Arbor Heights Elementary to get visit from next superintendent

| Arbor Heights | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Just announced by Seattle Public Schools in a media advisory, José Banda – scheduled to be confirmed as the district’s next superintendent on Wednesday night – will visit Arbor Heights Elementary on Thursday. Banda has been leading a school district in Anaheim, California, but is coming back to Seattle for the board vote Wednesday night, and the AH visit has been announced as one of his two media availabilities for the visit (a photo op rather than a public event, in case you’re wondering) – the other will include interviews after the board vote.

Jason May 15, 2012 (9:50 am)

It’s great to see that he is taking interest in the south end of Seattle Public Schools. I have a 2 1/2 year old, and live a block away from the school, so I’ve been very interested to see the future of Arbor Heights forming. The school is in less than acceptable state now. Mold, no heat, and non-potable water are just some of the problems.

If this was a workplace, there would be a lawsuit with a line a mile long to make the necessary reparis.

It’s sad that the district expects our kids to learn in that environment.
Though the school is derelict, the teachers and staff that I have met are passionate about teaching and care deeply for students that are there. I hope that the new superintendent will share their passion.

Meri May 15, 2012 (11:48 am)

Welcome Jose Banda!

eric May 15, 2012 (12:11 pm)

Wow, good to see. It looks like Mr. Banda is willing to go to the schools with problems (building condition) rather than take a photo-op at a school in nicer condition. That earns a lot of respect with me.

AH Parent May 15, 2012 (1:02 pm)

Thank you, Jason for acknowledging how you can have a great school with passionate teachers regardless of the building condition. I have a 3rd grader and 1st grader at AH. We have a wonderful new principal, caring teachers and an amazing parent community. Thank you Mr. Banda for taking notice of our school!

cori May 15, 2012 (1:36 pm)

I have two kids who have both gone through elementary school at AH and have been around the school for a decade! My youngest is a 5th grader and so I will soon be gone but I am so happy at the direction our new principal and seasoned staff are taking the school and can hardly imagine the transformation that will have occured by the time Jason is registering his child for kindergarten. I am envious of you : )
Go Arbor! You rock!

AH Parent 2 May 15, 2012 (2:06 pm)

I am thrilled to hear that Mr. Banda will be visiting Arbor Heights on Thursday. He will be able to see the passion and positive energy that exudes throught the school community yet will also see the deterioation of a building that is becoming more and more of a distration. Including Arbor Height’s on Banda’s visits Thursday is a sign the district is truly listening to our community. I am proud to be connected with AH and VERY HOPEFUL for what’s possible with his arrival in Seattle.

Band geek's mom May 15, 2012 (4:49 pm)

Welcome to the neighborhood, Mr Banda!

Boy May 15, 2012 (5:24 pm)

It is hard to belive that the schools will pay this guy 270,000 per year, 6000 dollars more then the last person who had this job. But that must be tough to get by on so they gave him an extra 700 dollars a month so he can get a car. Times are hard.

Magnolias May 15, 2012 (6:41 pm)

Awesome news Mr. Banda! I hope he is as inspired as we are by the great community, kids, staff, and leadership of Principal Collins to help move the re-build of Arbor Heights Elementary up on the BEX IV Levy timeline.

eric May 15, 2012 (8:18 pm)

Boy, don’t be jealous of what other people can make if they have the right qualifications.
.
I wouldn’t take that job for twice that money. Take note that two other people said “No, Thanks” and they knew the salary range. This job is basically get a get $1 million and you need a new job in 3 years with a tainted CV. He is going to age about 20 years arguing with the various “user groups” who want totally different outcomes. After taking this job, his Rogaine and Just for Men hair color budget might exceed his car allowance.

Kristin May 15, 2012 (8:26 pm)

Woohoo! Very glad to see Mr. Banda paying attention to Southend schools and particularly AH, which faces the challenge of a truly decrepit building but a strong, passionate principal, staff & community. Here’s to moving in the right direction SPS!

Marcia Ingerslev May 15, 2012 (9:44 pm)

I am thrilled to see so many positive comments here regarding Arbor Heights because, as someone who spends a lot of time there, as a staff member, it is an amazing place. Under the leadership of Mrs. Collins, and with our dedicated, compassionate staff, we will soar!!!

Willie May 16, 2012 (7:44 am)

Nice positive consensus here in the above comments about the renewed cohesiveness of the AH community at large under the new leadership of Principal Collins. That AH was chosen from 90+ schools for this event, speaks volumes about her. We are blessed.