At Woodlawn High, some good news and some bad news
Good news is a welcome respite at Woodlawn High School, where this week's news coverage of student violence on campus has once again brought unwanted attention to the school.
So here's something good to report --- an extremely reliable source has told me that a couple days ago the air conditioning was finally restored to the school's computer lab. Apparently, students had been unable to use the computer lab, which houses about 30 fairly new computers, since the beginning of the school year because of that air conditioning problem.
Now for a bit of bad news --- at least for those of you who have applauded Miko Baldwin's efforts as a parent to get more attention paid to needed repairs and other concerns at the school. According to Miko, during Tuesday night's meeting of the school's Parent-Teacher-Student Association, Miko was stripped of her role on the group's executive board. With only 11 members present, the board decided to cast votes on "reaffirming" the positions of the group's officers. Some time ago, Miko had been asked to serve as the group's treasurer. Last night, however, she wasn't even listed among the officers being considered when the members took a vote, which essentially left Miko without a role.
An obviously disgusted Miko called me after the meeting to tell me about this latest development. She believes the group's leaders are trying to send her a message that they weren't happy about her contacting a reporter from The Sun (me) to talk about issues at the school. But she said she is vowing to be unmoved. With or without the PTSA's support, she said she will continue to advocate for the school's needs.
However, she did add this troubling thought ---
"This kind of mess is part of the reason some parents don't get involved. They don't want to deal with this."
It's sad to think that some people might be turning something as seemingly wholesome as the local PTA into petty power struggles. And I wonder how many parents have been turned off by the politics of their school's PTA.
Any advice for Miko???
Check out earlier discussions about Miko's efforts at Woodlawn.
http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/news/education/blog/2007/10/what_people_are_saying_about_w.html
http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/news/education/blog/2007/10/water_woes.html#comments
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/bal-md.co.water22oct22,0,1273872.story?coll=bal_tab01_layout
Baltimoresun.com's 
Comments
Once Ms. Baldwin stated that the PTSA was not working under the Maryland PTSA guidelines I'm sure they felt she was working against the group. The good news is she has a voice as a parent and she can continue to advocate for the students by calling in complaints and writing letters to the proper officials , just don't expect major changes immediately because of the lack of support from parents.
Posted by: Monica | October 25, 2007 9:16 AM
Yes, it's possible that the group's members felt that way. It's unfortunate if they did because my impression (from my numerous interviews with Miko) was that she wasn't necessarily suggesting that the group's members are intentionally violating the state rules, but that she felt it was important for the group to be running according to state rules to make sure it has the strongest voice possible.
Posted by: Gina | October 25, 2007 9:29 AM
We feel your pain Miko. Never give up your voice as a parent for anyone or anything. Shake the dust from your heals of that group if they don't put children first. My husband volunteered heavily for our Parent Teacher group in our son's elementary school, as Vice President last year and then President this year. He spoke "as a parent" to the media about much needed changes for safety's sake in our son's school. That same Parent Teacher group, (actually controlled by the school district) voiced their extreme displeasure with his actions, telling them they couldn't trust him any longer. We asked the group to openly support changes we were asking for, for health, safety and security and they refused, saying it would affect their ability to raise money and work with administration - as if the district turn down the money. He resigned in disgust, and we created our own parent group to deal with *real* issues instead of selling pies. No school administrators will be allowed in this group. We created a web site and are talking to other parents who are grateful for the work we're doing. Keep talking to the media. It's the only thing that gets school boards moving!
Posted by: Pam | October 26, 2007 10:17 PM