I am so happy my son is involved in an after school activity at Pickering. Once a week he is involved in a "mock trial" club. This activity should spread throughout the Lynn Public School system. They could start their own developmental league. We would be fostering our own talent for future lawyers. "Home Grown", yeah we will be getting a family discount.
Surely someone in the administration has the vision to see how this would benefit us long term. I mean with all the lawsuits coming up over the debacle we call special ed. and the creation of new top level positions while crowding more kids into classrooms while reducing the number of teachers with direct contact with our students.
Maybe we can funnel our future savings in legal fees into a retreat to maintain retention in our top level administrators. There is a precedent where some of our city employees spent time in Vegas. You know what they say, "What happens in Vegas, ....." You complete the rest.
Stanley, it sounds like your children are doing wonderful! Two good kids.
ReplyDeleteTell me more about the lawsuit against the Special Education - what did Lynn do now?
I wonder how many classrooms have a second special ed teacher in them??? I know special ed students comprise some 13% but I am sure that is not across the board in each school.
How did Buzzy Barton and Cavanaugh get a trip to Las Vegas with our budget deficits!
There is a lawsuit involving Confidential Secretaries ad about five others. I haven't heard about specifics but some people say the way to get an outside placement is to file a lawsuit. I don't know. I'm just a poet.
ReplyDeleteI have had a few school committee members say to me "I have not heard about any law suits against the special education department"....my answer to that was then you need to start going to the schools and meeting with principals/teachers/paraprofessionals most of ALL families. What I really wanted to say was "where have you been". Unfortunately many people in the city are afraid!
ReplyDeleteI directed them to the dismembered Special Ed. Dept. and told them to meet with the chairperson's and look case by case. We have numerous violations on IEP's (Individual Education Plans). Once a task (ie. PT or OT) is on a plan for a child then it becomes a legal document and the Lynn Public Schools need to provide the services. I will assure you that we are violating more than providing services. After speaking to one family, I was told that they are owed 55 hours of back services??? How is that possible? This should not be happening and is preventable. Also, the Sped Dept. should not be hiring outside private attorneys ($500 an hour)to represent the special education department on these cases against families in Lynn, when the Sped Dept is violating the IEP's not the families. WHY then do we have Team Chairpersons? I am just asking the questions? If someone has the answers let me know!
I have personally and professionally witnessed this practice in the Lynn Public Schools....So I ask how is it that no School Committee member knows about this practice? This has been going on for years. I left the Lynn Public School system in 2006....it was vibrant at that time!
I am just saying........
Dolores DiFillipo
What is a "Confidential Secretary"? Is it any different than an Administrative Assistant?
ReplyDeleteI would certainly hope the school department has its own lawyers - that is outrageous if they are hiring outside on an hourly basis. If Spirto who was principal at a number of the Lynn schools doesn't know, than their is definitely a problem! Of course it is the School Administration/Principals and Mayor that should be on top of this.
I have been at all but one of the school committee meetings except for the one I missed because of my cataract surgery. Maybe that's it, I had the cataracts during last years budget meeting and I just "thought" I saw all the members there. Maybe I just "thought" I heard them talk about having a slush fund in one of the budget for paying for these outside attorneys. I do have brain damage so maybe I suffer from delusions.
ReplyDeleteDelores, what are you doing trying to be a rabble rouser by asking legitimate and reasonable questions. Why would we want to spend money on books and teachers (how about libraries) when we can helped these underprivileged attorneys buy designer suits?
ReplyDeleteMaybe the admin can retreat to the woods, and enjoy the campgrounds too. Camps are vital for children... why not for adults?
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteKaterina,
ReplyDeleteJohn Mihos is the school's lawyer but he is very busy researching applicable sections in "Robert's Rules of Orders". As for the camp idea, any use of bug spray might result in (not so)friendly fatalities.
ah- I don't use bug spray myself in the forest. Someone told me of a trick- take a sheet of fabric softener with you. The bugs won't come near & don't wear perfume. seems to help
ReplyDeleteI got an interesting e mail from a reader about legal fees and the school dept:
ReplyDelete"I looked up the city salaries from last year - there is a Helen Mihos that made $102,000 and a Christina Mihos that made $42,000 - both work in the School Department but no one for a John Mihos!!! Who is Helen?
Also in the school budget online the SPED budgeted $50k for legal and Superintendent budgeted $50,000 for Legal! "
Interesting! Our tax dollars at work.
Helen Mihos is John's wife.
ReplyDeleteChristina is his daughter.
Christina's x-boyfriend had a job in the school system (from John)
Hey, I don't have a job! I'm just saying...
ReplyDeletewhats his girlfriends' names? one lives on Eastern Ave.
ReplyDeleteStanley,
ReplyDeleteJust trying to understand the logic of the Lynn Public School system. I think we should focus on our schools and children and not peoples personal issues....(ie. Mihos). It is important for this website to be taken seriously and have some bite to it...so lets re-focus on what is truly important...our children!
My questions are still not answered and I do feel that people are looking into your website more and more. Yes, Rick is one who is responding, but we need more than one. The school committee consist of 6 elected officials. So majority rules...as we just found out during the last school committee meeting.
I understand that after my inquiry, the Shoemaker School will be getting a part-time Reading teacher and I was also told that the computers sre on their way...we will see! I will keep you posted.
Regards,
Dolores DiFillipo
Dolores,
ReplyDeleteWhile I agree with 100% of what you say, looking into how much people make is important. These high salaries could be going to books. If someone is doing wrong by encouraging others to receive high rates, then they should knock it off. We're all watching!
& its public info. Thanks for bringing it to attention Stanley
ReplyDeleteI am just trying to bring things to light. When people can see the facts then they can make their own decision about the truth.
ReplyDeleteDelores I am glad to hear Shoemaker may have some good things heading their way. They hear this blog knocking!
ReplyDeleteAnon & Stanley,
ReplyDeleteI am glad we agree that your blog is working. With regards to my earlier statements, I was not referring to how much they make, I was referring to their private lives. I agree that the high pay needs to be looked at closely in all areas of this city, not just schools. However, for now my concern and passion would be the current public school system. If my child stands a chance at a good education then I am going to continue to ask questions and look for answers. It is only right! I do not want to be one of the parents who looks back saying or blaming others....when I can be part of the a bigger picture....solutions!!!....
As Rick Starbard indicated, Administration is reading these blogs. Maybe it will help them understand our frustrations and concerns as well as lead them in the direction of some resloutions/changes....we can only hope!
Dolores DiFillipo
All,
ReplyDeleteThe $500 and hour attorney is Jane Lavoie - we have to pay her so much so that she can live in Marblehead. But I am sure those of you in-the-know already knew that. The great thing is that LPS just doesn't hire her to defend them in lawsuits but to also ATTEND IEP MEETINGS. I have had her present at five of mine. Why? Because I have the audacity to read the law and hold the school to the law.
I had Melissa Gamble, a Special Ed. attorney at a couple of mine. I think she is a team chairperson too and I don't know her reimbursement status. Because I started to write some letters and there was he fear I would write more, my son was given the one on one he needed. His success is the proof that following the law and providing needed services works. (How Do You Like Me Now, Doc?)
ReplyDeleteStanley & Melissa,
ReplyDeleteI am so sad to hear that LPS/Special Ed. Dept. spends so much time and money on certain cases to fight them instead of looking for a "solutions". This is what we do not need! I know that must be so frustrating and disappointing for you and your child. But, we must continue to demand "changes" to the status quo. It should not be a system that is not "user friendly". In the end, we should all be here for the children of our city. I feel that no matter who your chairperson is, they should be more open/willing to work "together" instead of trying to create an atmosphere of "hostility & frustration".....I will continue to hold out that our current administration is hearing us and wants to work with us. The LPS has the potential to be the first in so many areas....I can only hope that Dr. Latham and her administration want that too!!!
I am holding out for "team work/ cooperation".....it can only make this city and our public schools better....
Dolores DiFillipo
Delores, I agree going the legal route is a waste of money and energy. Unfortunately that is the culture we have created. You are right we need a new dynamic of teamwork and cooperation. It all comes down to the fact that our common objective is the education of our kids. It's a little self centered because who is going to take care of us when we are old.
ReplyDeleteSo true Stanley!
ReplyDeleteBut, we need our children to be successful in order for us to grow old gracefully....if that is truly possible!
The culture in the school system is one that is not user friendly to families in this city. After all, they all have their jobs because of our children and the taxes we pay. So, we need to start holding people accountable for their actions or in-actions....including the school committee officials that we vote in. As, I see it, once again, they are only vested if it personally or financially affects them. For us, it is personal, our children are at stake and their future. Lets look deeper and see who is voting for what and when.............
I have had numerous people calling me to see if I plan on running for School Committee again...well lets just say....I have plenty of time to decide this time and plenty of time to plan this time!!!!!
One thing is for sure, I do not like what I am seeing and hearing in the public schools and from the current school committee.
Stanley, you will be the first to know!!!!!
Dolores DiFillipo
I agree that everyone needs to be made more aware of what is going on with our schools. Our future is at stake. People have been suggesting and asking if I, too, am going to run for school committee. My answer is much like yours. The elections are a long way off and I have a lot to consider. I really enjoy covering our schools and sparking conversations about positive change.
ReplyDeleteLet all run! Give those incumbents a run for their money!
ReplyDeleteI predict a real race.
ReplyDeleteI predict you are right again Stanley.....we are going to have a real race.
ReplyDeleteMy announcement will be forthcoming....but I told you that you would be the "first to know"....well here it is....I AM RUNNING FOR LYNN SCHOOL COMMITTEE. I would truly like your help as well as Melissa's and anyone else who really wants to fight for our children....
I will be announcing to the public shortly....keep you posted.....but let the blogging begin......
Thanks for your support!!!!
Dolores DiFillipo
Candidate Elect for Lynn School Committee
Delores, I am honored that you announced your candidacy on my bog. Humbly I have to admit, my blog is fast becoming THE place to learn and discuss the issues relevant to Lynn Public Schools
ReplyDeleteThank you Stanley!
ReplyDeleteNow lets get the "school business" started....
The more we know the more we have to work with.So, I will be announcing to the public shortly. I will also be planning a necessary evil..."fundraiser". But, for now, I will continue to be informed by yourself and your bloggers as well as attend any and all school meetings possible....
so keep me posted!
Respectfully,
Dolores DiFillipo
Dolores - I would love to help. Probably unbeknownst to you, I help out in a small capacity last year. I am a good friend of the Ellis' and I papered my whole neighborhood (Pine Hill) for Dave last year.
ReplyDeleteMelissa, you should consider running yourself. You seem very, knowledgeable, and caring. Their is more than one seat to be contested.
ReplyDeleteI appreciate the kind words. I think to myself that it is not just my kids. If the school is doing this to me, a fairly knowledgeable and very caring parent, then what are they doing to the members of our community that aren't educated? What are they doing to parents who work full time or go to school full time or both? What are they doing to parents who aren't proficient in English? I know what they are doing to them. I was that full time work full time school parent. I know that their children are not receiving the supports, services or education that they need. I know that because I was there.
ReplyDeleteI would love to run. I'm new in town though. I've only lived here for a couple of years - so I don't know anyone. I have no political clout. I also have a bit of a utopian view of what running for school committee might look like. I see a group of like minded individuals, all fund-raising together, sharing space on those costly signs and bumper stickers - running together like party mates. Or Three Musketeers. One for all and all for one. I'm not sure how my running mates would feel about that. As a parent living in this city, I would applaud school committee candidates who pooled their assets and worked together toward a common goal.
On top of that, I'm selfish. I own my home. Further more, purchasing a home in this economic climate means that you need to be dedicated to where you live - because you're not going to be moving any time soon. If I ever want to sell my house the schools need to improve, because who is going to buy a house in a city with failing schools? Besides me that is.
Melissa,
ReplyDeleteFirst of all...thank you for helping out...Dave told me and I really appreicate it. I would love to have you help out again and I am looking for the same goal as yours...better edcuation/schools for our children. As for the fundraisers and bumper stickers...I tend to aagree that it can be costly and annoying, however, it is a necessary evil as they say to get a campaign going. I am not politically connected, But we do have a very large family in Lynn. Also, I will have plenty more time than I had before...so I welcome your support again!
Thanks,
Dolores DiFillipo