A second try at questions 1 of 2 Subject: A second try at questions From: Brad Racino Date: Wed, 10 May 2017 14:38:42 -0700 To: vriveroll@gomperscharter.org CC: Lorie Hearn Mr. Riveroll, We were surprised yesterday when we learned you weren't going to be taking part in the interview. We had questions about the school, which the board and administration answered, but we also had specific questions for you. In striving to be as fair as possible, we would like to give you another chance to hear and answer these questions. So I am including them below. My deadline for a response is Friday afternoon. Thank you in advance. -----------------1. I have you as 48 years old, a former Teacher of the Year, Educator of the Year and someone selected as one of four principals nationwide to participate in the Public Education Leadership Program at Harvard University. Is that all accurate? 2. Teachers described eighth graders entering algebra without knowing their multiplication tables, and said that the gap was so big to catch them up that it was almost impossible. What are your thoughts on that? 3. You once stepped in for a teacher who quit and you said you "flipped" their chemistry class so that within three weeks, all students had As and Bs -- with the exception of one C+. How exactly did you do that? 4. Were teachers expected to pay for school supplies out of pocket? Printer paper, paint for their rooms, books, etc? 5. Teachers told me they failed students only to see them walk at graduation, and have always wondered how that was possible, and if someone went in and changed their grade afterwards. Can you explain that? 6. Were teachers expected to pay for school supplies out of pocket? Printer paper, paint for their rooms, books, etc? 7. That graduation video (“Director dances his way to graduation…”) was quite a production. How much time did you spend on it (choreography, retakes, etc)? How was it produced? In house? How much did it cost to produce? 8. How much time do you allot for students to practice walking, dancing, and lip synching for their graduation? 9. Teachers have said there may be too much emphasis on showmanship at Gompers and not enough on learning. What are your thoughts about that? 5/13/17, 8:03 PM A second try at questions 2 of 2 10. Teachers have told us that during interviews, you’ve asked them to sing and dance their favorite Disney song while wearing Mickey Mouse gloves. Is that to gauge their willingness to be a part of the culture at the school? Or another reason? Can you explain? 11. After teachers left, did you tell their students that their teacher quit on them, or abandoned them? 12. Have you told teachers who assign failing grades that they are “murdering” and “failing” kids? 13. Did you call Ben Davey into your office and show him photos of three kids, then tell him those kids aren’t going to be able to graduate high school or college, and end up in jail, because he assigned them Fs? 14. Have you ever pressured teachers, either directly or indirectly, to falsely inflate student grades so they have a better shot at getting into college? -Brad Racino Senior Reporter and Assistant Director cell: 845.553.4170 @bradracino web: inewsource.org Attachments: inewsource-logo-email.jpg 0 bytes 5/13/17, 8:03 PM