It appears that our AD over stepped her bounds.
Our football program has NOT been cancelled.
More to come but please relax. No need to react.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Monday, March 28, 2011
WELCOME DORI !!!!!!
I’ve sat through more than my fair share of Board meetings over the years. I’ve watched person after person, be they parent, student, teacher, bus driver, or concerned taxpayer, plead their case before the Board of Education, looking for answers.
I’ve done my share of fighting for my child, my neighbors’, my cousins’. I’ve argued for AP classes, sports, music, and probably any other thing you can think of. I’ve sat in the Superintendent’s office with nine other parents the day before my son’s graduation, discussing the issues plaguing the High School, even though we were done in 24 hours.
Why? Because I care about the success of this District.
Simply put, I love Averill Park. The teachers are among the best anywhere. My son and I were both fortunate to be educated by wonderful instructors who very carefully molded us into the adults we’ve become. The administrators in West Sand Lake, Algonquin, and the High School nurtured and supported us both as students and as a parent. It’s strange to deal with administrators who once gave you a ton of homework as a student, or to walk through the halls at Open House and have your science teacher shocked that she has your child now. In fact, my 6th grade homeroom teacher became my son’s district Superintendent. If you don’t think that was a bit odd…
Right now, I’m watching the community rally, pleading their case for programs and fiscal responsibility to a District leadership team that seems disingenuous and disinterested…a leadership team that’s more interested in starting and stopping the timer or giggling like schoolgirls than in listening to what’s being said. This saddens me greatly. I feel like I’m watching the slow painful death of a dear friend and it’s time to right the ship.
I maintain that the hierarchy school districts operate under is staff to Superintendent to the Board of Education to the Community. Ultimately, everyone in this district is accountable to the community at large. Somehow, we’ve managed to lose sight of this premise. For this district to survive the current financial crisis we’re in, it will take a collaborative effort. We’ve done two community forums but to be honest, it felt like the district was simply going through the motions, just enough effort to say they “heard” the public’s input. I know some members of the Board listened but when the Superintendent is laughing it up in the back while a community member is reporting out, the only thing that illustrates to me is a total lack of respect.
So the question becomes how to change course. I’ve been thinking about this for a while now and have a few rough ideas.
Financial Management
• Disclosure of ALL financial data (expenses, revenue, reserves, etc) to the public; creation and publication of the District’s financial performance (Actuals vs. Budget, trending, etc) by Month, Quarter to Date, and Year to Date
• Creation of a Financial Oversight Focus Group, ensuring a cross section of the entire Averill Park community including residents, students, parents, teachers, business leaders, community groups, BOE members, administrators, et al.
• Implementation of a Community Task Force on the Budget to review income and expense line items beginning in the Fall with recommendations to be presented prior to the 1st Budget Presentation in February.
• Establishment of a Healthcare and Benefits Administration Committee to review current practices and provide recommendations for alternatives. The world of traditional healthcare has morphed dramatically over the past few years and I don’t think we’ve adequately kept up.
• The Board of Education should be negotiating labor contracts with the Unions in this District, not the administration. Contracts are between staff and the Board, not staff and the administration.
• Review the District’s Business practices, for example, contracting, sourcing, and payment terms to name a few.
• The budget process should continue throughout the year, not just from February to May.
• We should be working with other districts in the region on the possibility of consolidation of resources and services…I think at a minimum we should investigate the concept.
Communication and Community Involvement
• Create the previously mentioned task/focus groups. Engage the community!
• Encourage the establishment of a Booster Club for the Arts and Music programs.
• Build a coalition of all the parent supported groups (i.e. PTA, Booster Clubs, etc) with the Averill Park Educational Foundation and participation by Board of Education members. Critical to the success of this proposal is the establishment of regular meetings. Form a united front to ensure success.
• Create volunteer opportunities by working with the community to identify and implement various experiences.
• Encourage use of internal resources, i.e. High School students teaching foreign languages or reading to our students at the elementary level, acting as tutors/mentors to the Middle School student.
• Create external internships/cooperative experiences for college students. Work with local universities and colleges to define opportunities for credits. For example, think of the experience a Business Major could gain with an internship in the Business Office at Budget time. A Communications major could work on website development and maintenance. English majors could mentor with our high school students in developing and improving their writing skills and preparing them for college – especially critical for the application process.
• Equal treatment for all students. For example, all athletes live by the code of conduct defined in the Blue Card. Failure to do so results in penalties, regardless of WHO you are.
Lastly, I believe in FULL DISCLOSURE. Stop the side deals. For example, the Administrative salary deferral from last year to this year and then this year to next year will mean that the Administration in this district will be receiving three years worth of salary increases in 2012-2013. This may have sounded laudable on the surface but clearly is just exacerbating the financial problems facing us.
Additionally, how convenient that the deferral contained the caveat that no positions could be eliminated…in fact you’re paying for a principal for a school which doesn’t even exist anymore! How short-sighted was that move??
The bottom line is things are only going to get worse. Our “one time” GAP adjustment is going to continue year after year according to a February 4th memo from State Ed. It’s time for fiscally responsible behavior within this district and involvement of the community.
It’s time for a change and I would greatly appreciate your support on May 17th.
Thank you.
Dori
I’ve done my share of fighting for my child, my neighbors’, my cousins’. I’ve argued for AP classes, sports, music, and probably any other thing you can think of. I’ve sat in the Superintendent’s office with nine other parents the day before my son’s graduation, discussing the issues plaguing the High School, even though we were done in 24 hours.
Why? Because I care about the success of this District.
Simply put, I love Averill Park. The teachers are among the best anywhere. My son and I were both fortunate to be educated by wonderful instructors who very carefully molded us into the adults we’ve become. The administrators in West Sand Lake, Algonquin, and the High School nurtured and supported us both as students and as a parent. It’s strange to deal with administrators who once gave you a ton of homework as a student, or to walk through the halls at Open House and have your science teacher shocked that she has your child now. In fact, my 6th grade homeroom teacher became my son’s district Superintendent. If you don’t think that was a bit odd…
Right now, I’m watching the community rally, pleading their case for programs and fiscal responsibility to a District leadership team that seems disingenuous and disinterested…a leadership team that’s more interested in starting and stopping the timer or giggling like schoolgirls than in listening to what’s being said. This saddens me greatly. I feel like I’m watching the slow painful death of a dear friend and it’s time to right the ship.
I maintain that the hierarchy school districts operate under is staff to Superintendent to the Board of Education to the Community. Ultimately, everyone in this district is accountable to the community at large. Somehow, we’ve managed to lose sight of this premise. For this district to survive the current financial crisis we’re in, it will take a collaborative effort. We’ve done two community forums but to be honest, it felt like the district was simply going through the motions, just enough effort to say they “heard” the public’s input. I know some members of the Board listened but when the Superintendent is laughing it up in the back while a community member is reporting out, the only thing that illustrates to me is a total lack of respect.
So the question becomes how to change course. I’ve been thinking about this for a while now and have a few rough ideas.
Financial Management
• Disclosure of ALL financial data (expenses, revenue, reserves, etc) to the public; creation and publication of the District’s financial performance (Actuals vs. Budget, trending, etc) by Month, Quarter to Date, and Year to Date
• Creation of a Financial Oversight Focus Group, ensuring a cross section of the entire Averill Park community including residents, students, parents, teachers, business leaders, community groups, BOE members, administrators, et al.
• Implementation of a Community Task Force on the Budget to review income and expense line items beginning in the Fall with recommendations to be presented prior to the 1st Budget Presentation in February.
• Establishment of a Healthcare and Benefits Administration Committee to review current practices and provide recommendations for alternatives. The world of traditional healthcare has morphed dramatically over the past few years and I don’t think we’ve adequately kept up.
• The Board of Education should be negotiating labor contracts with the Unions in this District, not the administration. Contracts are between staff and the Board, not staff and the administration.
• Review the District’s Business practices, for example, contracting, sourcing, and payment terms to name a few.
• The budget process should continue throughout the year, not just from February to May.
• We should be working with other districts in the region on the possibility of consolidation of resources and services…I think at a minimum we should investigate the concept.
Communication and Community Involvement
• Create the previously mentioned task/focus groups. Engage the community!
• Encourage the establishment of a Booster Club for the Arts and Music programs.
• Build a coalition of all the parent supported groups (i.e. PTA, Booster Clubs, etc) with the Averill Park Educational Foundation and participation by Board of Education members. Critical to the success of this proposal is the establishment of regular meetings. Form a united front to ensure success.
• Create volunteer opportunities by working with the community to identify and implement various experiences.
• Encourage use of internal resources, i.e. High School students teaching foreign languages or reading to our students at the elementary level, acting as tutors/mentors to the Middle School student.
• Create external internships/cooperative experiences for college students. Work with local universities and colleges to define opportunities for credits. For example, think of the experience a Business Major could gain with an internship in the Business Office at Budget time. A Communications major could work on website development and maintenance. English majors could mentor with our high school students in developing and improving their writing skills and preparing them for college – especially critical for the application process.
• Equal treatment for all students. For example, all athletes live by the code of conduct defined in the Blue Card. Failure to do so results in penalties, regardless of WHO you are.
Lastly, I believe in FULL DISCLOSURE. Stop the side deals. For example, the Administrative salary deferral from last year to this year and then this year to next year will mean that the Administration in this district will be receiving three years worth of salary increases in 2012-2013. This may have sounded laudable on the surface but clearly is just exacerbating the financial problems facing us.
Additionally, how convenient that the deferral contained the caveat that no positions could be eliminated…in fact you’re paying for a principal for a school which doesn’t even exist anymore! How short-sighted was that move??
The bottom line is things are only going to get worse. Our “one time” GAP adjustment is going to continue year after year according to a February 4th memo from State Ed. It’s time for fiscally responsible behavior within this district and involvement of the community.
It’s time for a change and I would greatly appreciate your support on May 17th.
Thank you.
Dori
Saturday, March 26, 2011
THIS IS A REPOST FROM 1 YEAR AGO
When do we learn our lesson about this board and administration?
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Pastor Martin Niemoller January 6, 1946
Pastor Niemoller spoke these words in a January 6, 1946 speech before representatives of the Confessing Church in Frankfurt, Germany. The situation of George Washington School is not nearly as sinister, but there is a lesson to be learned.....
"THEY CAME FIRST for the Communists, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Communist.
THEN THEY CAME for the Jews, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Jew.
THEN THEY CAME for the trade unionists, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a trade unionist.
THEN THEY CAME for the Catholics, and I didn’t speak up because I was a Protestant.
THEN THEY CAME for me and by that time, no one was left to speak up."
If they are allowed to close GWS this year, what gets taken next year to sustain the present spending path this district travels?
March 26,2011
"THEY CAME FIRST for George Washington School, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a resident "there".
THEN THEY CAME for the Child Care, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a child care user.
THEN THEY CAME for the Arts and the Music, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't in either.
THEN THEY CAME for the sports, and I didn’t speak up because I wasn't a player.
THEN THEY CAME for me and by that time, no one was left to speak up."
Funny thing about this, I am an Administrator from Averill Park.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Pastor Martin Niemoller January 6, 1946
Pastor Niemoller spoke these words in a January 6, 1946 speech before representatives of the Confessing Church in Frankfurt, Germany. The situation of George Washington School is not nearly as sinister, but there is a lesson to be learned.....
"THEY CAME FIRST for the Communists, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Communist.
THEN THEY CAME for the Jews, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Jew.
THEN THEY CAME for the trade unionists, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a trade unionist.
THEN THEY CAME for the Catholics, and I didn’t speak up because I was a Protestant.
THEN THEY CAME for me and by that time, no one was left to speak up."
If they are allowed to close GWS this year, what gets taken next year to sustain the present spending path this district travels?
March 26,2011
"THEY CAME FIRST for George Washington School, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a resident "there".
THEN THEY CAME for the Child Care, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a child care user.
THEN THEY CAME for the Arts and the Music, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't in either.
THEN THEY CAME for the sports, and I didn’t speak up because I wasn't a player.
THEN THEY CAME for me and by that time, no one was left to speak up."
Funny thing about this, I am an Administrator from Averill Park.
Friday, March 25, 2011
SORRY THIS TOOK SO LONG
"From September to March, when were Board members presented with the specific budgets (monthly), showing the decline in revenue, for the childcare program?"
The whole "Childcare loses money" was a surprise. After last year and the food service program, do you really think I would have let that go? The revenue was stated, based on a portion of the budgeted yearly total.
And what was the January 2010 childcare audit findings and REQUIREMENT (by who) to pay by credit card - was there a theft of funds, or perhaps a lack of effective payment collection, that is just now, being dealt with, by a program elimination Jo???
I am trying to get a copy, I wasn't there at the time thanks to P.U.B.E. and someone named Laura.
Eliminate a program, because you do not know how to manage it - what will be next?
We could have come up with something to make it work, I hate quitters.
Was the $90,000 loss due to decline in revenue OR program mismanagement?
Kneel won't ell us!
I haven't been able to get any statements showing the financial status or yearly performance of Child care. They just voted to shut it down. Quitters.
March 25, 2011 8:47 AM
The whole "Childcare loses money" was a surprise. After last year and the food service program, do you really think I would have let that go? The revenue was stated, based on a portion of the budgeted yearly total.
And what was the January 2010 childcare audit findings and REQUIREMENT (by who) to pay by credit card - was there a theft of funds, or perhaps a lack of effective payment collection, that is just now, being dealt with, by a program elimination Jo???
I am trying to get a copy, I wasn't there at the time thanks to P.U.B.E. and someone named Laura.
Eliminate a program, because you do not know how to manage it - what will be next?
We could have come up with something to make it work, I hate quitters.
Was the $90,000 loss due to decline in revenue OR program mismanagement?
Kneel won't ell us!
I haven't been able to get any statements showing the financial status or yearly performance of Child care. They just voted to shut it down. Quitters.
March 25, 2011 8:47 AM
We have a guest cotributor, Thanks Mark!
Does this sound familiar?
AP School Taxes…What next?
At recent school board meetings, we have heard from dozens of teachers and students who are telling us what we already know. We have great schools, dedicated teachers and talented children. The problem is math.
The state will continue to cut education aid to achieve “sustainable levels”. Our governor like many others does not believe our state can afford to fund schools at our current levels so they are pulling back through Gap Elimination Adjustments which if passed in the current budget, will continue for years to come.
Right now, the governor has already proposed cuts for the 2012-2013 school years which could mean another $3.5 million out of our budget on top of the $4.7 million for next year. What that would means is that next March, we will be right where we are now because a 2% property tax cap will add less that $600,000 to the budget which is hardly enough to offset millions in cuts.
Meanwhile, our personnel and benefit costs continue to rise. Salaries, benefits and pensions make up 80% of the school budget, sadly staff reductions are inevitable. The math cannot and will not add up. We have spent too much and we are now paying for it.
It’s no longer a revenue problem. It’s a spending problem.
We need to find a way to make a $55 million budget work. We need to make fair and equitable cuts across all lines and departments. Any discretionary spending and overtime needs to stop immediately. We need to stop the partisan bickering and work together to get spending under control. The board needs to think long term regarding budget cuts.
Go to www.aptaxpayers.com and give us your ideas. Join us Monday, April 4th ,7pm for an open exchange and information forum on property and school taxes.
We need to come together as a community to find solutions for the sake of our district and the children who are depending on us.
Mark Keefe, Averill Park
AP School Taxes…What next?
At recent school board meetings, we have heard from dozens of teachers and students who are telling us what we already know. We have great schools, dedicated teachers and talented children. The problem is math.
The state will continue to cut education aid to achieve “sustainable levels”. Our governor like many others does not believe our state can afford to fund schools at our current levels so they are pulling back through Gap Elimination Adjustments which if passed in the current budget, will continue for years to come.
Right now, the governor has already proposed cuts for the 2012-2013 school years which could mean another $3.5 million out of our budget on top of the $4.7 million for next year. What that would means is that next March, we will be right where we are now because a 2% property tax cap will add less that $600,000 to the budget which is hardly enough to offset millions in cuts.
Meanwhile, our personnel and benefit costs continue to rise. Salaries, benefits and pensions make up 80% of the school budget, sadly staff reductions are inevitable. The math cannot and will not add up. We have spent too much and we are now paying for it.
It’s no longer a revenue problem. It’s a spending problem.
We need to find a way to make a $55 million budget work. We need to make fair and equitable cuts across all lines and departments. Any discretionary spending and overtime needs to stop immediately. We need to stop the partisan bickering and work together to get spending under control. The board needs to think long term regarding budget cuts.
Go to www.aptaxpayers.com and give us your ideas. Join us Monday, April 4th ,7pm for an open exchange and information forum on property and school taxes.
We need to come together as a community to find solutions for the sake of our district and the children who are depending on us.
Mark Keefe, Averill Park
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
So sorry, childcare
Well,
We tried. I think the 5 to 2 votes will be pretty steady now.
Time to get a budget with balance. Cuts across the board equally and
a tax levy people can live with.
For those of you who are willing to pay anything, drop your checks off at
the district offices by 4/6/11. We can figure out the tax levy after that.
We tried. I think the 5 to 2 votes will be pretty steady now.
Time to get a budget with balance. Cuts across the board equally and
a tax levy people can live with.
For those of you who are willing to pay anything, drop your checks off at
the district offices by 4/6/11. We can figure out the tax levy after that.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
ECONOMIC DATA FOR OUR DISTRICT
This is a web site that gives numbers on our district and our area.
It is teacher salary based but it tells you why we have such a difficult time with Expenses.
Sorry, some numbers looked good, others? Not so.....
Ignore the George Washington in Hempstead NY. We know that GW was closed.
Note the income information and the household incomes at the bottom.
You can compare AP to other districts surrounding us.
Interesting reading.
It is teacher salary based but it tells you why we have such a difficult time with Expenses.
Sorry, some numbers looked good, others? Not so.....
Ignore the George Washington in Hempstead NY. We know that GW was closed.
Note the income information and the household incomes at the bottom.
You can compare AP to other districts surrounding us.
Interesting reading.
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Are they really doing a great job?
Andrew says " Not really" find some efficiencies.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZnfWqKwsVrg
The first few minutes sounds like what district? Uncanny isn't it?
I have been talking about waste and inefficiency in the buildings and ground all year. No one listens. Bring a lunch for the next BOE meeting. The line item budget gets examined, deeply.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZnfWqKwsVrg
The first few minutes sounds like what district? Uncanny isn't it?
I have been talking about waste and inefficiency in the buildings and ground all year. No one listens. Bring a lunch for the next BOE meeting. The line item budget gets examined, deeply.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Well, It was due to happen
Check them out, maybe they can help......
You can check them out at the organizational meeting this
Monday the 21st of March 7 pm to 9 pm at the Sand Lake American Legion Hall.
Next to the Rt 43 Post Office and home of the finest "Chiken BBQ" in Sand Lake
all summer long.
See you there!
Sunday, March 13, 2011
EVER FEEL LIKE YOU ARE IN QUICK SAND?
Bill,
Just picked up and read the HS Newsletter, and read about the Greenhouse fiasco - a Sunglo greenhouse was purchased by the Garden Club. At the time of the purchase it was deemed OK to be used on school grounds", so a purchase was made.
"But then the green house wasn't able to be installed. According to Superintendant Jo Moccia, the reason for the Sunglo greenhouse not being used was due to it not meeting the State Education requirement".
So, as usual, Jo blames the State! I guarantee you that the paper trail would reveal that Jo did not do her homework, and gave approval for this purchase, and only AFTER THE PURCHASE, found out something critical that was over looked.
As a result, the cost for this project shot through the roof (sound familiar childcare families, or students who use the cafeteria, etc.)? So what first cost $8,800 turned into a $22,980. project!
Still sound familiar????
She spends, and does her homework later.
Without the Board demanding day by day, week by week, and month by month hand holding over Dr. Josephine Moccia and the District financials, one day, you will be waiting for the school bus to arrive, and they just won't show up - Jo will have forgotten to tell us, until it is too late, that school is permanently closed in the Averil Park Central School District.
Just picked up and read the HS Newsletter, and read about the Greenhouse fiasco - a Sunglo greenhouse was purchased by the Garden Club. At the time of the purchase it was deemed OK to be used on school grounds", so a purchase was made.
"But then the green house wasn't able to be installed. According to Superintendant Jo Moccia, the reason for the Sunglo greenhouse not being used was due to it not meeting the State Education requirement".
So, as usual, Jo blames the State! I guarantee you that the paper trail would reveal that Jo did not do her homework, and gave approval for this purchase, and only AFTER THE PURCHASE, found out something critical that was over looked.
As a result, the cost for this project shot through the roof (sound familiar childcare families, or students who use the cafeteria, etc.)? So what first cost $8,800 turned into a $22,980. project!
Still sound familiar????
She spends, and does her homework later.
Without the Board demanding day by day, week by week, and month by month hand holding over Dr. Josephine Moccia and the District financials, one day, you will be waiting for the school bus to arrive, and they just won't show up - Jo will have forgotten to tell us, until it is too late, that school is permanently closed in the Averil Park Central School District.
Friday, March 11, 2011
We have a guest -- Tax paying Parent
Bill,
Can anyone really be cut, or do they have contracts? Please spell out what position could be cut, right now?
The positions that can be easily cut, teachers, are up already. The only Admin cut available is Lawrence. The postion is not required so it is available to be cut. Will it? Probably not. All other Admin. positions were protected by the 2 year no lay off agreement. A very expensive decision by the BOE last year.
I am afraid we will not keep the best, and only tenured employees will just push the best out of the District - I'll give you an example - cut an Asst. Principle at the Middle School? Then we keep Franchini and lose Mr. Messier? See what I mean?
Both are fine people and protected by the 2 year agreement.
Goldstein is still walking the halls - why? We were told in last year's budget that a principle position would be cut - WHO WAS THAT? In reality - no one.
Again, protected by the agreement, in spite of closing a school at the same time. Apparently no one on the BOE thought about the closing of GW will result in an excess Admin. when voting on the agreement.
So I don't believe Sharon Lawrence is going anywhere - she will either bump someone good out of their job, or be "absorbed" elsewhere in the District - just like Goldstein.
I agree
Before you even begin to talk about position cuts, pull out last years budget, and see the positions we were told that were to be cut - and tell me if Jo actually cut them, and what was the savings?
I have said this before. I don't believe anything was saved by closing GW. Removing assistants would have saved more. There were some position cuts made like no teachers at GW. There were also positions added.
Position "cuts" is smoke and mirrors, as it never really happens in this District - Goldstein is living proof, and last years budget is the plan that didn't really ever happen.
The problem is these budgets don't really play out - they just get voted on - but to ignore last years budget, and not hold Jo accountable for not implementing last years budget - is how you let her get away with it all!
The budget total (amount to be spent) is all that gets voted on. A total spending plan based on predicted revenue. That is law. Once the total is voted on and approved, funds can still be shifted within the budget to accomplish our education goals.
Whatever budget you come up with, Jo will find a way around it, in the next few months - you shouldn't be talking about this year's budget, you should be asking her about her failure to implement last years budget - and recommend her dismissal. The budget means nothing to her - she finds a way around it every year.
If the BOE says nothing, the Administration can do whatever they want within the guidelines. Change that by changing the BOE members.
The Board's failure to discuss last years budget implementation, allows her to stay employed and our Taxes to increase. We should be talking about last years budget with her - not this year's - and then fire her.
Again, BOE.
You have the means Board, just look to last years budget. She was given a directive to work according to last years budget, and she has failed to perform those duties.
She should be held accountable and fired.
If you give her another year and another budget to NOT MAKE HAPPEN, you (the Board) are part of the problem.
Again, no offense taken.
Signed,
a Taxpaying parent
Can anyone really be cut, or do they have contracts? Please spell out what position could be cut, right now?
The positions that can be easily cut, teachers, are up already. The only Admin cut available is Lawrence. The postion is not required so it is available to be cut. Will it? Probably not. All other Admin. positions were protected by the 2 year no lay off agreement. A very expensive decision by the BOE last year.
I am afraid we will not keep the best, and only tenured employees will just push the best out of the District - I'll give you an example - cut an Asst. Principle at the Middle School? Then we keep Franchini and lose Mr. Messier? See what I mean?
Both are fine people and protected by the 2 year agreement.
Goldstein is still walking the halls - why? We were told in last year's budget that a principle position would be cut - WHO WAS THAT? In reality - no one.
Again, protected by the agreement, in spite of closing a school at the same time. Apparently no one on the BOE thought about the closing of GW will result in an excess Admin. when voting on the agreement.
So I don't believe Sharon Lawrence is going anywhere - she will either bump someone good out of their job, or be "absorbed" elsewhere in the District - just like Goldstein.
I agree
Before you even begin to talk about position cuts, pull out last years budget, and see the positions we were told that were to be cut - and tell me if Jo actually cut them, and what was the savings?
I have said this before. I don't believe anything was saved by closing GW. Removing assistants would have saved more. There were some position cuts made like no teachers at GW. There were also positions added.
Position "cuts" is smoke and mirrors, as it never really happens in this District - Goldstein is living proof, and last years budget is the plan that didn't really ever happen.
The problem is these budgets don't really play out - they just get voted on - but to ignore last years budget, and not hold Jo accountable for not implementing last years budget - is how you let her get away with it all!
The budget total (amount to be spent) is all that gets voted on. A total spending plan based on predicted revenue. That is law. Once the total is voted on and approved, funds can still be shifted within the budget to accomplish our education goals.
Whatever budget you come up with, Jo will find a way around it, in the next few months - you shouldn't be talking about this year's budget, you should be asking her about her failure to implement last years budget - and recommend her dismissal. The budget means nothing to her - she finds a way around it every year.
If the BOE says nothing, the Administration can do whatever they want within the guidelines. Change that by changing the BOE members.
The Board's failure to discuss last years budget implementation, allows her to stay employed and our Taxes to increase. We should be talking about last years budget with her - not this year's - and then fire her.
Again, BOE.
You have the means Board, just look to last years budget. She was given a directive to work according to last years budget, and she has failed to perform those duties.
She should be held accountable and fired.
If you give her another year and another budget to NOT MAKE HAPPEN, you (the Board) are part of the problem.
Again, no offense taken.
Signed,
a Taxpaying parent
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
What would you do?
We saw the slash and burn mentality take effect last night.
It was quite the show, a great opener for the W.O.OZ .
We saw Japanese is more important than French.
Witnessed people willing to pay more taxes, just ask them.
Some said cut sports, some arts, some music, and why does
football get more?
What are your ideas?
I will go first.
I won't support cutting full day k for a variety of reasons. Mainly it actually costs LESS in the long run to assess 5 yr olds early and find those with learning / behavior issues.
I would cut the assistant dispatcher at transport. Keep the head bus driver. She would probably do both if asked. Team player...
As good as our Assist. Super is, I will have to accept her departure. She is the only Admin position not protected by the 2 year "no lay off" agreement. The agreement was signed last year with the BOE. Some one knew something was coming, to have seen that this would be a great agreement for the Admin group. It has cost the district a ton of money we could use right now. I would like to think that BOE was setup on this, it really would have been a no brainer.
I would cut every H.S. class that is not required, and attended by 12 students or less. The same with after school clubs, etc. Japanese would probably disappear with some clubs. We need to pick our priorities. We never did get the P&L report on the Japanese course. Next time......
I would support looking at each budget line and working for a zero growth rate by the line item. I haven't had the benefit of a line item budget to look at, coming soon I hope. I would look hard because the economy has less than 2% in growth and we have been told taxes may go up 12%. We need some serious course correction, NOW.
So what do you think?
It was quite the show, a great opener for the W.O.OZ .
We saw Japanese is more important than French.
Witnessed people willing to pay more taxes, just ask them.
Some said cut sports, some arts, some music, and why does
football get more?
What are your ideas?
I will go first.
I won't support cutting full day k for a variety of reasons. Mainly it actually costs LESS in the long run to assess 5 yr olds early and find those with learning / behavior issues.
I would cut the assistant dispatcher at transport. Keep the head bus driver. She would probably do both if asked. Team player...
As good as our Assist. Super is, I will have to accept her departure. She is the only Admin position not protected by the 2 year "no lay off" agreement. The agreement was signed last year with the BOE. Some one knew something was coming, to have seen that this would be a great agreement for the Admin group. It has cost the district a ton of money we could use right now. I would like to think that BOE was setup on this, it really would have been a no brainer.
I would cut every H.S. class that is not required, and attended by 12 students or less. The same with after school clubs, etc. Japanese would probably disappear with some clubs. We need to pick our priorities. We never did get the P&L report on the Japanese course. Next time......
I would support looking at each budget line and working for a zero growth rate by the line item. I haven't had the benefit of a line item budget to look at, coming soon I hope. I would look hard because the economy has less than 2% in growth and we have been told taxes may go up 12%. We need some serious course correction, NOW.
So what do you think?
Friday, March 4, 2011
PLEASE STEP AWAY FROM THE CLIFF
Yes,
People received courtesy notices today yet, our first real budget presentation is this Tuesday.
Do we really need to panic now? No
Has this ever happened before? yes
Should we see what is up? yes
Do we have a definite state budget? R U Kidding?
This is much adieu and way premature, just like the admin likes it.....
Have a nice weekend, try not to step in the B.S.
bill
People received courtesy notices today yet, our first real budget presentation is this Tuesday.
Do we really need to panic now? No
Has this ever happened before? yes
Should we see what is up? yes
Do we have a definite state budget? R U Kidding?
This is much adieu and way premature, just like the admin likes it.....
Have a nice weekend, try not to step in the B.S.
bill
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
"We have a revenue shortage"
Well, at least that is what the spin is.
The fact is we had a spending spree.
I have been saying for years that the APCSD spending is out pacing everything. Inflation, revenue, you name it. The only thing spending is keeping up with is the salaries of those who claim "It's all about the kids". It should be about the kids but, every time we need to cut, it is the kids that take the hit.This year we are painted into a corner. Here is how.
Last year, the board made a deal with the Administrators unit, not to lay off for 2 years. This year is the first, next year is the second. As you are aware, we closed a school and then created a position for the left over administrator. That decision cost the district $300,000 + - over the 2 years.
The process of keeping the added administrators that I suggested laying off last spring (assistants) increases the spending by another $500,000+ -.We spent $300,000 to start up Japanese distance learning. That is just for the room and equipment. Then there is the labor and expenses. We are going to hear how much Distance Learning is "raking in" at the next meeting.
The one time cut in revenue that we took last year from the state ($2.6 million) was never actually cut from the APCSD budget. It was offset by a transfer from reserves. (A one time gimmic and we still kept up the spending) The BOE did not do their job and find savings in the budget last year. Had they found the savings, we would be looking to cut far less than we have to now.
Now we have a $4.7 million gap (hole) to fill. More than half left over from last year.
So, the BOE shuttered a high performing school, gave it away for $200,000 minus expenses and decreased state aid, kept the administrator and others on, started new programs we couldn't afford, and NOW has conclude that WE have a "revenue problem". Well, technically we do, our "personal revenue" has not kept up with the "personel revenue" of the district.
This will give us, the taxpayers, a tax problem.
Get ready for the contingent budget end run.
I don't have the exact numbers or percentages but here is the play.
The board rolls out a budget that is less than the contingent budget (containing an increase of perhaps 12%) with a levy increase of say around 7%. The threat is that we either accept the 7% or the BOE will just go to the 12% contingent budget if the 7% fails.
Does this sound familiar? I will not support this but you can anticipate the way things will go. This week will begin to tell the tax tale.
Thoughts?
The fact is we had a spending spree.
I have been saying for years that the APCSD spending is out pacing everything. Inflation, revenue, you name it. The only thing spending is keeping up with is the salaries of those who claim "It's all about the kids". It should be about the kids but, every time we need to cut, it is the kids that take the hit.This year we are painted into a corner. Here is how.
Last year, the board made a deal with the Administrators unit, not to lay off for 2 years. This year is the first, next year is the second. As you are aware, we closed a school and then created a position for the left over administrator. That decision cost the district $300,000 + - over the 2 years.
The process of keeping the added administrators that I suggested laying off last spring (assistants) increases the spending by another $500,000+ -.We spent $300,000 to start up Japanese distance learning. That is just for the room and equipment. Then there is the labor and expenses. We are going to hear how much Distance Learning is "raking in" at the next meeting.
The one time cut in revenue that we took last year from the state ($2.6 million) was never actually cut from the APCSD budget. It was offset by a transfer from reserves. (A one time gimmic and we still kept up the spending) The BOE did not do their job and find savings in the budget last year. Had they found the savings, we would be looking to cut far less than we have to now.
Now we have a $4.7 million gap (hole) to fill. More than half left over from last year.
So, the BOE shuttered a high performing school, gave it away for $200,000 minus expenses and decreased state aid, kept the administrator and others on, started new programs we couldn't afford, and NOW has conclude that WE have a "revenue problem". Well, technically we do, our "personal revenue" has not kept up with the "personel revenue" of the district.
This will give us, the taxpayers, a tax problem.
Get ready for the contingent budget end run.
I don't have the exact numbers or percentages but here is the play.
The board rolls out a budget that is less than the contingent budget (containing an increase of perhaps 12%) with a levy increase of say around 7%. The threat is that we either accept the 7% or the BOE will just go to the 12% contingent budget if the 7% fails.
Does this sound familiar? I will not support this but you can anticipate the way things will go. This week will begin to tell the tax tale.
Thoughts?
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