Bogus 'Clarification' Statement Is Stale

June 2008 - Former University City schools Superintendent, Dr. James Victory (2005-2007), threw U. City schools into chaos, and gave comfort to those who preyed on hate.  This fact forced Project Appleseed President, Kevin Walker, to call for Victory's removal eight months before the school board voted not to renew the failed superintendent's contract. In response, Victory used district publications such as the District's newsletter Pride and its web site, to strike back at his political enimies - parents, community members and Project Appleseed.

The University City High School Alumni Association (UCHSAA) and past president Ms. Michelle Gralnick (UCHS '80), were willing and enthusiastic participants in Victory's War on Parents. UCHSAA is best known for sending email invitations advertising Happy Hours to underage students.  Victory and the UCHSAA attempted to gain control of the capital campaign proposed by Project Appleseed.  In a fit of fund raising envy, UCHSAA has been discouraging contributions to the effort by posting this false and misleading statement, still prominently on the district's web site:

Clarification: "Due to questions and confusion expressed by some of our alumni, the UCHS AA hopes that the following statement will provide clarification:

"The UCHSAA is the worst high school alumni association I have ever seen. In Webster Groves, at my alma mater, the Webster Groves High School Alumni Association has published a book of our history, celebrated the 100 year anniversary of WGHS and helped raise $200,000 in a 60 day capital campaign push this year. The Webster association is two years old and the U. City group has been around for over five years - and they have accomplished nothing but hate. They do harm to parents and children," said Walker

There is no confusion. The District's web site has carried this lie since November of 2006.  The bogus 'clarification' was reposted again in June of 2007.  For the record, the UCHS capital campaign has been 'presented' to three superintendents. Dr. Vern Moore approved the concept in June 2004.  Dr. James Victory was given a 50 page brief on October 12, 2005 and ignored it. Current Superintendent Ms. Joylynn Wilson was given a draft proposal on January 30, 2008.  In addition four school board members were kept informed during the planning.  Final approval will not be sought from the school board until the new University City High School Foundation has $30 million in hand - perhaps by the district's birthday in 2011.

Clarification.  This school disistrict will not get a bond issue or a tax increase until they endorse the capital campaign.  School finance is no longer about trying to raise taxes and passing bond issues. The District's only connection to the community is the need for more taxes.  School fund raising is no longer about parents and children selling gift wrapping paper, magazines and pizza door-to-door on behalf of profit making corporations.  That's old school.  In the 21st century the most highly effective schools will raise significant funds from alumni. Just as colleges and universities have done for 400 years.

"U. City alumni want to give millions to their high school.  The question is, will this district act like an organization that is worthy of investment?  Or will we spin our wheels and let these alumni die and watch their money go to other educational causes?" said Walker.