Superintendent Pierce moves forward on temporary boundary option to relieve Rosa Parks overcrowding

This letter by Superintendent Pierce was emailed yesterday and did not specify the partner school, nor the number of students to be moved. 

Dear Rosa Parks parent/guardian:

On September 27, I met with the Rosa Parks community to discuss the long-range plan for Rosa Parks, and to seek feedback on potential short-term solutions that could be implemented in the 2013-14 school year to help address size concerns at the school. At the end of the meeting I shared that the team would be collating and analyzing your feedback, and that I would share your feedback back to you, along with next steps, by October 17.  

As you recall, two potential short-term options were presented: Option 1: Temporary Grade Level Move, and Option 2: Temporary Boundary. Over 250 parents took the time to fill out the feedback form. The Rosa Parks community clearly cares very deeply about their school. I realize that both options presented come with significant pros and cons, and it was not easy for parents to consider either option. 

That said, Option 2: Temporary Boundary emerged as the clear preference. The feedback received reflects that 77.34% agreed or strongly agreed with the temporary boundary option versus 13.28% who agreed or strongly agreed with the temporary grade level move option. The additional comments on the options presented also reflected that of the two options, the temporary boundary option is preferred.  

Some other options beyond the two presented were also suggested in the feedback. The team did review other options suggested by parents, and while there were some creative ideas suggested, no other options suggested emerged as viable given transportation feasibility, cost, and resulting enrollment impacts. The complete feedback report is attached for your information.  

Based on the feedback received, I have decided to move forward with a temporary boundary option for Rosa Parks Elementary School. As shared at the meeting on September 27, placing a limit on the number of all-day kindergarten classes at Rosa Parks also continues to be a possible option, which may be implemented in 2013-14 in conjunction with the temporary boundary. 

The next steps are to engage the schools involved in the temporary boundary and to develop a process for determining the temporary boundary. This process will involve more opportunities for parent input. 

Tomorrow you will receive another email from me with more specifics regarding the next steps in the process. In addition, given that the work to determine the temporary boundary must be complete prior to the start of the February kindergarten registration process begins, you will hear from me or other district staff on a regular basis between now and the end of this calendar year. Please make sure you read any emails on this subject, as they will likely contain both information and input opportunities such as survey links and meeting dates.

Thank you again for your feedback and participation in this important process.

Sincerely,

Dr. Traci Pierce

Superintendent

Rosa Parks Parents and School Board Frustrated by "glacial slowness" of LWSD Administration

Rosa Parks Elementary on Redmond Ridge is severely overcrowded and the LWSD School Board and Administration know it.   More than 20 parents and students have presenting twice during Board meetings for over an hour about the unacceptable conditions and Superintendent Pierce visited the school in August.   Pierce's short term solution so far is to add more administrative help and limit recess to two grades at a time.   The school's ten portables cut out 50% from the play areas not leaving much room for fun or a solution to the overcrowding.   The school structure and grounds have a capacity of 483 students yet according to parent Heather Rosenburg "it's almost approaching 800 students." 

Another parent, Karen Swenson says "enrollment could reach 900 students if development keeps increasing at Redmond Ridge East.  Sending only Kindigardners to Wilder does not achieve right size.  We need a decision by the end of January before Kindigarden registration - including forcasted enrollment - to decide if we should stay, move, varience, home school, and go to private schools." 

Dr. Pierce will hold a meeting with the Rosa Parks community September 27, 6:45-8:15PM, at the school to seek feedback on short term solutions and discuss long term plans. According to parent Beth Zimmerman, Katheryn Reith of the Administration identifies short term solutions as: 1) eliminate full day kindergarten, 2) convert specialized classrooms to regular classrooms, 3) set new boundaries, 4) bus students, 5) add two more portables.  Zimmerman called the overcrowding an emergency situation. 

Julie Ann, parent of a second grader and past community liaison to the Seattle Public Schools understood the Superintendent Pierce's goal not to reboundary twice for students in Redmond East.  She recommended temporary relocation saying North Shore District has accommodated schools similarly in the past where she once lived and the boundaries are not complex. 

A parent with a second grader recommended moving Kindergartners and 1st Graders to Wilder (which is 75% of capacity with declining enrollment).  Or, to move Redmond Ridge East except Chandler to Wilder. 

Boardmember Chris Carlson said:

"I wanted to hear from somebody from Redmond Ridge East.  I have yet to hear from such people.  It still feels we have a community that's asking to move the other half of your school but I haven't heard that yet.  People clamouring to "Please bus us to Wilder" would be fantastic but I haven't heard that yet." 

Boardmember Chris Carlson from the Kirkland district concluded for the Board saying,

"We do feel your pain and the solution is going to be frustratingly slow - glacial.  It won't happen before the next meeting.  The community must work with Superintendent Pierce.  We as a Board are not writing a check to move all those kids [to Wilder Elementary].  It's unacceptable not being able to solve it [the overcrowding] this year but it's slow.  Tracie will work with you as a community.  It's something we are hoping you can work with her." 

Redmond's new school board member Siri Bliesner said "it's been a long term problem and it's important to be addressed now."   Redmond Ridge school board member Doug Eglington said "it's not fun.  It's frustratingly slow and will take some time." 

President Pendergrass from Kirkland and Juanita area said "there will be a solution" before Kindergarten registration in January so parents can decide where to send their kids.  "Superintendent Pierce is trying to involve the entire Redmond Ridge East and West communities and it takes time."

Reported by Bob Yoder

"The job of the Board is to represent the citizens and to lead the organization by asking critical questions and by determining and demanding appropriate and excellent organizational performance." (LWSD By-Laws)
 

Superintendent designate Traci Pierce is guest soloist at Dickinson concert

 

Lake Washington School District Superintendent designate Traci Pierce is guest soloist

The Dickinson Elementary site orchestra, serving kids from Dickinson, Explorer, Alcott, Einstein, Wilder and Rosa Parks, will have a final concert on Thursday, June 7 at 7 p.m. in the Dickinson Elementary School Commons. Their guest soloist will be Dr. Traci Pierce, superintendent designate, who will play the violin.  Rachel Harris is the orchestra teacher who is organizing the event.

4/12/12: Mayor Marchione honors Dr. Chip Kimball by Proclamation

Dr. Chip Kimball
Superintendent, Lake Washington School District,  2007 - 2012

Read by Mayor John Marchione on March 27, 2012....

 PROCLAMATION

WHEREAS, Chip Kimball started his education career by teaching science at Madera High School in California; and  Read More >>

WHEREAS, Chip Kimball took his first administrative education job in the Fresno Unified School  District in California; and

WHEREAS, Chip Kimball earned his doctorate in educational leadership from the university of Southern California in 1995, thus earning himself the title of doctor; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Kimball has served the LWSD since 1996 in roles including Chief Information Officer, Assistant Superintendent, and Deputy Superintendent; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Kimball's work has resulted in one of the most comprehensive and effective educational technology implementations in the country and he was recognized by eSchool News as one of ten 2010 Tech-Savvy Superintendents;and

WHEREAS, Lake Washington PTSA Council honored Dr. Kimball with its Outstanding Service Award, its highest honor, as someone who works for all children to help them achieve their potential; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Kimball has dedicated his career to the service of educating our children, so that every child is future-ready, prepared for college, prepared for the global workplace and prepared for personal success:

NOW, THEREFORE, I JOHN MARCHIONE, Mayor of the City of Redmond, do hereby reorganize 

DR. CHIP KIMBALL

for his valuable contributions to Redmond, the LWSD, and the eastside community; and I urge all residents to join me in honoring him. 

SIGNED:  John Marchione, Mayor, March 27, 2012

OP-ED:  Mayor's proclamation of Dr. Kimball is premature...4/9/12 

COMMENTS:  The March 27 Redmond city council study session started with presentations from Dr. Chip Kimball and superintendent-elect Dr. Traci Pierce. Chip recalled being hired by Sup. Barnes in l996 as the district's first Chief Information Officer. He became Superintendent when Dr. Don Saul retired in 2007.

Chip decided to leave Redmond "after much consternation" and spend a term as Superintendent of Singapore School. He leaves in July. Dr. Kimball wants to grow his leadership as an educator from his experience in the global workplace of Asia, and apply it back home.

Dr. Kimball said he was proud of the 95% graduation rate at LWSD; that 70% enter college; accolades for International School, that Redmond High is rated in the top 50 of all high schools in the country and the district got 11 recognitions from the state in 2011.

Dr. Kimball was on the Executive Committee for the Chamber and a Director on the Redmond Economic Development Association. He stated emphatically that education IS the economic development engine."

Mayor John Marchione read a Proclamation from a plaque. After giving Dr. Kimball the plaque Chip said how he appreciated his partnership with John. "John was a wonderful partner. We had a "heads up agreement" we could pick up the phone and call each other..."   He said he lives in Redmond and looks forward to coming back home.

By Bob Yoder

http://www.lwsd.org/About/District-Admin/Pages/Superintendent-Bio.aspx

LWSD's new Director Siri Bliesner champions Dr. Traci Pierce as Superintendent

Director Sir Bliesner

This Monday evening, Deputy Superintendent Traci Pierce was hired by the School Board of Directors as LW School District's next Superintendent.  Dr. Pierce was promoted from one of the Administration's three Chief Officers to a Deputy Superintendent last year.  Traci's operative words in her short speech to the Board were: "to serve," and "committed."  General consensus by the Board, in part, is that Traci will be learning the Superintendent's position "on the job", she is intelligent, and a quick study.  (In her speech to the Redmond officials and residents, Traci emphasised her 16 years of District experience.)  

All Board members spoke highly of Dr. Pierce, but Director Siri Bliesner had the most to say. Ms. Bliesner is a Redmond resident and replaces Ravi Shahadi as the District's newest Board member. 

Before the vote, Director Siri Bliesner started off her positive assessment for Dr.Traci Pierce saying:

"Traci has a strong passion for Public Education and has been developing the necessary skills, attitudes and desire to develop potential in the LWSD to reach the vision of "every child future ready."  I am pleased with her leadership style as one of inclusion and collaboration. This is a vital skill, especially with that of competing interests that exist."

Dr. Pierce recognizes the importance of public, transparent processes that engage the community in a meaningful way -- early on, where input can have impact.   Read More >>

LWSD Board selects Dr. Traci Pierce as new superintendent

Dr. Traci Pierce

I've inserted the italicized paragraphs to Kathryrn Reith's press release for additional insight.  B.Y.

Dr. Traci Pierce, experienced educational leader to continue current initiatives

Redmond, Wash. – At its February 27 meeting, the Board of Directors of the Lake Washington School District unanimously voted to hire Dr. Traci Pierce, the district’s deputy superintendent, instructional services, as the district’s new superintendent. Pending the negotiation of a contract, she will replace the departing Dr. Chip Kimball, who becomes superintendent of the Singapore American School on July 1.

President Jackie Pendergrass reviewed the selection process as follows:  In September, Kimball announced he was leaving the District.  November 7th, the Board conducted a survey of parents, staff, and the community.  December 5th, the Board (with Ravi) after interviews unanimously announced Traci Pierce as their "preferred candidate."  "Meet and Great" meetings were held at Sammamish, Redmond, Kirkland and the District headquarters for staff.  (20-30 people showed up at each meeting).  Twenty-six people submitted comments. BY 

Board member Dr. Chris Carlson said he "believes in brevity" on this, saying he heard little "negative stuff."  BY  Read More >>

UPDATED ON JANUARY 12: LW School District Board considering internal candidates for superintendent.

Pres. Jackie Pendergrass
and school board to decide.

Lake Washington School Board outlines next step for superintendent search

Opinion Updated 1/25:  The School Board will introduce their preferred candidate, Traci Pierce, to the community during "Meet and Greets" (M&G) this January.   Parents and the community are invited to give input to Board members.  Send your feedback to the Board by February 22 at board@lwsd.org and if you have your own preferred candidate let them and your neighbors know!   I like Traci a lot, but prefer Principal Jane Todd, Redmond High for her known community Leadership skills.  

UPDATED OPINION:  At their December 5 meeting the Lake Washington School Board will decide if they want to put forward an internal candidate for Superintendent. 

According to the Administration in a press release,  "the district is in the middle of a major initiative - changing its grade configuration - which will affect every school in the district."   Grade reconfiguration - along with growth pains from the new Stem School, RHS wing, and EHS wing and other immediate challenges - could benefit from "consistent leadership" of an internal candidate.  "Knowledge and experience of these ongoing challenges also favor the consideration of internal candidates," says the Administration.

The Board will evaluate all candidates based on criteria gathered from the online survey ("read more") and interviews with staff and community members.  If they can't decide on an internal candidate, they'll look outside.
 
Do you think an internal candidate is appropriate considering what we're facing for the next few years?  Is an interim Superintendent  an option?   A couple of names that come to mind are Deputy Superintendent of Instructional Services, Dr.Traci Pierce, and Redmond High Principal Jane Todd.  Do you have any recommendations or favorites?   I think Deputy Superintendent Janine Fogard is most effective staying where she is, as Chief Operating Officer.  She knows the district "plumbing" better than anyone.  Ms. Fogard, as Director of Finance, has an excellent business services finance team led by Barbara Posthumus.  Read More>>