in Schools
Bias in design is something the School Board needs to be aware of
We were watching the March 7 Park City School Board meeting video and the board was discussing how they would educate the public on various locations for a new 5/6 school. A board member said that they should consider providing the public with pros and cons of each location (Bear Hollow, Ecker hill, etc.). School Board member Petra Butler cautioned, “You don’t want a biased survey. That’s what you have to be very careful about. If we put what our pros and cons are we just need to be very careful. We don’t want a biased survey.”
Bias may be our number one complaint with the School District Process over the last few years. Whether it is the make-up of groups put together to chart a course forward or the composition of committees that do the same, there always seems to be a level of distrust with the inputs into the decision making process. Sometimes those inputs seem constructed to ensure that a desired outcome is achieved.
What we like about Ms. Butler’s comments is that it shows an acknowledgement of trying to ensure that bias is minimized in surveys.
We just hope that translates into decision making as well.
in Schools
Is consensus decision making the best route for our schools?
Over the past few years, the Park Rag has been critical of our Park City School District for a few different reasons. One of those reasons is that historically the school board has voted in unison on major issues.
We have taken umbrage at that. It all seemed too programmed and processed. We would hope that in our schools all ideas are vigorously discussed and vetted in public.
Last Summer we had a chance to visit with School Board leader Phil Kaplan about the topic. Below is a response from Mr. Kaplan on the subject.
You have often pointed out that certain elected bodies function better than others because they split votes more frequently and don’t make unanimous decisions, as if that is a virtue by itself. The theory seems to be that the split vote represents dissent and debate, with officials sticking to their guns and the better choice ruling the vote. I would like to point out that a true consensus-based decision process can often yield better decisions, with greater downstream results and implications more thought out.
The consensus-based decision process hit American business hard in the 1970s, when it seemed like the manufacturing base was all going to Japan. It works with managers leading a team, with every voice having input, the best idea for the organization winning, and thorough implementation plans and process developed before the go decision is made. So, decision-making moves slower, but execution can be much faster and crisper. The American technology and manufacturing sectors have embraced this model to great effect.
Taking my thesis back to local elected bodies, we can use the consensus-based model, successfully, in our institutions. So, I would not just look at a 3-2 vote vs. a 5-0 vote as a quality determinant. I would look hard at the thought process that led up to the vote being taken. That would better reflect the quality of the ultimate decision.
All the best,
Philip N Kaplan
Member, Board of Education
Park City School District
in Good Morning
Park Rag Morning 3/9/2017
Good morning. The weekend is almost here. If you ski or ride, this should be a perfect few days for spring skiing.
1. You will be paying for schools… one way or another
On Wednesday the Park City School Board voted unanimously:
“To go to a bond in 2017 and if the bond fails in 2017, the Board will go to a tax levy to fund the necessary facility needs of the district.”
We’re not sure whether the bond will be $65 million, $100 million, $140 million, or half a billion dollars. We’re not sure the board members know either… but they voted for it. And if the tax payers don’t pass the bond, the school board will levy a tax to fund the “facility needs of the district.”
Desperate times call for desperate measures.
2. привет John Huntsman
Sources say former Utah Governor John Huntsman will accept an offer to be the US Ambassador to Russia. We love John Huntsman as a middle of the road Republican. Hopefully he can bring that middle of the road philosophy to US/Russia relations.
3. Legislature votes to reduce DUI Threshold
The Utah Legislature has voted to reduce the state’s DUI threshold from .08 to .05, the strictest in the nation. Governor Herbert has said he is supportive of the legislature’s action on alcohol. If the Governor does follow through and sign the bill, it will become state law.
in Good Morning
Park Rag Morning 3/8/2017
And a fine Wednesday morning to you. It’s all happening…
1. We have no privacy
Tuesday morning, Wikileaks released 8,000 pages of information about tools the CIA uses to spy on people. According to the Wikileaks, essentially every piece of technology you have in your home has been compromised. Your webcam on your Mac Book and iPhone can be turned on at any time and record what you are doing. Your kid’s tablet can record all sounds. Your Windows PC is always listening and happy to report back to Langley (or maybe Kiev). Your Samsung “smart” TV may just be too smart and is happy to both video-tape and record whatever you are doing.
You may say, “Well it’s OUR CIA, so I have nothing to worry about.” That may be true, but the real take away of this story is two-fold. First, there are real implementations of being able to over your devices (even if you think they are off). Second, the CIA created holes and then left in more holes in technology so they could exploit them. The big problem with this is other hackers can exploit these too.
Why this matters to Park City is that our little town is a microcosm of important people.
Have any involvement with the US Ski Team? The same hacks the CIA created, someone like the Russians will exploit.
Are you on the City or County Council? Don’t devalue the influence you have. People want to know what you are saying to your partner about things.
Are you Bob Wheaton or Bill Rock? Have you ever hosted a foreign dignitary? Would information about that person be useful to anyone?
Do you work at Skull Candy? Do you have access to anything important business-wise?
What once was fiction and the subject of movies like Enemy of the State appears to be real. We know it sounds all tin-foil hat… but we’d suggest you think about what you say and do in front of any device that has a microphone or camera. Keep in mind that Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg famously tapes over his webcam and microphone on his PC.
If even in your wildest dreams you think someone may want information you have, you may want to consider being more careful. You never know who is watching and listening.
2. Goodbye Winter … until next year
Winter, we will miss you. Hopefully you got in a couple good ski days on Monday and Tuesday.
The National Weather Service says:
Continued to nudge the forecast toward the drier, consistent ec solution but kept at least low end pops as a nod toward the wetter GFS solution. This would keep temps in the 5 to 15 degree above normal range through the long range portion of the forecast.
3. NRA shoots itself in the foot
According to Utahpolicy.com, the Utah Legislature was close to allowing all Utahn’s to carry a concealed weapon. The only limiting factor was that a person could not have a round in the chamber (they could have a magazine with bullets inserted into the gun but not a bullet in the chamber). However, it appears that the NRA pushed hard against this limit. In frustration, members of the legislature decided to table the idea because they wee tired of the NRA.
It looks like the NRA can wear out its welcome …even in Utah. That said, the bill is likely to return next year.
in Good Morning
Park Rag Morning 3/7/2017
Happy Tuesday. It’s a great time of the year. With the state legislature’s year coming to a close, the School District in the midst of planning for expansion, and the scramble for Bonanza Flat dollars, lot’s of interesting things are happening. Here are some of the BIG and little news items that you may find interesting.
1. You will won’t be paying more for food
Over the weekend we learned that it was basically a done deal that the Utah Legislature will increase sales tax on food by 3%. However, it appears the state legislature ran out of time and according to House Speaker Greg Hughes there will be no sales tax increase on food this year. Hughes said there was the political will to increase the tax among lawmakers, but that in the end, it just didn’t raise enough money to be worth it.
2. You will be paying for parking at China Bridge
Park City Transportation Manager Alfred Knotts told KPCW’s Leslie Thatcher that the city has an RFP out for technology related to charging for parking at China Bridge. He said “that RFP will dictate the schedule” for paid parking. Knott’s said it will be a “soft rollout” and that the price structure will be fluid. Ms Thatcher asked whether the city should give the heads up to locals, since China Bridge has inherently been free parking. Mr Knotts said yes there will likely be charges during busy times of the day.
Welcome to the ever escalating world of parking charges. We’ll remind you that people in Chicago don’t bat an eye at paying $30 to park near Michigan Avenue.
3. SAGE testing may be replaced by ACT
On Monday, the Utah House Education Committee voted to move SB0220 to the Senate. SB0220 provides an updated method of grading schools across the state. According to Deseret News, elementary schools will be judged based on the “percent of students who score proficient or above on a statewide test; academic growth; academic growth of the school’s lowest performing quartile; and progress of English learners.” High School students will be graded on those four factors as well as graduation rates, students who score 18 or above on the ACT, and the percentage of students who take AP test or advanced career and technical education courses.
As currently stands, the bill would also do away with the much maligned SAGE test. Taking its place would be the ACT Aspire test.
The one sticking point is that the bill (in its current form) would mandate letter grading of schools. Various school groups, some PTA organizations, and some members of the Utah State Board of Education are opposed to the idea because they don’t feel the information will provide an adequate picture of our schools.
This bill would make grading of Park City schools similar to US News and World Reports Top High Schools. That’s good for Park City School District as we have high graduation rates, good ACT scores, and lots of students taking AP tests. However, recently the proficiency of our English Language Learners has not been up to par. The hope is that dual-immersion programs in our elementary schools will help improve scores.
4. There will be 9 E-Bike Stations
In June, Summit County will be launching its E-Bike initiative. There will be four stations in the county, one at the Canyons, and four in Park City. They will be at: the new Whole Foods, Tanger Outlet, Kimball Junction Transit Station, and New Park, Canyons, Prospector Square, Park City Transit Center, Town Lift or Fresh Market (not defined yet), and perhaps the Library.
The hope of this program is to reduce traffic in and around Park City. It will cost Summit County approximately a million dollars to get the program up and going. Half of that money is paid for by a grant from UTA. Look for the program to start up in June or July.
5. This summer travel will be miserable between Kamas and Park City
In May, UDOT will be reconstructing Highway 248 from the 7-11 in Kamas to the Hospital in Park City. According to Summit County Transportation Manager Caroline Rodriquez, there will be some impact this summer. Expect lots of flags and lots of delays as the road may go down to one lane. Ms Rodriquez said that the county had been working with UDOT to try to limit impacts during holiday/event time periods.
in Schools
What do Donald Trump and the Park City School District have in common?
Like him or despise him, President Donald Trump has done one very great thing for this country. People are paying attention. Friends who never even knew an “executive order” was a thing, are now learning the power of presidency. Why?
Because politics have been shoved in their face.
Last week the Park City School District discussed increasing the capital local levy to its maximum amount. This would mean a family with a $650K house would pay over $900 more a year in taxes. For those of you who own in Park Meadows, that would mean you would likely pay about $1800 extra per year.
Talk about something being shoved in your face.
Yet, the more we think about it, the more we like the concept of a levy. Too often, small tax increases get swept under the rug. However, if your are paying a couple of thousand dollars extra per year, you are going to pay attention. You are going to ask whether the paint being used was from Home Depot or from Sherman Williams. You are going to wonder why in 2015 the school district bond to build a new 5/6 school, and remodel the High School to accommodate 9th graders was $56 million but now the number seems to be at $100 million.
You may even look at all expenditures and wonder whether money was well spent. Should teams travel out of state for competitions? Should teachers receive more compensation during the next round of negotiations. Should Park City Education Foundation personnel receive salaries from the School District?
It’s called shining a lighting dark spaces and sometimes you don’t like what you see. And often times you can’t unsee what you have seen. That is a good thing.
So, we welcome a capital levy from the school board. If they think they are under scrutiny now, just wait until their name is on the bill.
Sometimes it is good to look at the receipt after you have checked out at Fresh Market and see just what you bought.
Update: In a previous version of the above post, we asked “Should the Park City band have flown to Hawaii and played at Perl Harbor?” We had intimated that the school district had paid for this. Park City School District Representative Molly Miller reached out to make ensure we knew that parents, students, and the PC ED foundation paid for the majority of the Pearl Harbor trip for the band. She noted:
- Of the money spent to send the band, most of it was raised by band members and their parents.
- They participated in Live PC, Give PC.
- They also received $1,000 in an “express grant” from the wonderful Park City Education Foundation.
- District money spent on this life-enriching trip for our band members consisted of payment for a substitute teacher for Bret Hughes.
in Park Rag
We’ve installed a racism filter
One of the things we’ve tried to do at the Park Rag is provide a place where community members can voice their opinion. We do that through posting stories written by others and enabling comments on stories.
Unfortunately some recent comments have become racist in nature. We’re frankly tired of reading them and we believe other readers are too.
So, we’ve implemented a comment filter that automatically deletes comments it judges as racist or bigoted. We’re sure it won’t be 100% perfect and some will slip through. We’re also sure that some legitimate comments will be trashed. So, if you’ve made a comment that doesn’t appear within a few hours, just email us the comment at .
We appreciate the feedback from readers on this topic. They presented a variety of good suggestions. One reader recommended removing anonymous comments. We found two potential issues with this. First, we feel there is value in anonymous comments. Second, the typical way to actually tie a user to a REAL person is through a Facebook Login. For instance, the Park Record uses Facebook for comments. We don’t really like the privacy implications of tying comments to a Facebook account. So, that was a non-starter.
Another reader recommended just getting rid of comments altogether. That would be the easy route and many online websites have done that. However, we do like the easy ability for people to comment on subjects. As long as the comment adds value to a discussion (even if it’s highly critical), we feel it’s a chance to learn and maybe understand a viewpoint we don’t have.
So, we are going to see how well a machine can do at masking the racism that seems to plague the Internet.
Thanks for taking the journey with us. And as always, thanks for reading the Park Rag.
in Immigration
Park City community discussion on ICE arrests being held this Thursday
There is an upcoming meeting regarding the recent arrest of four individuals by Immigration and Customs Enforcement Officials. It is being held this Thursday (2/23) at 6PM at St Luke’s. If you are interested, the information is below:
In response to very real fears expressed by many in the aftermath of Friday morning arrests of four Hispanic men in the Park City community, citizens have organized a community discussion for Thursday, February 23rd at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church at the Blue Roof off SR224 near Parley’s Park Elementary School. The discussion will begin at 6:00 p.m.
All who are concerned or uncertain are invited to join the discussion which will be moderated by People’s Health Center Director, Beth Armstrong. Among the confirmed specialists are Summit County Sheriff Justin Martinez, Police Chief Wade Carpenter. Invitations have been extended to Utah ACLU, Federal Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), Mexican Consulate in Salt Lake City and immigration advocates.
This is a community discussion, NOT a protest. Please come with your questions and your ideas. Be prepared to listen and contribute to a discussion on how we might best respond should we be faced with similar events in the future. While we have been assured by Federal Agents that these arrests of targeted felons are routine and are conducted with appropriate search warrants and other legal and personal guarantees, we all need to understand the law. We need to understand the difference between the jurisdiction of Federal Agents and the separate jurisdictions of Park City Police and Summit County Sheriff’s Department. We also need to know where to go for special services for those affected or threatened by these arrests.
in Utah is Utah
Washington Post Covers Sexist Comments By Wasatch County Republican James Green
You know you’ve either done something extraordinary or you’ve really screwed up when you’re not a national figure, live in a fly-over state, and you get coverage from the Washington Post. It appears former Vice Chair of the Wasatch Republican Party, James Green, has done the latter. The Washington Post’s Kristina Guerra wrote a scathing 1,300 word article about Green’s letter and the aftermath. Her story has received almost 900 comments in one day.
The only one who still doesn’t seem to get that Green’s comments were off-base is Green himself. According to the article in response to the situation he said, “There was no offense intended toward Women, whatsoever. And yet some took it that way. To those who were offended, I profusely apologize. I sincerely did not mean to do that.” He didn’t say, “I’m sorry” or “My comments on women were wrong.” No, it appears he was sorry if his prejudice towards women offended anyone. Crazy.
If you are a Republican leader in Summit County, and want a chance of winning any race, your damage control probably now includes female voters (as well as all those groups impacted from actions out of the White House).
The only silver lining we can see coming from this debacle came in the comments section of the Washington Post article:
“Utah is a wacko state.”
Yep. We love that. If enough people think Utah is bat-shit crazy, maybe a few will stay home. Not that we don’t welcome our visitors. You can’t be a resort town without them… But a little break might be nice.
Wasatch GOP Vice-Chair Resigns Over Criticism of Equal Pay for Women
Fox 13 is reporting that James Green, Wasatch County GOP Vice Chair, has stepped down amid criticism over comments he made about women.
According to Fox 13, Green said, “You wouldn’t believe the hateful vile comments and messages I’ve received.”
We’re pretty sure that most people felt the same way about his letter to the Park Record.
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