Middle School Realignment

If something is said in a video that no one watches, is it really said?  We are surprised that more people haven't pointed out Dr. Herl's comments in his year-end video found here:  VIDEO (Discussion of middle school realignment is at the 3:09 mark.)

In February 2013, the Board heard a report from the committee regarding the proposal.
In March 2013, the Board heard an update regarding the proposal.
The Board never has voted on whether or not to proceed with the proposed realignment.

Despite the lack of official approval from the Board, the plan will proceed.  In the video, Dr. Herl mentions that teachers should know their new placements by Christmas.

According to the District, the patrons are supportive of this measure.  In March, they revealed the results of the survey to affected parents.  770 responded and 71%, or 547, agreed or strongly agreed with the change.  The survey was conducted by Patron Insight Company.

Some thoughts:

• The survey was heavily slanted in favor of the realignment.  Basically, questions along the lines of "Do you want competent teachers in the classroom?"  and "Do you hate puppies and kittens?"
• The District did not reveal how many total surveys were sent out nor how many affected families there are.  That 547 may, in fact, represent a very small percentage of the overall families affected by the change.
• The District did not reveal how each high school was represented in the responses.  For example, were the Truman parents more supportive than the Nowlin parents?
• The District did not reveal how many families were not contacted because no email is on file or the message was returned.
• 71% is not as overwhelming as it appears - it depends on how many "strongly agreed".  The support may be very lukewarm if slanted toward the "agree" side.

And even then, is this a good idea?  Back in 2005, when the District realigned the middle schools, it would have made sense.  But now?  Sure - align sports, band, debate, etc. and let the high school principals rule over a district-within-a-district.  But with MSIP 5 looming - this may not be the best time to upend your middle schools.  The realignment is probably a good idea whose time has past.