The Echo

Partnership Zone  Thoughts  -

If Focus Area 4 - Flexible Operating Conditions - is a stipulation of both Tranformation and Turnaround (two of the four models) could the CSD BOE install a new "body" to oversee the governance of its two newest PZ schools?  A REQUIREMENT of both of these PZ models is to "Adopt a new governance structure."  Should Christina use this oportunity to return control to the neighborhoods from which the students that attend these schools are drawn?  Could CSD develop a governing structure that places direct leadership into the hands of the City residents and thereby establishes a foundation that ensures these schools are truly "community" schools within their urban settings? 

Is PZ the pathway to establishing something akin to a city district -a concept that a strong cohort of urban elected officials and community organizers is already behind?  They've approached Gov. Markell and contacted the Northern New Castle County School Boards requesting their ideas receive fair review.  They've marched in Wilmington and been highlighted in stories in the News Journal. 

The real question - Is Delaware ready to think innovatively?  And is Christina ready to lead?  Nothing about Race to the Top is certain. There is no data to show the models work.  In fact, I believe RTTT is the greatest education fallacy of our time - but, if this is the mechanism that allows my constituents to take the reigns of at least some of their schools in a new, creative, innovative manner; perhaps it's the route for which we should all be advocating... Maybe it's time to install a governing body that falls within Christina's domain but allows for greater autonomy - in a manner similar to the way that Charter School Boards act with autonomy in leading their schools with respect to their authorizers, such as the case with many of the charters located in the Red Clay School District. In my proposed version, Christina would continue to provide the administrative guidance and back office support - but the unpaid governing body at these two PZ schools would establish the mission and policies that relect their values and make the operating decisions that ensure the success of their schools.

Of course, you might just say - Why don't you Charter those schools then?  Chartering may require (the jury's out) invoking those certain provisions of the law that are time and process consuming.  PZ regulations require that districts submit plans within 90 days for approval.  Considering that no Public School in Delaware has ever gone through the conversion process, a 90 day window will likely not suffice to complete the requirements of the conversion law.

Well, readers, what are your thoughts, and Kilroy, I expect to hear from you!