Dr. James Shaw School Superintendent Dr. Jackson Parker Past Interim School Superintendent
Jim Morrison introduced our two guest speakers, newly appointed Superintendent, Dr. James Shaw and Jackson Parker who had been acting superintendent.
James Shaw RUSD School Superintendent
In 40 years Dr. Shaw has experience in numerous aspects of education. He sees the growing diversity and children in poverty as the most challenging problems in education in Racine. School settings with the right kinds of experiences and nurturing social interaction are key to learning.
RTA Members and guests
The achievement gap in Racine is illustrated by test results showing only 30% of tenth grade students are proficient in math, while only 5% of students of color are proficient. Middle class students are 8 times more likely to graduate from college than those in poverty or of color. Educational attainment seems to be determined by money, middle class background and color.
RTA members 11 Nov 08
We have to break that problem down so that all children can learn and break the achievement gap. Successful schools have common strategies: the belief that all children can learn, that all kids should be held to high standards and curricula should be rich with advanced studies. RUSD needs the help of quality teachers and the help of the community to achieve its goals.
Don Botsford
When Jackson Parker returned to RUSD in October, 2007 as Interim Superintendent, the subject of re-districting was under consideration. Discussions resulted in two concepts of thought; one favored neighborhood schools, the other focused on diversity.
Mike Shields
The school board asked Parker to form a commission to develop a hybrid plan incorporating both concepts, and which also would advance student achievement. The resulting commission report consists of guidelines and principles which address the complexities in combining racial, socio-economics, special ed and title programs.
