It has been a busy year. I turned 50. The WATCH crossed the 100,00 mark in March and the 200,000 mark in December. Although the WATCH was conspicuously never mentioned in the ITEM, I managed to make it on the front page 3 times. I had the lead story on the front page on my 50th birthday. How cool is that?
We at the WATCH helped spearhead the FIRST EVER public hearing ever generated by a petition from an obscure clause in the city charter pointed out to me by an anonymous reader who I don't think was so anonymous. Well the hearing was to try and get the LSC to post the superintendent's contract, it was renewal time and we wanted to make sure we had the best person in that position. The initial result was we lost in our bid to spark a little friendly competition. However in true WATCH fashion I have made a concerted effort to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. but just let me say that representatives from both spoke at the hearing.
What has happened is an eruption in attention in parent involvement. Okay maybe ERUPTION is too strong a word but it makes good copy. Since that hearing two groups have come on strong to the scene, the LYNN PARENTS ORGANIZING FOR A BETTER EDUCATION (LPOBE) and a new, revitalized PAC. Don't worry, I am not taking credit for starting either of those but representatives from both did speak at the hearing.
Speaking of the 3 hour hearing, I am so proud of the positive, professional behavior displayed by the PRO-POSTING side. Their comments were presented in a constructive fashion. Everybody left the bomb throwing to me, that's what I do, Most of my artillery fired are salvos of truth. Regardless they have led to campaign's of conversation.
This fall saw the opening up of LVTI for use as a community center this fall for some limited use. Again others worked out the details and all the operational stuff. Me, I just provided the poetry. C'mon the rhyming was so easy yo, GANGSTER.
Speaking of gangster, how could I not talk about JOHN THE RIPPER who belittled the parents effort pushing forth the petition and accused certain LSC members of trying to cut the throat of the superintendent. That would not be the last of his parent put down. Remember his foul utterances when FORD SCHOOL'S SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT COUNCIL came forward at a LSC meeting. Eventually he did come before the LSC and make a public apology for his public comments.
Thanks to LIL' LORI there was that revelation about the faulty interpretation about INNOVATION SCHOOLS. We were lucky to have the OPENING of the WASHINGTON SCHOOL that was misrepresented as an INNOVATION SCHOOL. Maybe it was if you want to play word games but evidently somebody was distressed enough about the definition to take down their touting off the LPS website. Instead it was decided that it would be sold as a STEM school.WHATEVER.
We at the WATCH have been all over the proposed plans for the new MARSHALL. Victory will be defined by a well thought out plan for construction. Questions have been and will continue to be asked to insure that we get the most bang for our buck. Taking tax dollars is taxing therefore the WATCH wants all decisions defended definitely.
This may not be the last of the look-backs but it was unquestionably the first of the end of this year which will be last year, next year.
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