Guest Column: Mayor Morrissey serves the Kool-Aid, dances with Sheffield, and bows to Scott Walker’s vision
By David Stocker
The State of the City address Thursday, March 10, by Rockford Mayor Larry Morrissey (I) was a disappointment to those who applauded his fleeting moment of courage at the Board of Education meeting Tuesday, March 8, and who expected something more from him after many months of silence.
School Board member Bob Evans, at a recent candidate forum, called the conspicuous silence of Morrissey and the school board’s business handlers “a most cowardly act.” Morrissey’s Thursday speech took an hour to deliver, with applause from an audience mostly composed of Chamber of Commerce and Alignment Rockford fellows.
Morrissey hammers board
The last two school board meetings, drawing crowds of 400 to 500 vocal demonstrators, have been an embarrassment to the school board and its handlers.
Morrissey hammered the school board Tuesday, March 8, and again Thursday, March 10, for its bungled unpacking of the despised closures. Tuesday, while he chided the board for threatening to close the Montessori School where he is a parent, he declined to take a stand against ratification of the closing of six west-side campuses that effectively undoes two decades of desegregation efforts in Rockford. Board President David Kelley let out a show-stopping cry as the Mayor hit the 2-minute mark: “Mr. mayor, you have your house, and this is our house. Please stop!” Some cheered, “Let him speak.” To which the mayor replied, “Thursday is my State of the City speech. And I’ll have more than 2 minutes.” “I’ll be back,” said the “Mayo-nator.” Thursday, Morrissey continued his contention with the board for its poor job of preparing the public for privatized education in Rockford.
While maintaining a public distance, Rockford Public School District 205 Superintendent Dr. LaVonne M. Sheffield and Morrissey have been dance partners in privatization since the beginning. Mayor Morrissey is among the original champions of the Alignment Rockford and the Rockford Charter Initiative organizations. He welcomed Sheffield in 2009 when she presented her Broad agenda and methodology.1 The greeters included privatization advocate extraordinaire Paul Vallas, who recommended Sheffield, based on their work together implementing charters in the East Baton Rouge Recovery (EBR) District. EBR is the most charter-soaked district in America.
The first paragraph of Alignment Rockford’s (AR) webpage2 states that the organization exists to “facilitate the coordinated alignment of community resources with the strategic plan for District 205 of Dr. Lavonne Sheffield.” An identical clip art pic of smiling students on a school bus also smiles from a Gates Foundation webpage. AR emulates the model of Alignment Nashville, Tenn., except Rockford’s version has a far higher proportion of District 205 administrators on its Board of Directors. Neither organization seems to invite many teachers along on the journey.
It will be interesting to see how Carpenters Local head Brad Long reconciles his participation in AR with the union-busting going on at 205. Among the school board candidates, Tim Rollins sits as AR Operations chairman. This fact appears only on his printed material, and is either not mentioned or has been removed from his website.3 Curiously, Rollins told an audience at the first candidate forum he was “undecided, but open to charters.”
Tennessee, AR’s model, is a right-to-work state, where education reformers are even now completing legislation to end collective bargaining rights for teachers. Every school will set its own scale of compensation for teachers. It will also become illegal for bargaining units to approach boards of education.4
Rumors and fear abound in Rockford
PTO parents voiced suspicion that the Kennedy/Montessori campus is being cleared as a charter complex for the Gifted Program. Whispers to Gifted parents that their program is protected did not help to dispel rumors.
Barely a month ago, prominent community leaders denied any charter motive. Now, a national spokesman for privatization rushes to defend Rockford’s repurposing. A Rock River Times guest column, Charters 101, drew an indignant rebuttal from the head of the Illinois Charter Network Association.
In practice, charters are a mixed bag: 17 percent do better, 35 percent do worse, and 48 percent do the same as the public schools they replaced. Rockford’s Galapagos Charter franchise is still within the grace period. Chicago’s massive effort, Renaissance 2010, yielded fair to poor results.5
During these months of confusion and worry for parents, children, teachers and others, Morrissey has been notoriously silent. With Morrissey finally adding his voice to those of the outraged parents of children at Maria Montessori School, that program (and others) received a temporary stay of execution Tuesday, March 8, but we should well remember the recent words of the district’s $1,000-per-day consultant, Shannon Bingham: “What is not successfully cut this year will be cut next year, the year after, and so on…people in Rockford are suffering from attachment to specialty programs that Rockford cannot afford.”
Sheffield’s model and Seattle’s lesson
Superintendent Sheffield vehemently asserts she does not support charters, and although Morrissey blew her public cover, in actuality she does not need to. As soon as she completes the crashing of our district and performs the requisite amputations, local vulture capitalists stand ready to rent and sell us the therapy and prosthetics of privatization. Sheffield, according to the Broad playbook, is herewith expendable, like her counterpart in Seattle, Maria Goodloe-Johnson, thrown out last week along with her CFO after three years on the job. The list of grievances sung by person after person in Seattle at the fateful board meeting mirror our own concerns:
Gone. For fostering an air of secrecy and intimidation, leading to retribution against teachers and those in the administration who sought to report wrongdoing.
Gone. For manufacturing a crisis and enacting massive school closings in lower-income neighborhoods, including closing the Seattle African Studies Magnet.
Gone. For ignoring the chorus of voices imploring her to work with, and not against, the community.
Gone. For bringing cronies, consultants and carpetbaggers to serve her Broad agenda, including a $750,000 grant from Bill Gates’ Foundation aimed at discrediting the teachers’ union during negotiation time.6
Gone. For pressing for larger classrooms, new curricula, testing and assessment that served the privatization reformers more than the children.
After a no-confidence vote by Seattle teachers and a forensic audit by the state, Goodloe-Johnson was ultimately fired along with her CFO, Don Kennedy, for allegedly failing to stop the siphoning off of $1.8 million in funds to a crony phony nonprofit that masqueraded as a minority assistance education program. The board members offered personal and public apologies to the taxpayers of the community. All this damage took place in three short years. It will cost Seattle Public Schools a year’s salary of $300,000 to get rid of Goodloe-Johnson. Sheffield’s salary package in Rockford exceeds that of Goodloe-Johnson.7
If we understand that Sheffield is expendable, a possibility members of the alignment are discreetly beginning to voice, the issue for Rockford is: What will remain after Sheffield? According to best-selling author Diane Ravitch, speaking last week in Madison, Wis., with supporters of District 205 school board candidate and Watchdogs for Ethics in Education (WEE) member Jane Hayes, “Across America, Broad superintendents are falling like autumn leaves.” The Broad Foundation has dropped Goodloe-Johnson from their list of fellows. Sheffield is still available for speaking engagements nationally. We have a board election in April.
Morrissey unpacks re-election platform
Morrissey, on Thursday, suggested that with H.B. 1886, we can abolish the entire system of elected school boards in favor of appointments and that with state Rep. Dave Winters’ (R-Shirland) H.B. 1673, we can limit remedies for public workers who seek promised compensation and benefits.8 A February 2011 directive from the conservative Fordham Foundation instructs policymakers to go straight to the end goals, without pausing for compromise in privatizing education and breaking unions.9 The Gates Foundation has spent more than $4 billion across the U.S. to break up large school districts, proliferate charter schools, and advance teacher evaluation linked to standardized test scores. Despite the efforts of Sheffield, Morrissey and others to paint Rockford as desperate and deserving, here in President Barack Obama’s back yard, we did not receive coveted Race to the Top bail-out funds. Sheffield has blamed us for her pumped-up, trumped-up deficit. Morrissey bet on charters.
Finally, in a bow toward Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker (R), Morrissey made his own stab at collective bargaining for public-sector workers. Thereby, Morrissey set his re-election platform and endorsed the layoff last week of more than 500 teachers and District 205 staff. Sheffield has threatened to carve higher into the workforce if concessions are not granted by the teachers’ union. Can the chaos our community is experiencing be the fulfillment of an elaborately-choreographed dance leading to the outrageous and undemocratic destination proposed by our mayor? Is this being planned behind closed doors with support and collusion by elected legislators, business leaders, and our own school board? Mayor Morrissey, what have you done? With a rebel yell they cried, “Morr, Morr, Morr.” Sheffield will net nearly $1 million in salary and benefits for her time in the river city. Who will pick up the pieces? We will.10
David Stocker is an artist, teacher and songwriter living in Rockford for 23 years. He has created the DISTRICT 205 IS ON FIRE SONGBOOK for activists. Visit: www.davidstocker.net.
Footnotes/sources:
2. http://www.alignmentrockford.com/
3. http://rollins4rockford.com/
4. http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2011/jan/29/bills-in-legislature-have-teachers-furious/?print=1
7. https://seattleducation2010. wordpress.com/2011/03/03/the-superintendents-send-off/
10. Dennis Kucinich speaks in Madison, Wis., March 12, 2011, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CflPM_iIsLc&feature=email
From the March 16-22, 2011, issue
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17 Comments
This article is immature drivel. Please stop publishing this kind of thing. The opinion of a frustrated glory-hound isn’t news. And, it certainly doesn’t do anything for the credibility of this newspaper. thank you.
Very nice summary of what’s been going on around here lately.
Thank you.
J Wilson: Do you have proof that what Mr. Stocker has “summarized” is true? I mean this article, complete with misquotes, is nothing but opinion and, most importantly accusations against the mayor that aren’t true. Why this nonsense was published without someone checking facts is a mystery to me. Maybe that’s why people aren’t picking up the Rock River Times anymore. I was shocked that you folks didn’t print a bunch of pictures or profile of Frank Schier this week. What’s is Mr. Schier lagging in his “Hey! Look at ME!” campaign? Change the name to this paper to the Frank Schier Bugle and let the real news media do its work.
Cradle Knight…
Paraphrasing is not the same as misquoting. If the mayor has issues with any misquotes from Mr. Stocker, then they can argue it out and even bring the courts in for that matter. Same for the mayor and the Rock River Times.
As for my agreeing with this column, that is my right. It is not up to me to prove or disprove anything said in this column as I didn’t write it. It is your right to disagree with me and I wouldn’t dream of asking you to prove me wrong.
I will say that if you don’t like Mr. Stocker’s commentary, don’t read it. And if you don’t like my agreeing with him, feel free to disagree.
And if you don’t like the RRTimes then don’t read the paper or look it up online.
Cradle Knight- If what is being considered as the real news media is the Rockford Register Star it would explain why David Stocker’s commentary seems so alien to you. It was not edited by RPS205 Communications Director Mark Bonne.
The fact of the matter is simply that the board and administration are not responding to our public concerns and to the direct needs of the people. We cannot say the system is gloriously democratic and fair to all when school board members are unprepared yet completely ignore public opinion on consent items.
It’s called “Opinions” for a reason. The Rock River Times just doesn’t corner it off into its own section. Also: 10 links. No proof? Apparently facts have to be published in “reliable” news sources (which it seems can only be the three TV stations and the Rockford Register Star) to be valid according to the side opposite David’s. But here’s the problems. The paper has refused to print several letters (I know people that have gotten first-hand responses sounding like this, so I’m not making this up) – articles with TRUTH, despite conversations that say otherwise – that would seriously force the RRStar to get back on track to consistently investigate. And the TV stations rarely if ever fully show opinions like David’s and mine, while making reports about “programs and schools they simply can’t afford” in a tone that convinces people that the TV stations agree. The real truth that I hope everyone agrees on: no matter what the money, we should never be able to say to a student that we don’t have what they need and they’ll have to search and pay for that special thing on their own.
More first hand accounts, NOT wild stories: no PTO meetings, no handouts (even non-political ones), or media as in the past are allowed unless it goes through Mark Bonne, who’s getting a lot of tasks that shouldn’t be his to begin with. Bonne is even stopping things as trivial for the administration as buses for extracurricular trips – this is happening at my high school where the principal is helpless to give answers. And this is just one of the issues with 201 S. Madison that can be scrutinized. The Rock River Times is simply a venue that allows this healthful discussion, if a bit emotional, to happen.
So before my comment is called an immature rant, let me ask this: do we want to have money wasted and then be told that 6-person classes and 10 new administrative positions are more important than successful elementary schools, arts education, early education, language immersion, Montessori, or a 29-person AP class? If we want what’s best for our kids, we need to pay attention to similar patterns of tension that have happened in real life to directly affect real families in other districts across the nation. It’s not a bunch of wild conspiracies or “immature drivel”.
If the head editor of the RRStar can write a letter to tell the public that their cries for justice are annoying and won’t help, then the rhetoric of the letter above – and the Rock River Times’ gumption to accept and publish it – are simply efforts to get an equal opposing word out there with the same force.
I guess I can’t complain. If Frank Scheir wants to fill the space of his newspaper with guest columns on the front page and stories about himself, then that’s his choice. And I never said anything about the Register Star. But I will say it is a better source of information than the Times. Only a fool would disagree with that. This city needs an investigative news source and the Rock River Times isn’t it. It used to be. But now it’s just a platform for Mr. Schier to try to impress people with how smart he thinks he is.
Cradle Knight… While the above column is obviously an “opinion”, I would encourage you to take a close look at Diane Ravitch’s book, The Death and Life of the American School System. This is an “eye-opening” piece to say the least. Ravitch has substantiated her writing with mutiple pages of footnotes from educational research. Her book makes the above column seem more “frightening reality” than “immature drivel.” Before discrediting others, do your own research.
Dave,
Many years ago you came to my summer school classroom and worked wonders with one of my students. You are all about the students and supporting what they need. Thank-you for this in-depth commentary.
Obama will lose :)
I made six quotations in the guest column. I’ll try to help the confused reader:
“Morr Morr Mrr” is actually a parody of the Billy Idol song Rebel Yell, and since Dr Sheffield’s speechwriter lately tried to hit Rockford’s gear head with a quote from Tom Petty, I thought I’d try my hand. If Tom were dead, he’d rollover in his grave, to think the school reform movement would use his lyric to defend school closings in poor neighborhoods by a person making $ 300,000 per year.. Apologies to Mr. Idol.
Readers should compare Mr. Rollins’ website with his printed materials. I’d appreciate a clarification of his public statement. The Alignment Rockford website quote was a cut paste no brainer.
Diane Ravitch spoke directly to Mary Jo Powers, saying also “I am well aware of what is happening in Rockford…..” I may have added the word “autumn” inadvertently, another song. My point is, the folly and corruption in Rockford is being watched by national observers, including, I’m sure those who had the ability to grant Race to the Top Funds.
My quote of the exchange between David Kelly and Larry Morrissey is reconstructed from my recollection of the moment and others who were present. I may have mistakenly written a portion of the actual conversation as a few moments later, I was escorted out of the building by armed private security on instructions from the district monitor. TRRT added the quotes around “I’ll be back.” Which should be attributed to the Gover-nator Arnold Schwartzeneger (a fan of privatization.) and not to LJM. I did not mean to imply that anyone was made of whipped egg whites.
My quotes from Shannon Bingham are covered mainly in my TRRT article of the week of Feb 10 and were noted directly as he responded. What amazed me about this exchange was that at first I thought I was witnessing the melt down of an actual defector. I realized later that I was mistaken. He was so arrogant in the conviction of his purpose and in his paycheck, he felt he could say anything to a parent, a teacher, a citizen of this city and get away with it. I followed him all day and he wrote his name and number on the page where I was taking notes. I’m glad he spoke as he did, even though I was shocked. It helped me understand something important. The night I read Bingham’s statements to the board, his contract was renewed and his daily rate was increased to something over $1000 per day. His arrogance was well founded.
The quote from Bob Evans was a partial quote and may have been unfair. At the forum, plainly upset, Evans actually named some of the persons and organizations towards whom he felt betrayal. I did not put those names in the article and that may have left the reader confused. When I asked why the Mayor and business community were thus far silent on the closures, Evans characterized his position on the school board as having been set up to defend the estimated $50 million gap against the rage of the community all alone and without help from the “…cowards.” It is well documented that one of the engines of privatization is that the business community ultimately benefits from the shift. School boards pay nothing to a local chamber, while for-profit businesses that provide meals, books, services, facilities, staff, charter operations, management, consultants and more as sub contractors to the non-profit charters do pay. Dollars once for children are captured by business that’s the point. The four words in quotes actually came from Mr Evans, tho’ I would understand it might be necessary to distance himself from them. I was grateful for his directness. Others were present.
People say the darndest things. I cannot believe but that it is a healthy thing for people’s masks to come off in Rockford. Some are doing this voluntarily others are a little more attached. What our kids do not need is for the adults to be “lost in a masquerade.” That would be Leon Russell talking.
This week two of Rockford’s best ever principals are leaving. One was terminated/suspended under falsified claims, another is quitting because she can’t stand it any more. (My characterization.) Dear reader, why are we losing our best?
People should be held accountable for the things they say and things they do, especially when those people are in positions of public trust, elected or appointed. I know teachers and principals are. Thank you for doing your own analysis of the source documents provided. Keep going.
What proof do you have that Larry Morrissey served up Kool Aid? Mr. Stocker I see you at board meetings. You need to stop making this about you and how you were there for this, you are there for that, you teach this, etc. It is clear YOU want to take credit for bringing down the system. Nobody cares about what YOU do just like nobody cares that Frank Schier thinks his newspaper is superior. In fact this paper and site are light years behind the times.
And you QUOTED David Kelley saying …”you have your house…” that’s simply not what the man said nor was Larry trying to speak longer than 2 minutes or trying to hijack the meeting as you imply. This the problem with the Times. They print things that aren’t verified. Why didn’t this paper have a reporter at the meeting so he or she could tell readers what really happened? At least the Star has someone to at least report on what was said. Jim Hagerty was doing that but where is he now? Was he toold to shut up so a bunch of Guest Writers take over to further Mr. Schier’s agenda of being in the spotlight? I’m sorry to be blunt but presenting this stuff like a bunch of conspiracy theorists is very poor judgment.
Thank you, Mr. Stocker.
Unfortunately this is a bullying era even though we aren’t supposed to tolerate bullying. And as we all know bullies require toadies.
Fortunately it looks like the people of Rockford are coming out of hibernation in time for grilling season.
P.S. Sorry for the attempted humor. Must be the oncoming full moon.
Once again, people should stop bashing the Times. The Times is actually willing to let our public opinion stand out (unlike the Star, which is biased towards the administration as of late beyond debate). These are the kinds of quotes that lead to justice. If everyone believes the RRStar and never hears any of these eye-opening realities that quote-on-quote “can’t be verified”, then we can continue to let Rockford be bullied around by a system that doesn’t respond to our needs and opinions.
OMG…Rachel and Cradle Knight…what rock are you hiding under? Open your eyes, do some research, get informed!! I HAVE talked to Diane Ravitch and she knows all about what’s happening in Rockford…as it is in many big cities. She was once under the same rock you’re hiding under…but she opened her eyes, she did research and she got informed…thus her great book that everyone should read. I am a member of WEE…we have done many FOIA’s of the district…the outrageous spending is beyond belief. We have attempted over and over again to get letters/articles published in the RRStar, to no avail. Thank God for the RRTimes for their willingness to publish the TRUTH! Thanks David, for your articulate piece!