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Monday, December 14, 2015
TAKING OVER THE BROADCAST AIRWAVES - LYNNCAM LUNACY
SEEING WHAT YOU SAY
One thing I noticed at last Thursday's LSC meeting was that the MAYOR recused herself from voting on adding the Open-Mic portion of the meeting to the LCTV broadcast of the LSC meetings because she is signing contracts serving as the fiscal agent or whatever to the NEW corporation that is currently in litigation over the takeover of LynnCAM.
Funny she was concerned about conflict of interest and the appearance of impropriety on this matterr yet I don't remember any such similar concern when the vote to allow LCTV to take up residence in a small room at the LYNN TECH ANNEX on Commercial Street. Not really a big deal, it's just the lack of consistency does make one wonder about the sincerity over the MAYOR'S dealings here.
As I'm sure you know the old LynnCAM people have been bending my ear with their side of the story. I am somewhat empathetic with their position because I just don;t like the coziness of city government with this new broadcast corporation. That being said I am somewhat less confident about their legal condition. On more than one occasion I have heard predictions of other shoes dropping providing a change to the game. Here's where my confidence weakens. You see given my vast but narrowly focused experience with the courts, I really don't look for a big gotcha document existing that the other side doesn't know about. At least if there is, in order for it to be used the other side has to be made aware of it beforehand. There is a little thing called DISCOVERY and RULES OF EVIDENCE.
I am not saying there definitely isn't something out there but out is where it will stay if it is not properly introduced. That is how people get away with doing wrong while looking right.
Before the last LSC meeting I got to speak with SEAN DONAHUE of the new LCTV. Since TRIPPY is in TV MEDIA at TECH I was concerned about the internships and CO-OP'S being continued at LCTV. He assured me that LCTV has plans of not only continuing them but developing other programs where they could work with LPS. Good, let's see. You know,
ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS!
Funny she was concerned about conflict of interest and the appearance of impropriety on this matterr yet I don't remember any such similar concern when the vote to allow LCTV to take up residence in a small room at the LYNN TECH ANNEX on Commercial Street. Not really a big deal, it's just the lack of consistency does make one wonder about the sincerity over the MAYOR'S dealings here.
As I'm sure you know the old LynnCAM people have been bending my ear with their side of the story. I am somewhat empathetic with their position because I just don;t like the coziness of city government with this new broadcast corporation. That being said I am somewhat less confident about their legal condition. On more than one occasion I have heard predictions of other shoes dropping providing a change to the game. Here's where my confidence weakens. You see given my vast but narrowly focused experience with the courts, I really don't look for a big gotcha document existing that the other side doesn't know about. At least if there is, in order for it to be used the other side has to be made aware of it beforehand. There is a little thing called DISCOVERY and RULES OF EVIDENCE.
I am not saying there definitely isn't something out there but out is where it will stay if it is not properly introduced. That is how people get away with doing wrong while looking right.
Before the last LSC meeting I got to speak with SEAN DONAHUE of the new LCTV. Since TRIPPY is in TV MEDIA at TECH I was concerned about the internships and CO-OP'S being continued at LCTV. He assured me that LCTV has plans of not only continuing them but developing other programs where they could work with LPS. Good, let's see. You know,
ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS!
Friday, December 11, 2015
NEW ITEM NOWHERE?
Where was the ITEM last night reporting on last night's LSC meeting and why aren't they saying anything about the salary shakedown? Heck with the taxpayers. let's not upset the advertisers!
SCHOOLING SANTA
 Or copy and paste this URL in your browser: http://www.jibjab.com/view/ZST0oA8rgNJTi5MLFzcK |
LORI IS UPSET!
Lori D'Amico I am pretty sure Kevin started at LPS in 2008. From this 2011 article, which appears to be the first raise he received, it looks like his salary was at $113,000 and jumped to around $121,000 and he has continued to receive raises since then. If he now just got a raise that increased his salary to $145,000, this means he has received over $30,000 in raises since he began his job with LPS. He has received more in raises than many, perhaps all, the para's make for a salary. Dr. Latham has also received huge raises since she began as superintendent. In fact, her raises may total more than Kevin's. How much of raise have our teacher's seen in the past 7 years? I bet their so called raises do not even total Kevin's car allowance! Disgusting!!http://www.itemlive.com/.../article_a4b76774-9a70-5995...
WHAT'S OUT OF YOUR WALLET AND UNDER HIS TREE?
I couldn't believe my ears last night but I am sure JUDY wouldn't lie to me. I thought the school administration building down on Bennett street was a gun-free zone but surely KEVIN MCHUGH, the BUSINESS MANAGER held a gun to the metaphorical heads of the MAYOR, CHARLIE GALLO, PATTI CAPANO, and JOHN FORD who voted to give him a new contract before the old one was up with an increase from $121,000 a year to $145,000 annually.
He applied for and was offered a similar position for the LOWELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS at that amount so LPS matched it so he would stay. Funny no one seemed to listen to him on the Net school spending numbers.
YOU KNOW I BELIEVE THIS ITEM WAS ON THE AGENDA LAST MONTH BUT WAS NEVER GOTTEN TO SO IT WAS HELD OVER.
That begs the question who holds open s job offer that long waiting for an answer. Was there bluffing involved?
Well played KEVIN, well played. CHRISTMAS came early for you.
SORRY TEACHERS, SORRY STUDENTS!
He applied for and was offered a similar position for the LOWELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS at that amount so LPS matched it so he would stay. Funny no one seemed to listen to him on the Net school spending numbers.
YOU KNOW I BELIEVE THIS ITEM WAS ON THE AGENDA LAST MONTH BUT WAS NEVER GOTTEN TO SO IT WAS HELD OVER.
That begs the question who holds open s job offer that long waiting for an answer. Was there bluffing involved?
Well played KEVIN, well played. CHRISTMAS came early for you.
SORRY TEACHERS, SORRY STUDENTS!
HOW WE EDUCATE IS ABOUT TO CHANGE - OLD FORD SCHOOL WAS AHEAD OF THE CURVE
| ESEA Reauthorization a Game Changing Moment for Community Schools | |
| The new Every Student Succeeds Act that replaces No Child Left Behind contains key provisions that advance the vision of community schools. The bill’s passage is a pivotal moment for the community schools movement. It empowers State and district leaders to rethink strategies to support all students to succeed and to see their communities as vital partners in that effort. We extend a special thank you and congratulations to our partners who helped us achieve these wins and advocate for a broader approach to student success. The following provisions in the bill in particular will bolster the community schools vision: | |
| |
| Together, these provisions support a comprehensive strategy to address the multiple factors in young people’s lives. The three buckets of the community school strategy-expanded learning, health and social supports, and family and community engagement- can now be woven together more readily in ways that were not possible under No Child Left Behind. We look forward to working with you at the national, state and local levels to ensure that the implementation of this new and promising federal policy translates into the vision of schools as centers of flourishing communities where everyone belongs, works together, and thrives. Our Coalition partners also express support: Dan Domenech, Executive Director of AASA, the School Superintendents Association:“AASA is proud to support the Every Student Succeeds Act. One of the biggest drivers of our support is the return of state and local control, allowing local education leaders to exercise their expertise in implementing education programs. In a broad ESSA that offers comprehensive reauthorization, we are proud to continue to support the Community Schools model and commend Congress for including the program in the reauthorization. The Full Service Community Schools program encompasses more than just academics—it ensures success beyond the inside of school buildings. Only when children have support for all their needs will schools have a real chance of helping every student master required education concepts and skills.” Stacey D. Stewart, U.S. President of United Way Worldwide: “United Way Worldwide applauds the inclusion of the Full-Service Community Schools program in the Every Student Succeeds Act. We are glad that Congress recognizes both the important role community organizations play in meeting the comprehensive needs of students, and the efficacy of full-service community schools model. We look forward to our continued partnerships with full-service community schools across the country as we work to ensure the success of every student!” Randi Weingarten, President of the American Federation of Teachers: “We’re thrilled that through Rep. Hoyer’s leadership, the ESSA bill includes the Full-Service Community Schools program. This is a big win for students, families and educators because the wraparound services that are part and parcel of community schools help level the playing field for disadvantaged students and their families. In addition to providing a strong academic program, community schools provide social, emotional and health services needed to educate the whole child and mitigate the impact of poverty. This is particularly important today since more than half of all public school students are poor.” Jeffrey Levi, PhD, Executive Director of Trust for America’s Health: “It’s great to see the Full-Service Community Schools legislation included in ESEA reauthorization. The legislation will expand the number of full-service community schools, which perform the vital service of connecting students and their families to community organizations that offer primary, dental and mental healthcare, literacy help and career counseling, among other services. This will result in healthier students—who do better in school— and happier and more productive families.” Bruce Lesley, President of First Focus Campaign for Children: “Providing educational spaces where children’s academic, health, and mentoring needs are met benefits the students, their families, and the schools. By including the FSCS in the ESEA reauthorization, we move closer to eliminating a blind-spot in federal policy, recognizing that what happens outside the classroom affects what happens inside the classroom.” |
Thursday, December 10, 2015
EXTORTION IS THE NEW WAY BUSINESS GETS DONE AT LPS
Details to tollow in morning but the LSC just voted to give the School Business Manager a raise to $145000 a year for the next 3 years. This was a shakedown!
Tuesday, December 8, 2015
COUNTING ON KIPP
Last night since LPS started CHARGING to use empty classrooms, the HIGHLANDS COALITION moved our meeting to KIPP for the first time ever. That's cause the cost was FREE!
It was EXTRA ironic because of the public hearing being held today for the purpose of establishing yet another CHARTER SCHOOL in LYNN. I am sure LPS will object but it is looking more and more like they care more for the money than the kids and the community they live in.
TAX TWIST
I tried to warn you!
Lori D'Amico to Lynn School Watch
Remember this? http://www.itemlive.com/…/article_091fc706-fa53-11e2-a9de-0… Perhaps taxpayers did not see an immediate increase, but they are seeing one now. Today's headline is this: http://www.itemlive.com/…/article_71b1f0b4-9d67-11e5-8818-4…
Now maybe the hike is due to increasing values, but anyone who
thought their taxes would not increase as the city took on something
like $41 million in new debt to build the new Marshall, was dreaming!
The
revelation last week that the planned new Marshall Middle School at the
corner of Empire and Brookline streets in Lynn will require expensive…
itemlive.com
GOLDEN BOY GOES GA-GA!
Monday, December 7, 2015
HARD TO SAY GOODBYE!
 Or copy and paste this URL in your browser: http://www.jibjab.com/view/WfjMsTl1j6K4Tvd84jl3 |
HOPING WE STOP LOOKING
|
9:46 AM (0 minutes ago)
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Dear Lynn School Committee,
Hi Mr. Wotring,
We continue to work with the district to try to get this issue resolved.
Jackie
Jacqueline Reis
Media Relations Coordinator
Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
Office: (781) 338-3115
Mobile: (781) 605-44
Please explain to me the status and history of these negotiations. The fact that this issue
has not yet been resolved leads me to assume that the offer the Mayor put forth was not
either accepted or a decision to ignore thus forgiving it was delayed until such time such a
decision was more politically palatable.
Given the draconian scenarios outlined by the Mayor I think the citizens of Lynn deserve a
forthright answer. Since there were some obvious back and forth negotiations unless I get
a prompt answer it looks like I may need to file a Freedom of Information request forcing the
disclosure of the e mails detailing such negotiations.
Hopefully an update will be provided thereby negating the necessity of such actions.
Stan
AFTER WATCHING THIS YOU'LL WANT A SWIG OF SOME HOLIDAY SPIRITS!
 Or copy and paste this URL in your browser: http://www.jibjab.com/view/TFkD6eEkPtHIH83k8ZZm |
Wednesday, December 2, 2015
JUST GIVE IT TO ME STRAIGHT PLEASE
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: "Stanley Wotring" <lynn.school.watch@gmail.com>
Date: Dec 2, 2015 6:41 PM
Subject: Re: FW: NSS DEFECIT
To: "Reis, Jacqueline" <jreis@doe.mass.edu>
Cc:
From: "Stanley Wotring" <lynn.school.watch@gmail.com>
Date: Dec 2, 2015 6:41 PM
Subject: Re: FW: NSS DEFECIT
To: "Reis, Jacqueline" <jreis@doe.mass.edu>
Cc:
Dear Ms. Reis,
First let me say I appreciate your prompt response. Since I get so few, yours was especially welcome. What confuses me is the delay in making a decision.
If Mayor Kennedy truly offered to repay the debt in four equal installments as she publicly stated and I believe city CFO Caron confirmed, then what is the holdup?
How long must the educational futures of the young people of Lynn be held in limbo? Are we to expect the other cities in the Commonwealth to continue to subsidize our public school system.
Granted these are difficult financial times but we must face up to our problems if we hope to solve them. All that I ask is that someone take a clear, definitive stand.
Sincerely,
Stan
On Dec 2, 2015 5:07 PM, "Reis, Jacqueline" <jreis@doe.mass.edu> wrote:
Hi Mr. Wotring,
We continue to work with the district to try to get this issue resolved.
Jackie
Jacqueline Reis
Media Relations Coordinator
Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
Office: (781) 338-3115
Mobile: (781) 605-4419
From: Stanley Wotring [mailto:lynn.school.watch@gmail.com]
Sent: Monday, November 30, 2015 10:03 AM
To: Finance & Operations; State Budget & Finance; Board of Education (DOE); Legal; Audit and Compliance
Subject: NSS DEFECIT
Dear Sirs,
Good morning, my name is Stan Wotring and I have a locally popular blog, LYNN SCHOOL WATCH. I have been following the NET SCHOOL SPENDING problems in Lynn with a great deal of interest as you might imagine.
After writing all of the school committee members and various other officials I have been unable to get a response as to the status of the city's repayment plan for the $15 million plus owed due to failing to meet its obligations. My understanding is that this plan was submitted just after the end of last fiscal year. It is also my understanding that there was no guarantee of acceptance of the plan without which subjecting the district to potential additional fines.
Now it is also my understanding that someone who did get a response from someone in the DESE that no decision has yet been made on the status of the plan. I fail to understand the delay in making a decision and feel that it is grossly unfair to hold Lynn in limbo.
The longer you delay only subjects Lynn to needless uncertainty about its educational direction. Of course, if the plan is to ignore the problem and not hold the city to its responsibility to the students then you are right on track by being off track. The political climate is not ripe for confrontation.
Either way I would appreciate a response I can share with my readers. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Stan
FINALLY AN ANSWER, WELL NOT EXACTLY
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: "Reis, Jacqueline" <jreis@doe.mass.edu>
Date: Dec 2, 2015 5:07 PM
Subject: FW: NSS DEFECIT
To: "lynn.school.watch@gmail.com" <lynn.school.watch@gmail.com>
Cc:
From: "Reis, Jacqueline" <jreis@doe.mass.edu>
Date: Dec 2, 2015 5:07 PM
Subject: FW: NSS DEFECIT
To: "lynn.school.watch@gmail.com" <lynn.school.watch@gmail.com>
Cc:
Hi Mr. Wotring,
We continue to work with the district to try to get this issue resolved.
Jackie
Jacqueline Reis
Media Relations Coordinator
Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
Office: (781) 338-3115
Mobile: (781) 605-4419
From: Stanley Wotring [mailto:lynn.school.watch@gmail.com]
Sent: Monday, November 30, 2015 10:03 AM
To: Finance & Operations; State Budget & Finance; Board of Education (DOE); Legal; Audit and Compliance
Subject: NSS DEFECIT
Dear Sirs,
Good morning, my name is Stan Wotring and I have a locally popular blog, LYNN SCHOOL WATCH. I have been following the NET SCHOOL SPENDING problems in Lynn with a great deal of interest as you might imagine.
After writing all of the school committee members and various other officials I have been unable to get a response as to the status of the city's repayment plan for the $15 million plus owed due to failing to meet its obligations. My understanding is that this plan was submitted just after the end of last fiscal year. It is also my understanding that there was no guarantee of acceptance of the plan without which subjecting the district to potential additional fines.
Now it is also my understanding that someone who did get a response from someone in the DESE that no decision has yet been made on the status of the plan. I fail to understand the delay in making a decision and feel that it is grossly unfair to hold Lynn in limbo.
The longer you delay only subjects Lynn to needless uncertainty about its educational direction. Of course, if the plan is to ignore the problem and not hold the city to its responsibility to the students then you are right on track by being off track. The political climate is not ripe for confrontation.
Either way I would appreciate a response I can share with my readers. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Stan
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