devolved into shouting matches. The board president had filed a lawsuit against three of her colleagues and Barbara Erwin, the outgoing superintendent. (The Republic previously [Apr 5, 2005] blamed the board chair for the “meritless lawsuit, since tossed out of court.”) Not to mention that 571 students -- 2 percent of the district's enrollment -- had jumped ship that year, taking $2.4 million in state funds with them.
Eighteen months later, the petty squabbles have vanished. There's civility among board members, and employees now smile on a regular basis. Everyone involved in the district has learned, as Baracy says, "to agree to disagree without being disagreeable."No wonder the board unanimously has given its superintendent top marks in his annual review. He truly deserves them.”
SOURCE: NEWSBANK
Edition: Final
ChaserSection: Scottsdale Republic NorthPage: 13
Copyright (c) The Arizona Republic. All rights reserved. Reproduced with the permission of Gannett Co., Inc. by NewsBank, inc.
Record Number: pho125417892
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Erwin on NCLB - 8 Nov 2005 - from Kane County Chronicle:
St. Charles Superintendent Barbara Erwin said officials at the state and federal level have made modifications to the law and are considering more. Whether those changes are made prior to the 2014 deadline, however, remains to be seen, she said."I think everybody's recognizing the fact that requiring every student to achieve the same standard is not going to happen," she said.
Erwin on NCLB - 8 Nov 2005 - from Kane County Chronicle:
St. Charles Superintendent Barbara Erwin said officials at the state and federal level have made modifications to the law and are considering more. Whether those changes are made prior to the 2014 deadline, however, remains to be seen, she said."I think everybody's recognizing the fact that requiring every student to achieve the same standard is not going to happen," she said.
Erwin added that despite the problems being created by the law, she still believes in the spirit of the legislation."That has engaged educators in conversation nationwide, to make sure that each child, regardless of ability, language barrier, socioeconomic status, we have to make sure those kids grow and prosper," she said.
And on 9 Nov 2005:
St. Charles Superintendent Barbara Erwin said state and federal officials are looking to modify the assessment, but she said she does not know whether changes will come in time to keep districts out of a failing status.
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Erwin on the use of handheld alcohol sensors on students
27 April 2005 – Kane County Chronicle:
The Alcosensors complement the district's health curriculum, and Character Education and prevention programs, Superintendent Barbara Erwin said in a statement."Our students' safety and well being is and must be our top concern," Erwin said. "These devices will help us strengthen the safety net that we need to protect our children from the dangers of alcohol, drugs and violence."
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Erwin’s introduction to District 303 in May 2004 from Focus the district newsletter. (Photo)
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And background from the Chicago Tribune – 13 January 2004.
St. Charles Community Unit District 303 announced Monday that Barbara Erwin of Scottsdale, Ariz., would be its next superintendent, effective July 1.For the last four years, Erwin has been chief administrator of the Scottsdale Unified School District, which has 30,000 students in 33 schools.
And on 9 Nov 2005:
St. Charles Superintendent Barbara Erwin said state and federal officials are looking to modify the assessment, but she said she does not know whether changes will come in time to keep districts out of a failing status.
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Erwin on the use of handheld alcohol sensors on students
27 April 2005 – Kane County Chronicle:
The Alcosensors complement the district's health curriculum, and Character Education and prevention programs, Superintendent Barbara Erwin said in a statement."Our students' safety and well being is and must be our top concern," Erwin said. "These devices will help us strengthen the safety net that we need to protect our children from the dangers of alcohol, drugs and violence."
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Erwin’s introduction to District 303 in May 2004 from Focus the district newsletter. (Photo)
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And background from the Chicago Tribune – 13 January 2004.
St. Charles Community Unit District 303 announced Monday that Barbara Erwin of Scottsdale, Ariz., would be its next superintendent, effective July 1.For the last four years, Erwin has been chief administrator of the Scottsdale Unified School District, which has 30,000 students in 33 schools.
"Dr. Erwin has `been there, done that,' and more," said Mary Jo Knipp, president of the District 303 Board of Education. "She has been in the trenches and has really made a difference."Erwin is a 33-year educator who was twice named superintendent of the year while working in Texas from 1994 to 2000, where she headed the Allen Independent School District in Allen.
Previously, she was superintendent of schools from 1991 to 1994 in Tipton, Ind."I'm excited to be able to return to the Midwest, which is home for me," said Erwin by phone in Scottsdale. "I've already had the pleasure of meeting several staff and teachers in St. Charles. I'm honored to have been selected."
Erwin, 52, who is married, will succeed Supt. Fran Kostel, who has been with the district 15 years, including the last eight as superintendent.Officials said Erwin's three-year contract calls for an annual salary of $195,000."
Dr. Erwin was born in Chicago and has family in the area," said Knipp. "She had plans to move back to the area in 2005, but this kind of moved things ahead for her."Erwin, who has a doctorate in education from Indiana University in Bloomington, is credited with reviving a Scottsdale system that had a $14 million deficit when she was hired. In Allen, she managed a system north of Dallas whose enrollment doubled in five years.But Knipp said board members were impressed with principles set forth in a letter Erwin wrote to the search firm the district used.Board member Chris Hansen said Erwin was chosen for her "focus, so clearly on significantly improving student achievement in our school district."In a statement, Erwin said, "We already have a very good school district with strong test scores and good facilities. My challenge will be to get us to the next level."
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More from the Arizona Republic - October 20, 2005
“When [new superintendent] Baracy took over as superintendent on July 1, 2004, he quickly called upon the district's perpetually warring factions to "put down our verbal swords and work together in the best interests of our children."At the time, we were a little skeptical, although we knew that if anybody could thrive as a peacemaker, Baracy was the person. He's a good listener and certainly is not a polarizing figure such as his predecessor, Barbara Erwin. He generates confidence.”
SOURCE: NEWSBANK
Edition: Final ChaserSection: Scottsdale Republic NorthPage: 11
Copyright (c) The Arizona Republic. All rights reserved. Reproduced with the permission of Gannett Co., Inc. by NewsBank, inc.
Record Number: pho120946084
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On Technology
Scottsdale school board president Christine Schild, on the district's technology woes."(Ex-Superintendent Barbara Erwin) promised us all in her interviews that she'd bring us into the 21st century, but we're still hovering around the 20th."
SOURCE: NEWSBANK
Edition: Final ChaserSection: Scottsdale Republic NorthPage: 12
Copyright (c) The Arizona Republic. All rights reserved. Reproduced with the permission of Gannett Co., Inc. by NewsBank, inc.
Record Number: pho118095682
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31 Dec 2004 – Arizona Republic
Critics of Barbara Erwin, the Scottsdale Unified School District's former superintendent, say she checked out of her job too early. She'd been beaten down by four years of constant rancor and turmoil, and her weariness began to show even before her June 30 exit for a higher-paying job in Illinois.”
SOURCE: NEWSBANK
Edition: Final ChaserSection: Scottsdale Republic NorthPage: 11
Index Terms: YEAREND
Copyright (c) The Arizona Republic. All rights reserved. Reproduced with the permission of Gannett Co., Inc. by NewsBank, inc.
Record Number: pho104850711
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Sept 9 2004 – Arizona Republic
“This story began three years ago, during the Barbara Erwin era.
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More from the Arizona Republic - October 20, 2005
“When [new superintendent] Baracy took over as superintendent on July 1, 2004, he quickly called upon the district's perpetually warring factions to "put down our verbal swords and work together in the best interests of our children."At the time, we were a little skeptical, although we knew that if anybody could thrive as a peacemaker, Baracy was the person. He's a good listener and certainly is not a polarizing figure such as his predecessor, Barbara Erwin. He generates confidence.”
SOURCE: NEWSBANK
Edition: Final ChaserSection: Scottsdale Republic NorthPage: 11
Copyright (c) The Arizona Republic. All rights reserved. Reproduced with the permission of Gannett Co., Inc. by NewsBank, inc.
Record Number: pho120946084
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On Technology
Scottsdale school board president Christine Schild, on the district's technology woes."(Ex-Superintendent Barbara Erwin) promised us all in her interviews that she'd bring us into the 21st century, but we're still hovering around the 20th."
SOURCE: NEWSBANK
Edition: Final ChaserSection: Scottsdale Republic NorthPage: 12
Copyright (c) The Arizona Republic. All rights reserved. Reproduced with the permission of Gannett Co., Inc. by NewsBank, inc.
Record Number: pho118095682
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31 Dec 2004 – Arizona Republic
Critics of Barbara Erwin, the Scottsdale Unified School District's former superintendent, say she checked out of her job too early. She'd been beaten down by four years of constant rancor and turmoil, and her weariness began to show even before her June 30 exit for a higher-paying job in Illinois.”
SOURCE: NEWSBANK
Edition: Final ChaserSection: Scottsdale Republic NorthPage: 11
Index Terms: YEAREND
Copyright (c) The Arizona Republic. All rights reserved. Reproduced with the permission of Gannett Co., Inc. by NewsBank, inc.
Record Number: pho104850711
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Sept 9 2004 – Arizona Republic
“This story began three years ago, during the Barbara Erwin era.
In those dark days, handsomely paid consultants were predicting big gains in enrollment for Scottsdale and thus a pressing need to build the state's most expensive high school in the district's toniest neighborhood, D.C. Ranch. Fortunately, voters objected to spending $54 million on a high school that wasn't needed and stoned the bond request, which also killed plans to fix up older high schools because the funding requests were tied together on the ballot.
Almost immediately after the bond's defeat in November 2001, Erwin admitted that a sixth high school wasn't really needed because enrollment was declining, and even had we built it, we wouldn't have had the money to staff it. Nice, huh?”
SOURCE: NEWSBANK
Edition: Final ChaserSection: Scottsdale Republic NorthPage: 2
Index Terms: ELECTION
Copyright (c) The Arizona Republic. All rights reserved. Reproduced with the permission of Gannett Co., Inc. by NewsBank, inc.
Record Number: pho93790013
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June 21, 2004 - Q & A – Edwin says goodbye to Arizona
“Either an inspirational or controversial figure, depending on whom you ask, Erwin came to Scottsdale in 2000 when the 33-school district was reeling from an Arizona Attorney General's Office investigation into assorted Open Meeting Law, bid-rigging and procurement violations. She likely will be remembered as a transitional leader, helping the disillusioned community get back on track.”
What's your biggest regret about your time in Scottsdale? EDWIN: “I'm not big on regrets. I don't regret taking the job. I don't regret doing the job. I don't regret leaving, and moving and going home. I don't think you live your life with regrets. You become a pretty cynical, unhappy person. We've had challenges, and some days have been less fun than others.”
Which accomplishments would you consider your proudest? EDWIN: “My proudest is school improvement and student achievement. That has gone up every year. We finally have a team of campus leaders who are very proud of school improvement, who are looking at student data, who are analyzing that student-achievement data. So in spite of everything, you've got 33 sites that are clearly looking at individual student achievement.”
What are the district's big challenges? EDWIN: “Updating our facilities. Student achievement is the Number 1 issue...The community has to come together from the north and south and become a Scottsdale community, and quit talking "north" and "south." You've heard me say it's the biggest division since the Blue and the Gray.It really is. I have never experienced a community so divided. You saw it the other night (at the School Board meeting) when they actually shouted at each other. I've experienced people being very angry with the decision you make. "I don't want phonics." OK. But not about, "I don't want your school fixed because ...." That has got to come to an end.”
SOURCE: NEWSBANK
Edition: Final ChaserSection: Scottsdale Republic NorthPage: 6Column: POP QUIZ
Copyright (c) The Arizona Republic. All rights reserved. Reproduced with the permission of Gannett Co., Inc. by NewsBank, inc.
Record Number: pho58159927
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16 January 2004 – Arizona Republic
What's the body count now in the Scottsdale Unified School District? How many educators and administrators has Barbara Erwin forced out in the past three years?
SOURCE: NEWSBANK
Edition: Final ChaserSection: Scottsdale Republic NorthPage: 2
Index Terms: ELECTION
Copyright (c) The Arizona Republic. All rights reserved. Reproduced with the permission of Gannett Co., Inc. by NewsBank, inc.
Record Number: pho93790013
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June 21, 2004 - Q & A – Edwin says goodbye to Arizona
“Either an inspirational or controversial figure, depending on whom you ask, Erwin came to Scottsdale in 2000 when the 33-school district was reeling from an Arizona Attorney General's Office investigation into assorted Open Meeting Law, bid-rigging and procurement violations. She likely will be remembered as a transitional leader, helping the disillusioned community get back on track.”
What's your biggest regret about your time in Scottsdale? EDWIN: “I'm not big on regrets. I don't regret taking the job. I don't regret doing the job. I don't regret leaving, and moving and going home. I don't think you live your life with regrets. You become a pretty cynical, unhappy person. We've had challenges, and some days have been less fun than others.”
Which accomplishments would you consider your proudest? EDWIN: “My proudest is school improvement and student achievement. That has gone up every year. We finally have a team of campus leaders who are very proud of school improvement, who are looking at student data, who are analyzing that student-achievement data. So in spite of everything, you've got 33 sites that are clearly looking at individual student achievement.”
What are the district's big challenges? EDWIN: “Updating our facilities. Student achievement is the Number 1 issue...The community has to come together from the north and south and become a Scottsdale community, and quit talking "north" and "south." You've heard me say it's the biggest division since the Blue and the Gray.It really is. I have never experienced a community so divided. You saw it the other night (at the School Board meeting) when they actually shouted at each other. I've experienced people being very angry with the decision you make. "I don't want phonics." OK. But not about, "I don't want your school fixed because ...." That has got to come to an end.”
SOURCE: NEWSBANK
Edition: Final ChaserSection: Scottsdale Republic NorthPage: 6Column: POP QUIZ
Copyright (c) The Arizona Republic. All rights reserved. Reproduced with the permission of Gannett Co., Inc. by NewsBank, inc.
Record Number: pho58159927
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16 January 2004 – Arizona Republic
What's the body count now in the Scottsdale Unified School District? How many educators and administrators has Barbara Erwin forced out in the past three years?
Poor communication with teachers and constituents, high teacher turnover rates and arrogance of administration -- sound familiar, Scottsdale? We are not alone. Anyone who had investigated Erwin's tenure at the Allen (Texas) Independent School District would find these concerns echoed in several stories in the Dallas Morning News…
…Erwin cherry picks which allegations of wrongdoing to investigate. This time she targeted one of the stars of the district, simply because she wasn't a "yes" man. The superintendent has no concept of a 28-year commitment to a community and its students. Erwin has been paid handsomely, $165,000 a year, plus a $750 monthly automobile allowance, for a four-day work week. As Erwin noted in the American Association of School Administrators' newsletter, "I can't live long enough to vest in every state." How's that for commitment to your community? Nice work if you can get it.
SOURCE: NEWSBANK
Edition: Final ChaserSection: Scottsdale Republic NorthPage: 14Column: MY TURN
Copyright (c) The Arizona Republic. All rights reserved. Reproduced with the permission of Gannett Co., Inc. by NewsBank, inc.
Record Number: pho57635440
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January 14, 2004 – Arizona Republic
Barbara Erwin is leaving the Scottsdale Unified School District in better condition than she found it. Even all but the most strident critics of the outgoing superintendent will have to give her that. And that's substantial.
Erwin, who will leave Scottsdale this summer to take a higher-paying job in St. Charles, Ill., inherited a corrupt school district when she came here in March 2000.The Scottsdale school district was in chaos, reeling from the state attorney general's revelations of bid manipulation and Open Meeting Law violations. The board had bought out Erwin's two predecessors. Things were a mess, and public confidence was at the nadir.
Say what you want about her -- and she was a lightning rod figure in many ways -- Erwin helped restore some basic integrity. A sign of that restored trust came last March when district voters approved a budget override. They'd rejected the previous one.Erwin also framed a big-picture vision for the district. Last year, she set the ambitious goal of giving every local student "a world-class education." She put, to use her term, the "bull's eye" on student achievement. Her enthusiasm was contagious.
SOURCE: NEWSBANK
Edition: Final ChaserSection: Scottsdale Republic NorthPage: 12
Copyright (c) The Arizona Republic. All rights reserved. Reproduced with the permission of Gannett Co., Inc. by NewsBank, inc.
Record Number: pho57630984
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FEBRUARY 6, 2000 – A new sheriff in town – Arizona Republic
[Barbara] Erwin is credited with turning the 10,000-student Allen Independent School District in suburban Dallas into one of the most technologically advanced districts in the nation during her six years as its superintendent. She was named Texas superintendent of the year by Veselka's group in 1997. Last year, she was nominated for the American Association of School Administrators' award for the top national leader.
The daughter of a South Side Chicago steel-mill worker and a convenience store cashier, Erwin got an education degree from Indiana University. She began to mold her assertive style in Tipton, Ind., where she was a teacher and principal before being named superintendent of the 1,850-student school district.
Tipton hasn't forgotten her. ''She got us right out of financial dire straits,'' said Dick Timm, former president of the Tipton school board, which chose Erwin, then a principal, over more experienced outside candidates vying for the job.
Some say Erwin's leadership style can quickly shift from aggressive to abrasive. ''Don't cross her, or she'll cut your throat. People that disagreed with her got run over like a freight train,'' said Mike Dollens, a 27-year teacher in Tipton who saw Erwin rise from teacher to superintendent. He sat across the table from her as a teacher representative during heated contract negotiations.
SOURCE: NEWSBANK
Edition: Final ChaserSection: Valley & StatePage: B3Column: SUNDAY PROFILE
Index Terms: PROFILE ERWIN
Copyright (c) The Arizona Republic. All rights reserved. Reproduced with the permission of Gannett Co., Inc. by NewsBank, inc.
Record Number: pho60155426
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Allen student seeks ACLU's helpHigh school suspended her for wearing black armband in protest
The Dallas Morning NewsMay 21, 1999
A 17-year-old student has turned to the American Civil Liberties Union for help, contending that her constitutional rights were violated when she was suspended from school last month for wearing a black armband.
Jennifer Boccia, an honors student who serves as a peer tutor for special-education students, said she was one of about 10 students who donned black armbands to protest school policies instituted after the Columbine High School shootings and to show respect for the victims.Those policies set new rules for speech and dress and provided for random searches. Some students protested, saying the changes would create a hostile environment at school.
Allen High School officials, who refused comment Thursday, ordered the students to remove the armbands and threatened suspension if they did not.
Jennifer, who had been studying the right to protest in her government class, said she offered a copy of a 1969 Supreme Court decision (Tinker) upholding the right of students to wear black armbands to protest the war in Vietnam.
According to Jennifer, assistant principal Carolyn Thompson was shown a copy of the ruling, turned and calmly put it through a paper shredder in front of her and two other students.
"We just sat there, stunned," Jennifer said. "She told us that she was willing to ignore the Constitution to protect students, that we could write it down and she would sign it…"
… School Superintendent Barbara Erwin refused to comment on the student suspensions. The district released a statement summarizing its dress code and saying, "The district does not comment on individual student disciplinary actions.”
SOURC E: NEWSBANK
Edition: THIRDSection: NEWSPage: 42A
Dateline: ALLEN
Copyright 1999 The Dallas Morning News
Record Number: 4056732
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Allen school district denies ever intending to cancel rest of yearStaggered scheduled designed to ease evacuations, officals say
Dallas Morning News, The (TX)May 18, 1999
Allen school officials never intended to cancel the rest of the school year because of repeated bomb threats, Superintendent Barbara Erwin said Monday.
Instead, the plan was to cancel classes Friday and Monday, and then have students return Tuesday on staggered schedules with no more than a third of them in school at one time, she said. That number of students could safely be evacuated in the event of further bomb threats, officials said.
Elementary schools will be open on a staggered basis between Tuesday and May 25, officials said. Middle schools will open one grade at a time during the same dates, and finals will be given in certain classes. High school students will be contacted individually by their teachers about when to return and what tests need to be taken.
The district announced on Friday that the school board had voted to cancel the rest of the school year and that an announcement would be made Monday about bringing students in to return books, retrieve personal belongings, and in some cases take final exams.
But on Sunday, Ms. Erwin said that was not the decision made. "We never had the intention of closing down totally," she explained Monday. "We actually did not change our mind." Parents and students remained confused Monday, saying they had no doubt about what they had been told.
Ms. Erwin apologized Monday and took responsibility for any confusion."The last 10 days in the Allen Independent School District have been 10 days I never want to relive again," she said.The Allen school board, meeting in emergency session, approved school closures early Friday morning in response to a dozen bomb threats and eight school evacuations."AISD said we have to draw a line in the sand because we need a breather," Ms. Erwin said. "We could not get ahead of it."
Ms. Erwin's remarks came during a Monday news conference that was delayed and moved because a suspicious briefcase was sighted in the Anderson Elementary School parking lot. Police canceled the news conference, blocked all entry roads and moved reporters and school officials to the municipal courtroom. The briefcase belonged to a television reporter.
Aside from acknowledging confusing messages coming out of the district, Ms. Erwin spent most of the news conference defending the decision to close down for two days and then have students return on a limited basis."There was no reason for this district to believe on Friday that there would be a bomb," she said. Ms. Erwin addressed criticism from parents that the district had caved in to terrorists."If some kid thinks he won, so be it. I've got 9,400 kids alive and well and 1,100 faculty safe in Allen, Texas," she said. "It's not worth the risk. When was I going to lose a kid? When was I going to have a teacher collapse?" she said.
Police said three arrests have been made in connection with the threats, the latest being a 15-year-old boy who is being held in the Collin County Juvenile Detention Center on charges of criminal mischief in connection with graffiti carved into a playground fixture at a park related to an earlier bomb threat.
School officials would not release the minutes of the school board's emergency meeting, nor would they release copies of the exact motion that resulted in the school closures.
Chad Farmer, a 16-year-old junior at Allen High School, said he had no doubt that the school year had been cut short. "I was told it was canceled. I'm kinda confused now. I don't know what the deal is," he said. Kellie Wilson, whose daughter attends the high school, said the girl called her Monday more confused than ever.Her daughter had been told to come back to school at 10 a.m. Tuesday to take an algebra test, and at the same time Wednesday for a biology exam, then she was through for the year, Ms. Wilson said. "That doesn't make sense," Ms. Wilson said. "How is that going back to school?"
SOURCE: NEWSBANK
Section: NEWS; ARLINGTONPage: 3A
Dateline: ALLEN
Copyright 1999 Arlington Morning News
Record Number: 4056086
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School official defends decision to halt classes because of threats
Houston ChronicleMay 18, 1999
SOURCE: NEWSBANK
Section: NEWS; ARLINGTONPage: 3A
Dateline: ALLEN
Copyright 1999 Arlington Morning News
Record Number: 4056086
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School official defends decision to halt classes because of threats
Houston ChronicleMay 18, 1999
The superintendent of Allen schools made an emotional defense Monday of the decision to close schools last week because of bomb threats, and she announced that schools will reopen for limited activities beginning today.
Some parents in this Dallas suburb of 26,000 said the decision - first described by district officials as a cancellation of the last two weeks of school - amounted to caving in to those making the threats.Superintendent Barbara Erwin said that as the bomb threats mounted, eventually reaching 12, children and staff became more frightened."I've had people tell me, `Barbara, they won.' OK, I give," Erwin said. "If some kid thinks he's won, so be it. But I've got 9,200-some-odd kids home safe and I haven't lost a one, and I've got 1,100 employees alive and well in Allen, Texas."
Since the threats started nearly two weeks ago, three juveniles have been charged. Police believe most of the calls are unrelated, copycat actions. But Erwin said that in light of violence at other schools - she referred to the shootings that left 15 dead in a Colorado school last month - officials took the threats seriously."Every school was going to get a call, and one of them was going to have a real bomb," Erwin said at a press conference. Three 15-year-olds have been charged with making threats. Two face felony false-alarm charges, and a third was charged with misdemeanor criminal mischief.
Erwin said the Allen Independent School District will operate on a staggered schedule the next two weeks, with no more than one-third of the district's pupils attending on any given day. More than 1,000 people showed up Monday night to hear school officials outline specific plans to finish the year. Almost 100 people signed up to address the board. Most were supportive of the board's decision, but questioned why it took so long to get an explanation about the specifics of the ruling."My only concern is that this wasn't done Friday," said Joe Bellino, an organizer of a parents group called Concerned Parents for Safe Schools. "Board members, I'm sorry, but you dropped the ball."
Nonetheless, Bellino and others praised the plans as outlined during the meeting. "You could do no more and no less," said Alton Biggs, a 22-year-employee of the school district.Erwin said the district expects to receive more bomb threats, but "with only one-third of our population to evacuate, we can do that safely."
The sessions won't resemble normal school days. Instead, the superintendent said, students will take year-end tests, complete unfinished work and attend year-end activities.She said the district has purchased 12 metal detectors for use at middle schools and the district's lone high school. Access will also be limited at elementary schools, she said.School officials said students who do not return for the activities will not be penalized and may make special arrangements with teachers to complete classwork.
SOURCE: NEWSBANK
Edition: 3 STARSection: APage: 17
Dateline: ALLEN
Copyright 1999 Houston Chronicle
Record Number: 3139506
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Bomb threats disrupt Allen schoolsOfficials try to calm community fears
The Dallas Morning NewsMay 14, 1999
SOURCE: NEWSBANK
Edition: 3 STARSection: APage: 17
Dateline: ALLEN
Copyright 1999 Houston Chronicle
Record Number: 3139506
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Bomb threats disrupt Allen schoolsOfficials try to calm community fears
The Dallas Morning NewsMay 14, 1999
Allen school administrators said they are working closely with police and parents to diffuse the chaos sparked by a recent string of fake bomb threats. In the last 10 days, four schools in the 9,425-student district have been plagued by eight bomb threats that pranksters have either called in or left in notes.
Two schools were affected Thursday……Metal detectors are being installed at the north and south entrances to the high school. And students are being asked not to bring backpacks or book bags to school, officials said. Allen Superintendent Barbara Erwin and Allen Police Chief William Rushing sent a letter to parents Thursday explaining the actions they've taken…
SOURCE: NEWSBANK
Edition: THIRDSection: PLANO MORNING NEWSPage: 1K
Dateline: ALLEN
Copyright 1999 The Dallas Morning News
Record Number: 4054992
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Middle and high school students in Allen, whose parents request it, will be randomly tested for drugs under a new program administered by the school district…
Edition: THIRDSection: PLANO MORNING NEWSPage: 1K
Dateline: ALLEN
Copyright 1999 The Dallas Morning News
Record Number: 4054992
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Middle and high school students in Allen, whose parents request it, will be randomly tested for drugs under a new program administered by the school district…
…The voluntary drug testing will offer students a way of escaping the peer pressure to use drugs by giving them a reason to say no, officials said. It also can allow them to get help if they are using illegal drugs, said Superintendent Barbara Erwin. "One child is one too many" to be on drugs, she said.Dr. Erwin said the program, approved by the school board this week, will begin with students at Curtis Middle School, Ford Middle School, and Allen High School. It could be expanded to elementary schools in the future…
SOURCE: NEWSBANK
Edition: HOME FINALSection: NEWSPage: 1A
Dateline: ALLEN
Copyright 1998 The Dallas Morning News
Record Number: 1035109
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Allen schools give volunteer cold shoulder
The Dallas Morning NewsDecember 21, 1997
Carolyn McBryde doesn't seem like a desperado. But to the Allen Independent School District, she's like Public Enemy No. 1. Carolyn is a sugary-sweet mom and wife. She teaches 2-year-olds in a private preschool, goes to Bible studies, served as a PTA president and tries to help wherever she can…
…The McBrydes were looking forward to going along as chaperons when the Allen High School band went to New York for the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Their son is in the band. But shortly before the trip, Carolyn got a call from a school district official. He informed her that a criminal background check revealed a "negative report" and that she could not be a chaperon..…
A few years ago, the McBrydes found themselves swamped in debt. They finally filed for bankruptcy protection but vowed to repay every creditor 100 percent. And they did. But in the midst of their financial mess, some returned-check notices became hot-check charges. Again, wanting to do what was right, Carolyn went to court, freely admitted her guilt and paid her fines. It was humiliating, but court officials assured her that such things happen to good people all the time…
[But] in Allen, any criminal record automatically disqualifies a volunteer - no matter the circumstances…no appeals…
[Dallas Morning News reporter Steve Blow] got a taste of Carolyn's treatment when [he] called school Superintendent Barbara Erwin. Associate Superintendent Betty Donaldson returned my call instead. I tried to be polite, but she curtly referred me to the school attorney. Then hung up on me in midsentence…
SOURCE: NEWSBANK
Edition: HOME FINAL
Section: NEWS
Page: 37AColumn: STEVE BLOW
Copyright 1997 The Dallas Morning News Company
Record Number: 1718881
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Allen superintendent honored as state's best High standards planning for growth cited in award
The Dallas Morning NewsOctober 8, 1997
Copyright 1997 The Dallas Morning News Company
Record Number: 1718881
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Allen superintendent honored as state's best High standards planning for growth cited in award
The Dallas Morning NewsOctober 8, 1997
Since Barbara Erwin became superintendent of the Allen school district in 1994, the rapidly growing district has added about 800 new students annually - enough to fill a new school each year.
In fact, the district has built four schools in those four years. And Dr. Erwin's planning skills and standards during that period have won her statewide recognition as the Superintendent of the Year.The award was announced at a recent joint convention of the Texas Association of School Boards and the Texas Association of School Administrators."I am blessed with a talented group of educators, staff, teachers, parents," Dr. Erwin said. "We've set high expectations and high standards. "
"She has pushed this district toward strategic planning," said board President Glenn Andrew.For instance, he said, she set clear long-term and intermediate goals for improving scores on the Texas Assessment of Academic Skills (TAAS) and on the SAT, and she gave teachers the extra resources they needed to help students meet them. And for the first time, the district has bought land in advance for a planned school, he said. "Usually, it's a panic to get the land at the last minute," he said.
That school, a new high school, will be adjacent to a city park, the result of a partnership with the city. The resulting complex will be planned jointly by the city and school."The lady is beyond belief," he said. "All her decisions are made for what's best for the kids. . . . She has the courage to make a risky decision if it's good for kids."
Dr. Erwin also said she was proud of the academic gains.In August, the Texas Education Agency named the district one of 64 "exemplary" districts in the state. Six individual schools were also ranked exemplary. "When you see us go from recognized to exemplary, it's pretty indicative that everyone's looking at every child, instead of that 80 percent or 90 percent mark," she said.
"Status quo is definitely not Barbara's middle name," said Georgie Green, who has served on advisory committees and done other volunteer work. Every teacher now has a laptop computer, she said. "She came in at a time of tremendous growth, and she has a lot of vision, and she believes in community input," Ms. Green said. "She energizes everybody she's around. "
SOURCE: NEWSBANK
Edition: HOME FINALSection: NEWSPage: 29A
Copyright 1997 The Dallas Morning News Company
Record Number: 1698803
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More campuses earn top marks in state rankings
The Dallas Morning NewsAugust 5, 1997
SOURCE: NEWSBANK
Edition: HOME FINALSection: NEWSPage: 29A
Copyright 1997 The Dallas Morning News Company
Record Number: 1698803
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More campuses earn top marks in state rankings
The Dallas Morning NewsAugust 5, 1997
State rankings show that Collin County's larger school districts have increased the number of campuses with exemplary performance, especially in Plano and Allen…
… Allen school officials said they were pleased with being one of only 64 school districts statewide that received the exemplary designation. "We're obviously thrilled with the results," district spokesman Tim Carroll said. The number of exemplary campuses in Allen rose from four last year to six this year."The exemplary rating and TAAS scores demonstrate how much can be accomplished when we set goals and work together as a school district and community," Superintendent Barbara Erwin said in a prepared statement. Allen High School's acceptable rating came from its attendance rates, an issue that the district is addressing with the hiring of a district attendance officer, Mr. Carroll said…
SOURCE: NEWSBANK
Edition: HOME FINALSection: PLANOPage: 1Z
Copyright 1997 The Dallas Morning News Company
Record Number: 1681695
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GETTING KIDS WIRED
Allen High `cafe'serves up Internet
The Dallas Morning NewsJune 6, 1997
The Dallas Morning NewsJune 6, 1997
…[T]he project cost about $110,000, with $25,000 of that from an MCI grant and another $4,000 coming from a donation from the American Association of School Administrators. The organization had made the donation on behalf of Superintendent Barbara Erwin, who won the 1996 Leadership For Learning Award…
SOURCE: NEWSBANK
Edition: HOME FINALSection: PLANOPage: 1K
Copyright 1997 The Dallas Morning News Company
Record Number: 1666663
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