trusty getto: February 2010

Dick Durbin reports that tort reform kills people

Dick Durbin challenges Republican myths of tort reform with *gasp* facts. Just the facts, plain and simple. This clip is definitely worth watching.

And you know what? He's spot-on correct.

Goodbye Richard, we will miss you

Last week, Richard Weigel, Assistant Superintendent of Educational Quality for Ypsilanti Public Schools, was offered the Superintendent job at Niles Public Schools in Niles, MI.

Although I'm happy for Richard, his departure marks a sad day for Ypsilanti. Richard was one of the most dedicated, motivated and talented school administrators I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. Although he was given the monumental task of fixing a troubled curriculum department when he was first hired, he successfully accomplished that goal and much, much more during his tenure here. I believe that over the last several years, he has been the administrator who made the single largest contribution to the Ypsi Public Schools, though Richard would be far too modest to ever let anyone say such a thing in his presence.

A short time ago, when Superintendent Dr. James Hawkins retired, Richard applied to be Superintendent of YPS. Unfortunately, our district failed to offer him the promotion he rightly deserved. I advocated for his advancement, in no small part because I knew that if we failed to offer him our top job, another district would be more than pleased to hire him away.

Last week, that day came. Richard was praised high and low for his accomplishments here in Ypsilanti. According to the Niles Star, the Vice President of the Niles teacher association said:

I’m sad to report I looked high and low, talked to teachers, para-pros, secretaries, and could not find one ounce of dirt on Mr. Weigel. The board would be very foolish not to offer Mr. Weigel a contract. He’s transparent, communicative and collaborative.

A principal from the Niles district added:

He’s a real go-getter and not afraid to cut programs that aren’t effective. I see his vision fitting with our district’s vision very nicely. I see him continuing what we’re doing and polishing up a few things.

Our loss will be Niles' gain. I wish Richard all the best in the next step of his career, and I thank him for his service to our district.

Guest blogger: Kendra Walters on the Clinton Global Initiative

Kendra Walters is a self-proclaimed left wing blogger and supporter of former President Clinton. She asked me to post this for her, and I obliged:

An education is something that is beyond value. Having an education is not only needed for an individual to be a productive part of this society, but it’s of grave importance for the longevity and progress of this society. The right education can open doors for a child who otherwise would not have hope of advancing further in society. Global Warming, the economy, and defense of American often take much of the spotlight when it comes to talking about America’s greatest issues, and education can sometimes be pushed to the back burner. This is unacceptable not only from the aspect of the country’s present, but also for the country’s future.

Many government organizations have worked to find a solution to the dropout epidemic (over 7,000 students drop out every school day), but many have found dead ends to a problem that needs a solution. However, some organizations like the Clinton Global Initiative (an international aid and philanthropy organization started back in 2005 by former President Clinton and former Clinton personal aide Doug Band) are working with schools and have taken the steps to ensure that children not only stay in school, but that they are getting the education they both need and deserve.

Working with community schools, the CIG has developed a program that will work with students who have a high risk of dropping out. The program also involves graduation coaches who work with students to help mentor them to a degree. This not only shows that graduation coaches play a role in helping the student graduate and stay in school, but also helps to boost attendance, academic achievement, the student’s self-esteem while cutting down on dropout rates. The program will not only aid the student in achieving a degree, but will help them earn an education.