My friends voted at Nathan Hale. They showed me a handout they got from a guy they described as kind of "odd" (whatever that means). It attacked Daddona, lied about his contract and only mentioned that Artie, Steve and Heidi voted for it-- didn't mention that Mike Lyons and Jack Chiaramonte voted for it. Did anyone get the same thing? What's up with that? Someone said that this guy bores people at Board of Ed meetings and talks about his conversations with Susan Marks. Does he think he's going to run for the Board of Ed?
I have heard thru good sources that Susan Marks does communicate with several Norwalk people. What's up with that? I've heard that she is still trying to influence what is happening in the school system. While the guy may look odd, he is probably one of the Marks' cheerleaders who wants Daddona out for false reasons. It's all beginning to smack of a really nasty campaign that is full of lies, exaggeration s and scare tactics! This has to stop! Someone has to confront Susan Marks and her RedApples now!
His initials are M.R. He is still extremely angry at Mr. Daddona for putting an end to the Nathan Hale segregated classes, but the State Department of Educaton wrote a noncompliance issue about that. The grant funds were in jeopardy if those classes were not disbanded. BTW, (1) the vote was 8 to 1 in favor of Mr. Daddona's contract, with Haynie voting against, and (2) M.R. Is a friend (supporter ) of Haynie. All make sense now?
M.R. Has been to several meetings and said the same thing over and over again. Even after Artie K corrected him and showed him the contract that was not voted on behind closed doors. That guy is Haynies puppet. What a fool!
When I saw the unsigned attack piece being handed out at the polls, I was awed by the pure political calumny of an individual (or group) who would so brazenly distort obvious facts. The true measure of the hit-piece’s captiousness was that it disparaged not all who voted for the contract-in-question, but only those who did not toe their line for an immediate hiring of a superintendent search firm (which some of us voted to delay for one meeting until funding could be resolved, particularly in light of the need to allocate funds to alleviate serious classroom overcrowding).
It would appear that voting for the Interim Superintendent’s contract was only a negative if you were a Board of Education who was both up for re-election and not willing to idly stand by while our most vulnerable students were needlessly crowded into classrooms.
The most glaring of the untruths in the anonymous hit piece was that the contract was somehow voted on in secret. Yet, the contract came out of the Negotiation Committee, whose chairperson should have been certain that the full text of the contract was included in the meeting packet for Board of Education members. In fact, the contract should have been included in the publicly-available minutes of that committee. Furthermore, the contract was made available and was included in materials which were provided and made publicly available prior to the vote.
Another departure from truth was the allegation that the present contract contained a new “insurance for life” clause. Unfortunately, that benefit had been afforded several years prior (when the three of us named in the fictional account of the vote were not even on the Board of Education). Not to play lawyer, but once a benefit has been given for life, it can’t be taken away (not including the provision in future contracts would serve no purpose in terms of not providing that specific insurance benefit as it was already given “for life”).
Although the next factual departure only dealt with math (that anyone with a sharp pencil could prove was untrue) the total compensation that was awarded the Interim Superintendent was less than the total compensation package that had been offered to the prior denizen of the Superintendent’s office.
Having once been the angry parent who railed against (what I believed to be) an unresponsive Board of Education, I appreciate the verve of those individuals who feel compelled to shake up elected officials by appealing to the public’s sense of fairness. However, distorting votes and impugning the integrity of a very dedicated Interim Superintendent are methods to which I, in even my most ardent angry-parent leanings, would not resort. For those methods do nothing to advance the serious public debate which is needed to truly improve the learning environments for all of our children. The fact that I have worked closely with those against whom I waged a contentious but factual issue-oriented campaign three years ago indicates the willingness of most (if not all) members of the Board of Education to engage in open and honest debate (of course, I would also add that it is a credit to the good will of those members who have demonstrated years of dedicated service to our community).
On a personal note, I welcome those who anonymously circulated that piece to discuss their concerns with me—and, if they do intend to run for a seat on the Board of Education, I would welcome the opportunity to compare their efforts to change the “status quo” by printing unsigned distortions with my record of promoting budgetary innovations and openness, engaging in continuous public communication, drafting policy initiatives and fighting for top administrative accountability.
And... what about the 10 mil?? Seems everyone forgot that or buried it under a rug. Did those small cuts really make up for that amount of money? Appears that only a handful of folks were seriously affected. How come?
Well, now the Board is going to spend thousands of dollars to hire a retiree from another state, or someone from the business world to be the new superintendent. Parents, if the businessman comes in to take over, your children will no longer be children, but will be products. Good luck with that! I've heard Bridgeport has had no success with that model. The perfect candidate is staring everyone in the face. I believe, if he has the best interests of Norwalk at heart, he would become the permanent superintendent if enough people urged him to do so. Do you really think someone better is out there? Look at the last several superintendents and ask yourself if you want another repeat performance with someone who doesn't understand Norwalk?
Can't deal with the truth? I am tired of superintendents taking this city for all the money they can get and running back to wherever they came from! I am fed up with these costly searches that are not worth $10 let alone thousands! You want to stop something? Stop the waste of money!
Big problem (as I see it) is that no one admits how frustrated every parent is with the school system. We are frustrated with different things. The Marks fan club is frustrated with the Board of Ed who stopped her from being successful. Somehow Daddona thwarted her at every turn. The Daddona supporters are frustrated by how the other side lies. Does anyone see a way out of this mess?
The Board stopped Marks because she did not know what she was doing. Daddona tried to help Marks, but she wouldn't listen. She only listened to the RedApples. They led her down a really bad path. She continued to listen to them. You need to get your facts straight.
I think the poster was trying to say the same thing. The anti-Daddona's aren't playing fair. I guess as long as that bad behavior is allowed, it continues.
From what I've seen, the problem is NO LEADERSHIP on the BOE. Why can't the public pick the next chairperson? If we could pick, it wouldn't be a third year of the uncouth incompetent they have now.
I think all of you give the Apples more credit than they deserve. There is a reform movement going on across the country and state. I think the comments made in the arbitration hearing set it all... Longevity. This is an old district that is set in its ways. The repeated comments about Ralph Sloane and the good old days shows how the district is locked in the past.
Are you aware that the Commissioner is a reformer? Are you aware that the Apples are reformers and work closely with ConnCan, the state level advocacy group and with the commissioner on the changes being sought across the state. The interim may be a good guy...but he is not a reformer. Norwalk has been behind the iron curtain for 20 years. Its not the interims fault...but he is no leader. I hear Mellion wants to keep the interim in place because then everything will stay he same and they can all ride out their retirement at the expense of the kids.
Ahhhh, I suspected that you were an Apple. Thanks for confirming it. Apples only know how to spread lies and annoy people. You should have called yourselves The Mosquitoes! The Commissioner knows the interim is doing a great job. Have you ever thought about the fact that the Union would ONLY back a leader? They haven't had one in a very long time. That's not called living in the past, mosquito. It's called searching for someone who knows what he is doing. Go do everyone a favor and buzz off!
Who care what the Commissioner of Education thinks. I didn't elect him and I know he's never taught, never been a principal. Most of the Apples are blowhards. They love talking like educators, but they really sound like a bunch of hillbillies putting on their Sunday finest to impress Mr. Drysdale and his wife. Has anyone every read anything this group tries to sell? Nothing they want is anything Norwalk can do. It's all state and federal law they want changed.
Actually the apples are just parents. Unpaid, volunteer parents who have spent years trying to make things right in the classroom with fundraising only to see tax dollars squandered. Mostly moms who are tired of seeing Norwalk mismanged at the BoE level, union level central office level and selected school level. Families are leaving this district due to the adults. The secrecy and cronyism that has anything but the kids best interests at heart has been exposed gradually. Let parents and the community draw their own conclusions. The Red Apples may lose the battle but they are on the right side of history with reform. The question is will Norwalk become Bridgeport before things get fixed. I now hear that the Dems (with a heavy hand from Ditrio Moore and Mellion) are threatening BOE members with their votes. God help Norwalk, and I don't mean the Preacher.
I'm not a big fan of unions (I think every worker should have to make his own deal to keep people competitive). In Norwalk, I keep trying to see what power they have. No grievances to speak of and the teacher's contract is almost always negotiated. Either there is great management or the union is all bark and no bite. Political power of Ditrio, Moore and Mellion? Seriously. Moore did poorly in the last election- everyone knows the unions don't help in elections. HOW does that give them political "power"?????
Apples are NOT just parents. Under Susan Marks they influenced everything she did. Because of the Apples., Susan Marks lost her credibility with all staff, not just the unions. Understand that teachers really do want what is best for their students. They are not stuck in the past and they do not resist change if it benefits the students. Apples, specifically a Board member Apple, wanted to influence curriculum changes. That is a dangerous parent. This same Apple Board member is flooding the superintendent's office with demands, FOI requests, being horribly nasty to him. That is a dangerous parent. Organized letter writing, handing out false information at an election poll, etc. etc. etc. These are the activities of the Apples. They are very dangerous parents. They are about power power and more power. Listen to the truth or form your own truth, but these are facts.
Well, I just went on their website and they seem to post a lot of reports and public documents. That alone has value regardless of whether you agree with everything they stand for.
Good for you that you now have a place to find PUBLIC documents! I guess the fact that these people interrupt the superintendent several times a day and want to choose curriculum they know nothing about doesn't concern you.
SINCE WHEN does arbitration data belong on the NPS home site? There have been NUMEROUS arbitrations over the years and NONE have EVER been posted on the web site!! While it's great transparency, it has questionable motives! Seems to be political posturing is now part of our children's education. Ridiculous! I want to know about what is going on in the schools not political propaganda. Leave that to the media. UUUGGHHH!!
Tuesday night, the Norwalk Board of Education must decide who will be our next chairperson. As we have learned over the years, the choice of Chairperson is tremendously important as that person, and his or her leadership style, serves as the face of the Board and the compass for its direction (which hopefully is pointed toward student achievement). I am proud to be supporting ARTIE KASSIMIS for Chairperson-- he is a man of integrity, committed to transparency and enjoys the bipartisan support which is critical to move the Board of Education in a positive direction.
Sorry Annonymous, but Artie has been on the BoE longer than Lyons. We know that Lyons protects Haynie and has been the shadow puppeteer working Jack's strings. IMHO, that disqualifies him. We'd have more of the same, just in a better suit.
Isn't it true to Mayor Dick Moccia ordered the Republicans to support Jack Chiaramonte for chairman again? What's Dick doing a little bait and switch with them now? Gonna substitute a tired old Republican politburo insider for Jack "Less than 25%" Chiaramonte? For what it's worth Artie has too much integrity to be strong-armed. That's why he'll make a great chairman.
Let's keep these comments positive. I wish I were on the Board of Education to vote for Artie. The man has proven that he knows how to hold people accountable. I like how he votes- always independent, always true to his ideals. He can mend fences. They need that bad.
Sorry, Anomymous, but being around a long time doesn't qualify someone to be chair. 'Seat time,' just like fornteachers, isn't the best criteria. We hagevall learned that the hard way!
Now is when we get to see what elected officials are made of. The greatest sin is politics at the expense of kids. Come on, Preacher-- this is your moment.
My friends voted at Nathan Hale. They showed me a handout they got from a guy they described as kind of "odd" (whatever that means). It attacked Daddona, lied about his contract and only mentioned that Artie, Steve and Heidi voted for it-- didn't mention that Mike Lyons and Jack Chiaramonte voted for it. Did anyone get the same thing? What's up with that? Someone said that this guy bores people at Board of Ed meetings and talks about his conversations with Susan Marks. Does he think he's going to run for the Board of Ed?
ReplyDeleteI have heard thru good sources that Susan Marks does communicate with several Norwalk people. What's up with that? I've heard that she is still trying to influence what is happening in the school system. While the guy may look odd, he is probably one of the Marks' cheerleaders who wants Daddona out for false reasons. It's all beginning to smack of a really nasty campaign that is full of lies, exaggeration s and scare tactics! This has to stop! Someone has to confront Susan Marks and her RedApples now!
ReplyDeleteHis initials are M.R. He is still extremely angry at Mr. Daddona for putting an end to the Nathan Hale segregated classes, but the State Department of Educaton wrote a noncompliance issue about that. The grant funds were in jeopardy if those classes were not disbanded. BTW, (1) the vote was 8 to 1 in favor of Mr. Daddona's contract, with Haynie voting against, and (2) M.R. Is a friend (supporter ) of Haynie. All make sense now?
ReplyDeleteEverything bad points to Haynie. And no one does anything about it. Not the Mayor, not the Republican Party and not the Board. What a sick city.
ReplyDeleteM.R. Has been to several meetings and said the same thing over and over again. Even after Artie K corrected him and showed him the contract that was not voted on behind closed doors. That guy is Haynies puppet. What a fool!
ReplyDeleteMark my words- he won't have the chutzpah to run for a seat. Like most cowards, he'd rather spread lies annonymously.
DeleteWhen I saw the unsigned attack piece being handed out at the polls, I was awed by the pure political calumny of an individual (or group) who would so brazenly distort obvious facts. The true measure of the hit-piece’s captiousness was that it disparaged not all who voted for the contract-in-question, but only those who did not toe their line for an immediate hiring of a superintendent search firm (which some of us voted to delay for one meeting until funding could be resolved, particularly in light of the need to allocate funds to alleviate serious classroom overcrowding).
DeleteIt would appear that voting for the Interim Superintendent’s contract was only a negative if you were a Board of Education who was both up for re-election and not willing to idly stand by while our most vulnerable students were needlessly crowded into classrooms.
The most glaring of the untruths in the anonymous hit piece was that the contract was somehow voted on in secret. Yet, the contract came out of the Negotiation Committee, whose chairperson should have been certain that the full text of the contract was included in the meeting packet for Board of Education members. In fact, the contract should have been included in the publicly-available minutes of that committee. Furthermore, the contract was made available and was included in materials which were provided and made publicly available prior to the vote.
Another departure from truth was the allegation that the present contract contained a new “insurance for life” clause. Unfortunately, that benefit had been afforded several years prior (when the three of us named in the fictional account of the vote were not even on the Board of Education). Not to play lawyer, but once a benefit has been given for life, it can’t be taken away (not including the provision in future contracts would serve no purpose in terms of not providing that specific insurance benefit as it was already given “for life”).
Although the next factual departure only dealt with math (that anyone with a sharp pencil could prove was untrue) the total compensation that was awarded the Interim Superintendent was less than the total compensation package that had been offered to the prior denizen of the Superintendent’s office.
Having once been the angry parent who railed against (what I believed to be) an unresponsive Board of Education, I appreciate the verve of those individuals who feel compelled to shake up elected officials by appealing to the public’s sense of fairness. However, distorting votes and impugning the integrity of a very dedicated Interim Superintendent are methods to which I, in even my most ardent angry-parent leanings, would not resort. For those methods do nothing to advance the serious public debate which is needed to truly improve the learning environments for all of our children. The fact that I have worked closely with those against whom I waged a contentious but factual issue-oriented campaign three years ago indicates the willingness of most (if not all) members of the Board of Education to engage in open and honest debate (of course, I would also add that it is a credit to the good will of those members who have demonstrated years of dedicated service to our community).
On a personal note, I welcome those who anonymously circulated that piece to discuss their concerns with me—and, if they do intend to run for a seat on the Board of Education, I would welcome the opportunity to compare their efforts to change the “status quo” by printing unsigned distortions with my record of promoting budgetary innovations and openness, engaging in continuous public communication, drafting policy initiatives and fighting for top administrative accountability.
READERS' DIGEST VERSION: The Big Guy is calling out the Daddona-haters as political hacks. Game on.
DeleteSomeone should put a copy of this handout in the mail to the Interim Superintendent. Maybe the only way to stop this is through legal action.
ReplyDeleteAnd... what about the 10 mil?? Seems everyone forgot that or buried it under a rug. Did those small cuts really make up for that amount of money? Appears that only a handful of folks were seriously affected. How come?
ReplyDeleteWell, now the Board is going to spend thousands of dollars to hire a retiree from another state, or someone from the business world to be the new superintendent. Parents, if the businessman comes in to take over, your children will no longer be children, but will be products. Good luck with that! I've heard Bridgeport has had no success with that model. The perfect candidate is staring everyone in the face. I believe, if he has the best interests of Norwalk at heart, he would become the permanent superintendent if enough people urged him to do so. Do you really think someone better is out there? Look at the last several superintendents and ask yourself if you want another repeat performance with someone who doesn't understand Norwalk?
ReplyDeleteStop the rah rah please.
ReplyDeleteCan't deal with the truth? I am tired of superintendents taking this city for all the money they can get and running back to wherever they came from! I am fed up with these costly searches that are not worth $10 let alone thousands! You want to stop something? Stop the waste of money!
DeleteBig problem (as I see it) is that no one admits how frustrated every parent is with the school system. We are frustrated with different things. The Marks fan club is frustrated with the Board of Ed who stopped her from being successful. Somehow Daddona thwarted her at every turn.
ReplyDeleteThe Daddona supporters are frustrated by how the other side lies.
Does anyone see a way out of this mess?
The Board stopped Marks because she did not know what she was doing. Daddona tried to help Marks, but she wouldn't listen. She only listened to the RedApples. They led her down a really bad path. She continued to listen to them. You need to get your facts straight.
DeleteI think the poster was trying to say the same thing. The anti-Daddona's aren't playing fair. I guess as long as that bad behavior is allowed, it continues.
DeleteFrom what I've seen, the problem is NO LEADERSHIP on the BOE. Why can't the public pick the next chairperson? If we could pick, it wouldn't be a third year of the uncouth incompetent they have now.
I think all of you give the Apples more credit than they deserve. There is a reform movement going on across the country and state. I think the comments made in the arbitration hearing set it all... Longevity. This is an old district that is set in its ways. The repeated comments about Ralph Sloane and the good old days shows how the district is locked in the past.
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone think that the Board of Education chairman makes a difference?
ReplyDeleteIs it true Chiaramonte thinks he deserves a third year?
He might think he deserves a third year.
DeleteCall in the State!
ReplyDeleteThat's what the Apples want. Are you aware that the Commissioner totally supports the Interim and thinks he is doing a great job?
DeleteAre you aware that the Commissioner is a reformer? Are you aware that the Apples are reformers and work closely with ConnCan, the state level advocacy group and with the commissioner on the changes being sought across the state. The interim may be a good guy...but he is not a reformer. Norwalk has been behind the iron curtain for 20 years. Its not the interims fault...but he is no leader. I hear Mellion wants to keep the interim in place because then everything will stay he same and they can all ride out their retirement at the expense of the kids.
ReplyDeleteAhhhh, I suspected that you were an Apple. Thanks for confirming it. Apples only know how to spread lies and annoy people. You should have called yourselves The Mosquitoes! The Commissioner knows the interim is doing a great job. Have you ever thought about the fact that the Union would ONLY back a leader? They haven't had one in a very long time. That's not called living in the past, mosquito. It's called searching for someone who knows what he is doing. Go do everyone a favor and buzz off!
DeleteWho care what the Commissioner of Education thinks. I didn't elect him and I know he's never taught, never been a principal.
ReplyDeleteMost of the Apples are blowhards. They love talking like educators, but they really sound like a bunch of hillbillies putting on their Sunday finest to impress Mr. Drysdale and his wife.
Has anyone every read anything this group tries to sell? Nothing they want is anything Norwalk can do. It's all state and federal law they want changed.
Actually the apples are just parents. Unpaid, volunteer parents who have spent years trying to make things right in the classroom with fundraising only to see tax dollars squandered. Mostly moms who are tired of seeing Norwalk mismanged at the BoE level, union level central office level and selected school level. Families are leaving this district due to the adults. The secrecy and cronyism that has anything but the kids best interests at heart has been exposed gradually. Let parents and the community draw their own conclusions. The Red Apples may lose the battle but they are on the right side of history with reform. The question is will Norwalk become Bridgeport before things get fixed. I now hear that the Dems (with a heavy hand from Ditrio Moore and Mellion) are threatening BOE members with their votes. God help Norwalk, and I don't mean the Preacher.
ReplyDeleteI'm not a big fan of unions (I think every worker should have to make his own deal to keep people competitive). In Norwalk, I keep trying to see what power they have. No grievances to speak of and the teacher's contract is almost always negotiated. Either there is great management or the union is all bark and no bite.
DeletePolitical power of Ditrio, Moore and Mellion? Seriously. Moore did poorly in the last election- everyone knows the unions don't help in elections. HOW does that give them political "power"?????
Apples are NOT just parents. Under Susan Marks they influenced everything she did. Because of the Apples., Susan Marks lost her credibility with all staff, not just the unions. Understand that teachers really do want what is best for their students. They are not stuck in the past and they do not resist change if it benefits the students. Apples, specifically a Board member Apple, wanted to influence curriculum changes. That is a dangerous parent. This same Apple Board member is flooding the superintendent's office with demands, FOI requests, being horribly nasty to him. That is a dangerous parent. Organized letter writing, handing out false information at an election poll, etc. etc. etc. These are the activities of the Apples. They are very dangerous parents. They are about power power and more power. Listen to the truth or form your own truth, but these are facts.
DeleteWell, I just went on their website and they seem to post a lot of reports and public documents. That alone has value regardless of whether you agree with everything they stand for.
ReplyDeleteGood for you that you now have a place to find PUBLIC documents! I guess the fact that these people interrupt the superintendent several times a day and want to choose curriculum they know nothing about doesn't concern you.
DeleteSINCE WHEN does arbitration data belong on the NPS home site? There have been NUMEROUS arbitrations over the years and NONE have EVER been posted on the web site!! While it's great transparency, it has questionable motives! Seems to be political posturing is now part of our children's education. Ridiculous! I want to know about what is going on in the schools not political propaganda. Leave that to the media. UUUGGHHH!!
ReplyDeleteNot a single argument in the arbitration talked about improving education. It was all about power and control.
ReplyDeleteTuesday night, the Norwalk Board of Education must decide who will be our next chairperson. As we have learned over the years, the choice of Chairperson is tremendously important as that person, and his or her leadership style, serves as the face of the Board and the compass for its direction (which hopefully is pointed toward student achievement).
ReplyDeleteI am proud to be supporting ARTIE KASSIMIS for Chairperson-- he is a man of integrity, committed to transparency and enjoys the bipartisan support which is critical to move the Board of Education in a positive direction.
Sorry Steve but I have to disagree. I think Mike Lyons would be the better face of the BoE. Artie hasn't been around long enough.
DeleteSorry Annonymous, but Artie has been on the BoE longer than Lyons. We know that Lyons protects Haynie and has been the shadow puppeteer working Jack's strings. IMHO, that disqualifies him. We'd have more of the same, just in a better suit.
DeleteIsn't it true to Mayor Dick Moccia ordered the Republicans to support Jack Chiaramonte for chairman again?
DeleteWhat's Dick doing a little bait and switch with them now? Gonna substitute a tired old Republican politburo insider for Jack "Less than 25%" Chiaramonte?
For what it's worth Artie has too much integrity to be strong-armed. That's why he'll make a great chairman.
Let's keep these comments positive. I wish I were on the Board of Education to vote for Artie.
DeleteThe man has proven that he knows how to hold people accountable. I like how he votes- always independent, always true to his ideals. He can mend fences. They need that bad.
Sorry, Anomymous, but being around a long time doesn't qualify someone to be chair. 'Seat time,' just like fornteachers, isn't the best criteria. We hagevall learned that the hard way!
ReplyDeleteNow is when we get to see what elected officials are made of. The greatest sin is politics at the expense of kids. Come on, Preacher-- this is your moment.
ReplyDeleteCorrect me if I'm wrong - was Artie elected by the voters? I thought he was put in place when someone resigned their position.
ReplyDelete