Parents and PGCPS
Conversations for the Engaged Parent and Dedicated Educator
K. Alexander Wallace @KAlexWallace
Prince George's County Board of Education District 7
A Year of Successes and the Challenges to Overcome
Dr. Mike Robinson @DrMikeRobinson
@DrMikeRobinson
Welcome to Parents and PGCPS: Conversations for the Engaged Parent and Dedicated Educator. I am your host Dr. Michael Robinson. Over the past several days, I have embarked on a journey across our beautifully diverse communities to talk with parents/families, educators, community and civic leaders regarding their views and perspectives about the future of education in Prince George’s County.
One of those voices is that of Mr.K. Alexander Wallace.
One of those voices is that of Mr.K. Alexander Wallace.
K. Alexander Wallace @KAlexWallace
@KAlexWallace
Dr. Mike Robinson: Why did you run for the Board of Education for Prince George’s County Public Schools?
K. Alexander Wallace: In February of 2015, I signed up to run in the 2016 election for the District 7 seat on the Board of Education because I wanted to fill a void that I saw missing - effective community engagement and education policy initiatives. Since my election, with the help of my district, the platform that my campaign was rooted in has nearly been accomplished, including alumni engagement, community schools, early childhood education, school construction, increased pay and support for all staff members, and much more. As I head into year three of my term, I am hoping to finish out the 9-point platform with an entire package of initiatives centered around student affairs.
Dr. Mike Robinson: This past SY 2017-2018 by some accounts has been a challenging one for the system and its leadership, what are some of the highlights for you and what are a few of the challenges you encountered?
K. Alexander Wallace: I would disagree with the characterization of this year being a challenge, although if the public only goes by the headlines and soundbites on the news, I can see why some with think that. However, I can assure you that beyond what FOX5 or WUSA9 would like for the public to believe, this was an amazing year for this system - from the passage of meaningful Board policies like the Community Schools policy and the record number of scholarship dollars allotted for students to the growth of our programmatic offerings from every grade level (Language Immersion, CTE programs, and P-Tech/3D Scholars programs) to the history being made by having Prince George's County being elected to chair the Washington Area Boards of Education (I will serve as Chair).
I would say, however, the biggest challenge that STILL remains is the public's trust in what a reporter and news station, who could not care less about the success of this system and who probably did not even grow up in Prince George's County, let alone the D.C area, over the trust of those who signed up, elected/confirmed, and SHOW UP to their jobs each and every day. From the misinformation about "secret pay raises" and characterization of the Graduation Rate Audit if I was an external stakeholder who did not take the time to digest the facts for myself, but just watched what was on the 11 pm news, I would think this year was a travesty.
Fortunately though, I, and many of the parents, community leaders, and staff within District 7 understand that with any system, regardless of its size and scope, will not be perfect and that imperfection should not diminish that outstanding work accomplished each and every day.
Dr. Mike Robinson: The primary reason for having you on the show today is to discuss your views on the recent decision to pay Dr. Kevin Maxwell an 800K payout package.
K. Alexander Wallace: I appreciate the opportunity to submit my written responses to your questions.
Dr. Mike Robinson: Why did you vote for the payout amount? And would you have been okay with a lesser amount or with no payout at all for Dr. Maxwell?
K. Alexander Wallace: I voted for the payout amount because, as a representative of District 7, I had to weigh the opinions of all the students, families, staff, and communities - not just those who were vocal in their opposition/disappointment with Dr. Maxwell. That's a perspective that I believe was missing - the silent majority who have had wonderful experiences within PGCPS and who appreciated the work his administration completed despite the challenges that any organization would face.
No payout would have meant that Dr. Maxwell would have stayed the CEO, of which many in the community and on the Board no longer (or ever) wanted. The amount both sides came down to, in my opinion, was slightly higher than what I would have wanted, but I respected the work of the committee of Board Members who worked for weeks on getting the final payout amount cut by nearly 50%.
Dr. Mike Robinson: During the BOE meeting on July 12, 2018, you mentioned the situations in Howard and Baltimore Counties related to their Superintendents. How are they similar to our situation in Prince George’s County?
K. Alexander Wallace: I mentioned the stories of Montgomery, Baltimore, and Howard Counties - all three jurisdictions that we are compared to on a daily basis. These three counties, while their cases differed, showcased possible outcomes from the Board in dealing with the transition of a CEO. Howard County's Board of Education, after an election shifted the majority's ideology, moved to fire the Superintendent and, after a legal battle, the county board not only paid the full salary and benefits of the Superintendent, but also the legal fees for both sides - equating to a larger final cost to the system that had the Board just let the Superintendent serve the remainder of her term. Montgomery County publicly stated that they were not going to renew their Superintendent's contract for another term and decided to buy out the remaining years - in full. Baltimore County's Superintendent, who is now serving a prison sentence, was given a one-year salary payment.
We were faced with three options, as a Board: 1. do nothing and let Dr. Maxwell transition out and serve the remainder of his contractual term - all while the public grows in outrage; 2. recommend his termination, just one year after giving him another 4-year term (state law requires a CEO/Superintendent serve a 4-year term) and risk him suing us and winning (Howard County) and having to pay the full balance of his contract and more due to legal fees; or 3. reach some middle ground between both parties and move on as a school system.
The third option is what the Board decided on and I look forward to the incoming Interim and permanent CEO and working with them.
Dr. Mike Robinson: Do you agree with the request for the resignation of Dr. Segun Eubanks by your fellow BOE colleagues David Murray and Edward Burroughs? If not why?
K. Alexander Wallace: No, I do not agree with their request - of which they have made before, only this time it was not in the form of a letter, but before a room of news cameras. It is no secret that I, in my comments and votes, have not sided with Board leadership all the time. I pride myself on my voting and attendance record, showing up for official meetings and properly serving District 7. Knowing that this request came from Members of the Board who have never agreed with Board leadership, I can, at least, respect their opinions - whether or not they can respect mine. However, what I cannot understand is why any merit is given to the request that came from Members with some of the poorest attendance records of the entire Board. When you are absent from/leave in the middle of Board Meetings, Board Work Sessions, Employee Appeal Hearings, Board Retreats, Committee Meetings, and countless other events that aim to celebrate the work of the system, I cannot put substance behind any request of that magnitude, let alone agree with it.
Many of the Members of the Board have full-time jobs, families to provide for, and other obligations. I know nobody's record of attendance is perfect - but when your record is some of the lowest ever before you ask for someone to resign from their job, you have to show up for your own.
Dr. Mike Robinson: What are your thoughts on the alleged assault of Edward Burroughs by BOE Chair Segun Eubanks?
K. Alexander Wallace: This matter is before the local judicial system and it would be unprofessional and irresponsible for me, or anyone involved, to speak on the matter before it has concluded legally. Other Board members, who were not present in the room, can certainly share their thoughts but because they were not witnesses, I would question how much substance their thought would have.
Dr. Mike Robinson: In your opinion can these two men work together for the children, families, and residents of the County?
K. Alexander Wallace: Yes, of course - as they have done for five years. History has shown us, especially in this county, that individuals who disagree on many issues, can and have come together to accomplish many progressive initiatives.
K. Alexander Wallace: In February of 2015, I signed up to run in the 2016 election for the District 7 seat on the Board of Education because I wanted to fill a void that I saw missing - effective community engagement and education policy initiatives. Since my election, with the help of my district, the platform that my campaign was rooted in has nearly been accomplished, including alumni engagement, community schools, early childhood education, school construction, increased pay and support for all staff members, and much more. As I head into year three of my term, I am hoping to finish out the 9-point platform with an entire package of initiatives centered around student affairs.
Dr. Mike Robinson: This past SY 2017-2018 by some accounts has been a challenging one for the system and its leadership, what are some of the highlights for you and what are a few of the challenges you encountered?
K. Alexander Wallace: I would disagree with the characterization of this year being a challenge, although if the public only goes by the headlines and soundbites on the news, I can see why some with think that. However, I can assure you that beyond what FOX5 or WUSA9 would like for the public to believe, this was an amazing year for this system - from the passage of meaningful Board policies like the Community Schools policy and the record number of scholarship dollars allotted for students to the growth of our programmatic offerings from every grade level (Language Immersion, CTE programs, and P-Tech/3D Scholars programs) to the history being made by having Prince George's County being elected to chair the Washington Area Boards of Education (I will serve as Chair).
I would say, however, the biggest challenge that STILL remains is the public's trust in what a reporter and news station, who could not care less about the success of this system and who probably did not even grow up in Prince George's County, let alone the D.C area, over the trust of those who signed up, elected/confirmed, and SHOW UP to their jobs each and every day. From the misinformation about "secret pay raises" and characterization of the Graduation Rate Audit if I was an external stakeholder who did not take the time to digest the facts for myself, but just watched what was on the 11 pm news, I would think this year was a travesty.
Fortunately though, I, and many of the parents, community leaders, and staff within District 7 understand that with any system, regardless of its size and scope, will not be perfect and that imperfection should not diminish that outstanding work accomplished each and every day.
Dr. Mike Robinson: The primary reason for having you on the show today is to discuss your views on the recent decision to pay Dr. Kevin Maxwell an 800K payout package.
K. Alexander Wallace: I appreciate the opportunity to submit my written responses to your questions.
Dr. Mike Robinson: Why did you vote for the payout amount? And would you have been okay with a lesser amount or with no payout at all for Dr. Maxwell?
K. Alexander Wallace: I voted for the payout amount because, as a representative of District 7, I had to weigh the opinions of all the students, families, staff, and communities - not just those who were vocal in their opposition/disappointment with Dr. Maxwell. That's a perspective that I believe was missing - the silent majority who have had wonderful experiences within PGCPS and who appreciated the work his administration completed despite the challenges that any organization would face.
No payout would have meant that Dr. Maxwell would have stayed the CEO, of which many in the community and on the Board no longer (or ever) wanted. The amount both sides came down to, in my opinion, was slightly higher than what I would have wanted, but I respected the work of the committee of Board Members who worked for weeks on getting the final payout amount cut by nearly 50%.
Dr. Mike Robinson: During the BOE meeting on July 12, 2018, you mentioned the situations in Howard and Baltimore Counties related to their Superintendents. How are they similar to our situation in Prince George’s County?
K. Alexander Wallace: I mentioned the stories of Montgomery, Baltimore, and Howard Counties - all three jurisdictions that we are compared to on a daily basis. These three counties, while their cases differed, showcased possible outcomes from the Board in dealing with the transition of a CEO. Howard County's Board of Education, after an election shifted the majority's ideology, moved to fire the Superintendent and, after a legal battle, the county board not only paid the full salary and benefits of the Superintendent, but also the legal fees for both sides - equating to a larger final cost to the system that had the Board just let the Superintendent serve the remainder of her term. Montgomery County publicly stated that they were not going to renew their Superintendent's contract for another term and decided to buy out the remaining years - in full. Baltimore County's Superintendent, who is now serving a prison sentence, was given a one-year salary payment.
We were faced with three options, as a Board: 1. do nothing and let Dr. Maxwell transition out and serve the remainder of his contractual term - all while the public grows in outrage; 2. recommend his termination, just one year after giving him another 4-year term (state law requires a CEO/Superintendent serve a 4-year term) and risk him suing us and winning (Howard County) and having to pay the full balance of his contract and more due to legal fees; or 3. reach some middle ground between both parties and move on as a school system.
The third option is what the Board decided on and I look forward to the incoming Interim and permanent CEO and working with them.
Dr. Mike Robinson: Do you agree with the request for the resignation of Dr. Segun Eubanks by your fellow BOE colleagues David Murray and Edward Burroughs? If not why?
K. Alexander Wallace: No, I do not agree with their request - of which they have made before, only this time it was not in the form of a letter, but before a room of news cameras. It is no secret that I, in my comments and votes, have not sided with Board leadership all the time. I pride myself on my voting and attendance record, showing up for official meetings and properly serving District 7. Knowing that this request came from Members of the Board who have never agreed with Board leadership, I can, at least, respect their opinions - whether or not they can respect mine. However, what I cannot understand is why any merit is given to the request that came from Members with some of the poorest attendance records of the entire Board. When you are absent from/leave in the middle of Board Meetings, Board Work Sessions, Employee Appeal Hearings, Board Retreats, Committee Meetings, and countless other events that aim to celebrate the work of the system, I cannot put substance behind any request of that magnitude, let alone agree with it.
Many of the Members of the Board have full-time jobs, families to provide for, and other obligations. I know nobody's record of attendance is perfect - but when your record is some of the lowest ever before you ask for someone to resign from their job, you have to show up for your own.
Dr. Mike Robinson: What are your thoughts on the alleged assault of Edward Burroughs by BOE Chair Segun Eubanks?
K. Alexander Wallace: This matter is before the local judicial system and it would be unprofessional and irresponsible for me, or anyone involved, to speak on the matter before it has concluded legally. Other Board members, who were not present in the room, can certainly share their thoughts but because they were not witnesses, I would question how much substance their thought would have.
Dr. Mike Robinson: In your opinion can these two men work together for the children, families, and residents of the County?
K. Alexander Wallace: Yes, of course - as they have done for five years. History has shown us, especially in this county, that individuals who disagree on many issues, can and have come together to accomplish many progressive initiatives.
FACEBOOK QUESTIONS
Yolanda Rogers: What was your decision process to vote for Dr. Maxwell’s over $700,000 payout?
K. Alexander Wallace: Answer is within question 4.
Yolanda Rogers: Does Mr. Wallace have any plans to help create a committee which would include Therapists to aid in educating children, teachers, and staff about mental health and self-care in our school system?
K. Alexander Wallace: Yes, absolutely. In fact, this past school year, I wrote the Board Policy that restructures the Board's Committees and one of the major goals was to expand the scope and reach of the committees to include wraparound for our students - including mental health and wellness. I am thankful for my Board colleagues who voted in favor of this policy!
Barbara Morris: Question for Mr. Wallace or other board members: A previously interviewed board member has already given us reasons why a potential CEO might consider Prince George’s a good place for a solid educator to apply: one of the largest jurisdictions, great geographic location outside D.C., a state that has some of the highest funded schools, median income in state is among the richest, richest Black county in America with tons of middle/upper class families, many in private schools (which might offer an opportunity to draw them back to public schools). The past year has seen a focus more on the negatives of PGCPS than its positives. Can you expand the preceding list with some of the accomplishments, successes, or initiatives of the system, especially those that might focus more on the other end of the spectrum -- our large number of FARMS (free-and-reduced-meals) students, ESL students and immigrants, and students with special needs?
K. Alexander Wallace: Since my time on the Board, we have seen our fair share of negative coverage from the media, but if we are being fair, there has been coverage regarding some of our success stories.Our growth in SAT /ACT test scores is outpacing many of our neighboring jurisdictions within Maryland.Our school system has become a national model for other systems regarding Arts Education and Arts Integration.The Board and Administration have joined together to expand the work of educational equity throughout the system. I co-chaired the 2017-2018 Educational Equity Task Force and our findings were presented earlier this spring at a Board Meeting. With partnerships on the state and local levels, we have expanded our programmatic offerings to our student population. Many do not know that PGCPS offers the most academic program choices for students out of all 24 school systems in Maryland.
Next school year, the Board and Administration will begin rolling out the Community Schools Initiative, where we will be providing wraparound services for students and families at strategically identified schools throughout the county. Our high school graduates continue to break the record of receiving postsecondary scholarship offerings for college and workforce development. The school system is the county's largest employer and we are constantly receiving workforce-related awards on all levels of the system, from school-based staff to Central Office staff. I could go on and on, but this is just a short listing of great things going on within the system!