Well now... Spring Break, and the passionate bloggers are on vacation, too. Or, maybe it's the blog master who decided to take a much-needed break. In any case, we are hopeful that the commentary will again flow, when school is back in session. Many of the blogs have provided helpful advice for all who have a connection to the school system... teachers, parents, administrators, board, and others. At this point in time, we doubt that everything is ready to come into proper focus, for all of us... but hope that the mission, and the appropriate maps to get us there, will finally become apparent to all. Listen to the mature teachers, those with extended perspective, and try to benefit from their understandings of how things ought to be. Young teachers, with fresh ideas, can be a blessing, too... but remember, it's quite important for all education professionals in the same school system to have a common commitment to a universal curriculum, and that curriculum must be relevant to the needs of the children, practical, and described in terms that are readily understood by the education professionals who are expected to apply the curriculum. Gobble-de-gook has no place in curriculum.
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Leslie Cervantes' job a political payoff?! That is hysterical! Please get the information straight. She gave a get-to-know reception at her house with business people and legislators to meet Dr. Diaz well before Diaz made a mess of everything. Again, Ms. Cervantes, a well-known and well respected member of the business community, was helping to introduce our new supt to others. It wasn't her fault that Dr. Diaz was a tyrant. I asked Ms. Cervantes myself if she had to apply for the job and she said yes, plus, she wasn't the only one who was given an interview for the part time position by a committee of several people.
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There have been numerous mistakes, made in the name of progress, by the administration of LCPS, but hiring Leslie Cervantes goes against the grain of hiring individuals who aren't uniquely qualified. Having a person who is politically connected, personable and apparently has common sense is indeed a person who you wouldn't necessarily find in the upper echelon of LCPS. I applaud her efforts. She may have given a welcome party for Sonia Diaz. That only proves that she is friendly and supportive to newcomers. I find both qualities to be refreshing and charming. The collective view by the community of teachers, board members, and administration could use a little polish and a credibility boost by someone who possesses both. Let's leave Leslie Cervantes alone. She is one of the few individuals hired who doesn't have a valid administration license. This gives her a fresh and unique point of view of our schools and the need to promote the benefits to others without confusing them with the acronyms of "eduspeak". I wish her well in her endeavor.
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