Hello Ms Jackson-

So, here are a few observations from someone who is NOT a teacher at Spence, but IS active in DISD issues.

1. Please do not fall into the trap that being anonymous is not virtuous. I am a frequent blogger on DISD issues. Sometimes I use my name, sometimes I do not. I and others have to keep reminding others that in the DISD, what you say publically can gain you the mother of all retributions.

2. You never explained who, exactly, brought you in to begin with and why.

3. If you have a videotape of your presentation, I am also sure you have a release form from everyone who is in it, yes?

4. I agree with you, these posts about Spence are literally painful to read, and you observe that there is a lot of anger in them. Now, I am not sure what your training background is, but anytime you see a high level of anger amongst employees, it is imperative that someone from above look into this matter. Am I wrong that the only response from the Spence admin staff has been to ask you to speak? In other words, she brought in a complete stranger to get involved with a dysfunctional campus? Did she try mediation, arbitration or a good informal hen session first?

5. I agree with Allen here. You may not like what is written in these posts, but the graffiti you read on the walls, the looks in the eyes of the children--- all that didn't happen overnight. Are you saying that an effective principal would allow graffiti on bathroom walls to remain there for visitors to see? Will NOT talking about issues resolve them?

6. You say you were brought in to help? So, are you under contract with DISD, and if so, for how much and who authorized it? Is this "help" from above, or "change" from within?

7. What "change" do you see happening at Spence? Please elaborate on the "half-full." A musical is wonderful, of course, but the problems vented on this blog seem to be way more serious than a musical.

Again, I am not taking sides, just asking questions. I offer to all who read this, if you want help, you must get active! No matter which way you feel, if you support your principal or not, document all you see.

Ms Jackson is right, complaining doesn't get the cow milked.

When I was in the Army, the best advice I ever got was, "Don't come to me with a problem, come to mee with a solution." If you want any change, what is it and why???

If you belong to NEA-Dallas, then please call our president, Dale Kaiser, at our offices.

If you belong to another union, have you contacted them?

"Change" for the sake of change is not always a good thing. Mussolini changed Italy when he got the trains to run on time. The last Kaiser of Germany, Wilhelm II, placed Bismarck into retirement because he wanted "change."

We know what happened to them.....

I applaud any effort anyone makes to help a DISD school. However, it just seems that a serious overhaul of that school is a problem that must be looked from on high, and fundamental decisions of goals must be made.

Good luck to all at Spence.