full disclosure and entanglements: I’ve been friends with Karen and Jim Gagnet for years, I’ve done work for them both since they opened the 2nd iteration of Coco’s on Wayne Ave. I’ve printed materials for Jo’el Jones, Jocelyn Rhynard, Mario Gallin has lunched with my mother, her husband, TRRuddick is one of the most frequent commentors on my blog directly or via Facebook. All that said, I know, or have interacted with all of them over the years.
In my last year of going to school board meetings to speak, cover, review, reform, I’ve seen one absolutely steady presence, Mario Gallin. She’s ALWAYS there, in the back, with her Microsoft Slate, taking notes, paying attention. I’ve seen Jocelyn there a lot, Jo’el comes often, but isn’t always there the whole time. Of course Joe Lacey is there- with his hoodie. At one point we joked about starting a twitter account for his hoodie.
I have a reputation for being honest to a fault. The reason this has taken so long to write- is because I wanted to make sure I made the right choices, and for the right reasons. I’m going to explain what I’ve seen, and what I think we need more than anything to move the district forward.
The Dayton Board of Education meetings are out of control, they run 4 hours, and THEN can go into executive session. They are totally ineffective at advancing intelligent thought or direction for a district in constant turmoil. A large part of it is because we have 7 people on the board who think they have to share their thoughts on every subject. Unless what they say is either a policy question, guidance or direction for future policy or objective setting, and it requires an answer, or action to be performed, board members should be seen but not heard. First and foremost, grandstanding political types need not apply to my board of the near future.
Secondly, what is grossly missing is respect for the public, the employees, the leadership. Board members are paid a max of $5K a year, the person they hire- the supposed educational professional is paid $200K a year plus benefits. This is the person who should be running the district and the meeting, giving clear and actionable information and progress reports. These meetings need to flip. The Superintendent needs to run the meeting agenda- with the board approving or disapproving the agenda items (which are created by the Superintendent). Yes, the Board can sit up on their platform, but the Superintendent needs to be elsewhere- look at the city commission meetings for seating arrangements. If the board is voting on the superintendents recommendations- let the superintendent actually ask for the vote- so they understand who they are saying no to. This kumbaya stuff has to go.
Third, although all three should tender their resignations on Jan 2, 2018, or whenever the new members are sworn in, since the DEA has voted no confidence in the board and they’ve lead the district to the brink of destruction, there will be 3 remaining members, Dr. Robert Walker, Sheila Taylor and John McManus. I have to evaluate how the new candidates will interact with the old ones- to counteract a huge cat fight. Sheila Taylor is absolutely unpredictable, intellectually challenged and holds grudges and can be combative. Walker is a weak man, who let others bully him into believing that internal candidates were unacceptable for internal promotion, he believes he speaks from some sort of both moral and community authority, but, his input/guidance or even exhibited understanding of what is going on- is nonexistent. John McManus, is a new comer to Dayton, he didn’t have connections or name recognition and spent almost $40K to beat Nancy Nearny by 400 votes. He bought his printing from me, I helped advise him on how to run, and I consider him a friend. He’s by far both the most political member of the board, and also the board gossip- as in he’s always talking to other board members- outside of the meetings. This is actually a problem, and needs to stop. The Ohio Sunshine Laws actually prohibit polling of board members- and some could say McManus is walking on questionable ground. He’s also dangerously polite, lacking a real spine. When he takes a strong stand, he weakens it by curtsy. Of the three remaining board members, he’s the only one who deserves to finish their term, even though he has been involved in many of the bad decisions. When he asks questions, it generally demonstrates a solid understanding of what is going on.
Fourth- we need board members willing and able to demand accountability, across multiple skill sets, and issues. The district is a half a billion dollar operation- it’s not just teaching, it’s building maintenance, allocation of resources, HR, transportation, a food service operation, fiscal and legal compliance, janitorial, purchasing, athletics, marketing, IT, etc. To oversee this requires more than just “I’m a parent” or “I’ve been involved in the community” – corporate boards are usually populated by seasoned professionals who’ve had some success in life, leaders of people, experienced business thinkers, as well as people who understand that what they say, should have gravitas, and be words of wisdom. Shooting from the hip might work in Westerns, but, we actually need people who can actually identify the correct targets and aim and pull a trigger for maximum effectiveness in the middle of a fire-fight. (sorry my military background is sneaking in).
All this said, this is a political decision, and we have been presented with a group running as “The Slate” backed by Nan Whaley, picked from central casting with a black preacher, an Asian bureaucrat, a middle eastern refugee turned success story and a wizened white woman who overcame her hardscrabble upbringing to run successful businesses. They hired a “professional” political consultant, got a ton of endorsements, raised a bunch of money and expect the public to accept the package lock, stock and barrel. This has precedent, although on a much grander scale, when the business community put their money behind the “Kids First” slate of four powerful women, who would in turn get a levy passed that would bring $850M in new construction work to rebuild the schools. The new buildings did NOTHING to improve academic performance, and the internal culture of entitlement and mediocrity was allowed to continue to fester, which got us to where we are today; second worst district in the state.
Which brings me to my last qualifier: at this point, there is only one action that will be acceptable to turn this district around, and that’s to immediately install competent leadership that is willing to work with the board to clean house.
I am choosing candidates based on their stomach to do the following:
Fire Rhonda Corr for cause. Fire Hiwot Abraha for cause.
Hire, ranked in order of preference a new superintendent and possibly two, of the following three people to begin turning the district around:
David White, former DPS principal now in Trotwood Madison to run the district, or at least manage the operational side. He’s a wizard at bringing organizational controls to flailing operations.
Rusty Clifford- former Superintendent of West Carrollton schools. An advocate of year round schooling, a seasoned superintendent that knows the landscape and resources of the region, he can help Dr. Lolli manage the academic and instructional revamp of the district and work on rebuilding trust of the teachers and their union in focusing on excellence in classroom instruction.
The third choice, is a little more controversial, but would also be a seasoned hand that could quickly jump in, at least until we have time to find a long term solution, would be Jim Schoenlein former Kettering Superintendent. We need someone who knows how to run a district and a board, with a focus on academic excellence, with a diverse district. Again, teamed with Dr. Lolli, we’d have a clean start.
If a candidate has expressed an unwillingness to make this change, and is willing to continue with the Rhonda Corr rookie at the helm, experiment, they are unacceptable candidates.
All this being said, I have to look at what a functioning board would look like- and who would bring what skills to the table and how do we do it. You get to vote for up to four candidates, and remember, since there are 8 running, any vote for someone you don’t really feel is worthy- you are possibly pushing them ahead of someone you really want to win, so, voting for just 1, 2 or 3 candidates can be more powerful by not cancelling your vote out.
I am going to start with two candidates I feel are a totally unacceptable. If you think that either of these candidates is worthy of your vote, you probably shouldn’t read the rest of my endorsements.
Joe Lacey MUST NOT BE REELECTED AT ANY COST. He’s been a disruptive force on the board for his entire tenure. Not that disruption isn’t needed, it’s just that he’s been totally ineffective at swaying people to his side, or building alliances, and when he has built a coalition, it’s often been with wrong side. He actually brags about being the only no vote- when in fact, if he had any value at all, he’d have gotten others to go along with him, or found and helped others run and win. He’s been a problem for way too long and needs to go away permanently. Rewatch him trashing a parent in front of her child- and realize this man has zero respect for anyone and also know that’s he’s emotionally damaged and goes into histrionics if he thinks someone someone doesn’t like him because of his personality (way too often).
The Reverend William (Bill) Harris is part of the slate. His whole pitch has been “I’m working in Hilltop, and I think truancy is what we need to focus on.” For those that don’t know Hilltop, it’s a crappy public housing project on what should have been one of the prime pieces of land in Dayton. It’s been marked by violence, drug deals in the open, and crime. It’s been that way, it continues to be that way and it hasn’t changed thanks to the good reverend. Blaming truancy for our woes and making it his number one priority is demonstrated ignorance of the challenges facing DPS. Dr. Roberson made his entire pitch for the Superintendent position built around truancy and I dismissed him then too. Harris has said “I won’t be anyone’s puppet” as part of the slate- yet, that’s comically what he is. I don’t think he brings any of the critical thinking skills we need to this board, nor do I think he has the intellectual horsepower to move the district forward at a critical time. He’s Ron Lee 2. Pass, please.
The best choices for the board
DEA president David Romick’s face turns into a lemon when the idea of Ann Marie “Mario” Gallin returning to the board is broached. He says “She was terrible” the last time she was on the board- which was a while ago. In the time since, she kept attending board meetings and has worked at Ruskin- throwing herself into our own social experiment with wrap around services. She understands the actual problems in the classroom, the community and the interface. She’s well read, she talks about the dysfunctional nature of the board and the current agenda, and she brings the ability to actually question academic rigor in practices that are proposed. She’s a decent human being, and she’s not politically motivated. She’s not a big dollar candidate- which should also tell you she’s only interested in serving the kids best interests. She would be a calming, steadying, experienced hand on the board. You can’t go wrong voting for Mario.
Paul Bradley is the youngest candidate and part of the slate. He’s still wide eyed and optimistic. And while he’s not been to meetings, he knows what functioning government is supposed to do after working for Ohio Senator Sherrod Brown for 6 years. His understanding of how federal programs work, how to interface with the community, his easy going, restrained personality makes him an excellent choice for the board. There are zero downsides to electing Paul. He’ll be awesome.
Karen Wick-Gagnet. I’ve known Karen and worked with her for a long time. Personally, I tried to talk her out of running, knowing that her dislike of confrontation and controversy would make this job a spirit killer for her. Not voting for Karen would be better for her well being, but bad for our district. She’s an amazing business woman, who’s been through boom and bust with her husband Jim. I’ve said before that if you want to see economic development in Dayton done on a budget- Jim is the best developer hands down. A big part of his success, has been his partnership with Karen. She’s the one who keeps things on point and running smoothly. She’s not a grandstander. She’s thoughtful, and talks about practicing mindfulness. I’ve watched her, and their businesses grow. I’ve watched her work for years- and if you know anything about restaurants- staffing is always tough, since you deal with people who tend to gravitate to the dramatic, with issues of alcoholism, drug use and drama- yet, she’s always been able to keep a steady work force, and attract some of the best talent in her restaurant. We’re lucky to be able to vote for someone who is doing it for the right reasons.
The next three are a vote at your own risk, although after a lot of thought, my choice is clearly the first, if you feel you have to cast a fourth vote.
Jocelyn Rhynard is a serious force to contend with. She talked about the dysfunction of the board meetings- which is the prime problem. She raised more money as an individual than anyone else. She sought and got endorsements. She surrounded herself with good people, and listened to them. I believe her heart is in the right place. So, what’s the reservation? She’s not my style of candidate. She holds things close, won’t take strong stands, hasn’t clearly said that she believe Corr to be a fundamental problem (although I know she thinks it), she attends board meetings and started a parents group. But, her emphasis on being a parent as qualification makes me ill. It has since the days when Dick Zimmer used to say he had 9 kids and 19 grandkids- as if the ability to fornicate was a skill critical to being elected (and I guess if you want to fcuk the public- it is). She also hedged when I asked her for the email from Marsha Bonhart- so I could verify it was sent to all, and the same. It was public record- and she held back. I worry about her not fully understanding that she’s there to represent us, in an open transparent manner. I worry about her doing a McManus and not being forceful enough at the right time. Yes, she came out the day after I posted about the Bonhart scandal- which to me, reeked of grandstanding. I don’t want that. But, she’s the best choice.
Jo’el Jones has been involved in “Neighborhoods over Politics” as has Shenise Turner Sloss. It’s an organization that had noble beginnings and potential, but got caught up in internal squabbles early on. Jo’el is a human wrecking ball- loud, demanding attention, and opinionated. She will grandstand. She’ll get in fights- on the campaign trail, her and Reverend Harris have not gotten along. She’s a disorganized hot mess most of the time. She’s known she’s been on the ballot since August- yet, is just now throwing herself into it at full force. Yes, she may be the voice of the community, or be tied in. She may have worked in the past for DPS, but, there may be a reason she’s not there now. I feel she’ll be a distraction and a carnival barker if elected. Another Hazel Rountree, and I don’t say that kindly- as I’ve found her to be the most ineffective board member ever. But, then again, if you want someone to get in a catfight with Rhonda Corr and sell tickets- Jo’el is your candidate.
Mohamed Al-Hamdani is a total wild card. I wanted to sit down and ask him real questions, hardball, and see what he says away from an audience, but he’s too busy being best man in Paul Bradley’s wedding this weekend. He’s definitely the lynch pin to “The Slate” and like another refugee, Dr. Adil Baguirov, moved into Dayton just in time to file. This guy has political aspiration signs coming out of every side of him- in neon, with strobe lights. This board run is his first step to his long future political career. And, he’s arrogant, by the truckload. Early on, I asked a question about the hiring of Burges and Burges and how much it cost- and why they didn’t buy local talent- and he tried to sidestep it and said they hadn’t paid them a dime. I don’t need to be lied to ever, and especially before you have been elected.
Mohamed thinks he knows it all. He has a smugness that rubs people the wrong way. He thinks he has all the answers. He probably reminds people of me in some ways- but, with the establishment nod. His campaign rhetoric has been full of bullshit about all the teachers that taught him- and his story of coming to America- all nice and fine, but missing any substance. He may indeed have all the answers, but, I’ve not heard them, and his testiness will bring back some of the rancor to the board that we can’t afford. He has a law degree- which would and might be handy, but, so does McManus- and it hasn’t kept us out of trouble. One of the biggest mistakes Americans make at the polls is thinking that being a lawyer makes you a good lawmaker- and that’s actually the opposite. Good lawmakers and only the best lawyers, understand that their profession is actually the art of compromise. Too many think it’s to win at all costs. Mohamed is a total wildcard. He may be smart, he may have a good story, he may even understand the issues, but I’d put Mario and Jocelyn ahead of him for my slate. He’s also been the one to say that if “The slate” is elected, they won’t disagree with each other as much in public- lending me to believe he’s planning on operating behind a curtain.
Congratulations. You just read over 3000 carefully chosen words about the 8 candidates for the Dayton Board of Education. The number of hours of research, candidates nights, talking to each candidate in person, going to board meetings, knowing the existing board members and the district- were all drawn into this piece. I’m sure there are lots of people who will say I’m wrong. That Candidate X is better suited than Candidate Y. I’m sure people will say “how could you be impartial, you’ve done business with them” etc. I don’t claim impartiality, I just share my thoughts and how I came to the conclusions I did.
In the best of all possible worlds, the board of tomorrow is John McManus, Mario Gallin, Paul Bradley, Karen Wick-Gagnet and Joselyn Rhynard- five people who can guide the district forward – and ignore the other two- Sheila Taylor and Robert Walker. If either of them are smart and resign- and the board can pick another candidate or two- they should open up to the public, and see who steps forward as well as consider adding Mohamed, although I think there are others who may be better suited. And although i think my best role would be to run the district marketing- with the should have been winning bid I submitted a year ago, I would also consider serving if asked. I’ve told this to David Romick, and I would have to have the DEA’s approval. Of course, I’ve made my vision for the district known- via my video, “There Ain’t no F in Dayton” and this blog- which many teachers have said has been instrumental in helping them get their message out about the incompetence of the central office.
My goal and dream- is for the Dayton Board Of Education to not need investigational oversight and constant course correction. My dream is to have a district that is performing at least at a “C” level on all measurements, because, I don’t believe every district can be above average, and for an urban district straight C’s would be an A.
Minutes after posting, the phone started ringing, texts started flying.
Jo’el called. I sent her this- as a test statement, she immediately called back, and said I’m misquoting her again, but wouldn’t clarify.
“Jo’el just called and reamed me a new one. Saying she had a better job which is why she left DPS. Accused me of calling her an angry black woman which is what white people do when they don’t understand us..”
The fact that she lashes out instantly when she doesn’t like what is said about her publicly- can stand as a test of what she’ll be like on the school board.
Public officials- have to be able to let things roll off them.
I offered she can comment here- set things straight.
She said she wouldn’t.
As I said at the beginning- this is a difficult process- and I stated how and why I made my decisions. As to do you have to read me- do you have to listen- that’s up to you.
Jo’el questioned why I covered the school board- saying the only reason I did- was because I didn’t get a contract.
But, that doesn’t explain why I started covering them closely when Lori Ward and Craig Jones were pushed out.
Jo’el hung up on her second call- with the standard “I used to defend you, I used to hear people talk about you and now I know why.”
Being an independent strong voice requires hard choices.
I still stand by my positions- even though I didn’t categorically rule Jo’el out, thinking she has some value. Unfortunately- getting loud isn’t one we need if we have better choices instead.
Thanks! Here’s my concern..First – let me say that I wrote off Rev Harris after the library discussion sponsored by UpDayton. Mohammed didn’t sit well w/ me, and after the meeting sponsored by the Dayton Education Council I have pretty much written him off, too.
But – my “expect the worst” thought process has high concerns of the money that has funded the Slate of 4. Even if 1 or 2 of the slate get elected to the Board, are they going to feel some sense of loyalty to the Chamber and city/Nan Whaley?
At the state and national level, big donors are often given favor and rewarded w/ policies that have been “bought and paid for”.
What is going to keep us from thinking that a similar quid pro quo wont happen between the city and company and the members who benefited from all of these donations and support?
That is a very real concern going thru my head.
Yes, the ability to remain calm, cool, collected, and professional is a must. That doesn’t mean people can’t disagree or question things – but it needs to be done in a professional manner
David, I’m a bit touched that you mentioned me in your intro. You even restrained yourself from adding that the public is damned lucky that it’s my wife and not me who’s running, since I am such a pain and such a know-it-all and so forth. It would have been a hard point to dispute.
So you tried to talk Karen Wick-Gagnet out of running, but you don’t give me equal time? I’m not at all enthusiastic about Mario’s candidacy. I remember her last terms on the board, and how she’d spend hours and hours probing through financials and policies and other paperwork. So I’m out in public, I’m not pulling for Mario to get elected, I’m dreaming of a future free of obligations and service. I’m old and cranky. Let the record so indicate.
I was moved to post this to Facebook, but you requested all comments go here. OK, you’re welcome.
David, everytime I see that video you shot of Joe Lacey, I can’t help but think he looks and acts like he just rolled out of a drunk tank. Is this the way a professional represents himself at a public board meeting? Dear God, people, you can’t seriously reelect this guy.
As a friend of Jo’el’s, I was dismayed by your take on her and her candidacy. I think she will lend an important voice to the board, and I am strongly supporting her. Of all the candidates running, she is the only one who will be an empathetic voice for the 2/3 of children in the schools who are black. I have heard her talk about the challenges that poverty brings to the district, and ways to support parents in getting them involved with the schools. She understands the school to prison pipeline. She understands the importance of a culturally relevant curriculum. We need Jo’el on the board.
Jo’el helped start Neighborhoods Over Politics. You spoke about it in the past tense. It is a viable organization. I’ve only seen you at one meeting, and that one was when you were promoting your ballot initiatives. Most recently, they hosted a Rock Da Vote Rally at Sinclair, and put up a new website.
Jo’el does have a strong personality. I’m not surprised by her reaction to your comments, because as a woman I know that we often have to speak louder to be heard over men, and my friends who are black women often share about their difficulties in being heard over white women and white men and black men. I’m confident that she can work within the board to get things done.
The fact that Ms Jones blocked David because of his opinions based on what he reported sends a message. I understand that women might have to talk louder, but it doesn’t have to be rude and disrespectful – not saying that Ms Jones is that because I don’t know her, but that action says something.
I want a Board that is going to bring back some professionalism, dignity, and decorum – and the bickering in public that has been taking place needs to stop. The bickering needs to go behind closed doors, not in public.
By the way, for me ( a voter out here who is trying to decide who to vote for), it’s the action of blocking someone that sends the louder message than disagreeing with what was written.
This is the response to Mary Sue- which I also posted on Facebook:
Mary Sue- I take exception with your racist statement that she’s the only one who will be an empathetic voice for the 2/3 of children in the schools who are black. That’s race baiting- and bullshit. Hazel Rountree is black, Ron Lee is black, and they were no more effective because of their skin color.
I’ve heard Jo’el talk a lot.
Understanding something- talking – and doing – are three different things. I agree with you that she can talk, and knows- but, my issue is her actual performance.
Facts: She didn’t raise money. She was late getting all of her campaign materials together. She’s misrepresenting her employment status on Linkedin, she’s rarely on-time, organized or respectful of peoples time.
I don’t care if she’s black, Asian, Hispanic, a full blooded Cherokee- the board has one job (which she actually does understand) which is supervising a superintendent and treasurer. I’ve watched her bully, I’ve watched her play “gotcha”- and right now- after Adil Baguirov, Joe Lacey, Hazel Rountree, and Ron Lee, we need people who can work collaboratively, respectfully, with a minimum of disruption to steady the district, regain the faith of the DEA (who didn’t endorse her) and solve some problems.
You start with “as a friend of Jo’el’s”- which may be all that’s needed to excuse your inability to see that there are 4 candidates who I believe are a better fit to move the board forward.
I thought long and hard about what I wrote- and explained why.
Your allegiance to your friend is noble, but, the reality is we disagree, and I’ve built my case, not on race, or her connection to the community, but actual observation of the way she works.
You can shuffle the deck chairs on the Titanic all you want, but this ship has not only already sank, it has been covered in coral on the ocean floor for decades.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Allegory_of_the_Cave
Bring on the state takeover. These students have nothing to lose but more broken promises from people with higher political aspirations than this school board.
I was sent this article and the one on Ponitz. I let DPS know in April that I was leaving for Trotwood, not at the last minute.
As for my “Rank” I appreciate the confidence.
The BIG question is with a new board, would David White be willing to return as Superintendent?
We need you!
David,
i am not sure about your facts, but I worked in DPS and I know the truth. You often praise principals and others with no Merit. Please refer to ODE rules on low performing schools. You do realize that Thurgood, under Lawerence’s watch, had to be restructured due to poor report grades; hence, he had to be moved by ODE rules, the same with David White at Belmont. Please look at Trotwood Highs academic report card , all Fs.
You often report FAKE news. I also think that your History of PONITZ is way off. I am not sure where Dr. Faircloth is, but I cannot allow you to not give this strong black man his Just. I hope you do know that he was the Founding Principal of Ponitz, ask Dr. Ponitz himself about Faircloth or ask citizens, students, teachers, board members, ect..of Dayton about him.
The mere fact that you posted a video of students fighting is absurd!! In my opinion, you help to create a negative image of DPS and why? Nevertheless please get your facts correct!!! Please go to school and earn the degrees that will lead you into a career of education and become a Superintendent, then rewrite these stories. Hagd.
Tony- I’m not sure where you come up with your figures on David Lawrence- which make your entire post questionable.
I researched state test scores- multiple times:
https://esrati.com/the-david-lawrence-effect-school-score-cards-analyzed/7245
https://esrati.com/saint-david-lawrence/12976
And that video wasn’t just of “students fighting” it was a teacher being dragged down a hallway. Big difference.
And, as you have no problem pointing out your issues with me- sign your full name. That’s the right thing to do.
I just finished voting in this election. It was one of the most goddamn depressing things I have ever seen, looking at that ballot. It has really been hard to watch the city of Dayton swirl the bowl the past several years ( a little more than several, actually). I don’t really understand why you keep doing what you do, David. But, I hope you keep doing it.
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