Hagiographic Elementary - The Saint

Hagiographic Elementary - The Saint Paul Public Schools re-name one of their schools after Paul and Sheila Wellstone.

They take their hagiography seriously here in Saint Paul:

The decision concludes a rigorous selection process that began several months ago. After reviewing lengthy applications and conducting school visits of the three finalists, a selection committee decided that Saturn/River Front’s school climate and culture best matched the passion and perserverance that played out in the lives of both Paul and Sheila Wellstone. The selection committee included the Wellstones’ son Mark, a teacher at Humboldt Senior High School in Saint Paul; Minnesota Sen. Mee Moua; and Shawn Huckleby, a Saint Paul parent who is active in the school district.

“Paul and Sheila Wellstone were both known as people with strong values, high energy and a commitment to social justice,” said Saint Paul Board of Education Chair Al Oertwig. “These are energies and values I hope all of our students will consider as they prepare for adult life.”

Of course, the SPPS can let no communication go out without emphasizing its own balkanization:

The newly named Wellstone Elementary School currently enrolls about 500 students. About 85 percent of the students are students of color, half are English language learners and nearly 90 percent receive federally funded free or reduced-price lunch.

That's the part the always amazes me about the St. Paul Public Schools; every communication - written, spoken, drawn or heard - must include a paeon to "diversity", sort of like how every Moslem reference to the Almighty must include "...blessed be his name..."

Posted by Mitch at June 12, 2003 09:44 AM