RadicallyTransformingLives

  The Great Exodus From America's Schools The great exodus from America's Schools is upon us and we should have seen it coming. For decades, we have systemically ignored the inequalities, inefficiencies, and ineffectiveness in so many of our schools across the United States. Ron Edmonds said it pretty clearly, back in 1978. "We can whenever, and wherever we choose, successfully teach all children whose schooling is of interest to us. We already know more than we need in order to do this. Whether or not we do it must finally depend on how we feel about the fact that we haven't so far." Edmond's encouragement and billions more in state and federal support, however, were not enough to avert the mass exodus of school children from schools across America and Washington State specifically, during the COVID-19 pandemic. In Washington it is estimated that up to 5% of formerly enrolled students have opted out, which amounts to up to 50,000 students and parents making a

  Independence Day? 2022 As we prepare to celebrate Independence Day, 2022…the 4th of July, it’s good to stop and reflect on what the celebration is all about. What is it that we celebrate in America on the 4th of July? Independence Day is a federal holiday in the United States where we celebrate the signing of the Declaration of Independence which was ratified by the 2nd Continental Congress on July 4, 1776.  What does the Declaration of Independence actually say? Have you read it and reflected? How are we doing as a nation 246 years later?  You can read the Declaration of Independence here: Declaration of Independence: A Transcription | National Archives In part, the Declaration of Independence reads: We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness . How are we doing, America?  From my vantage point, America is in the most pe

 May 4, 2022 Have you ever wondered why it seems like bad things happen to good people?  Have you ever been moving through life, thinking all is good, only to have the carpet quickly yanked from under your feet? Have you ever been perplexed as to why, despite, your very best efforts...storms sometimes come your way? How do we navigate this thing called...life? Consider the two pictures below of Hurricane Dorian from 2019. Hurricane Dorian absolutely ravaged the Bahamas in 2019. It's estimated that the damage exceeded 7 billion dollars and 84 people were killed. Certainly, some of the 84 casualties were amazingly "good" people; people who lived a good life, were kind to others and did all the right things. There were innocent children killed in Hurricane Dorian. I'm sure, as well, that some of the 84 people were creeps. Criminals who broke the law, didn't pay their bills, wronged their neighbors, domestic abusers, and were just general "low lifes." Today

What will school look like in 20-21? I've been asked this question countless times in the past two months; from community members, families, students and staff. I keep notes, personally, of words that inspire me or make me think....During the 99-2000 school year, a former colleague and friend, Col. Chuck Sweeney, in a particular challenging time, encouraged me with the following words....he said, "Andy, the best leaders never miss an opportunity to use a crisis or challenge, to make their situation...the world around them better for the people they are leading. Have the courage to be one of those leaders!" I loved Chuck. He was one of the smartest guys I'd ever encountered...and he talked a lot. He went on to tell numerous stories about how leaders from history and worldwide, had used a crisis/challenge to make things better. Here's what I know about the future of public education in America....our schools aren't good enough. Not just my dist

My personal, professional, daily struggle as an school superintendent during this bizarre time... Are our 700 students in NBSD OK? Do they have everything they need? How are they feeling? Who do they have to talk to, process their feelings with? I know how frayed my emotions and temper has been with my own kids as we struggle to maintain things in the Kelly-Perez house...and I know we are blessed. We both still have jobs. No one has missed a meal. Heat is still on, internet buzzing, etc. What about my kids, where that's not the case?? How are my kids managing distance learning when their parents are working or home with them but can't help? Of our 700 scholars, more than 70% qualify for FRL and 120 meet the federal definition of "homeless"....but less than 300 kids have requested lunch/breakfast delivery. My daily prayer, the last several weeks, is that this situation moves us as a nation closer to my ideal world where there are certain "rights" tha

Palm Sunday. For any Christ follower or even lover of history, Palm Sunday is an important day. Matthew 21 and 22. Mark 11 and 12. Luke 19 and 20 and John 12. All books tell a similar story in a slightly different way. Christ's re-entry into Jerusalem, riding on the back of a donkey while onlookers laid coats and waived palm branches...no one could have predicted that in less than one week Christ would be put to death and later rise from the grave. My reflection today is the connection point...the through line if you will...between Christ's time in Jerusalem, prior to his crucifixion and our time, right now.....April 5th through 12th, 2020, in the middle of the worst pandemic to strike America, and perhaps the world, in my lifetime. I'm intrigued by Christ's actions during this week between Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday. The stories read that he spent time each day at the temple. He observed what was happening there...didn't like it...and did everything in his p