Updates

Check out my updated website -www.nancyjester.com . If you have news and information that I can add, let me know and I'll post it.

Events and Announcements

Bicycle Rodeo at Brook Run Park

Save the Date - May 14th, 9am-12pm

To volunteer, please contact Joe Seconder at jseconder@yahoo.com or 404.545.3711.

Exchange Student Host Information

If you are interested in hosting an exchange student, read Cindy Imlay's announcement:

Hello everyone, International Student Exchange (ISE) is a U.S. State Department-approved, non-profit organization that places incoming students ages 15-18 with local volunteer host families for the 2011-2012 academic year. Volunteer host families are desperately needed for students arriving in August 2011. Students come for either (5) or (10) months, and come to study under J-1 visas. The students come from (55) countries, speak English, and come with spending money and full insurance. They either enroll at the public high school nearest the host family, or at a private high school if the student's natural family is willing to pay tuition. Host families provide room and board, an invaluable culture exchange experience, and are eligible for a tax credit. If you know of anyone who would be interested in this opportunity, please contact me directly at c_imlay@hotmail.com or (404) 264-1639. Thank you.

Cindy Imlay Area Representative International Student Exchange www.iseusa.com

Chamblee Charter High School

I have uploaded the latest "fact sheet" about the replacement high school construction project to my website. Click here to go directly to that page.

DCSS School Staffing Formula changes

Also "new" under the "Blog" tab - you can find details about the new staffing formula (STAR). I've placed 2 documents there for your review. Click here to go directly to that page.

School Board Legislation

As you know, the Georgia Legislature has considered various pieces of legislation that impact the DeKalb BOE. As the legislative session proceeded, a letter was sent to the DeKalb delegation that opposed the various bills that were under consideration. I have received numerous inquiries about this letter and my position. I did not approve, review or sign this letter. My signature is a digital image that is used on proclamations, etc. I have expressed my concern about this letter to the Board Chair.

I do have concerns about changing the size of the Board and the specifics of such a change. In changing the size, what do we hope to accomplish? I'm fond of saying that "hope is not a method" and I think that is important to keep in mind as we discuss this matter. As with any change there are inherent risks and these have not been mitigated at this point. Additionally, I don't anticipate any change in the Board's dynamic given a change in size. The largest risk I see is that with a new Superintendent beginning their work, it may prove disruptive if all members are up for election during this crucial first year of the new Superintendent. Finally, I think that the discussion has been a classic "correlation versus causality" issue. We have to be very careful when we attribute successful outcomes to certain (board) variables; such as size. While there may be some correlation given a few examples, that is not indicative of causality. I am in favor of addressing variables that "cause" more successful Boards to be constructed. Perhaps creating minimum Board qualifications is a better place to begin. This is a matter under the legislature's purview and I respect the process and people involved. Right now, I am focused on serving the citizens and students of DeKalb. We have difficult and important work to do together to improve student achievement in our district. I remain dedicated to this cause.

As always, don't hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns. Thanks!

--Nancy