First Take-Over Ever: 11 Schools Seized by State of Maryland

[AuntiBush]

State acts to seize 11 city schools

Action believed to be first takeover in nation under No Child Left Behind; Baltimore officials furious, contend move is political

By Liz Bowie and Sara Neufeld
Sun reporters Originally published March 29, 2006, 1:11 PM EST

The state school board voted today to seize control of 11 failing Baltimore middle and high schools -- an action that is believed to be the first school takeover in the nation under the controversial No Child Left Behind Act.

The bold move, proposed by state Superintendent Nancy S. Grasmick, is the most recent shot in a nine-year power struggle over control of the city school system and comes in the midst of a contentious governor's race between Mayor Martin O'Malley and Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr., both of whom have sought more influence over Baltimore schools.

"If the state of Maryland takes over schools in Baltimore, that is ground-breaking in terms of No Child Left Behind," said Jack Jennings, president of the Center on Education Policy, a national group that has closely monitored the federal law. "To my knowledge, no state has gone that far. State agencies are very reluctant to take over schools."

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/education/bal-schools0329,0,7334326.story?coll=bal-local-headlines

[AuntiBush]

1. Politics vs. No Child Left Behind

Seems thats exactly what they're doing, and what about all the teaching positions? Politics plays more importance then children.

More:

The bold move, proposed by state Superintendent Nancy S. Grasmick, is the most recent shot in a nine-year power struggle over control of the city school system and comes in the midst of a contentious governor's race between Mayor Martin O'Malley and Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr., both of whom have sought more influence over Baltimore schools.

snip

In the gubernatorial campaign, Grasmick has clearly aligned herself with Ehrlich, who had sought to make her his running mate in the 2002 election. She has again been mentioned as a possible candidate for lieutenant governor but has said she doesn't want the job.

snip

Grasmick dismissed any suggestion that her actions are politically motivated. "When you go back to 1994 and look at schools that were identified ... that spans three governors," she said. "I don't see how you put that in a political context."

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/education/bal-schools0329,0,7334326.story?coll=bal-local-headlines

Gov. Erhlich is doing everything he can to harm the image of O'Malley.