Modified Program

[Guest]

The new superintendent did not listen to the communities concerns about anything. He was down right rude and nasty. And the entire board sat there and let him talk to community members in the tone that he did. How dare they. Dr. Superintend M works for the board and the board works for the people. Last night's boe meeting was a disgrace to our community. People from the New York Times were there so read next Sundays Times. Dr. Superintend M should be quoted as telling a group of parents and students that sports was more important than a student leadership class that they currently take, that there is no big difference between honors and AP.

[Guest3]

[Guest3]

[Guest]

I attended the board meeting last night.

I disagree that Dr. Superintend M was rude. He refused to get into a "one on one" personal issue with a speaker. He was correct. She needs to make an appointment with his office and not grieve a private matter in a public forum.

Dr. Superintend M stated, and I belive it is true, that we currently have THREE different programs in the middle school for students not peforming.

He simply pointed out that there are over 200 students district wide that require AIS servcies that are not receiving them - and under "NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND" the district was required to provided these services.

So to "SAVE US MONEY" he has concolidated the three programs (less administration, material, supervisors etc) into one program.

Eligibility might be an issue, where some modified children might be currently be performing at too high a level to qualify.

BUt please present at least an accurate version of last nights events!

[Guest]

[Guest]

See, you're so wrong. I am just a community member present at the meeting. I hate to see "non-truths" spread - it doesn't help anyone.

Were you even listening at the meeting?

I was sitting with a few other folks and no one else thought that Dr. Superintend M was out of line either.

Perhaps you're the woman that got up to speak, air her personal grievances and walked out mad.

[Guest]

[Guest]

[Guest]

I disagree. The woman that spoke of the modified program was out of line. She was airing a PERSONAL issue in a public forum. Additionally, she wanted to embark on a debate during what was only a comment period.

I thought the superintendent showed a large amount of patience with her - repeatedly asking her to contact them in the office.

[Guest]

[Guest]

[Guest]

She was out of place. She did discuss her own child.

If I were in her shoes, and I have had issues to be resolved personally, I conduct my business behind closed doors.

No special exception will ever be made, nor special consideration given if you stand in a public forum beating people over the head with a bat.

I have found both the past administration and, so far this one, to be responsive to my "issues". While I might not always 100% like the outcome - we do have a dialog, come to some conclusion that - although I didn't always get what I had come seeking for, respect the decision that was ultimately made.

[guest2]

You have ISSUE'S all right!!

[Guest]

I would like to make two points here.

First, residents better take a close look at this budget. It is cutting programs that help kids that need it the most. Some examples include the following:

1- reduction in the modified program. They call it a revised program but they still haven't shown the data to support it.

2- Cutting of two reading teachers at the elementary school level assigned to special ed. This is a terrible mistake. These kids need dedicated help at an early age.

3- Elimination of the off site Alternative High school. Wasn't BOER the same people that sold us on the merits of it a few years back? The studies that I have seen show off site is more effective and neighboring districts have also pushed for this.

4- Elimination of buses for elementary school activities. Those "extra buses" so kids can participate in activities. Is this board totally out of touch? Look at the demographics today! There are many single parents and two provider homes that need this. What happened to no child left behind? Also, I don't believe them when they say this will produce a $500,000 savings. Has anyone seen this documentation?

So, where is your money going. They are asking for 16 million more next year! Well, cuts like these are being made to offset programs that are being restored like activities and sports. But don't kid yourself, the actual increase of 16 million is going mostly to administrative and teacher raises and to "shore up" reserves above mandated levels.

Second point:

I didn't see the incident last night, but lets face it the administration and BOE are generally arrogant towards residents that ask honest questions about issues in the district. My experience is they start off politely but don't answer the question, when you ask them for a real answer they tell you they will get back to you and never do, when you follow up to get the answer they do get arrogant and rude. This has happened to me with the Super, business manager and BOE president.

People wake up!

Tom "C"

[Guest]