Race and regionalism are addressed in timely broadcasts

Mayor Tom Murphy has raised public attention to the issue of race as it relates to regional development and governance ("Murphy Says Racism in Suburbs Bars Merger," Dec. 4). Regardless of how the issue is being received, it needs to be given thoughtful public consideration, as race is an important piece of the complex factors that shape southwestern Pennsylvania.

Well-timed is today's broadcast on 90.5 FM (WDUQ) at both 7 a.m. and 2 p.m. of commentary on "Racial Implications of Regional Development" by John Powell, executive director of the Ohio State University Institution for Race Ethnicity in the Americas.

Powell is a national authority on race and the nation's development patterns. He frames the issue in a historic, political and social context that is thoughtful and productive and explains how the more fragmented a region is, the more racially and economically segregated it becomes.

"Of course it may surprise many that the most fragmented region in the country is Pittsburgh . . . and so we built this system that is very racialized, but now it can operate without even making reference to race," says Powell.

So rather than for us as a community to retrench in response to the mayor's remarks about race and regionalism, let's seek to better appreciate national trends and policies that have left regions like ours around the nation with a legacy of urban/suburban patterns that are racially encoded. Addressing regional equity is a strong rationale for deepening and embracing talk of regional governance, not retreating from it.

In addition, WDUQ will again address regional equity on Dec. 21 with the broadcast of a presentation by Manuel Pastor and Angela Glover Blackwell, "Building the Uncommon, Common Ground: Regional Alliances That Promote Equity and Prosperity." They address the nation's changing demographics and critical reasons why equity is the key to prosperity.

COURT GOULD
Director
Sustainable Pittsburgh
Downtown

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Pittsburgh's appointed school board was a success story

My compliments to Jane Elizabeth on the excellent article on school boards, "Boards' Worth in Doubt" (Nov. 30). While completing my superintendent's certification at the University of Denver in 1970, I wrote a paper on Pittsburgh for a course called "The Rise of the American City." Essentially I discussed the cooperative efforts of the politicians and financiers to assure Pittsburgh's success in business and education.

A major factor in the city's success was the appointment of a school board made up of 16 quality people representing the constituents of the city of Pittsburgh's schools. The selection and support of this group assured Pittsburgh it would personify one of the top urban school districts in the nation. I believe it still is one of the top with its elected boards, but it needs to consider how best to manage the system so it retains that positive character.

You have only to look back at the superintendents the appointed group recommended over the years to know how successful this structure proved to be. The majority of those who served as head of the Pittsburgh schools moved on to greater national roles and contributed to education throughout the nation, something the city should be proud of achieving.

As an aside, the article in the same issue of the Post-Gazette on the Pittsburgh High School for the Creative and Performing Arts' uncertified teachers ("Uncertified Arts Experts at School Questioned") demonstrates Pittsburgh schools' attempt to provide the best possible experience and training for its students. It would be a shame if bureaucratic rules diverted the objectives of this marvelous school. If charter schools can function with a percentage of uncertified teachers, why not CAPA?

CAMPBELL WITHERSPOON
Hampton

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Texas' training

Regarding the series "The Disappearing School Board" (Nov. 30-Dec. 1): I lived in the North Hills for 20 years -- mainly in the Pine-Richland School District -- and after returning to central Texas, I was elected to the local school board and am now serving my second term. Texas requires training each year for each school board trustee in the state.

The Texas Association of School Boards offers the required training during the year at numerous conventions. We also have local training and use distance-based training (teleconferencing).

We do see some intense races for election, but often these are instigated by issues and candidates having specific agendas. I think our local board does a good job of not micromanaging the school system, but I do hear horror stories from other districts' board members.

As a board member, I feel we must strive to use the district's resources to obtain the best education for each child in the district. To do so requires that the board look at the broad picture and not get involved in micromanaging the school. We set policy and concentrate on planning, such as our five-year plan. We hire a superintendent to manage the school. The superintendent is the only person the school board hires! The superintendent hires all other teachers and employees.

JERRY CAYWOOD
Rockdale, Texas

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My board experience

I appreciated Jane Elizabeth's extremely well-written series "The Disappearing School Board" (Nov. 30-Dec. 1). The research Ms. Elizabeth did is excellent, and she touched upon many points that are seldom discussed.

I have served on the Moon Area Board of Education for eight years and was certainly not aware of all I would be responsible for when I took my oath of office. It has been everything Ms. Elizabeth described and more. The education I received through experience, training and serving the community has been worth the many sleepless nights I endured.

Thanks to Ms. Elizabeth for explaining the history and the role of a school director.

LAURA SCHISLER
Moon

Editor's Note: The writer was a member of the Moon Area Board of Education from 1995 until Thursday, when her term ended.

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Respected teachers

I am writing in response to the article "Uncertified Arts Experts at School Questioned" (Nov. 30). My daughter is a senior at the Pittsburgh High School for the Creative and Performing Arts. For the past four years she has had the opportunity and good fortune to attend one of the finest high schools for creative and performing arts in our country.

A few weeks ago, my daughter participated in National Art Portfolio Day in Philadelphia. There were 55 art schools present; about 4,000 students were there to have their artwork evaluated as a precursor to the college/university/art school admission process.

I watched as many fine young men and women presented their portfolios. I noticed how they were questioned and grilled, and I observed the response of the reviewers when my daughter indicated that she was a student at Pittsburgh's CAPA high school. The reviewers revealed their respect and esteem for this jewel of a high school, which all the residents of our area should be extremely proud of.

As a parent, I feel indebted to Superintendent John Thompson, to the Pittsburgh Board of Public Education and to the excellent staff (both the certified academic staff and the uncertified "experts") of CAPA. While certification may be quite important (I myself am a Pittsburgh Public Schools teacher, and I hold graduate and post-graduate degrees and certificates in my field of teaching), I believe that in the performing arts, expertise, passion and experience are far more important than a sheet of paper. Degrees and certifications do not necessarily ensure good teaching.

SUSAN HIRSCH
Squirrel Hill

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Thank you, Jack Kelly

Regarding Jack Kelly's Nov. 30 column, "Anti-Semitism, Alive," I have only one comment: Finally!

Finally, someone has had the guts to publicly state the obvious. Finally, Mr. Kelly has stated in no uncertain terms that Jews are not responsible for every ill of the world.

I am sick of those who cannot or will not become successful in their own world blaming all of their troubles on the Jews. As a proud American, I know how hard my ancestors had to work to become literate and successful in their new homeland after immigrating from Europe before World War II. I also know how hard my children had to work to complete their college educations and become productive members of their communities.

Nothing that we have today was handed to us without a lot of hard work and determination. I resent those people who are so shortsighted that they cannot see that only "they" are responsible for their problems. If the Palestinians would build homes, schools, hospitals and communities instead of bombs, there might be peace in the Middle East. If leaders in their own countries would focus on improving the lives of their people instead of "picking" on the Jews, the world would be a much quieter place.

COOKIE ELBLING
Squirrel Hill