[speedgibson] Speed Gibson: The Gathering Storm

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Posted by Speed Gibson:
The Gathering Storm
http://speedgibson.powerblogs.com/posts/1229495621.shtml


   Tonight was the first of two informational presentations on what the
   demographic and facilities consultants hired by District 281 have
   found. As they said, this is 2/3 of the deliverables, the last third
   being the actual recommendations. There will likely be two or three
   scenarios, certainly not the nine we saw a year ago.
   It remains very clear to me that at least one school will be closed at
   the end of this term. The leading candidate certainly remains
   Northport Elementary, given its design, age, condition, location, and
   lack of political friends. Nothing new here.
   What did seem a bit surprising even to me was the outright downplay of
   the value of neighborhood schools. Where the classroom is does not
   matter according to Superintendent Mack. "Strong programs" are
   preferred by School Board Chair Patsy Green. But it's premature to
   observe much more at this point.
   Turnout was well short of 100 at the Plymouth Middle School. Perhaps
   it was the weather. Perhaps it's just too early. Perhaps we didn't get
   the word out in time, the Star Tribune piece running today, too late
   for those who made plans. Perhaps those nearby do not expect one of
   their schools to be closed, not even Pilgrim Lane Elementary.
   The second session (same program) will be this Thursday, 7 pm, at the
   old Robbinsdale High School auditorium.