Here we are, or, where are we?

As I monitor this situation and do more reading & listening, I have learned:
1) the fear of the GRPS Superintendent, Board & "Cabinet" to hear from others
2) the ability of the citizens of Grand Rapids to decide for themselves how they want their child's education to go
3) the number of people who want education change, but don't know what to do(who do you turn to?)
4) the number of people who want a new school board & superintendent for GR.
5) many people are planning to move when the time comes, and those who can't/don't wish to move, are left begging to transfer.

I have heard from those who've expressed frustration with the system and not just GRPS, but the troubles come more with GRPS due to their unwillingness to cooperate during this difficult time. Time is coming fast for the 8th grade parents to be deciding what to do for 9th grade next year. Will we have a charter high school? Will I be homeschooling? Should I file a Section 6 transfer request, or do a School of Choice first, to try and get an adequate education for my child? These are all very good questions.
What you can do:
As we focus forward, contact NHA about your desire for a charter high school. Believe that come next Fall, you will have a great place for your child to call "home" for their freshman or sophomore year! Write down all the things you would like to see in a charter high school, and check on your local schools to see what they do/don't have, that would make you want to send/not send your child to that school. Talk to other parents and encourage them to do the same. Bottom line, study! Be prepared with this information, so when asked for, you have a ready list of what you need and what your circumstances would be, if necessary.
Contact our Mayor and City Commission and tell them if you plan to move or not, or just what your situation is, if you live in GR.

E-mail your ideas(see link for 4.0) to me and I will try to post some of them on this blog.
Thanks!