It is very interesting how people act when in power, on this AP BOE . Take for example, Ms. Lofredo. She was in a position of power during her day and was heard to tell the public "Keep in mind, we don't have to let you speak. We just do it as a courtesy." It seems that the power went to her head. She is not on the BOE any more.
Then we have Mr. Shaw. Became President and was going to put the district in a better place. Then he helped fire Jenny, and shut down the public comment at BOE meetings. He even went to the trouble to obtain a gavel to quiet the audience. Like those before him, he is out of power.
Now we have Mr. Foster. Following the same path and he has a gavel. He says in one E-mail, " It is imperative to me that we reclaim our district during these crazy times". Really? The bus prop. failed 480 no to 288 yes. The majority of those who care, came to vote. The majority voted NO. Perhaps the "reclaim" has been done and the BOE is out of step with the community "in these crazy times".
The BOE thought this was the thing to do even though we have a 100% inspection passage rate.They also thought a 4.8% levy increase, going to contingency and laying off teachers were the right things to do. How in touch with the community is that?
I now hear that we have 12 or so buses sitting as spares on any given day. The ones approving and paying the bills, the community, voted NO to this added spending. A resounding defeat for more non education spending. This of course goes hand in hand with the budget defeat.
Don't be fooled. This is not a safety issue, the buses are inspected. This is simply an image issue. When there are buses in need of replacement and the economy improves, the district will be able to purchase buses.
I can't put my finger on what has caused the three people mentioned above to be so out of step. I do find it interesting that they all reside on the same cul-de-sac. Three BOE members, all risen to power, all from the same street with seven or so homes. There must be something they all have in common but what could it be? What are the odds? Anyway.
Here are the emails.
One more thing: Chris writes," The board of education is putting together a communication plan to assist with this upcoming budget season and receiving candid feedback will assist us as we move forward.
Really? You received candid feedback from the 600 people who attended the first meeting after the pink slip rain storm this spring. You also have been getting very candid feedback for a couple of years from two blogs that have been allowing people to give the BOE candid feedback, sometimes very, very candid.
Anonymous continues to speak candidly and vote. No gavel works on the internet.
It seems the BOE is listening to the "Misfit Minority" who has provided self serving and out of step advice.
Does anyone out there have any "candid feedback" they would like to deliver to the BOE?
17 comments:
In a democracy the poor will have more power than the rich, because there are more of them, and the will of the majority is supreme.
Aristotle
This quote was written in
approximatley 380 BC but is applicable to a bus proposal vote in little old Averill Park in 2011 AD
Chris Foster and Jessie - the folks are watching. You do not know what is better for this community more than the community itself. LISTEN!!!!!
Mr. Foster,
I am highly insulted after reading that you communicate via e-mail to a select group of "folks", and NOT to the entire voting community!
In the past several years, you have been present at BOE meetings, and aware of the need for the public to be able to communicate to BOE members. Dr. Moccia blocked all fair communication from the public to the BOE, by selectively deciding which emails reached you and all other BOE members, from the Averill Park School website.
Would you like to explain to ALL OF US, who pay school taxes, how you dare to personally communicate to a selective group of "folks", as President of the School Board, and NOT to the entire tax paying public, with your opinions and position on School Board issues?
Mr. Foster, you seem to have a lot to learn about the position you hold, and the level of professional communication that is required of your position.
And furthermore sir, your use of the words "emotional reaction", to the will of the people, sound, at best, like the words last heard from the King of England, who's ass we kicked, when he tried to take America for his own.
You see sir, you took George Washington School, and closed it WITHOUT A PUBLIC VOTE or a full FINANCIAL STUDY OF THE COSTS TO THE DISTRICT. You took away our right to vote on that issue, but when we have the opportunity, we WILL VOTE. And there is NOTHING you can do about it sir. Please remind Mrs. Zweig of this fact, as well.
When you take the time to FINANCIALLY ANALYZE the FULL ADDITIONAL TRANSPORTATION COSTS, you Mr. Foster, put on this District, by closing George Washington School, then the voting public might take your opinions seriously. Until that time, you trying to sway a select group of "folks" to do your bidding, makes me think about Jim Jones and his Kool-Aid party.
And to Bill, THANK YOU for finally pointing out the frustrating, but no so obvious to all of us without the "back story" - we now all know why West Sand Lake Elementary remains untouched - simple politics. Mrs. Bonesteel has a cafeteria job, Chris Foster's kids never have to worry about their elementary school closing, and tell me, does Martin Reed live in the same cul-de-sac? The man who should be providing strong advice and counsel to our lame school board, but for some reason, never seems to have the time to speak to them, even during the "elementary school war"?
Gosh, logistics seems to indicate our kids chances at success, doesn't it? If you don't live out "there", your kids are invisible - wish my school tax dollars were too.
I am not a fan of Mr. Foster but I do not understand why it is unacceptable for him to email friends or supporters to try to gain their support. I did not see anywhere where he put his title of President on these emails.
Just because he is President does that limit him being able to have a opinion of his own.
We have more pressing things to worry about in this District then a email that someone sent out.
People bitched about how Neil and Jo put Steve V. facebook out there.
Come on - Let's start to look at next year's budget and contact our Senator's now about getting rid of a lot of these unfunded mandates.
That is the big issue.
I don't have a problem with him contacting his
"supporters" either.
I do marvel at the "take back" comment.
You know me and how I feel, and now Chris has shown his position on things. We sure seem to be at polar opposites with regard to many issues.
Bill
I find that many people once they are in charge (or they think they are)change their opinions about things. They feel that they can push their agenda's. Agenda's are OK as long as they are what the Majority of the people want.
This comment's in his email are subjective at best and leads to us and them. Brings us back to the Moccia tenure.
The fact that Chris memorialized his thoughts about " taking back the district " is disturbing at best.
He was elected President of the BOE to me a uniter(to act in concert or agreement) not a divider. The essence of " taking something back" means you are depriving someone else of the item.
Why would Chris want to deprive the 480 taxpayers that voted NO of their thoughts/ideas/opinions.
Could it be that he has surrounded himself with the intelligence police in AP - those that believe they know wants best for the folks(because we are not capable of knowing ourselves).
To the poster who "defends Chris Foster" - Could you help me understand WHAT Chris Foster needs to "TAKE BACK"?
And HOW he is going to do that?
Chris IS the President of BOE - he needs to be very careful in all his communications, words, and actions - just like everyone reminded Steve Valente. Oh, that's right, that was Jo Moccia, who reminded us of all that, in a TIMES UNION ARTICLE!!!!!!
The Irony of it all!!! Jo Moccia's words coming back to haunt Chris Foster!!!
To quote Dr. Moccia, during the Valente Facebook issue:
"School superintendent Jo Moccia said she has not seen the Facebook page, but that board members should observe a certain decorum in their public presence.
"From my perspective, I would think we're all held to a HIGHER STANDARD," she said. "If it's true, I'm disappointed."
So, Mr. Foster, do you feel you are operating on Jo's "higher standard" level, or are you confusing that with sitting on a pedestal, while looking down at those who "TOOK" something from you? Funny, but GWS was TAKEN, literally - what exactly do you think has been taken from you?
SO IF THERE IS THREE THAT RUN FOR THE BOE CHRIS JESSIE AND STUART WHO WINS
We need Four - One more with Stuart - How about you Averill Park (Johnny Bravo)
We need someone on the BOE to represent the Town of Brunswick.
Shannon Bemis would be a great candidate
I think it is Sharron.
B
I vote for Greg. I have seen his video's and I think he can handle it. what do you say Greg?
You ask if anyone has any candid feedbakc for BOE members - I have a question.
What happened to the teachers contract, that expired last year?
Why is it so tough to get this answer to the public?
It is so hard because the BOE is not allowed to discuss any on going negotiations. Especially on the blogs.
So, keep this to yourself. :)
The short answer is nothing. Negotiations continue. You will see when any action is being taken on the BOE meeting agenda.
Once action has been taken by the BOE the contract will become public.
For now, the prior agreement remains in effect.
To October 19th 2:17 - Thank you for your vote of confidence but due to time constraints and my health would limit my ability to fulfill the responsibilities that are needed for this position
Thank you again for your kind words.
I will continue to advocate for this community.
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