Willie, who was hired by private citizens to analyze local public schools, thinks the timing is appropriate. People are already focused on schools because of the bond referendum. It makes sense for them to consider educational opportunities at the same time they're considering buildings. Some insights His report won't come without bad news. For instance, a majority of students in two-thirds of our schools score below national test norms.
Some schools have unacceptably high suspension rates.
The way students are assigned to schools simply isn't working. Poor students in one school do much better than poor students in another school. The district has pockets of excellence, but fails to make that excellence available to all students. The mere mention of Willie's name incites people who are afraid of what he might say. It doesn't matter to them that his report will hold no authority.