That's an easy question-- teacher raises (from the "unprecedented" arbitration award in "favor" of the City) will cost millions next year. A three year budget plan will expose the lousy negotiation/arbitration-- so they will sit on it until after the elections. Which means no three-year budget plan until November 6th.
Here's my question- do people realize how much is at stake with this election?
I don't think parents are convinced that anyone can make a difference. I don't think they realize that there is a lot at stake.
So you want a question? How about . . . How will Sherell Harris explain that she was on the NEON board from 2009 to 2012 when they had all their problems? What did she do to fix any of the problems?
Simple answer she cant. The election is at times a shame. No candidate will ever truly say what needs to be done. Nobody at the city, state, or national level wants to make the tough call, because they fear loosing the next election.
My question... What do the RED Apples believe they can accomplish by bashing the Union, and therefore indirectly the teachers themselves? Their message is very tainted , corrupt and nasty toward teachers and their overall work, effort and profession.
Read the Apples website. If you don't know the facts, it all sounds great. Problem is that to be in favor of "reform" you have to have a plan-- hating the teachers isn't much of a plan (at least as I see it). So I guess it's time for a question- do Sharell Harris, Heidi Keyes, Sue Haynie and Lauren Rosato come out publicly and say that they are all Apples? Do the other people on their tickets know that the Apples are working together to get one another elected?
Guys, nobody cares who's working with, for or against anyone else. Seriously, it's not a big deal. But that being said, I do think that how a campaign is run can tell you a lot about the candidate. I like what I see with Andres Romand and Steve Colorossi-- working as a team, nice website, lots of information for the public. Can they do it as third party candidates? Do you think they'll do well?
You need 5 votes on the Board to get anything thru ... you can't do anything as two ... maybe Andres and Steve will ally with Rosa and Mig. Now there's a team!
With all this bickering, is it really about the kids? All I hear about is money, money, raises, freeze but then an almost 5% teacher's raise, money, new positions with larger salaries, money. Sooo... seems like no one is in it for the kids.
Can't deny that a lot of what goes on is about the money. The point for me is who do I trust to make the best decision about that stuff. Do I want a heartless banker or a passionate educator who has no number sense? Do I want someone who talks the talk without knowing if they can walk the walk? Do I want someone who's failed in past attempts at supervising complicated groups? When I run through these thoughts, I keep thinking that Artie is the best choice- we know he's honest and we know, if nothing else, he's had enough kids through the system to have picked up a sense of what we really need.
Here's my question - how does Norwalk rationalize putting virtually no money into their high school libraries? It's bad enough there aren't certified media specialists at the elementary and middle schools but to not have any kind of budget for the high schools is a travesty. I know Mayor Moccia doesn't believe having new books (I believe that quote came out last year during the budget process) is important but my goodness where are the high school principals, the superintendent and board of ed on this issue? Strong library media programs are a must - especially in the 21st century.
Read the most recent information items in the board minutes and you will see Dr. Rivera wants to totally change the set-up of libraries over the next few years. My question is in light of the assault at Side by Side and other lockdowns we have had at the public schools how can the Mayor justify only $100,000 for school safety?
Definitely need to look at their position on school safety. But, is anyone for dangerous schools? I have a more basic question- where does each candidate stand on changing the reading curriculum for elementary schools?
We definitely know where Haynie stands on curriculum for the elementary schools. she wants the program that the teachers do NOT want. Literacy specialists I have spoken with do not like that program either. AND, yes, it is important that everyone knows that the Apples are working together to get elected. Haynie needs votes for her crazy ideas.
I know Colarossi said that he supports the recommendation of the review group. He and Andres Roman put that up on their website. BTW, I think they're right and if parents knew what was at stake, they'd win hands down. But that's old news. If you want to find out what's going on, follow Mike Barbis on Twitter- he doesn't pull any punches but he knows how to spin. Lyons tweets, but there's way too much political mumbo-jumbo.
Does anyone think that how the BOE selected Supt. Rivera will make a difference? Part of me is worried that they agreed to such a high salary. Part of me is happy that "they" were able to agree on something. That leaves me thinking that we should return all four of them. Any one think that'll work?
Return all four of them? NO WAY! Why would you even think that? Haynie is a huge troublemaker and is not intelligent or trustworthy enough to make out my grocery list. Colarossi and Roman work for the kids. They've been transparent and out there answering questions! Easy answer? Don't vote for Apples. They only want the power to do as they wish.
The power they used to have with Marks. Haynie had her ear all the time. Marks listened and that was her downfall. Additionally, BoE members do have power. They have held up the elementary language arts curriculum that should have been adopted. That's power! BoE members have control of the school system. They are in charge. If Apples are the majority members, and they are trying to be, they will dictate everything for the school system. This is a very important election to determine who has the control over the schools system.
The ELA program seemed to turn into a political football, admittedly, but the district has had years to deliver something and didn't. I know the teachers wanted a particular textbook, but is that a curriculum. Just asking...
While the books are not curriculum, they are the tools used by the teachers to deliver the curriculum. Let me put it this way, it's like telling your doctor to remove your tonsils with a tablespoon. The doctor wants a surgical knife, but you are the president of the hospital and think you know better, so you order him/her to use the tablespoon.
No it is not a curriculum. The curriculum is written and given to teachers. The book is a tool to deliver the curriculum as are other materials. Back to safety. I agree no one wants a dangerous situation, however $ is the key to providing the security the schools need. So why isn't this a priority?
Actually- a curriculum is a method of teaching a particular course of study in a particular manner. The Pearson program is a curriculum- it provides detailed information for the instructors, and gives the teachers specific materials to use at each step of the way. The Core Knowledge program is also a curriculum- however, it provides no differentiated instructional materials. Also don't forget that CKLA is not a K-5 program and that it is expensive
BoE has to approve textbooks; Sue Haynie and Mike Lyons used political influence to stop the recommended purchase. No experience in education- Haynie lacks a college degree- that's what's wrong with the "Norwalk Way".
The school safety committee is still meeting. Question: why did Norwalk only get $30,000 in grant money for school safety when Westport was awarded about $260,000?
I believe the grant called for matching money. Norwalk only put in $30,000, so got a match of $30,000. My question is, I think Lauren Rosato was at the helm of NEF when it almost went into bankruptcy. Is that right? She is now running for the Board. Would anyone here vote for her?
Any one else curious if Sue Haynie is running for the BOE. She has no signs anywhere. She's not saying a word at BOE meetings. Word is that her slate isn't crazy about her. Does this mean that we are being rewarded for four years of suffering under her nonsense?
She was told to remain silent. They are hoping the Republicans will vote her in anyway. If enough Republicans vote, she and her nonsense will be around for another term. If she doesn't get in, she is hoping her very good friend and RedApple Shirelle Harris will get in. Same nonsense, different person. Every vote is important in this election. So much is at stake!
Maybe...but she got the second highest votes in the last At-large.. Steve is gone and Artie got in on an appointment. The other two are new. Just sayin.
Actually, dear 4:26 reader, I'm not "gone". I have been actively campaigning for re-election just like I did four years ago-- that means having a website to explain my positions, meeting voters by going door to door and taking every opportunity to talk with Norwalk's families, students and taxpayers about our schools. I've been very fortunate to share the Norwalk Community Values line (Row D on your ballot) with Andres Roman (who was raised in South Norwalk, attended BMHS and is now a probation officer in Stamford). He and I are two dads who share one vision-- that we can restore accountability to our school system and improve education for all.
. . . and proud of that third party line. We are Row D. Vote Row D, for a better B-o-E. Let's make election day D-Day as we liberate the BoE from politics as usual.
Seems like more folks are joining the reform bandwagon. Party affiliation doesn't seem to matter. It's about the kids and not the status quo 'Norwalk Way".
Don't let the "Apple-speak" fool you. The reform bandwagon was the Susie Marks cheerleading van. Their big reforms were all about hurting the kids in the elementary schools by crowding them in classes. Their "reforms" aren't about kids. Their "reforms" are all about bashing teachers and playing the blame game.
That's an easy question-- teacher raises (from the "unprecedented" arbitration award in "favor" of the City) will cost millions next year. A three year budget plan will expose the lousy negotiation/arbitration-- so they will sit on it until after the elections. Which means no three-year budget plan until November 6th.
ReplyDeleteHere's my question- do people realize how much is at stake with this election?
I don't think parents are convinced that anyone can make a difference. I don't think they realize that there is a lot at stake.
DeleteSo you want a question? How about . . . How will Sherell Harris explain that she was on the NEON board from 2009 to 2012 when they had all their problems? What did she do to fix any of the problems?
Simple answer she cant.
ReplyDeleteThe election is at times a shame. No candidate will ever truly say what needs to be done. Nobody at the city, state, or national level wants to make the tough call, because they fear loosing the next election.
My question... What do the RED Apples believe they can accomplish by bashing the Union, and therefore indirectly the teachers themselves? Their message is very tainted , corrupt and nasty toward teachers and their overall work, effort and profession.
Anonymous out of fear....
Read the Apples website. If you don't know the facts, it all sounds great. Problem is that to be in favor of "reform" you have to have a plan-- hating the teachers isn't much of a plan (at least as I see it).
ReplyDeleteSo I guess it's time for a question- do Sharell Harris, Heidi Keyes, Sue Haynie and Lauren Rosato come out publicly and say that they are all Apples? Do the other people on their tickets know that the Apples are working together to get one another elected?
Rosato's palm card cite her work with the Red Apples
DeleteA group that didn't scream when Marks hurt the elementary schools? Can she be serious?
DeleteGuys, nobody cares who's working with, for or against anyone else. Seriously, it's not a big deal.
ReplyDeleteBut that being said, I do think that how a campaign is run can tell you a lot about the candidate. I like what I see with Andres Romand and Steve Colorossi-- working as a team, nice website, lots of information for the public.
Can they do it as third party candidates?
Do you think they'll do well?
You need 5 votes on the Board to get anything thru ... you can't do anything as two ... maybe Andres and Steve will ally with Rosa and Mig. Now there's a team!
DeleteI think the people who will vote for BOE know who's for helping the kids and who's for helping themselves.
ReplyDeleteWith all this bickering, is it really about the kids? All I hear about is money, money, raises, freeze but then an almost 5% teacher's raise, money, new positions with larger salaries, money. Sooo... seems like no one is in it for the kids.
ReplyDeleteCan't deny that a lot of what goes on is about the money. The point for me is who do I trust to make the best decision about that stuff.
ReplyDeleteDo I want a heartless banker or a passionate educator who has no number sense? Do I want someone who talks the talk without knowing if they can walk the walk?
Do I want someone who's failed in past attempts at supervising complicated groups?
When I run through these thoughts, I keep thinking that Artie is the best choice- we know he's honest and we know, if nothing else, he's had enough kids through the system to have picked up a sense of what we really need.
Okay, nothing to do with the election, but news nevertheless!
ReplyDeleteFrom The Hour: Intruder allegedly assaults two teachers at Side by Side
Here's my question - how does Norwalk rationalize putting virtually no money into their high school libraries? It's bad enough there aren't certified media specialists at the elementary and middle schools but to not have any kind of budget for the high schools is a travesty. I know Mayor Moccia doesn't believe having new books (I believe that quote came out last year during the budget process) is important but my goodness where are the high school principals, the superintendent and board of ed on this issue? Strong library media programs are a must - especially in the 21st century.
ReplyDeleteRead the most recent information items in the board minutes and you will see Dr. Rivera wants to totally change the set-up of libraries over the next few years.
ReplyDeleteMy question is in light of the assault at Side by Side and other lockdowns we have had at the public schools how can the Mayor justify only $100,000 for school safety?
Word is that Moccia has been delaying giving the schools extra money for safety measures until it gets closer to the election.
DeleteDefinitely need to look at their position on school safety. But, is anyone for dangerous schools?
ReplyDeleteI have a more basic question- where does each candidate stand on changing the reading curriculum for elementary schools?
We definitely know where Haynie stands on curriculum for the elementary schools. she wants the program that the teachers do NOT want. Literacy specialists I have spoken with do not like that program either.
DeleteAND, yes, it is important that everyone knows that the Apples are working together to get elected. Haynie needs votes for her crazy ideas.
I know Colarossi said that he supports the recommendation of the review group. He and Andres Roman put that up on their website. BTW, I think they're right and if parents knew what was at stake, they'd win hands down.
ReplyDeleteBut that's old news.
If you want to find out what's going on, follow Mike Barbis on Twitter- he doesn't pull any punches but he knows how to spin. Lyons tweets, but there's way too much political mumbo-jumbo.
Does anyone think that how the BOE selected Supt. Rivera will make a difference?
ReplyDeletePart of me is worried that they agreed to such a high salary. Part of me is happy that "they" were able to agree on something.
That leaves me thinking that we should return all four of them. Any one think that'll work?
Return all four of them? NO WAY! Why would you even think that? Haynie is a huge troublemaker and is not intelligent or trustworthy enough to make out my grocery list. Colarossi and Roman work for the kids. They've been transparent and out there answering questions! Easy answer? Don't vote for Apples. They only want the power to do as they wish.
DeleteWhat power?
DeleteThe power they used to have with Marks. Haynie had her ear all the time. Marks listened and that was her downfall. Additionally, BoE members do have power. They have held up the elementary language arts curriculum that should have been adopted. That's power! BoE members have control of the school system. They are in charge. If Apples are the majority members, and they are trying to be, they will dictate everything for the school system. This is a very important election to determine who has the control over the schools system.
DeleteThe ELA program seemed to turn into a political football, admittedly, but the district has had years to deliver something and didn't. I know the teachers wanted a particular textbook, but is that a curriculum. Just asking...
DeleteWhile the books are not curriculum, they are the tools used by the teachers to deliver the curriculum. Let me put it this way, it's like telling your doctor to remove your tonsils with a tablespoon. The doctor wants a surgical knife, but you are the president of the hospital and think you know better, so you order him/her to use the tablespoon.
DeleteNo it is not a curriculum. The curriculum is written and given to teachers. The book is a tool to deliver the curriculum as are other materials. Back to safety. I agree no one wants a dangerous situation, however $ is the key to providing the security the schools need. So why isn't this a priority?
ReplyDeleteActually- a curriculum is a method of teaching a particular course of study in a particular manner. The Pearson program is a curriculum- it provides detailed information for the instructors, and gives the teachers specific materials to use at each step of the way. The Core Knowledge program is also a curriculum- however, it provides no differentiated instructional materials. Also don't forget that CKLA is not a K-5 program and that it is expensive
DeleteBoE has to approve textbooks; Sue Haynie and Mike Lyons used political influence to stop the recommended purchase. No experience in education- Haynie lacks a college degree- that's what's wrong with the "Norwalk Way".
DeleteThe school safety committee is still meeting. Question: why did Norwalk only get $30,000 in grant money for school safety when Westport was awarded about $260,000?
ReplyDeleteI believe the grant called for matching money. Norwalk only put in $30,000, so got a match of $30,000. My question is, I think Lauren Rosato was at the helm of NEF when it almost went into bankruptcy. Is that right? She is now running for the Board. Would anyone here vote for her?
ReplyDeleteAny one else curious if Sue Haynie is running for the BOE. She has no signs anywhere. She's not saying a word at BOE meetings. Word is that her slate isn't crazy about her.
ReplyDeleteDoes this mean that we are being rewarded for four years of suffering under her nonsense?
She was told to remain silent. They are hoping the Republicans will vote her in anyway. If enough Republicans vote, she and her nonsense will be around for another term. If she doesn't get in, she is hoping her very good friend and RedApple Shirelle Harris will get in. Same nonsense, different person. Every vote is important in this election. So much is at stake!
DeleteMaybe...but she got the second highest votes in the last At-large.. Steve is gone and Artie got in on an appointment. The other two are new. Just sayin.
DeleteActually, dear 4:26 reader, I'm not "gone". I have been actively campaigning for re-election just like I did four years ago-- that means having a website to explain my positions, meeting voters by going door to door and taking every opportunity to talk with Norwalk's families, students and taxpayers about our schools.
DeleteI've been very fortunate to share the Norwalk Community Values line (Row D on your ballot) with Andres Roman (who was raised in South Norwalk, attended BMHS and is now a probation officer in Stamford). He and I are two dads who share one vision-- that we can restore accountability to our school system and improve education for all.
Steve, I think 4:26 meant that you were gone as running as a Republican. You're on a 3rd party line now.
Delete. . . and proud of that third party line.
DeleteWe are Row D.
Vote Row D, for a better B-o-E.
Let's make election day D-Day as we liberate the BoE from politics as usual.
Seems like more folks are joining the reform bandwagon. Party affiliation doesn't seem to matter. It's about the kids and not the status quo 'Norwalk Way".
ReplyDeleteDon't let the "Apple-speak" fool you. The reform bandwagon was the Susie Marks cheerleading van. Their big reforms were all about hurting the kids in the elementary schools by crowding them in classes. Their "reforms" aren't about kids. Their "reforms" are all about bashing teachers and playing the blame game.
Delete