833 Manipulates Parents Using Delphi Technique - Part 2

During the Feb. 11"Community Conversations" meeting at East Ridge High School, we were appalled to see concerned parents and taxpayers manipulated by the Delphi Technique or Delphi Method.  The goal of Delphi is to ensure the "evolution of consensus"or solidarity of belief.

In the previous blog post, I stated that  the  friendly facilitator, Brian Boothe, Director of Professional Development and Accountability,  listened and sympathized with the targets by getting them to express their concerns. Then, in an attempt to diffuse the tension, he asked the concerned parents to play a ridiculous "unifying" game prior to asking for their input.

Let's "rewind" the evening's conversation to reveal the repugnant treatment of a concerned parent by Superintendent Julie Nielson,  Assistant Superintendent for Academic Excellence and Accountability. 
Nielson's role as the "professional agitator" is meant to learn something about the audience; who are the loudmouths; who are the leaders and who can be manipulated during the course of the argument.  Those in opposition are made to look foolish, stupid and inarticulate.  Take a look at Ms. Nielson in action in the video below and how she treats a parent concerned about cuts in the Reading Recovery program:

This brought back vivid memories of the a movie we're all familiar with, "The Wizard of Oz."

After scanning District 833 Administration webpage, I noticed that three members of the Superintendent's Cabinet had the term "accountability" in their job-title.  Rather than always defaulting to cut teachers, might I suggest that we begin by cutting the fat at the top of the pay scale as redundancy is not cost effective.

During difficult economic times, our families are forced to modify their activities and programs.  Ms. Nielson states that Reading Recovery is from THE Ohio State University and can't be modified to accommodate  two children at the same time.  Chances are the Reading Recovery program will be replaced by the MN Reading Corp program in 2016.  SF607 will appropriate $9,175,000 per year to support AmeriCorps members serving in the MN Reading Corp program established by ServeMinnesota.  Funding will include costs associated with training and teaching early literacy skills to children age 3 to grade 3 . The bill is authored by Senators Kent, Johnson, Nelson, Pratt and Saxhaug. The replacement of teachers with federal paid volunteers is now commonplace as we move away from local control toward federal control.

We would like to congratulate Ms. Nielson as we have nominated her for our new award, "PUCK of the Month."  The definition of "puck" is:  A hard rubber disc used by players in ice hockey; but I prefer the noun:  A mischievous sprite or elf.  You be the judge.


For information on how to disrupt Delphi as well as our next nominee for "PUCK of the Month",  please subscribe.

UPDATED 2/18/2015 8:48AM

833 Manipulates Parents Using Delphi Technique

The tactics used by District 833 during the "community conversations" meeting  on Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2015, could be used as a case study for Psych. 101 students. That's right, you, the concerned parent and taxpayer, are being manipulated by the South Washington County School District via the use of the Delphi Technique, whose goal is to achieve consensus or solidarity of belief using a series of exercises led by a group of facilitators we will call  the District 833 "cabinet."

 The Delphi Technique was crafted by Saul Alinsky, an admirer of Chicago mob bosses and self described "Neo-Marxist."  In his book, "Rules for Radicals", the dedication lovingly reads,

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Lest we forget at least an over-the-shoulder acknowledgment to the very first radical: from all our legends, mythology, and history... the first radical known to man who rebelled against the establishment and did it so effectively that he at least won his own kingdom — Lucifer.”

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 Those present at the East Ridge High School budget meeting were mostly parents of students who would be impacted by upcoming budget cuts.  These people, willing to brave the below zero wind-chills, would be putty in the hands of  a panel of pastel clad experts called the "cabinet".   

  A friendly facilitator, Brian Boothe,Director of Professional Development and Accountability,  listened and sympathized with the targets (uhh...that would be you)  by getting them to express their concerns. Then, in an attempt to diffuse the tension, he asked the concerned parents to play a ridiculous "unifying" game.  Take a look at how they got us to come together, feel good and let us know "we are all on the same side."

The whole thing gave me "Babe" flashbacks. 

 
To learn how to turn this technique back on them and remain in control of the "conversation",  subscribe and watch for future posts.

A Trip Down Memory Lane

Testifying at the Capitol in favor of HF208 brought back memories of a South Washington County School Board presentation from September 26, 2013.  As we go forward, it is important to look back at the evidence we have collected and the battles we have fought for the taxpayers of Woodbury, Cottage Grove, St. Paul Park and Newport. As you attend district-wide budget meetings, take note as to whether District 833 Superintendents and Board Members are using their official positions to advocate for school levies using your money.

School Board Presentation

District 833

September 26, 2013

According to Parents United for Public Schools, there are two parts to school levy campaigns: the District Informational Campaign and the Citizen Promotional Campaign. Minnesota law does not allow local school boards or superintendents to use their official positions to advocate for school levies. Consequently, Minnesota school levy campaigns are typically run by citizen groups.

The goal is an informed citizenry but to avoid the perception of impropriety and to stay within the boundaries of the law:

•  ·         Districts must provide information about the campaign in a neutral   manner.

• ·        District funds cannot be used to promote the election’s outcome.

• ·         Districts may use funds for a neutral informational campaign.

• ·         All communication is considered public and the goal is to inform about the referendum, not advocate for its passage.

The integrity of our District is important to maintain and it cannot be jeopardized.  Unfortunately, there is a perception of impropriety that concerns me greatly. 

Principal Julie Nielson was pulled off of her job at Middleton Elementary to aid the district in promoting the referendum.  There is a substitute principal filling her position and taxpayers are funding both Ms. Nielson , as she serves the district on her special assignment and the substitute.  It would appear as if the district is using public funds to promote the outcome they desire.  Typically, communication professionals write communication strategies.  The District has communication professionals on staff to perform this task and once again, taxpayers are paying the bill.

Emails from Ms. Nielson were sent to all legislative representatives in South Washington County.  The email reads as follows:

 

 Hi  ---------: This is Julie Nielson wanting to connect with you to set up a one hour meeting time with our Superintendent.  I am on special assignment to start the year working on the district's referendum campaign and am in charge of all details surrounding getting accurate information out.  Dr. Jacobus has requested time to meet with each legislator individually.  I am hoping that you might be able to find time in the next 3-4 weeks to schedule a coffee, breakfast, lunch, or any time in between with Dr. Jacobus.  Feel free to send back a couple of dates/times that work for you and I will check his calendar.  If it is easier to give me a call, I can be reached at ------Thank you for your support and I look forward to hearing from you.  

 

It is my understanding that these Representatives have been asked to sign a letter in support of the referendum which will be published in our local newspapers.

My question to school board members is:

 ·        

·        Were you aware that Ms. Nielson is serving in this capacity?

·        Why are taxpayers being forced to pay for Ms. Nielson to serve in this capacity and her substitute?

·        The District has communication professionals on staff.  Shouldn’t they be performing this task?

·        Why are emails going out to our Representatives?  Is Dr. Jacubus asking for their support to promote a positive outcome?