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May 2007
Carl's Cookie Jar
Carl's Cookie Jar Here are excerpts from employees’ informal conversation with the superintendent at the Cookies with Carl meeting held April 17.

There is a noticeable positive change in atmosphere throughout the district. What do you attribute that to?
I believe we are rebuilding the element of trust. We’ve had fewer work-related stress claims and parent complaints, plus expulsions have been cut in half. These indicate that good things are going on around here. My experience is that if you build trust that stands the test of time, over time, we will experience gains in student performance and improve employee morale.

How can we show the public all the wonderful things happening in the classroom when we are not so consumed with test preparation?
The first of my five superintendent goals is very deliberate in addressing gains in student performance, not just standardized tests. We’re missing other elements of greater value if we only concentrate on test scores. I’ll soon be meeting with Senate democrats to address concerns with No Child Left Behind (*occurred April 27, 2007). I truly believe that it will be easier to change at the local level than fight the powerful interests of Washington. The people who can provide bright futures for our kids already exist within the local school district and not at the state and federal level. Good things are happening. We just need to keep communicating this information.

What are your thoughts on the original Blueprint for Success and No Child Left Behind?
A “one size fits all” plan is stifling. Under the Blueprint, the pendulum started to swing towards a charter emphasis and now it’s swinging back towards a concentration on our regular schools. I am unwilling to concede south of I-8 to charter schools. Our new Executive Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Jennifer Cheatham, is working with the area superintendents to make sure there is support for all kids.

Would the district consider providing any financial incentives for National Board Certification?
I favor any program that recognizes additional professional development. We’ll look into this further.

Next Cookies with Carl:
Monday, May 21, from 4 to 6 p.m., at Pacific Beach Middle School