David Safier

Tucson School Board Members Lay Out Their Positions

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by David Safier Joel Ireland says he’s voting against all closings. The reason is, the judge’s lifting of the desegregation order means schools can be considered for cutting that couldn’t be considered under the deseg order. So he wants to table the decision for now and begin the process over again, creating a committee and … Read more

On the Scene at the School Board Meeting

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by David Safier Outside the District Building, about a hundred children and adults are waving signs and shouting, “Save our schools!” led by a bullhorn. Every TV station has its video truck parked outside. Inside the Board room, the seats are either filled or saved. “Stop School Closures” signs have been passed out to be … Read more

Tonight: Tucson School Closure Smackdown

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by David Safier This is the big night for four Tucson elementary schools. According to the Star, “The meeting begins at 5:30 p.m. today, but the closure portion is expected to start around 7:45 p.m., followed by boundary changes, if warranted. Public input won’t be taken.” The meeting is at Morrow Education Center, 1010 E. … Read more

Will Mandatory Recess Become the Law for Arizona Schools?

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by David Safier On the one hand, a bill mandating recess in Arizona elementary schools not a big deal, because it’s such a no brainer. Who wouldn’t be for allowing children to have a run-around-and-laugh-out-loud break during the school day? But on the other hand, it’s a big deal, because many elementary school students don’t … Read more

Black? White? From the Mouth of the Sunday Funnies . . .

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by David Safier Why is it that I find more insight in the newspaper comics, The Daily Show and The Colbert Report than I find on cable news or the op eds in the paper? Today’s insight comes from Berkeley Brethed’s Opus,where the characters decide to have a meeting, “our first national conversation on race.” … Read more