Mr. Burke delivered a classic line at the candidate forum ... he said the district has been too much about "process."
Let that sink in for a little bit. He's implying that the district - meaning the school board and administration - haven't focused enough on student achievement.
There's a small problem with this argument and it has everything to do with what Mr. Burke thinks about the role of school board members and administrators. If the School Board and administration are not supposed to be focused on process, who will be?
If everyone focuses on teaching in the classroom, no one will be focused on professional development to ensure teachers know what they are doing and are working together. No one will be focused on how we use assessments to improve teaching and reach students as individuals. No one will be focused on ensuring equality among the schools, so a student at North Trail is receiving as good an education as a student at Farmington Elementary or Akin Road Elementary. No one will focus on ensuring we have the right finance system in place, that our buildings are secure and well maintained, that employee relations are strong, that there is a systemic, organized approach to educating.
A good school district has a lot of things going on inside and everyone has a role. "Process", no matter how disdainful Mr. Burke wants to make it sound, is an important part of a good organization and it falls under the responsibilities of the School Board and administrators.
If Mr. Burke doesn't think the School Board should be about process, and he doesn't know anything about curriculum or teaching, what the hell is he planning on doing as a board member? Anyone? Anyone?
