THE FACTS AS WE KNOW THEM:
The Board of Education has submitted their budget requests and will be approximately $6 million short. All of these items are suggestions and not yet approved by either the Board of Education or the City Council. The Superintendent of Schools, Neil Cavallaro, is proposing we do the following in order to make up this figure:
Close Thompson and Molloy Schools.
Sell Thompson School paying a $200K fine to Connecticut for this closing.
Move the 40 Board of Education employees to Molloy School.
Move all West Haven 5th and 6th grade students to Carrigan Middle School.
Move all West Haven 7th and 8th grade students to Bailey Middle School.
Lay off 50 teachers and 30 paraprofessionals.
OUR CONCERNS AS PARENTS:
All of this is proposed for the upcoming school year (2010-2011) which is too rushed for our 4th graders who are still preparing to be 5th graders in their respective elementary schools. They will have no time to prepare nor to be the “big kids” in their schools as 5th graders. This is a privilege they have been looking forward to and will be denied suddenly. More importantly, many of these children are unprepared for the challenges of a bigger school.
Catherine Biagetti, Principal of Mackrille, is considering a separate 4th grade Award Ceremony if this move comes to pass this year. We hope other principals will follow suit while also hoping it will not be necessary.
There is no comprehensive plan. As a result, we may have to go through all of this in two years forcing another major change in the population of our elementary and middle schools.
We are concerned about moving and renovations costs if the Blake Building inhabitants move to Molloy School. These costs do not seem to be taken under consideration as yet.
Superintendant Cavallaro has included a $7K raise for himself. According to current research Mr. Cavallaro is already in the 75th percentile of salaries for United State school superintendant.
SOME SUGGESTIONS FOR MAKING UP THE $6 MILLION DEFICIT:
The Boot Program. Councilman Edward O’Brien has proposed booting cars for those who have not paid their taxes. Be aware that people who are severely delinquent (3 years, for example) may be put on the list of cars to lock with a boot. They will be given 30 days’ notice before the boot is put on their car, so those with issues, or those who think they have been unfairly listed, will have ample time to go to City Hall and correct the problem before their car is booted.
SAVINGS: $2.5 million - $4 million.
Furlough Program. West Haven saves $200K for every day the Board of Education members work without pay. It is not an ideal situation, but 5 days will equal $1 million. If various City agencies participate, this may help the deficit.
SAVINGS: $200K per day
Forego Board of Education raises for one year. We are all tightening our belt during these difficult economic times. Many people have lost their jobs and many others have foregone pay raises and bonuses in order to keep their jobs.
SAVINGS:
Reduce paper consumption. Many teachers receive more copies than they request from the Copy Center “just in case” someone needs an extra copy. One extra copy can be re-copies should the unforeseen occur. A parent also suggestion electronic notification from the schools for anyone who requests it thereby reducing the amount of duplicate papers being sent home from school with their child.
SAVINGS:
This is a subject we need all the residents of West Haven to understand and get behind. Weather you are for or against the proposal, you must have your voice heard.The BOE and City council need to know that once they are in office they still need to look after the needs and wants of the citizens of West Haven. Not the interest of their politcal party or the interest of themselves.
ReplyDeleteI think now is the opportunity for all parents and members of this town to unite and work together to save our schools and teachers! We need to think of the wellbeing of our kids and the long terms results of Neil's proposal! Everyone should list any valid facts and concerns on this blog so that we can take the feedback to the meetings this month! Being quiet won't get us heard!!!!
ReplyDeleteI understand the need to cut costs in hard economic times. My household has made many drastic cuts to stay ahead of the times. What I don't understand how Neil can ask for thousands of dollars in a raise for himself, and in the same budget ask to layoff 54.
ReplyDeleteAs a life long West Haven resident, it seems the "good ole boys" look out for themselves and the best interest of the general public is not in the game plan. Our system seems to be very top heavy and not enough Indians. With such cuts on the horizon there should be no pay increases, they should eliminate "coordinator" positions, stop with the consultant fees, and frivalous spending (wasted copies, supplies, etc). What ever happened to the kids using books and note books for their work versus ditto/copy sheets for everything?
ReplyDeleteWe need more information. I don’t see how they can cut teachers and para’s if we are still going to have the same amount of kids. How many kids per room? 1 teacher per 25 kids?
ReplyDeleteWhat about pay for play athletics at West Haven High School and the middle schools. Any parent with a child that has played a sport has paid to have them play.(rec dept., etc.) They would just continue to do so when they get to middle school and high school. There could be a low income program for those who can't afford it, just like reduced and free lunch. Many cities and towns are turning to this to help budget problems.
ReplyDeleteHow on earth did the BOE spend (a lot) of money on a speaker at a recent professional day for all teachers and paras at WHHS if they knew that there was no money to keep schools open, and new fresh teachers in their jobs. Waste!!! Cuts can be made in this city, and that should have been one of them. If your household is cash strapped, do you take an expensive vacation or make a large purchase? NO because you do not have the money. It is a shame and an embarassment to cut education. Go to heavy trash pickup quarterly, not monthly. Rake the beaches half as often. Charge to play sports at the High School level. Have a sliding scale based on income. You know parents will pay.
ReplyDeleteMr. Cavallaro needs to remember the children are his first priority rather than his political interests and his friends. If he had a comprehensive plan as to how this would benefit the kids and the future financial situation in our city or BOE, I would like to hear it. If he was not planning on rushing this move, then people would not be as upset.
ReplyDeleteMary: Pay for play with the low-income program sounds good to me. Cutting consultants, coordinators, too many secretaries and wastefulness (paper, etc.) also sounds good.
Does anyone else have some constructive suggestions as to how to replace the $7 million (or $4 million if we put the boot program in place)? Let's make this constructive. I'll email Neil privately and encourage everyone else to do so even if they post here. neil.cavallaro@whschools.org
BTW, some parents are holding informational meetings at their homes. These meetings are for informational purposes ONLY, so unless Mr. C. is going to leave his politics at the door, he has no business attending any of them, quite frankly. If he is there to answer questions HONESTLY without skirting the issues or sugar-coating the facts, and if the parents also leave their politics and petty grievances at the door and stick to the facts, then we should welcome him.
We are facing tough times to come, so putting political maneuvering aside we will have to listen and support some tough decisions.
ReplyDeleteNew Haven School's are offering free pre school, full day K and free lunches for every student, and BOE ignores as more and more families choose that opportunity. Our school numbers are dropping and whether this year or two years from now we are going to have to restructure if we continue to see this migration to New Haven. With laying off teachers...IT STINKS, we have a lot of teachers that love teaching here and they love it so much that they have reached their highest step and wont leave...so the new teachers make the sacrifice...what to do?
With that said his plan to me has some benefits.
Wont have to hire two additional Principals
Curriculum will be unified from 5th to 12th with all kids under the same roofs with same rules. They will grow together building longer friendships and achieving more.
Bailey and Carrigan silliness will be put to bed as all kids go to both school and families realize that there is values and problems with both.
Molloy would make a great BOE headquarters and the plot of land could be developed to better benefit the children...summer camp, rec center..ect.
I don't like how it came about and the politics that surround it, but we must remain open minded and think about the kids...What will make there lives easier and happier in their learning process?
No one wants to break up a school's family, but they will develop a new one...we cant have schools with less than 300 in them.
The other ideas of generating capital are great, but would never generate it in time to save things as they are...and really should they stay the same?
There is No money in the family, No money in the city, No money in the state. We only are left with tough decisions.
No one in the BOE should be getting a pay increase if we are closing 2 schools. My concerns are taking 8oo students and dividing them up between the 6 schools that are left. It works out to be about 135 new students to each elementary school. and that is 27 new student for each grade. So if a class size is about 20 - 22 students, it will now be 24 - 27 students in a room. this is both unfair to the teachers and the students who at that level need the smaller classrooms to function. People may start to look at the magnet schools in new haven for the elementary levels as well now. We need to keep our students in an environment that in condusive to learning not chaos.
ReplyDeleteCan anyone confirm that one of the problems is a power struggle between the Niel and the city council. I've heard talk that the money could be there, but if the city council turns over the money they loose control of it, which they don't want to do. On the other hand Niel wants the money with no strings attached.
ReplyDeleteIs it not true that under a new state mandate going into effect in 2012, all 6,7, and 8th grades will have to be in the same building! If this is so, it makes no sense to move everything around now and again in two years.
ReplyDeleteI am not against the intermedite school (5th & 6th) and Middle school (7th & 8th). But my question is Bailey, Thompson, and Molloy have may students that walk to school, where is the money coming from to bus these students around town?
ReplyDeleteI agree with the above person where is that money gonna come from to bus students? Also why close Molloy the second ranked school in WH and 10 out of 266 in the entire state. How about Forest the least ranked in town?
ReplyDeleteMolloy School has definately found a formula for success, why would you mess with that? They should be a model for other schools to follow. There are 3 schools all within a stones throw of each other in West Shore, one of which has terrible test scores. Think about it.
ReplyDeleteAnother troubling factor in my opinion is the fact that teachers and paras are being let go due to the lack of seniority.
ReplyDeleteWhat about scaling in a performance factor (with or without seniority) to determine those that are to be laid off. By simply laying off teachers and paras based on the number of years they have been teaching is ludicrous! And, please, don't give the union speech ....these are our children that are being taught, so we should have a say in this matter. I ask you, would you rather have your child be taught by an energetic, well performing teacher (whether tenured or non-tenured) who is willing to go that extra mile for your child, or do you want a teacher that just gets by and gets to remain in their teaching position because of the number of years they have been teaching? If there are to be layoffs, a performance factor should be included in the determination of who gets laid off and who gets to remain teaching.
How do we break up this dollar driven unionized political mess we call West Haven School system?
ReplyDeleteHow does the needs of our child become the focal point?
We elect people who get swallowed up in a skewed process. Even though there are a few great individuals there they are unable to do much, so what empowers us?
I am not too smart on running a school system, but it doesn't take a lot to see that West Haven sacrifices it's youth for preserving jobs and not disturbing the status quo of the families that are connected and employed with our town. What is ever gonna change that?
Many of these comments are directed towards Neil. Unfortunately, he is not being given the money needed for our children. I think we need to focus our attention on City Council and the mayor. Cuts need to be made around the town so that we can prove that children are our priority. Sadly, this town NEVER puts the kids first. It is always about the money and the politics.
ReplyDeleteTaking the kids out of their district is not a good idea. Maybe if they would enforce the district rules and stop letting the parents pick which schools they want their children to go to there wouldn't be such an uneven number. And the amount of money it is going to take to bus the kids all over town is going to be waistful. Most of the parents I know drive their kids because they are in the "walking " district.
ReplyDeleteNo way are any raises acceptable if we are in this situation, its just bad business.
Our children need to come first since they are going to be leading our city and state someday.
go to the meetings and be heard.
Our superintendent doesn't send his kids to our schools, and I don't even think he lives in town anymore. Let him try to get his salary from his own town..he doesn't have the qualifications to be in his position...only in WH. Also the boot program would be great if our tax dept had accurate accounting. I had to provide proof of pymnt for a 10 yr old bill(dug out of the trenches) I was one of the lucky ones that had proof, if not they would boot my car?This is not feasible until they can straighten out there finances instaed of keeping checks pd in boxes under desks for a year. Before we close schools and cut teachers we need to look at other ways to balance the budget. I live a block from Bailey and 4 blocks from elementary and have chilren of different ages, and commuting to carrigan is not an option. My children do not take the bus for various reasons, and will not be bussed across town making their school day even longer. If the town does indeed decide to this I like many other families will sell and move to another town. If I can't sell I will rent my home out, just as many other families have stated. We all buy our homes in certain areas for a reason, most of us live here for the neighborhood schools...keyword NEIGHBORHOOD, Carrigan is not in my neighborhood which leaves me little reason to be here. For many families already struggling in this town, this will be the final blow, and many good hardworking families will call it quits in WH. I am a teacher and have lived in WH all my life, and thought it was a good place to raise my family am I wrong? Why are non-residents making our decisions? This town has a lot of luxuries (paid for with high taxes), that we need to start with before putting the last nail in the coffin for this town-
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately some of those things include:
-preschool program- cut back or charge- other cities don't offer free preschool
-Payfreeze city wide is a must BEFORE the budgeted raises
-Cut bulk trash pick up back to twice a year spring/fall
-have police patrol the beaches for cars parked without stickers
-offer a reasonable/enticing out of towner season parking pass(they park for free at Jimmies now)for the beach lots. We pay for the beaches lets capitalize on them, whether its selling passes or giving tickets
-cut beach raking back by half
-look at the new hires for the past 2 years and cut the newly created administrative jobs
-Fire dept doesn't need a budget increase they just hired plenty of new men.
-Police dept should stay staus quo
-Stop the senseless spending on nonsense, like mailings, bulk trash magnets,etc.
-Look at the maintenance trucks with one stick in them and three guys in the cab
-stop paying consultants to do jobs para can do- CMT's required several consultants at outrageous $$ to help students isn't this the paras job?
-How many secretary's can one BOE have, The custodial staff is overly inflated compared to other towns.
The problem is everyone can spend and hire but no one has the authority to cut spending, or jobs. Someone needs to be accountable and call these people out on the issues like all the new jobs our super created for friends/family. Hopefully this is a lot of talk, but I for one will give up if they start turning our education system upside down!
I agree with "last blow to WH residents"
ReplyDeleteAnyone in a decision making capacity about our children's education should have their kids in the public school system. How stupid do they think the people of West Haven are to think that we would accept and respect their ideas when their own kids are sheltered from the fallout of a top heavy system? Of course raises are being asked for, the cost of parochial and private schools are going up. Those of us that work in the private sector cannot afford the private school because we have not received raises, lost jobs, are paying more for benefits and have no retirement waiting for us.
ReplyDeleteWest Haven politics have driven the cost of living in this city very high. However, a more politically educated citizen is emerging. We are tired of a top heavy board of ed., city vehicles being used for personal use(and yes city pays the gas), 3 fire chiefs, full benefits and super retirements for city employees. These things don't exist in the private sector for obvious reasons. THEY NEED TO BE ACCOUNTABLE TO US, THE TAXPAYERS. WE CANNOT BE THEIR FREE RIDE ANY LONGER. WE CAN NO LONGER PLAY THIS GAME. WEST HAVEN CHILDREN DESERVE A GOOD EDUCATION SYSTEM. WHEN THEY PUT THEIR CHILDREN IN THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS I WILL THEN BE OPEN TO WHAT THEY SAY.
How many of the people in that meeting Friday night just dont want the kids from Malloy and Thompson mixing in with there kids in the West Shore district, I surely hope its not about the color of kids skin and truely about education!
ReplyDeleteParents are very outspoken that they do not want schools closed, teachers fired, or taxes raised. But they offer no solutions. There are many, many lunch monitors, secretaries, school bus assistants and others who are getting paid. How about parents volunteering without pay to replace these people? If enough parents step up to volunteer, maybe, just maybe, the firing of these people will more than offset the need to close any schools or fire any teachers. But I doubt the parents will step up. Hopefully they'll prove me wrong!
ReplyDeleteTo the last blow person,
ReplyDeleteyou should check some facts first
-- Neil does reside in West Haven
-- The Fire Dept,they have all taken pay cuts and gave up raises for the next two years.
The rest of your comments are pretty clear cut.The question is why wont the principles or other big wigs in the BOE take pay cuts??How many teachers are past thier prime and need to leave??I believe the newest teachers are the ones that really care,but the older ones just stay.The BOE is 70-80% of West Haven's budget.
If people are interested in how our schools are doing, take a look at the Strategic School Profiles on the State of CT website:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.csde.state.ct.us/public/cedar/districts/index.htm
Also, staff data including average salaries for administrators, number of staff, etc. are available on a variety of reports at:
http://www.csde.state.ct.us/public/cedar/staff/index.htm
Does anyone have any ideas about what we as parents can do to get more involved in the day to day activities at our schools? When I was a kid (long ago), my mother was regluarly in our school helping out @ the library, spending time reading w/ kids who needed help, etc.
ReplyDeleteEveryones goals are to improve schools. With cuts, I do agree with an earlier poster that the only way to make the needed cuts and still keep improving is to have parents help more.
Are the schools open to it? Are there parents willing to volunteer? I know so many people work, but there are people around who could help.
20 years ago the average classroom size was 25-28 children. It has been a luxury these last few years, with enrollment down, to have the classroom population down to 17-22. If it is necessary to do for the 2010-2011 school year, why not close one school at a time which would disperse the children into other schools at a more gradual pace. Thompson School is the older school so it would make sense for that school to have it's population be moved first. This would provide more educational opportunities and services to these children. The BOE could go into this building and the Blake building could be sold. Then, one principal could go into one of the vacant jobs. This may cut some costs. It cannot be all or nothing here. If the City could give half of the $7 M back into the budget, future plans can be made for the upcoming years. I definately agree that teachers should be laid off by performance rather than by seniority, but that is why a teachers union exists. As far as the paid speaker goes, teachers need to continue their education and keep up with the state standards which govern the educational goals for educating our children.
ReplyDeleteI agree with many of the above posts. However, there is one area that no-one has addressed thus far. HEALTHCARE BENEFITS.... As we speak there is a battle going on in Washington about healthcare. I don't have all the answers about how to fix it, but it makes sense to me that healthcare increases are contributing to the problem not only in West Haven, but all over the country. If you look at other area towns articles in the local papers you will see that most of the INCREASES in most cities and towns budget are Contractual obligations (aka salaries and healthcare) It's time that the greedy insurance companies realize that the taxpayers are broke. They know that the cities have a never ending supply of money, aka the taxpayers (just raise the taxes and pay OUR premiums) I think that there is only one thing left to do. Everyone who works for the city, not just education, should have to pay more for their healthcare. When private business gets an increase in their healthcare premiums, they pass it on to the employees. When small business owners or self employed people get an increase, they either pay it or go without. Don't you think its time for all the unions in town representing the public sector open the contracts so the taxpayers can see exactly what each individual pays each week towards their healthcare, AND their copays and deductibles. It would also be beneficial for the taxpayers to know what EVERYONE earns. I personally would like to know what BOE employees earn, all administrators, teachers, janitors, secretaries, police, fire, etc etc and see exactly what their healthcare costs are. I have nothing against these people, I'm sure most of them are hard working, dedicated and law abiding. However, (until the folks in Washington fix the healthcare problem) I think that it's time for everyone to bite the bullet so to speak. I would also like to know if these public sector employees get health care for themselves and their spouses if they retire early.(before they reach 65 for medicare) Routinely that does not happen in the private sector. Perhaps if ALL the administrators and teachers contributed more to their healthcare, they could save the jobs of their fellow teachers that are scheduled to be let go. It's just a thought......
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone know if the money made on speeding tickets would go to the town or to the state? It appears to me that if you parked 1 police car on Jones Hill Rd. and 1 police car on Ocean Avenue the amount money that could be made in one day is enormous. That, as well as the illegal cell phone use would surely make the town a lot of money.
ReplyDeleteAlso, why not collect on UN-registered vehicles that are "PARKED" curbside all over town? There are several(more than 10)in my immediate neighborhood alone that haven't moved in months even years. Even when there is a snow related parking ban they still sit...flat tires and all with NO fine by the town. If your vehicle isn't registered and/or not road worthy it should be removed at a cost to you. I am definately a fan of the boot. If you haven't paid your taxes than you should pay the penalty! PERIOD! It appears that there is a real lack of respect for the law in town too.
The OVER-inflated administrative job holders in West Haven should be ashamed. It's time to cut the fat!!
I am very disappointed in this town and the way it is run or rather "not" run. I actually hope to get out of it in the near future. In the meantime, my children are at Mackrille and Bailey and I really hope that their education is not going to suffer.
Here are some cost saving measures:
ReplyDelete1- Eliminate 3 administrators from WHHS- You only need 1 principal 1 Assistant and the provost ( The jobs of the 4 assistant principals can be easily combined into one position-CAPT is only in March, Grades only come out twice a marking period and the freshman academy can be run by a department head just like the alternate program)
2- Eliminate jobs at the Blake Build- again we have too many people doing the same job where jobs can be combined
3- Eliminate all per-diem workers- when someone retires that should be it for them do not keep calling them back to work at hundreds of dollars a day.
4- A pay to play program should be instituted- I am a former whhs athlete, coach and teacher and if it became necessary would rather see all sports eliminated on a full pay to play basis than see a single teaching position eliminated or classes increased- the job of schools is to educate first then develop students outside the classroom.
5. It is time for all administrators to step up and lead this includes the Super, asst super as well as school principals- take a week furlough to save money and save your teachers jobs-show that you care rather than just saying that you care.
6. We should begin looking into privatizing Bennet rink as other towns have
7. Remember once you close a school it is nearly impossible to reopen it because you must bring the school up to current code- although at this time enrollment is down only 4 years ago classrooms were maxed out with 30+ students in them is anyone looking 5-10 years from now to see what are numbers are projected to be or we could be in another crisis
8. Is the mayor willing to take a pay cut or furlough to help the children of wh is he willing to eliminate jobs at city hall to help the children of wh?
9 While i would like no one to lose their job the teachers and paras are the most important because they work with our children and losing them affects our children- what custodial, maintenance, clerical workers received layoff notices?
It is sad to see the terrible corruption in this city. The previous administration still maintains a stranglehold on all of us.
ReplyDeleteTwo Democrat parties which fight amongst themselves leaving the taxpayers to scavenge the remains. The previous mayor borrowed and bonded so much money that we are in crippling debt. 60% of ALL our taxes go to pay for interest and debt services. The previous mayor still calls all the plays with his two democrat parties, If any one is to blame it is the previous criminal mayor. I feel sorry for our present mayor, he cannot cleanup the corrupt criminal mess left behind. Thank you, previous mayor for killing, then ebalming our once vibrant city. TO ALL TAXPAYERS-- please dont blame the teachers, police and fire personel, please dont blame our other city workers-- put the blame squarely on one man--- OUR PREVIOUS MAYOR!!!-you know who he is!!!!
I really think that the problem here is worse than 2 political sides. they just strung us all along and now we are here. but my interest right now is what did all the chambrellis do for aliving before john p employed them. anybody have a clue?
ReplyDeletei really think that you are only accepting blogs that will gi your way
ReplyDeleteTo the post above me.....what are you talking about? A little more detail would help, thanks.
ReplyDeleteI know I will have many parents mad at this comment but the pay for play can save a lot of money. Not only for playing but for transportation. do you know how much it costs to attend away games for the football, basketball and baseball teams? Close Bennet Rink. It does not make a profit and has never made a profit in all of the years it has been open. Sell it to someone who hasn't hired family members and buddies to work there for high salaries. Education is the answer for obtaining a good job. Being a good quarter-back is great but only one in sixteen thousand high school players ever makes it to the pros. That is for the entire country, not just Connecticut. As for teacher's salaries. It takes a long time to achieve top pay and after being frozen twice out of pay raises while still trying to support a family is not easy. The cost of everything continues to rise while the salary stays the same as two years ago. Yes we have cut back in our household, have you?
ReplyDeleteA few idaes to save WH money.....
ReplyDelete1. Eliminate costly out od state speakers to give workshops. Eliminate emphasis on Data Team meetings and instruction. Thousands are being spent on subs so teachers can graph, chart and analyze student performence. A veteran teacher can walk into a classroom and in 10 minutes sum up who is doing well and who needs help. Teachers are the ones "in the trenches". They can create realistic beneficial programs , rather than have "experts" (who have not been inside the classroom for years) tell them what to do.
2. Eliminate coordinators positions.
3. Eliminate the "Behaviorists" being paid big bucks to work with problem children. If the admin. Actually backed up educators and enforced the school rules, and parents of troubled students supported teachers (Like the rest of the 90% parents of children that do behave and want an education).
4. Haley and some other schools have preschool autistic classes (Full time). Did our 3 yr olds have full time daycare.....ooops, I mean classes? Make the program half day.
5. Cut positions from the top. Eliminate consultants.............I hear a Principal at Haley has a "coach". how much is that costing WH? Teachers have not seen an increase in funds for supplies in decades! The money never goes to where it is really needed.
Disabled children (including autistic children) are guaranteed an appropriate education under IDEA. That's federal legislation and if the IEP says he or she needs full time classes then so be it, that's the law.
ReplyDeleteJust sayin..... this should be looked at further.
ReplyDeletehttp://www2.ed.gov/admins/comm/choice/choice03/edlite-index.html
I read a comment here that said Neil is not being given the money the BOE needs because of the mayor and City Council. That person is misinformed. A few years ago kindergarten went to a half-day program because the BOE, who DID have the money, chose not to keep the full-day kindergarten and falsely claimed the City Council did not give them enough money to keep full-day kindergarten. So, what's that about?
ReplyDeleteHaley's preschool, or any other in WH, is NOT full time. Get your facts straight!
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteYou suggest that BOE wokrers take another year of no pay....Do you have any idea how many times the teachers have been asked to freeze and/or give back and they have????
ReplyDeleteFYI
ReplyDeletePagels does have a FULL TIME Preschool autistic program. Check those facts!!!
Give me the money and I'll show you clowns how the BOE is suppose to be run!!! Way more corruption going on then people can even think. This may be the final straw for many of us residents, and what a shame it is to our hard working kids and teachers. Five months untill the new school year and no one has a clue what's going to happen!?!? Cuts can be made and money moved around.....LETS MAKE OUR KIDS TOP PRIORITY!
ReplyDeleteI think the kids are top priority and that you have some good people running the town - Neil knows what he is doing as do the administrators and those at Blake. You all think it is easy to remove these people; however, it isn't as easy as that. Less kids mean less teachers are needed in the district - there are almost 1,000 less kids and the same amount of schools/teachers, etc. I think the people that are in a position to make decisions are best qualified with the most knowledge and interest of children. I realize that you all want to put in your two cents but you know what they say about opinions... everybody has them and you all can plan and plan but, you need to trust what your Mayor, Superintendent and other "heads" are doing which is the right thing. They work very hard and regardless of their personal lives, where their kids go to school, or any other factor has nothing to do with what they ARE doing and trying to help this City. Support and help - perhaps parents can play a larger role in the system - help rather than hinder and offer advice rather than constant complaining and personal opinions - these people work very very hard every single day - it isn't easy and they have the CHILDREN'S best interest in mind.
ReplyDeletealso, I can't even imagine what the high school would be like with 1 assistant principal - so whoever proposed that idea obviously has no idea what the high school is like and the overload that the assistant principals must deal with every day - that is certainly not a solution to the problem... simply an ignorant suggestion.
ReplyDeleteAfter reading everything previous in this blog (http://whedincrisis.blogspot.com/2010/03/facts-as-we-know-them-board-of.html#comments) tonight (03.22.10), it seems to me that the teachers have a union, the custodians have a union, police, firefighters, city workers and administrators all have a union to protect their interests, benefits and pay increases. The people who pay these benefits (taxpayers) are left alone and disconnected. As I left the meeting at Carrigan tonight I wondered how all the concerened people there could become connected as a Parent's Union; a focused force of people committed to the best interests of the children, not the benefits of the employees. We need a Parent's Action Commitment (PAC) Group. It can be organized on yahoo.groups.com. We can all communicate and support the best interests of the schools. Schools that rank low in the state strategic profiles but are heavy with administrators, benefits and under performing teachers are a liability to the community at large. People do not want to move to this great city for fear of self interest before community strength. When the unions are ready to negotiate a contract they have professional negotiators back their position. Union members go to private meetings that are closed to the public to vote and discuss solidarity, and breaking the will of the people with strike threats.
ReplyDeleteThis is to 2 posts above --to the person that obviously has a personal connection to either a BOE or city employee ---we as the parents ARE providing suggestions but they are NOT BEING TAKEN INTO CONSIDERATION OR ACTED UPON! The BOE, city council and Mayors office seem to have their minds set on what they are going to do and no matter what we have to say they are not going to act upon it. "IF" they are truly trying to help this city then they would do anything and everything they can do in their power to save the schools and teachers before implementing the current plan which should be a LAST resort. At the BOE meeting last night it was asked why the BOE could not cut its employees and the response was that the BOE is taking action by loosing 3 employees, which is a bunch of bull since those employees are merely retiring. So, again, the BOE is NOT doing all it can and it is NOT taking our considerations into account ...they have a game plan and they are sticking with it. ALso, I find it VERY hard to believe these people "have the CHILDREN'S best interest in mind." IF they did, then they would NOT be making the current plan their first approach!
ReplyDeleteYou have 1,000 less students within the last 8 years... it is too expensive to run the same amount of teachers and schools - 8 elementary schools is a lot to have and, the economy - worldwide - is lacking in a number of areas one of which is MONEY. Personal connection or not - put the cards on the table and piece the puzzle together there aren't many other ways to fit them - there are ways but not many - these people are doing what they can with the pieces they have - it's not easy to run a town and make decisions that will make everyone happy. If parents are able to HELP and support rather than attack those that do have the Children's best interest in mind - Let me ask you this: are you a teacher? are you a board member? are you an administrator? if the answer is no then you cannot fathom the amount of work that goes into these jobs and how important the support of a parent and/or community is. So, perhaps the current plan isn't the most desireable - what are other options and, I thought the purpose of this blog was not to attack but to offer advice and thoughts for this. No one will work for free but, perhaps parents can be more involved in the elementary schools and work as a part-time para - etc. I don't know but, I am merely suggesting that you not attack those that are the "higher ups" and that you respect all that they have to deal with. I do not have a connection to these people and, I did post earlier and am responding again - that there are a lot of wonderful people working for the city, for the community, and for the children and, yes they do have the Children’s best interest in mind as well as the community as a whole so think what you'd like - anyone in this profession or on a board does CARE and is trying to do the best that they can.
ReplyDeleteLastly, to the teachers that received pink slips my heart goes out to them and I truly hope that WH can keep as many teachers as possible - I am a teacher and have gratefully accepted a freeze and am thankful to those teachers in my district that have sacrificed certain positions to keep me on board. Obviously, we don't do it for the money and, to lose a job that one sacrifices so much for is absolutely heart wrenching but, parents need to stop attacking everyone else and abandon their selfish nature to think and look at the whole picture and try to help rather than constantly place blame. I see it every day - teaching isn't what it used to be and this "change" is a result of the parents and their role in education - that is my opinion as a teacher and I am fully entitled to it - and, if you disagree then it is you that is the problem because you don't see any other viewpoint than you own; whether or not you agree or disagree, you must understand that we are all coming from somewhere and, in this profession in dealing with children that somewhere is not going to be a bad place.
Good suggestion "pay to play" (above) as a parent I could certainly cut back more - perhaps sacrifice certain things this could be a solution - my daughter plays AAU and on various travel teams; however, there are certain options and this may be a way to save/gain money.
- From A parent that can understand things from a different view. Stop attacking and start suggesting.
Change is very hard. It seems to me that we the parents have spoken up, tried to offer suggestions, and yes have even griped. Has it benefited our children? Have our concerns been taken into any account? I'm frustrated! I already feel defeated. My major concern is for our 4th grade students. Are they prepared for this? While busy preparing for CMTs how have they been prepared for this new change of independence and responsiblity? Yes... they can take a standardized test - but are they prepared to be responsible enough to get appropriate books out of their lockers? Our 4th graders have always been considered elementary and treated accordingly - never changing a classroom and under one teachers guidance for the most part. If change is going to come, how can we use this last part of their school year to better prepare them? Please look at our 4th graders. Don't just throw them into the fire.
ReplyDeleteQUOTE FROM A PREVIOUS COMMENT: At the BOE meeting last night it was asked why the BOE could not cut its employees and the response was that the BOE is taking action by loosing 3 employees, which is a bunch of bull since those employees are merely retiring.
ReplyDeleteIs this true? If it is, it is just one more way Cavallaro is sugar-coating the truth and providing misinformation. Perhaps he is ignorant of the fact that a position cut through retirement is not the same as actually making a cut in positions. If these 3 positions are really retirements, why not cut 3 MORE positions?
Also, I heard an interesting fact from a parent and would really love to see it confirmed. I have personally dealt with people who are not doing their job in the school system and they were support staff, not teachers. One of them made over $60K in overtime last year and does very little during his regular paid hours.
I can easily believe this having worked in a few schools around the city. At a summer program I worked with last summer, one child was freaking out wondering where her mother was. The problem was that a lazy secretary didn't feel it was her job to tell me, or any of our other staff, that her mother called and was going to be about 30 minutes late. The mother did not have a car and needed to get a ride to pick up her daughter. I worked about 20 steps from her office where we did not have a phone. If I did, would calling me have been a problem, too? Is it that much of a problem to walk out of your office to deliver this message? The main question is does that person really deserve that job, a job that someone else with more compassion might appreciate more?
After last nights meeting it has been confirmed that Neil has agreed to forgo his raise, and also match any furlough days the unions would be willing to take. This indeed is a great starting point, and we all look forward to seeing what else can be done to close the gap. Posted by David Hall not Anonymous.
ReplyDeleteI hear a lot of parents and teachers concerned about the prospective BOE changes but did not see nearly the turnout I would have expected at last night's meeting. It is time to get behind your complaints and start being a proactive force in your child's education and our municipal government. Without a greater showing of discontent with this plan, I fear the BOE will proceed. Is there a central organizing body of parents? How can we help get the word out?
ReplyDeleteLets Look at What New Haven is doing to evaluate their schools. Fourteen page presentation here. Reasonable. Measurable. Attainable. Accountable.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.nhps.net/sites/default/files/School_Performance_Measurement_100305.pdf
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ReplyDeleteThe Mayor has not started negotiating with the two largest unions on the city side representing 35o workers. No givebacks or furloghs have been discussed. No job cuts. He balanced the budget on the school systems back.
ReplyDeleteThe Board took no increase last year. What did they think would be the impact on this years budget or did think they would get 5 million this year to make up for it.
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ReplyDeleteThis ship is going down and my family will not be going down with it!!! My kids deserve more then this. They deserve the BEST education, not one that is put together in 5 months! It's 5 months till the new school year and I can't tell my 4th grader if he will be in HIS school or some school across town.
ReplyDeleteEDUCATION EDUCATION EDUCATION the only important thing in this economy.....everything else can be cut. REMEMBER! When there is a will there's a way....ALWAYS! Just DO it!!
Education is important, however it is the responsibility of any municipality to provide for the public safety, ie Fire,Police,Homeland security. You cant just cut indescriminately from the protection and safety of the public.
ReplyDeleteIf you want Education up to the level you want, you HAVE to raise taxes.
Lets raise taxes then!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteThis blog really died down.....I guess people gave up already. Very very sad, don't think this is the place I thought I was buying into. Time to move I guess.
ReplyDeleteI'm with you! I'm out.
ReplyDeleteThe blog has not died down, there is just not much to say if you want to say something of value. There is a BoE meeting tonight at which the public was not invited to speak. Once I get news of that meeting, if anything relates to this issue, it will be posted. People have DEFINITELY not given up. We are working diligently toward the best possible outcome for the children and the city. Check out some of the other posts and their comments. If you would rather spout for spouting's sake, feel free to move on. The same goes for those who are ready to give up. There are enough of us out here working toward the goal, but we can always use the help and CONSTRUCTIVE criticism.
ReplyDeleteWest Haven High School Fails 2008-2009 NCLB Grading. How much can we take? 6 years in need of improvment. Time to fix what is wrong. People not doing their jobs and getting paid more money and benifits:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.csde.state.ct.us/public/cedar/nclb/dist_school_nclb_results/2008-09/100_900/156_west_haven_high_school.pdf
Join the WH 7000 Club
ReplyDeleteRead the City Charter and Steer your ship off the rocks of ruin before it is too late. Vote Down the Budget. We need the power of the people rekindled and directed for the best interests of the community, not the best interest of the employees. It's time to have union give backs. The Time is here to have a taxpayers union to represent the family and individual taxpayers instead of the city employees .
WH CITY CHARTER CHAPTER XVIII - INITIATIVE, REFERENDUM
POWERS OF INITIATIVE: The electors shall have the power to propose to the West Haven City Council any ordinance or resolution appointing or removing officials, specifying the compensation or hours of work of officials and employees, appropriating money, authorizing the levy of taxes, or fixing the tax rate. If the West Haven City Council fails to adopt such ordinance or other measure within thirty days after a petition making such a proposal shall have been filed with the WH City Council, the electors may adopt or reject the same at an election held within ninety days after such proposed ordinance or measure was originally filed with the Council, provided such petition shall be signed in ink or indelible pencil by qualified electors of the City, equal in number to at least ten percent (3500 to get it rolling) of the registered voters at the last municipal election. Said petition shall be accompanied by affidavits signed and sworn to by each circulator of such petition, certifying to the authenticity of the signatures of such petition. The Town and City Clerk shall determine the sufficiency of the petition and the affidavits. A majority vote of the electors qualified to vote shall be necessary to initiate such ordinances or measures. Unless at least twenty percent (7000 to steer the ship) of the electors entitled to vote on the question shall have voted, such proposed ordinance or measure shall not become effective and the result shall be construed as against adoption. No ordinance or other measure which shall have been adopted in accordance with the provisions of this Section shall be repealed or amended by the Council except by petition and vote of the electors.
If those in office don't listen to the voters who hold the power, we still have the ability to make them hear us. If we don't use our power, we can blame no one but ourselves.
We parents and taxpayers have no real idea of what is really going on within the education system in our city. This problem of information asymmetry is crucial. Solve it and perhaps then progress or reform can be successful. Question is...how?
ReplyDelete