School board agrees to disagree

Tuesday night’s school board meeting could best be described as contentious – in a good way. What began as an introduction to and discussion of the strategic plan quickly degenerated into a roundtable conversation about topics ranging from the importance of parent involvement to classroom accountability.
As the discussion heated up, Trustee Gary DeSmet voiced his frustration with the action items on the strategic plan and challenged the rest of the board and school district staff for measurements of success saying, “If it’s our plan, we need to know that we’re on the right course.”
At issue are a number of initiatives laid out either when the plan was created in 2005 or during subsequent updates. Of particular note, a line item under “Professional Practice” stating the creation of a district-wide staff development plan to identify and implement “Best Teaching Practices.” DeSmet took umbrage, wondering why the district can’t simply mirror the teaching going on in the most successful classrooms in the district and hold the other classrooms accountable for less than stellar performance. School principals present erupted with multiple explanations for underperforming classrooms such as, among other things, an abundance of English Language Learners.
Superintendent Pam Martens underscored the variables in every classroom in the district and the necessity of staff observations. “We want teachers to want us in their classrooms to observe best practices. If they feel like we’re holding them accountable for every move, they won’t want us there and then we can’t help them be effective,” said Martens.
Also during the meeting, trustees and teachers present discussed an exit survey and ongoing follow up to determine the whereabouts of alumni and, based on those responses, student success rates. Altimira Principal Sydney Smith relayed information about a postcard her alma mater sends out regularly asking where students live, how much they make, and what they are now doing. District staff is considering an effort along those lines that will help determine whether or not an education from the Sonoma Valley Unified School District prepares students to be successful in life, whether they choose college or not.
The next school board meeting will be held on Nov. 10 at 6:30 p.m. in the Community Meeting Room, 177 First St. W.