Here's a simple example: They are collecting lots of parent input on the new assignment plan. I myself sent in some comments. Then I just read their summary of the comments up on http://www.seattleschools.org/area/newassign/commenthome.html. I do not see my comment anywhere. Do others feel the same way? The summary appears as if it has been summarized through the district's lens. If they were serious about understanding our input, they would let parents participate in the summary rather than just broadcast it to us. True participation is on-going and iterative... not just a one-time ask.

Of course it won't be 100% fair, but straight seniority isn't 100% fair either and I'd rather err on the side of what is most fair to students. I wish the teacher's union would just take the lead on this... it needs to happen, so they should work to figure out the best system that can have proper oversight, protect whistle-blowers, hold principals accountable, etc. Doing this could also lead to more federal funding.

If predictability is their goal, I also wonder about grandfathering moving forward. What if you live on one of the boundary lines in the new assignment area and then the district tweaks it next year (isn't it likely they'll need to)? Then will all those folks with siblings be out of luck? If predictability is the goal, it should be "family predictability" not just predictability for the current enrollment period.

Grandfathering all siblings is controversial (both sides have good points). This specific proposal seems like a reasonable minimum.