Thursday, June 20, 2013
What is Going on in The Norwalk Board of Education?
Will the teachers, administrators and the public allow the Board of Education and the Red Apples to squelch their opinions? There really is no transparency in The Board of Education. 'They' are going to push a superintendent on the district without any input. Is this what everyone really wants? Is this a way to raise test scores? Educators don't have any voice about anything? If this is what you want, remain silent, Norwalk! Otherwise, speak up here, on Nancy on Norwalk, on The Hour, write letters to the Board.....Don't wait for someone else to do it. Every single person needs to speak up. Otherwise....live with the dictatorship you have settled for.
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Lauren Rosato will be running for the Board of Education according to the Republicans today. This is an Apple who bankrupted the NEF, isn't it? Silence and a vacuum of leadership has allowed incompetent people to gain ground. Come on folks, get active!
ReplyDeleteI campaigned 4 years ago to make the work of the BOE more accessible to the public and I've tried to fullfill that promise.
ReplyDeleteFor those of you who have ever attended committee meetings which I've chaired, you know that I encourage public participation throughout the meetings and have collaborated with students, parents, teachers and administrators in drafting many of the policy changes I've advanced.
When I was chairperson of the Finance Committee, I actually went so far as to prepare five different budget scenarios to highlight different bundles of cuts which various stakeholders and politicians had suggested over time. The goal was a simple one-- let the public know what could change given the approved budget. And then, when I was shocked at the final budget proposal which Supt. Marks was supporting, I developed my own plan. The loudest criticism wasn't the priorities reflected in my budget document (which was classroom learning), but rather that I would dare to tell the public who elected me what I was proposing to do with their tax dollars. That the criticism came from a party leader was a sure sign that some only believe in openness and transparency when it suits their own political agendas.
When asked about my votes, I explain myself (something for which party leaders have also criticized me). And, I even go so far as to post responses to questions here and on the other blogs that have popped up since I was first elected.
Why do I do it? Two reasons- first, I know how frustrating it is to feel that decisions about your kids are being made without your input. Second, it's what I promised.
Steve, I apologize for making a generalized statement about the Board of Education. You have been open and honest. You promised transparency and you have certainly provided that to the taxpayers. Thank you for being honest and fair about your decisions. You know what it means to put students first!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Ed.
DeleteMy commitment to public communication is why I'm running for re-election on the Norwalk Community Values line (www.norwalkcommunityvalues.com) with political newcomer, but long-time public servant, Andres Roman.
It's also why, in addition to working hard for Andres (who I think will be an excellent addition to the Board of Education), I am also encouraging my friends to vote for Artie Kassimis (who has also been very diligent about communicating with the public).
If people do not speak up, you have just appointed a high school graduate as the new superintendent. Sue Haynie and the Apples will take over. Shame on everyone for remaining silent!
ReplyDeleteWe, the taxpayers, teachers and administrators welcome a new superintendent on June 25th. While we do not approve of the lack of transparency, we are counting on someone who meets the demands set forth by parents. We look forward to a great candidate who is not a loser that we inherit nor is he a retiree from another state. If our needs have been kept uppermost in your mind, then we will be satisfied. Mike Lyons, your reputation in Norwalk depends on this.
ReplyDeleteYes, 6:00, I agree. Welcome to the new Superintendent. (But don't be someone who comes to Norwalk with a pension from another state.)
ReplyDeleteThis accusation of "lack of transparency" is total BS. There was the largest effort ever in Norwalk to get community input on what everyone wanted in a new Superintendent.
ReplyDeleteConsult state law -- the #1 job of a Board of Education is to choose a superintendent. And it is not for the employees, the NFT, to make the choice. Sorry Bruce!
Mellion and the NFT are making a big stink about this is as they want to continue to control everything. Sorry Bruce but the world is changing and your bullying of the district is coming to an end. You've run a dictatorship but its days are numbered (for example, why are the financial statements for the NFT not public?). Time for you to retire! Bye bye
Jack-
DeleteThe public wants input. We don't care if you don't want to listen to your BFF from the NFT. You have to listen to us.
Sincerely,
The Taxpayers.
DITTO!
Delete7:41pm, you are correct with community input with creating a "Profile" of such leader - the thing is transparency continues from the day the community is asked to be part of it. There is nothing we can do once we find out who this new Super is...especially if they don't have most of the characters of the profile. The community should of had an opportunity to meet the last three candidates and our input should of been considered. Whether Bruce M is liked or not, he is right...teachers should of of been part of the interview process..and I'm speaking of the last three candidates.
Delete7:41, would you mind sharing where you got your information regarding the BoE's number one duty? I just went to the CT State Board of Ed and found the list of duties here:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.cga.ct.gov/2011/pub/chap170.htm#Sec10-220.htm
I don't see hiring the superintendent listed as a top priority at all.
I can't understand why there's always chatter about the teachers union president. My kids' teachers are in school early and they stay late. I've never heard anyone complain that work (like teaching) won't get done because of "the contract". If he insults Board of Ed members, get over it. I know it's rude, but get over it.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, that's not the case everywhere. Come to my school, where the NFT rep is a bully and constantly berates both teachers, aides, and administration, all in the name of '... the contract...' It is awful for morale and divisive.
DeleteThere are so many wonderful teachers, and fantastic things going on in Norwalk. A few bad apples (no pun) really give everyone a bad name.
One union rep does not mean the whole organization is bad. The job has probably gone to her head and she thinks she is important.
DeleteNo, it does not, but it certainly makes for a whole lot of unhappiness.
DeleteAnd no one said it is a woman....
Now that the school year is over...I want to say thank you to my kid's teachers at BMHS - They learned so much this year, did very well and are glad they are getting a break. I hope that in this tough year you take time to relax and enjoy the time you have off. Don't worry about your new boss - regardless of who that may be. As a parent, I will be back next year to support you in all you can...you deserve a wonderful summer...thank you for doing your job well!!!!!!
ReplyDelete