Elites and Ron DeSantis

Politics / January 2, 2022

Thoughts from a post by Diane Ravitch at: https://dianeravitch.net/category/curriculum/ regarding curriculum, critical race theory (CRT), and the definition of ‘elites.’ Ms. Ravitch quotes Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis regarding CRT, “Nobody wants this crap, OK? This is an elite-driven phenomenon being driven by bureaucratic elites, elites in universities and elites in corporate America and they’re trying to shove it down the throats of the American people.” Clearly Gov. DeSantis is using the word ‘elite’ as a …

Elites and Ron DeSantis Read More »

“Get your fake in early”

Parenting / January 2, 2022

Years ago when Ricki was pregnant with our first child, Ian, a colleague at Cass Tech told me how thrilled he was for us and told me, “Get your fake in early.” I looked at him quizzically and asked him what that meant. A little background first. My friend had been a sergeant with the the Detroit Police Department before retiring and becoming involved in the education field. He shared that he knew whether or …

“Get your fake in early” Read More »

A Lion in Packerland

Sports / December 27, 2021

Because our town borders Wisconsin, the Menominee River separates us here, NFL fans heavily favor the Packers. Green Bay, at about an hour and half drive, is much closer than Detroit at about an eight hour drive. Add to that the fact that the Lions have not given anyone anything to actually cheer about in many, many years. In fact, the Lions have one only one playoff win in my lifetime. I guess that wouldn’t …

A Lion in Packerland Read More »

The School to Prison Pipeline

Random thoughts on specific things / December 21, 2021

Schools are blamed for many things and many social ills in American culture.  Following the most recent school shooting in Oxford, MI, the phrase “school to prison pipeline” is rearing its ugly head again.  I’ve been a school administrator in some fashion now for sixteen years, this saying is among the most offensive I’ve encountered.  

(logo) Bridge Michigan

Opinion | Oxford shooting: Don’t blame high school for following state rules

Random thoughts on specific things / December 21, 2021

“As a superintendent in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, I am concerned that school officials in Oxford may be judged unfairly, considering the laws and regulations that cover Michigan’s schools. It was inevitable that, following the horrific shooting in Oxford High School, that a search for folks and systems to blame would begin…” Read this guest commentary published on Bridge Michigan

Pension Plan Deceptions and DeVos Diversions

Politics, Random thoughts on specific things / December 27, 2021

Michigan’s Republican governor and its Republican legislature are at odds over finalizing the state budget for upcoming fiscal year. The main hangup for pols is the state teacher retirement system and whether the current system should be maintained or turned into a 401k styled plan. Politicians favoring the 401k system are falsely arguing that Michigan cannot maintain the current system. Taxpayers should not be fooled. Republican leaders are following the marching orders given to them …

Pension Plan Deceptions and DeVos Diversions Read More »

Letters to Congressional Leadership

Politics / December 21, 2021

Democracy needs everyone’s participation. I wrote similar letters to Sen. McConnell and Speaker Ryan: Dear Senator McConnell, I am writing you today to call on you to fulfill your oath of office to protect and uphold our Constitution. The conflicts of interest on display by President Trump and members of his administration are flagrant, alarming, and dangerous to our nation and all of its citizens.

Implausible Solutions for Michigan Education

Random thoughts on specific things / December 21, 2021

Ross Douthat of The New York Times has been presenting a series of articles that suggest ways of approaching difficult national challenges that he calls, “deliberately implausible ideas.” These particular columns approach topics with answers that are sure to irritate all sides of any selected issue. Today I am presenting solutions to Michigan’s education matters in a similar manner.