I anyone else following the school board task force in Mecklenburg?

[wildeyed]

I have some serious misgivings about many of their suggestions, but anyone who disagrees is being characterized as wacko and extremist by the Observer. I did go to a task force citizen's meeting, so I feel like I gave them a chance to make their case and they failed. I am mostly concerned about the change in representation. I need some solid information about communities who have adopted a similar plan. Did they maintain a diverse school board? Are the interests of ALL community members being addressed, or is this just a way to put more of the power in the business interest's court? I dunno, I just don't feel comfortable with many of the changes they want to make.

One of the big reasons they give for changes is the school bond defeat last year. I voted against the bond, although I was conflicted about the decision. I have never voted against a school bond before. And for the record, my vote was in no way a reflection on the school board. I want the City Council to charge impact fees to the developers, something they are still unwilling to even discuss seriously.

Here is Tomlinson's column on the subject.

http://www.charlotte.com/mld/charlotte/news/columnists/tommy_tomlinson/13893508.htm

[GreenInNC]

1. I am

My daughter is in kindergarten in CMS and I am a graduate of CMS (Independence '82) so I have kept a close eye on what is going on. I had some hope that the Martin Committee might come through for us but then I saw the list of people on it. I know a couple of the people on it, they are Republicans but they a level headed (an oxymoron?). Then I saw who Larry Gauvareu nominated and my hope went right down the drain. He nominated Charlotte's "Mr. Right" Jason Lewis. Gauvareu has shown his disdain for CMS for many years but with this one move he has torpedoed the whole process.