School spending could cost millions in Lynn
Warning you I did try
But many choose to pass me by.
It's not a bird or a plane so high.
No what's falling now really is the sky.
To get out of this mess we might try
To blame the other guy.
All we can do is sigh
Cause what you're selling, we HAVE to buy.
Tuesday, March 31, 2015
PLAYING CATCH-UP
School spending could cost millions in Lynn
Hmm, I wonder where you've heard this before. As many problems as I have with DR. LATHAM this is not one of them. That's because neither her, nor the school committee members, or even the city councilmen set the budget. The MAYOR provides the numbers or lack thereof for the budget. That's not to say all of them weren't irresponsible for ignoring what has been right in front of them all the time.
I am in agreement with the MAYOR that the NET SCHOOL SPENDING formula is whacked. Her argument that it unfairly punishes cities like LYNN is also right. It punishes those cities with a leader that have a personal political agenda. NO other city in the commonwealth comes close to having our spending problem. There is no other city like Lynn.
We are supposed to be in ongoing negotiations. Really. How are we going to pay back even part of the shortfall? Where is the money going to come from? What cuts are going to be made? What layoffs are going to happen? We have a new MARSHALL to pay for.
Oh school employees are relatively safe cause money should be added to their budget. I say relatively though because it has to be up in the air just exactly who their employer is going to be. Past history points out that our governor does have a penchant for outsourcing education should we fall into receivership and the state takes over.
That probably won't happen though, I mean why would the state want our problems. The names, the parties may have changed but the political patronage stays the same.
Monday, March 30, 2015
LOCAL NEWS TO BE POST-ED?
Looks like the Lynn ITEM's lack of desire to attack local issues is attracting a LARGE nearby newspaper to try and fill that coverage void. Seem's like LPS may hit the big time with the WASHINGTON POST poking their journalistic nose in all this GORDON COLLEGE severing of ties and such. Valerie from the POST contacted both our own LIL'LORI and GORDON COLLEGE itself.
STAY TUNED FOR FURTHER DEVELOPMENTS!
STAY TUNED FOR FURTHER DEVELOPMENTS!
GORDON COLLEGE WON'T MAKE US LYNNDIANA
Seemingly similar but not the same.
Being different is no body's game.
Plenty of talk about the need to include
At the same time threats to exclude.
Coming together is how we learn
But when apart crosses we burn.
From your convictions you do not budge,
So who died and appointed you judge?
SOME ARE MORE EQUAL THAN OTHERS
From what I hear there is some SELECTIVE tutoring goin'on. In order to artificially enhance OVERALL MCAS scores certain populations are being ignored and a disproportionate amount of resources are being spent.
This MAY be in part to the growing sense of frustration among teachersthat the pressure put on by all this testing leads to a game we can not win due in large part to nature of our growing population.
This MAY be in part to the growing sense of frustration among teachersthat the pressure put on by all this testing leads to a game we can not win due in large part to nature of our growing population.
DID YOU HEAR THE ONE ABOUT THE GATOR CROSSING THE STREET?
Lynn schools guide students across the street
This a good idea especially in light of our swelling elementary populatiion. On top of all that I hear some rumours about CHOMPS joining the program at some point. I guess we'll just have to wait and see.
Sunday, March 29, 2015
KIPP'S NOT FOOLING
REMINDER
On April 1st the Global Embassy of Activists for Peace will be having a blood drive at KIPP Academy Lynn.
WeThe day will begin with a walk under the slogan: A Walk for the Gift of Life. This walk will begin at 8:15 am at City Hall and will end at KIPP Academy Lynn.
Please feel free to invite anyone you know
WHEN IT'S RIGHT TO BE WRONG
The contract for the SUPERINTENDENT is coming up and from some chatter I'm hearing will most likely be renewed after all we emerged from LEVEL 4 status and to some we might appear to be on the cusp of major advancement. The prevailing sentiment may be to reward DR. LATHAM with a new contract.
Not so fast I say.....(Did you really think I would take ANY other position?)
We are in a whole NEW educational enviroment. The rules are changing, money is not going to be available, COMMON CORE is weakening and questions of STAMINA, RESILIENCY, and dare I say AGE.
One only has to look back at the recent pathetic defense of public education presented at the hearing on whether to allow for the expansion of KIPP from K -4. It was not so much that they had better answers just a willingness, an eagerness, to address questions. LPS was weak to non-existent.
Given the state and political climate LPS cannot afford to have a leader who is unwilling or unable to tackle the multitude of problems facing us. Therefore I think it imperative that we take the opportunity to open up the super's contract and post it to seek the best available person out there. I am sure the $212,000 compensation package would attract national attention.
Realistically I think my calls will fall on deaf ears, I just wanted to get this out there now so that someday when everybody sees how right I was I'll have an awesome THROWBACK THURSDAY piece.
STRANGE LOVE NEEDED FOR LIBRARY
After going through an exhaustive process the NEASC Accreditation status was reaffirmed for LYNN ENGLISH HIGH SCOOL. PrinciPAL STRANGIE presented the mostly positive report to the LSC. While highlighting many of the positive accomplishments of the school, it was also clear there was plenty to work on.
Since I am not educated enough to fully understand all of the eduspeak, one finding did jump out at me. That was a call to make the LIBRARY/MEDIA CENTER to be a more integral part of the curriculum. Since a fully staffed library is mandated to help LEVEL 4 schools come out of their failing status and since I have personally heard PrinciPAL STRANGIE refer to ENGLISH as a CHRONIC LEVEL3 (remember that's one level away from failing itself), how can we continue to ignore the importance of LIBRARIES in our ELEMENTARY schools.
Libraries provide the fuel to ignite a love of learning, remember:
" TEACH A MAN TO FISH...."
Since I am not educated enough to fully understand all of the eduspeak, one finding did jump out at me. That was a call to make the LIBRARY/MEDIA CENTER to be a more integral part of the curriculum. Since a fully staffed library is mandated to help LEVEL 4 schools come out of their failing status and since I have personally heard PrinciPAL STRANGIE refer to ENGLISH as a CHRONIC LEVEL3 (remember that's one level away from failing itself), how can we continue to ignore the importance of LIBRARIES in our ELEMENTARY schools.
Libraries provide the fuel to ignite a love of learning, remember:
" TEACH A MAN TO FISH...."
THERE GOES THE NEIGHBORHOOD - TO A REALLY GOOD PLACE
A deserved "Thanks" was extended at the LSC meeting Thursday night to OLD NEIGHBORHOOD FOODS for gifting every student and staff member at DREWICZ with a box full of a variety of meat products. This is NOT the first instance of generosity by them.
They set the bar on giving back to the community!
They set the bar on giving back to the community!
Saturday, March 28, 2015
OPENING DOORS
Come closer to hear a brand new fable
Of how the raises were put on the table.
So that's how the story goes
When there's a threat to expose
The extent of the greed
For the classoom supplies we need.
They may hope with time we may forget
But given the power of poetry, "Not a safe bet".
Of how the raises were put on the table.
So that's how the story goes
When there's a threat to expose
The extent of the greed
For the classoom supplies we need.
They may hope with time we may forget
But given the power of poetry, "Not a safe bet".
THE COMMUNITY'S FIGHT FOR FORD SCHOOL GOES ON
The fight for rights in Lynn
This article was a WELCOME surprise in today's ITEM. Not that its journalistic efforts unearthed anything new. The words were a little different but it was the same old song.
THERE WAS MORE CIVIC ENGAGEMENT WHEN THE SCHOOL SERVED THE COMMUNITY.
It also helps clear up some confusion for DR. LATHAM meaning that the HIGHLANDS COALITION is not dead. Granted there were some punctuation issues in the story but who am I to harp on grammar. I bet they have the same misguided keyboard as me.
This article was a WELCOME surprise in today's ITEM. Not that its journalistic efforts unearthed anything new. The words were a little different but it was the same old song.
THERE WAS MORE CIVIC ENGAGEMENT WHEN THE SCHOOL SERVED THE COMMUNITY.
It also helps clear up some confusion for DR. LATHAM meaning that the HIGHLANDS COALITION is not dead. Granted there were some punctuation issues in the story but who am I to harp on grammar. I bet they have the same misguided keyboard as me.
Friday, March 27, 2015
SAYING NOTHING SOMETIMES SAYS IT ALL
Since NO VOTES were taken last night in Executive session regarding the contracts of several key administrative personnel (SUPERINTENDENT, DEPUTY SUPERINTENDENTS, SCHOOL BUSSINESS ADMINISTRATOR, SECRETARY TO THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE, DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCES, COUNSEL TO THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE, and COFIDENTIAL SECRETARIES) what does that say?
Hmm, if they were all in agreement for simple extensions then the contract extension should have been a done deal. Sure I would like to see them post the SUPERINTENDENT'S position to get the most qualified person, whomever he or she might be. Given the post euphoria of the the NEW MARSHALL BOND (and PRE-PAYING for it) and the emergence out of LEVEL 4 status, I don't see DR. Latham's contract mot being renewed
UNLESS.....
the FACT that she didn't not put up much of a fight against KIPP'S expansin plans angered CHUCK enough to vote against her after he cashed in his chips pushing the committe to sign-off on that letter against more CHARTER SCHOOLS in Lynn. Maybe pushing the DOCTORAL requirement for DEPUTY SUPERINTENDENT so that a certain person couldn't be slid into that position wasn't REVENGE enough.
Of course we all know there is NO MONEY to be given out raises to these people, not that that has ever stopped them before. Perhaps the thinking might be that there was a better time to SNEAK them through. Face it even a meager TWO percent would probably at up to SIX FIGURES given all those contracts.
Hmm, if they were all in agreement for simple extensions then the contract extension should have been a done deal. Sure I would like to see them post the SUPERINTENDENT'S position to get the most qualified person, whomever he or she might be. Given the post euphoria of the the NEW MARSHALL BOND (and PRE-PAYING for it) and the emergence out of LEVEL 4 status, I don't see DR. Latham's contract mot being renewed
UNLESS.....
the FACT that she didn't not put up much of a fight against KIPP'S expansin plans angered CHUCK enough to vote against her after he cashed in his chips pushing the committe to sign-off on that letter against more CHARTER SCHOOLS in Lynn. Maybe pushing the DOCTORAL requirement for DEPUTY SUPERINTENDENT so that a certain person couldn't be slid into that position wasn't REVENGE enough.
Of course we all know there is NO MONEY to be given out raises to these people, not that that has ever stopped them before. Perhaps the thinking might be that there was a better time to SNEAK them through. Face it even a meager TWO percent would probably at up to SIX FIGURES given all those contracts.
BULLDOGS BRAND A BEVY OF COACHES
When LYNN ENGLISH GORLS SOFTBALL team takes the field this year staying in the dugout will be NEW coaches DONNA MILLS and CARA CROWLEY.
Track has added RAY MCDERMOTT.
CHEERS FOR CHUCK
I know I am hard on him sometimes (Okay maybe a lot of the time) but I have to applaud him for what appears to be a positive and not completely self-serving move that is consistent with his self-stated code of ethics.
His efforts the "Voter registration law" specifically Chapter 51, Section 42 C which will get the CITY CLERK at an asembly and giving some sort of presentation should actually help COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT.
Evidentally he has also reached out to City Council President DAN CAHILL to enlist his help. With no election on the horizon, I hate to say it CHUCK but this seems pretty selfless.
BRAVO!
His efforts the "Voter registration law" specifically Chapter 51, Section 42 C which will get the CITY CLERK at an asembly and giving some sort of presentation should actually help COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT.
Evidentally he has also reached out to City Council President DAN CAHILL to enlist his help. With no election on the horizon, I hate to say it CHUCK but this seems pretty selfless.
BRAVO!
HOLES IN THE NET
Once again I had trouble viewing the LSC meeting on my computer last night. Having to resort to the live broadcast puts me at an unfair disadvantage. But actually it is the public in general that's most harmed. With no "live stream" or recorded record on the web site, some crazy somebody is going to come up with some bizarre conspiracy theory.
Well that "somebody" might be me. With only 1 recorded meeting this year what are they trying to hide? Do they have a geater purpose in their "technical difficulties"? Like maybe help some re-election campaigns or hide the fact they are not addressing the impending budget crisis? Now I know there has been a few meeting cancellations and RADIO SHACK has gone bankrupt but I can't shake the fact they can't get parts to fix whatever technical difficulty there is.
Maybe there is not even money to "buy" the part. Now that would be a story and a foreshadow of the FISCAL ARMEGEDDON to come!
Help a brother out CHUCK! I mean, you took credit for championing this increased access and I know you read the WATCH so tell them to GET ON IT!
Well that "somebody" might be me. With only 1 recorded meeting this year what are they trying to hide? Do they have a geater purpose in their "technical difficulties"? Like maybe help some re-election campaigns or hide the fact they are not addressing the impending budget crisis? Now I know there has been a few meeting cancellations and RADIO SHACK has gone bankrupt but I can't shake the fact they can't get parts to fix whatever technical difficulty there is.
Maybe there is not even money to "buy" the part. Now that would be a story and a foreshadow of the FISCAL ARMEGEDDON to come!
Help a brother out CHUCK! I mean, you took credit for championing this increased access and I know you read the WATCH so tell them to GET ON IT!
Thursday, March 26, 2015
WHEN WOLVES CRY
When beggers become choosers
They're guaranteed losers.
Questions of integrity
Over offers of charity
Leads to people to resent
And to question your intent.
When offers of help you deny
Make your calls for help seem like a lie.
They're guaranteed losers.
Questions of integrity
Over offers of charity
Leads to people to resent
And to question your intent.
When offers of help you deny
Make your calls for help seem like a lie.
UNWELCOMING PARTY
For all LPS's talk about welcoming private partnerships and donations and crying about how charter schools have an unfair financial advantage, I was told by multiple sources stories about a travesty of hypocrisies.
Money was REFUSED from an outside party to a particular school. Well maybe if one twists the words just right some people can maintain it wasn't actually refused. Instead the hurdles placed in the stated process were so burdensome that the donating party felt troubled and unwelcome.
Instead of being thanked for their generosity and commitment to better education, they were told that tkat the SCHOOL COMMITTEE first had to APPROVE the donation. The DONATING party felt the process too burdensome so they failed to follow through this time unlike in years past.
Havin followed the LSC for five years, I don't recall any instance where such procedural hoops were put in play. Quoting our honorable MAYOR, usually acceptance is granted using the "WAYBACK MACHINE" and the Secretary of the School Committee is instructed to generate the appropriate expression of gratitude.
Also I learned of a longtime volunteer (no it wasn't me) who was cast aside and staff were instructed to refuse to allow him admission into the school. If these details are remotely true not are they insulting but call into question the integrity of certain administrative officials.
Money was REFUSED from an outside party to a particular school. Well maybe if one twists the words just right some people can maintain it wasn't actually refused. Instead the hurdles placed in the stated process were so burdensome that the donating party felt troubled and unwelcome.
Instead of being thanked for their generosity and commitment to better education, they were told that tkat the SCHOOL COMMITTEE first had to APPROVE the donation. The DONATING party felt the process too burdensome so they failed to follow through this time unlike in years past.
Havin followed the LSC for five years, I don't recall any instance where such procedural hoops were put in play. Quoting our honorable MAYOR, usually acceptance is granted using the "WAYBACK MACHINE" and the Secretary of the School Committee is instructed to generate the appropriate expression of gratitude.
Also I learned of a longtime volunteer (no it wasn't me) who was cast aside and staff were instructed to refuse to allow him admission into the school. If these details are remotely true not are they insulting but call into question the integrity of certain administrative officials.
Wednesday, March 25, 2015
PICKERING'S STEPHANIE TO SHINE
Local Project 351 8th Grade Service Ambassador Helps Lead Largest Youth Service Event in State
MARCH 25, 2015 BY LEAVE A COMMENT
RISK FACTOR
If our schools we do not fully fund
The SCHOOL COMMITTEE should be under the gun
To vote down any raise
In these dire fiscal days.
So show caution in your next move
Lest the next election we remove
The SCHOOL COMMITTEE should be under the gun
To vote down any raise
In these dire fiscal days.
So show caution in your next move
Lest the next election we remove
SOME FIND RAISES REVOLTING
SOMETHING FOR THE SCHOOL COMMITTE MEMBERS TO THINK ABOUT WHEN THEY GO INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION.
Anonymous March 25, 2015 at 4:38 AM
If people like the SECRETARY for the school committee and the business manager who helped get the district into the financial mess get any more money than their current 6 FIGURE salaries, every taxpayer in Lynn should call for the replacement of every committee member who approves the raises.
Lori DAmico March 25, 2015 at 5:35 AM
All of the contracts being discussed should not receive raises. Superintendent $212,000, Deputies $157,000 and $151,000, Dir. of HR $100,600, School BUSINESS ADMINISTRATOR $130,600 (who I believe recently received a 7% raise, correct? And was one of the parties responsible for incorrectly including retired teachers HEALTH INSURANCE toward NSS which got us into the financial crisis we are still facing), confidential secretaries (not sure how many there are district wide, but there are 4 between superintendent and deputies and 1 in the business office with combined salaries of over $300,000) We have secretaries making more than teachers who have advanced degrees. I've said it before, if we want to know where a huge chunk of our funding goes, take a look at all of the positions within the school department and the salaries attached to them. Some positions are deserving of their salaries and some even deserve raises, but they do not include the ones being discussed at Thursday's meeting.
Lori DAmico March 25, 2015 at 5:55 AM
I forgot the highest paid secretary position....the secretary for the school committee. This position comes with a $100,600 salary.
Anonymous March 25, 2015 at 4:38 AM
If people like the SECRETARY for the school committee and the business manager who helped get the district into the financial mess get any more money than their current 6 FIGURE salaries, every taxpayer in Lynn should call for the replacement of every committee member who approves the raises.
Lori DAmico March 25, 2015 at 5:35 AM
All of the contracts being discussed should not receive raises. Superintendent $212,000, Deputies $157,000 and $151,000, Dir. of HR $100,600, School BUSINESS ADMINISTRATOR $130,600 (who I believe recently received a 7% raise, correct? And was one of the parties responsible for incorrectly including retired teachers HEALTH INSURANCE toward NSS which got us into the financial crisis we are still facing), confidential secretaries (not sure how many there are district wide, but there are 4 between superintendent and deputies and 1 in the business office with combined salaries of over $300,000) We have secretaries making more than teachers who have advanced degrees. I've said it before, if we want to know where a huge chunk of our funding goes, take a look at all of the positions within the school department and the salaries attached to them. Some positions are deserving of their salaries and some even deserve raises, but they do not include the ones being discussed at Thursday's meeting.
Lori DAmico March 25, 2015 at 5:55 AM
I forgot the highest paid secretary position....the secretary for the school committee. This position comes with a $100,600 salary.
SUPPORT COMES AT A PRICE
Seeing a picture on FACEBOOK of CHUCK signing JAY WALSH'S nomination papers for city council gave me a real moneymaking idea. Since I am not running for anything this time, I could become a paid political endorser.
For a small fee I will publicly endorse your opponent. Given my popular unpopular status my support would surely be the kiss of death.
For a small fee I will publicly endorse your opponent. Given my popular unpopular status my support would surely be the kiss of death.
Tuesday, March 24, 2015
RAISES TO BE DISCUSSED BEHIND CLOSED DOORS
Come to this weeks LSC meeting and see them go behind closed doors in Executive session to talk about contract negotiations. I bet none of those administrative type mentioned will be offering to take a pay cut. Granted considering the MILLIONS we are considered to be UNDERFUNDING the school system it would be purely symbolic.
Given the HUGE ones given recently to CITY LEADERS, I wonder what to expect.
Anyway, the link to the agenda is below.
March 26 | 6:10 PM
TIME-OFF DOESN'T HAVE TO MEAN TIME AWAY
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CAM-PAIN TIME
The pulling of papers has begun.
Only this year I won't be pulling one.
Exposing the truth is too much fun.
From the dark, let there be sun.
Only this year I won't be pulling one.
Exposing the truth is too much fun.
From the dark, let there be sun.
Monday, March 23, 2015
MUSICAL CHAIRS TO A DIFFERENT SONG
Looks like this is a standard move right outt of the old political textbook. First serve on the school committee for a couple, three terms then vault to city council. Hopefully his intimate knowledge of the schools will help the CITY better prioritize spending.
PUDDING ANYONE?
PUDDING ANYONE?
HEAR NO EVIL, SEE NO EVIL , BUT IS THERE EVIL
Saturday, March 21, 2015
THIS FORD IS STUCK IN PARK
Ford has better idea: Stay on school committee ballot
That's two elections in a row that FORD declared that he was going to run in and then backed out of. First the race for state delegate eventually won by BRENDAN CRIGHTON and now the WARD 7 City Council one. I would guess in both cases he assessed the field and didn't want to face failure. He should have called me, I could have given't him some pointers on losing.
This time though I think there was something else in play. There would have been three open seats on the LSC and the balance of power might well have shifted. DR. LATHAM or at least some of her policies may well have been in danger.
Maybe he was afraid that with all those open seats I might accidentally get elected this time. Ha Ha, the jokes on him,
I AM NOT RUNNING.
I can't afford to give up this good job of being poor. There is so much power in poverty. You don't owe nobody nothing so you can more clearly see and report what's goin' on. (I'll be happy, gay even if no one sues cause the lines I cross are not blurred).
A CHIP IN THE KIPP ARMOR
Girl arrested for threat at KIPP Lynn charter
It is upsetting that these threatening messages have been scrawled at another high school in LYNN. These are troubling times.
BUT
at least it does tarnish the image of KIPP and that may not be such a bad thing. What I mean by this is that at least they an say their student population represents the entire spectrum of adolescent behavior. Although the fact that the girl was seventeen does mean their years of indoctrination was somewhat ineffective.
It will be interesting to see if their census shrinks by one. What do they care, its past OCTOBER 1 and they already got the money. Can you guess who will pay for the transfer?
It will be interesting to see if their census shrinks by one. What do they care, its past OCTOBER 1 and they already got the money. Can you guess who will pay for the transfer?
Friday, March 20, 2015
TALK ABOUT HYPOCRISY...BUT THAT AIN'T NONE OF MY BUSINESS.....
Earlier this year in the midst of the alledged "unaccompanied minor" influx plenty of people in and around LPS were spreading the dire consequences of the IMMIGRANT INVASION. now that we are a little away from that manufactured crisis let the celebrations begin.
Don't get me wrong this is a good thing they are reporting, I just wonder how thet're are doing it with a straight face.
Lynn Public Schools added 5 new photos.
2 hrs ·
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