2011-2012 School Budget

We know it will be another tough year for the budget. The only chance that it won't be a repeat of last year's nightmare is if the formula for cost sharing gets changed and money pours into Norwalk for education. So we have two scenarios: (1) large budget cuts or (2) money for additional expenditures. To be prepared for either possibility, what would you
suggest that the superintendent (1) eliminates or (2) adds. If there is good reason why a position, a program or whatever can not be eliminated, please let us know in a civil manner.

What's Important to you?

What is important to you regarding education these days? Several choices come to mind, but feel free to add your choice and tell us why your topic is on your mind.... There's the education cost sharing formula that has made recent news, closing the gap, professional development for teachers, a more rigorous evaluation of principals, the next budget talks, the superintendent's progress, homework policies, special education, use of computers in the classroom......Tell us what is on your mind these days.

Happy Thanksgiving to all!

While wishing all of you a Happy Thanksgiving, I especially want to give thanks to all the elected officials of Norwalk. A special thank you to every Board of Education member, even though we sometimes think you all ought to be perfect. We really do appreciate your commitment to the children of Norwalk. Another huge thank you to all the teachers, principals and central office staff for their tireless efforts to help our students. You are our heroes. One last thank you is for a local hero who died this year, Richard Fuller Sr. He will be missed by so many. Anyone else want to join me, add your thanks or comments? Please do. As always, if you sign in as anonymous, you remain anonymous even to me.

Mistaken about Core Curriculum

There seems to be an error about the understanding of what has been called 'core curriculum' by a new Board member. There was a core curriculum in the 1990's, but now we talk about the common core standards.The curriculum is developed around these standards. It's time to change the way people understand the changes and to update their vocabulary. We don't want to appear that we don't know current standards when the State Dept. comes calling......Just trying to get us all on the same page.....

Clarification, please

I just want to know if this is true. Someone, whose name will remain anonymous, told me that a certain BoE member would not be able to work even as a volunteer in the NPS system because HR would do fingerprints and that person would be told no way. Is this true? This is not an attempt to ruin a person's reputation, just want to know the facts. Any lawyers know the truth?

New Board of Ed Chair?

No, it's not going to be Steve. That would make too much sense. The Republicans are rumored to want to put one of their own in. It is heavily rumored to be Jack.

New Chairperson....Who?

Suggestion for a new topic...

Who will be the new chairperson? Who gets your vote and why?

Who knows?

These are questions that need answering if we are to really hold this superintendent accountable. Perhaps the questions have favorable answers, perhaps not. Let's put them to the test.
(1) A major expectation when searching for a superintendent was for the chosen candidate to fairly evaluate principals and to 'eliminate' those principals who were not effective. What evidence exists that this is being done?
(2) This superintendent was expected to hold central office accountable for their schedules in the schools, for their work with staff and for their budgets. Has this happened?
(3) Another expectation for this superintendent was for her to work closely with all parties involved in the education of the students. Has she?
Yes, we have discussed the superintendent and her actions before, but now let's grade her in specific areas. Please feel free to add any areas I have overlooked.

Not much but the rumors

Not much but the rumors to report on....Here's the only one worthy of questioning, in my opinion. It was hugely rumored that the superintendent was asked to stay in Norwalk until after the elections, then she could leave. Now the rumors are that she has been asked to stay until January. So is she staying or leaving? Anyone hear what's going on?

Results Mostly In

Congratulations are in order for Jack, Rosa and Michael Lyons. How do you feel this will affect the future of our students? The superintendent? What about the turnout of voters? Does anyone care anymore?

Mudslinging in Norwalk's Campaigns

'With Election Day approaching, the delivery revealed a withdrawn foreclosure case and breach of peace charge against the District E candidate. It also marked the start of mudslinging in the Board of Education race, which continued Thursday when Democrats published a Facebook post by incumbent Chairman Jack Chiaramonte that many find sexist.' - quoted from the Norwalk Hour
Are we just imperfect humans or should this information influence our vote? What do you think?

And Back to the Debates....

Looking forward to the usual great discussions....

Topic of the Day

'Michael Barbis, a Sixth District commissioner in Rowayton and a Democratic candidate for the Board of Education, was charged last November with breach of peace, then entered a domestic violence program; one of his properties faces foreclosure.'-quoted from the Norwalk Patch

Back to School on Tuesday

Susan Marks did not cancel school on Tuesday as did most of Norwalk's neighbors. Many of the teachers commute to Norwalk from towns without electricity. What's the 'right' action to take...school or no school? What do you think?