Minneapolis Public Schools board member Lydia Lee will resign effective this week because of "family commitments." Lee will host a roast in February to start funding a scholarship for female students interested in pursuing math and science careers.
Here are Lee's responses to a several questions posed on the eve of her last meeting. In her responses, she made references to a former superintendent, tumultuous contract negotiations and comments on the strengths and weaknesses of her school board colleagues.
Q. What are some of the highlights of your time on the board? Do you have regrets or missed opportunities that you still think about?
A. The highlight that surfaces for me is one that grew from an unfortunate hire. We had a superintendent [Editor's note: Lee is referring to Thandiwe Peebles, who resigned in January 2006] who clearly was not a match for the culture of the Minneapolis Public Schools. My efforts to influence other Board members to buy out her contract sooner rather than wait were miraculously realized. I was the Board member who sat through the 10-hour process of negotiating her buy-out.
Many would consider the development of the Strategic Plan a highlight. While I voted in favor of it, I believe it is too broad and qualifies more as a Strategic Direction. [ A copy of the strategic plan is available here]
My biggest disappointment occurred when negotiations with bargaining units became confrontational. It caused greater harm to district morale. If we are to move this district in a positive direction, the results must come out of civil discussions and collaborative agreements. The time has come. [Examples of what Lee described are available here, here and here]
I try to live my life without regret. The one situation where I was the swing vote in the decision to close Lincoln School [in north Minneapolis] haunts me. I wanted a solution that would mean success for that school, to keep it open in some capacity, but not as a K-8. That was the motion on the table, and I wish we had an opportunity to discuss other options.
Q. In what ways has the district improved since you first served on the board? What areas still need improvement?
A. Understanding that communication with the community is a two-way discussion has improved, but the District still has a distance to go. It requires a major commitment of time and energy that is crucial to developing trust. I think the community is still waiting to see if we have been honest and will deliver what is promised.
I'm appreciative of the work to align learning objectives K-12. Work to straighten out some high school issues still exist.
Q. What are the strengths of the current school board? How can they improve?
A. I see Board member[s] who are committed to being Board members and not looking beyond, using the office as a stepping stone to "higher" office. The city needs the dedicated, sincere efforts of the individuals who were elected. Each brings a unique value and expertise to the whole. With time and experience, patience and understanding, impulsive reactions will diminish.
Q. Is there any chance we'll see you vying for a seat on the school board again?
A. Not likely. I'm too old to run again, plus I will be in California.
Later this week, we will have a Q & A with Kim Ellison, Lee's successor. Ellison will be sworn in during the school board's Jan. 10 meeting.
