Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Teacher Speaks in Defense":
With all due respect
I would ask the teacher
Where in the world is there a job with tenure except for supreme court ?
Who has an inflated pension like the teachers pension system?
Realistically you talk about the teacher layoffs in other schools. Well lets look at our school is it really justified to demand raises,walk around with "contract now shirts in front of our children" That in itself was totally disrespectful to the children of Plainview. How can you demand more money when there are mass hardships that have been created all around us. The teachers in Plainview are either unaware of the economic realities or do not care. They displayed this when they went to the board meetings. all the teachers that spoke had one common thread in their speech. me,me,me,me. This is not about the parents not liking the teachers . This is about parents not being able to afford to live here any more because of the outrageous demands of the teachers. The last thing I would mention is who gets a raise at a job for just being there(step increases}? I never heard of anybody other than teachers getting this. Maybe someone might have the answer
Friday, March 19, 2010
Business Vs School- Reality Check
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Teacher Speaks in Defense":
your #4 comment about everybody deserving days off. Teachers have 4 weeks vacation, sick days , religious holidays that business do not close on and personal days. In addition to getting 7 weeks off in the summer. What business has that?
Comment#1. Did you ever go to the school at 4pm ? it looks like a ghost town. Everybody is gone.
your #4 comment about everybody deserving days off. Teachers have 4 weeks vacation, sick days , religious holidays that business do not close on and personal days. In addition to getting 7 weeks off in the summer. What business has that?
Comment#1. Did you ever go to the school at 4pm ? it looks like a ghost town. Everybody is gone.
Teacher Speaks in Defense
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Teachers Are Not In Touch With Real World Economic...":
I am a teacher and I take offense to your post.
1) your first statement makes no sense, teachers leave school just like every one else who attends school does, with the expectation of earning a salary, only when teachers start off they begin their carrer earning slightly less then other entry level position.
2) teachers have to meet the standards that are set up not only by the community that they teach in but standards of the state and federal governments as well
3) It is true that the primary job of teachers is to develop lesson plans for students. in doing so they must also deal with individualized education plans (IEP's)which requires them to tailor their lessons to students on a case by case basis while not loosing sight of the state mandated curriculm.
4)Every one is entitled to days off, even teachers. Most teachers work in some capacity over the summer and so their actual days off are not that different from other professions. maybe you havn't been reading the papers latly, teacher layoffs are a distinct possibility in some districts so it is incorrect to say that teachers are not subject to economic pressure.
5)your assertion that teachers do not understand risks presented by hard economic times is baseless and unfair. We do pay the same taxes as others on the island and many of us are married to non teachers who face the perils of the economy.
6) I came into teaching as a second profession after having many years in the military and the business world and I can safly say that teaching is at least as difficult if not more so then my time in the business world. What is truly insulting is your use of the word "us". this implies that you think that teachers are not part of the same community that you belong to. Also, you speak about teachers and their jobs as if you have first hand knowledge of what a teacher does. would you think it fair if I was to make such comments about your job?
7)You say in your last paragraph that teachers could face layoffs and yet in a prior paragraph you imply that teachers don't have an understaning of the economic climate. How can both be true?
I am a teacher and I take offense to your post.
1) your first statement makes no sense, teachers leave school just like every one else who attends school does, with the expectation of earning a salary, only when teachers start off they begin their carrer earning slightly less then other entry level position.
2) teachers have to meet the standards that are set up not only by the community that they teach in but standards of the state and federal governments as well
3) It is true that the primary job of teachers is to develop lesson plans for students. in doing so they must also deal with individualized education plans (IEP's)which requires them to tailor their lessons to students on a case by case basis while not loosing sight of the state mandated curriculm.
4)Every one is entitled to days off, even teachers. Most teachers work in some capacity over the summer and so their actual days off are not that different from other professions. maybe you havn't been reading the papers latly, teacher layoffs are a distinct possibility in some districts so it is incorrect to say that teachers are not subject to economic pressure.
5)your assertion that teachers do not understand risks presented by hard economic times is baseless and unfair. We do pay the same taxes as others on the island and many of us are married to non teachers who face the perils of the economy.
6) I came into teaching as a second profession after having many years in the military and the business world and I can safly say that teaching is at least as difficult if not more so then my time in the business world. What is truly insulting is your use of the word "us". this implies that you think that teachers are not part of the same community that you belong to. Also, you speak about teachers and their jobs as if you have first hand knowledge of what a teacher does. would you think it fair if I was to make such comments about your job?
7)You say in your last paragraph that teachers could face layoffs and yet in a prior paragraph you imply that teachers don't have an understaning of the economic climate. How can both be true?
Thursday, March 18, 2010
See Comment
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Asst. Superintendent Bio":
Please see the following comment from this blog:
http://averyplainview.blogspot.com/2009/11/question-on-asst-superintendent.html
Please see the following comment from this blog:
http://averyplainview.blogspot.com/2009/11/question-on-asst-superintendent.html
Teachers Are Not In Touch With Real World Economics
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Job Losses; Some Due to Attrition":
I have to say. After having time to reflect, I view the PTA and teacher posts to this blog differently than I had initially.
To all of those other than teachers and administrators. Imagine this scenario....you leave school and enter as a employee of a school district. You've never earned a dollar, never run a company, never had to meet standards of a private employer. Instead you enter a room surrounded by children and develop a lesson plan for teaching them. In that process, teachers lose touch with the principles of economics.
Soon enough, they believe that days off come cause they are an entitlement and raises come merely through the passage of time. Compensation is not tied to performance and the relinquishment of benefits (because of the company's economic pressures) are unfathomable.
What does it mean? It means that teachers may care but will never understand. They think they do (i.e. pay same taxes as us, etc.) but their vision of what an employer should provide completely lacks any true understanding of the risks other employees and business owners face.
Even more insulting is when a teacher then says..."you should have been a teacher." Think about that statement. Its a disguised way of saying "so I'm overpaid...what are you going to do about it?"
Other communities less fortunate than ours have recognized that economic principles are not just theory. You can't get blood from stone. In time, if this recession continues..these issues will force layoffs here. And only then will all of the newer teachers who trusted those more secure in their positions learn what we have been trying to tell them since the economy started its decline.
I have to say. After having time to reflect, I view the PTA and teacher posts to this blog differently than I had initially.
To all of those other than teachers and administrators. Imagine this scenario....you leave school and enter as a employee of a school district. You've never earned a dollar, never run a company, never had to meet standards of a private employer. Instead you enter a room surrounded by children and develop a lesson plan for teaching them. In that process, teachers lose touch with the principles of economics.
Soon enough, they believe that days off come cause they are an entitlement and raises come merely through the passage of time. Compensation is not tied to performance and the relinquishment of benefits (because of the company's economic pressures) are unfathomable.
What does it mean? It means that teachers may care but will never understand. They think they do (i.e. pay same taxes as us, etc.) but their vision of what an employer should provide completely lacks any true understanding of the risks other employees and business owners face.
Even more insulting is when a teacher then says..."you should have been a teacher." Think about that statement. Its a disguised way of saying "so I'm overpaid...what are you going to do about it?"
Other communities less fortunate than ours have recognized that economic principles are not just theory. You can't get blood from stone. In time, if this recession continues..these issues will force layoffs here. And only then will all of the newer teachers who trusted those more secure in their positions learn what we have been trying to tell them since the economy started its decline.
CV on Mr. Demsey
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Question....":
A google search on Gerard W. Dempsey yielded the following information. He holds degrees from Fordham and SUNY Stonybrook. He taught Social Studies in the NYC public schools, Plainedge, Northport and Huntington. In Huntington, he was a junior high principal and high school assistant principal. He was a director of instruction in Hicksville and an assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction (Jill Gierasch's job) in Huntington.
He was the superintendent in Farmingdale for eleven years, retired in 2001 and then left retirement to be the interim superintendent in Roslyn (after the big scandal there). He also did consulting work for school districts and directed the Leadership Center at BOCES.
His resume is long. He's done a lot on Long Island. That could be good or bad. Depends on how you look at it.
A google search on Gerard W. Dempsey yielded the following information. He holds degrees from Fordham and SUNY Stonybrook. He taught Social Studies in the NYC public schools, Plainedge, Northport and Huntington. In Huntington, he was a junior high principal and high school assistant principal. He was a director of instruction in Hicksville and an assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction (Jill Gierasch's job) in Huntington.
He was the superintendent in Farmingdale for eleven years, retired in 2001 and then left retirement to be the interim superintendent in Roslyn (after the big scandal there). He also did consulting work for school districts and directed the Leadership Center at BOCES.
His resume is long. He's done a lot on Long Island. That could be good or bad. Depends on how you look at it.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Can't Please All of the People All of the Time
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Question....":
On some issues he seems to just go through the motions much like politicians do!
On some issues he seems to just go through the motions much like politicians do!
Job Losses; Some Due to Attrition
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "A Superintendent Working With the Community":
what you don't mention about this article is that a majority of these job loses will not take place because education funding will be restored. those jobs that are lost will be because of attrition.
what you don't mention about this article is that a majority of these job loses will not take place because education funding will be restored. those jobs that are lost will be because of attrition.
Some Principals Are Bamboozling Superintendent
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Question....":
Be careful with this one. He passes most things back to the building level administrators. The problem with this is that they're not always honest with him about what really goes on. Stratford Road is known for covering up and/or "doctoring" situations to make things appear that the school is doing everything appropriately. This is a known phenomenon.
Be careful with this one. He passes most things back to the building level administrators. The problem with this is that they're not always honest with him about what really goes on. Stratford Road is known for covering up and/or "doctoring" situations to make things appear that the school is doing everything appropriately. This is a known phenomenon.
Problems Too Deep for Any One Person
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Asst. Superintendent Bio":
I've heard Ms. Gierasch speak. Personally, I don't think she's going to do much for the schools. I hate to say it. I'm sure she's trying but the problem is too deep for her to handle.
I've heard Ms. Gierasch speak. Personally, I don't think she's going to do much for the schools. I hate to say it. I'm sure she's trying but the problem is too deep for her to handle.
What About the Principals?
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Question....":
How do people rate the individual principals in the district? I've heard and seen good things about the K Center, OB, Parkway and middle school principals. Haven't heard anything about Pasadena and the high school. The Stratford principal doesn't seem to be the most popular. What's the word on him/her? The others?
How do people rate the individual principals in the district? I've heard and seen good things about the K Center, OB, Parkway and middle school principals. Haven't heard anything about Pasadena and the high school. The Stratford principal doesn't seem to be the most popular. What's the word on him/her? The others?
Give Him a Chance
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Question....":
He's responsive. It's just that he's very busy. You have to give him a chance to deal with things.
He's responsive. It's just that he's very busy. You have to give him a chance to deal with things.
Too Much Going On....
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Question....":
He'll talk to you if you give him a call. Principals aren't always honest with him when he looks into things. He'll uphold them more so than a parent. There's too much going on that never gets out to the community. Not a good situation.
He'll talk to you if you give him a call. Principals aren't always honest with him when he looks into things. He'll uphold them more so than a parent. There's too much going on that never gets out to the community. Not a good situation.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
BOE Coul Change Agenda
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "BOE Agenda, Minimizes Parent/Taxpayer Input":
According to Roberts Rules
These are the rules that everybody from unions, government, school board, PTA, and the boyscouts follow these rules. The BOE knows that they can change the direction of the meeting at any point. They choose not to and that is sad because they know that residents do work early and do tend to leave after a certain time in the meetings.
According to Roberts Rules
These are the rules that everybody from unions, government, school board, PTA, and the boyscouts follow these rules. The BOE knows that they can change the direction of the meeting at any point. They choose not to and that is sad because they know that residents do work early and do tend to leave after a certain time in the meetings.
A Superintendent Working With the Community
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Use Your Vote to Turn the District Around":
The Brentwood Superintendent in Newsday was quoted as saying about the potential budget problem in his school: "This is a very difficult position, because the community can not stand a double digit tax increase, but if we all work together, all share the pain, then we can work something out that will not overburden this community and that will minimize job losses" end of quote.That is what I call a community that works together for the benefit of the children, parents , and teachers .
The Brentwood Superintendent in Newsday was quoted as saying about the potential budget problem in his school: "This is a very difficult position, because the community can not stand a double digit tax increase, but if we all work together, all share the pain, then we can work something out that will not overburden this community and that will minimize job losses" end of quote.That is what I call a community that works together for the benefit of the children, parents , and teachers .
Tap Out the Taxpayer and the Result is Not Good
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Use Your Vote to Turn the District Around":
Job Ax Looms
That is the title of todays headline in Newsday today(3/16) that illustrates the economic hardships that school districts are facing on Long Island.
Brentwood tops the list with a possible 8-1/2% layoff of their teacheachers. 260 could be laid off
the other school districts that could be potentially laying off will be:
Comsewogue Northport
Hempstead East Northport
Island Trees Three Villages
Islip William Floyd
Lindenhurst South Huntington
Middle Country Patchogue-Medford
According to the President of the Brentwood Teachers association, the layoffs could go as far as 400. This could only be avoided if The state restores budget cuts that does not look like it will happen with the state being in a financial hole for 9+ billion dollars.
Job Ax Looms
That is the title of todays headline in Newsday today(3/16) that illustrates the economic hardships that school districts are facing on Long Island.
Brentwood tops the list with a possible 8-1/2% layoff of their teacheachers. 260 could be laid off
the other school districts that could be potentially laying off will be:
Comsewogue Northport
Hempstead East Northport
Island Trees Three Villages
Islip William Floyd
Lindenhurst South Huntington
Middle Country Patchogue-Medford
According to the President of the Brentwood Teachers association, the layoffs could go as far as 400. This could only be avoided if The state restores budget cuts that does not look like it will happen with the state being in a financial hole for 9+ billion dollars.
BOE Agenda, Minimizes Parent/Taxpayer Input
Stefanie N has left a new comment on your post "Question....":
Passing the buck is appropriate when a manager gives your concerns to a lower level manager and it gets handled. Whether corrective action on a building or central administration level comes of every parental concern is another story. That can require perseverance (you can't just talk about something at one BOE meeting and expect it to get fixed) and follow up. It can take months.
What I've found very noticeable is a new phenomenon - the way BOE meetings have become marathon sessions. Lately it seems more difficult to stay awake while the real issues are on the table.
Last week's vote to take out 2 library clericals from the budget happened hours into a meeting that included a lengthy slide show presentation about repairs needed for the broken HS swimming pool. (Too bad this much detail and attention isn't given to broken curriculum like elementary ELA!) By time budget cut items were voted on, much of the audience had left to go home.
Another BOE meeting, attended by many parents and teachers specifically to hear the final results of the contract negotiations, included an unusual 15 minute intermission at 10:30 PM, prior to that information being shared publicly. That meeting included lengthy discussions of conferences attended by BOE members. While very interesting and informative, this recent approach to go into great detail about previously glossed over BOE doings seemed a bit odd. Was it a carefully orchestrated ploy to lengthen BOE meetings in hopes that audience members will leave before the meat and potatoes are served? Any as many do - through no fault of their own - we all have commitments and it's hard to give up an hour or two on a Monday evening - let alone 3 hours.
I wonder why an employer would keep their employees waiting around when they know many of them start work early in the morning? Or parents for that matter - Mondays are school nights.
The BOE sets the agenda. They can decide what to talk about first or last. It seems that high interest or potentially controversial items are ending up later and later in the evening and although it's perfectly legal, its an unfortunate approach to an open government procedure.
Passing the buck is appropriate when a manager gives your concerns to a lower level manager and it gets handled. Whether corrective action on a building or central administration level comes of every parental concern is another story. That can require perseverance (you can't just talk about something at one BOE meeting and expect it to get fixed) and follow up. It can take months.
What I've found very noticeable is a new phenomenon - the way BOE meetings have become marathon sessions. Lately it seems more difficult to stay awake while the real issues are on the table.
Last week's vote to take out 2 library clericals from the budget happened hours into a meeting that included a lengthy slide show presentation about repairs needed for the broken HS swimming pool. (Too bad this much detail and attention isn't given to broken curriculum like elementary ELA!) By time budget cut items were voted on, much of the audience had left to go home.
Another BOE meeting, attended by many parents and teachers specifically to hear the final results of the contract negotiations, included an unusual 15 minute intermission at 10:30 PM, prior to that information being shared publicly. That meeting included lengthy discussions of conferences attended by BOE members. While very interesting and informative, this recent approach to go into great detail about previously glossed over BOE doings seemed a bit odd. Was it a carefully orchestrated ploy to lengthen BOE meetings in hopes that audience members will leave before the meat and potatoes are served? Any as many do - through no fault of their own - we all have commitments and it's hard to give up an hour or two on a Monday evening - let alone 3 hours.
I wonder why an employer would keep their employees waiting around when they know many of them start work early in the morning? Or parents for that matter - Mondays are school nights.
The BOE sets the agenda. They can decide what to talk about first or last. It seems that high interest or potentially controversial items are ending up later and later in the evening and although it's perfectly legal, its an unfortunate approach to an open government procedure.
Monday, March 15, 2010
Question....
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Speak Your MInd, the Fear Only Helps Them Stay The...":
How responsive is the superintendent to parental concerns? I've heard he's one to pass the buck. Any truth to this?
How responsive is the superintendent to parental concerns? I've heard he's one to pass the buck. Any truth to this?
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Some Good Teachers, and A Board That Ignored Their Constituents
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Someone, Please Say Something Positive":
There are plenty of things to say positive about our teachers. We do have a lot of really good teachers in our schools as well as some that are not so good like most school districts . The problem we have here is that residents went to the board meetings and screamed about the outrageous demands by the teachers for a new contract and the board ignored the realities of the economy and the residents and their financial nightmare that they have been going through with layoffs and the economic bust of most business. Everybody is feeling the pain of the economy except the PCT who could care less about the residents . When will the board start listening to the residents? when budgets get voted down? three board members were newly elected last election, did that help? does not look like it with regard to the PCT contract
There are plenty of things to say positive about our teachers. We do have a lot of really good teachers in our schools as well as some that are not so good like most school districts . The problem we have here is that residents went to the board meetings and screamed about the outrageous demands by the teachers for a new contract and the board ignored the realities of the economy and the residents and their financial nightmare that they have been going through with layoffs and the economic bust of most business. Everybody is feeling the pain of the economy except the PCT who could care less about the residents . When will the board start listening to the residents? when budgets get voted down? three board members were newly elected last election, did that help? does not look like it with regard to the PCT contract
Some Good Teachers, and A Board That Ignored Their Constituents
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Someone, Please Say Something Positive":
There are plenty of things to say positive about our teachers. We do have a lot of really good teachers in our schools as well as some that are not so good like most school districts . The problem we have here is that residents went to the board meetings and screamed about the outrageous demands by the teachers for a new contract and the board ignored the realities of the economy and the residents and their financial nightmare that they have been going through with layoffs and the economic bust of most business. Everybody is feeling the pain of the economy except the PCT who could care less about the residents . When will the board start listening to the residents? when budgets get voted down? three board members were newly elected last election, did that help? does not look like it with regard to the PCT contract
There are plenty of things to say positive about our teachers. We do have a lot of really good teachers in our schools as well as some that are not so good like most school districts . The problem we have here is that residents went to the board meetings and screamed about the outrageous demands by the teachers for a new contract and the board ignored the realities of the economy and the residents and their financial nightmare that they have been going through with layoffs and the economic bust of most business. Everybody is feeling the pain of the economy except the PCT who could care less about the residents . When will the board start listening to the residents? when budgets get voted down? three board members were newly elected last election, did that help? does not look like it with regard to the PCT contract
Talk To Your Friends!- We Need a Record Turn Out
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Beware How You Vote":
What alternative do some residents have?
Should residents be forced to move somewhere else because of the fiscal irresponsibility of the school district. Should children be forced to say goodbye to their friends because their parents can no longer afford to live here? When do we say enough is enough with these contracts that have outpaced just about every other profession on long island and everywhere else? You are right , you should be careful of how you vote. Do not be wavered by the threats of austerity. The reality is that our district will be forced to cut programs when we can not afford the excessive contracts that have been agreed to. I can only hope that we get a record turnout at the voting booth. The time has come!
What alternative do some residents have?
Should residents be forced to move somewhere else because of the fiscal irresponsibility of the school district. Should children be forced to say goodbye to their friends because their parents can no longer afford to live here? When do we say enough is enough with these contracts that have outpaced just about every other profession on long island and everywhere else? You are right , you should be careful of how you vote. Do not be wavered by the threats of austerity. The reality is that our district will be forced to cut programs when we can not afford the excessive contracts that have been agreed to. I can only hope that we get a record turnout at the voting booth. The time has come!
Use Your Vote to Turn the District Around
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Vote Carefully":
Voting down the budget will not take away anything from the contractual agreement with the PCT. If you are unhappy with the decisions brokered by the BOE, vote others in to move the district in another direction.
Voting down the budget will not take away anything from the contractual agreement with the PCT. If you are unhappy with the decisions brokered by the BOE, vote others in to move the district in another direction.
Speak Your MInd, the Fear Only Helps Them Stay Their Course
Stefanie Nelkens has left a new comment on your post "Parents Who Speak Up are Troublemakers. (?)":
Why care so much about "they" think or what they "like?" Do what YOU think is right.
District officials don't have to "like" anything - their job is to deal with concerns. But we're remiss if we don't bring our concerns to their attention.
So long as I have concerns about my child's education I am going to share them with his teacher, building administration, central administration, the BOE, the teacher's union, other parents, all in the hopes of making things better not only for my child but for all children in this school district.
The more our community speaks out the better our school district will be. Everyone can add to the conversation. If you stay away out of fear you are helping to perpetuate the very environment you complain about.
I wear my "troublemaker" badge proudly.
Why care so much about "they" think or what they "like?" Do what YOU think is right.
District officials don't have to "like" anything - their job is to deal with concerns. But we're remiss if we don't bring our concerns to their attention.
So long as I have concerns about my child's education I am going to share them with his teacher, building administration, central administration, the BOE, the teacher's union, other parents, all in the hopes of making things better not only for my child but for all children in this school district.
The more our community speaks out the better our school district will be. Everyone can add to the conversation. If you stay away out of fear you are helping to perpetuate the very environment you complain about.
I wear my "troublemaker" badge proudly.
Beware How You Vote
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Vote Carefully":
Voting down the budget will show PCT? Won't impact children? What do you exactly think will be cut---sports, arts, music, electives, clubs, etc. Hurts the kids to me. The PCT will still get contractually negotiated raises
Voting down the budget will show PCT? Won't impact children? What do you exactly think will be cut---sports, arts, music, electives, clubs, etc. Hurts the kids to me. The PCT will still get contractually negotiated raises
Somethings POB Schools Do Well
Stefanie Nelkens has left a new comment on your post "Someone, Please Say Something Positive":
I think the elementary school art, band and orchestra programs here are wonderful and staffed by highly qualified and dedicated teachers passionate about their areas. Our kids are fortunate to have these opportunities available as part of their school year.
The Enrichment for All program brings very high quality science to all elementary students. It is run by an exceptional teacher and this successful format should be expanded (not changed as was discussed at a BOE meeting)to add similar social studies, ELA and math enrichment for all programs to the elementary school curriculum.
I think the elementary school art, band and orchestra programs here are wonderful and staffed by highly qualified and dedicated teachers passionate about their areas. Our kids are fortunate to have these opportunities available as part of their school year.
The Enrichment for All program brings very high quality science to all elementary students. It is run by an exceptional teacher and this successful format should be expanded (not changed as was discussed at a BOE meeting)to add similar social studies, ELA and math enrichment for all programs to the elementary school curriculum.
Vote Carefully
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "For This Substandard Education, I Will Vote the Bu...":
Voting the budget down this year is one way the community can send a clear message to the PCT. Will an austerity budget affect the children? Probably not as much as all the contract negotiations but think hard before you vote. Not yet sure what my vote will be but whatever it is, it won't be cast without careful consideration.
Voting the budget down this year is one way the community can send a clear message to the PCT. Will an austerity budget affect the children? Probably not as much as all the contract negotiations but think hard before you vote. Not yet sure what my vote will be but whatever it is, it won't be cast without careful consideration.
Parents Who Speak Up are Troublemakers. (?)
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Posting on This Blog is Not Enough":
It's been my experience that district officials (superintendents, principals, etc) don't like it when you take things to the board. It threatens them. Many parents are afraid to speak up at board meetings for this very reason. It's unfortunate the administration has an "us" and "them" mentality. "They" are in charge and know best. Anyone who complains is deemed a troublemaker or crazy and their children will be treated accordingly. How do we get anywhere with this line of thinking?
It's been my experience that district officials (superintendents, principals, etc) don't like it when you take things to the board. It threatens them. Many parents are afraid to speak up at board meetings for this very reason. It's unfortunate the administration has an "us" and "them" mentality. "They" are in charge and know best. Anyone who complains is deemed a troublemaker or crazy and their children will be treated accordingly. How do we get anywhere with this line of thinking?
BOE is Responsive.....
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Board Email Addresses Still Not Posted":
When contacting them, make sure you give them your telephone number. They are very responsive to the community's needs, really. Give them another chance.
Eds note: But still no email addresses posted on the website?
When contacting them, make sure you give them your telephone number. They are very responsive to the community's needs, really. Give them another chance.
Eds note: But still no email addresses posted on the website?
Asst. Superintendent Bio
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "A Question on the Asst. Superintendent":
I just googled her name. If all the hits and links I got are correct, the scoop on her is as follows. She graduated from Bayport-Blupoint High School in 1985.
She went to Salisbury State University (Maryland) where she earned a degree/certification in elementary education. She did her master's at Dowling. Although the school district bio lists her as having a master's in reading, the NYS Dept of Ed only lists certifications in Elementary Ed and School Administration but their public online records aren't always 100% accurate so she may have reading certification as well.
She was a teacher in Bayport-Bluepoint. It appears that she was an assistant principal in Three Village and then a curriculum administrator in Sachem prior to coming to Plainview.
Since becoming an administrator, she's now on her third school district. That's a source of concern. All the districts she's worked for have solid school systems. My only concern is that they are, in many ways, very different from Plainview. It may take time for her to connect with the parent body here. That amount of time could be problematic to our children.
Someone else on this blog used the word "outspoken" to describe her. From the little I've seen of her, she doesn't see beyond the program she's been trained to administer. The impression she gives off (I hope I'm wrong about this) is that what she's doing is more about her and her career rather than about the children. You say you wouldn't have hired her? I don't want to say I agree at this point but I certainly do not disagree either.
I just googled her name. If all the hits and links I got are correct, the scoop on her is as follows. She graduated from Bayport-Blupoint High School in 1985.
She went to Salisbury State University (Maryland) where she earned a degree/certification in elementary education. She did her master's at Dowling. Although the school district bio lists her as having a master's in reading, the NYS Dept of Ed only lists certifications in Elementary Ed and School Administration but their public online records aren't always 100% accurate so she may have reading certification as well.
She was a teacher in Bayport-Bluepoint. It appears that she was an assistant principal in Three Village and then a curriculum administrator in Sachem prior to coming to Plainview.
Since becoming an administrator, she's now on her third school district. That's a source of concern. All the districts she's worked for have solid school systems. My only concern is that they are, in many ways, very different from Plainview. It may take time for her to connect with the parent body here. That amount of time could be problematic to our children.
Someone else on this blog used the word "outspoken" to describe her. From the little I've seen of her, she doesn't see beyond the program she's been trained to administer. The impression she gives off (I hope I'm wrong about this) is that what she's doing is more about her and her career rather than about the children. You say you wouldn't have hired her? I don't want to say I agree at this point but I certainly do not disagree either.
Someone, Please Say Something Positive
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Posting on This Blog is Not Enough":
Right now the community is very upset about a lot of things going on in the district. I share many of these concerns with everyone. Is there anything positive anyone has to say about the schools here? No question, it fails to meet our expectations in many ways but surely there must be something positive that could be shared by someone on this blog.
Right now the community is very upset about a lot of things going on in the district. I share many of these concerns with everyone. Is there anything positive anyone has to say about the schools here? No question, it fails to meet our expectations in many ways but surely there must be something positive that could be shared by someone on this blog.
Posting on This Blog is Not Enough
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Employees Don't Care About The Employer's and Fact...":
The problem is not enough parents spoke out about this problem and those that did were labeled as trouble makers in this community. Parents need to speak up not anonymously via this blog but out in the open at BOE meetings. I have been going to these meetings and only a handful of parents attend. You can bitch and complain all you want in this blog but it doesn't make a difference . It only makes a difference in the voting booth and by making your opinions heard at the meetings. By not speaking up you are sending the message that you are okay with what goes on in this district and so the same old, same old continues.
Ed's note: Agreed.
The problem is not enough parents spoke out about this problem and those that did were labeled as trouble makers in this community. Parents need to speak up not anonymously via this blog but out in the open at BOE meetings. I have been going to these meetings and only a handful of parents attend. You can bitch and complain all you want in this blog but it doesn't make a difference . It only makes a difference in the voting booth and by making your opinions heard at the meetings. By not speaking up you are sending the message that you are okay with what goes on in this district and so the same old, same old continues.
Ed's note: Agreed.
And the Answer is: It's the Administration
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "The Problem Starts at the Bottom":
The teachers have a sense of entitlement in this district that is not so much the case in other places. I'll give you that.
Who hired them?
Who trains them on instructional standards?
Who follows them through the tenuring process? Who recommends their tenure to the board?
Who stands in their defense when they do wrong by our children?
Who supervises them?
Who monitors them throughout the school year?
The answer to all of the above
The administrators
The teachers have a sense of entitlement in this district that is not so much the case in other places. I'll give you that.
Who hired them?
Who trains them on instructional standards?
Who follows them through the tenuring process? Who recommends their tenure to the board?
Who stands in their defense when they do wrong by our children?
Who supervises them?
Who monitors them throughout the school year?
The answer to all of the above
The administrators
Lackluster District Leaves Many Disapointed
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "POB Teachers Have Sense of Entitlement, Not All On...":
I cannot share that on this blog. What I will tell you is this. If you choose to move, go into the prospective schools beforehand (something I so wish we would have done). Interview the principal. Take a tour. You can even contact the upper level administration and interview them. Speak to parents in the district. Do as much research as you can. Call their teachers' union.
Everyone on this blog who is disappointed with the school district, for whatever it's worth, you're not alone.
I cannot share that on this blog. What I will tell you is this. If you choose to move, go into the prospective schools beforehand (something I so wish we would have done). Interview the principal. Take a tour. You can even contact the upper level administration and interview them. Speak to parents in the district. Do as much research as you can. Call their teachers' union.
Everyone on this blog who is disappointed with the school district, for whatever it's worth, you're not alone.
Board Email Addresses Still Not Posted
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "BOE Responsive, Admin., Another Story":
I emailed our board members twice and got no response. I am still waiting for them to post their email addresses in PLAIN SIGHT on the Plainview Old Bethpage School District Website.
I emailed our board members twice and got no response. I am still waiting for them to post their email addresses in PLAIN SIGHT on the Plainview Old Bethpage School District Website.
Ms. Gierasch- Parents, Can Be Helpful
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Administration Needs to Address Parental Concerns ...":
Gierasch is new. She came from Sachem, great place but different in many ways from Plainview, much larger, different population of people. She doesn't realize how she comes off. Yes, she's outspoken and somewhat combative at times in the way she interacts with people. Presumably, she views herself as the "expert" and isn't open to the idea that parental feedback could be more helpful to her than otherwise. That stems more from an inexperienced understanding of her role in the community. Don't sweat it. Others have noticed it too.
Gierasch is new. She came from Sachem, great place but different in many ways from Plainview, much larger, different population of people. She doesn't realize how she comes off. Yes, she's outspoken and somewhat combative at times in the way she interacts with people. Presumably, she views herself as the "expert" and isn't open to the idea that parental feedback could be more helpful to her than otherwise. That stems more from an inexperienced understanding of her role in the community. Don't sweat it. Others have noticed it too.
Three Board Seats To Be Open- Deadline To Run
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "BOE Responsive, Admin., Another Story":
The ad came out in today s Pennysaver that there are 3 board seats up for election. Anybody wishing to run need to fill out forms to run and give them to the district clerk by April 19th with 63 signatures from fellow residents to be eligible to run for one of the Board of Ed seats. Good luck to all who would consider running.
The ad came out in today s Pennysaver that there are 3 board seats up for election. Anybody wishing to run need to fill out forms to run and give them to the district clerk by April 19th with 63 signatures from fellow residents to be eligible to run for one of the Board of Ed seats. Good luck to all who would consider running.
Time Will Tell.....
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Administration Needs to Address Parental Concerns ...":
I don't think she has children of her own. If that's the case, she might not be able to realize a parental point of view. Don't worry so much about her PR skills. She's here to improve curriculum and instruction. Of course, it's always better to feel a district administrator take parental concerns seriously. Let's give her a chance to prove herself. If a year from now, we don't see an improvement in curriculum and instruction, then perhaps we should move on to someone else.
I don't think she has children of her own. If that's the case, she might not be able to realize a parental point of view. Don't worry so much about her PR skills. She's here to improve curriculum and instruction. Of course, it's always better to feel a district administrator take parental concerns seriously. Let's give her a chance to prove herself. If a year from now, we don't see an improvement in curriculum and instruction, then perhaps we should move on to someone else.
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