The Budget

The 2012 budget is upon us. Let us begin the conversation that needs to be out in the open.

Playing Favorites?

There is a lot of talk around town about the superintendent's 'favorites.' These favorites are some of the principals. One could understand favoring principals who show strong leadership in improving test scores and who are sincerely narrowing the achievement gap. But this is not so in Norwalk. These are just 'favorites.' These are people who are treated differently. Then there are those who are treated unfavorably, even nastily, it is told. Is this the way a true leader behaves? What book Is this superintendent reading? Certainly not 'How to Win Friends and Influence People.'

Transparency?

The payroll department has been moved from the third floor of City Hall to the second floor of City Hall with NO vote from the Board of Education. A committee made the decision. Since when does that happen? Where's the transparancy from the transparency party? Where's the vote?

Board of Education

Overheard and interesting.......Will the real Board of Education chairperson please stand up....Ummmmmmmmm, Mike??? Jack??? What's going on there?

From Hartford......

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) -- A slate of school reform proposals that include eliminating open-ended teacher tenure, providing preschool and all-day kindergarten statewide and eliminating grade levels drew interest Wednesday from Connecticut education leaders, who are preparing their own reform ideas for lawmakers. (from the Norwalk Hour)

This type of reform could take years to achieve, but the proposal is out there. What do you think?

Presents for the Holidays

It's Christmas, Chanukah and Kwanza time. How about a space for sharing ideas for gifts that might help your child (niece, nephew, friend) in school. If you are sharing books, please list titles. Should we agree to buy at least one educational, age appropriate toy per family (per child)? What are your thoughts on presents? I hope we can digress from the usual dialogue to discuss this in a helpful way for families. Let me know what you think, please.