Still waiting for a decision on the k-5 language arts program from the superintendent. Rivera has had since last July to make this decision. What is going on? Is his decision different from the Board of Ed's decision? The curriculum department along with the teachers already made their decision. Can Rivera make decisions or not????? Students REQUIRE texts that go hand in hand with the core curriculum. Waiting hurts Norwalk students.
If test scores go down in the elementary grades, I hope teachers won't be thrown under the bus. The texts that are available are not aligned with the state's new curriculum. Don't blame teachers! Blame the politics on the BoE and the lack of decision making by the new superintendent. DISGUSTING TIMES when children don't come first!
I am disappointed in the appointment of the Director of Technology. What is he thinking? I was at the library and listened to questions about technology and the problems parents are having. Not good. Not much of it sounds promising.
Agreed. Mr. V. promised the word. I doubt he can delivery most of it. Our students will suffer and so will the teachers. This added stress is no good for anyone.
I am very concerned with our current BOE and the direction its headed. At its most recent meeting there was continued debate about legal fee and transfers. How is this matter not cleared up? Mrs. Haynie and Mr. Colorassi maybe be gone, but the problems both pointed out remain. Is the BOE going to take the direction of the mayor and honestly deal with the teachers and come to an agreement over wages and possible save money on legal fees, or do they plan to attack the contract drive down teacher moral in a money grab situation.
I am concerned about the lack of transparency. What are the legal fees and who are the consultants? What are their credentials? Why are they making the K-5 decisions when we pay big bucks for the superintendent to decide on the k-5 LA program? Something isn't right when there isn't transparency.
I think SPED expenses are expected to be transferred. If SPED students need transportation, they get it. I'm not sure it's a big deal. Legal fees and consultants are a big deal. Taxpayers want to know who the consultants are and why they are in Norwalk. There has been a past history of friends and relatives making big money by being consultants. Taxpayers also want to know why we are paying for lawyers.
According to current federal law, parents of special education students have a myriad of rights. Whenever they disagree with the actions of th district or a decision of a PPT team, they can and often do take us to what is called 'due process' to challenge the board's action. This is a lengthy and expensive process. If parents are upheld, we are responsible for paying their legal fees as well as our own. It would be just about impossible to accurately budget for these very specialized legal services. Ms, Mosby has been around long enough, and she should be well aware of this.
As the years went by and special programs, self contained classes and supports were eliminated, mostly for budgetary reasons, these precious babies were mainstreamed in regular ed classes. Teachers aren't prepared for them, there are insufficient resource teachers to give them what they need, and so empowered parents demand - and receive - more. More, often meaning outplacement with concurrent transportation charges, is very expensive.
Continued. More also means expensive consultants and 1:1 shadows for our growing number of children on the autism spectrum. Norwalk does not have the expertise in-house that these children need and parents demand in order for them to grow and thrive. Parents from certain demographic groups are successful obtaining these resources, others not so empowered, but that is another topic.
Manny Rivera is an outstanding leader. He sees what's going on, and he will address it. He can't fix everything at once, but he will get us there.
You state that Manny Rivera is an outstanding leader. Would you tell us what he has accomplished since last July? I haven't seen any concrete accomplishments.
New HR Director... Bruce Mellion the obstructionist will be history. He and his union are never about the children only about the most money for the least amount of obligations. This new Supt. will not be bullied!
Here is a good idea... re-use the land and space at some of the schools to develop our own Special Needs schools. instead of send kids out of the district keep them inhouse to be taught by Norwalk Teachers. Lower cost, better engagement and its all local. When the program becomes a success, we can become a mecca for other districts to send their students and we could capture tuition fees from those districts to support all our students and teachers.
2ndly.... Manny is showing quiet leadership however its all gonna come down to how the BOE, the BET, the Mayor and NFT can work together. As a tax payer I am hopeful they can agree on terms before pricey lawyers get involved. I'm sure the teachers would jump at contract with a small 2% increase for several years as apposed to fighting with the city on everything. 2% allows the city lock in a lower rate then the Police and Fire receive. Just a Thought...
Still waiting for a decision on the k-5 language arts program from the superintendent. Rivera has had since last July to make this decision. What is going on? Is his decision different from the Board of Ed's decision? The curriculum department along with the teachers already made their decision. Can Rivera make decisions or not????? Students REQUIRE texts that go hand in hand with the core curriculum. Waiting hurts Norwalk students.
ReplyDeleteIf test scores go down in the elementary grades, I hope teachers won't be thrown under the bus. The texts that are available are not aligned with the state's new curriculum. Don't blame teachers! Blame the politics on the BoE and the lack of decision making by the new superintendent. DISGUSTING TIMES when children don't come first!
DeleteI am disappointed in the appointment of the Director of Technology. What is he thinking? I was at the library and listened to questions about technology and the problems parents are having. Not good. Not much of it sounds promising.
ReplyDeleteAgreed. Mr. V. promised the word. I doubt he can delivery most of it. Our students will suffer and so will the teachers. This added stress is no good for anyone.
ReplyDeleteI am very concerned with our current BOE and the direction its headed. At its most recent meeting there was continued debate about legal fee and transfers. How is this matter not cleared up? Mrs. Haynie and Mr. Colorassi maybe be gone, but the problems both pointed out remain.
ReplyDeleteIs the BOE going to take the direction of the mayor and honestly deal with the teachers and come to an agreement over wages and possible save money on legal fees, or do they plan to attack the contract drive down teacher moral in a money grab situation.
I am concerned about the lack of transparency. What are the legal fees and who are the consultants? What are their credentials? Why are they making the K-5 decisions when we pay big bucks for the superintendent to decide on the k-5 LA program? Something isn't right when there isn't transparency.
DeleteThe transfer of $125,000 for SPED Transportation dwarfs the transfers for legal fees or consultants yet no one asked about that ....
ReplyDeleteI think SPED expenses are expected to be transferred. If SPED students need transportation, they get it. I'm not sure it's a big deal. Legal fees and consultants are a big deal. Taxpayers want to know who the consultants are and why they are in Norwalk. There has been a past history of friends and relatives making big money by being consultants. Taxpayers also want to know why we are paying for lawyers.
ReplyDeleteAccording to current federal law, parents of special education students have a myriad of rights. Whenever they disagree with the actions of th district or a decision of a PPT team, they can and often do take us to what is called 'due process' to challenge the board's action. This is a lengthy and expensive process. If parents are upheld, we are responsible for paying their legal fees as well as our own. It would be just about impossible to accurately budget for these very specialized legal services. Ms, Mosby has been around long enough, and she should be well aware of this.
ReplyDeleteAs the years went by and special programs, self contained classes and supports were eliminated, mostly for budgetary reasons, these precious babies were mainstreamed in regular ed classes. Teachers aren't prepared for them, there are insufficient resource teachers to give them what they need, and so empowered parents demand - and receive - more. More, often meaning outplacement with concurrent transportation charges, is very expensive.
Continued. More also means expensive consultants and 1:1 shadows for our growing number of children on the autism spectrum. Norwalk does not have the expertise in-house that these children need and parents demand in order for them to grow and thrive. Parents from certain demographic groups are successful obtaining these resources, others not so empowered, but that is another topic.
ReplyDeleteManny Rivera is an outstanding leader. He sees what's going on, and he will address it. He can't fix everything at once, but he will get us there.
You state that Manny Rivera is an outstanding leader. Would you tell us what he has accomplished since last July? I haven't seen any concrete accomplishments.
DeleteNew HR Director... Bruce Mellion the obstructionist will be history. He and his union are never about the children only about the most money for the least amount of obligations. This new Supt. will not be bullied!
DeleteIt's about time. And you're right: it is never about teaching, children, or learning with him.
DeleteHere is a good idea... re-use the land and space at some of the schools to develop our own Special Needs schools. instead of send kids out of the district keep them inhouse to be taught by Norwalk Teachers. Lower cost, better engagement and its all local.
ReplyDeleteWhen the program becomes a success, we can become a mecca for other districts to send their students and we could capture tuition fees from those districts to support all our students and teachers.
2ndly....
Manny is showing quiet leadership however its all gonna come down to how the BOE, the BET, the Mayor and NFT can work together. As a tax payer I am hopeful they can agree on terms before pricey lawyers get involved. I'm sure the teachers would jump at contract with a small 2% increase for several years as apposed to fighting with the city on everything. 2% allows the city lock in a lower rate then the Police and Fire receive.
Just a Thought...
I think there is a state or federal law about "least restrictive environment" for special education kids. Could someone explain that to us?
Delete