I was talking to a teacher who brought up an interesting fact that begs for further discussion. Evidently the teacher's union was approached last year to give up one of their personal days in order to prevent lay offs. Unlike the previous two years, the members of the union voted to refuse.
I know 70 notices were sent out but I don't know how many if any were actually laid off. This teacher says no body actually was. I don't know but I have been noticing new jobs being created every time I read the agenda for the school committee meetings. I hear threats of possible teacher layoffs again.
Someone give me an accounting lesson so I can understand how we can afford a new deputy superintendent while our direct line teachers get ultimatums about sacrifice. Must be that new math.
Monday, February 28, 2011
This Could Mean A Career Change If I Had A Career
Boy as my numbers grow I seem to hear more things,, strange crazy things. Maybe that's just the voices in my head talking. After all I have had significant brain damage. That is an indisputable medical fact.Maybe I should quit blogging and spend all of my time writing fictional mystery thrillers.
Some great ideas I've heard revolve around arrests, summons, leaks, cover-ups, and conspiracy theories. This is the stuff of best-sellers. There is definite potential for a movie deal. Any suggestions on who could pay me? Watch your answers, I warn you - My pen is loaded.
Some great ideas I've heard revolve around arrests, summons, leaks, cover-ups, and conspiracy theories. This is the stuff of best-sellers. There is definite potential for a movie deal. Any suggestions on who could pay me? Watch your answers, I warn you - My pen is loaded.
Have You Heard This Before?
Like I have been saying, we need to get ahead of the coming storm. First though we need to secure our own house and stop wasting money at the top and start spending it on people and things that DIRECTLY impact our kids. Follow the law and you won't need to spend so much on lawyers, deputies, and secretaries.
Rise in cases of autism a burden, says NSCC’s Burton
Rise in cases of autism a burden, says NSCC’s Burton
Sunday, February 27, 2011
New State Ethics Policy
The LSC adopted a policy put forth by the State Ethics Commission. The policy limits the gifts that school department personnel to under $50. That doesn't mean that students can't bring an apple to their teacher, it just means you can't bring the whole bushel.
I want to clearly point out that I am not bound by any such regulations. Any attempts to bribe me or sway my opinions will be weighed in accordance with the size of the bribe. I do however reserve the right to write about t
I want to clearly point out that I am not bound by any such regulations. Any attempts to bribe me or sway my opinions will be weighed in accordance with the size of the bribe. I do however reserve the right to write about t
Confidentials, Deputies, and "Coach K", Oh My!, Confidential, Deputies, and "Coach K", Oh My!
You know I was looking over the agenda for the last LSC meeting, the one they post on line, looking for something to write about and I noticed a couple of peculiar things. Maybe I'm reading this stuff all wrong, I'm not that educated. Have I told you I'm from WV.
The first interesting thing I saw thing I saw on the second page was the appointment of a Confidential Secretary to the Department Head in the Superintendent's Office. Is that person assigned directly to the superintendent or a department head? If it is to a department head, which department are we talking about? It seems a little funny making this appointment with he current state of the ongoing lawsuit over the SPED Confidential Secretary. On top of that there was also the request for the creation of a new deputy superintendent's position. Someone call Nate Berkus, there must be a whole lo of redecorating going on. We got to dress things up to make our five failing schools presentable.
Then, on page 5 was the announcement of the appointment of Theodore Karonis as a SPED teacher at Ford. That was "Coach K" remember him? The effective date for the appointment was Sept. 7th. Well he has already been fired. No mention of that. When he was let go, no mention then, either. As he was a "probationary employee", no reason was legally necessary. It seems to me if your goal is simply to have the best education for the students possible you would e falling all over yourself putting that out there.
I don't know. Strange things. Does anybody see a pattern?
The first interesting thing I saw thing I saw on the second page was the appointment of a Confidential Secretary to the Department Head in the Superintendent's Office. Is that person assigned directly to the superintendent or a department head? If it is to a department head, which department are we talking about? It seems a little funny making this appointment with he current state of the ongoing lawsuit over the SPED Confidential Secretary. On top of that there was also the request for the creation of a new deputy superintendent's position. Someone call Nate Berkus, there must be a whole lo of redecorating going on. We got to dress things up to make our five failing schools presentable.
Then, on page 5 was the announcement of the appointment of Theodore Karonis as a SPED teacher at Ford. That was "Coach K" remember him? The effective date for the appointment was Sept. 7th. Well he has already been fired. No mention of that. When he was let go, no mention then, either. As he was a "probationary employee", no reason was legally necessary. It seems to me if your goal is simply to have the best education for the students possible you would e falling all over yourself putting that out there.
I don't know. Strange things. Does anybody see a pattern?
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Is Lynn Public Schools Suffering From Over Exposure?
My posting on Confidential Secretaries has had almost 4 times as many hits as the next one on my "Hit Parade". What does that say about the way Lynn does the business of education?
It seems to me that we have exposed a culture of secrecy, especially in the Special Ed. department where the CS worked. Funny, because in an area where there are probably the most "strings" attached, there seems an abundance of alleged violations. I guess I answered my own question, because if people knew all the secrets there would be still more allegations. Viscous cycle.
In the past, it seems like either hauling them into court or at least issuing a credible threat was the only way to get action. What a waste of resources. The cost is more than the $500 or so legal fees. I also takes us off point, off goal. Instead of education, we think about protection.
Participation is the cheapest, most effective deterrent for prevention of abuse. Parent involvement brings things to light and you know what they say about cockroaches when you turn on the light. It's time for a little solar extermination. With every body's help, "The Watch" shines on.
It seems to me that we have exposed a culture of secrecy, especially in the Special Ed. department where the CS worked. Funny, because in an area where there are probably the most "strings" attached, there seems an abundance of alleged violations. I guess I answered my own question, because if people knew all the secrets there would be still more allegations. Viscous cycle.
In the past, it seems like either hauling them into court or at least issuing a credible threat was the only way to get action. What a waste of resources. The cost is more than the $500 or so legal fees. I also takes us off point, off goal. Instead of education, we think about protection.
Participation is the cheapest, most effective deterrent for prevention of abuse. Parent involvement brings things to light and you know what they say about cockroaches when you turn on the light. It's time for a little solar extermination. With every body's help, "The Watch" shines on.
Friday, February 25, 2011
LYNN'S EDUCATION REVOLUTION
Something big is happening in Lynn's education of our kids. Parents WANT to be involved. As this blog's readership shows, we WANT information. No, we DEMAND it.
The old way of doing business with secret deals and INTIMIDATION is no longer going to work. For years we have heard that parents don't want to be involved, if that was ever truly true, it surely isn't now.
I challenge the so-called leaders of our school department to come to the discussion or risked being silenced by the beat of our marching drum. I am willingly to go to any PTO meeting or gathering of parents to spread the word of the WATCH.
All we want is information so we can make unformed decisions.
The old way of doing business with secret deals and INTIMIDATION is no longer going to work. For years we have heard that parents don't want to be involved, if that was ever truly true, it surely isn't now.
I challenge the so-called leaders of our school department to come to the discussion or risked being silenced by the beat of our marching drum. I am willingly to go to any PTO meeting or gathering of parents to spread the word of the WATCH.
All we want is information so we can make unformed decisions.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Let's Show Up And Be Counted, Whenever It Is
I got a question today, "When is the next LSC meeting?". I had to answer I wasn't sure. I talked this morning with LSC member Donna Coppola and she wasn't even sure. There is always lots of calender shuffling. What was certain was that the law or regs. or whatever states you can't have a committee meeting if there is no school.
What was certain is that the volume of my traffic has been over 200 hits a day for my blog. We need to transform that level of interest into bodies in the seats. A large audience holds them accountable for their actions. Let's not miss this opportunity to show our interest in the welfare of our kids.
There are lots of crucial votes to be taken, plans to be made, and fates to be decided. The law says a meeting has to be posted 48 hours before the actual time of the meeting. With the mix-up with the posting of the last meeting I am not sure of how happy the LSC and the school administration would be to see a crowd of interested parents. There is always lots of talk about lack of public interest but maybe that's what they want.
Show up and call their bluff. I'll let you know as soon as I know. In the meantime, keep helping the Watch to grow.
What was certain is that the volume of my traffic has been over 200 hits a day for my blog. We need to transform that level of interest into bodies in the seats. A large audience holds them accountable for their actions. Let's not miss this opportunity to show our interest in the welfare of our kids.
There are lots of crucial votes to be taken, plans to be made, and fates to be decided. The law says a meeting has to be posted 48 hours before the actual time of the meeting. With the mix-up with the posting of the last meeting I am not sure of how happy the LSC and the school administration would be to see a crowd of interested parents. There is always lots of talk about lack of public interest but maybe that's what they want.
Show up and call their bluff. I'll let you know as soon as I know. In the meantime, keep helping the Watch to grow.
Say What?
What does this story say, I mean really say?
Callahan kids fashion homemade weapons
The Item did a good job of reporting of the occurrence. But the facts seem to say more, much more.
The fact that Starbard was the only LSC member who was asked about the problem was a little disconcerting because it begs other questions like "Was he the only school official aware of the problem?". The answer to that question was answered when he he indicated that the superintendent's office was unaware. It is true that they can't be expected to know every single incident that happens, but on the same token they can not selectively micromanage schools.
On a good note, it also shows the power of the Internet as an effective learning tool. Let's make lemonade.
Callahan kids fashion homemade weapons
The Item did a good job of reporting of the occurrence. But the facts seem to say more, much more.
The fact that Starbard was the only LSC member who was asked about the problem was a little disconcerting because it begs other questions like "Was he the only school official aware of the problem?". The answer to that question was answered when he he indicated that the superintendent's office was unaware. It is true that they can't be expected to know every single incident that happens, but on the same token they can not selectively micromanage schools.
On a good note, it also shows the power of the Internet as an effective learning tool. Let's make lemonade.
Everybody's Talking At Me!
Hey LSC look at my number. People are interested in what's happening with education in Lynn. This blog was started in mid July back when I still had cataracts (the typos in those old postings showed it) and it looks like I'll break the 10,000 hit mark in early march..
We are learning things, we are sharing things, and we are wanting things. We want the best education for our kids and we want to hold those accountable who are charged with and paid for that task. Can you hear us now?
We are learning things, we are sharing things, and we are wanting things. We want the best education for our kids and we want to hold those accountable who are charged with and paid for that task. Can you hear us now?
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Our Own Spring Training
I am so happy my son is involved in an after school activity at Pickering. Once a week he is involved in a "mock trial" club. This activity should spread throughout the Lynn Public School system. They could start their own developmental league. We would be fostering our own talent for future lawyers. "Home Grown", yeah we will be getting a family discount.
Surely someone in the administration has the vision to see how this would benefit us long term. I mean with all the lawsuits coming up over the debacle we call special ed. and the creation of new top level positions while crowding more kids into classrooms while reducing the number of teachers with direct contact with our students.
Maybe we can funnel our future savings in legal fees into a retreat to maintain retention in our top level administrators. There is a precedent where some of our city employees spent time in Vegas. You know what they say, "What happens in Vegas, ....." You complete the rest.
Surely someone in the administration has the vision to see how this would benefit us long term. I mean with all the lawsuits coming up over the debacle we call special ed. and the creation of new top level positions while crowding more kids into classrooms while reducing the number of teachers with direct contact with our students.
Maybe we can funnel our future savings in legal fees into a retreat to maintain retention in our top level administrators. There is a precedent where some of our city employees spent time in Vegas. You know what they say, "What happens in Vegas, ....." You complete the rest.
Monday, February 21, 2011
The Joke Is On Us
During the last LSC meeting Dr. Latham presented Certificates of Academic Excellence to two students from each of the three high schools in Lynn. After reading off a litany of accomplishments from each of the well deserving students, Dr. Latham laughingly remarked that these individuals should be doing her job. These accomplishments included very high GPA's, Latin Awards, and Soccer accomplishments. Heck one girl had to hobble up on crutches from a basketball injury to claim her certificate.
Some of the girls listed their babysitting experience as part of their resume. Dr. Latham laughingly tried to drum up business for the girls. I am sure she was sincere and confident about her ability to persuade people to follow her advice, she was fresh off her victory, convincing the Personnel Sub-committee of her need for a new Deputy Superintendent.
You would think after hearing of all that these students were able to accomplish, she would have been too embarrassed to bring her need for help up to the full committee but she was able to get sympathy from 5 members to help reduce her burden overseeing 5 failing schools. Only LSC members Starbard and Coppola refused invitations to the pity party. I'm just saying....
Some of the girls listed their babysitting experience as part of their resume. Dr. Latham laughingly tried to drum up business for the girls. I am sure she was sincere and confident about her ability to persuade people to follow her advice, she was fresh off her victory, convincing the Personnel Sub-committee of her need for a new Deputy Superintendent.
You would think after hearing of all that these students were able to accomplish, she would have been too embarrassed to bring her need for help up to the full committee but she was able to get sympathy from 5 members to help reduce her burden overseeing 5 failing schools. Only LSC members Starbard and Coppola refused invitations to the pity party. I'm just saying....
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Our Special Ed. Ain't So Special
It has been brought to my attention that the special education department of Lynn Public Schools is in shambles. C'mon tell me something I don't know,
Let's look at the size of it first, well over 2000 kids. If you want the exact number call some bean counters down there. But wait, just where is there? You could call Latham's office but the special ed. dept. is not even in her building.
How can the superintendent manage such a huge satellite office? What results is splinter groups that pursue their own agendas or vendettas, whatever the case may be. This results in costly, unknown lawsuits and astronomically expensive out of district placements. And I hear those placements are not equitably given.
With the numbers for newly diagnosed cases of autism or spectrum disorders exploding, the future looks bleak for the practice of business as usual. We need to make our voices heard and the ballot boxes are listening!
Let's look at the size of it first, well over 2000 kids. If you want the exact number call some bean counters down there. But wait, just where is there? You could call Latham's office but the special ed. dept. is not even in her building.
How can the superintendent manage such a huge satellite office? What results is splinter groups that pursue their own agendas or vendettas, whatever the case may be. This results in costly, unknown lawsuits and astronomically expensive out of district placements. And I hear those placements are not equitably given.
With the numbers for newly diagnosed cases of autism or spectrum disorders exploding, the future looks bleak for the practice of business as usual. We need to make our voices heard and the ballot boxes are listening!
Friday, February 18, 2011
Audit Anyone?
It seems that at least somebody is reading this blog. I, of source was at the LSC meeting where the approval was voted on to post the position. Rick Starbard asked a very poignant question but wasn't given a very clear answer. Part of the argument attempting to justify creating this new position was the increased workload due to the elimination of ten positions from last year's budget. This meant an increased workload. However Starbard pointed out that they had gotten a report on the "Race To The Top" grant by a newly appointed program specialist and wondered just how many other "new" positions had been created. No clear cut answer was given.
Donna Coppola pointed out that this "new position" would almost automatically create still another $50,000 a year position since a new Confidential Secretary would be needed. Lynn Public Schools are already embroiled in a costly lawsuit involving another Confidential Secretary. Who knows how much resolution of that case will cost.
We are spending all of this money and we still have 5 failing schools and I think only 3 schools in the city that made AYP. It is time for an audit of the finances of the Lynn Public Schools so we can know just where we are spending our money and who is spending it.
I personally think anyone who voted for this "new" position should be voted out of office come next election. The only exception I would make is Maria Carrasco who was "bullied" into voting in sub-committee meeting to even allow the full committee to vote. In the past Carrasco stood beside the mayor, myself and a couple others to thwart the superintendents attempt to crush the NASA program at Ford.
Committee member Patricia Capano felt that the new deputy position because of the long hours put in by Dr. Latham. I wonder how many teachers out there put in long hours for a lot less than the $160,000 a year that Dr. Latham makes?
Lynn super under fire for request
Donna Coppola pointed out that this "new position" would almost automatically create still another $50,000 a year position since a new Confidential Secretary would be needed. Lynn Public Schools are already embroiled in a costly lawsuit involving another Confidential Secretary. Who knows how much resolution of that case will cost.
We are spending all of this money and we still have 5 failing schools and I think only 3 schools in the city that made AYP. It is time for an audit of the finances of the Lynn Public Schools so we can know just where we are spending our money and who is spending it.
I personally think anyone who voted for this "new" position should be voted out of office come next election. The only exception I would make is Maria Carrasco who was "bullied" into voting in sub-committee meeting to even allow the full committee to vote. In the past Carrasco stood beside the mayor, myself and a couple others to thwart the superintendents attempt to crush the NASA program at Ford.
Committee member Patricia Capano felt that the new deputy position because of the long hours put in by Dr. Latham. I wonder how many teachers out there put in long hours for a lot less than the $160,000 a year that Dr. Latham makes?
Lynn super under fire for request
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Stand For Our Kids, Stand To Be Counted
The city provides at least half the money for the school budget (I'd give you the exact amount but you know how I am with that math stuff). To me, this means our councilmen are somewhat accountable. Sure the superintendent has a great deal of latitude with the funds but you can't tell me that the holders of the purse strings have no influence.
So what can we do, what should we do. They should be made aware of the things going on with our schools They have some degree of responsibility, some accountability. Call them, write them. Let them now of your opinion on the feasibility of adding a deputy superintendent's position. Is this the best spending of our tax dollars? What is the value of such an investment when our classes are overcrowded and our elementary libraries closed?
Maybe our kids can't vote but we as parents can.
So what can we do, what should we do. They should be made aware of the things going on with our schools They have some degree of responsibility, some accountability. Call them, write them. Let them now of your opinion on the feasibility of adding a deputy superintendent's position. Is this the best spending of our tax dollars? What is the value of such an investment when our classes are overcrowded and our elementary libraries closed?
Maybe our kids can't vote but we as parents can.
What You Can Do
Hey if Twitter can be used so that Oprah's audience can surprise her with a new dance why can't we used the growing social media to keep everyone informed on what's going on with our schools? After all our kids are more important than some club dance, even if it was something from the Black Eyed Peas.
Eat your vegetables and re-post. Follow the Watch.
Eat your vegetables and re-post. Follow the Watch.
Who's To Blame For The State Of Our Schools?
Everybody has their favorite whipping boy. Those blasted unions, teachers don't have to do anything and you can't fire them. Or maybe it's the administration, after all they get these exorbitant salaries, promote their friends making an unnecessary layer of educators who have no direct contact with our kids. Maybe it's the parents, since they waste all that time working putting food on the table.
Why are we wasting time playing the blame game? We need to all work together to find solutions. Our schools are FAILING, we need to spend our time and energy on helping he victims, our children.
Why are we wasting time playing the blame game? We need to all work together to find solutions. Our schools are FAILING, we need to spend our time and energy on helping he victims, our children.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
No Deals, No Way!
Please I would ask that the mayor and the school administration continue their rigid position in regards to any resolution of the lawsuit involving confidential secretaries. I mean I gives me something to write about and my numbers are up. WAY UP.
I'm learning things, hearing things. I've got more stories to write. Think of me. I mean I'm poor, I can't work at my job any more because of my stupid cane. So what dragging your feet is going to cost the taxpayers more money, I mean taxes will still be due.
Only our kids truly suffer and they are young. They will grow out of it.
I'm learning things, hearing things. I've got more stories to write. Think of me. I mean I'm poor, I can't work at my job any more because of my stupid cane. So what dragging your feet is going to cost the taxpayers more money, I mean taxes will still be due.
Only our kids truly suffer and they are young. They will grow out of it.
A Pause From Our Sponsor
Let me take a break from all this craziness to acknowledge a former Ford School graduate and mother who has volunteered her time the past few days and helped me in the library, Angie Tejero. The library has never looked better. Her invaluable help testifies to what a community school is all about. Are you listening, Dr. Latham?
Who Ya Gonna Call?
When was the last time the Item did a story on Lynn Public Schools? Do you remember what it was about? I can't but admittedly I do have brain damage from an injury almost 30 years ago so I am not the sharpest blade in the drawer.
I won't waste your time asking about the Lynn Journal, The point of the matter is that this is a critical time and our education system needs all of the examination and discussion we can provide. Our children's future depends on it. Let's think of ourselves for a minute. Who's going to take care of us when we are old and dependant? Some of us are closer to that point than others.
I won't waste your time asking about the Lynn Journal, The point of the matter is that this is a critical time and our education system needs all of the examination and discussion we can provide. Our children's future depends on it. Let's think of ourselves for a minute. Who's going to take care of us when we are old and dependant? Some of us are closer to that point than others.
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