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About Portland observer. (Portland, Or.) 1970-current | View Entire Issue (March 9, 2005)
^ ^ o r t l a n b (Oh s er u er M a rc h 9. 2 0 0 5 PageA5 Lolenzo Poe Tìirns Down Second Board Term and father-in-law, two men 1 loved and respected and with whom I never had quite enough time to spend. The horror of facing two tragic automobile accidents that almost took the lives of my young est two daughters, who it seems were also robbed of quality time, along with their brother and older sister. During these tragic moments I made a very quiet personal commit ment and prayer, that I would take time formy family and myself. I now must honor that commitment. So it is with love in my heart and faith in the board and our new su perintendent that I have decided not to run for a second term on the Portland Public School Board. I will not, however, be far away nor will I quit working on issues School leader cites district gains, hopes Dear Friends and Colleagues: Upon my election to the Port land Public School Board, 1 made a commitment to give my full energy and my time to the district’s issues and its children. To be the voice for those who often did not have one, to help bridge the breach between issues that divided both the School Board and underrepresented com munities, to bring back credibility to the District, and to support the wonderful people who work daily on behalf of our children. I found a district facing many challenges: from funding crisis, to racial crisis, to deep achievement disparities. All of these challenges compounded by a leadership and community confidence gap. I w on’t say that in my time on the board all of the issues I have men tioned have been resolved, but sig nificant progress has been made. One major accomplishment has been the hiring of what I believe to be the most outstanding urban superintendent. In Dr. Vicki Phillips, leadership and confidence has been restored to the Portland Public School District. As difficult as it seemed, I have enjoyed my time on the board. G et Lolenzo Poe ting to know the many talented and committed staff, administrators and effecting the quality and equity of teachers; visiting our schools and education for all of our children. It seeing first hand what a truly out is my hope that the board and Dr. standing job they do each and ev Phillips can find some way in which ery day; and seeing the wonder of I can be o f assistance to a district children’s eyes and smiles as they which has been a part o f my life learn, has been more compensation since kindergarten. Four years ago, I came to the than I ever could have hoped to board with three simple but daunt receive. And having the opportunity to ing goals to keep a focus on the work with my fellow Board Mem business of the district, which is to bers, both “the old and the new educate all our children: To ensure Board” has been a blessing that I that the issue of a persistent achieve ment gap was in every discussion will always carry with me. But also during my four years of and decision we had to make at the service to the District, my family district and school level; to provide and I faced many tragedies and strong leadership from the board in hardships. Losing both my father order to restore credibility with the taxpayers, the school community, and all our partners and to be ac countable both financially and aca demically; and to be a strong role model for children of color who do not often see positive images of themselves in this city and thus have no reason to believe all things are possible. It has been an honor to lead the board with Julia Brim-Edwards dur ing a most critical period for our school and the community. The board, Portland Public Schools and the city needed strong board lead ership, and we delivered. Under our leadership, educa tional achievement once again be came the focus of the district, and achievement levels, while not yet where we want them to be, are up throughout the district. We are ment in the district. The Annenberg Institule’sCentral Office review and its recommendations now allow the Superintendent to restructure the Central Office support system. There is so much left to do: We can and must be the first urban district to close the achieve ment gap. This can be accomplished if we and all of our partners stay focused and rem em ber it’s not about us, it’s about the children. Racial isolation and mistrust is a growing cancer in the district that must be addressed. Permanent funding for our dis trict must become a reality soon or our district will be irreparably dam aged. The debate about class size and locations will continue to be an issue as we lose populations as a We can and must be the first urban district to close the achievement gap. This can be accomplished if we and all of our partners stay focused and remember its not about us, its about the children. - School Board Member Lolenzo Poe 1 want to thank the citizens of this district for giving me the op portunity to serve and to give back to a city and a district that has given so much to me. And to the Portland Public Schools staff and the school community for all the support you have given to me. I only hope I have served you well. Lolenzo Poe School Hoard Member PROFESSIONAL STUDIES BUSINESS OPTIONS Business Career Degrees ____ Professional Certificates • BS BUSINESS A N D LEADERSHIP’ • BUSINESS LEADERSHIP" • BA C O M M U NICATIO N STUDIES • CONFLICT RESOLUTION & MEDIATION • BA INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES" • O R G AN IZATIO NAL C O M M U N IC A T IO N " • BA ORGANIZATIONAL C O M M U NICATIO N ' • PUBUC RELATIONS . BS REAL ESTATE STUDIES" • REAL ESTATE STUDIES' • BA SCIENCE • TR AINING & DEVELOPMENT • M BA" ‘ A va ila b le in an online form at. • M A INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES (ORGANIZATIONAL C O M M U N IC ATIO N ! seeing gains for the poor and for our children of color. A world-class instructional leader was hired and is at the helm of the district. With the hiring of Dr. Vicki Phillips, great things will happen if we all support her and her efforts. A strong and functional board is in place that is focused and commit ted to achievement and account ability. The board has rebuilt commu nity confidence in the Portland Public School District and increased board visibility in schools and the community. It has engaged the tax payer and demonstrated that we recognize the value of their invest result of middle class flight and gentrification. An appropriate level of support for a high performing board is not a luxury, but a necessity that must be provided. It has been such an honor to have served this district the past four years and to have engaged in great discussions with top educa tors around the district, to see the facesofourchildren enjoying learn ing and watching dedicated pro fessionals do what they do best, and to learn from great union lead ership who have always demon strated that they care passionately about this district. 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