PAVELISH on COUNCIL AND SCHOOL BOARD

It just maddens me when I see these new Cincinnati Public schools under construction and knowing that this new construction will cause three dozen old, traditional, historic, beautiful, former schools to be added to the list of vacant Cincinnati buildings. I'm not against the construction of new schools, I just like the old building and its tradition. And Cincinnati will demolish, no doubt, several of these "castles", just like it did to the beautiful school in Pleasant Ridge. But the School Board tells us that "improved" education will come forth with these new buildings and "we need these facilities to compete with the suburban schools. " And the voters continue to fall for that "story."

I am a fan of Cincinnati Public Schools. My four adult children are products of the public school system and their experience was excellent. Public School teachers are dedicated and hard working and some of the finest people that I know. Many have become my friends. But the stories that I hear from these teachers about the waste, the ineficiencies, and the disconnect between the teachers and the administration and the Board troubles me.


Many of our voters want to know if City Council should get involved in the public school meetings and planning. And would this cooperation help? Or would Council members at the School Board meetings begin to micro manage "what they don't know?"


Personally, I feel that our present School Board members are not the best minds on education - they are the best POLITICIANS on education. But I feel the same way about City Council - the best politicians. (and those of us running for Council)


And what is it about City Council that would make you want these "leaders" to direct your child's education.? Don't the public schools have enough problems?? There was a joint committee at City Hall formed not too long ago to address some of the ills of the schools but, in my opinion, nothing was really accomplished.


The best solution to cure some of the ills of public education is to elect a GOOD school board. Getting to know the candidates WELL is important before you vote. (and a solution to the ills of City Council, the same)... Public school parents must get involved as room mothers, field trip monitors, teacher helpers, and most of all, help with homework. Every school has a teacher - parent advisory board and great direction can come from here. And let us all demand the return of neighborhood schools.


But, yes, City Council members should attend school board meetings and offer input. But City Council is a part time and many of our Council members just have NO time. Our children are our best natural resource and our only future and they must be provided the best education possible . But even greater minds need to get involved, and that is YOU...



I, as a FULL TIME City Councilmember believe that good education for our children should be our first goal and I WOULD have the time and desire to attend school board meetings and assist where needed...


Steve Pavelish for City Council



http://www.pavelish.com/