Somebody needs to hire a data analyst for PPS.  The numbers tell a different story from the equity agenda.   Eli and Tim break down the posted data to show holes.  

Eli and Tim get the pleasure of speaking with friend of the podcast, Tae Chong.  His reasons for leaving the Portland City Council and some of his takeaways from his term of service to the City of Portland.  Tae gives us a quick look at the Charter Commission procdure and why voters NEED to pay attention to what they will be voting on in November.  

Eli and Tim get long-winded as they spend the first half talking gun violence and and a lack of protection in PPS schools.   At the 19:16 mark, they switch over to Xavier's lack of buy-in from those who work under him.  How is it that rumors of a Vote of No Confidence are starting to swirl around the winner of a leadership award.  Most great educational leaders do not have a mass-exodus of those who they are leading.  

Eli helps Tim make sense of the feeling that we are going backwards in time.    Roe v. Wade, Civil Unrest, Gun Control.  Where's the magic wand?!

Eli teaches Tim about the big money election W.   Why are progressives taking over Portland Maine politics?  What's next?  

Eli and Tim want to know where the data is that supports Portland superintendent's claim.   They may have another prospective on why black students are getting in trouble more than white kids.  

Rule #1 as a leader....SUPPORT YOUR EMPLOYEES!!!  Epic fail on Xavier's part.  Tim is hot under the collar.  Eli, once again, brings logic and sense to the conversation.  Vague and unsubstantiated stats from the leader of our school district.  Fitting some data to a narrative??  

Tim hears the term "dark money" and thinks it's a subplot in a Batman movie.  Eli, once again, takes Tim to school on the what, who,  and why dark money exists in politics.  But the big question is "Why a small town like Portland, Maine?"

Tim asks Eli to help understand a school board that seems to be driven more by politics than what is best for Portland's youth.  Why are so many white middle-aged women being forced out, leaving for health reasons and/or leaving the district altogether? Is there room for politics on a school board?  Also, can we actually achieve true equity for our school children under the contraints of a limited budget?   

Eli and Tim are shaking their heads at the response, or lack there of, from the superintendent's office.  It's obvious that they have had enough of the singular-focus and lack of discipline in our buildings.  A plead to their listeners to take action and speak up.  Labels be damned.  Our students deserve better.