Dr. Eugene White presented his response to The Mind Trust proposal recently at the Central Library. After the media attention regarding his job interviews in other cities, we learned that not only had he “decided to stay in Indianapolis” (ahem, he had not gotten hired) but that he had finally gotten around to presenting a proposal to The Mind Trust plan, which was unveiled in December 2011.
Public opinion of Dr. White has suffered recently as it became widely known that he was a candidate for superintendant positions in other cities. He certainly needed to swing the pendulum of public opinion back his way, and his presentation on Monday evening appeared to be an attempt to do just that, but fell short.
Those who have paid close attention to the district over the years have noticed a continuing pattern. When the stakes are high, IPS always manages to come forward with a bunch of success stories intended to put the residents of Indianapolis at ease. There is so much data in the district that it is very easy to “pick and choose” which numbers represent the current agenda.
While there are a few bright, shining stars in the district which deserve recognition, there are also abhorrent failures which can’t be glossed over.
In addition to the “pat-ourselves-on-the-back” portion of the presentation, which was rather extensive, Dr. White also outlined some ideas and plans for the district over the next few years. Those paying attention know that IPS is famous for recycling ideas and this time, used terms such as “innovative” and “innovation” to describe future plans. Most of the “innovation” described this time around included plans for opening new schools over the next several years.
This comes as no surprise at all. It is simply a survival strategy to offset the number of failing schools which have already been taken, in addition to the several schools which are in serious danger of being taken over in the next few years.
I found it quite ironic that Dr. White mentioned the need for community dialogue about the state of Indianapolis Public Schools, yet required questions to be submitted via note cards. He then was able to scan (censor) and read what he chose.
The most unnerving topic of the evening was the governance of the IPS system. Dr. White backed off of his original plan (quoted back in February) to change the structure of the board to 9 members with some of those members appointed. While I was certainly glad to hear that the IPS board will remain an elected entity, Dr. White’s public endorsement of the current board did not go unnoticed. Three of the four board members which are up for re-election this year are avid White supporters, therefore it benefits his agenda greatly if they stay. The board as a whole is not a functional, working group. There are those that support Dr. White (4) and those that do not (3). There is a very clear and divisive line between the two groups.
People of Indianapolis, this is your call to action! Most people are unaware that they are responsible for electing the people who serve as the checks and balance for Eugene White. The board as a whole, is, in essence, Dr. White’s boss.
Please, show up, take part, and most of all, cast an educated vote for a school board member this November. The children of IPS need you…and if you don’t, who will?
Gayle Cosby is a candidate for IPS School Board in District 2.
