For those of you who are interested, here are the questions being asked of all the BOE candidates by the League of Women Voters/RedApplies. Written responses are due October 16th. Any thoughts?
1. If you are elected, what should the Board of Education’s top three priorities be and how would you implement them?
2. On a personal and professional level, what life experiences and qualifications have equipped you to become an effective Board of Education member?
3. The Center for Public Education states that effective school boards are data savvy. They embrace and monitor data about their own student body and from outside research studies, even if the information is negative, and use it to drive continuous improvement. Please provide 2-3 examples of how you would use or have used data to inform and guide your decision making.
4. What is your position on charter schools and other public/private partnerships in the school system? What is your position on school vouchers?
5. Beyond the Code of Civility, how have you or would you connect and listen to staff, parents, community and fellow board members in order to foster collaborative relationships?
6. What specific measures would you advocate for with respect to assisting Norwalk’s 47% free and reduced lunch population, to ensure that our school system is meeting the needs of all children?
7. What would you do to ensure a reasonable balance between the need to maintain high academic standards through quality programs and the need to establish spending levels that address the concerns of Norwalk’s taxpayers?
8. As you have prepared for the election campaign, what information did you learn about Norwalk Public Schools that interests and/or concerns you the most?
Red Apples is backing two Republicans two Democrats all women from all over Norwalk, two are incumbents one from each party and one is a African American. All of them bring something unique and special to the BOE. With the exception of Bazzano and Williams there are NO other acceptable choices. Who cares about Redapples LOL …TEA PARTY….PLEASE.
FYI I am not Red Apple but curious with all the BS …so I went to the website. I am a registered independent and sick of finger pointing trash talk. Why not talk about what you want to see, or what you have done … Have we learned NOTHING from Washington. We need people who can work together for the common good. These four have proven to me that they can work together. They have my vote for that reason alone. Takes all the politics and trash talk out of the BOE.
Rep - Rosato – worked for NEF bringing thousands of dollars used to fund enrichment. Is familiar with Foundation Support and can assist Dr. Rivera to bring more of those funds to Norwalk
Rep- Haynie- Incumbent who worked on contract reform. Nobody wants to talk about money but in a strapped economy she is trying to get the best deal for the tax payers and children. Thankless job.
Dem - Keyes – Incumbent who is working on early childhood literacy and communication.
Dem -Sherelle Harris Focus is on the achievement gap, quality instruction
The other choices are:
Ind- Collarossi Incumbent Neither the Demorcrats or Repulicans will indorse him so he had to run as an independent. Disbarred from NY for either incompetence or worse.
Rep- Kassimis – Big achievement is trouble tickets for reporting computer glitches. Not fixing them just the reporting process. Created a sports liaison, himself, between the BOE and schools.
Dem- Mosby- Defensive Angry Women who cries racism every time something doesn’t go her way. Was on the dysfunctional BOE and was not re-elected.
Sad to read such a stilted and inaccurate depiction of the candidates. If anyone doesn't know the views of the Norwalk Community Values candidates (that would be Andres Roman and me) then they haven't taken the time to visit our website (www.norwalkcommunityvalues.com). That's the same website that's on the hundreds of green signs many Norwalk citizens are proudly displaying in a show of support on their front lawns. As for the implication that Andres Roman would be a "+1" vote, whoever would spout that doesn't know the self-made young dad, homeowner and taxpayer who is engaging voters of all political stripes. Andres has the strength of his convictions. Finally, I'm sure this is the same person who had earlier posted the same slander about my bar record. Too bad it's a lie. I passed the NY Bar in 1989 (right of law school). I left NY in 1990 to take a job in Boston and did not renew my Bar membership (high dues fees that my firm at the time would not pay).
And, Artie Kassimis has been a consistent force helping the board overcome its internal conflicts, guiding debate on re-organization issues and employee practices, and actively participating in the work of our Policy Committee. His expertise on tech department issues have been particularly helpful.
Steve you can twist the facts that is to be expected. Just Saying Unethical at best!!!!! Decided on May 29, 2012 SUPREME COURT, APPELLATE DIVISION First Judicial Department Luis A. Gonzalez,Presiding Justice, John W. Sweeny, Jr. Karla Moskowitz Dianne T. Renwick Rosalyn H. Richter,Justices. 5670 [*1]In the Matter of Steven A. Colarossi, a suspended attorney: Departmental Disciplinary Committee for the First Judicial Department, Petitioner, Steven A. Colarossi, Respondent.
Steve, not clear what you are asking...do you want answers to respond? Not sure, just go with the flow and do what you do best...stand your position and speak on behalf of the kids. You will do great!
Top Three priorities for me are: (1) hold the new superintendent accountable for true leadership and follow through of his ideas, (2) elementary program that teachers will accept because they teach the curriculum, (3) work harmoniously with teachers, but put pressure on principals to evaluate staff more rigorously.
Why are the Red Apples formulating these questions? They have several candidates running. Is this a conflict of interest? How convenient that the answers are given in writing. Some Apples would have trouble if they were asked these questions during a debate or an open forum.
Red Apples did not formulate these questions. Steve, why are you trying to cause trouble? I am a co-founder of Red Apples and I am also a member of the League of Women Voters. Verify with the LWV Committee that I recused myself from the BOE portion of the forum. I have had nothing to do with the final questions selected. The questions came from other League members and the NACCP representative - Brenda Penn Williams, because Shirley Mosby also had to recuse herself. Lauren Rosato who is also with the League - recused herself from ALL proceedings.
This written format that 8.20 objects to has been applied to the At-Large and In-District Common Council candidates, as well as, the BOE. Having been involved with League debates for the past 5 years, it is incredibly difficult to have a real "debate' with 10 people - and hope to hold the audience's attention. Candidates end up getting 2-3 questions. If it is the same question - it gets monotonous and if they are different questions, candidates argue over whether someone got the 'better' or more 'difficult question.' Additionally, in my 5 years of forums - attendance is limited to the politicos and not the average voter. That is unfortunate, but it is what I have witnessed. At least with this process - all candidate responses can be shared with a broader audience than those who attended the forum.
I specifically informed you, as I did others seeking BOE positions that I had recused myself as such and as I recall, you wrote a very nice email to me - not questioning my integrity. I had no idea what the questions were until you published them on this website.
Didn't think that sharing questions that had been asked of all candidates and identifying some of the forum sponsors was "making trouble".
As for the belief that the RedApples aren't involved in the forum, here is what The Hour reported: "Thursday night's event is the first of a series of forums being sponsored by the LWVN, the Norwalk branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, the Coalition of Norwalk Neighborhood Associations, the Norwalk Education Foundation, REd APPLES of Norwalk, and The Hour Publishing Co."
I think it's important for the public to know the questions that were asked- who knows, maybe some of them will inspire some discussion and debate among our very concerned readers and posters here.
Given how much time we've had to answer the questions, it really wouldn't matter if one candidate had a month or a week to respond to them-- as a result, I don't see the need for anyone to suspect that any one person would have a "conflict" that could somehow provide an advantage to any candidates.
Steve: It would appear that the Hour used an old ad from the previous election or someone didn't edit a LWV ad from the previous election. The Hour also published an 'old letter' with an 'old tentative date' for the Mayoral Forum, AFTER being notified by the LWV of the new date and even wrote a story about the double header scheduled for 10/29, last week. Things happen. And, the 'trouble' I was referring to was your use of Applies versus Apples. Maybe it was a typo or maybe not. (I saw where I accidentally typed NACCP instead of NAACP.) But you're a pretty smart guy - so I think you knew what you were doing:-)
In any event, for all the anonymous posters and readers out there in Norwalk Speaks cyber space, NEWSFLASH... it is me, I am the Red APPLE who is also is a member of the LWV. This is NOT news. And if it is news to this readership - well...now you know :-) I also recused myself from the LWV final selection of questions - which was a committee of 6 individuals. As you can all see, the questions are fairly basic in nature.
What perhaps many of you didn't know - is that I was an ardent supporter of Steve Colarossi four years ago. I campaigned vigorously for him on my side of town. Somewhere along the line - Steve and I parted ways - probably over the other favorite person on this blog - the long departed Dr. Marks. I personally feel that Steve is too beholding to the status quo and Mr. Mellion. I have also witnessed two different styles/personalities in terms of how he dealt with Dr. Marks and how he dealt with Mr. Dadonna and I will leave it at that.
Preferring to be a forward looking person, I am delighted that the majority of the bi-partisan BOE was able to secure the skill sets of Dr. Rivera and hope that with the upcoming election, the electorate will select BOE candidates who will work with one another and support Dr. Rivera and his Strategic Plan when he puts it forward. Incidentally, Dr. Rivera is also a reformer.
Finally, REd APPLES is more a website than anything else (despite attempts by some on this blog to personally attack individuals who may identify with a national education reform agenda.) Over the past 18 months there have been 46,000+ visits accessing over 167,000 pages. As the system administrator, I often get emails from NPS staff, as well as, the average citizen looking for information. Most recently, I posted a One-Stop-Shop Page for all 10 candidates- providing links to the media outlets (The Hour, NON, It's Relevant) that have done interviews with the candidates, as they become available. After the LWV 10/21 forum - and the candidate answers are made public, I will post their answer on the website as well.
How defensive of LIsa Thompson to distance her group from the BOE candidate forum. I wonder why? Because she knows that the Red Apples candidates (who are having a joint event this Sunday hosted by a local realtor) are poised for defeat. Maybe she sees the writing on the wall- the public has finally figured out they aren't for "reform" but power .
Once again, an alleged “reformer” (who didn’t raise her voice above a whisper when essential services for elementary school students, programs for middle school students and a critical technical program for Norwalk High School students were being slashed by the former superintendent) wants to cast me as the scion of the "status quo". Yet, the most critical reform we need in Norwalk is to eliminate politics as usual from the Norwalk Board of Education by insisting on accountability from all those who are involved in the education of our children. And, my record of policy reform (including improving how we report and stop child abuse and neglect) has improved accountability. True reform has meant identifying and eliminating adult-on-student bullying, providing school administrators greater authority to impose short-term student discipline to keep our schools safe and fighting for fiscal accountability (because every dime that's wasted on lawyer fees is ten cents less that we can spend on educating children). The RedApple founder claims that support for the superintendent is paramount and expresses her praise for Dr. Rivera. Yet, she finds no fault with her endorsed BOE candidate voting against Dr. Rivera's choice for Deputy Superintendent. She next faults me for not being supportive enough during the two-year term of Supt. Marks. I did oppose the overspending, improper hiring and unauthorized raises to administrators undertaken by Supt. Marks (within her first six months, she had given two promotions and three raises without any notice to or approval by the BOE). And yes, I strenuously objected to two years of budget proposals that failed to explain the rationale for program and staff reductions and failed to adequately explain her plan to implement those reductions. To do otherwise would have been to compromise my duty to the families and taxpayers I represented. The question shouldn’t be why did I oppose wasteful spending that took money from our classrooms, but why didn’t every member of the Board of Education and every member of self-proclaimed education reform organizations join with me.
You cannot fool me, you ..... you.... "Apple", you! I've been reading this blog from the start, and I know that the REd APPLES is a LOT more than just a website. In fact, the REd APPLES is an organization of spies, collecting information on behalf of the foreign office of.... Oh. Wait. That's the 39 Steps. Sorry.
Anyway, what proof do you have that the REd Apples is NOT responsible for the Sack of Constantinople, the Lisbon Earthquake, the Great Fire of London, The Revolution of 1905 or the Great Leap Forward? I know an ancient secret world-wide conspiracy when I see one...
Or maybe the REd APPLES is just an advocacy group with a small but active membership, and some very vocal critics who do not hesitate to share their dislike of your organization. In that case, never mind.
Instead of red apples, green apples, blue apples, why doesn't someone start looking into the profession of teaching. There are many individuals, in my opinion, who should not be in the classroom. Seems like to many, rules don't apply. You have substitutes who cannot control a classroom let alone teach something. You have teachers counting down days until the next vacation. You have "so called" NPS employees out on paid leave and haven't stepped foot in a classroom for over two years. Stop all the nonsense and start looking at what's really wrong with NPS and why are children are not learning!!!
It comes down to no one holding principals accountable for providing the kinds of evaluations that remove bad teachers from the classrooms. I would like to know how many teachers in Norwalk were removed from their positions because they were not good teachers, Could someone provide us with that information by school? I want to know if principals hold their teachers up to the standards we require of them. No names, just numbers over a period of years, please.
This is not a simple thing. Even when a principal tries to remove a bad teacher, they have the NFT contract and Mellion to contend with. He will fight you tooth and nail. There is absolutely no support from central office. In the end, after years of fighting, teachers go out on a 'medical leave' for a year or more. All this time,
Thank you!!! Glad to see someone else agrees. Just saw on TV last night a teacher (I believe in Texas) is filing a grievance/law suit again her own union. Said with all the people in the country losing their jobs, teachers still every year, get a raise and she feels upset by this. " Most teachers are afraid of their unions, some have been threatened for opening and voicing their opinions". She said it's disgusting what's going on. Hats off to this teacher, hope she gets something going!!
And what does this mean, and what does it have to do with us here in Norwalk? So no grievances have been filed for terminations. That's because there have been none!!!! How many have been out for months, for years, with full pay?
Mr. Memory, the RedApples are not just a website with a few active members who are simply promoting reform. They will soon be a force on the Board of Education if you vote their "few members" in. I am a concerned citizen because these "few people" are trouble with a capital T. They should not control the school system.
We know that Lisa Thompson got awfully defensive when Steve suggested that the RedApples were involved in the preparation of the questions for the candidate forum. Wonder why? Maybe it's because she knows the group has been discredited. Maybe that's why she's helping Haynie, Keyes, Rosato and Harris secretly.
Notice how the Red Apples try so hard to discredit Steve. They are doing the same thing for Andres Roman on Nancy on Norwalk. Dirty politics, folks! If you want dirty politics in Norwalk vote the Red Apple ticket....Who is on the Red Apple ticket? Haynie, Rosato, Harris and Keyes. Then there are a few members in the background fighting hard to support them, i.e. Thomson. Do us all a favor and don't vote for dirty politics in Norwalk. It's time to stop this nonsense!
I quote Lisa Thomson, RedApple, "I also recused myself from the LWV final selection of questions - which was a committee of 6 individuals. As you can all see, the questions are fairly basic in nature. " Did you catch her wording? She recused herself from the FINAL selection of questions. In other words LISA THOMSON HAD INPUT INTO THE QUESTIONS.Why did she wait to recuse herself until it came to the final selection of questions? Perhaps she wanted her RedApple candidates to have information in advance of the other candidates? That's why she was upset that Steve posted the questions. Clever Lisa, but not too clever...
Did anyone notice LT did not discount the "anonymous" statement that the RedApples were endorsing Harris, Haynie, Keyes and Rosato? Guess we have another lie about the Red Apples (they they are non partisan). Their website says that "REd APPLES of Norwalk is a grassroots non-partisan community coalition . . ."
Did you notice that the signs around Norwalk have Haynie, Rosato and Harris grouped together? Democrats and Republicans together? All their signs around town are together? Very interesting that the Red Apples are members of different parties. They want a majority on the Board. (Add Barbis and we have a majority). Not looking for power? Lisa, we are not stupid.
Has anyone figured out that the Apple members have formed a new group to campaign for their Fab Four? They sent a flyer last week for them. The flyer lists some made up group with no members listed- hmm . . wonder what's the big secret?
For those of you who are interested, here are the questions being asked of all the BOE candidates by the League of Women Voters/RedApplies. Written responses are due October 16th. Any thoughts?
ReplyDelete1. If you are elected, what should the Board of Education’s top three priorities be and how would you implement them?
2. On a personal and professional level, what life experiences and qualifications have equipped you to become an effective Board of Education member?
3. The Center for Public Education states that effective school boards are data savvy. They embrace and monitor data about their own student body and from outside research studies, even if the information is negative, and use it to drive continuous improvement. Please provide 2-3 examples of how you would use or have used data to inform and guide your decision making.
4. What is your position on charter schools and other public/private partnerships in the school system? What is your position on school vouchers?
5. Beyond the Code of Civility, how have you or would you connect and listen to staff, parents, community and fellow board members in order to foster collaborative relationships?
6. What specific measures would you advocate for with respect to assisting Norwalk’s 47% free and reduced lunch population, to ensure that our school system is meeting the needs of all children?
7. What would you do to ensure a reasonable balance between the need to maintain high academic standards through quality programs and the need to establish spending levels that address the concerns of Norwalk’s taxpayers?
8. As you have prepared for the election campaign, what information did you learn about Norwalk Public Schools that interests and/or concerns you the most?
Red Apples is backing two Republicans two Democrats all women from all over Norwalk, two are incumbents one from each party and one is a African American. All of them bring something unique and special to the BOE. With the exception of Bazzano and Williams there are NO other acceptable choices. Who cares about Redapples LOL …TEA PARTY….PLEASE.
DeleteFYI I am not Red Apple but curious with all the BS …so I went to the website. I am a registered independent and sick of finger pointing trash talk. Why not talk about what you want to see, or what you have done … Have we learned NOTHING from Washington. We need people who can work together for the common good. These four have proven to me that they can work together. They have my vote for that reason alone. Takes all the politics and trash talk out of the BOE.
Rep - Rosato – worked for NEF bringing thousands of dollars used to fund enrichment. Is familiar with Foundation Support and can assist Dr. Rivera to bring more of those funds to Norwalk
Rep- Haynie- Incumbent who worked on contract reform. Nobody wants to talk about money but in a strapped economy she is trying to get the best deal for the tax payers and children. Thankless job.
Dem - Keyes – Incumbent who is working on early childhood literacy and communication.
Dem -Sherelle Harris Focus is on the achievement gap, quality instruction
The other choices are:
Ind- Collarossi Incumbent Neither the Demorcrats or Repulicans will indorse him so he had to run as an independent. Disbarred from NY for either incompetence or worse.
Rep- Kassimis – Big achievement is trouble tickets for reporting computer glitches. Not fixing them just the reporting process. Created a sports liaison, himself, between the BOE and schools.
Dem- Mosby- Defensive Angry Women who cries racism every time something doesn’t go her way. Was on the dysfunctional BOE and was not re-elected.
Rep-Bazzano Don’t know his views?
Ind Roman Don’t know his views. Steve’s +1 vote.
Dem – Williams Don’t know his views?
Sad to read such a stilted and inaccurate depiction of the candidates.
DeleteIf anyone doesn't know the views of the Norwalk Community Values candidates (that would be Andres Roman and me) then they haven't taken the time to visit our website (www.norwalkcommunityvalues.com). That's the same website that's on the hundreds of green signs many Norwalk citizens are proudly displaying in a show of support on their front lawns.
As for the implication that Andres Roman would be a "+1" vote, whoever would spout that doesn't know the self-made young dad, homeowner and taxpayer who is engaging voters of all political stripes. Andres has the strength of his convictions.
Finally, I'm sure this is the same person who had earlier posted the same slander about my bar record. Too bad it's a lie. I passed the NY Bar in 1989 (right of law school). I left NY in 1990 to take a job in Boston and did not renew my Bar membership (high dues fees that my firm at the time would not pay).
And, Artie Kassimis has been a consistent force helping the board overcome its internal conflicts, guiding debate on re-organization issues and employee practices, and actively participating in the work of our Policy Committee. His expertise on tech department issues have been particularly helpful.
DeleteSteve you can twist the facts that is to be expected. Just Saying Unethical at best!!!!!
DeleteDecided on May 29, 2012
SUPREME COURT, APPELLATE DIVISION
First Judicial Department
Luis A. Gonzalez,Presiding Justice,
John W. Sweeny, Jr.
Karla Moskowitz
Dianne T. Renwick
Rosalyn H. Richter,Justices.
5670
[*1]In the Matter of Steven A. Colarossi, a suspended attorney:
Departmental Disciplinary Committee for the First Judicial Department,
Petitioner, Steven A. Colarossi, Respondent.
Roman +1
DeleteArtie +2
Today Norwalk tomorrow the world!
Steve, not clear what you are asking...do you want answers to respond? Not sure, just go with the flow and do what you do best...stand your position and speak on behalf of the kids. You will do great!
ReplyDeleteJust letting the regular readers in on what the League of Women Voters/RedApples feel are the important questions to ask of candidates.
DeleteTop Three priorities for me are: (1) hold the new superintendent accountable for true leadership and follow through of his ideas, (2) elementary program that teachers will accept because they teach the curriculum, (3) work harmoniously with teachers, but put pressure on principals to evaluate staff more rigorously.
ReplyDeleteWhy are the Red Apples formulating these questions? They have several candidates running. Is this a conflict of interest? How convenient that the answers are given in writing. Some Apples would have trouble if they were asked these questions during a debate or an open forum.
ReplyDeleteRed Apples did not formulate these questions. Steve, why are you trying to cause trouble? I am a co-founder of Red Apples and I am also a member of the League of Women Voters. Verify with the LWV Committee that I recused myself from the BOE portion of the forum. I have had nothing to do with the final questions selected. The questions came from other League members and the NACCP representative - Brenda Penn Williams, because Shirley Mosby also had to recuse herself. Lauren Rosato who is also with the League - recused herself from ALL proceedings.
ReplyDeleteThis written format that 8.20 objects to has been applied to the At-Large and In-District Common Council candidates, as well as, the BOE. Having been involved with League debates for the past 5 years, it is incredibly difficult to have a real "debate' with 10 people - and hope to hold the audience's attention. Candidates end up getting 2-3 questions. If it is the same question - it gets monotonous and if they are different questions, candidates argue over whether someone got the 'better' or more 'difficult question.' Additionally, in my 5 years of forums - attendance is limited to the politicos and not the average voter. That is unfortunate, but it is what I have witnessed. At least with this process - all candidate responses can be shared with a broader audience than those who attended the forum.
I specifically informed you, as I did others seeking BOE positions that I had recused myself as such and as I recall, you wrote a very nice email to me - not questioning my integrity. I had no idea what the questions were until you published them on this website.
Another thing...I hadn't seen the questions - until you posted them Steve. No matter -as they are not a secret - but just wanted you to know.
DeleteDidn't think that sharing questions that had been asked of all candidates and identifying some of the forum sponsors was "making trouble".
ReplyDeleteAs for the belief that the RedApples aren't involved in the forum, here is what The Hour reported: "Thursday night's event is the first of a series of forums being sponsored by the LWVN, the Norwalk branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, the Coalition of Norwalk Neighborhood Associations, the Norwalk Education Foundation, REd APPLES of Norwalk, and The Hour Publishing Co."
I think it's important for the public to know the questions that were asked- who knows, maybe some of them will inspire some discussion and debate among our very concerned readers and posters here.
Given how much time we've had to answer the questions, it really wouldn't matter if one candidate had a month or a week to respond to them-- as a result, I don't see the need for anyone to suspect that any one person would have a "conflict" that could somehow provide an advantage to any candidates.
Lisa Thomson, a RedApple who foments trouble. The RedApples, those who are the loose cannons of Norwalk.
ReplyDeleteSteve: It would appear that the Hour used an old ad from the previous election or someone didn't edit a LWV ad from the previous election. The Hour also published an 'old letter' with an 'old tentative date' for the Mayoral Forum, AFTER being notified by the LWV of the new date and even wrote a story about the double header scheduled for 10/29, last week. Things happen. And, the 'trouble' I was referring to was your use of Applies versus Apples. Maybe it was a typo or maybe not. (I saw where I accidentally typed NACCP instead of NAACP.) But you're a pretty smart guy - so I think you knew what you were doing:-)
ReplyDeleteIn any event, for all the anonymous posters and readers out there in Norwalk Speaks cyber space, NEWSFLASH... it is me, I am the Red APPLE who is also is a member of the LWV. This is NOT news.
And if it is news to this readership - well...now you know :-) I also recused myself from the LWV final selection of questions - which was a committee of 6 individuals. As you can all see, the questions are fairly basic in nature.
What perhaps many of you didn't know - is that I was an ardent supporter of Steve Colarossi four years ago. I campaigned vigorously for him on my side of town. Somewhere along the line - Steve and I parted ways - probably over the other favorite person on this blog - the long departed Dr. Marks. I personally feel that Steve is too beholding to the status quo and Mr. Mellion. I have also witnessed two different styles/personalities in terms of how he dealt with Dr. Marks and how he dealt with Mr. Dadonna and I will leave it at that.
Preferring to be a forward looking person, I am delighted that the majority of the bi-partisan BOE was able to secure the skill sets of Dr. Rivera and hope that with the upcoming election, the electorate will select BOE candidates who will work with one another and support Dr. Rivera and his Strategic Plan when he puts it forward. Incidentally, Dr. Rivera is also a reformer.
Finally, REd APPLES is more a website than anything else (despite attempts by some on this blog to personally attack individuals who may identify with a national education reform agenda.) Over the past 18 months there have been 46,000+ visits accessing over 167,000 pages. As the system administrator, I often get emails from NPS staff, as well as, the average citizen looking for information. Most recently, I posted a One-Stop-Shop Page for all 10 candidates- providing links to the media outlets (The Hour, NON, It's Relevant) that have done interviews with the candidates, as they become available. After the LWV 10/21 forum - and the candidate answers are made public, I will post their answer on the website as well.
How defensive of LIsa Thompson to distance her group from the BOE candidate forum. I wonder why? Because she knows that the Red Apples candidates (who are having a joint event this Sunday hosted by a local realtor) are poised for defeat. Maybe she sees the writing on the wall- the public has finally figured out they aren't for "reform" but power .
DeleteOnce again, an alleged “reformer” (who didn’t raise her voice above a whisper when essential services for elementary school students, programs for middle school students and a critical technical program for Norwalk High School students were being slashed by the former superintendent) wants to cast me as the scion of the "status quo". Yet, the most critical reform we need in Norwalk is to eliminate politics as usual from the Norwalk Board of Education by insisting on accountability from all those who are involved in the education of our children. And, my record of policy reform (including improving how we report and stop child abuse and neglect) has improved accountability. True reform has meant identifying and eliminating adult-on-student bullying, providing school administrators greater authority to impose short-term student discipline to keep our schools safe and fighting for fiscal accountability (because every dime that's wasted on lawyer fees is ten cents less that we can spend on educating children).
DeleteThe RedApple founder claims that support for the superintendent is paramount and expresses her praise for Dr. Rivera. Yet, she finds no fault with her endorsed BOE candidate voting against Dr. Rivera's choice for Deputy Superintendent.
She next faults me for not being supportive enough during the two-year term of Supt. Marks.
I did oppose the overspending, improper hiring and unauthorized raises to administrators undertaken by Supt. Marks (within her first six months, she had given two promotions and three raises without any notice to or approval by the BOE). And yes, I strenuously objected to two years of budget proposals that failed to explain the rationale for program and staff reductions and failed to adequately explain her plan to implement those reductions. To do otherwise would have been to compromise my duty to the families and taxpayers I represented. The question shouldn’t be why did I oppose wasteful spending that took money from our classrooms, but why didn’t every member of the Board of Education and every member of self-proclaimed education reform organizations join with me.
You cannot fool me, you ..... you.... "Apple", you! I've been reading this blog from the start, and I know that the REd APPLES is a LOT more than just a website. In fact, the REd APPLES is an organization of spies, collecting information on behalf of the foreign office of.... Oh. Wait. That's the 39 Steps. Sorry.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, what proof do you have that the REd Apples is NOT responsible for the Sack of Constantinople, the Lisbon Earthquake, the Great Fire of London, The Revolution of 1905 or the Great Leap Forward? I know an ancient secret world-wide conspiracy when I see one...
Or maybe the REd APPLES is just an advocacy group with a small but active membership, and some very vocal critics who do not hesitate to share their dislike of your organization. In that case, never mind.
Instead of red apples, green apples, blue apples, why doesn't someone start looking into the profession of teaching. There are many individuals, in my opinion, who should not be in the classroom. Seems like to many, rules don't apply. You have substitutes who cannot control a classroom let alone teach something. You have teachers counting down days until the next vacation. You have "so called" NPS employees out on paid leave and haven't stepped foot in a classroom for over two years. Stop all the nonsense and start looking at what's really wrong with NPS and why are children are not learning!!!
ReplyDeleteExcuse me, I mean OUR children!
DeleteIt comes down to no one holding principals accountable for providing the kinds of evaluations that remove bad teachers from the classrooms. I would like to know how many teachers in Norwalk were removed from their positions because they were not good teachers, Could someone provide us with that information by school? I want to know if principals hold their teachers up to the standards we require of them. No names, just numbers over a period of years, please.
DeleteThis is not a simple thing. Even when a principal tries to remove a bad teacher, they have the NFT contract and Mellion to contend with. He will fight you tooth and nail. There is absolutely no support from central office. In the end, after years of fighting, teachers go out on a 'medical leave' for a year or more. All this time,
DeleteCont'd. They are on full pay with benefits, and we are still making their pension contributions. It's disgusting and disheartening.
DeleteDo you know how many grievances have been filed by the NFT over the past twenty years for teacher terminations? Take a guess. The answer is ONE.
DeleteThank you!!! Glad to see someone else agrees. Just saw on TV last night a teacher (I believe in Texas) is filing a grievance/law suit again her own union. Said with all the people in the country losing their jobs, teachers still every year, get a raise and she feels upset by this. " Most teachers are afraid of their unions, some have been threatened for opening and voicing their opinions". She said it's disgusting what's going on. Hats off to this teacher, hope she gets something going!!
DeleteAnd what does this mean, and what does it have to do with us here in Norwalk? So no grievances have been filed for terminations. That's because there have been none!!!! How many have been out for months, for years, with full pay?
DeleteMr. Memory, the RedApples are not just a website with a few active members who are simply promoting reform. They will soon be a force on the Board of Education if you vote their "few members" in. I am a concerned citizen because these "few people" are trouble with a capital T. They should not control the school system.
ReplyDeleteSEEK HELP!
DeleteThank you, RedApple. Personally, You are the one who rages. Perhaps you are bipolar?
DeleteWe know that Lisa Thompson got awfully defensive when Steve suggested that the RedApples were involved in the preparation of the questions for the candidate forum. Wonder why? Maybe it's because she knows the group has been discredited. Maybe that's why she's helping Haynie, Keyes, Rosato and Harris secretly.
ReplyDeleteNotice how the Red Apples try so hard to discredit Steve. They are doing the same thing for Andres Roman on Nancy on Norwalk. Dirty politics, folks! If you want dirty politics in Norwalk vote the Red Apple ticket....Who is on the Red Apple ticket? Haynie, Rosato, Harris and Keyes. Then there are a few members in the background fighting hard to support them, i.e. Thomson. Do us all a favor and don't vote for dirty politics in Norwalk. It's time to stop this nonsense!
ReplyDeleteBravo!
DeleteI quote Lisa Thomson, RedApple, "I also recused myself from the LWV final selection of questions - which was a committee of 6 individuals. As you can all see, the questions are fairly basic in nature. "
ReplyDeleteDid you catch her wording? She recused herself from the FINAL selection of questions. In other words LISA THOMSON HAD INPUT INTO THE QUESTIONS.Why did she wait to recuse herself until it came to the final selection of questions? Perhaps she wanted her RedApple candidates to have information in advance of the other candidates? That's why she was upset that Steve posted the questions. Clever Lisa, but not too clever...
Did anyone notice LT did not discount the "anonymous" statement that the RedApples were endorsing Harris, Haynie, Keyes and Rosato? Guess we have another lie about the Red Apples (they they are non partisan). Their website says that "REd APPLES of Norwalk is a grassroots non-partisan community coalition . . ."
ReplyDeleteDid you notice that the signs around Norwalk have Haynie, Rosato and Harris grouped together? Democrats and Republicans together? All their signs around town are together? Very interesting that the Red Apples are members of different parties. They want a majority on the Board. (Add Barbis and we have a majority). Not looking for power? Lisa, we are not stupid.
ReplyDeleteHas anyone figured out that the Apple members have formed a new group to campaign for their Fab Four? They sent a flyer last week for them.
ReplyDeleteThe flyer lists some made up group with no members listed- hmm . . wonder what's the big secret?
If you were as unpopular as Lisa Thompson, you'd want to keep secret your support of candidates.
ReplyDelete