I just found out that the Fallon School only has about 46 students attending it. 46 students in an entire school!! I knew Fallon was one of the schools that were not filled to capacity, but I thought there were roughly 200 kids attending the school. I thought only having 200 kids was unacceptable, never mind 46! I am contacting the school committee regarding this and I encourage others to do the same. It is absolutely unacceptable that there are only 46 kids attending an entire school when we have other kids who are forced to attend school in closets, basements and hallways because of the severe over crowding in their schools. These 46 kids could have been moved to the space at Tech leaving an entire elementary school available for Kindergarten and/or Pre K. Does anyone know how many total classrooms there are in the Fallon School?
Monday, July 29, 2013
THE,MISSING PEACE
I ain't lookin to cause nobody no trouble. That is not in my nature, I am a peace loving fella. In fact I am offering a peace pipe to the people of the MARSHALL PLAN. To get a good smoke, ya gotta PACK your tobacky. Those PILES ya talk about aneeedin don't sound so imtimidatin when ya put'er in that perspective.
Here's to ahopin we don't get none of that wacky tobacky likein they must have been smokin when they didn't pack PILES for CLASSICAL likein I think they were told cause it cost too much. That was HOW many years ago so how much ya figure it's a gonna cost nowadays. Don't matter them fellers who have all that there property don't mind payin too much.
Here's to ahopin we don't get none of that wacky tobacky likein they must have been smokin when they didn't pack PILES for CLASSICAL likein I think they were told cause it cost too much. That was HOW many years ago so how much ya figure it's a gonna cost nowadays. Don't matter them fellers who have all that there property don't mind payin too much.
PLAN TO HAVE AN EYE ON PLANS (forget about my cataracts for a minute)
I plan on attending tommorrow's MARSHALL MEETING. Hopefully I'll get some answers even if I don't get to ask questions. I've put it on FACEBOOK asking people to join me. I doubt many will. It's sbeing held at a time that is not conducive for many to attend. That MAY NOT be on purpose but the results are the same.
Like I said in the last debate, I got nothing else to do, so I'll be there. It is of CRITICAL importance that we get new schools but we can't AFFORD to be making mistakes. I'll be LOOKING out for YOUR money.
IT'S NOT MINE. I'M POOR, REMEMBER?
Like I said in the last debate, I got nothing else to do, so I'll be there. It is of CRITICAL importance that we get new schools but we can't AFFORD to be making mistakes. I'll be LOOKING out for YOUR money.
IT'S NOT MINE. I'M POOR, REMEMBER?
Friday, July 26, 2013
UNDER THE RADAR, OVER THE MOON
| Marshall Middle School Project NEXT MEETING | JULY 30, 2013 | 10 AM The Thurgood Marshall Middle School project benefits the entire Lynn community by improving amenities, increasing property values, and enhancing the educational program our students. | |
You know you would think as important as it is that we build a new school that some effort would have been made to schedule these public meetings at a time when there could have been more community involvement. Rally the troops, so to speak! We got a BOND vote coming up people!
BUT NO.......
they choosea time almost guaranteeing a low turnout. Is it because they don't want to answer uncomfortable questions? Maybe they just want to PILE-DRIVE the taxpayer. It seems like we are already in the TANK for the property.
Thursday, July 25, 2013
CAN WE AF-FORD ANOTHER TERM?
I would like to take this opportunity to compliment my opponent on his economic use of language to communicate his position on a particular issue or PERSON. His use of language in the past has always added color to his remarks. I am in awe of his abilities of self expression.
At the risk of goving impetus to his campaign, I feel a moral duty to examination of the rhetoric of his response. I feel it would be unfait to MR. FORD to deny him this opportunity of increased exposure.
1). What an advantange Mr. Ford has. Only having to listen to the comments of two people allows him plenty of time to reminesce about the good ole days. He swears by his commitment or maybe he just swears.
2). I have to admit I do have a little trouble following his line of reasoning here, maybe I am just not as flexible. I mean I do kind of walk hunched over. I think it goes something like this:
We can always do better but we are doing just fine.
I wonder what's the incentive? I guess resolving oneself to the status quo is the wat to go.
3). Thank you so much MR. FORD, I was under the mistaken impression thaat since the voter (many of them parents) got you elected your loyalty should be with them. You have educated me that the important thing to do is to perpetuate the prominence of your pick.
4).It is true MR. FORD is present at a lot of school functions. I think he even came to CITY HALL the day I turned in the signatures that qualified me to be placed on the ballot. Some may say he was really there to witness the screening of the AGGANIS movie. Well think that if you want to, but me and JOHN, we know the real reason. Come on, the LPS Band was there and when was the last time you saw anybody playing musical instruments in the cinema?
5). He is in the process of that immeduate response he prides himself in. In all fairness he may have just fpund out that he is already on the LSC.
AND SO IT BEGINS......AGAIN
Report: New Marshall needs costly piles
I warned you people. This is not a good site I said. Sure, I was mpst vocal about the possible contamination and the proximity to the railroad tracks but by no means were those my only concerns. Did amyone else find it funny that we had an onderdeveloped parcel of land in the heart of the city? The scary thing is this could be just the tip of the iceberg.
The threat of chemical contamination is real and not just from the products manufactured on site but from the years of exhaust fumes from passing trains. The wording of this article troubles me when referring to this subject. I hope I'm completely wrong but what if I'm just a little bit right?
We could end up paying millions of dollars more than we needed to and our past problems perpetuate. My greatest fear seems to have come true. Because we are this far along in the building process, we will be held hostage and force to make bad decisions and accept the consequences.
I warned you people. This is not a good site I said. Sure, I was mpst vocal about the possible contamination and the proximity to the railroad tracks but by no means were those my only concerns. Did amyone else find it funny that we had an onderdeveloped parcel of land in the heart of the city? The scary thing is this could be just the tip of the iceberg.
The threat of chemical contamination is real and not just from the products manufactured on site but from the years of exhaust fumes from passing trains. The wording of this article troubles me when referring to this subject. I hope I'm completely wrong but what if I'm just a little bit right?
We could end up paying millions of dollars more than we needed to and our past problems perpetuate. My greatest fear seems to have come true. Because we are this far along in the building process, we will be held hostage and force to make bad decisions and accept the consequences.
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
I CAN'T WAIT FOR THE DEBATE.......SO HERE IS POSITION ELEVEN
Oops, I promised 10. Oh well I'm no good with numbers!
WASTING MONEY
Why are we spending all of this money on LEAD TEACHERS and this temporary ADMINISTRATIVE HIERCHY for summer school while we've got principals on the payroll? It just seems like a waste of resources just so a few can benefit.
This kind of waste becomes habit and explains why there is never any money to update textbooks. Once again, I would like to bring up again that my son's eigth grade Social Studies text had the SOVIET UNION in power.
At least that's what he said, I don't believe he could take it home to show me.
WASTING MONEY
Why are we spending all of this money on LEAD TEACHERS and this temporary ADMINISTRATIVE HIERCHY for summer school while we've got principals on the payroll? It just seems like a waste of resources just so a few can benefit.
This kind of waste becomes habit and explains why there is never any money to update textbooks. Once again, I would like to bring up again that my son's eigth grade Social Studies text had the SOVIET UNION in power.
At least that's what he said, I don't believe he could take it home to show me.
Monday, July 22, 2013
I CAN'T WAIT FOR THE DEBATES......SO HERE IS POSITION TEN
TRANSLATION AND INTERPRETATION
The nuances of context seem to fade into oblivion here. It doesn't really matter because rhetorical policy doesn't seem to match up too well with practical results.
We are told by this administration we are going above and beyond what is required of us.....
YET.....
the DESE sends us a letter where thet want to hold our hands, making sure the policy is implemented fully/Not to mention I believe I noticed a line item in the budget for about $70,000 of CONTRACTED services that weren't there before.
There can be no arguement that this stuff is expensive and we are making some positive strides. Throughout LPS there are scores of different languages and dialects. Unfortunately the willt o implement all requirements isnot strong becausethe ones who have all the moneyaren't as likely to need it, Plus the ones who do need it aren't as likely to vote. Hence goes the politics of FINANCE. It's a numbers game, you see.
BUT......
the thing is our resistance to spending money on THOSE people is actually costing us in the long term and even the short term as well. Lack of parental involvement translates into lower test scores which in turn translates to higher absenteeism and drop out rates. This impacts everything from the funding we receive to the learning enviroment. Working together to find a solution is to everyone's benefit. I don't have all the answers, but I want to look and come upwith some formal plan that actually addresses the problem without just pattingus on the hand telling us it is alright.
The nuances of context seem to fade into oblivion here. It doesn't really matter because rhetorical policy doesn't seem to match up too well with practical results.
We are told by this administration we are going above and beyond what is required of us.....
YET.....
the DESE sends us a letter where thet want to hold our hands, making sure the policy is implemented fully/Not to mention I believe I noticed a line item in the budget for about $70,000 of CONTRACTED services that weren't there before.
There can be no arguement that this stuff is expensive and we are making some positive strides. Throughout LPS there are scores of different languages and dialects. Unfortunately the willt o implement all requirements isnot strong becausethe ones who have all the moneyaren't as likely to need it, Plus the ones who do need it aren't as likely to vote. Hence goes the politics of FINANCE. It's a numbers game, you see.
BUT......
the thing is our resistance to spending money on THOSE people is actually costing us in the long term and even the short term as well. Lack of parental involvement translates into lower test scores which in turn translates to higher absenteeism and drop out rates. This impacts everything from the funding we receive to the learning enviroment. Working together to find a solution is to everyone's benefit. I don't have all the answers, but I want to look and come upwith some formal plan that actually addresses the problem without just pattingus on the hand telling us it is alright.
I CAN'T WAIT FOR THE DEBATE......SO HERE IS POSITION NINE
SPECIAL EDUCATION
Wow, I could probably pull TEN positions out of this topic. I'll spare you the RANT, most of it anyway. I haven't run the numbers and I'm not a numbers guy anyway. It was said by a sitting LSC member that we are spending roughly 10 percent of the budget on 1% of the students. Seems like a lot because it is.
No matter what the actual numbers are wecan all agree that it costs BIG bucks to place kids out of district. You have tuition and busing. What can we do? These placements are given out grudgingly (well for most people) but they are often mandate by a HIGHER authority. (Itwasn't me, I can't even get a WING named after me).
The reason for thiese placements is because we legitamately don't have the programs to serve them. Don't you think it would have been nice to invest some of that CIRCUIT BREAKER REFUND a while back in programs that would have allowed us to service our own students in the future instead of spending it on salaries and new positions like a SECOND DEPUTY SUPERINTENDENT, especially since our standing amongest other UNDER performing URBAN districts hasactually slipped since its creation.
JUST SAYIN
Another thing have you heard when the new move to BENNETT ST. is going to be?
I want to get a good seat to WATCH. Popcorn to pop and all. Got to clear COMMERCIAL STREET. Kindergarten classrooms to set up and all. If you need any helplifting boxes and all, I'm sure my campaign manager is available. You'll have to feed him and all. I realize that may be cost prohibitive,
Wow, I could probably pull TEN positions out of this topic. I'll spare you the RANT, most of it anyway. I haven't run the numbers and I'm not a numbers guy anyway. It was said by a sitting LSC member that we are spending roughly 10 percent of the budget on 1% of the students. Seems like a lot because it is.
No matter what the actual numbers are wecan all agree that it costs BIG bucks to place kids out of district. You have tuition and busing. What can we do? These placements are given out grudgingly (well for most people) but they are often mandate by a HIGHER authority. (Itwasn't me, I can't even get a WING named after me).
The reason for thiese placements is because we legitamately don't have the programs to serve them. Don't you think it would have been nice to invest some of that CIRCUIT BREAKER REFUND a while back in programs that would have allowed us to service our own students in the future instead of spending it on salaries and new positions like a SECOND DEPUTY SUPERINTENDENT, especially since our standing amongest other UNDER performing URBAN districts hasactually slipped since its creation.
JUST SAYIN
Another thing have you heard when the new move to BENNETT ST. is going to be?
I want to get a good seat to WATCH. Popcorn to pop and all. Got to clear COMMERCIAL STREET. Kindergarten classrooms to set up and all. If you need any helplifting boxes and all, I'm sure my campaign manager is available. You'll have to feed him and all. I realize that may be cost prohibitive,
HOW'S THIS TIMELINE GOING TO LOOK IF WE FOLLOW THE CURRENT MSBA PACE?
 | Aging Lynn Public Schools Timeline
|
Something needs to change. BOND or no BOND, we are already being taxed to build schools in OTHER cities. Can you imagine what this timeline will look like in a few decades if we build new schools at our current pace? Face the facts people!
Where do you think the money that MSBA has comes from. If I am not mistaken a % of the sales tax is dedicated to that fund. Everybody pays sales tax, even those UNACCOMPANIED minors.
Since we are the FIFTH largest school district, we need to be sure we are getting our share and not just subsidizing the more affluent regions of the state.
A NEW MARSHALL - YOUR MONEY OR YOUR LIFE
Citizen approval critical to schools
I don't know about you but I get nervous when I am held hostage by fear. Yeah we need new schools, lots of them. Why start with this one? It is the newest one of the top four, two of which were built TWO CENTURIES ago. Perhaps they don't want to give tours because they don't wantpeople to start thinking, "Hey, my kids school is worse than this".
Can we talk about the elephant in the room for a minute? They talk about not wanting to make you afraid to send your kids there. It's safe, they tell you. Pardon me while I swear.A#$%&$.
It's not what you think. The DIRTY word I am using is ASBESTOS. It's nothing youcan blame LPS much for,I mean when all of these old schools were built, it was considered a SAFE material. Several years later after numerous medical studies and millions even billions of dollars later in litigation costs, we have come to find out maybe it is actually highly deadly.
That new flooring they aregiving FORD SCHOOL, I believe is not so much COSMETIC as itis THERAPEUTIC. A band-aid, if you will to keep ASBESTOS from old broken floor tiles from oozing out. From what was said about MARSHALL'S flooding problems, that OOZING could make its way into the ground water CONTAMINATING much of the city. Well much of the city is contaminated anyway,let's air our dirty laundry, especially the WHITE'S. We have to face our problemsbefore we can find solutions.
Look at the numbers. Getting a new school every TWENTY years or so just means perpetual problems. We need to explore alternate sources of funding from federal to private. There has been lots of talk about that but what have you actually seen anybody do about it? When I am elected, I guarantee everybody will see copies of letters I write to everubody and anybody that might be able to help. You'll see their response too. I'm pretty good at writing letters, wouldn't you agree DR. LATHAM?
I don't know about you but I get nervous when I am held hostage by fear. Yeah we need new schools, lots of them. Why start with this one? It is the newest one of the top four, two of which were built TWO CENTURIES ago. Perhaps they don't want to give tours because they don't wantpeople to start thinking, "Hey, my kids school is worse than this".
Can we talk about the elephant in the room for a minute? They talk about not wanting to make you afraid to send your kids there. It's safe, they tell you. Pardon me while I swear.A#$%&$.
It's not what you think. The DIRTY word I am using is ASBESTOS. It's nothing youcan blame LPS much for,I mean when all of these old schools were built, it was considered a SAFE material. Several years later after numerous medical studies and millions even billions of dollars later in litigation costs, we have come to find out maybe it is actually highly deadly.
That new flooring they aregiving FORD SCHOOL, I believe is not so much COSMETIC as itis THERAPEUTIC. A band-aid, if you will to keep ASBESTOS from old broken floor tiles from oozing out. From what was said about MARSHALL'S flooding problems, that OOZING could make its way into the ground water CONTAMINATING much of the city. Well much of the city is contaminated anyway,let's air our dirty laundry, especially the WHITE'S. We have to face our problemsbefore we can find solutions.
Look at the numbers. Getting a new school every TWENTY years or so just means perpetual problems. We need to explore alternate sources of funding from federal to private. There has been lots of talk about that but what have you actually seen anybody do about it? When I am elected, I guarantee everybody will see copies of letters I write to everubody and anybody that might be able to help. You'll see their response too. I'm pretty good at writing letters, wouldn't you agree DR. LATHAM?
I CAN'T WAIT FOR THE DEBATE....SO HERE IS POSITION EIGHT
I have felt so lost. I think the heat stopped my Internet......Unless the stoppage was actually a blockage. Paranoia is not that different than conspiracy.
TRANSPARENCY
I want everybody to know what we spend on everything so that we can better place our priorities. Face it the budget as it stands is a wish list. How about an end of the year look at the checkbook to see what we really spent.
Those of you who were reading my blog last year know that I came up with an adjusted gross salary for our superintendent by adding the benefits I could see on her page inl last year's budget. The actual number I think added up to an adjusted salary of $267,000. Even with that bloated number, I am sure I missed other lines on other pages cause as I keep telling you I am none too sharp when it comes to figuring figures. Guess what? No one protested or said I over estimated.
And on CHARTER SCHOOLS.No matter whether you like them or not, they are here established by law. A certain percentage of our monies haveto be dedicated to them. Okay where are the numbers? For three years, I have not been able to find them in the LPS budget.Earlier this year that God of journalism over at the ITEM did an excellent story on the CHARTER COSTS. He had some undisputed figures. I believe he came up with them by looking at the city's budget. I don't know for sure, I was too lazy to look. The point is it should be easy to find, you know all in one place.
Another pet peeve of mine is the "packet" of communications and other printed materials that all of the committeee members get. We are asked to take on faith what they say. Why not? The government has never miisled people before, have they? How hard would it be to put it on line? I figure if they have someone technically savvy enough to block my e mails they could probably figure out how to scan a document.
TRANSPARENCY
I want everybody to know what we spend on everything so that we can better place our priorities. Face it the budget as it stands is a wish list. How about an end of the year look at the checkbook to see what we really spent.
Those of you who were reading my blog last year know that I came up with an adjusted gross salary for our superintendent by adding the benefits I could see on her page inl last year's budget. The actual number I think added up to an adjusted salary of $267,000. Even with that bloated number, I am sure I missed other lines on other pages cause as I keep telling you I am none too sharp when it comes to figuring figures. Guess what? No one protested or said I over estimated.
And on CHARTER SCHOOLS.No matter whether you like them or not, they are here established by law. A certain percentage of our monies haveto be dedicated to them. Okay where are the numbers? For three years, I have not been able to find them in the LPS budget.Earlier this year that God of journalism over at the ITEM did an excellent story on the CHARTER COSTS. He had some undisputed figures. I believe he came up with them by looking at the city's budget. I don't know for sure, I was too lazy to look. The point is it should be easy to find, you know all in one place.
Another pet peeve of mine is the "packet" of communications and other printed materials that all of the committeee members get. We are asked to take on faith what they say. Why not? The government has never miisled people before, have they? How hard would it be to put it on line? I figure if they have someone technically savvy enough to block my e mails they could probably figure out how to scan a document.
Friday, July 19, 2013
I CAN'T WAIT FOR THE DEBATE.....SO HERE IS POSITION SEVEN
Unlike,I believe any of the current members of the of the LSC I will be able to devote my full time to serving the Lynn school system and its students, I have no other job. So when you hire me with your votes -
I WILL BE FULL TIME, ALL THE TIME.
I WILL BE FULL TIME, ALL THE TIME.
Thursday, July 18, 2013
I CAN'T WAIT FOR THE DEBATES.....SO HERE IS POSITION SEVEN
PUTTING PARENTS IN PLAY
late breaking news.....LPS applying for patent on the re-invention of the WHEEL
For years now since ED REFORM there has been a body mandated, the SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT COUNCIL, that has rarely been implemented fully and when done so actually seems to work. At leastit seems to at FORD SCHOOL and I believe things are running okay at SHOEMAKER which has a compliant one according to LIL' LORI'S looking.
So instead of following laws we don't like we invent new ones to perpetuate political pats on the posterior. How can WE LEAVE A CHILD BEHIND while we RACE TO THE TOP? Now new positions are created while we spin those reinvented wheels. As soon as the money runs out we will be left with a few people on new places, a few less empty offices and more money taken away from the kids.
late breaking news.....LPS applying for patent on the re-invention of the WHEEL
For years now since ED REFORM there has been a body mandated, the SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT COUNCIL, that has rarely been implemented fully and when done so actually seems to work. At leastit seems to at FORD SCHOOL and I believe things are running okay at SHOEMAKER which has a compliant one according to LIL' LORI'S looking.
So instead of following laws we don't like we invent new ones to perpetuate political pats on the posterior. How can WE LEAVE A CHILD BEHIND while we RACE TO THE TOP? Now new positions are created while we spin those reinvented wheels. As soon as the money runs out we will be left with a few people on new places, a few less empty offices and more money taken away from the kids.
I CAN'T WAIT FOR THE DEBATES......SO, HERE IS POSITION SIX
SHOULD WE BE FOND OF A BOND
No one argues the fact we need new schools. We're going through the process with MARSHALL, Funny I haven;t seen the schematics for the new WOTRING WING so here goes.
We've all been hearing tales of woe and armageddon if we don't pass the upcoming BOND vote whenever that is. I don't see no horses but there are plenty of jockeys wearing their respective political colors. Some are shorter than others. You don't have to worry about winning by a nose when your neck is long.
If the voters don't propel this TROJAN horse across the finish line our RUN FOR THE ROSES comes up all thorns. NO NEW SCHOOLS for you mister. But guess what? That pony comes packed with a lot of other problems because we got three other schools that are in just as bad or worse shape. Following the time line we have been for the MARSHALL school it will be late in the century before we get around to replacing those schools. By that time there will be a number of other local schools ready.
The elephant in the stable is the gear that voters won't pass the BOND because it is perceived and actually will be a tax increase. Funny though, the JOKES on them. They are already paying higher taxes for new schools bet the schools are located in REVERE, MARBLEHEAD and NEWTON anywhrtr. You see as I understand it and when have I ever been wrong? A penny of your sales tax is direxted and targeted for a building fund that funds school building wherever in the state schools need built. They do have these guidelines you see about who gets what and when. But you see, politucians make these "rules"and well....
We need somebody who will speak up until they pony up.
Well you see, I know this fella....
No one argues the fact we need new schools. We're going through the process with MARSHALL, Funny I haven;t seen the schematics for the new WOTRING WING so here goes.
We've all been hearing tales of woe and armageddon if we don't pass the upcoming BOND vote whenever that is. I don't see no horses but there are plenty of jockeys wearing their respective political colors. Some are shorter than others. You don't have to worry about winning by a nose when your neck is long.
If the voters don't propel this TROJAN horse across the finish line our RUN FOR THE ROSES comes up all thorns. NO NEW SCHOOLS for you mister. But guess what? That pony comes packed with a lot of other problems because we got three other schools that are in just as bad or worse shape. Following the time line we have been for the MARSHALL school it will be late in the century before we get around to replacing those schools. By that time there will be a number of other local schools ready.
The elephant in the stable is the gear that voters won't pass the BOND because it is perceived and actually will be a tax increase. Funny though, the JOKES on them. They are already paying higher taxes for new schools bet the schools are located in REVERE, MARBLEHEAD and NEWTON anywhrtr. You see as I understand it and when have I ever been wrong? A penny of your sales tax is direxted and targeted for a building fund that funds school building wherever in the state schools need built. They do have these guidelines you see about who gets what and when. But you see, politucians make these "rules"and well....
We need somebody who will speak up until they pony up.
Well you see, I know this fella....
I CAN'T WAIT FOR THE DEBATES.......SO, HERE IS POSITION FIVE
ACCOUNTABILITY - WRAP YOUR HEAD AROUND THIS
It is a well known fact that I am no good at math. I mean, it was by far my weakest subject in school, There is no way I can compete with all those smart people in that area. CHEMISTRY was my best subject in school so like everyone, I follow the old adage...."YOU GO WITH WHAT YOU KNOW!".
So I try and breakdown all of these financial decisions to the simplest elements of the transation so it's likea chemical REACTION. That means when you mix together a couple of elements or compounds and that yields a SOLUTION. Hey that is what we want, right? A solution.
Not so fast, MR. WIZARD. (funny, some people used to call me that in college)
Sometimes when you mix togethercompounds together in a solution, you not only get one new product but something else precipitates out. Such is the case with all of this RACE TO THE TOP - WRAP AROUND malarkey.
So after apparentlly wasting a lot of money and a trip to TENNESSEE we have come up with an ARIZONA/COLORADO hybrid that will be a wicked expensive one to implement and we only have a years worth of grant funding to implement. After that the taxpayers pick up the check. In this case the precipitate is not discarded, it sticks around.
Now we have had a pure solution in the past, the community school model at FORD SCHOOL. It's been around for over TWENTY years, costing us SQUAT extra. Now though, that's probably going to change with the well deserved retirement of DR. CRANE. I sure hope the community is engaged going forward lest there is an eruption of public sentiment.
REMEMBER WHEN IN THE LAB, ALWAYS WEAR YOUR GOGGLES.
SAFTEY FIRST!
It is a well known fact that I am no good at math. I mean, it was by far my weakest subject in school, There is no way I can compete with all those smart people in that area. CHEMISTRY was my best subject in school so like everyone, I follow the old adage...."YOU GO WITH WHAT YOU KNOW!".
So I try and breakdown all of these financial decisions to the simplest elements of the transation so it's likea chemical REACTION. That means when you mix together a couple of elements or compounds and that yields a SOLUTION. Hey that is what we want, right? A solution.
Not so fast, MR. WIZARD. (funny, some people used to call me that in college)
Sometimes when you mix togethercompounds together in a solution, you not only get one new product but something else precipitates out. Such is the case with all of this RACE TO THE TOP - WRAP AROUND malarkey.
So after apparentlly wasting a lot of money and a trip to TENNESSEE we have come up with an ARIZONA/COLORADO hybrid that will be a wicked expensive one to implement and we only have a years worth of grant funding to implement. After that the taxpayers pick up the check. In this case the precipitate is not discarded, it sticks around.
Now we have had a pure solution in the past, the community school model at FORD SCHOOL. It's been around for over TWENTY years, costing us SQUAT extra. Now though, that's probably going to change with the well deserved retirement of DR. CRANE. I sure hope the community is engaged going forward lest there is an eruption of public sentiment.
REMEMBER WHEN IN THE LAB, ALWAYS WEAR YOUR GOGGLES.
SAFTEY FIRST!
Wednesday, July 17, 2013
PRETTY IN PINK
I you are like me, you can't afford to visit the beaches of Bermuda any time soon. So what's a good compromise? How about the sandy confines of FRASER FIELD where the players will be wearing PINK on August 4th at 5:00 pm.
JIMMY BUFFET was busy so THE DIRTY FLOORBOARDS will be providing that special Lynn island sound. THE NORTH SHORE NAVIGATORS and THE PINK ANGELS are teaming up to hit a HOME RUN in the effort to strike out cancer.
This has been a Public Service Announcement because it's my blog and I can say what I want!
JIMMY BUFFET was busy so THE DIRTY FLOORBOARDS will be providing that special Lynn island sound. THE NORTH SHORE NAVIGATORS and THE PINK ANGELS are teaming up to hit a HOME RUN in the effort to strike out cancer.
This has been a Public Service Announcement because it's my blog and I can say what I want!
CAN YOU HEAR US COMMERCIAL STREET?
So with DR.CRANE stepping down at FORD will the community have a VOICE in choosing her successor. Of course, she will not be easily replaceable. Asa sitting member of the SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT COUNCIL and board member of the HIGHLANDS COALITION I would hope that the community's voice will be heard. What we don't wantor need is for a new principal to come from a sinking ship like my poor friends from CALLAHAN had forced on them,
I CAN'T WAIT FOR THE DEBATES......SO HERE IS POSITION FOUR
EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION
I applaud DR. LATHAM for her sincere interest in this area. In fact I thanked her and all the LSC members who came to the PUBLIC HEARING with preconceived decisions about the KINDERGARTEN CENTER. I figure that this rash decision is going toblow up in thier face right away and that just happens to be around ELECTION time.
I could be wrong. Yes, even I make mistakes. But if you look atmistakes as LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES then you can make a right out of a wrong.
I think more could be done with redistricting. We should have rented immediately and then came up with a better long term plan. After all the head of transportation is also head of the PARENT INFORMATION CENTER. The wisdom of that is another arguement, it is what it is and we should at least take advantage of what we have. I think the $270,000 it's going to take for only THREE schools. That would buy a lot of preschool books.
I attended a lecture once from a HARVARD professor that said you get back $4 for every$1 you invest in early education. So $270,000 wasted is like a $1,000,000 LOST.
Looks like we need somebody to WATCH our pennies.
I applaud DR. LATHAM for her sincere interest in this area. In fact I thanked her and all the LSC members who came to the PUBLIC HEARING with preconceived decisions about the KINDERGARTEN CENTER. I figure that this rash decision is going toblow up in thier face right away and that just happens to be around ELECTION time.
I could be wrong. Yes, even I make mistakes. But if you look atmistakes as LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES then you can make a right out of a wrong.
I think more could be done with redistricting. We should have rented immediately and then came up with a better long term plan. After all the head of transportation is also head of the PARENT INFORMATION CENTER. The wisdom of that is another arguement, it is what it is and we should at least take advantage of what we have. I think the $270,000 it's going to take for only THREE schools. That would buy a lot of preschool books.
I attended a lecture once from a HARVARD professor that said you get back $4 for every$1 you invest in early education. So $270,000 wasted is like a $1,000,000 LOST.
Looks like we need somebody to WATCH our pennies.
YOU CAN COUNT ON ME FOR BEING UNBIASED......NOT
|
LIKE the page like ME!
CLEO IS KEEPING THEM IN CHEQUE
The LSC is very fortunate to have MARIA as a member because we as parents are fortunate to have her as a liason to the system )of course, we will be more fortunate when I am serving alongside her). She always speaks up for us parents and our concerns. She is probably the only LSC member that shows up to as more events than CHARLIE GALLO. Those two would show up for a dog fight in a school yard. She's my friend and part-time ride but I do what I do.
1). That is so true. It's hard to believe LYNN is a majority minority city and LPSor the LSC does not reflect that. Well when I get elected the DISABLED minority will be represented.
2). This was pretty much the pat political answer. We have problems which she identified correctly and we can not rest on our PERCEIVED laurals.
3). It is interesting that she perceives the limitations of the office. They are real. When elected I promise to push the envelope.
4). I agree with everything she said, especially the part about COMMUNITY SCHOOLS.
5). Thanks for your phone number!
LOSING A LEGEND
Longtime Lynn school principal Crane retiring
It is no secret where my loyalties lie nor do I apologize for it. Dr. Crane has been a polarizing figure for wanting to put the kids first.My first response is to feel sorry for the students that will no longer have her tutelage and leadership. After I catch my breath I see the BIG PICTURE here.
Our loss is not just SALEM'S gain but EDUCATION'S gain as well. No longer will she be metaphorically beating her head against a wall but will be in an enviroment where she will be supported and her innovative (really just common sense) ideas can flourish. The fact that she plans to remain involved in the community makesme happy and I look forward on working closely with her in the HIGHLANDS COALITION.
It is no secret where my loyalties lie nor do I apologize for it. Dr. Crane has been a polarizing figure for wanting to put the kids first.My first response is to feel sorry for the students that will no longer have her tutelage and leadership. After I catch my breath I see the BIG PICTURE here.
Our loss is not just SALEM'S gain but EDUCATION'S gain as well. No longer will she be metaphorically beating her head against a wall but will be in an enviroment where she will be supported and her innovative (really just common sense) ideas can flourish. The fact that she plans to remain involved in the community makesme happy and I look forward on working closely with her in the HIGHLANDS COALITION.
Tuesday, July 16, 2013
I CAN'T WAIT FOR THE DEBATES,,,,,SO, HERE IS POSITION THREE
3). PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT
This is an important and often tenacious component of our children's education. Most people would agree there is never enough. Why is that? Few would say that their parents don't care about their kids, not publically anyway.
Since many parents have to work two or three lowpaying jobs to make it, parental involvement is necessarily limited in the traditional sense. Schedules are going to condlict. That is why a constant stream of different forms of communication is vital to enable multiple opportunities for parents to engage in our children's education.
To say that they don't want to participate is a gross miscalculation. Twice in little over a year, the parents have come together to force a PUBLIC HEARING mandated by the city charter. To my knowledge, this had never been done before yet lately it's been done TWIC. We have a community eager to get involved. It is our job to show them HOW!
A lot of money and time has been invested in the WRAP-AROUND INIATIVE through the RACE TO THE TOP monies. From TENNESSEE to COLORADO through ARIZONA, we are finding new ways to invent the wheel. For over twent years we have had a successful example in the community school model at the FORD SCHOOL. Still there are those in the administration at LPS who would rather create new positions and waste money on salaries than actually provide the services.
It's time to take a hard look at parental involvement, redefine it, and make sure that LPS is actually open to receiving it.
This is an important and often tenacious component of our children's education. Most people would agree there is never enough. Why is that? Few would say that their parents don't care about their kids, not publically anyway.
Since many parents have to work two or three lowpaying jobs to make it, parental involvement is necessarily limited in the traditional sense. Schedules are going to condlict. That is why a constant stream of different forms of communication is vital to enable multiple opportunities for parents to engage in our children's education.
To say that they don't want to participate is a gross miscalculation. Twice in little over a year, the parents have come together to force a PUBLIC HEARING mandated by the city charter. To my knowledge, this had never been done before yet lately it's been done TWIC. We have a community eager to get involved. It is our job to show them HOW!
A lot of money and time has been invested in the WRAP-AROUND INIATIVE through the RACE TO THE TOP monies. From TENNESSEE to COLORADO through ARIZONA, we are finding new ways to invent the wheel. For over twent years we have had a successful example in the community school model at the FORD SCHOOL. Still there are those in the administration at LPS who would rather create new positions and waste money on salaries than actually provide the services.
It's time to take a hard look at parental involvement, redefine it, and make sure that LPS is actually open to receiving it.
Monday, July 15, 2013
I CAN'T WAIT FOR THE DEBATE.......SO HERE IS POSITION TWO
2). COMMUNICATION
It is critical that we increase it, not only in frequency but in modality (big fancy word for ways). We can be slaves to technology or we can be masters. We need to be methodical consistent and systematic in its implementation. As of now we have been sporadic. I am going to use another fancy word, rubric. It is essential we have a framework for the dessimination of information. How can we expect parents to get involved when they learn piecemeal what is going on. Our opinions about what is going on are shaped by what we know.
The Internet has revolutionized the practice of communication. It is possible now to inform masses of people with a few key strokes. Everyone needs to emulate and imitate MARSHALL'S use of FACEBOOK. It is an effective, no cost way of spreading information about what's going on at the school plus students and parents feel vested in the school with some public acknowledgement of their efforts. The fact that we control what information that gets put out means that we bear some of the opinions out there, even the bad ones.
PICKERING does an excellent job with the use of the CONNECT-ED system. I got lots of calls keeping me up to date on what is happening at that school. Heck, I even got one call urging me to make sure my son got a good nights sleep before taking the MCAS. We have the technology, let's use it better and more frequent.
Even though I have not actually seen it, I am told BREED raised money to purchase a sign to display the current events at the school. This is wonderful and its display addresses some of the weak points faced by other more sophisticated forms of communication. Although the initial cost was substantial (raised by the parents I might add) the upkeep going forward has to be minimal and the payoff substantial.
We need to employ all of these methods at every school, not mention e mail, snail mail, and fliers in the backpacks. Multiple methods must be used multiple times to get the message, our message across, The cool thing about the Internet Google translate is available.
It is critical that we increase it, not only in frequency but in modality (big fancy word for ways). We can be slaves to technology or we can be masters. We need to be methodical consistent and systematic in its implementation. As of now we have been sporadic. I am going to use another fancy word, rubric. It is essential we have a framework for the dessimination of information. How can we expect parents to get involved when they learn piecemeal what is going on. Our opinions about what is going on are shaped by what we know.
The Internet has revolutionized the practice of communication. It is possible now to inform masses of people with a few key strokes. Everyone needs to emulate and imitate MARSHALL'S use of FACEBOOK. It is an effective, no cost way of spreading information about what's going on at the school plus students and parents feel vested in the school with some public acknowledgement of their efforts. The fact that we control what information that gets put out means that we bear some of the opinions out there, even the bad ones.
PICKERING does an excellent job with the use of the CONNECT-ED system. I got lots of calls keeping me up to date on what is happening at that school. Heck, I even got one call urging me to make sure my son got a good nights sleep before taking the MCAS. We have the technology, let's use it better and more frequent.
Even though I have not actually seen it, I am told BREED raised money to purchase a sign to display the current events at the school. This is wonderful and its display addresses some of the weak points faced by other more sophisticated forms of communication. Although the initial cost was substantial (raised by the parents I might add) the upkeep going forward has to be minimal and the payoff substantial.
We need to employ all of these methods at every school, not mention e mail, snail mail, and fliers in the backpacks. Multiple methods must be used multiple times to get the message, our message across, The cool thing about the Internet Google translate is available.
Sunday, July 14, 2013
I CAN'T WAIT FOR THE DEBATE.....SO HERE IS POSITION ONE
Since fbere is ten days until the debate I figure I need to put out ten points to ponder. Ya can't guar-an-tee those LCA people are going to get around to covering everything. There are these time limits and some people got jobs to git to. So I thought I'd offer up some positions for pontificating.
1). LEVERAGE - We need it! No I'm not talking about high finance or moving no boulder. I mean maybe I could but I'm not. Actually I'm talking about taking advantage of community resources to maximize our enhance our kid's learning and maximize our educational dollar/ We have done that some, for example we partook of the NORTH SHORE NAVIGATOR'S generosity and gave our FIFTH GRADERS a special day that served as a nice MOVING UP momento. I would like to see our EIGTH GRADERS join in the celebration. The inspiration for furthering their education by watching these college kids, many of them from around here, could be an invaluable example for our kids.
Then there was that MUSEUM program that we failed to take advantage of. Lynn has such rich history and how are you going to teach personal self esteem when we don't practice comminity self esteem. We didn't get to be a city of firsts by keeping history last.
I have been noticing that the LYNN PUBLIC LIBRARY has been becoming increasingly aggressive in a good way in putting the programs they have available out there. We need stronger coordination with them to make sure we are getting the most out of the available resources. They have a GREAT on-line prescence and LPS could learn much from their example.
CENTERBOARD is falling all over themselves to push books and reading. We need to make sure their efforts are coordinateed with ours. Of course, I want our school linraries back but we seem to have people wanting to make the best of a bad situation. We need to help them kelp us.
I am sure there are many other examples out there where help is available. Money from outside sources is nice but engagement is better. When people or programs have a little skin in the game, it makes for a better game. A better game only benefits our players.
1). LEVERAGE - We need it! No I'm not talking about high finance or moving no boulder. I mean maybe I could but I'm not. Actually I'm talking about taking advantage of community resources to maximize our enhance our kid's learning and maximize our educational dollar/ We have done that some, for example we partook of the NORTH SHORE NAVIGATOR'S generosity and gave our FIFTH GRADERS a special day that served as a nice MOVING UP momento. I would like to see our EIGTH GRADERS join in the celebration. The inspiration for furthering their education by watching these college kids, many of them from around here, could be an invaluable example for our kids.
Then there was that MUSEUM program that we failed to take advantage of. Lynn has such rich history and how are you going to teach personal self esteem when we don't practice comminity self esteem. We didn't get to be a city of firsts by keeping history last.
I have been noticing that the LYNN PUBLIC LIBRARY has been becoming increasingly aggressive in a good way in putting the programs they have available out there. We need stronger coordination with them to make sure we are getting the most out of the available resources. They have a GREAT on-line prescence and LPS could learn much from their example.
CENTERBOARD is falling all over themselves to push books and reading. We need to make sure their efforts are coordinateed with ours. Of course, I want our school linraries back but we seem to have people wanting to make the best of a bad situation. We need to help them kelp us.
I am sure there are many other examples out there where help is available. Money from outside sources is nice but engagement is better. When people or programs have a little skin in the game, it makes for a better game. A better game only benefits our players.
Saturday, July 13, 2013
NO, THIS IS NOT A LYNN SCHOOL
Axtually it is my OLD SCHOOL, NORTHVIEW JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL which is now an elementary school.
LYNN SCHOOL COMMITTEE CANDIDATE WOTRING COPS PLEA DEAL TO AVOID IMPENDING ARREST
In order to avoid a conviction on the charge of impersonation of a politician, WOTRING agreed to plead down to a fashion faux pas misdemeanor for refusing to wear his SUNDAY GO-TO-MEETIN clothes to those high fuluting debates.
"Them there monkey suits are not who I be, " Wotring was overheard to whusper in his gutteral Appalachian ghetto dialect.
Stay tuned for further fashion updates. I mean face it, what's more important?
LOOKIN or LEARNIN
"Them there monkey suits are not who I be, " Wotring was overheard to whusper in his gutteral Appalachian ghetto dialect.
Stay tuned for further fashion updates. I mean face it, what's more important?
LOOKIN or LEARNIN
Thursday, July 11, 2013
COUNCIL CANDIDATES BOND AT DEBATE
Lynn councilor at large candidates talk economic development
I am glad to see the Councilor-At -Large candidates take such an interest in our schools. About time!
HOWEVER.....,
it kinda seemed like the concentration was heavily focused on passage of the upcoming BOND for the buuilding of MARSHALL (don't forget the WOTRING WING) and the dire consequences if it fails.
FOLKS, I'm here to tell you even if it passes if we follow the MSBA timeline, we still have aa glooy forecast. We have TOO MANY old schools to just plod along along that path. Not too mention all those old buildings come with a cornucopia of enviromental problems that make disposal problematic.
What we need is another answer but we will NEVER find it unless we face the problem objectively.
I am glad to see the Councilor-At -Large candidates take such an interest in our schools. About time!
HOWEVER.....,
it kinda seemed like the concentration was heavily focused on passage of the upcoming BOND for the buuilding of MARSHALL (don't forget the WOTRING WING) and the dire consequences if it fails.
FOLKS, I'm here to tell you even if it passes if we follow the MSBA timeline, we still have aa glooy forecast. We have TOO MANY old schools to just plod along along that path. Not too mention all those old buildings come with a cornucopia of enviromental problems that make disposal problematic.
What we need is another answer but we will NEVER find it unless we face the problem objectively.
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
DOLLAR DAZE III - YOU DON'T ALWAYS NEED A STINKIN DEGREE
Doesn't this make you wonder about career choices? The SECRETARY of the SCHOOL COMMITTEE makes more than their attorney. Makes you wonder about whats more important EDUCATION or the GOOD OL'BOY NETWORK (I hear tell college ain't all that important to the Chairperson of the LSC. Look at the CITY CFO SHOWDOWN).
So the LSC SECRETARY akes $97,800 while the attorney makes $88,800. This secretary doesn't take dictation, make coffee, and the visual of his wearing a skirt, well I want to gouge my own eyes out.
NO THANK YOU, I DON'T NEED HELP!
Granted therre is oney for legal services elsewhere like the line on the SUPER'S page for $70,000 or the $70,000 line on the SPED page.
Whoa! All of these blurry lines are making me dizzy, I gots to lay me down for a spell,
So the LSC SECRETARY akes $97,800 while the attorney makes $88,800. This secretary doesn't take dictation, make coffee, and the visual of his wearing a skirt, well I want to gouge my own eyes out.
NO THANK YOU, I DON'T NEED HELP!
Granted therre is oney for legal services elsewhere like the line on the SUPER'S page for $70,000 or the $70,000 line on the SPED page.
Whoa! All of these blurry lines are making me dizzy, I gots to lay me down for a spell,
GLANCING AT GALLO
Being a candidate myself, there is one school of thought that you never give your opponents extra attention. You should always keep the focus on YOU.
WELL.....
I never liked school that much......and after all this IS what I do. You know ....
POINT OUT PERSPECTIVE with a little poetic twist......
SO HERE GOES.....
First off, he does have an impressive resume and it looks like he is pretty well connected. Looking at his childhood he definitely has experiance going to a PRIVATE school. Maybe I missed that piece of his IMPRESSIVE resume. But if it doesn't bother you that he has NO experiance having kids in ANY school susyem or having kids, so be it. As for his marital history or lack of it, don't expect me to touch that one. I figure if I keep quiet maybe mine won't come up. Two of the four live out of state so they can't vote against me. One of those though is always LIKING my political postings, There never has been any ALIMONY involved so there has not been a payoff.
Well I forgot to tell you that I was the FIRST chairman of the LYNN DISABILITY COMMISSION. I have since resigned to pursue other trouble making ventures. While I only graduate from undergraduate school, U did go into a !! day COMA so I would in the future better understand the needs of the disabled population. (not really but after his distinguished list of accomplishments I had to say something,)
LET'S LOOK AT THE ANSWERS.......
1). Great history of his history. He should be proud. Like CHUCK. I toowas the first of my family to go to college, Even though both of my parents only got their GED's. my brother and I BOTH graduated from WEST VIRGINIA WESLEYAN COLLEGE, a distinguished private school. Many of our fellow students were from NEW ENGLAND. The great thing about it was you could have lunch with your professors. I don't believe classsize ever hit thirty and usually often than twenty.
It is TRUE ol'Chuck has done some things, some verygood things. Then there are some things that well I believe he is jusy piling on from the perimeter. ATTORNEY GALLO has definitely talen the lead on pursueing money, GRANT money. Well am notn just talking about the RE-ELECTION fundraiser he held right after his first election.
With his guidance and counsel a FULL-TIME GRANTS writer was hired by LPS but I have yet to hear of her efforts or results or even lack there of. Unless she wants to take credit for all that HARDSCRABBLE money I think the principals got.
One of his initiative that came along after that was the PUBLIC PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP PERSON. Ms. Jackson has outlined her strategies to the LSC and I believe a brochure has been produced.
We have seen results of private generosity to LPS.
Funny on the SAME night MS. JACKSON was introduced, I had asked LSC member DONNA COPPOLA to place BILL TERLECKY from the NORTH SHORE NAVIGATORS on the agenda and he offered several deals to LPS, one of which with the help of DR. LATHAM and MIKE GEARY was a special game during school time which every fifth grader in the district got to attend. No body fot PAID a penny for this partnership.
IT WAS ALL GRAVY!
2). It is clear to me CHUCK has partaken of the statistical swizzle the have been serving as KOOL-AID. You got to forgive him though doublespeak is an occupational hazard all lawyers face.
Supporting the importance of Early Childhood Education is a good thing/ He has an advantage there of not being as far removed from ACTUALLY attending Kindergarten as any other candidate. My question has been the wisdom of his decisions putting it into practice. Time will tell and fortunately for me the busing boondoggle with the new K-CENTER will come around election time.
We got to hear of his push for the PRIVATE PUBLIC PARTNERSHIP piece again, in case you missed it.
3). Boy he lists the duties pretty good. One thing to remember about the budget though, it gets presented to him as a LSC member. Members may do a little tweaking before they approve it but that is it. Most of the credit or blame for hirings or firings; or opening or closings fall on the SUPERINTENDENT. I just hate it when someone blows up their own spot, unless it's me of course.
Now CHUCK is very media savvay and he does personally visit and attend many events. I know I see him there.
4). GOOGLE me & then GOOGLE CHUCK. Where you gonna learn the most.
RAMS AND GATORS, OH MY....
I go to all the NAVIGATOR home games. I admit that I have a little biased perception. CHOMPS is not the only home grown product of LYNN PUBLIC SCHOOLS. CLASSICAL'S own former star KYLE DEVIN is not only, in my HUMBLE opinion, one of the best hitters on the team.....
BUT.....
oe of the best hitters in the entire league. I do't make up the line-up card but I recommed everyoe come out and get a little LYNN PRIDE.
PLUS.....
thet are givig away books on Thursday night from CENTERBOARD....
AND.....
on Friday there are fireworks......
AND......
Saturday there is the special scriminage with the DOMINICAN team.
Ah yeah, did I mention CHOMPS dances?
BUT.....
oe of the best hitters in the entire league. I do't make up the line-up card but I recommed everyoe come out and get a little LYNN PRIDE.
PLUS.....
thet are givig away books on Thursday night from CENTERBOARD....
AND.....
on Friday there are fireworks......
AND......
Saturday there is the special scriminage with the DOMINICAN team.
Ah yeah, did I mention CHOMPS dances?
Tuesday, July 9, 2013
NOT YOUR MAMA'S
Honestly though it is kind of true. Back in the day they didn't go on fun field trips every week. No all I remember is people sitting around and watching each other sweat. But when I look back though I do have to ask myself, "Hey it was WV, where you gonna go?". Our field trips were a little more literal, you know out to FARMER BROWN'S pasture to see if his cows did have one leg shorter than the other for grazing on the hills. It's not really a myth.
I mean I'm from WV and do you see how I walk?
Monday, July 8, 2013
CLEO KEEPS IT SERIOUS
Since I responded to her questions first, I got to be first! Please read, share, and remember.
http://uneducacion.blogspot.com/2013/07/lsc-2013-q-stanley-wotring.html
http://uneducacion.blogspot.com/2013/07/lsc-2013-q-stanley-wotring.html
Saturday, July 6, 2013
DOLLAR DAZE III - LPS TO PRINT OWN CURRENCY?
Okay, probably not but that's one explanation for the 50% increase in the line item for student handbook printing. That's the problem when you don't communicate well. People make up their own reason so the truth becomes personal, individual even.
Last year $20K was budgeted for the printing of the handbooks, this year $30K is on the line on the DEPUTY SUPER'S page. Does antbody else wonder why this particular line is there? Do you want me make up a reason or do you want to make up one of your own?
Last year $20K was budgeted for the printing of the handbooks, this year $30K is on the line on the DEPUTY SUPER'S page. Does antbody else wonder why this particular line is there? Do you want me make up a reason or do you want to make up one of your own?
Friday, July 5, 2013
LIL'LORI LEARNS HOW THE CROW FLIES
Look at the commotion LIL'LORI is causing now!
I put a public request in with the city clerk asking for a copy of all the public notices for all the school council meetings that all the schools sent her for school year 2012-2013. Now I know from my public records request I sent to Dr Latham that 16 of the schools don't have meetings because they could not produce any minutes from any meeting. So you can understand my surprise when I received a letter from Janet Rowe stating I would have to pay $30 something dollars for the 1 hour of research it took and the 97 copies they have for my request. There is no way they have 97 copies of public notices for the school council meetings when 16 of our schools are not even having meetings. I have no idea what these 97 copies actually consist of. Perhaps she misunderstood what I was requesting??
I don't know my history all that well and gosh darn I'm not as smart as all them there learnted fellas but isn't that kind of like how they tried to DISCRIMINATE certain people from participating in government by trying to put up monetary barriers?
I am sure if the meetings were posted as required by law. they are on a hard drive somewhere and could be pulled up in a matter of minutes and programed to print automaticaally. The $30 cost is probably just the price needed to overcome discouragement.
I put a public request in with the city clerk asking for a copy of all the public notices for all the school council meetings that all the schools sent her for school year 2012-2013. Now I know from my public records request I sent to Dr Latham that 16 of the schools don't have meetings because they could not produce any minutes from any meeting. So you can understand my surprise when I received a letter from Janet Rowe stating I would have to pay $30 something dollars for the 1 hour of research it took and the 97 copies they have for my request. There is no way they have 97 copies of public notices for the school council meetings when 16 of our schools are not even having meetings. I have no idea what these 97 copies actually consist of. Perhaps she misunderstood what I was requesting??
I don't know my history all that well and gosh darn I'm not as smart as all them there learnted fellas but isn't that kind of like how they tried to DISCRIMINATE certain people from participating in government by trying to put up monetary barriers?
I am sure if the meetings were posted as required by law. they are on a hard drive somewhere and could be pulled up in a matter of minutes and programed to print automaticaally. The $30 cost is probably just the price needed to overcome discouragement.
Thursday, July 4, 2013
DOLLAR DAZE III - LOOSE CHANGE
The SUPERINTENDENT'S budget total is almost double from last year, from $512,0000 to $968,000. Why is that? From what I can gather it's mostly due to the fact that all of a sudden they decided to put a line item for 7 teachers TBD.
From what I hear tell these here positions were to help out on overcrowding. Why are they suddenly here this year cause I bet the TBD teachers were someplace else last year. Why you ask is that significant? Well let me remind you that they BUDGET for teachers who receyve the top pay scale but what they actually get is usually LESS, significantly less.
MAKES YOU WONDER WHERE THE DIFFERENCE GOES, DOESN'T IT?
From what I hear tell these here positions were to help out on overcrowding. Why are they suddenly here this year cause I bet the TBD teachers were someplace else last year. Why you ask is that significant? Well let me remind you that they BUDGET for teachers who receyve the top pay scale but what they actually get is usually LESS, significantly less.
MAKES YOU WONDER WHERE THE DIFFERENCE GOES, DOESN'T IT?
HOW'S THAT SCHOOL WORKIN FOR YOU?
Promises have been made. Money has been spent but details have not been shared. A while back at a school committee meeting DR. LATHAM promised to try and put in place the services or programs in our LEVEL 3 schools that have been so publically successful in our LEVEL 4 schools, CONNERY and HARRINGTON. That's nice.
SCHOOL WORKS, a private firm out of BEVERLY who the STATE contracted to do an assessment of our LEVEL 4 schools was hired by LPS to do the same for our LEVEL 3 schools. This time we paid the bill and it must have been pretty substantial because we have a good number of our schools that fit that criteria. They spent a couple of days at each school and since FORD is one of them and I am on the SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT COUNCIL, I even got to meet with a couple of them. Of course, I had business cards to share.
After they were done at each school there was this big meeting with the principals where results were given to THEM, not to me or any other person on the council (unless somebody is holding out on me). Okay, I can be an ornery fella. Maybe I don't deserve a personal call with specific details but the citizens of LYNN at least deserve a vague outline full of generalities. So far all we got is silence.
SCHOOL WORKS, a private firm out of BEVERLY who the STATE contracted to do an assessment of our LEVEL 4 schools was hired by LPS to do the same for our LEVEL 3 schools. This time we paid the bill and it must have been pretty substantial because we have a good number of our schools that fit that criteria. They spent a couple of days at each school and since FORD is one of them and I am on the SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT COUNCIL, I even got to meet with a couple of them. Of course, I had business cards to share.
After they were done at each school there was this big meeting with the principals where results were given to THEM, not to me or any other person on the council (unless somebody is holding out on me). Okay, I can be an ornery fella. Maybe I don't deserve a personal call with specific details but the citizens of LYNN at least deserve a vague outline full of generalities. So far all we got is silence.
Tuesday, July 2, 2013
WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT ON A THIRD DATE?
Well then let's just wait a cotton pickin minute. There was this KENNEDY-PHELAN back and forth thing and KENNEDY wanted to move the vote to SEPT. 17th on PRIMARY day so it wouldn't cost us anything extra to have this special election. If I am not mistaken a vote was taken and an election date set. Somebody check the minutes.
Now lookey here:
.
In October the Massachusetts School Building Authority will formally vote to reimburse us 80 percent of the project cost. It is then incumbent upon us to put the project before the voters for final approval.
It don't look like we'll be seeing you in September from the sound of that statement from OUR MOST HONORABLE MAYOR plans to have a proposal to put before the voter until all the leaves have fallen .
IS THIS NEW GAME "RUN FROM YOUR LEADER"?
It has been asked, "What's up with the mass exodus of teachers from certain schools?" Haven't you been reading the papers? We must be in a rebuilding phase. Hey if it;s good enough for the CELTICS, it is good enough for LPS.
Although I will admit the CELTICS did get something in return for their veterans even if it was a former KARDASHIAN. LPS on the other hand will be holding ROOKIE CAMP all year long.
Although I will admit the CELTICS did get something in return for their veterans even if it was a former KARDASHIAN. LPS on the other hand will be holding ROOKIE CAMP all year long.
Monday, July 1, 2013
A GOOD QUESTION!
I was observing an observation that is plainly obvious. Plainly, yet painfully.
Reading on another site a letter from a parent - I am shocked that classes have over 30 children at the elementary level - why are teachers cut when no one from City Hall is cut? (according to State of City, it was bragged about no lay offs again his year). More than 20 children are considered too many in many schools :
As a mother of a first grader at Callahan school I'm writing about cutting a teacher from the second grade and the 4th grade at the Callahan school this is the time that I kids need the small classroom size it is the foundation for children to fall in love with learning. my daughter will be going into second grade next year and had been bullied all year and still she loves school but putting her into a classroom of 30 plus children being over crowded she will not get the attention that each child deserves.
Reading on another site a letter from a parent - I am shocked that classes have over 30 children at the elementary level - why are teachers cut when no one from City Hall is cut? (according to State of City, it was bragged about no lay offs again his year). More than 20 children are considered too many in many schools :
As a mother of a first grader at Callahan school I'm writing about cutting a teacher from the second grade and the 4th grade at the Callahan school this is the time that I kids need the small classroom size it is the foundation for children to fall in love with learning. my daughter will be going into second grade next year and had been bullied all year and still she loves school but putting her into a classroom of 30 plus children being over crowded she will not get the attention that each child deserves.
DOLLAR DAZE III - MAD ABOUT MAD MONEY
I was just looking over some of the pages of next years budget and I got to wondering. I was a noticing that the budgeted principal's salary at COBBETT is about $6000 less than the line item at CALLAHAN. So..... I gots me a thunkin
Since the COBBETT princiPAL is heading over to CALLAHAN.....What's a gonna be his wages and where are those $6000 greenbacks headed to, huh?
Since the COBBETT princiPAL is heading over to CALLAHAN.....What's a gonna be his wages and where are those $6000 greenbacks headed to, huh?
FORD FIX-UP FINALLY
Well the cover-up begins again. Really it does and honestly it is the latest best wau to deal with the ASBESTOES problem. (This may be a FAMILY blog but I still got to use the "A-word").
Two floors are about to have NEW tiles put over old cracked ones sealing the potential exposure .problems away/ Like they say out of sight out of mind, well not my mind. Cause we have LOTS of old schools and probably lots of potential problems. We have to admit them to face them.
As I have said before if they use the same tile they used in the pilot project it will TRANSFORM the school. It will look like someone put a NEW school in the old shell. Of course there are all the doors that need to be replaced.
Two floors are about to have NEW tiles put over old cracked ones sealing the potential exposure .problems away/ Like they say out of sight out of mind, well not my mind. Cause we have LOTS of old schools and probably lots of potential problems. We have to admit them to face them.
As I have said before if they use the same tile they used in the pilot project it will TRANSFORM the school. It will look like someone put a NEW school in the old shell. Of course there are all the doors that need to be replaced.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)