Now Collecting Signatures for the Petition to Change District Boundaries (Updated)

Tonight a group of Marshall parents attended the David Douglas school board meeting because the Marshall site was on their agenda. 

Given that the superintendent was instructed to continue (or maybe begin…the story changes regularly) discussions with David Douglas about sharing the facility, you would think that the superintendent would have at least attempted to have a serious conversation with them about it.  But that’s not what was described at tonight’s David Douglas meeting.

David Douglas superintendent Don Grotting kicked off the discussion by saying that PPS superintendent Smith wanted him to talk with the David Douglas board about their apprehensions around partnering at the Marshall site. 

David Douglas board members apprehensions come from a few places.  First, PPS has yet to articulate a plan for shared use of the site.  According to a David Douglas staff member, PPS started the conversation by saying “what can we do for you?”  When pressed for specific ideas for shared use of the site, PPS was reluctant to articulate what they had in mind. 

David Douglas board members asked if PPS has brought any ideas forth since the initial discussion.  NO.  Board members said they didn’t feel it was their place to tell PPS how to use their building.  One board member said “they should have a plan on how they want the building used.” 

Other board members said: 

• We’re not going to be their saviors
• We’re spinning our wheels until they can come up with something
• I don’t see us going into a cold planning session for the facility
• I’d support any solution that makes sense for staff and students and is cost effective

The only area where PPS was able to provide any clarity was on the issue of a boundary change.  Superintendent Grotting asked Carole Smith if she’s willing to support a boundary change and she said no. 

Every day brings a new reason to secede from PPS.  The district won’t provide an adequate education for students in the Marshall cluster.  They won’t let neighborhood students stay in the Marshall building.  They aren’t serious about a focus school.  They aren’t willing to fully utilize the building. 

We have formed a group called Eastside Equity Now and we are collecting signatures to change the district boundaries. 

We will be at Ed Benedict park (SE 100th and Powell) Saturday and Sunday 2-4 PM. (Update – we’re awaiting confirmation on this.  Unlike PPS, we don’t want to piss off an entire community).  More dates and locations will be announced soon.  Please email me at carrie.adams@comcast.net if you’d like to volunteer to collect signatures.