Goldson Resurfaces As School Board Candidate

Playing politics with the life and activities of a child is grossly irresponsible. And, highlighting the fact that a candidate for public office has a child in a private school reveals a lack of clarity, at least, about the function of public institutions and the responsibility that ALL citizens have to the proper running of said institutions.

Should a citizen who lives in a private dwelling not be concerned about how the government operates public housing in the name of its citizens? Should citizens who drive privately owned vehicles not be concerned about whether our public transportation system is operated in a fair and equatable way, with as little environmental pollution as possible? So, why the focus on where this candidate's child attends school, or not?

Direct participation in a public institution is not a requirement for public office, or for citizens to take on their responsibility as a citizen to be involved in the life of our government. To suggest otherwise, as this article does with its baiting opening paragraph is, at least, misleading.

The Rev. Mr. Samuel T. Ross-Lee

I have to respectfully disagree with Rev. Ross-Lee. Having a child in private school and running for the public school board is like running for mayor and not living in the city in which you are running. You don't have a direct and visceral stake in the institution you are trying to guide. It also indicates a certain level of tone-deafness.

I'm sure there are many other people who have committed themselves to the New Haven Public Schools system rather than running from it who would be better qualified to sit on the school board. This is not playing politics with the activities of a child - but rather thinking about who would have the best interests and who has shown the most commitment to ALL of the children in New Haven - ESPECIALLY those who rely on the New Haven Public Schools for education and have no other options.

Too many times the same people think that as career politicians, they are entitled to this open seat or that open seat.

Personally, I would love to see an educator or a parent of children in the schools to run for the board seat. Not a career politician who specializes in public relations. Just saying... I'm sure Goldson has powerful friends and lots of democratic party connections. Not sure that means he will have the best interests of the children of New Haven at heart.

For example, how can he sympathize with the current neighborhood school / magnet school lottery woes if he has never gone through it? How can he know about nursing shortages, paraprofessional shortages, school building vs. maintenance, teacher turnover vs. tenure, if he never even walks through the doors of a school in his day to day life?

Think This Through Notes:

The fact that Darnell has his daughter in private school is absolutely NO barrier to him running for a school board position.

According to Darnell's statement, he and his two sons graduated from public schools in New Haven, that alone makes him well knowledgeable in and to the short comings of the NHPS system and it's entrenchment.

The New Haven 2016 general fund budget is 511M, the BOE 2016 budget is 425M and they are only one department out of 33 among general fund operating departments. This simply shows that money alone is not the cure for this deficiency.

The fact that he and his wife decided to educate their daughter in a private school setting, while paying public school taxes, state and local, and at the same time a private school tuition, strongly suggest how they feel about their daughters long term educational prospects.

Notwithstanding No child left behind, together with Obama's and Malloy's new school initiatives, the state wide school system has literally and figuratively scored worse since the 2004 Bush initiative.

Contrary to Westville Dad who said:
"For example, how can he sympathize with the current neighborhood school / magnet school lottery woes if he has never gone through it? How can he know about nursing shortages, paraprofessional shortages, school building vs. maintenance, teacher turnover vs. tenure, if he never even walks through the doors of a school in his day to day life?'

Short answer, he cannot. That's a good thing because it doesn't work and Darnell more than others will not take the talk as the gospel, Darnell will dig deep into the bowel of repetitive failures and expose it for what it is.. Engrained acceptable way of education in order to keep the status quo while RIPPING-OFF the tax payers of CT...

Of the candidates mentioned in District two, I support Darnell.

Westville Dad,

Your analogy, while none is perfect, is horroble off. This has little to do with residency, as Mr. Goldson is clearly a resident of the city where he is running. This has to do with a public/private divide, which is, again, clearly the case.

According to you logic, a person who runs for any public office must be directly involved in and living under the public conditions over which they will have responsibility.

The purpose of the Public School is explicit in its name. Ultimately, it's suppose to serve the public, ALL OF THE PUBLIC, not just those who are directly engaged with it at the time of their desire to serve on its Board. The education of our citizens is important for, and affects, all of us. Our government depends on an educated populace, one of the "Founding Fathers" famously declared.

Based on your understanding, a Grandparent, or a person with no children at all has not business seeking this office at all. But that Grandparent or childless person will still be affected by students who are graduated from schools that are run poorly and might want to help change that, as well as by students from excellent programs, and they might want to help maintain that.

If we can have childless Congress persons or even Presidents making decisions about sending other peoples' children to war, certainly we can have public citizens who have no children in the public schools serving on school boards.

By the way, the above story reports that both Mr. Goldson AND his two sons graduated from the New Haven Public School system. I can image that there's enought "visceral" connection left over from those experiences.

Rev. Ross-Lee

As is typical for those who argue in absolutes - the Rev Ross-Lee has misstated my position. I didn't say that it is a requirement to be directly involved in the institution which you are trying to guide -- but rather that it is preferable to not. Taking the Rev's example of a congress person or president sending other people's children to war - I would argue that it is preferential that our congresspeople and presidents have experience with war - either having served in the military, or having somehow experienced the tragedy of war through family or friends. Experiencing and having a stake in an institution is preferable to not.

Further, rather than saying a grandparent or a childless person without some connection to the school system has no business running for the seat, I would say it is preferable that they did have a connection to the school -- that a parent or teacher is preferable to not. Therefore, any of the other candidates who have made a choice to stick with NHPS are preferable to Goldson.

At this point, I see no reason to support Goldson for this office. He has made his choice to run from the NHPS system. If he is on the school board, it will clearly be a case of "do as I say, not as I do." That is crystal clear.

Rev. Ross-Lee, should I take my child out of NHPS? Should we leave behind only those kids who can't afford to leave? That's the example that Goldson has set. It does not disqualify him for the office - it merely makes him less desirable than candidates who did not run.

Westville Dad's first comment:

"I have to respectfully disagree with Rev. Ross-Lee. Having a child in private school and running for the public school board is like running for mayor and not living in the city in which you are running. You don't have a DIRECT and visceral stake in the institution you are trying to guide. It also indicates a certain level of tone-deafness. (Emphasis mine).

My initial reply: "According to you logic, a person who runs for any public office must be DIRECTLY involved in and living under the public conditions over which they will have responsibility." (Emphasis mine).

Westville Dad's rejoinder: "As is typical for those who argue in absolutes - the Rev Ross-Lee has misstated my position. I didn't say that it is a requirement to be directly involved in the institution which you are trying to guide—but rather that it is preferable to not."

I'll let the readers figure that one out.

Another Westville Dad quote: "Experiencing and having a stake in an institution is preferable to not."

Goldson, FacChec, and I have each pointed out that he AND two of his children graduated from the NHPS system. So, are you suggesting that a sitting president or congresspersons must be in the military ormat war at the same time as they are making war policy or decisions? I'm confused. CLEARLY, Goldson has expericence with the NHPS.

And your insistent use of the notion that Goldson has "run" from the public schools is, at least, a backhanded insult to the public school. His having made a choice to send his child to a private school doee not relieve him of hos responsibility as a citizen to be concerned or involved with what's occuring in the schools. Such concern is a moral obligation we all have, as we have entrusted the people's education to the people.

Rev. Ross-Lee

To those who have indicated supporting my run for office, thanks. For those who have not, I hope I can one day earn that support.

I'd like to correct a few misconceptions.
@ Westville Dad - I served in one political office, 2 years on the Board of Alders. I'm not quite sure how that can be defined as a "career politician". You ask " how can he sympathize with the current neighborhood school / magnet school lottery woes if he has never gone through it?" You are incorrect in your assumption that I have not. My sons attendex their entire educational experiences in the New haven system, graduating a few years ago. I lived in East Rock and was not able to get him into Hooker, while other children, some well connected and not from the neighborhood, were attending. "nursing shortages, paraprofessional shortages, school building vs. maintenance, teacher turnover vs. tenure", I not only recently had children in the system, but on the BOA i was one of the experts on the budget, and heard testimony and am very familiar regarding all of these issues.

This is not a situation of "do as I say, not as I do." In fact, it is the exact opposite. My goal is to participate and help lead a real reform effort, so that parents like me don't have to sacrifice 50% of their salaries, or move out of New Haven, to ensure their children's education.

@ Noteworthy - my main point on teachers are that they are undervalued. They have our kids in class all day, they are an extension of our families. I'm sure the examples Paul mentioned above are the exception, not the rule, and if we can pay a spokesman in for the BOA six figures, we should find a way to value the teachers as such.

I was born in this city, lived a good part of my life here, spent all of my pre-college years in the public schools here, sent my boys here. I'm more than familiar and qualified to comment on the educational system.

@Paul, I'm curious, how many of the current BOE have children currently or previously in the system?

One more question - @Westville dad; do you have a child currently enrolled in the NH public school system? And if not, should you disqualify yourself from voting for the position? If you do, and since you believe that is an overriding qualification for holding this office, why don't you run? I'll be happy to openly debate you in any forum, if you are willing to take off the mask.

Teachers maybe undervalued in some circumstances, but they are definitely not underpaid. Like nearly all their public sector counterparts, they are well compensated, many times well above what the private sector pays.

As for a school spokesperson - that position is and has always been a useless and valueless position designed to control the press, feed pablum to the public and generally obstruct what's really going on in the schools.

Goldson (and his boys) attended NHPS. Then he did what he believed was best for his daughter. Now he seeks to facilitate positive change in NHPS so parents don't have to pay for quality schooling. My only concern with Goldson is his failure to state the parents' responsibilities as major stakeholders in education.

Goldson is accurate in noting that teachers are generally undervalued and underpaid. Noteworthy's view above is an example. I don't doubt some mediocre/poor teachers are protected by friendly administrators. But it's irresponsible to ignore that many NHPS teachers work with one hand tied behind their backs as restraint laws and people like Comer protect the few disruptive and dangerous students at the expense of the other students' education and safety.

Some administrators in NHPS work in the best interests of students and teachers. Those would be the principals who value teacher input, support teachers against combative students/parents, offer teachers practical guidance and posses thorough pedagogical knowledge for the grades they oversee. Others, simply cover their own rear and harass teachers who don't agree with all of their mandates, regardless of that teacher's expertise and work ethic.

Also of concern is the new Foundations of Reading Survey for K-3 teachers. Some of the "minds" behind the content of CT's version in fact have no prior teaching experience in any of those grades! They've never conducted a guided reading session, never maintained a comprehensive classroom library, and never used data from formal and teacher-created assessments to drive instruction and stock individual student reading bags with appropriate, leveled texts. Not surprisingly, the survey has many items that don't pertain to K-3 grades.

I hope Goldson commits to holding ALL stakeholders in education accountable. Not a select few for fear of backlash.

Goldson actually sounds like a great candidate. Too bad he's not in my district. I would probably vote for him.

Also, what's the status of the other candidates as parents of students. Just curious, did they all go through NHPS?

Speaking as a resident and voter in District 2... and an NHPS educator:

I would dispute the accuracy of the statement "We're second to last in achievement scores"
This is far from the truth.

New Haven Public Schools as a district is NOT second from the bottom in most measures of district achievement, even though our poverty rates and demographics would predict that.

The published high school 4 year graduation rate for 2014 is ahead of other cities (Bridgeport, Hartford, New Britain, Waterbury, New London, Wyndham, West Haven, Norwich, ElmCity(AF), http://www.sde.ct.gov/sde/lib/sde/excel/evalresearch/2014_gradrates.xls

Last years 2014 CMT/CAPT science scores showed our 8th graders ahead of Bridgeport, Hartford, Waterbury, New Britain, Windham, New London, East Hartford, Meriden), and ahead of most of those towns in 5th and 10th grade.

The last set of CMT 2013 Reading/Math scores available show us ahead of Bridgeport, Hartford, Waterbury, New Britain, Windham, East Hartford, in math, and ahead of Bridgeport, Hartford, New Britain, New London, Windham, East Hartford in reading, and that achievement gap with the state decreasing at a faster rate than most cities.

Much more progress to be made, but its important to realize where we are to know where we have to go...

@ Rich Therrm:

You have a propensity to quote school graduation progress from the self serving NHPS web-site by grade, have a look at a non- partisan view by CONNCAN.ORG whose findings contradict those reported by the NHPS for the same year 2013.

With the scores reported among high school students in particular, I would graduate them too. After-all, the state education department does no pay for students held back from graduation.

Simply click the link, compare schools, click any school name,particularly high school, click add, read it and weep.

http://reportcards.conncan.org/report-cards/schools-comparison?s1=5694

The current board and indeed their predecessors have allowed this result to go on far too long. New Blood with ideas for change has to come on board, the Mayors appointments (5) won't get it done.

@ RichTherrn,

Thanks, for the input. Unfortunately, there are over 130 public school districts in CT. New Haven being in the bottom 10 of graduation rates and CMT scores is nothing to be proud about. I'm not here to bash the NH system, but in order to effectuate change, we have to be truthful about the current state of affairs. I do remember not long ago we were ranked second from the last. We began to "redefine" graduation rates, and we moved up a few places. We are still at the bottom, and a super majority of parents would tell you that they would like to see better. Our children deserve better.

And Blue is absolutely correct that ALL stakeholders, including and especially parents, must be held accountable.

All discussions about public education are obtuse. What is the real truth? Out of my federal, state, and local taxes I figure that about $4,000 a year is my contribution to an educational system that I do not use. I sent all three of my children to private schools and have zero complaints about the outcome. The reason I did it was that I wanted my kids to have a $12,000 per year education, not a $4,000 one. To do this I actually paid,therefore, $16,000. Of course someone with 10 kids, and does not have the extra $12,000,and who only pays $4,000 a year is getting a larger financial benefit from the public system.They will get 10 $4,000 educations. Regarding Darnell...Board of Ed meetings will be a lot more interesting to all with Darnell around, and most likely many subjects will be discussed publicly for the first time, embarrassing for a few, but no harm done. Vote for Darnell.

No disruption, no offensive language, no chaos. Everyone engaged, buy-in all around, a tangible love of learning. What parent wouldn't opt to send their child to a independent school if it was an option. Finances aside, it would irresponsible to deny your child this opportunity.

I am glad to see that Mr. Goldson doesn't look at his child as a political chip and did what was best for her and her future. He shouldn't be seen as a lesser candidate for it.

@FacCheck. The link I provided on graduation rates, is to the Connecticut states data on graduation, which is certainly more "non-partisan" than the charter school ConnCann organization, and for the class of 2014 .
Ctreports.com gives the achievement data on CAPT/CMT I referred to.
ConnCann reports tend to average scores in an inappropriate way and for select grades school by school.
Mr. Goldson's statement I challenged was that the district was second to last , which is not true.
Being 13th or 10th from the bottom as a district is not a goal, but is still better than all comparable size/demographic districts in CT. School by school we have some schools that achieve at a high level and many at a low level, which is something the district should continue to work on, I think we all agree.

@ RichTherrn,

Your definition of progress is lamentable.

If you turn neighborhood schools into youth centers, you'll see a positive increase in test scores. The studying atmosphere in which these kids go home to is calamitous. The home setting is the front end. The setting is the back end. If you infiltrate the front end positively, you'll get a positive result on the back end.

Pivoting...
Darnell allowed politics to navigate his response to the question, "How is Superintendent Garth Harries doing?" "I don't know. I don't think he's been in office long enough." What?!! Allow me to answer the question more succinctly for my friend who seems to be falling over himself. Horrible!!! (Darnell should be laughing I'm sure)

No one rises higher than the leadership. So if the system is failing or has failed, then the leader has failed.

In order to accomplish a true and more precise analysis of where you are educationally as a school system, you have to compare and contrast the amount of money NH is paying per pupil, vs. say a shoreline school district.

New Haven is in serious need of a Joe Clark type of Superintendent. Unfortunately, the four entrenched board members that are non-elected, have the majority vote. Thus, business as usual.

Regarding Darnell's eligibility, the idea that because his daughter is no longer attending public school and as a result he should not qualify, is asinine. This man is far more qualified than what is currently on the board. His profound ability to assert himself to find the answer, is laudable and beneficial to taxpayers.

District 2 would do well to have Darnell serving as their representation on the NHBOE.

Full disclosure, Darnell has been my friend for over 35 years. We both attended and graduated from Hillhouse in 1979. What a great guy.

Mr. Jenkins, I am not sure I was touting progress very much,
simply disputing the accuracy of Mr. Goldson's statement on the current status of the district relative to others in the state, and providing links to the actual data. Cutting the dropout rate in half in five years as a district is worth some note at least, given the system's increase in needy students and shifting demographics. No one stated that is a finished goal by any means.

As a CURRENT New Haven resident, voter and city employee, I want people to use actual facts/data when discussing the schools

Its very likely I will vote for him, simply on the fact he raised issues that show a caring for the education system and a desire to work hard on improvement.

-and I wonder what those who would question a candidate based on immediate family being in a school system think about someone like myself? I'm a direct employee of the school system, but also a resident voter.
Does that preclude me from having an opinion? voting?

Most of the school systems in CT have more voters without children in the system than do, and many have elected non parent Board of Ed members with education backgrounds, finance, etc.. or just simply retired voters with the time and inclination to represent on issues of interest to the taxpayers and the children..

@Noteworthy, re teacher salaries, I'm in the midst of trying to hire/retain science teachers now.. New Haven is not at the top at all in local teacher salaries, by any means, and that certainly affects the teacher issue, despite some people's perception on educator compensation.

This has been a fascinating discussion and it's nice to know Goldson has so many web savvy friends. Yes my child goes to NHPS. I had the choice to send her to private school or be part of my neighborhood community and we chose to send her to a school that has free lunches for all, diversity, and is part of the new haven fabric. A question for all those praising the choice to send your kid to private school:

Should we all withdraw our children from NHPS? Is it the right thing to do? Should we leave behind only those who cannot afford it? What does it mean if we do withdraw our children?

I'm not saying it's bad or evil- but I'm saying it matters what choices we make in our day today lives-- it matters where we choose to live and what stands we make in life.

Think about it.

I am excited to learn that former, Alder Angela Russell is running for this post. During my tenure at the City I always found her to be a staunch supporter for her constituents, truly taking on their concerns as her own, challenging City officials in a professional manner to seek solutions that would in the best interest for all parties. Someone that can see the big picture. I think that she would make a fantastic representative of her community. I wish all the best to all the candidates.

Brian, with friends like you....lol

I didn't pivot. I honestly believe it is unfair to comment on someone's employment record without first having all the facts. I don't know nor am privy to Garth's record. I don't know what goals and objectives were set for him contractually by the BOE. And I certainly do not blame him entirely for the state of affairs of the NH educational system. That is too simplistic an approach.

As you and I know, strong home environments make for healthy educationally inclined children. I knew your mom, as you knew my parents, and they didn't "play that mess" when it came to education or general respect for teachers.

I agree with you that when the system fails, it is a failure for the leader also. But the leader here is not the superintendent, but instead the BOE and the person who points the BOE. They set the tone and direction for the system, the superintendent merely manages their expectations and goals.

And, BTW, the parents elect the mayor who appoints the BOE. Despite the continued failures of this school system, they kept electing the same architect of the system. So let's place the blame where it truly belongs: the mayor, the BOE, the superintendent, and lastly but certainly not least the parents and citizens of this great city.

I just can't help myself, I can't stop telling it like I see it. There it is, I managed to place the blame on EVERYONE's shoulders. I guess I can kiss this election goodbye.

@darnell Here is some info on Garth Harries.

Garth Harries Leaves New York City, and This is a Good Thing.

Friday, June 12, 2009

http://nycrubberroomreporter.blogspot.com/2009/06/garth-harries-leaves-new-york-city-and.html

A man by the Name of Joel I. Klein was his mentor.

The Education Business:
Teachers Missing At The Top

The New York City public school system has always been led by teachers. Until the chancellorship of Joel I. Klein.

http://www.citylimits.org/news/articles/3749/the-education-business#.UeiN0FrD97o



Parents slam fat cat lives of Joel Klein, other Education Department officials


By Meredith Kolodner / DAILY NEWS STAFF WRITER

Wednesday, October 29, 2008, 6:00 PM


Garth Harries, who oversees the creation of new schools, has investments that total between $3.9 million and $6 million.


Read the rest.

http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/education/parents-slam-fat-cat-lives-joel-klein-education-department-officials-article-1.305180

Also Check his Bio.

http://agln.aspeninstitute.org/fellows/garth-harries


School reform cannot be done to educators or for educators, only by educators and with educators.Anything less will result in
the same old same old.

George Sheridan

@ posted by: RichTherrn on July 2, 2015 4:06pm

@FacCheck. "The link I provided on graduation rates, is to the Connecticut states data on graduation, which is certainly more "non-partisan" than the charter school ConnCann organization, and for the class of 2014" .
"Ctreports.com gives the achievement data on CAPT/CMT I referred to".

@Rich Therrn:
Your reference to Ct Data on graduation rates contained within CTreports.com is seriously at odds with the most recent US department of Ed. Commissioner Arne Duncan, whose 2013 report rates CT. as having the highest achievement gap in the nation for elementary school level children. As you know, if children are failing at the elementary level, it is likely they will fail to graduate.

Mr. Therrn, please do not respond with the tired argument that you are only speaking of CT. graduating seniors in 2014.

From the attached article:
"In Connecticut, the graduation rate gap was 36 percentage points. Low performing schools graduated 53 percent of their students — a relatively large percentage — while all schools graduated 89 of 100, two points above the national average".
See the link here:
http://ctmirror.org/2015/07/06/achievement-gap-an-issue-as-congress-considers-new-ed-bill/

@ Darnell:
"I just can't help myself, I can't stop telling it like I see it. There it is, I managed to place the blame on EVERYONE's shoulders. I guess I can kiss this election goodbye".

It is completely plausible that you can "blow" this election, you can help yourself by couching your words differently while providing a similar response. A little response coaching is advisable in order to "help yourself".

Your proposed competition, Angela Russell, didn't have the time to contribute effectively to the BOA, I don't know what has changed that would allow her the time and effort to run a three month campaign, attend the BOE meetings, answer to constituents and attend monthly BOA education committee meetings.

@ Darnell,

The question was asked "How is Superintendent Garth Harries doing?" Darnell's retort "I don't know. I don't think he's been in office long enough." With all do respect my good friend, Toni's been in office less, and yet you gave her a scolding. You can't have it both ways bro.

Have I seen some similarities thus far in this administration that are analogous to the previous one? Absolutely. But that's to be expected. However, I have also seen this mayor work arduously in addressing youth crime and the huge gorilla in the room, Newhallville. Even though the area needs about a billion dollar investment. The Harp Administration has granted the area with 1 million dollars. That's $999,999 more than what the previous administration has invested.

Crime is down in the city. However, it would be unwise of me to give Mayor Harp all of the credit for the positive downturn. But when it is up, and unfortunately it will increase, Mayor Harp unfairly will get all of the blame.

In my view she's doing quite well. But like you, I too am concerned about the current "abysmal" direction the school system is experiencing.

Children can identify better with those who can identify with them. When you begin to hire more people from the community in whom these kids can relate, you'll begin to see a positive spike in test scores and in attitude. Should you decide to stay the current course, then prepare for the same result.

@Brian Jenkins

I gave Mayor Harp a scolding? When? Where? What did I say?

Garth is not getting a free pass, I just do not have the adequate information to decide his progress yet. In the future I think that the BOE can do a better job of providing to the public the goals and expectations set for the super and the school system.