Here are Opinions of your Neighbors -- Please Add your Opinion
CALLING ALL PWCS Parents & Concerned Citizen - October 30, 2008
CALLING ALL PWCS Parents & Concerned Citizens - Education Reform Rally Tuesday, Nov 4th 2-7pm @ McCoart Gov Bldg!!!
Join us to demand accountability by PWCS Administration and improvements in the academic curriculum!
Bring your signs to march with us, encourage your friends and neighbors to stop by and sign our petition to replace Fuzzy Math curriculum in PWC Elementary Schools!
Kids welcome.
Please spread the word!
With your help we can improve the education in PWCS!
Brochure 1
X - Math Rally Flier
Brochure 2
X-PWC TERC tri-fold Brochure
www.pwcTeachMathRight.com
Petition also available online at: www.petitiononline.com/123math/petition.htm
Webmaster
Informational Meeting - October 24, 2008
The D&C reported that only two residents showed up at Achramovitch’s first “Town Hall” type forum. This is accurate. What is not accurate and was not reported was the fact that both individuals did ask questions. I should know as I was the former board member mentioned. I guess my questions and remarks, as well as the other persons were not considered newsworthy by the reporter. Before I continue, allow this comment – for only two residents to show interest on the CIP project is a glaring indication of the public apathy that permeates this community. I t is exactly this type of public reaction that allows for continued indifference on the part of the people in charge of our district and town to be held accountable. So, when things go wrong, who is at fault? The enablers who allow this kind of conduct – US – no one else. So much for that, I guess it is futile to expect that to change anytime soon.
My question concerned the $2 million dollar technology update contained in the 2000 bond vote that was never done. Steve’s answer was that sometimes it’s necessary to eliminate items from the project due to unexpected cost over-runs as why, in all probability, it was not done. Information in my possession indicates otherwise. The technology piece was eliminated purposely in favor of Walts-driven upgrades and change orders. The general contractor suggested the district apply for Federal grant money to do the technology piece. In any event, since 2000 we have gone without upgrades and are still using the old outdated equipment.
I pointed out to Steve that the recently passed Excell bond contains the $2 million dollar technology piece again, the net result being that we are being taxed twice for the same project. Steve said we weren’t paying for it twice because it was never done. However, I pointed out the fact that the CIP was overspent by $3 million dollars and still counting.
Folks, you can bank on this. The current state of our information technology should scare the heck out of you. The State auditors said so as do documents in my possession as well as the Attorney General. I don’t care what Steve’s robo call said, our systems are the equivalent of a sieve. Anyone with average computer skills can hack into our system and access sensitive info as well as write themselves a check This has already happened at least once and is well-documented.
BUT WHO CARES?
Joe Moscato
Candidates to attend C.A.R.E. Public Meeting - October 17, 2008
C.A.R.E. is pleased that Senator Robach and Candidate Dollinger have accepted our invitation to participate in our public forum (including educational issues, property taxes, and school spending) this Monday at 7pm at the Church of St. John the Evangelist Parish Hall. (see earlier notice posted on this site)
Joe Moscato, Executive Director of Greece Citizens in Action, will also be providing details on efforts to have the NYS Attorney General's office investigate school spending over the past few years.
Everyone is welcome.
Thank you.
Beverly Strehle and Anne Miller, C.A.R.E. Co-Presidents
Voter fraud - October 14, 2008
Voter fraud? - it's right here
It is encouraging to see the concern with voter fraud as a threat to our democracy. Those who have not followed the rules should not be allowed to vote as I am sure most would agree but shouldn't our votes be counted?
Contrast this to how school budget votes are done. How do we allow elected officials (school boards) to cancel our vote?
At present the people are asked to approve a spending amount - if the voters say NO a school board is allowed by state law to nullify the peoples vote (increase spending+taxes) via contingency budget.
The number one reason people don't vote on school budgets? Thier vote doesn't matter.
I would suggest 'this' is voter fraud sanctioned by the state of New York and practiced by those educating our youth.
Charlie Hubbard (former Greece school board)
chubbard005@rochester.rr.com
615-2678
C.A.R.E. Public Meeting with Candidates - October 14, 2008
The CARE Executive Committee invites you to attend an Open Public Forum on October 20th to discuss property taxes, school funding and recent Greece School District issues.
The NYS Comptrollers Audit showed that our public tax dollars have been wasted and abused. Recently several construction audits revealed that our school buildings were unsafe and the construction work that we paid for as taxpayers was incomplete in some situations and seriously defective in many other areas. The capital building processes including construction, on-site verification of work performed and all financial approvals and transactions are broken and in desperate need of oversight and corrective changes.
We have invited NYS Senator Joe Robach, NYS Senate candidate Rick Dollinger, Assemblyman Bill Reilich and NYS Assembly candidate Dave Garretson to attend this public forum and address and discuss our concerns.
Please join C.A.R.E. and our guests on Monday, October 20th, 7PM at the Church of St. John the Evangelist Parish Hall at 2400 Ridge Road West (note directions below as there is no direct access from Ridge Road) for this very important public forum. Bring your concerns and questions for our elected officials and candidates for public office.
Representatives from the new community group Greece Citizens in Action will also be present to share their information regarding the NYS Comptroller's Audit and the latest information on construction flaws and defects in our school buildings.
We look forward to having you join us on October 20th. Sincerely,
C.A.R.E. Executive Committee
Beverly Strehle
Directions to St. John the Evangelist Parish Hall: From Ridge Road West you must turn North (away from the Mall) on Duxbury Road (was Dexter, now Charisma Jewelers). Take a left onto Hiett Road and the church and parking lot will be directly ahead. Once in the parking lot, turn right and the Parish Hall will be on your left. The entrance to the hall is in front of a large outdoor bell.
Living in la la land - October 14, 2008
Living in la la land
In recent weeks there have been a number of newspaper articles regarding Greece Central. Interesting, regardless of the subject there has been a sentence or two regarding a positive academic achievement spin. Sadly I have learned that when I read such a spin there is more information not being said to the Greece community.
The most recent example was the October 2, 2008 Greece post article entitled “Greece school leader gets pay hike”. As part of the justification for supt. Achramovitc’s pay raise, BOE pres. Julia Van Orman said “math test scores for students in grades 3-8 increased in all but one grade level and in ELA 4 out of 6 grade levels increased.” Anyone with any experience with testing knows that you do not get too excited when only one year of testing results go up. In addition no one gets too upset with only one year of results when the scores go down. It is only when you see a trend of 3-5 years in one direction or the other that you can pat yourself on the back or start to make instructional changes because of a downward trend.
To base a supt.’s raise on a one year increase is very dangerous. It would be very reasonable for the Greece community to then expect the supt.’s pay to be reduced next year if the test results go down.
Instead of the celebration that has taken place in Greece and instead of patting himself and his staff on the back let’s see what Supt Brizard had to say about the increase passing percentages in the Rochester city school district. Quote “if everyone is going up, perhaps it’s the test. But if we are outpacing the other big five similar districts, then we know we are doing a better job. That’s the goal.” Let me read that again.
So as supt. Brizard indicates, all districts had increases this year. Now the question is where did Greece rank against other districts? This is the real question and the real test that the Greece community should known. What BOE pres van Orman forgot to tell the Greece community or what district office administrators forgot to tell pres Julia, is that while our supt. got his pay raise, Greece did not fair very well against other school districts.
For the most recent 2008 results: in third grade math Greece was in last place of the 19 suburban school district. (repeat last place) in math most grade levels were second or third from the bottom. In grades 3-8 no grade level scored higher than fifth from the bottom. The 2008 ELA results did not fare any better. Greece central’s fourth grade was in last place of the 19 school districts. (repeat last place) again most grade levels were second and third from the bottom and no grade level from grades 3-8 ranked higher than fifth from the bottom. Sadly this is not the first year that Greece has ranked in last place. The last place test results have been a trend for the last 6-7 years.
At least with supt. Bizard he has set a goal for the city school district, that is, out rank other districts. He has also made a number of immediate changes which include eliminating 145 district office positions, starting a number of new educational student programs and even starting an all boy’s school. So far Greece got smart goals. Sadly at least in the first year of smart goals they have not been very smart for our students.
When the most current 2007 official graduation results are added to the list we have even a darker picture. Oly h.s. Continues to have the lowest graduation rate, of the 19 school districts, with only 73% of entering 2003 freshman graduating. Arcadia h.s. Is the third lowest h.s. In the area with only 76% of entering 2003 freshman graduating. Said another way, of the three lowest h.s. Graduation rates, in the Monroe county area, Greece has two of the three.
Nothing and I repeat nothing is more important for this BOE to concentrate on than the academic achievement of the Greece students. Yes, even more important than state audit reports, passing of the budget and supt pay raises. Last place in third grade math, last place in fourth grade ELA and last place in h.s. 2007 graduation rates. Greece central is not a last place school district. If you are not on the BOE for the academic success of the Greece students then I ask you to ask yourself why are you on the BOE?
I think some BOE members are content with the quick positive spin, one sentence results. Test scores increase and are happy to live in la la land and ignore the reality of last place. Last place is very real but never talked about. Academic last place is the old elephant in the living room.
To my core I believe that the vast majority of Greece teachers are hard working, dedicated teachers that only want their students to succeed. The majority of students come to school wanting to learn and finally the majority of parents want only the best for their children. Then what is the answer?
Enstein is alleged to have said “the definition of insanity is expecting different results while keeping the same behaviors.”
This is the October BOE meeting. The fourth month of this board’s term, one third of the term is over and there are no approved BOE goals. How do you know where you are going or when will you get there without approved goals?
In addition, the BOE must take strong decisive actions to hold the supt. And the instructional office accountable
The complexity of learning and running a school district is far too complicated an issue for a simple silver bullet cure all pill for an old school principal to have the answer in a five minute BOE presentation but I do know for certain, some where along the way Greece has lost its focus and direction.
Somewhere the process became more important than results. This is 180 degrees out of kilter. If I had purchased an outside math program that dictates teaching strategies, text and materials and minimizes teacher creativity and has last place results for 6-7 years it would be the first thing to go.
There was a time when Greece hired its own best teachers to write a Greece math program with measurable grade level objectives. Greece teachers where held accountable for results and the teachers could use what they considered appropriate teaching materials.
There was a time when Greece central had a staff development program second to none. Where Greece teachers taught teachers from other school districts and we were not spending a potential 1.4 million dollars to Maryland to train our teachers that already have their masters in literacy. Greece teachers could train their own collages for a Greece central literacy program.
Enough is enough of last place. We do not have last place teachers, students or parents. For 2008-2009 take strong decisive action as a unified BOE so we don’t repeat past results.
Thank you for your time!
Doug Skeet
Added Cost of Health Inusrance - October 01, 2008
I was disappointed, but not surprised to hear that the BOE gave our Superintendent a 3% raise based upon performance. There is much debate over the accuracy of any the numbers, but in my opinion I'm not convinced Steve A met his targets. The "good-ole boys" club seems to be more important than true performance and leadership.
One thing I would like to better understand is where VanOrman came up with an additional $3K Steve A will pay out of pocket for his health care (MPN stated in their article it was only $2095, so there already is a discepancy...surpise / surprise!!!). If having him pay an additional 10% amts to even 2 or $3K more per year, that implies his medical coverage costs $20-$30K per year. CAN THAT BE RIGHT, and if so, why is that expensive??? The BOE's credibility leaves a lot to be desired, so it would be nice to better understand what type of medical coverage he is getting and how much it is costing us.
Any feedback is appreciated
Marty Levin
Steve Achramovitch's Pay Raise - September 30, 2008
Greece Community
Everyone should be in an outrage today. Your school BOE gave Steve Achramovitch a 3% pay raise with the following evaluation comment: "He is meeting expectations" and with a personal comment from Roger Boily, "I believe Steve met the standards we set and is doing a very good job."
For your information:
Olympia HS graduation rate was in last place of the 19 suburban school districts in 2007 (74%).
Arcadia HS graduation rate was third from the bottom of the 19 suburban school districts in 2007.
Said another way of the three lowest suburban graduation rates two out of three are Greece HS.
After one year of Supt. Steve's "Smart Goal" program we have the following results:
In 3rd grade math Greece is in Last Place of the 19 suburban school districts.
In 4th grade ELA Greece is in Last Place of the 19 suburban school districts.
The highest Greece scored in any elementary or middle school grade level in math or ELA is fifth from the bottom.
This is "meeting expectations" and according to Boily is "met the standard" and Roger is states Steve is "doing a very good job"
There you have it Greece Community, relax your Superintendent is going a very good job and is meeting the standards.
Enjoy
Doug Skeet
PS . Oberg and Ferington voted against the contract
Ok, Mr. Hubbard, I'll 'spar'... ;-) - September 27, 2008
Mr. Hubbard,
First, thank you for the opportunity at an exchange of ideas...
As to your statements which appeared to be directly aimed toward/at me (numbered for ease of identification only):
1. "If I understood your posting correctly you fail to provide an answer to my question which was 'WHY ARE THE TAXPAYERS BEING ASKED TO PAY FOR THIS?'"
2. "You offer excuses similar to what the school board offers 'pretty standard' or 'the cost of doing business with a union'."
3. "Just so you know I have no problem with unions asking for whatever."
4a. "Just so you know Mr. Kiesel I also am a strong supporter of both students and 'good' teachers (most) but also realize there are only so many $$$ to go around..."
4b. "...so if you want to support this type of shame because 'we always have' fine."
(Admittedly, the statements I have identified as 4a and 4b were, in fact, one sentence in your post. I broke them out so I can address each part of your sentence...)
5. "As always feel free to contact me about any item but if you can't handle the TRUTH don't bother."
My Responses are as follows:
1. I accept your correction directed toward me. I suppose a direct answer could be phrased "the tax payers are not 'being asked' to pay for this time; your question is not valid as written. The school board includes the price tag for the union contract in each and every budget proposal presented to the taxpayers, and if the budget gets voted down, the board approves an alternate/austerity/fall-back/other budget for the district, and that budget includes the exact same price for the union contract. Given that, the board never offers the taxpayers an option which excludes this 'time for union business'. Because the taxpayers are never offered a budget option without this item, there is no 'asking'. It is included without taxpayers approval."
2. I suppose my response (excuse, in your opinion) is, indeed, similar to what the school board offers... I, as a non-member of the board, am coming from a position of not being directly involved with the union at all... (hmmm... dare I ask if that might be the similarity to which you refer?)
3.Consider me better informed about your views on unions (it was never my intent to imply anything to the contrary; if I did, please accept my apology).
4a.I stand in full agreement and full recognition that funds are limited.
4b.In my response, I said "I am, merely, saying that it would be interesting to see how a district can work with teachers without a union between. Not sure it would ever happen, though...", and "allowing time off for union business is a cost of doing business with a union. The only way to remove that price tag is to negotiate with teachers directly, removing the need for a union, which is something that has not been done in decades..." I am not so sure how you jump from my statements to your jump from my statement to thinking that I 'want to support this shame'...
5. This is an interesting invitation... I'm not sure how to take your questioning whether or not I can handle the 'TRUTH', as you put it... how exactly did you mean that?
Having said all this, I thank you for the 'dialog'... I enjoy exchanges such as these...
As an alternative, may I attempt a different approach to answering your 'WHY' question.... how about "because the board has never offered a budget that excludes it"... ?
I do agree with your stand that tax money collected should be used to educate our kids, and that this time off is a 'give away' of that money.
Thanks for the opportunity at an exchange. I find this enjoyable and informative.
Respectfully submitted,
Pete Kiesel
(a parent-and taxpayer- who cares, both about kids *and* about teachers)
Comments - September 24, 2008
A reply to Mr. Kiesel;
If I understood your posting correctly you fail to provide an answer to my question which was 'WHY ARE THE TAXPAYERS BEING ASKED TO PAY FOR THIS?' You offer excuses similar to what the school board offers 'pretty standard' or 'the cost of doing business with a union'. Just so you know I have no problem with unions asking for whatever. My problem is the school board giving them MORE and MORE and expecting (demanding) nothing in return. Simply put are we in the education business or the 'support the union business'. Is there any educational benefit to this $100,000+ ? If there is please explain otherwise it is a 'give away' of taxpayer $$ and that does NOT speak well of the school board whom are elected by and are there to represent THE TAXPAYERS.
Just so you know Mr. Kiesel I also am a strong supporter of both students and 'good' teachers (most) but also realize there are only so many $$$ to go around so if you want to support this type of shame because 'we always have' fine. I prefer to use that money to educate our kids.
As always feel free to contact me about any item but if you can't handle the TRUTH don't bother.
Charlie Hubbard 615-2678
chubbard005@rochester.rr.com
Union business - September 24, 2008
On Charlie's question about time off for union business...
It is my understanding (subject to correction, of course) that a clause like this is pretty standard. It is 'the cost of doing business with a union'.
I do agree that it seems like quite a hefty price tag for that sort of activity.
I belonged to a union back when I was 16, working for Tops. It didn't make much sent to me back then ($2.35/hr wage when I started...)... however, I also have a father who was a public school teacher for 27 years, and belonged to a union (not in the Rochester area at all) - the union was never discussed at our house, so I grew up with a rather large 'why?' when it comes to unions.
I suppose it's kind of a moot point to question whether or not a union is still needed, present-day, because all public school districts have only ever (at least in recent decades) worked with teachers through collective bargaining...
I think it would be interesting to see an experiment that has a school district NOT use a union (though I know all union reps, at the least, will be up in arms at my comment). Not sure if it would work, as teachers and districts both "don't know any other way" than working through a union. That is NOT to say/imply any lack of intelligence/smarts/talents/skills/etc. on the part of teachers. I have the UTMOST respect for the job they face and the job they do!!!!
I am, merely, saying that it would be interesting to see how a district can work with teachers without a union between. Not sure it would ever happen, though...
Also, on the point of unions, it seems that unions have focused on the pay/retention aspect of a teacher's job.
What I don't see is unions standing in support of teachers when they are asked to convert to an utterly ridiculous way/method of teaching... for example, spelling and penmanship is no longer taught across the district, and some schools don't even teach the multiplication tables. There is a marked inconsistency in how students are taught, school to school within this district. Why is the union silent on this? Seems to me that this is something where they can use the full power of collective bargaining, instead of focusing on the financials onle.
I acknowledge the super-ability (uber-ability) of our teachers to do an excellent job of teaching, but why is the union 'seemingly silent' when it comes to stopping the idiocy called "let's teach a different way; the 'old' way is no longer valid"?
I absolutely support teachers getting paid what they're worth, and I agree they are underpaid.
My point is about the apparent 'one-sidedness' of the union in only caring about the financials, and not for the teachers as a whole....
Again, back to your original question - allowing time off for union business is a cost of doing business with a union. The only way to remove that price tag is to negotiate with teachers directly, removing the need for a union, which is something that has not been done in decades... not so sure either side trusts the other at this point.
It's sad.
I've been a working professional for over 25 years, without the 'protection' of a union (then again, I'm expected to work 50-60 hours each week). I guess I'm a bit naive to think it could be done in a school district... ok, maybe a LOT naive.. to quote Harold Hill's line (Robert Preston version of The Music Man), "... I always think there's a band, kid..."
Thanks for the chance to jump in.
Pete Kiesel
(still a strong supporter of both students and teachers)
Manners - you are SO right - September 19, 2008
In support of John's comments about the deplorable state of manners exhibited by present-day students...
You are SO right, John. It is inexcusable that some/many parents will not take the time, much less the effort, to raise their children in a way that teaches the children the importance of respect toward others (especially teachers).
Teachers are expected to fill in that piece of parenting by parents who have abdicated that responsibility. This would be fine, and I'm sure they wouldn't mind doing that job on behalf of parents who don't care enough to raise their own childern, if it wasn't for one, wee little thing - teacher are supposed to ... um... teach. If they are too busy raising those parents' children, it only stands to reason that they lose out on time to teach. Hardly seems fair to the teacher, does it...
And, when you stop to think about it, some/many parents have abdicated that responsibility for one reason - selfishness. THEY (the parents) want the freedom to do whatever pleases them (the parents). Parents seem to not care as much (anymore) about how their children behave; the more important thing is 'how good the children feel about themselves... '
(unfortunately, schools *do* seem to feed into this warped view with its 'everybody is a winner' approach... this caters to (ok, enables) parents who don't really care, and it poses a bit of a challenge to those parents who *do* care, but that's a completely different discussion, I suppose....)
OK, I've oversimplified - I know - some family situations are less than ideal, and life's not always fair. Ok, duly noted. (Actually, in cases where life has dealt out some pretty crummy cards to families, there is often an abundance of actual, caring parenting occurring. )
Back to the point... it is crucial for children to learn to exhibit correct behavior when they are YOUNG... it's tough enough for children to become young adults when they lack the foundational 'compass setting' of respect FOR and TOWARD others (meaning, show it!)... without that well-built foundation, it is easy to envision the situations to which John is referring...
Middle school teachers deserve 'combat pay'...
More importantly, however, parents need to step up and, in some/many cases, get their children on the 'straight and narrow' road of showing respect for others, ESPECIALLY their teachers. One way to accomplish this is to explain to children that they are NOT on this earth to be catered to, but to learn how to get along WITH others.. in part, this involves explaining that there are times when someone else is, rightly, in charge.
It really is amazing how much (more) the children can learn, and how much (more) the teacher can accomplish, when kids shut up and sit down, allowing the teacher to get back to the subect being taught (normal educational ineraction notwithstanding).
Some may say that teachers are not doing a good job, but have those 'critics' taken the time to go sit in a classroom and see what is really going on? (I have)
Let's face it - parenting is a tough job, if it's done properly.. We human beings are, at our 'core' (and I am numbered along with that crowd), self-centered. It is when we consciously and, yes, willingly make the effort to fight that innate drive to show respect to others (making it outwardly evident that we realize we are not alone on this planet, nor that we are the supreme ruler of this planet), that we begin to see positive results.
Let's face it - teaching is a tough job, if it's done properly (each child learns a different way, etc.). It's made worse when teachers are expected to not only teach, but also to fill in as parents by needing to inform young Horatio or Hortence about behavior that is expected. And, many of them (teachers) have their own children, so they are not just 'sitting in an ivory tower with no sense of what we parents have to deal with in raising children'.
Look - most of us work - some are teachers, some are not. Some of us have children, some of us don't. Let's not get into a 'who has the more important job' battle - life is difficult. For everyone.
In this case, however, we have a situation where a group of 'us' has chosen, willingly, to work the 'our children' as their job. Before we go criticize 'those teachers' on behalf of 'our children', we need to ask ourselves, "Have we given 'those teachers' a set of children who will sit, listen, and learn? Have we made the teaching of manners to our children a sufficiently high priority in our households?"
Some may say, "but you just don't understand what it's like, because ["you do have kids, and I don't" | "you don't have kids, and I do' | "you don't have my work schedule" | "your family situation is not like mine"] (pick one of these, or make up a response of your own)... ok, life can be viewed as unfair, no matter how one looks at it - so what? It is what it is...
Consider this - the teachers (of our children) are part of a team (no, I'm not going to say it takes a village), and we, the parents, are the other part - our part has to come first (which means it's up to us to ensure the kids demonstrate respect for others), before the teachers can do their part (and we can all sit back and be amaed at what our children have accomplished)..
Why is it that it seems we are [no longer willing | afraid] to say to look at a kid and day 'shut up, sit down, and learn - you'll be a better person for it, in the long run', when the exhibited behavior is just SCREAMING for this response?
The sad part is - those who should be concerned about their children's behavior in school probably aren't reading this... kinda like preaching to the choir... so to speak.
Oh, well...
Thanks for the chance to jump in. ;-)
Pete Kiesel (a parent who cares, both about kids *and* about teachers)
Comments - September 17, 2008
There is an item the community should know about.
It is a section of the teachers contract I have reason to believe is NOT being addressed via negotiations.
When i was on the board I made the rest of the board aware of this item AND made the new board aware recently with no response.
page 34 item G
This is in reference to 'release time' for union reps to do 'union business'
This item has a cost to the taxpayers of Greece of over $100,000 per year.
This item has zero benefit to the taxpayers of Greece.
My comment is and my question to the board has been and will continue to be WHY SHOULD THE TAXPAYERS PAY FOR THIS ITEM????
It is one of those 'always do what we have always done'
As always feel free to contact me with concerns.
Charlie Hubbard
615-2678
chubbard005@rochester.rr.com
Greece Board of Education presentation - September 10, 2008
Good evening BOE members.
This calendar year there have been a number of reports that required explanation to the Greece community such as: the NY state controller’s audit report, the Carr report, the Loewke and Brill reports and now I hope you will respond to the community on the O’Flahavan literacy contract.
My comments tonight will be in two parts. First i will highlight some financial concerns of the service contract. Secondly I will raise a number of educational questions.
Contract highlights:
On page 6 - exhibit a –please note this contract has a projected date into the year 2015. This is a possible seven year initiative and commitment with one contractor. In all due respect to our current superintendent, I believe I am correct, that the last time we had a superintendent for seven continuous years goes back to David Robinson, in the 1970’s.
Please note the wording…“a variety of dates are to be determined through the 2008-2009 school year. Would 10 visits or would 100 visits by the contractor satisfy this feature of the contract? No minimum number of visits!!
Please note the wording...“professional learning community, consultant visits”—dates tbd. Again would 10 visits or would 100 visits by the contractor satisfy this feature of the contract? Again, no minimum number of visits!!
Please note the wording…”ms pathfinders, consultant visits”—dates tbd. Again would 10 visits or would 100 visits by the contractor satisfy this feature of the contract? I ask you is this a way to write a contract?
Please note the total cost for the 2008-2009 school year is..$199,255.00. This is a potential $1.4 million dollar contract.
From the dates within the contract, with the required planning and with the representatives from the O’Flahavan group in the district as far back as December 2007. There had to be almost a year of district planning. Was the first year cost of $200,000 identified in the preparation of the Greece Central 2008-2009 budget? If not, then why not?
From my foil request I learned “there are no board minutes showing approval of the contract.” If not BOE approval, when was the BOE made aware and briefed on this teacher training?
This contract comes at a time when the BOE has assured the Greece community and the NYS controller’s office that you have learned your lesson regarding administration oversight. In addition, there was a BOE promise for much closer oversight into district operations. I believe the new term is “district transparency”. Without BOE approval, the community’s perception is “business as usual”
This contract was signed at a time when the BOE lowered the dollar limit from $20,000 to a $10,000 limit for a change order approval by the superintendent without BOE approval. Let me see, the superintendent has a $10,000 change order limit but can approve a potential seven year $1.4 million dollar, service contract without BOE approval. The community deserves an explanation.
The second part of my concern is of equal or greater importance. It relates to the background or process issues that led to the signing of such a large service contract.
Without the BOE approval or awareness where are the built in checks and balances? Can the community assume and was the BOE briefed on the following points: That the instructional office went through a thorough and elaborate evaluation process to determine that teacher training in literacy should be the number one instructional priority for the students over the next seven years exclusive of instructional areas such as math or science?
That there was a process or criteria or standards used to determine that teacher training is the solution to the low test scores in ELA instead of maybe curriculum or curriculum alignment or maybe instructional material issues
That other alternatives or other teacher training contractors were reviewed? For example we live in the shadow of Nazareth College. They are nationally known for their literacy teacher training program. In fact, for years, Greece central has been paying thousands of dollars in tuition payments, to Nazareth, for Greece teachers to be awarded their masters degree in literacy.
That BOCES 2 in Spencerport has O’Flahavan trained instructors. A contract with BOCES would be state aid able. Why in effect are we “out sourcing” $1.4 million dollars worth of teacher training to Maryland when the money could have been spent in Monroe county?
How will the results of this teacher training be measured? How will the district know this major effort has helped the students of Greece Central? If test scores go up or down how will the district know with certainty it is because of teacher training instead of other educational factors?
In closing, I fully understand the role of the BOE in approving policies, budgets and contracts. I also understand the role of the superintendent in being charged with the responsibility to implement a staff development program. Maybe this is a gray area in regards to a BOE financial approval requirement. I personally believe it is necessary for the BOE to approve all contracts, especially a potential $1.4 million contract.
This is not about the superintendent being legally right or wrong for not having BOE approval. It is about being sensitive to the financial perceptual needs of the Greece community. It is about being sensitive and respectful to his employer the Greece BOE. It is about informing the BOE and making them aware of a major seven year teacher training initiative.
It was not necessary to have secrecy surround this contract. If this instructional initiative had been handled in an open, transparent BOE meeting, with all the stated questions answered, the community may have been able to embrace the concept.
For such a large contract, to be implemented without BOE approval and with so many unanswered questions, the Greece community deserves a response.
Thank you for your time.
Doug skeet
Comments - August 17, 2008
There are 2 items the community should be aware of that took place at Tuesday's school board meeting.
#1 Surplus money; I spoke to the board on Tuesday to no avail about the 'hoarding' of taxpayer money. In this case i will use just one of the 3 items where the board decided to keep YOUR money (surplus) rather than reducing the tax levy.
The info put out by the district at budget time outlined a 'need' for a 2% unappropiated fund balance (savings account) (surplus) approx. $3.8 million.
This amount was approved by the board and the voters and was included in budget info made available to the public. NOW move forward to setting the tax levy at Tuesday's meeting when it was disclosed that EXTRA money (surplus) is available and therefore the board had a choice as what to do with this surplus. They can lower the tax levy or keep it. They chose to KEEP IT.
I ask you - whose money is it?
I asked the question - what has changed since budget time?
Answer - nothing - we (the district) feel we WANT that money MORE THAN the taxpayers NEED it. Of course the board did as they were told and approved the extra tax levy.
This type of conduct (thinking) ought to concern every taxpayer. I would remind you that these same board members RAISED taxes last year at this time WITHOUT voter approval and that increase was NOT needed. I tried - I lost
Summery - the district has no business raising more taxes than is needed. The taxpayers should send a strong message that this type of money management must STOP.
Item #2; Sports eligibility - I readily admit I have strong reservations and concerns about lowering the standards such as what was done.
What I found most disturbing is a lack of a goal IE will the changes approved by the board 'improve' our graduation rates (4 year)? It was not mentioned.
I was hoping an improvement in graduation rates would be a board priority - it appears by this action not to be the case.
Perhaps most disturbing is the board getting involved in setting 'regulations' (micro managment) as opposed to telling the super what they expect and holding him accountable for getting the job done. In this case Mr. superintendant if you or your people feel letting kids play with Fs helps the graduation rate? fine!! - As it is now if this turns out bad the super can say 'well board this is what YOU wanted'.
Feel free to contact me if further info is wanted.
Charlie Hubbard (ex board member) 615-2678
chubbard005@rochester.rr.com
Forensic Audit - August 11, 2008
Here is a direct copy of the file
Forensic Audit
Webmaster
Forensic Audit - August 11, 2008
I want to let people know that the letter from our Superintendent to the EFP Group and EFP's reply to the district can be seen and printed out from the district's web site under "Board Docs." Perhaps the webmaster will provide a direct link to this document.
While the scope of the forensic audit is not anywhere near the scope I believe needs to be done, at least it is a start. I have been asking for a forensic audit for 10 years starting with the hiring of Walts. I met with him and told him this should be his first order of business. He brushed me off. I also told our current super three different times he needed to conduct an audit. Of course he, too, did not take me seriously.
It took the NYS Comptroller's Office and huge pressure from the community to get this district off its behind to start the forensic audit process.
School districts in NYS account for the largest piece of our state budget yet the financial controls are seriously lacking. Add to this the fact that most school board members are clueless on the financial piece and you end up giving superindents(like we did in Greece) lifetime medical and dental coverage after only 5 years of employment. And signing off on employee contracts when school boards have no clue how much it will cost them (taxpayers) over the life of the contract.
The Roslyn School District's super and some of his staff ripped that district off of multi millions of dollars. This is not an abhoration as one might think. Communities and school boards tend to "trust" the educators and really believe that they would NEVER steal money or do anything illegal. After all...........they work with and for the children. They would never do that. People need to wake up. Education is a multi billion dollar business and greed has taken over. A Roslyn situation WILL happen again in NYS. It is only a matter of time.
Anne Miller
Former Greece School Board Member
Comments - July 31, 2008
Doug
Thank you for your kind comments. I fully agree with you!!!! The parents of this community should be at EVERY BOE meeting demanding that the problem of graduation rates and low test scores get corrected. Hundreds of parents are hiring tutors for their students in math instead of demanding a fix to the system. I understand that the hired tutor gets results for their child but does not help to fix the system.
The low graduation rates in Greece are as big of a crime as the low test scores. Fully 20% of our students do not graduate. Think of it... one out of every five students that enter as a freshman will not graduate. In real numbers that is approximately 240 bodies that enter into Greece Central's Black Hole each and every June. Some go to summer school. Some to GED, Some come back for a fifth senior year. Some just plain disappear. It is impossible for someone like me, outside of the district, to be able to accurately track these students.
To make matters worse Supt. Achramovitch recently indicated in the Greece Post that our graduation rate was 87% and with the August graduates it would be over 90%. What he did not tell the Post, the community or the BOE he was using a different computation method. He used the NCLB or the Federal graduation calculation method instead of the standard 4 year cohort method. This is a relatively new calculation method so it is just a number. We can not do any history or trend lines or any comparisons to other districts because it is new.
Again to make matters worse, last years BOE under the leadership of Roger Boily never got around to writing and agreeing to the criteria to evaluate Achramovitch. By his contract it was to be done by Jan 08. It was in May or June of 08 that the BOE started to evaluate Achrarmovitch on criteria and an evaluation largely written by Achrarmovitch himself. Guess what one criteria is? Yes you guess it he a raise or bonus if Greece graduates 90%. He did not tell the BOE nor did the BOE of ask what method of computation will be used. Of course Achrarmovitch used the new Federal computation method.
This is no different than when Steve Walts was here. Steve wrote his own evaluation the BOE under the leadership of Jerry Phelan, Bob Mueller and all just rubberstamped it. What has this BOE learned nothing when they are doing what previous BOE were guilty of doing.
Doug the answer to your question of why and what can be done is long and complex but it starts with leadership. Leadership on the BOE and with the Supt. Achrarmovitch. In his public interviews he stated that instruction and curriculum was not his strong suit. He indicated that he was known in Erie County for his skills in labor and in contract negotiations. How can we solve test scores and graduation rate problems with such a leader? With his negotiations skills we current have 6 out of 7 contracts not signed. The BOE has to put academic achievement as their number one priority and change their behavior so it is number one priority. Sadly that is not the case now. They also have to get a Supt. with demonstrated ability to implement successful curriculum programs in large school districts. Clearly Achrarmovitch is in over his head, has no understanding of curriculum or how to correct our problems with test results or graduation rates and he should be let go.
Doug go to the other site Smarter Cats at http.//greeceschool2006.blogspot.com under the listing of Greece math scores. It is about the third or fourth item in the list. There are about 30 comments and I have a long list of what I think needs to be done. Fully realize that I have been out of Greece for ten years with this up coming school year. My opinion and $2.00 and you can buy a cup of coffee. I am confident of my crunching of numbers and usually do not state opinions because of my length of absence for Greece but I was asked for an opinion and so I gave it.
Sorry for being so long but this is very emotional for me. You and many others gave their careers for an outstanding school district and to see what we have and to know that it does not have to be this way is a real crime.
All for now.
Enjoy
Doug Skeet
WHERE IS THE "P" in PTA???? - July 31, 2008
Doug Skeet......thank you for spending countless hours researching our educational data and then taking the time to put it in plain English on the web! The "edu speak" the district office folks prefer to use is used to confuse the community.
Doug Childs.....I agree with you too. Where are the parents and more importantly, where are the parent leaders in the PTA and PTA Council???? Why are they not jumping up and down and screaming about our lower than the toilet test scores like they were doing when they showed up in droves at Apollo yelling & screaming & protesting "to save our Meg" a few years back?? It defies logic. What is the purpose of the "P" in PTA if it is not to advocate for the basic education of our children?
Anne Miller
Comments - July 30, 2008
Doug,
Thanks for informing the public about these test scores. I wish that more people would get involved with this information. Why aren't the parents of kids in school commenting about these very poor scores? Why aren't they demanding answers?
Doug, you have not liked the district's math program and this could be part of the reason for the poor math scores. Why the poor English scores???
Doug Skeet, thanks for caring and letting the public know what is going on in plain English.
Doug Childs
Retired Greece Central teacher
Greece 2008 Test Results - July 30, 2008
I. Greece 2008 Test Results/Ranking Against “LIKE” Monroe County Districts Based on 2000 Census of 7% Poverty Rate.
2008 ELA 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th 8th Brockport 77 82 84 72 81 70 Gates-Chili 77 85 84 77 77 64 GREECE 77 71 82 76 79 62 Rush-Henrietta 82 82 86 76 83 67
2008 Math 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th 8th Brockport 91 92 82 87 88 88 Gates-Chili 92 91 88 79 89 80 GREECE 89 84 83 83 86 77 Rush-Henrietta 94 93 92 87 93 79
II. Greece 2008 Test Results/Rankings Against Monroe County Districts With a HIGHER percentage of Free/Reduced Lunch Percentages. If Free/Reduced Lunch Percentages are important Greece with the lowest F/R Lunch percentages should have the highest test percentages.
2008 ELA Free/Reduced % 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th 8th E. Rochester 24%/8% 75 77 84 71 78 60 E. Irondequoit 24%/9% 73 73 77 75 68 58 Greece 18%/9% 77 71 82 76 79 62 Wheatland-Chili 19%/10% 84 75 96 71 87 71At True North Preparatory School, a charter school in Rochester, 98% of sixth-graders passed the math test. Close to 80% percent of True North’s students are eligible for the Federal Free or Reduced-price lunch program
2008 Math 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th 8th E. Rochester 97 84 87 82 85 78 E Irondequoit 89 85 81 82 77 65 Greece 89 84 83 83 88 77 Wheatland-Chili 100 81 96 88 83 55
Sincerely
Doug Skeet
Greece Central English Results for 2008 - July 28, 2008
Quick down and dirty……..
2006 Monroe County School Districts 2007 Monroe County School Districts
3rd Grade… 4th from the bottom 3rd from the bottom
4th Grade… 6th from the bottom LAST place
5th Grade…4th from the bottom 2nd from the bottom
6th Grade…3rd from the bottom 5th from the bottom
7th Grade…2nd from the bottom 4th from the bottom
8th Grade…4th from the bottom 3rd from the bottom
More students passing BUT ranking lower in the County.
Sincerely
Doug Skeet
Graduation Rates - July 28, 2008
You would think that the calculation of graduation rates would be a very easy math problem. Basically all you have to do is to take the number of seniors enrolled, divide by the number of seniors that graduate in June of the next year and like magic you have the graduation rate percentage for that particular school year.
If only it could be that simple. Recently Greece Central has made an already confusing and complicated calculation even more confusing. Without any explanation to the public Greece Central started using a graduation percentage of 87% for June 2006. All other reports showed a graduation rate of 80%. Why the difference?
Graduation Calculation Methods:
NYSED 4 Year Cohort Rate: This is the most common calculation method. This method is used by other school districts, newspaper articles and NYSED. In our example for the June 2006 graduation rate, you would take the number of entering ninth graders on 10/1/2002 and divide by the number of those entering students that graduated in June 2006. In 2006 for Greece Central the percentage is 80%. This method calculates the number of students that stayed in high school and graduated in four years. It does not calculate the number of students that transferred in after October 1st of the ninth grade. It does not calculate any students that transferred out.
NYSED 5 Year Cohort Rate: This calculation is done by taking the number of entering ninth graders and dividing by the number of those students who graduate in 5 years. This allows a district to count those students who graduate in August, January and June of the following year. In our example this percentage 83%
No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Rate: The Federal government uses another more complicated method. I really do not fully understand the method. From what I do understand it is a more liberal calculation. It gives a school district credit for students that graduate after entering in their junior year. For Greece this number is 87%.
Senior Graduation Rate: Take the number of seniors as of October 1 and divide by the number of those students who graduate the following June. For our example this percentage is 75%.
As you can see the June 2006 Greece Central graduation rate can range from 75% to 87%. Each method is accurate! The problem I have with Greece Central is that they are publishing the 87% graduation rate without labeling the rate as the NCLB rate. Without the label it appears that the graduation rate has greatly improved , when in reality there has been no change. We do not know if this is a good, bad or neutral rate as we can not compare it to anything. It is just a number. No district that I know of uses this method. We can not even use it with Greece Central to see a trend line as we have no other years at the NCLB. It was dishonest on the part of Greece to use this rate without labeling the rate as the Federal calculation rate.
Now when you see a graduation rate, look for the label. Is is a 4 year cohort or a Federal rate. Hopefully the district will describe or label the rate.
Sincerely yours,
Doug Skeet
What the heck are you talking about - July 22, 2008
Mr. Empey,
Since I was the most recent'JOHN' I will assume you are responding to me; but I guess I must add ....
What the h--- are you talking about????
I have no idea about the sound track of your life, or even what that has to do w/ ANYTHING I wrote...
I was referring to manners and kids....and I believe my final line was....just wait & see who responds! Maybe that remark hit close to home for you...
And you are the no prize winner...or maybe whinner; because I have NO IDEA what you are on or on about...but since you are so desperate to tie in the 60's to....anything....one thing about the 60's is very clear; they weren't very good to you!
And man, you gotta drop the Beatle references...you have no idea what you are talking about.
I am guessing you are a pot stirrer...you stir up the pot for the sake of it....I think i said this before...you need a hobby!
John Yeara
--> Same "Ol.....Same Ol........ - July 11, 2008
I have not commented on this site for quite a while.....Now after reading Don Palozzi's comments to the BOE concerning teacher inquisitions
(AGAIN!@#$%^&*()_+) I am TOTALLY disgusted!! I retired in 2005 and the same CRAP is going on! Unbelievable.....well,yes, I guess it is.
When I left in 2005 we had no contract and the district had NO soul.....after the Superintendent "debacle" many thought that maybe,just maybe,it would be put behind.......ahhhhhhhh,NOOOOOOOOO
My son is an aspiring educator....guess what??? It is NOT going to happen....many young adults that want to teach are avoiding the Greece Central "plague"!!!
It is SO sad that many have let the GCSD sink to such a LOW level with this sort of reputation.
I and many others thorougly enjoyed our careers in the GCSD,but are happy as.......(fill in the blank) that we do NOT have to endure this nonsense any longer!!!!
David Thomas,
retired "voluntarily" in 2005 and proud of it!
Sickened by the continued ineptness of the system!
from Charlie Hubbard - ex school board - July 11, 2008
There are 2 items the taxpayers of this community should be aware of. Both items will be part of determining your school tax bill come Sept. The school board in Aug. will be signing the tax warrant - the amount of that warrant is the purpose of this posting. I am not using alot of numbers but will be happy to share them upon verbal request. 1st is 'surplus money' - simply put the board has determined that a 2% 'unappropiated fund balance' (rainy day fund) is sufficient THERFORE any and all undesignated surplus money should be used to LOWER the tax rate. This item is especially important as last August 5 members of this board voted to INCREASE taxes (without voter approval) when surplus money was available and no tax increase was nessesary. On a personal note I happen to think this is the most dispicable thing an elected official can do. I lost that fight but can honestly say I gave it my best shot. The 2nd item is the FAIR plan money the lose of which has already been figured into the budget and tax levy - NOW - we are getting that money, therefore, less property tax will be needed. This amount will no doubt be known by Aug.
The bottom line is Greece taxpayers should see a sizeable DECREASE in the tax levy this year. This will only happen of course *IF* the school board does there job and *START* representing the people who elected them (the taxpayers).
Charlie Hubbard
615-2678
chubbard005@rochester.rr.com
Press Release - July 9, 2008
The following is the position contained in a press release of GCIA:
As Executive Director of the Greece Citizens in Action (GCIA), a newly organized community action group, I must express our disappointment with action taken tonight by the Greece Central School Board.
Our disappointment concerns the appointment of the former law firm which represented this district and school board during the time period in which the board and administration were severely criticized in the recently released Comptroller's Audit. The Audit accused the district and previous school board of gross waste and abuse of tax dollars. This law firm was responsible for the mishandling of numerous employee discrimination complaints resulting in the filing of 17 complaints with the EEOC, five of which were upheld and four of which resulted in findings against the district. These cases cost the taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars to resolve. One case is still in litigation.
This law firm was responsible for the structuring of the final year contract for our former superintendent, Steven L. Walts, which guaranteed him health care for life after serving only five years with this district
With the rehiring of this firm, which had been replaced by the 2005-2006 board, this new board majority has succeeded in undoing all the reforms instituted by that board and in so doing, has placed their own political agenda ahead of the concerns of the taxpayers. They have returned this district to the failed policies of previous boards at the expense of the education of our children.
Joe Moscato
Executive Director
Pressures Mount for Chief Of Prince William Schools - July 1, 2008
This piece that ran in the Washington Post on Monday
By Ian Shapira
Washington Post Staff Writer
Monday, June 30, 2008; Page B01
After a school year marked by academic and administrative controversy, Prince William County Superintendent Steven L. Walts retains rock-solid School Board support as he seeks to raise the reputation of Virginia's second-largest school system. But his relationships with many parents have fractured, and some local officials wonder when, if ever, test scores will rise to levels found among the county's neighbors.
Hundreds of parents protested an elementary math program Walts championed, prompting board members to reevaluate it. Two of the county's top-performing high schools and a third of its elementary schools remain overcrowded. Teachers in Prince William continue to earn less than those in neighboring counties.
Test scores from Walts's third year are not yet public. But results from the first two after his 2005 arrival were uneven: SAT and state test scores remained among Northern Virginia's lowest. The decline in the county's average SAT score -- from 1504 to 1486, by far the steepest drop among the area's major districts -- meant that Prince William continued to lose ground to Fairfax, Loudoun and Arlington counties.
On state reading and math tests, Prince William's overall lead over Arlington for all students evaporated. Loudoun significantly increased its lead over Prince William in pass rates on those tests, and Fairfax's lead nudged up slightly. Additionally, the lead Prince William held over Loudoun and Arlington for black and Hispanic scores declined.
"Surely, it's troubling that you're not seeing a trend upward," said Board of Supervisors member W.S. Covington III (R-Brentsville). "The first year, you're getting your feet wet, but second and third, he ought to be planting seeds. By the fourth and fifth, we ought to see some results."
Walts, who has a $239,293 annual salary with a contract to 2011, is in contract negotiations with the School Board. He declined to be interviewed for this report.
In a written statement, he said the school system has established free online SAT reviews exams to raise scores. He said preliminary results on state Standards of Learning exams in end-of-year courses show increases in passing rates in every subject tested. He said teacher salaries are competitive, although the first-year salary of $42,354 is ahead of only Charles County among the area's major districts.
Walts's statement said that he wanted to work with parents and that he was "dedicated to continuous improvement."
School Board Chairman Milton C. Johns stands by the leader of the 73,000-student system. "I continue to be very pleased with Dr. Walts and look forward to having him on for many years," said Johns (At Large), who voted to hire him in 2005. "Superintendents are going to be under the microscope, and issues will get fanned because they draw attention and publicity."
Management problems from his prior superintendency in Upstate New York have followed Walts. In February, the School Board held an emergency session to discuss a New York comptroller's audit related to Walts's stewardship of the Greece, N.Y., school district.
The audit concluded that the Greece school system, under Walts's leadership, used unauthorized funds to finance a major capital project, and it criticized Greece for allowing Walts to accept a final payout of $25,000 for vacation days in a fiscal year during which he was employed for one week.
Greece school officials asked New York law enforcement authorities to review the audit, but prosecutors declined to investigate, according to Greece School Superintendent Steven A. Achramovitch. Walts has denied wrongdoing.
Also, Walts remains a defendant in a federal lawsuit filed by a Greece teacher alleging that he and former Greece school officials engaged in age discrimination. The teacher, Mary Donlon, is seeking more than $1 million in damages. Walts might have to travel to New York this year to be deposed, said Jim Bilik, a senior counsel with New York State United Teachers, representing Donlon.
Walts, a lifelong educator born in Kansas, was hired in spring 2005 as the School Board's second choice. He immediately impressed parents with his energy and effusive personality, visiting all of the county's 80-plus schools each year, sometimes more than once. Many principals say they like how he supports their independence, while some parents say he can be disarmingly chatty, especially when he has his own parenting questions as father of a young girl.
Under Walts, the county has brought all-day kindergarten to every elementary school, an initiative begun under his predecessor, the late Edward L. Kelly. At a handful of elementary schools, Walts also launched the prestigious International Baccalaureate program, rare at those grade levels.
In the past year, some parents and teachers criticized Walts for a new math program, saying he is too thin-skinned and does not engage them enough about their concerns. The series, "Investigations in Number, Data, and Space," published by Pearson Education, stresses problem-solving with creative techniques, such as drawing pictures and using objects rather than memorizing algorithms and stacking numbers.
School officials say the program readies students for algebra, deepening their understanding of computation and ultimately boosting SAT scores.
But the School Board, responding to backlash from parents, has indicated it wants to review new SOL math scores this year and decide the program's fate. Parents Alexis Miller, a former CIA contractor, and Greg Barlow, retired from the Pentagon, have peppered the school system with Freedom of Information Act requests related to the adoption of "Investigations" and obtained more than 1,000 names on a petition asking the School Board to scale back the program or eliminate it.
Miller said Walts has resisted overtures to discuss the issue. "He has always pushed it back down to other people," Miller said. "When we try to push to get more impartial and objective viewpoints, he has done everything to stonewall and throw roadblocks in our path."
In May, a prominent Fairfax math teacher, Vern Williams, who served on a National Mathematics Advisory Panel, appeared at a board meeting at the invitation of a board member to speak critically about programs like "Investigations."
Walts tried, according to board members, to persuade the board to postpone Williams's address until Walts could arrange for a joint appearance with another national math expert who advocates such approaches as "Investigations." But the board decided to hear Williams.
"I thought, 'This gentleman has driven down here from Fairfax County. Why would we send him home?' " board member Betty Covington (Dumfries) said. "We've already heard from staff as to why 'Investigations' is a good program."
Another potential trouble for Walts emerged in the spring when associate superintendents George Kisha and Melvin Brown, who were each paid more than $150,000 a year, resigned abruptly. The school system gave no public explanation for their departures. Kisha, the system's top financial official, who had been hired by Walts, left near the end of the budget cycle. Kisha said in an interview that he had planned to retire from education.
Brown, whom Walts had promoted to oversee a large cluster of schools, also left before the end of the school year. He said he left to work closer to home and is now a Spotsylvania County middle school principal.
Many parents say overcrowding is Prince William's chief vulnerability, especially at Brentsville District High, one of the county's more popular and high-performing schools. This year, for the first time, school officials were forced to deny transfer requests from students outside the school's boundary who wanted to take its prestigious Cambridge courses.
Some parents tried reaching out to Walts, including Lynn Heller, 49, who tried unsuccessfully to enroll her fourth son at the school. "I said, 'Let's go to the guy who makes decisions.' I asked for a meeting with Walts, and his secretary told me he couldn't speak with me -- and that he's not in enough to meet with people. Did he even get my message?"
Webmaster
Greece Central Celebrates - June 30, 2008
..
Greece Central Celebrates Academic Last Place
This week the Democratic and Chronicle published the 2008 ELA and math test results for the 2007-2008 school year. Test scores as measured by the percentage of students meeting or exceeding state standards in math and ELA improved overall through out New York State. This has given individual school districts, usually via the Superintendent, an opportunity to compliment the efforts made by staff members. This is also a time to show the community that the additional tax funds spent in tutoring, a new math program or in goal setting was worth the effort and worth the expenditure of tax dollars. After all we can now show that more students passed this year than last year.
Any time more students pass we have to celebrate. This is good. Pats on the back are in order for everyone. In addition, while we are congratulating the staff let’s not forget the hard work of the students studying through out the year and having a higher percentage of students passing.
It is not my intent to rain on anyone’s parade but let’s look at the “rest of the story.” Let’s now take a serious look at the numbers and ask ourselves a couple of questions. Does it really seem reasonable that if the test scores increased significantly through out New York State that can we definitively say the increase is the result of hard work or new expenditure of money? Could another factor come into play such as; were this year’s tests easier than in the pass? Let’s assume the tests are valid. With the great gains made in Greece Central where do we rank with other school districts in Monroe County and did we gain or loss in ranking when compared with last year’s results?
Let’s look at the quotes from area school Superintendents:
Greece Central’s Superintendent, Steven Achramovitch: said “We are seeing the result of a lot of hard work on the part of teachers, support staff and administration.” “Especially at the mathematics levels we made significant achievement gains”
Comment: Remarks are traditional, shallow and shows significant lack of test result knowledge and analysis.
Rochester City School’s Superintendent, Jean-Claude Brizard said “If everyone is going up, perhaps it’s the test.” “But if we are outpacing the other big five similar districts, then we know we are doing a better job. That’s the goal.”
Comment: Comments are insightful, knowledgeable, knows how to measure real progress with his district and sets a goal to be achieved.
Wheatland-Chili’s Superintendent, Thomas Gallagher attributed 100% of his third graders passing this year when only 64% passed last year to a NEW MATH PROGRAM and additional tutoring. Wheatland-Chili went from last place to first place in one year.
This is not only in third grade but others as I have listed below.
Comment: Strong action to correct a known problem. A new math program; a novel idea. Where have we heard this request?
Greece Central Math Test Results Compared To Other Area Districts
Grade Level 2006 2007 2008
3 79.3% 17/17 85.3% 16/17 89% 19/19
4 81.4% 17/17 86.0% 16/17 84% 18/19
5 64.9% 17/17 74.6% 16/17 82% 17/19
6 66.0% 15/17 78.9% 14/17 83% 16/19
7 58.9% 15/17 72.7% 15/17 79% 15/19
8 62.1% 15/17 59.8% 15/17 77% 15/19
Wheatland-Chili Math Test Results Compared to Other Area Districts
3 64.1% 17/17 100% 1/19
4 78.4% 17/17 81% 19/19
5 56.7% 17/17 96% 4/19
6 69.7% 14/17 88% 11/19
7 84.2% 13/17 83% 17/19
8 62.7% 11/17 55% 19/19
Comments:
Greece increased the percentage of students passing the math test in five of the six tested grade levels. That is great!!!
Greece dropped back to LAST place ranking in third grade math.
All other 18 districts, in third grade, had passing rates in the high 90’s including one district at 100%. Greece clearly took a step backwards in third grade.
Greece had fewer students passing in fourth grade for 2008.
Greece ranked no higher than fifth from the bottom in all grade levels. In most cases Greece was last, second and third from the bottom in rankings in math for 2008.
Wheatland-Chili
With a new math program Wheatland-Chili made significant gains in percentage of students passing and in ranking higher against area school districts.
In third grade in one year they went from last place to first place with 100% passing. They scored higher than Brighton, Pittsford and everyone else.
In fifth grade they went from last place to forth in one year going from 56.7% to 96% passing.
They still have work to do at other grade levels but these are significant gains in one year.
Doug Skeet
Clarifying my post - June 26, 2008
It was the rumor that Paul was dead that caused all of the furor John was murdered much later. I heard someone say once that the rock groups of the sixties were the sound track of life then. Not my life. The seeds planted by the "Hippies" , "Yippies", Jerry Rubin, Abbie Hoffman, the SDS, the Symbionese Liberation Army and all of the other counter culture types grew into trees that bore some bitter fruit indeed. That is the legacy that you are dealing with now John.
William Empey
Bitter Fruit - June 25, 2008
Dear John,
I would like to say that I feel your pain but I do not. Remember back in the 60"s and 70"s when people "Tuned in , turned on and dropped out" burned their draft cards and bra's ? When people wasted their time wondering if John(not you) was dead and "Questioned Authority". Well a lot of us did not buy into that sh--, we did the right thing just like our parents did and, we raised our kids right. My kids wore a jacket and tie to high school every day and God help them if I got a call from school about their conduct because I did once and I remember telling my sons teacher that " My son will not be a problem to you ever again", the teacher asked me not to treat him too harshly I said that I would be firm but fair but that he was held strictly accountable for his actions outside the home. Remember this Respect is earned not given. I may not be my son's best friend but my job was not to be their best friend, my job was to be their father. Maybe you should try being their teacher not their friend but, what would Alfie Kohn have to say about that.
William Empey
Comments - June 25, 2008
June 19, 2008
50 Christyn Marie Drive
Rochester, NY 14626
Mr. Thomas R. Suozzi, Nassau County Executive
1550 Franklin Ave.
Mineola, NY 11501
Dear Mr. Suozzi,
Recently I saw interviews with you and Governor Paterson on television discussing a property tax cap. There has also been coverage in the local Rochester Democrat and Chronicle newspaper. So I feel somewhat familiar with several key points of the proposed legislation.
From the TV interviews, I also understood an invitation was being extended for members of the public to offer alternatives or modifications to your proposal. Taking advantage of that invitation, I called your office today and a staff member suggested that I send along my thoughts in a letter.
To minimize verbiage on matters you may already be familiar with, I'll keep my points brief. My overarching theme is... new tax cap legislation should strive to keep voters more empowered and better informed on school property taxes.
A) CONTINGENT BUDGETS: When voters in New York State defeat a proposed budget, current law permits a school board to adopt a contingent budget by an amount not to exceed a specific increase over the previous year's adopted budget vis-à-vis the previous year's actual spending. This allows spending to continue nearly unabated, and worse, it discourages taxpayers from becoming involved at the polls. They say "The vote doesn't matter!" A school budget for a new year should be based upon actual spending for the previous year.
B) BUDGET EXPLANATIONS: When publicizing upcoming school budgets, school districts express proposed spending as budget-to-budget increases vis-à-vis budget-to-actual. This loophole allows districts to 'float' budgets above actual spending levels and it leads to approving excessive spending growth because voters are not aware. Once again, a school budget for a new year should be based upon actual spending for the previous year.
C) SEPARATE BUDGET PROPISITIONS: Budget votes often carry separate propositions. Some of these request approval to purchase items needed for continuing school operations, e.g. replacement school buses, computers etc. This practice keeps the dollar amount for a proposed budget artificially low and allows approved district spending (budget plus propositions) to increase faster than proposed budgets alone. While the practice is technically a violation of law, the law is not enforced generally.
In one of your interviews Mr. Suozzi, you make mention of low voter turnout for school budget votes - I believe you mentioned 14%. I ask, is there/could there be a connection between points A, B, & C above and low voter turnout? I further ask, is there a connection between misleading information and high growth spending as approved by the 14% that do vote?
The issue of high property taxes in New York is very important. At your convenience, I would welcome the opportunity to discuss my three points above in greater detail. My phone number is (585) 227-2503 if you would like to call.
I look forward to hearing from you soon. Thank you for your attention.
Sincerely yours,
George R. Hubbard
Cc:
William D. Reilich, NYS Assemblyman
Joseph E. Robach, NYS Senator
Posted by. George R. Hubbard
GCIA Update - June 23, 2008
Hi Folks:
Just a few lines to update you on our progress. The Greece Citizens In Action (GCIA) has been established and has been active as we continue to move forward with Phase I of our current initiatives.
We are close to meeting our goal established for petition signatures. The deadline for online signatures is Friday, June 27, 2008, so if you haven't done so, you will have until then.
Shortly after that date, we will be meeting with officials from the New York State Police to pursue a complaint we will sign asking for an investigation into the possible criminal conduct outlined by the Comptroller's office who, by the way, have been most cooperative in our quest for accountability.
We have also engaged in a dialogue with State officials regarding implementation of Phase II.
Updates will follow. However, due to the summer season, things will move slowly for the time being. I personally need to spend some quality time with family and friends for a few months until September. So have a safe and happy summer.
Joe Moscato
MANNERS! - June 18, 2008
Hi,
There is definitely a fair amount of chatter over the budget and accountability for teachers & staff, and how our money is being spent......YADA,YADA,YADA....
Here's something that should be changed & it doesn't have to cost a cent; Parents, teach your kids MANNERS! I teach at the middle school level & these kids are so incredibly rude & disrespectful that the average adult off the street ( or many of the armchair quarterbacks who send in their recipes for improvement but have never taught & never would) would go screaming into the night.
And it's NOT just the so called 'bad kids'....believe it or not (and if you have been paying attention to the news you'd see it's more widespread than just here) it's the GIRLS!
How rude is it when a child comes up to a teacher (while they are teachiNG) and sticks her agenda in your face w/out a word! The meaning, in case you couldn't guess, is "you need to sign my pass so I could go to the bathroom".
(how many parents out there reading this do you think are saying to themselves "what's wrong with that?"...
I will tell you what's wrong....how about this...."Mr. or Mrs' -----, may I go to the bathroom please?"
Who has the right to interupt while a teacher is teaching and approaching as if there is some sense of entitlement that they alone are privy to?
And when the teacher tells the student that they are being rude and that isn't how it's done...(which we have been doing since 6th grade and by 8th they STILL don't get it) Mom or Dad call school..."Mr.or Mrs. So & So were mean to my child because she said they wouldn't let her go to the bathroom!"
They want to come & go as they please, they will eat in the classroom, blow bubbles and snap their gum, get up and walk around to talk to another student whenever they feel like it (regardless of what is going on) shove their agenda in your face, speak up in class with out being called on or even raising their hand....and even get in OUR faces because we want them held accountable for their behavior.
Teachers can't get out of teaching this level fast enough! My music dept is losing 2 teachers and they are going to another level (one H.S., one Elementary)
Who wants to put up w/ it?
And the parent enablers aren't helping....Just so you know ...you want to help? INSIST these students use their manners at ALL times! They aren't entitled to as much as they think!
And before you call the superintendent because so & so was 'mean' to your kid; I will restate the imortal words of my (and probably yours too) mother whenever I complained that I got in trouble for doing "NOTHING".........................
"They must've been doing SOMETHING wrong!"
Get your kids using their manners, being polite, get them to NOT TALK BACK TO ADULTS, and at least try to do their best once in awhile, and you'll get your money's worth....
Remember this: when a parent...whether it's your friend, or neighbor, or relative; is complaining to you about "the school did this, the school did that"....they are really telling you something about themselves.....Do the parents of the kids who do well complain????
Want proof? Wait til people respond to this!
John Yeara
Return of Petitions - June 4, 2008
Hi Folks:
If you have petitions you would like to get back to me, you can either send them to the address on the petition, drop them off at the UPS Store on Latta Road, or Schaller's on Edgemere Drive.
My goal is to gather at least 500 signatures before I approach the State Police and sign a complaint on behalf of all who sign the petitions. I would like to do this sometime this month, so the quicker I get them back, the sooner we will be able to move forward.
Thanks,
Joe Moscato
More Petitions - June 3, 2008
More petitions are available for signing at the following locations:
Schallers at the Lake (in the ice cream area)
Ezzy's Restaurant, Dewey and Latta
Olympia Restaurant, Flynn Road and Latta
Country Village Restaurant, Long Pond and Maiden Lane
Parkside Restaurant, Dewey and Ling Road
Thanks for your help.
Joe Moscato
petition - June 1, 2008
Some of you have asked about the availability of petitions for the State Police investigation. I have arranged for them to be placed on GreeceSchools.com where you can download a copy. Download Here - Petition
We also have an Online petition. If you would rather sign that one please take a look here -- Online Petition
I really need some people on the ground to help gather signatures and I would truly appreciate any help I can get. Remember, this should be a concerted effort by concerned citizens, not just me. I am more than willing to take the lead, but I can’t do it alone if we are going to have any chance of prevailing.
In order to facilitate and coordinate our efforts, I have formed a new not-for-profit community group called GCIA, Greece Citizens In Action. I will be consulting with our attorneys about the necessity of incorporating.
Please return the petitions to the address on them. Additional petitions are available at the UPS store at Wegman’s Plaza, 3177 Latta Road. If you ask, the staff will be glad to give you one. I am also working on several locations where you can sign a petition. I will have the locations for you shortly.
Thank you
Joe Moscato
Update - May 29, 2008
A quick update about our attempts to get at the truth and accountability.
To date, I have received numerous letters at the post office box I set up for "whistle blower" information and for this, I thank you. On the downside, many of them are repetitious and vague. I need more specific information including, names, times and dates (approximate) to put together a strong enough case to proceed. So keep them coming.! Again, the address is Box 105, 3177 Latta Road, Rochester, New York 14612.
Last week members of my team met with Deputy Chief, Bill Mackin. He indicated that the Greece Police Department was not interested in getting involved, which was good. However, it was obvious to us that he had been in touch with Roger Boily as he had information that only could have come from Boily or Achromovitch and this is why I didn't want to the GPD involved because of the obvious politics already in play. They suggested that the State Police be contacted.. Please note, Mackin admitted he had already discussed my intentions with the officer in charge of Troop E in Canandaigua. Who asked him to do that? And what slant did he put on our efforts. In spite of this, we will talk to the State Police anyway.
To overcome possible resistance, we will begin a petition drive asking the State Police to conduct an investigation. I hope to show up with at least 500 signatures and will notify you of the availability and location of petitions if you care to sign one. If we are going to get to first base, I am going to need your help.
Joe Moscato
Comments - May 28, 2008
There is an item in the final audit that I wanted to make sure the community was aware of that has 'significant' impact on the way business is going to be done at Greece Central (hopefully) although I won't be there to see to it.
Page 30 Item 17 - recommendations - it reads as follows
The District should ensure that changes to employment agreements and union contracts have some benefit to the district before they are entered into.
This could be the most significant item in the whole audit. The 'benefit' to the district (taxpayers) for the Walts medical would be? Wouldn't it be interesting to hear how the prior school board members would justify PRIOR to voting what the 'benefit' to the district is. The reality is contracts at Greece Central have been and continue to be 'give aways' - nothing more. The reality is that a union employee must do no more than demonstrate the ability to 'fog a mirror' and a raise is forthcoming every year all via the approval of the school board. Need I remind all that it is these contracts that are the #1 reason why budgets increase - salaries and benefits - salaries and benefits - ZERO accountability.
I have been fighting for this type of thing for years - the school board wouldn't do it - thank god the state was willing to stand up. Make no mistake without 'accountability' in a contract there can be NO benefit to the district (taxpayers). Please keep this in mind IE hold the school board and administration 'accountable' for upholding the recommendations of the state.
Charlie Hubbard - Greece school board - soon to retire
chubbard005@rochester.rr.com
615-2678
Taxes and Fair Plan - May 21, 2008
Tom,
Our Greece school taxes should've reflected a reduction this year like all the other counties in New York State. I personally would encourage people to write letters to Monroe County Executive Maggie Brooks for creating a plan that shifted money from our kids' education to solve Maggie's Monroe County economic problems. In the Fair Plan Western Monroe County (Greece, Spencerport, Hilton, etc...)were taxed at a significantly higher rate than the Eastern Monroe County (Fairport, Pittsford, Etc.... Is that fair? As a GTA teacher, parent, and Greece taxpayer, I spoke out against her plan on the news and in the newspaper.
Karl E. Nielsen
Did the Budget Pass? - May 22, 2008
I do not believe the budget passed because of "wide" community support. The budget passed because the NO voters stayed home. The turnout and actual numbers verify that conclusion.
It would not take much to energize those no voters. I believe how the board treats the budget surplus and the FAIR money when the tax rates are established in August will set the stage for next years budget vote.
Tom Kackmeister
Comments - May 21, 2008
Karl: The message would be great if the money actually went to the kids and not the administrators.
This district is great at PR and showing the public what they want to see.
I am hoping that one of these times we are going to get the right people on the board that are "REALLY" there for the whole district and not just to let the Administration do what ever they want.(Which is the case with our current majority)
This district used to be one of the States best. This is not the case today. We can get back there but it is going to take some hard work and tough decisions.
We need to take what works in the schools and implement these things in all of our schools.
Jeffrey Cagwin
YES YES YES! - May 21, 2008
Thank you to all the voters that voted in favor of our school budget. You sent a message loud and clear that our childrens' education is top priority.
A special Congrats to Ferrington, McCabe, and Oberg.
Sincerely yours,
Karl E. Nielsen
Election Results - May 20, 2008
Budget, Propositions Approved, McCabe, Ferrington, and Oberg Elected
The Greece Central School District’s 2008-09 budget and two accompanying propositions were approved by community voters today. The budget vote was 4,247 in favor and 3,086 against. Proposition 1, authorizing the district to establish a building capital reserve fund, was approved by a vote of 3,972 in favor and 3,338 against. Proposition 2, authorizing the district to establish a bus purchase reserve fund was approved by a vote of 3,706 in favor and 3,137 against.
In the Board of Education election, the following individuals have been elected to Board seats, each serving three-year terms beginning July 1:
• Sean McCabe with 3,952 votes
• David Ferrington with 3,613 votes
• Frank Oberg with 3,437 votes
Election Results - May 20, 2008
| School District |
Budget |
Proposition |
Proposition |
|||||
Yes |
No |
Name |
Yes |
No |
Name |
Yes |
No |
|
| Brighton | - |
- |
Windows |
- |
- |
Tech. |
- |
- |
Brockport |
-865 |
-472 |
Buses |
-831 |
-471 |
- |
- |
- |
Churchville-Chili |
- |
- |
Buses |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
East Irondequoit |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
East Rochester |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
Fairport |
- |
- |
Buses |
- |
- |
Tech. |
- |
- |
Gates-Chili |
-871 |
-652 |
Buses |
-859 |
-650 |
- |
- |
- |
Greece |
-4,247 |
-3,086 |
Capital |
3,972 |
3,338 |
-Reserve |
3,706 |
3,137 |
Hilton |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
Honeoye Falls-Lima |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
| Kendall | -289 |
-152 |
Buses- |
245- |
-114 |
- |
- |
- |
Penfield |
- |
- |
Buses |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
Pittsford |
-1,360 |
-913 |
Capital |
1,703 |
-571 |
Buses |
-1,609 |
-635 |
Rush-Henrietta |
- |
- |
Buses |
- |
- |
Classrooms |
- |
- |
Spencerport |
- |
- |
Buses |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
Webster |
-2,296 |
-1,449 |
Buses |
2,240 |
-1,483 |
- |
- |
- |
West Irondequoit |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
Wheatland-Chili |
- |
- |
Buses |
- |
- |
Res. Fund |
- |
- |
where are the school board candidates? - May 19, 2008
it's the night before the election. i've been looking in the newspapers all week, and on the web tonight for information about the candidates in order to make an intelligent vote tomorrow. i could find a web site for david ferington, and a resume for frank oberg. what about the others?
how do i know which candidate would represent my particular interests?
i guess i know which ones - all of them. the greece district is in a mess because of the audit. so, which candidate do you suppose would be AGAINST having a fair and impartial oversight of all policies before the board? which would tell you they SUPPORT business as usual in greece? this is how anyone gets elected, including the board members who served at the time of the disappearing money - tell the taxpayers what they want to hear, and give them no real choice, and then let them be damned.
I considered running for the school board, on a policy of no more busing, return to neighborhood schools, dismissal of the gta, and more parental responsibility for student behavior. I'm sure no one would vote for me, and I'm equally sure a lot of these policies are illegal. however, you would know where I stand.
where are the voices of the candidates? only on front lawns?
Wilma Wheten
Quality Discussions - May 19, 2008
William,
Does that satisfy your ego or superego? Please read your prior posts! You used 47% refering to city teachers not Greece from an unknown source. You have not posted one thing that has been pro-Greece student or pro-Greece education. The community can read through your lines of rhetoric. I am only going to address topics that will build our community. Have a great day!
Charlie,
I believe in accountability, but you can not use students' test scores to measure teacher accountability. Test scores measure the students ability to answer questions on a certain subject at a specific time.
As a teacher in Greece, I have had stacked classes with students who were not meeting or working toward meeting state standards. When 65% of my class of students fall into the aformentioned range, what do you think is going to happen? Do you think teachers that are given 75% to 85% of their students meeting or exceeding state standards should be held accountable as teachers that are given proportionally more at-rish or special education students?
What is your scale for measuring quality teachers? Do you want to compare NYS Report Cards from year to year? I am sure you like being compared against your brother and neighbor, but does that demonstrate your growth? I agree with accountability, but you have not provided a good tool of measurement. Seriously, I would love to hear your ideas.
Sincerely,
Karl E. Nielsen
My..................Ilk.........???? - May 18, 2008
Karl,
In the context you used "site" was incorrect "cite" is correct.
If "anti" is used an even number of times in a statement then it mean a person is for whatever it precedes. If "anti" is used an odd number of times it means that a person is against. Therefore If I am anti anti student it means I am for the students.
And I do not understand why you had to bring up my ilk. Even I have some feelings.
William Empey
need your help - May 18, 2008
When reading some of the comments posted here, it is obvious to me that some of you are district employees. It is also obvious that some of you are in possession of information that could be helpful to me as I move forward through the law enforcement and subsequent legal system.
In order to facilitate and obtain more relevant facts, I have set up a Post Offiice Box in the hope that you will forward to me any information that could be beneficial. If you do, please try and be as specific as you can and include, to the best of your knowledge, times, dates and names of those involved.
I promise to keep any information confidential if you choose to identify yourself. However, anonymous information will be acted upon. If you would like to meet with me one on one, so indicate and I will make it happen or you can leave a phone number and I will call you.
This Post Office Box is at the UPS Store in Wegmans Plaza at Latta and Long Pond. I am known to them and I have instructed them to verify the fact that this box is in my name.
Please respond to
Joe Moscato
Box 105
3177 Latta Road
Rochester, New York 14612
Thank you Joe Moscato
Comments - May 18, 2008
Your right Karl - this business of expecting something in return for more $$ is completely unreasonable.
You are ENTITLED to more $$ reguardless of the job you are doing - as a matter of fact as i have demonstrated you don't even have to come to work and more $$ comes your way. The people paying the bills (the owners) are completely unreasonable.
This idea of the school board representing these unreasonable owners is also unreasonable as i can atest to.
I will be out of the way soon and i suspect you will receive more $$ as you are ENTITLED.
Charlie Hubbard
Thankful - May 17, 2008
You can not compare private sector to public education. Well, you could and you will find that our public education has far out performed the private sector. Mercenary CEOs from outside company bloodlines are often brought in to resurrect those said companies, more often than not at the expense of decimating local communities. Should we apply that same premise and philosophy when it comes to insuring the well-being of those aforementioned communities' children? I, as a New York State public school teacher, say emphatically no! I am disheartened to read that you seem to have lost touch, and regrettably the best interest of our communities' children with your prior post. A former school board member like yourself does our community irreparrable harm when siding with the rhetoric championed by anti anti student William Empey and his ilk.
Karl E. Nielsen
Comments - May 17, 2008
Karl,
I have not posted on this site in a long time but I find it interesting that your ENTIRE union membership gets to vote on any proposed new contract while we, the Taxpayers, who foot the bill cannot vote on it at all. Yes, we supposedly have a Board of Education to represent us at the bargaining table. But so do you. You elect people from your union to represent your interests at the bargaining table PLUS you all get to vote "Yeah or Ney". If the taxpayers were allowed to vote on any new union contract instead of just our elected officials, these contracts would go down in flames.
Bill Empey is right. For once, taxpayers would like unions to acknowledge they are very well taken care of. Your pay and benefits far outweigh what we in the private sector receive AND WE ARE HELD ACCOUNTABLE on an annual basis for our job performance. No tenure for us. People are tired of unions asking for more and more. You ought to be grateful for what you have and stop asking us to foot the bill for more.
Anne Miller
Former Greece School Board Member
Clarification - May 16, 2008
William,
I figured you were using the internet to gather your information. If you are, it is correct to use site.
Have you spoken with teachers and union reps?
In order to pass a contract GTA members vote on approval. Most teachers and union members said twice that the current contract was good. I am a teacher who believes that an inflation adjustment should be made since the original contract is 7 years old.
Greece Central Schools District provides an opportunity for students to reach for their goals and dreams. In a global economy we need to place our children's education at the top of the priority list. Just open the paper and read about students who have dropped out and resorted to violence and crime. Many of these at-risk students are considered coming from low socio-economic homes and participate in free and reduce lunch programs. Our Greece student body is experiencing increased levels of students meeting the low socio-economic criteria according to the New York State Report Card. We as teachers and administrators are trying to motivate, develop strategies, build connections, and increase confidence.
Karl E. Nielsen
Clarification - May 15, 2008
Karl,
my positions are, I am anti anti teacher and anti anti student. I am semi anti GTA and anti NEA and UFT. I support you and your mission. I think kids should be supported in school and at home. This is my last comment on the lunch thing. I will bet that some of the parents who don't send their kids to school with a bag lunch have money for cigarettes and beer. But we can't ask that question. I would also guess that some of these parents are also some of the same people who will not support you and your contemporaries when there is a disciplinary or performance issue in the classroom.
Regarding the money issue. It would be nice to hear at least once from one teacher or union rep that, we make good money, the schedule is great, we have nice buildings, good equipment, good benefits we are treated fairly we appreciate it and, are satisfied.
Did you want me to identify the site I use for my sources or to cite my sources?
William Empey
Facts/Opinions - May 13, 2008
William,
I understand that you don't like hearing the facts. You don't want to read the truth. I have enjoyed reading your opinions. You stated, "the wage increase your Union is asking for will seem to be outlandish." Please tell our community how much wage increase GTA is asking for? Do you know? If not, how can you call it outlandish? You call it outlandish because you are anti-education and anti-teacher. Thus, against the students in our community.
Don't you even dare say you pay my way! Are you kidding me? I work very hard for my income. I also have to budget over the summer for my family. I like many other teachers take on other jobs to make ends meet.
You make teaching seem like a dream job. Why is it the #1 burn-out profession in America? I got an opinion--- people like you, William, who do not value our children and education. You try to talk like you know something about education, but deep down you are clueless. You only care about yourself.
William, please site your sources. Your data facts have a tendency of being incorrect.
Karl E. Nielsen
Huh ???????????- May 12, 2008
Dear Karl,
Just take a look around you and start asking how much in the way of of raises the people who are paying your way are receiving these days and just maybe the wage increase your Union is asking for will seem to be outlandish( remember they make 47% more on average than other white collar workers not to mention the time off benefits and retirement). School supplies are like lunch, parents should send them to school with their children (we did). And the last time I looked about 92 percent of the budget was for wages and benefits. Guess one of your three masters degrees was not in finance or accounting. The after shave stuff is really kind of weird. (sheesh I don't care to know what aftershave he uses My father always told us to be thankful for what you have)
William Empey
Comments - May 10, 2008
The notice for arrangements for Dr. Josephine Kehoe's husband will be in the paper on Sunday.
David Wood
Dierna Funeral Home
2309 Culver Road, near Norton Street
Monday, May 12 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Funeral Service will be private
Webmaster
school board - May 10, 2008
There is an item in the final audit that I wanted to make sure the community was aware of that has 'significant' impact on the way business is going to be done at Greece Central (hopefully) although I won't be there to see to it.
Page 30 Item 17 - recommendations - it reads as follows
The District should ensure that changes to employment agreements and union contracts have some benefit to the district before they are entered into.
This could be the most significant item in the whole audit. The 'benefit' to the district (taxpayers) for the Walts medical would be? Wouldn't it be interesting to hear how the prior school board members would justify PRIOR to voting what the 'benefit' to the district is. The reality is contracts at Greece Central have been and continue to be 'give aways' - nothing more. The reality is that a union employee must do no more than demonstrate the ability to 'fog a mirror' and a raise is forthcoming every year all via the approval of the school board. Need I remind all that it is these contracts that are the #1 reason why budgets increase - salaries and benefits - salaries and benefits - ZERO accountability.
I have been fighting for this type of thing for years - the school board wouldn't do it - thank god the state was willing to stand up. Make no mistake without 'accountability' in a contract there can be NO benefit to the district (taxpayers). Please keep this in mind IE hold the school board and administration 'accountable' for upholding the recommendations of the state.
Charlie Hubbard - Greece school board - soon to retire
chubbard005@rochester.rr.com
615-2678
Nice Spin - May 10, 2008
William,
You did a little homework, but left some important facts slide.
The fact is NYS in 2004/2005 spending was number one in the nation, but to say it was because of teacher salaries is absurd and false. Less than 35% of the school budget is based on teacher salaries. NYS budgets has had record increases in state aid. To connect teachers salaries is also totally wrong. As Maggie Brooks found out in her so called "Fair Plan", state aid money is marked for specific programs, not to pay for teachers salaries. Do you think Steve Waltz is enjoying NYS aid?
The fact is each year since 2002, every Greece School principals has been asked and cut our school budget by 10-12%. That is 50 to 60% since 2002. Greece teachers struggle to find materials. Based on budget cuts, I received a Bill Gray's kids meal worth of supplies to last a school year. Thanks for the 5 pens, 12 pencils, two tape rolls, box of paper clips, and 6 boxes of chalk.
As for the contract goes, I along with many teachers are disappointed that we do not have a contract. You quoted 2006 law, so where is our contract. It is two years after the law and no GTA contract. GTA has not asked for any outlandish request and to point out we have given back. Greece Teachers changed our health plan to save Greece taxpayers like myself millions a year. The teachers could have kept the better health care, but we thought of our community. Our contract is the same since 2001 except worst health care that saves million for Greece taxpayers and 3-4% inflation over 7 years. (21-28%) Not to mention salaries that are lower than Kodak trick workers from 1980.
You still do not understand low socio-economics and education as demonstrated by your last post. Keep doing some homework!
Are you splashing on Stetson for Men or Polo?
Karl E. Nielsen
Sad News - May 09, 2008
Sad News has been brought to our attention
David Wood, the husband of our former interim Superintendent, Dr. Josephine Kehoe, died yesterday.
At this point funeral arrangements are pending, but I'm sure it will be in tomorrow morning's newspaper.
A lot of people might miss it because of the different names.
Webmaster
Comments - May 08, 2008
In response to your “School Task Force on Safety" article, dated, May 7, 2008, I find the timing and topic of this article could not come at a better time. With the upcoming elections it is vital for the public to understand how important the character of the candidates is to our school district.
I commend the idea that the district has created a task force. How appropriate that Carolyn Hauer is the school board member chosen to represent our district in the media on bullying and harassment. Of course she is somewhat of an authority on this issue. Or perhaps she should serve as an example of what NOT to do in many instances.
How do we convince our students in the district to confront bullying and report incidents of misbehavior when the Board of Education does not model this expectation? When non-collaborative, hurtful emails go public and no explanation, apology or discussion occurs on the board in regard to the inappropriate behavior, what kind of message does this send?
This example they are setting is not only damaging to the working relationship of our board, but to all of the students of the district, just as Carolyn Hauer indicates in the article.
Do we honestly expect kids won’t catch on to the message being sent? Is this a “do as I say, not as I do” attitude our board is adopting? Does this cross over to our school board setting appropriate examples as well? For example will they stop public inebriation which leads to verbal community abuse, snickering during public forum, using expletives when addressing members of the community or other board members in public, and board members deliberate emails meant to “cut other board members off at the knees”.
It’s time to lead by example and would go a long way in reinforcing the policy if our board members would accept responsibility for their own actions and work toward changing them.
Accusing other board members of cyber bullying in a public paper does little to build confidence in the public that the adults on our board will practice what they are preaching. How can someone who makes accusatory statements that damage reputations in the media expect us to have a genuine belief that she is sincere and cares about the emotional well being of anyone. The students, such as the one quoted in the article, understands that it can get out of hand and people can get their feelings hurt. Perhaps those students should be leading this initiative and be examples to this school board member.
The initiative is well intended however with the questionable behavior of the board member quoted in the article; I have doubts. If we can’t apply simple common courtesy among 9 board members, how do we apply them in a district of 13,000 students?
Overall the policy changes, like so many, sound good in theory but sadly the community of Greece knows that they mean very little if not consistently enforced. It will be the Board's job to hold the administration accountable, but who will hold the board members accountable for THEIR actions.
I encourage anyone who agrees with me to start watching our board meetings and become involved.
Carla Piccarreto
Comments - May 08, 2008
Source: Empire Center for New York State Policy
2004/05 NY State was number one in the nation in elementary and secondary school spending, The last two State budgets since 2004/05 included record increases in state aid. Public school teachers in The Rochester area are paid on average 47% more than similarly trained white collar workers. In the Buffalo area that climbs to 69%. Pension and liberal health care benefits raise those percentages by another 15%
In 2006 the NYS Legislature passed a bill A.6222/S.3178 the bill affected how local government and school districts negotiate with labor unions. The NY Conference of Mayors called the bill "patently unfair". The NYS School Boards Assoc said " simply put, this bill would encourage school district unions to propose an outlandish contract and then wait for the intricacies of the Taylor Law to provoke a technical violation. For instance, if the school district does not continue to engage in the purely futile endeavor of negotiating a contract that has been offered purely in the interest of enticing discord and rancor, a technical violation of the Taylor Law has occurred.
That being done, this bill forces the school district to accept that outlandish union proposal".
Underpaid, I don't think so.
Union, out of control, out of touch, I think so
Free lunch, If everyone who needs it receives food stamps and WIC they are already getting free lunch. Yep, I forgot we don't provide lunch bags and someone to carry it to school now it makes sense.
"Old Spice", now that made me smile that was what my Dad used. Not for me though too old school.
William Empey
Do your homework! - May 07, 2008
William,
I just read your message from April 28th.
Economic Comparison- 1980 to 2007
A kodak trick worker making $30,000 in 1980 is equal to $84,642.68 in 2007. Are you kidding me? No way? Why is that? (Inflation) Do we live in 1980? Current teacher salaries are below standard and need to be improved! Supplies, resources, and salaries need to stay with the times.
William,
check out West Virgina! (Coal Mining Country) Starting pay is $40,000. That is like $13,000 in 1980. Oh yeah, Greece pays less than $40,000, but I think you knew that. I think the people of West Virgina understand that education is the key ingredient to a better future, higher paying jobs, and opportunities. Greece needs to move out of the 80's. Even McDonald's has transitioned now serving their cheeseburger on the dollar menu and not for 10 cents like 1980. William, the time has come to throw on the Old Spice and join us in the real world. You can start by doing your homework on socio-economic issuses facing the schools like the increasing number of students receiving free lunch.
Karl Nielsen
Ex-Roslyn school officials collect pensions in prison - May 07, 2008
Let's hope this does not happen here.
Long Island school district officials who are collecting hundreds of thousands of dollars a year in pension benefits while they are in prison for stealing millions of taxpayer dollars from the school districts where they worked
Link to NewsDay
Webmaster
Mea Culpa - May 05, 2008
Jeff, You are correct My reference was track 1 "Won't get fooled again" was track 9 on Who's Next. Good catch Mea Culpa Mea Maxima Culpa.
William Empey
May 6 - Special Meeting - May 5, 2008
Please note that tomorrow night's meeting is not a study session as has been described.
As a board member and consistent with board policy and the State Education Law, a week ago I asked President Boily to convene a special meeting of the board. Consistent with board policy 1520, a special meeting must have a specific purpose and agenda items of concern to any board member. I requested a special meeting, not a study session, for the specific purpose of discussing my motions requiring board action regarding the findings of the Comptroller's audit. As a result of my protest, the agenda has been adjusted to reflect my original request.
At Tuesday's meeting (May 6) I will be introducing two resolutions, one is an official request that the district sign a complaint with the District Attorney and Attorney General asking for an official investigation of the findings of the audit. The second motion deals with immediate action to suspend taxpayer supported health care for a former superintendent.
This meeting is no longer a study session, as advertised.
Joe Moscato
Comments - May 04, 2008
From a posting by Willaim Empey:
Meet the new boss, same as the old boss - April 15, 2008
My title is from the WHO song Babba O'Riley for those of you who are not old rockers.
It is actually from the Who song "Won't Get Fooled Again" (from Who's Next).
Hey, we are a school district people. Let's get out facts straight! Baba O'Riley is on the same album, though.
An Old Rocker,
Jeff Moulton
TIE INCREASED SPENDING TO COMMITMENT FOR BETTER RESULTS - May 2, 2008
1. Will voters fall for sweet talk or insist upon COMMITMENT in the budget?
2. The lure of a 'tax decrease' may sweep many voters off their feet, until they look at District spending. Spending this year $180 million... proposed next year $194M - up $14M (+7.8%). Spend more... tax less! How sweet the words!
3. More importantly, what do voters get in return? A commitment to improved educational results is missing.
4. According to SED, the percentage of students who graduate four years after entering Grade 9 has been declining from 86 percent in 2002 to 80 percent in 2006.
5. For 2006, approx. 230 did not graduate on time. The trend has been down, and the numbers are low compared to other suburban school districts in Monroe County. Spend more... get less!
6. In spite of these and other facts, BOE offers an all-time high budget with no commitment to improve results.
7. Where are the educational goals; what were the goals for this year... and where are the goals for next? Check the budget book, and search the District's web site. Where are the SMART goals when we need them? Others have helped me... we come up dry.
8. Like teachers who receive incomplete homework from students, voters may want to send this budget back... to have it redone... and re-submitted!
George Hubbard
Comments - May 1, 2008
This is the final installment of the exceptional achievements of Dr. Kehoe during her year as interim Superintendent.
Below are some of the initiatives and accomplishments that the Office of Special Education has achieved in the last school year
o Four 8:1:1 special classes for students with behavioral/social/ and emotional challenges: one at Paddy Hill Elementary, one at Arcadia Middle School, one at Apollo Middle School, one at Olympia High School
o One 12:1:3 special class for multiply challenged students located at Athena High School; and an additional Autism Specialist, an additional psychologist, an additional Vision Teacher, an additional 1.5 FTE Speech Pathologist, and 4.0 FTE's Special Education Teachers, an additional job coach for our prevocational training program, a braillist for our visually impaired students, a 1.5 FTE occupational therapist, and an additional 1.0 music therapist
o The Committee on Special Education (CSE) Process
o Behaviorally Challenged Students
o Section 504 Requirements
o Individualized Education Program (IEP) Development
o Co-Teaching
o Impartial Hearing Process
o Instructional Support Team (IST) Process
o Autism Strategies
o Literacy Strategies for Struggling Learners
o Crisis Intervention Strategies
Joe Moscato
Comments - April 30, 2008
Here's some more (I know this is a lot of reading, but she did so much, and it gives you some idea of what a great Superintendent can achieve).
o USDOE Elementary School Counseling Program $1,116,513
o US EPA Clean School Bus USA Program 225,685
o NYSED Teachers of Tomorrow Program 134,066
o NYS Local Government Records Management 91,436
Joe Moscato
Comments - April 30, 2008
Here's the next installment:
For the greater part of the school year in the Human Resources Department, two people did the work of four people
In the Business Department we hired a School Business Official
Joe Moscato
Dr. Kehoe - Accomplishments - April 28, 2008
Shortly before she left, Dr. Kehoe was asked to compile a list of accomplishments that were achieved during her year as Interim Superintendent with an effective working school board. I urge you to read each entry as it will demonstrate what progress can be made by a REAL Superintendent and a school board with responsible members.
2005-06 Board of Education Accomplishments
-Sharing of testing data
-Staffing
(To be continued)
Joe Moscato
Comments - April 28, 2008
D&C 28 April 2008 Dick Ianuzzi NYSUT prez says that "a tax cap makes no sense if we are really serious about maintaining a (high?????) quality education system". He further states that there should only be relief for homeowners of "moderate" income. I remember reading somewhere about another guy who wanted to do something like this. It was something like "From each according to his means, to each according to his needs". I think it was one of the Marx brothers who said that, Harpo maybe. One thing Dick left out was anything about the Kids, he only mentioned the "SYSTEM". Hmmmmm.
In another direction Karl I like a guy who does his homework sorry we don't see eye to eye but it looks to me that Utah is getting similar results at one third the price. What ever teachers are paid in a right to work state is probably what the job is worth. Oh I remember now is wasn't Harpo but Karl Marx who said that, thats the guy I meant.
Karl one more thing what does ethnicity and free lunch have to do with anything. You guys are trained to report suspected child abuse how about reporting parents who don't feed their kids. Just a thought
William Empey
Comments - April 25, 2008
At the Public Forum last night it was nice to see that a certian board member was giggling at the public when they were speaking.
It just seems inappropriate for board members to treat the people of this district with such little respect.
If this Board & Administration wants the public to listen and trust them they need to start telling the whole truth and not just the parts of it they think we should know.
How many of the people in Greece know that the district is paying storage fees for lifts and equipment from the 2000 CIP.
How much is this costing Us. If we are not going to use these things lets sell them. They are already years old.
The Fitness Center Equipment at Barnard school might have been purchased from a grant but the installation costs were not included in this grant and this equipment was suppose to go out to the mall for the students.
One more thing for now. .. This is to a certian board member.
If you are going to go to your favorite restaurant and call members of the public names(F*****g B***h). Maybe you should make sure no one is listening.
I guess the one of the ladies on the board is not that much of a lady.
Jeffrey Cagwin
Comments - April 23, 2008
A newspaper reporter recently asked the question, what did you accomplish as a board member? I told her to get it off this site, so here is the short list of things accomplished prior to the 2006-2007 election when all further progress was squelched. This will be followed by seven separate postings of accomplishments of the board and district while Dr. Kehoe was in charge.
1. Removed Superintendent and two assistant superintendents.
2. Hired Dr. Kehoe as acting interim Superintendent
3. Restored public forum to board meetings
4. Allowed the previously forbidden celebration of Christmas back into our schools
5. Settled 4 of 5 EEOC cases at a total cost of $40,000
6. Ended discriminatory practices by administration toward teachers.
7. Dismantled the overloaded professional review group.
8. Reduced the size of the Communications propaganda Department
9. Dismissed unfair 3020A charges against teacher Mary Donlon
10. Created a new tougher dress code and code of conduct
11. Brought students to board meetings
12. Created a new Developmental Assets Program and hired fulltime director
13. Brought police resource officers into our schools
14. Denied tenure to one former administrator
15. Ended the practice of police presence at board meetings
16. Instructed board attorney, James Doyle, to join the Town of Greece regarding the Kodak assessment scandal. This resulted in a $1.2 million dollar repayment to the District taxpayers.
17. Hired law firm savings taxpayers legal fees as a result of lower hourly rates
18. Restored 10% more funding for school buildings that had had their budgets cut by 20% over four years.
19. Reduced administrative staff by 42 fulltime positions
20. Created and passed the budget that was approved by the voters.
21. Instituted tighter controls over account transfers from one account to another.
Joe Moscato
How to make Bagels - April 21, 2008
William,
Guess What? I can now make bagels. I came across a great website.
http://www.cheftalk.com/content/display.cfm?articleid=178
Please enjoy the recipe!
Karl
National Center for Education Statistics - April 19, 2008
Dear William,
I thought the readers of your post would like to read the facts about your claim UTAH vs. NEW YORK in education. The National Center for Education Statistics provides excellent data.
UTAH New York
Per Pupil $5,296 $13,567
Students 508,430 2,815,581
White 81.1% 52.7%
Black 1.3% 19.8%
Hispanics 12.3% 20.1%
Asian 3.1% 6.9%
Native American 1.5% 0.5%
Free Lunch/Re 117,896 1,043,585
Teacher/Student 1/22 1/12
What does this information suggest William? Look at the number of students in New York and how many have free or reduced lunch compare that to Utah.
Next, compare the ethnicity from Utah to New York. The two at-risk factors I said were socio-economics and ethnicity. Let us look at cost per pupil and teacher to student ratio. I have been teaching for about a decade and I have never had the luxury of teaching 12 students. I taught classes/courses that range 22-30. A large portion of money is paying for special education students that are required by NYS law. Thus, New York has more ethnicity, lower socio-economic students, and more special education programs. How do the results look?
From N.C.E.S. in percents
Basic Proficient Advanced
2007 Math
NY Gr.4 85 43 6
UT Gr.4 83 39 4
NY Gr.8 70 30 7
UT Gr.8 72 32 6
2007 Reading
NY Gr.4 69 36 10
UT Gr.4 69 34 8
NY Gr.8 75 32 3
UT Gr.8 75 30 2
What does this data demonstrate? Even with the challenges, our exceptional teachers, students, parents, principals, administrators, school boards, volunteers, and the unions working together make NYS #1.
William, this week is unpaid for teachers. There is a false assumption that we are receiving pay for this week. Please read the 2008 GTA contract(I wish), no the 2001 GTA Contract- we get paid the days we work not holidays or for vacations.
I have dedicated my life to helping to improve education in our community and will continue. My passion and love burns with Greece pride. My students and parents know I am there for them 24/7-before and after-school, and even during my 30-minute lunchtime. William, thank you for making me even better, I will become more involved not by complaining, but by action.
I believe we have common ground on giving the students the best education we can afford, lowering taxes, and decreasing dropout rates.
Ready to help,
Karl E. Nielsen
Top 1 % in the World - April 19, 2008
William,
If you have one master degree, you are in the top 1% in the world. I have three masters degrees.
Thanks for your support,
Karl
Bagels? - April 19, 2008
William,
You are very wrong again. I would be happy to send you my paid bill stubs for my college degrees. No, I can not make bagels, but I can work three jobs, teach, go to night school for my masters, intern, and volunteer.
What do you do?
Where are the facts on Utah? What tests you are using to base your judgement? What are their demographics? Where is your data? New York State is annually #1 for advanced placement courses in the country, not Utah.
William, you want to attack teachers and their unions. That is your right! If you have your retirement in the stock market. Please remove it because my past New York State Teacher Union saved Wallstreet. Who benefits from Wallstreet? Most likely you have and most of business world.
I think you are placing the blame in the wrong area. I agree taxes are high. I also pay taxes being a Greece resident. My union has assisted in making our educational system better and have allowed many people access to quality education.
Karl E. Nielsen
I almost forgot.............. - April 18, 2008
Karl,
I forgot to congratulate you for being in the top 1 percent of educated people in the country. But can you bake bagels?
William Empey
Dear Karl................. - April 18, 2008
Dear Karl,
I appreciate your sincere and well written reply however, I believe that masters degrees you speak of are paid for by us the taxpayer. Kudos for your excellence or what passes for excellence in the classroom but in my opinion teaching for most is no longer a passion, but steady work with good benefits and little negative impact for sub par performance. In my opinion Unions once were necessary but that time has long since passed. If you go to work as a teacher in New York you will pay union dues whether you join or not so much for any choice. In my opinion your union is simply interested in growing the business of public education. More members equals more union dues, more big jobs at the top of the union food chain and so on. If my memory serves me correctly, the public education system in Utah has one of the best graduation rates in the country and spends only one third of what NY spends on education. So you have all of your nice buildings, good benefits, good pay package, you are off this week when everyone else is working and you think that I am out if line for repeating what was published in the D and C. Yes I do take exception to the fact that your union takes your union dues which is really taxpayer money and buys politicians wholesale to secure raises and working conditions and fights any measurable performance metrics. Lets see, if you baked bagels and burned almost 20 percent of them do you think you would be a bagel baker for very long? I know, its not the same, well welcome to my world where you have to get your job done right the first time or else.
William Empey
I disagree with William - April 17, 2008
William,
Do you understand the No Child Left Behind has brought with it many problems. Did you know "that 9 out 10 teachers say test scores are being used to make unfair evaluations, and almost as many say that the excessive focus on scores is creating stress for teachers without improving teaching." Source: Peter D. Hart Research Associates, January 2008.
Why is this? The scores used to make unfair evaluations don't take into account students' economic, language, and social barriers.
My union serves an extremely important purpose in my work as a teacher and even more importantly, in the everyday learning of our Greece students. I believe attacking teachers, teacher unions hurts our community. Did you know that New York State is again #1 in the United States for students taking and passing advanced placement tests. In 2006-2007 over 375,000 students received College Credit. 25% of New York State Seniors are walking out of high school with college credit. Do we get held accountable or any props for being annually #1?
As for taxes, you and I both know they will rise. The word is inflation and due to energy costs, building repairs, and supplies etc... it will continue to increase. You can move to a state that doesn't have school taxes like NC. If you have kids, you will wonder why your teachers are leaving mid-year and are leaving the profession within 4 years. (No union, poor salaries, cost of living) Not to mention, states without school taxes have uncertified teachers without college degrees in the classroom. Why do you think 49 other states recruit here in Rochester for teachers including Hawaii? The reason is plan and simple. We have the best teacher training system in the country. Children in NY, teachers must have a Master's Degree within 5 years. Did you know that over 99% of the world population doesn't have a masters degree? Yet most of the staff in Greece have master's degrees. Should we get paid for being in the top 1% of the world's population? Did you know average salary for a person with a BS is $56,000 acording to the D&C. We are lucky to have such good people in our schools.
I believe we have a great educational system in Greece Central. I am thankful for dedicated people that work and care for our entire local community including our school board, especially HMO. It is very important to have the facts.
Karl E. Nielsen
Comments - April 15, 2008
It seems that if the reason for schools to exist is to educate students, then any extra-curricular activities should be secondary to that. That is another way of saying we should limit atheletic participation to those who are meeting satisfactory academic standards and passing their courses. I don't see how we can raise the graduation rates if we drop the academic requirements for extra-curricular activites
Fred Fant
Interscholastic Sports - April 15, 2008
We have a copy of a Draft Agenda Item that you have to see.
Take a look at the Document
Interscholastic Sports
We are now lowering our Standards so that a Student with "F's" can play on the sports teams. Currently a student has to have a "C" average to be eligible.
Why do we want to lower our standards.
if a student wants the PRIVILEGE of being of the sports teams they should be required to have at least a "C" average.
What do you think.
Webmaster
Meet the new boss, same as the old boss - April 15, 2008
My title is from the WHO song Babba O'Riley for those of you who are not old rockers.
In todays 4/14 D and C Page 5B Per the Empire Center for NYS policy, the NYSUT and UFT spent over 3 million lobbying in 2007. Politicians bought and paid for by the teachers unions approved a record 1.75 billion increase in state school aid and secured a legislative change that prohibits school districts from using student test scores as a basis for denying teachers tenure. Most of the extra cash is going to more teaching positions and higher salaries masked as reductions in class size. The result of this will probably be big increases in local school property taxes NEXT YEAR. The reason , state aid increases are not sustainable. The Unions proved that they are the tail that wags the dog. Just for the record Greece is advertising a 0 percent increase in the tax levy this year but spending has not stayed flat spending is up. Greece administrators were granted a 4 percent increase this year and the teachers contract is not settled yet. If I am wrong please correct me but it looks to my undereducated eyes that we are spending more now and will probably get a tax increase next year and the teachers now with the approval of the NYS legislature officially are not to be held accountable for their performance in the classroom.
William Empey
Comments - April 11, 2008
A reporter from the Greece tabloid recently challenged a member of HMO to describe their accomplishments for their fisrt year on the board. After spring break I will be posting an extensive list of accomplishments compiled by the then interim Superintendent, Dr. Kehoe. I think you will find it remarkable and it will define the accomplishments of that board in comparison with that of our present board and superintendent.
Have a happy and safe vacation. We all need it.
Regards,
Joe Moscato
Comments - April 11, 2008
The following is an example of the incompetence and dysfunction of the leadership and majority of your present school board.
Our Superintendent's contract has a clause within in it that requires the board to devote one full executive session in June of each contract year to review and evaluate the performance of the Superintendent. The review should be subject to criteria set forth by the board in October of each year. Such criteria would then become a part of his contract and attached as an addendum. The leadership of this board failed to do this as required last October.
In December last year, I reminded the board of our failure to fulfill this obligation. The leadership acknowledged the oversight and set about the task of placing achievement criteria in our Superintendent's contract so that in June, we would be able to evaluate his performance consistent with his contract and our oversight responsibilities.
I am sorry and embarrassed to report that since then no less than five executive sessions were set aside to come up with measurable performance criteria for Mr. Achromovitch's job performance. The result, not one marker has been accomplished. As of this date, this board majority and Superintendent have not been willing to place accountable achievement criteria in his contract. You be the judge as to why not. I have my own opinion.
The point is, come June, what does this board tell the community regarding the standards they used to evaluate the overall performance of our Superintendent during the past year? At this point, I would not have a clue how to fairly judge his performance and that is indeed a shame and a disservice to this community.
Joe Moscato
Comments - April 10, 2008
In spite of Mr. Oberg's defensive statements in his latest post, I stand by my opinion on this year's budget. We missed a golden opportunity to substantially reduce transportation costs and shift that money to improve the education of our students.
His statement regarding my trying to talk him out of going forward in February is absolutely true. I knew then that he would not realize his expectations and would be frustrated in the long run. Our Superintendent was never going to adopt the tough recommendations coming from this committee, a frustration that is shared by at least two members of the Transportation Committee with whom I have talked recently.
In my opinion it takes courage to make the tough choices, something that our present Superintendent obviously lacks.
Joe Moscato
WALK THE TALK ON BALANCED BUDGETS - April 10, 2008
1. BUDGET TALK says... expenditures and revenues are BALANCED.
2. But a WALK through ACTUAL expenditures and revenues shows... sizeable fund balance SURPLUSES... and a backlog of UNFUNDED capital repair/replacement items.
Fund balance:
3. Last year, fund balance = $9.8M.
4. This year, fund balance SURPLUS = $8.7M... plus $3.8M carried from last year... total fund balance = $12.5M. This would have been $14.8M if not for FAIR sales tax reduction.
5. Next year BUDGET TALK says... expenditure equals revenue... but BOE plans SURPLUS = $4.0M.
Capital:
6. Capital Fund appropriations read, starting with 2003-04: $1.5M... $3.9M... $3.8M... $2.7M... $1.8M... and for next year $1.8M. Note the bubble... up to $3.9M and back down... Comptroller audit may shed light on this.
7. Meanwhile, the list of backlog capital repair/replace items (roofs, boilers, etc)... totals $70M +/-... accumulated mostly over 7yrs since $120M CIP approved year 2000.
8. Assume a conservative split for backlog items... 40% 'must' and 60% 'want'... hence 'must' backlog grew about $28M over 7 yrs... or $4M/yr. Annual budgets have not kept up!
Q#1: Has BOE been approving... and presenting... responsible BALANCED BUDGETS to voters?
George Hubbard
State Aid - April 10, 2008
From the Democrat & Chronicle this morning
Under the state budget, the Greece Central School District would see an overall increase in state aid next year of $7.3 million, including building aid.
The Board of Education recently approved a $194.1 million budget for 2008-09 that included projected state aid revenue of about $83 million, said Superintendent Steve Achramovitch.
Including building aid, the district will receive $84.5 million next year.
"The numbers are consistent with what we budgeted for," Achramovitch said. "There are a couple of areas where the state budget provides us additional money, and we want to verify the accuracy of those funds."
He said he would review the state aid figures with the Board of Education at an upcoming meeting.
Webmaster
Community Budget Meetings - April 10, 2008
Two community meetings will be held this month to provide interested community members with information about the proposed 2008-09 school budget.
Superintendent Steve Achramovitch and other school district leaders will attend both sessions, which are sponsored by the Greece Parent-Teacher Association Council. The meetings are open to the general public and will provide time for questions and answers.
The meetings are scheduled as follows:
7 p.m.
Olympia High School large cafeteria
and
Thursday, April 24
7 p.m.
Arcadia Middle School cafeteria
Webmaster
Busing/Budget Response - April 8, 2008
Having just read BOE member Moscato most recent post wherein he iterates that the current budget proposal which he dislikes is "literally throwing them (kids) under the bus"! I consider his remark intemperate and is a clear parallel to the "cutting them off at the knees" retort that he so disliked when posed by another BOE member. I must take issue with it and some of his other remarks.
Let me begin with a brief reminder of some current New York State laws governing school transportation. They are "italicized" for clarity. These were sourced directly from the latest edition of the "School Law Handbook" published regularly by the New York State Bar and the New York State Schoolboard Association.
State law establishes the walking distance for grades K -8 to be up to two miles, grades 9-12 up to 3 miles home to school. With voter approval, shorter distances can be permitted.
School districts are not required to provide transportation directly to and from home [Law 3635(1)(d)]. A school board is authorized to exercise its discretion in designating pickup points after considering and balancing issues of student safety, convenience, routing efficiency, and cost. The fact that a pickup point is located on a heavily travelled road or may require students to wait or travel on unlit narrow roadways with no sidewalks or walkways is insufficient to prove that the pickup point is unsafe. It is the responsibility of the parent, not the school district, to see that his or her child reaches the pickup point and boards or disembarks from the bus safely.
The policy on walking distance established for a school district may be applied to side roads as well as the distance to from the student's home to school itself. For example if a school policy provides that a student who lives more than 4/10ths of a mile will be transported to school, then students can be required to walk up to 4/10ths of a mile to reach the pickup point.
Currently, the Greece Central School District provides student transportation that is well within the distance boundaries established by state law. Transportation is a signifcant portion of the district's overall budget and should be looked at to identify less costly ways of delivering this service.
A Greece Central Board of Education Policy ( 5710) requires the board to make "every effort to explore alternatives for reducing costs......and reflect the District's responsibilities to the taxpayers in this community." In keeping with that policy, BOE president Boily asked me to chair the Transportation Committee with a charge to identify measures that might yield more cost effective transportation practices.
I must tell you (the public) that BOE members Hubbard and Moscato repeatedly urged me to decline this chairmanship on the basis that I was being "set up". I told them I felt obliged to chair the committee and that I would try to make a positive difference for the taxpayers.
The committee began meeting on January 29, 2008.The budget process was well along and the deadline for meaningful action was fast approaching. The committee consisted of current and former BOE members, district staff, district parents, and a town public safety official and met regularly to carry out this charge.The committee discussed many things including the secondary option, open enrollment, parochial/private school busing, special bus runs, late buses, etc. to name just a few. The exigencies of time resulted in the two significant cost saving measures currently included in the 08/09 budget proposal. These are the modification of the bus stop intervals and the uniform application of the requirement that students be at their assigned bus stop ten minutes before the scheduled pickup time. These two measures were estimated to reduce the budget by $800,000. The savings are realized by removing 16 contracted buses off the road and by more efficiently operating the remaining bus fleet. In addition, the committee recommended that a $2.5 Million dollar fund balance, identified by the district's Finance Committee, be directed towards the purchase of new buses to replace buses that are at or are approaching the end of their serviceable lives, and to expend an additional $200,000 to install an interoperable UHF radio system on our bus fleet. These measures will clearly enhance student safety!
It is indeed a shallow argument that "savings are only $200K" because (appoximately) $600K is state aid. Last time I looked, I and most Greece Central residents annually send Albany a tidy sum each year in state taxes so savings there are quite worthwhile! Taxpayers of all stripes will save the $800K! Suggesting that an expense item (of any kind) should be retained because it is "reimburseable by state aid funds" is foolish in the extreme, at least in my opinion!
No kid is being "thrown under the bus". The walk ride distances currently in effect in the district DO NOT CHANGE! These distances are well within the state mandates noted in the law above. K through 5 students will continue to all be bussed to school. Only their current bus stops are subject to change. While that may be seen by some to represent an "inconvenience" it is not the end of the world! It is a specious argument that our children are so fragile that they can not walk up to an additional 400 feet to their assigned bus pickup point regardless of the weather. Further, as noted in the law, it is the responsibility of the parent or guardian to see to the safety (and appropriate weather related dress) of the student until he or she is on board a district bus! In addition, the district will apply common sense in establishing bus pickup points. The district's Transportation Department will utilize a "Child Safety Zone" document issued by New York State to make determinations if a "pickup point" needs to be modified to ensure student safety.
I would also like it known that minutes to each committee meeting were published and sent via e-mail to each BOE member, each transportation committee member, and to the Superintendent and various members of his staff. At no time did a single BOE member express concern about any recommendations being discussed or reported out. I resent the lateness of criticism at this juncture. It is useless at best and unseemly at its worst!
The board's Transportation Committee will continue to meet and endeavor to look for other ways to reduce transportation costs in future budget years. The "late " start of the committee's work precluded a recommendation to address other transportation practices in the 08/09 budget. Preparation of bus schedules, pickup points, distances, etc. associated with open enrollment, signature schools, secondary options and the like take time to prepare. If the work is begun now, and assuming the new board agrees, these issues can be changed in the 09/10 budget. Indeed, the economic factors facing this district will likely require significant changes if a responsible school budget can be presented in the years ahead. The cost factors affecting transportation are all clearly headed higher.
I, along with six other BOE members voted YES to send this matter to the hands of the voters! I believe that the budget as presented is a balanced document that enhances our special education program, retains all existing academic offerings and class sizes, provides for remedial intervention in reading and math, initiates a family counseling center, makes additional reductions in high level central office positions, and requires no tax levy or tax rate increase to fund it represents the interests of the district's taxpayers and the district's students!
Regards,
Frank Oberg
Budget - April 8, 2008
Below is a statement I read at the last board meeting. It explains why I cannot support this year's budget. We had a golden opportunity to make some serious cost saving cuts in non-academic areas. Instead, this administration opted to apply a portion of the outrageous surplus created by years of over-taxing while failing to improve student performance.
When Maggie Brooks invoked her Fair Plan, I was initially outraged. Outraged that loss of sales tax revenue in the amount of nearly six million dollars would have a devastating effect on next year's school budget and the anticipated impact on the tax levy.
However, after the reality had set in, I felt that the impact of the Fair Plan might, in reality, contain a silver lining. That silver lining would come in the form of finally forcing our district to confront some expensive non-academic programs that they had refused to address in the past. Why? Simply because they didn't have to. They kept those programs in place along with their outrageous related costs to the taxpayers. To suggest making these cuts would have certainly stirred protests from some parents. To do so would have taken a superintendent and school board with back-bone to stand up to those dissenters and do what was necessary. Unfortunately, in our case this district lacks both those components. So, faced with this projected shortfall, what did we do, or better put, did we not do to address the problem? We did what eventually turned out to be disappointing to me while at the same time, exposing a practice that has been going on for years in this district - overtaxing
This budget eliminates teaching positions. Our Superintendent cites reduced enrollment for this action. I find this rationale troubling and grossly inconsistent. While it is true, our enrollment is now 13,000 students which is down from a high of 15,000. Yet, in spite of these reductions we continue to excessively bus more students than we did when enrollment was 2,000 more. When we had 15,000 students we had 180 buses and 165 daily runs. Now we have 200 buses and need to contract for 47 additional buses to cover runs for 2,000 fewer students. This absolutely and totally defies logic of any sort.
We created a Transportation Committee to deal with this problem and realize some real savings. So what do we get, increased walking distances that claim to save $800,000 when, in fact, when you factor in State aid, it really amounts to $200,000. In my opinion, the anticipated saving is far outweighed by compromising the safety of our children and literally "throwing them under the bus." The real savings would have come from phasing out open enrollment and secondary option transportation costs. We couldn't do that. This administration wasn't willing to deal with the fallout it would generate by irate parents, so the gravy train on busing continues to roll up excessive costs. Buses continue to travel to the farthest reaches of this town with as few as five or six students on a sixty-passenger bus. We continue to have as many as five buses pick up students in the same grade level on one street.
The Superintendent cites increased labor contract costs, while giving his overpaid non-union staff 4% raises. This is totally irrational and appalling.
He is asking our taxpayers to pony up an additional fifteen million dollars. The obvious question asked is what do we get for a 200 million dollar budget? Do we get improved student achievement and higher graduation rates? All legitimate questions. One of my fellow board members used a baseball term by calling this budget a "home run." Let's put that in perspective.
Monroe County has an educational league made up of 19 districts, let's call them teams. At the present time, Team Greece is in 17th place, two positions out of last place and has been there for several seasons. If we raise our salary cap by 15 million and invest in improved performers, wouldn't the season ticket holders have reason to expect that, as a team, we would move up in the standings? I think so. In my opinion, this budget is not even close to a home run; it's more like a third strike in the bottom of the ninth with two out and the bases loaded.
In summary, in my opinion, this budget does not deal with the concerns of the voters as expressed in last year's budget vote exit polls. This budget addresses none of those concerns of which excessive busing costs headed the list. This budget ignores the will of our taxpayers. This budget makes a clear statement by this administration. "We don't care" and we will continue to do business as usual until the School Board directs otherwise. Meanwhile this board continues to march in lock step with the Superintendent and administration and prefers to "leave it to the professionals." I detest that mindset as that is the kind of thinking that has placed this district and our children's education in jeopardy. As a board we simply don't care. As a result, five years from now, the next State audit will confirm that fact.
As a board member, I am one of nine individuals who have a unique opportunity. I get to vote on this budget twice - once, this evening and once again, on May 20th. Tonight I will vote no and I will vote no again on May 20th.
Joe Moscato
Comments - March 19, 2008
The last time I posted here, I talked about the efforts of Carolyn Hauer, Roger Boily and Steve Achromovitch to keep me from placing a motion on the February 12 agenda. That motion called for an opinion from our attorneys concerning Steve Walts' retirement benefit package including health care for life. In a conversation I had with attorney Fred Aten (on his dime, by the way) he saw no reason why my request for a review of Walts' contract was in any way damaging to the district. Apparently not satisfied, Hauer, Boily and Achromovitch continued their efforts to stop me, resulting in 20 separate legal charges for phone calls and follow up research, ranging from $33.00 to $1,351.00 for a grand total of $10,285.00. I have the documentation to prove this and if you desire, as they deal with expenditures of public funds, you may request a copy through a FOIL.
As some of you may or may not know, their efforts were successful as my attempt to right this wrong died for lack of a second on my motion. What you my not know and, in fact, I did not know myself until a few days ago when I received a copy of the legal fees incurred by the district for the month of February was how far they would go to stop me.
Because my request for an explanation was shut down on Tuesday evening, I will give you the facts that you, as taxpayers, are entitled to know. The total bill for legal services for February was $15,625.50. Of that total, $10,285.00 was incurred in seeking legal opinions on how to stop my motion and handle damage control from the draft audit release and subsequent circumstances. This constitutes an unconscionable waste of taxpayer funds to deal with the internal politics of our current board. Imagine this! They spent this amount of your money to continue the "cut him off at the knees" Hauer directive to Boily and Achromovitch. This apparently has now become the policy of our Superintendent and the Boily majority. Unbelievable Arrogance!!!
In addition, the VanOrman-Hauer request for release of the Berry Report resulted in legal fees in the amount of $3,069.00 and still counting and the total should be reflected in the March bill.
Without these two unnecessary actions, the district's total legal obligation for February would be $2,271.50, close to the usual average amount of $2,000. You be the judge as to the way your tax dollars are being spent. Imagine what that amount could do to enhance programs for our students. After all, "Student Learning is the Goal", right?
Joe Moscato
Greece school board keeps tax rate flat - April 2, 2008
Meaghan M. McDermott • Staff writer Democrat & Chronicle
GREECE — For the first time in at least a decade, there will be no new taxes next year in the Greece Central School District.
The Board of Education on Tuesday approved a $194.1 million budget proposal for 2008-09 that does not increase either the tax levy or the tax rate. Under the plan, the levy — the total amount the district will raise in property taxes — will drop from $93.4 million to $93.3 million. The proposal boosts spending by 3.4 percent over this year's budget of $187.7 million. The district expects actual spending of about $180 million.
The no-increase budget is possible because the district will use $6 million in surplus funds from the current year. An additional $2.7 million in surplus funds will be used to buy 45 new buses and a communications system.
The plan keeps all current programs in Greece schools. It includes extra help for youngsters who struggle with reading and adds a family resource center for counseling services.
The board also approved putting two propositions before voters: the first would create a capital reserve fund of up to $10 million for building projects; the second would create a capital reserve fund of up to $7 million for future bus purchases. Both would be funded this year by up to $1.5 million, possibly from money recovered in a lawsuit against Monroe County over the sharing of sales tax revenue.
District residents will vote on the budget proposal May 20.
Webmaster
New York State School Report Card Data - March 31, 2008
Hi Greece Bloggers,
As a teacher with 9 years of experience, I have a problem with the way NYS is representing data on the School Report Card.
How can you compare one class to another class? Can you compare 2006 Peyton Manning to 2007 Eli Manning? Can you compare 2008 North Carlonia Basketball team to the next North Carolina team?
We are comparing apples to oranges. I have stressed the importance of collecting data on a personal level. Comparing where the students' were to where are they now in the particular subject. This data collection has flaws in some subjects. Example Social Studies-- A pre-test on Ancient Mesopotamia most likely will result in most students knowing very little and a post-test will demonstrate that our students have learned a plethora of information. Thus, the data shows extreme growth. The learned subject matter must be retested in the future to see how much is actually retained.
Lets say two different groups of students score perfect in 2006 and 2007 in 7th grade mathematics. According to NYS Report Card, this school would not demonstrate any growth for 7th grade mathematics. I would like to start an effort to change this backwards data system for demonstrating growth. As a district, we should be the trend setter for collecting individual data to demonstrate growth.
One of my goals in life has and will be to improve individual student performance. As a veteran teacher, I want to provide an enriching, engaging, and rigous environment for all of my students. Developing my students academically, socially, and physically for journey into the responsible real-world.
I think Pete K. has asked a great question! Where are the best programs in mathematics and english language arts? This is a difficult question because of diverse population of students. A program that works for one group may not work for another. I have done extensive research and found that schools that have increased number of students falling into low socio-economical and ethnicity are more likely to be on the Schools Needing Improvement list by the New York State.(Remember the State is comparing apples and oranges for this data not individual growth) Did you know that Greece Schools are gaining more and more students in these two categories. With these slight increases it is not hard to imagine scores dropping slightly each year. So the question posed by Pete is valid. What programs work best for our diverse population? I also beleive we have paid experts that are looking for these programs for us it's the Director of Math- Tom Marino and Director of English- Diane Boni. These two individuals should be an asset for our quest for the best.
Every year our budget has been cut for materials. Prices of materials have jumped exponentially. This year, I hope we have enough chalk for the school year. The budget increased, but classroom materials have been sacrificed every year. We need another buget vote for classroom materials.
Thanks for reading,
Karl E. Nielsen
DOES SCHOOL BUDGET NEED EDUCATIONAL GOALS - March 23, 2008
1. One definition of a budget is... an allocation of funds for a particular purpose.
2. So, should a school budget be an allocation of funds... to operate a school district one more year, or... should it be an allocation of funds... to achieve educational goals?
3. The Greece school budget for next year stands at $195.1M... an increase of $15.7M (+8.75%) from actual spending of $179.4M this year.
4. How will the budget be spent next year... on business-as-usual (operational activities), or on prioritized and measurable goals (educational results)? Will BOE make commitments? What can voters expect in return for increased spending... will results improve?
5. One measure of school district performance is 'graduation rate'. NYSED reports four-year cohort graduation rates - for GCSD as follows:
86% - 2002
83%
84%
79%
80% - 2006. At 80%, 1,174 cohorts, approx. 939 graduated, 235 did not.
Q#1: Has BOE informed voters the general trend in graduation rate has been down?
Q#2. Voters, should BOE commit to a plan to improve graduation rates as part of the 2008-09 budget?
George Hubbard
Once Again - The Berry Report - March 20, 2008
Allow me to set the record straight. Today's edition of the Greece Post has a story about the Berry Report. The article identifies a main motion made by me regarding the release of that report. Because the motion restricted release of the report until advised to do so by attorneys, the motion failed with VanOrman, Hauer, O'Toole and Smith voting No, and Oberg, Hubbard and myself, voting Yes.
Comments made by those voting No were misleading and woefully inaccurate. They cited conflicting opinions by the board's attorneys for not supporting the motion. Not true! The following are the true facts and debunks the half-truths put out by those members.
Attorney for the District, Fred Aten of Harter, Secrest & Emery, issued a written opinion to all board members warning them that release of the report would result in defamation suits against the district by several individuals. Not satisfied, three members sought a second opinion from Harris Beach. This law firm represents the district against the last of the EEOC lawsuits which will be heard in Federal Court soon.
As a result, a special session was held in which two lawyers from Harris Beach and Fred Aten were in attendance. This was not an executive session. The lead attorney for Harris Beach asked the board not to release the report until after this last case was completed as to do so, would compromise the district's position. They further said that what the board ultimately did with the report after that was not their concern and offered no opinion one way or the other as they had no further interest in the matter or in the Berry Report..
Beyond the last EEOC case, the important fact is that Harris Beach expressed NO OPINION on release of the report after their case is complete. That in no way can be interpreted as conflicting opinion as Harris Beach took no position beyond their immediate concerns.
By the way, the presence of three high priced attorneys will cost taxpayers in excess of $1,000 in an attempt to get a differing opinion. Simply put, there is only one written opinion regarding this report, no conflict exists. If it does, it's only in the minds of three board members who did not hear what they wanted to hear. They were so upset, one member wanted to replace Harter, Secrest & Emery instantly as she had "lost confidence in Harter Secrest & Emery." I advised her of the consequences of such action and that it would have a negative response from the community. She then wisely backed down. This conversation took place at an open agenda setting meeting on March 5, 2008 at 8:30 a.m. in the Board conference room. You be the judge.
Joe Moscato
Thanks, Doug! - March 19, 2008
Doug,
Thanks for the pointer to RocDocs... I have some work cut out for me to collect the data in the form I need, but a least it's there...
Thanks again
Pete Kiesel
Comments - March 19, 2008
Dear Pete
At www.DemonocratandChronicle.com at the top header, left side you will find RocDocs click on there and you will find a wealth of information such as Test Scores, Graduation Rates, SAT Scores, School Report Cards and much, much more.
In regards to your recent posting concerning success at school. I was glad to see you added the importance of parents in your last sentence. You can not underestimate the importance of parents on a child's education.
For a student to be successful you need to have three elements; the student, the school and the parents each working together to gain success. Each element is like the side of a triangle. When each side works together the triangle sides lengthen and there is greater success within the triangle. When one side of the does not perform then there is less success. See it is that simple. I wish it was as everyone knows it is a lot more complicated but that is the core, the school, the student and the parents.
As you mention, school materials, texts, supportive materials are an important responsibility of the school. Schools need to provide supportive teachers, appropriate teaching materials and a safe environment for the students. Currently, in my opinion, that is not being done in the area of math. Greece is using a very controversial math program called Math Investigations. This program has been in the Greece schools for approximately eight years and Greece's test score results place them in last, second and third from last place in all of the suburban school districts in Monroe County depending on the particular grade level.
The best advice for all parents is to stay involved in your child's educational experience and I mean really involved. Talk to your child's teacher. Attend conferences. Review homework each night. Demonstrate your interest so your child sees and feels your involvement. Read to them. Take them to the museums. Make education fun.
Go to RocDocs there is all the data you can handle.
Enjoy!
Sincerely,
Doug Skeet
Question about state test scores - March 18, 2008
Hi Everyone...
Not an opinion, but a question... does anyone know where I can find comparative test scores on the standard math and reading tests in New York State? I would like to know which school districts are the 'top scorere'... reason for asking ->
There are three criteria, as I see it, for teaching success - the teachers, the students, and the materials.
Given that each school district in NYS has 'the best teachers' and 'the best students', then the only variable remaining is the set of text materials used in each school district. It seems that it makes sense to utilize the texts which are being utilized in the 'top scoring' districts.
btw, I actually do believe we have top-notch teachers in the Greece district... ;-)
Thanks for any pointers.
I welcome any and all 'corrections' to my 'criteria' above... and, yes, I feel that parents are 'a HUGE piece' to both student and teacher success.
Pete Kiesel
A parent of Greece students (2 @ Brookside and 1 @ ArcadiaMS)
2008 School Budget - March 17 2008
That time of year is once more upon us...that being hearing from the BOE on the proposed school budget. Once again the budget is going up ($195.1M from last years austerity budget of $187M). It also appears that the actual budget cost for 2007 came in at around $179M From all accounts we hear the total surplus is over $12M. I would like to better understand why we have budgets that are higher than the actual spending. Also what happens to this surpus money?
With our economy in a downturn, gas prices going out of sight, foreclosures on the rise, and house prices falling, keeping up with these spending increases year after year is becoming a financial nightmare.
It is time we take a hard look at the total cost categories of this budget and look into how we can streamline and cut costs. It is not apparent to me that we are getting a good return on our money. Is our graduation rates and test scores improving accordingly?
Marty Levin
Berry Report - March 13, 2008
The emergence of the long forgotten Berry Report as an issue by certain board members is in need of clarification.
In the fall of 2005, the existing board engaged Allen Berry to conduct an investigation into the allegations contained in five EEOC complaints. At the time, in order to protect the sensitive personnel information that it was sure to generate, we decided to have Harter, Secrest & Emery hire Mr. Berry and his report would remain in their custody. This would make it non-FOILlable by the press and others.
Regarding the rationale for commissioning this report, it is important to understand the intended purpose of this investigation. The Berry Report was always intended to produce information to protect and defend the district against these five charges and that was its sole purpose.
The information in this report contains sensitive personnel information which is protected by law. Therefore, release of the Berry Report would violate this statute, thus placing the district in legal jeopardy in the form of potential lawsuits by those whose records were made public.
Our attorneys have warned the present board of the potential liability attached to the public release of this report. In spite of this advice and potential monetary costs to the taxpayers, several board members continue to press for the release of the report.
I and other board members consider their actions as reckless, irresponsible and not in the best interest of this district. Their continuing efforts confound me as to their purpose and intention in pursuing this unconscionable action. I can only conclude that their motivations are personal as well as politically motivated given the timing of this unnecessary distraction that they have caused.
While this board is mired in internal politics, our children's education continues to falter.
Joe Moscato
Return on Investment - March 11, 2008
Good morning. It has been a while since I posted on this site, however, I have been a frequent visitor to Greeceschools.com. With the budget talks heating up again I wanted to ask a simple question of the Board of Education.
In a previous post George Hubbard asked some excellent questions. I wanted to add one more to his list. If we take the figures George listed (proposed budget of $195.1M and an enrollment of 13,258) the cost PER STUDENT in our District is $14,716.54. My question is this...if graduation rates are falling, what is our return on this investment? What are the real reasons for the falling graduation rate? It can't be funding, it can't be transportation to and from school (how many buses have we purchased recently) and it can't be a poor learning environment (how much have we spent on the Capital Improvements). So what is it BOE? Are families/parents/guardians to blame? Are teachers to blame? We all have different opinions and we all have differing visions for our School District, however, I think we can all agree we want our students to succede. Have we talked to other Districts that are seeing improvements in this category?
I will await your answers to these questions...either through your actions on the Board or in a written format.
Thank you for your time.
Matt Hall
SCHOOL BUDGET - March 10, 2008
The budget season is ramping up in GCSD. Here are a few points for voters to consider... as they follow BOE discussions and actions.
1. The budget for this year was $187.7M... adopted as an austerity budget by BOE last June.
2. Actual expenditures are expected to total less - $179.4M... leaving a surplus of $8.3M. Add in the revenue surplus and a surplus carryover from last year... the Fund Balance surplus is $12.4M
3. Enrollment peaked at 14,258 in 1996-97... has declined steadily by more than 1,000 students... and is expected to decline further going into next year.
Webster's dictionary says, a budget is an allocation of funds for a particular purpose. So, does it follow - that a SCHOOL budget is not just a dollar amount, but an allocation of funds to achieve EDUCATIONAL results.
4. The 2008-09 Superintendent's Proposed Budget totals $195.1M - up $15.7 million (+8.75%) over actual costs this year.
Questions:
Q1: What educational results can voters expect in return for this increase in spending?
For example, state ed reports the GCSD graduation rate has declined from 85% (2001-02) to 80% over four years.
Q2: Clearly budget figures show there has been no shortage of funding. So BOE, when will you explain the decline?
Q3: And, when will the public be given the graduation rate for 2006-07 (now nearly a year old)?
Q4: And, what is the goal for next year?
Voters, just a little food for thought!
Thanks.
George Hubbard
Running for board - February 25 2008
The following People have taken out petitions to run for the Greece School board.
Joe Moscato
Charlie Hubbard
Frank Oberg
Christopher Boshnack
Phillip Hurwitz
William Russell
Yvette Simons
Gary Prior
Webmaster
What is TRUE motivation of VP VanOrman and Hauer - February 22 2008
Over sixteen months ago current VP VanOrmond and C.Hauer, before being elected to the Board of Education, brought up the issue of the Berry Report being released, one reason was the price tag of $90,000. Since taking office in July 2006, I cannot recall any motions or discussions, brought before the Board, by either of these Board members,to release the Berry report. Now a draft audit report is leaked to the media, and SUDDENLY the Berry Report is a ISSUE. WHY ?. In my opinion this is an attempt to deflect attention away from both the draft audit, and the very weak whistleblower policy. My guess is that their motion will not be on the March agenda, after the Boards attorney advises against it.
Jim Leary
Comments - February 22 2008
Hi Folks:
The headline in this week's Greece Post is inaccurate. Allow me to explain. It said that there were a Bakers Dozen (13) suspects who could have been responsible for the audit leak. The number is actually 14 or more. What follows will explain that conclusion.
From the outset, the way the draft audit was handled was sloppy and carelessly done. Board President Roger Boily fouled up and must ultimately take the blame for the entire document being given to the D&C.
Board members were not given any advance notice that the audit had been received. Instead, my copy was delivered to my house by a district courrier and placed between my two front doors. I have no idea how long it was there before I discovered the report. By having it delivered by courrier, there was another set of hands and possible eyes on this document. Assuming the same courrier delivered all 9 copies, then 14 is the correct number of individuals with access to the report.
The way this report should have been handled was immediately upon receipt of the audit, Roger should have called a special meeting of the Board at a time and date convenient to all board members. The board should have gone into executive session where each board member would have been given a numbered copy and allowed to read the audit. Board members would not be allowed to take written notes of the draft audit.
After reading the document and having a discussion period, all copies should have been collected by the board clerk and locked in a secure location. The only copies that should have left that room should have been the ones in possession of Superintendent Achromovitch and Director of Finance, Lou Alaimo.
At the exit interview with the State Auditors a few days later, members would again receive copies for discussion with the auditors. At the conclusion of this meeting, all board members would again surrender their copies of the draft.
If this practice that has been employed before regarding sensitive information had been followed, the document would never have been leaked by board members or possible family members and we wouldn't find ourselves in the mess we are in with some board members pointing the finger at others.
Joe Moscato
BOE MAY NOT NEED WHISTLEBLOWERS - Feb 21, 2008
To: Joe M. and Pat T. and interested others
1. May I suggest a different approach... WHISTLEBLOWER policy is but one solution... analyze the problem/need/situation first... then look for several potential solutions... pick the best.
2. Develop a working definition for WRONGDOING... consider legal, ethical, personal aspects... and, how big the net, how fine the mesh.
4. Be data driven. How many past WRONGDOINGS needed attention?
5. Make a list of past WRONGDOINGS... perhaps 5 to 10 within a window of time, eg Jul 2000 (start of CIP) to Feb 2008 (draft audit report).
6. For each WRONGDOING, identify primary and secondary WRONGDOERS.
7. Brain storm solutions, that if these had been in place, would likely have prevented the WRONGDOING - or nipped it in the bud to contain damages.
8. Here is an example for illustration:
9a. WRONGDOING: Improper authorization of Lifetime Health Insurance contract addendum, Dec 14, 2004. Who wrote addendum?
9b. Primary WRONGDOER(S): BOE President, maybe others.
9c. Secondary WRONGDOERS: BOE members - lack of diligence in fulfilling BOE fiduciary responsibilities, and lack of transparency for public awareness.
9d. Possible solutions: Advance copy of addendum for all BOE members, attorney review of contract and addendum, addendum recorded in BOE minutes, etc, etc.
10. Here is a seed list of WRONGDOINGS: 1) Excessive CIP change orders, 2) CIP cost overrun, 3) CIP costs moved to annual budget, 4) TV studio, 5) Lifetime Health Insurance, 6) Surreptitious edit BOE video tape (unauthorized/undocumented modification to public record). BOE members will likely offer others.
11. BOE may find... there are only a very few WRONGDOERS - at high places... BOE does not need WHISTLEBLOWERS... BOE members just need to do their job (better)!
George Hubbard
Comments - February 20 2008
George:
You are absolutely correct and I could not agree with you more. This board is the problem and the until the taxpayers of this town elect responsible people who care and not clueless politicians, things will remain the same.
My attempt to amend Pay Tydings whistle blower policy will be futile. I have learned that there will be little or no support to change the current policy and the Board majority will impose this seriously flawed administratively controlled policy on the employees of this district.
In light of these developments, I will not attempt to put in place a version that will work and provide the necessary protections for those who would come forward.
One need only remember a former employee who came forward with the bugging of E50 and reporting the removal of computers by departing employees. He was forced to resign on baseless trumped up charges in reprisal by our former superintendent.
Until the board turns over and responsible individuals are elected, this kind of administrative gagging of employees will not end.
Two years ago I and others thought we had put an end to tyranical rule in this district. As it turns out our scalpel did not cut out all of the cancer that existed then and continues today.
Joe Moscato
Berry Report - February 20 2008
Hi Folks:
Julia and Carolyn's attempts to resurrect Meg Keller-Cogan's situation by attempting to release the Berry Report is irresponsible at best and potentially costly to the taxpayers.
With the exception of themselves and perhaps a few other misguided souls in this District, we as a community have moved on and couldn't care less about the Keller-Cogan resignation. The operative word here is RESIGNATION, plain and simple.
In looking at Julia and Carolyn's reckless motivations, one must consider the following facts. Both were fanatical supporters of Walts and Keller-Cogan as publicly expressed by their personal behavior during that process. In light of recent developments, they obviously remain in a state of denial.
Julia's motivations are clearly an attempt to shift public attention from the facts contained in the preliminary audit to a long forgotten issue in this community. This is clearly a smoke screen of sorts and, in my opinion; their actions are reckless and irresponsible.
The Berry report will be released at the appropriate time and will coincide with the disposal of the last EEOC case, which I understand will be sometime this spring in Federal Court.
Joe Moscato
New Washington Post article - February 20 2008
Parents Rise Up Against A New Approach to Math
Here is a new article from Prince William
New Article>
Webmaster
WRONGDOING: BOE THE PROBLEM, NOT THE SOLUTION - Feb 19, 2008
Joe M:
Thank you for posting Feb 18 subsequent to mine of Feb 17.
You say [Feb 18], "George, You are probably right, but so what!" To this I say, Joe, my point [Feb 17] was not about righting breaches of BOE policy, but exposing WRONGDOINGS for public view.
The ultimate power rests with the voting public.
I disagree fundamentally with the WHISTEBLOWER approaches proposed by you and Pat Tydings. When it comes to WRONGDOING, you two see BOE as the SOLUTION. I see BOE as the PROBLEM!
Joe, you've already seen this and spoken out just recently - BOE Pres and Super surreptitiously edit a meeting video tape... Super manipulates a meeting agenda... Pres urges Super to make premature visit to District Attorney. What arrogance of power! And, they think they are untouchable - just apologize and move on.
George Hubbard
Whistle Blower Policy - February 18 2008
I am currently working with an attorney familiar with existing Federal statutes concerning whistle blowers in the public employee provision.
Together, we will be crafting a policy that conforms with those laws, establishing a format that is not only consistent with the language of the law, but will be effective and will guarantee the protection of any person coming forward.
It is my hope to offer amendments to Pat Tydings policy that will incorporate portions of his policy and mine into a policy that will achieve the desired effect of gaining information without reprisals against those who come forwrd and do the right thing.
Incidentally, I have been in contact with several outside agencies that are willing to serve as administrators of this program if asked to do so. It will be in the hands of your school board to make this policy more than just words on paper.
Joe Moscato
Comments - February 18 2008
Here is what the previous BOE said that retirement was.
------------------------------------
[For the purposes of any retirement benefit under the terms of this Agreement or any District collective bargaining agreement or other Board policy or regulation which is incorporated by reference herein, the Superintendent shall be deemed to have retired from his employment if he has completed at least 5 years of service as Superintendent of the District and there shall have been no finding of guilt on charges brought against the Superintendent.]
------------------------------------
Is this what everyone gets at their job??
Jeffrey Cagwin
Say that again slower - February 18 2008
Gerry was quoted in the paper as saying that he does not remember changing Stevarino's health care provision but......is he not districts signatory on the amendment to the contract. Gerry, your lips move but I can't hear what you are saying( thats from Pink Floyd's song "Comfortably Numb"). Gerry signs off on a contract amendment that could cost us One million plus and does not remember anything about it. I say get all of the former board members, Stevarino and his staffers and depose them under oath then, if it is proved that they did know what was going on they get charged with perjury just like the rest of us would if we lied under oath (except if you are a pro athlete or former President of the United States). (Jonny B Good i threw that Pink Floyd hook in there for you man, I knew you would like it)
William Empey
Complete contract - February 18 2008
Donna: Here is the complete contract
Contract
Take a look at Page 4 This is the retirement clause.
Webmaster
questions - February 18 2008
To former and current Board members(with in the last 9 years):
Can any of you provide comments and answers to the following questions within your appointed or expressed authority to do so please?
1. Did Dr. Walts formally retire from the Greece Central School District? If so what were the condidtions he had to meet to do so?
2. Is Dr. Walts currently participating in any Health Benefit coverage offered by Greece Central and if so what is that cost to us currently?
3. Is Dr. Walts also participating in any Health Care coverage with his current employer and if so what is the cost to those residents currently?
4. Does participating in his current employers plan negate his coverage through Greece?
5. What percentage of his family health care plan is his current employer required to pay and what are the terms of his "retirement" conditions with them?
6. Did Dr. Walts' contract with Greece contain any "for cause" termination clauses that would negate the retirement conditions?
Thank you.
Dianne Berardicurti
Comments - February 18 2008
George:
You are probably right, but so what! We trample on our policies on this board constantly. As an example of the most egregious breach of policy, back in September 2006, that board was given 10 minutes to read Steve Achromovitch's contract before we were asked to vote to appoint him and approve his contract. This was a clear violation of the 10-day rule in policy that requires that board members be given a proposed contract 10 days prior to voting on it.
As you know, when you are in the minority, as I was at that time, I could not stop what happened and voted no on appointing him and his contract. I was joined by two others who also voted no. As you know 5 votes carries the day and the vote was 5-3. Voting yes was Walsh, Boily, Hauer, Van Orman and Russell. Voting no, Oberg, Grason and Moscato.
It appears we have deja vu all over again.
Joe Moscato
Schools Chief Has Much Work Ahead- February 17 2008
Challenges Include Budget, Job in N.Y.
By Ian Shapira
Washington Post Staff Writer
Sunday, February 17, 2008; Page PW01
In the past two weeks, weather delays and plans for spring break have taken a back seat to School Superintendent Steven L. Walts as the dominant subject of parent and teacher chatter.
First, he unveiled an $836.2 million budget that reduces the size of some elementary classes and gives raises to teachers so that they don't fall further behind in the region's teacher salary wars.
Next, parent backlash against the school system's elementary Math Investigations program spawned a heated movement, including a petition and a marathon school board session.
Then it was revealed that some of Walts's battles from his previous school district in Greece, N.Y., are still progressing -- two years after his departure. A New York state comptroller's preliminary audit found that Walts and his administration in Greece used unauthorized funds to pay for a major capital improvement project. And in a separate matter, a senior attorney with the New York State United Teachers Union said that Walts is expected to give a deposition in a federal lawsuit filed by a Greece teacher; Walts and his former subordinates are accused of discriminating against the teacher on the basis of age.
Even as these controversies have percolated since Walts arrived in Prince William in 2005, he has said his concentration is focused on this school system and on managing its growing but lean budget. Prince William's school system, now the second largest in the state, is growing by about 2,000 students a year.
Unveiled earlier this month, the budget gives teachers a combined 6 percent raise and continues adding the prestigious International Baccalaureate program at some elementary schools.
"The IB curriculum is exceptional, and you have to go through a rigorous process and training for the teachers in order to qualify," Walts said. "The program's in greater demand. Teachers and parents like it."
He is also still trying to complete the installation of a widespread fiber-optic network with voice and video equipment that won't be finished until the end of the 2009-10 academic year.
As for the math program, Walts said that reactions are mixed and that it is easy, based solely on the vocal opposition, to think Investigations is universally disliked. He said that parents may have some misperceptions that students are not being taught basic math facts.
"We believe that children should learn their math facts. That may be through games, activities or drills," he said. "There's rumors that you can't use flashcards anymore. That's simply not true."
Meanwhile, Walts will still have to contend with the lingering problems from Greece. Some school officials, parents and teachers say those issues could damage his reputation and goodwill in the county. Community members say Walts has helped raise the profile of the Prince William school system but say the fact that the school board and its attorney convened an emergency meeting to discuss the comptroller's audit -- and that Walts may have to travel to New York for a federal lawsuit -- are not healthy signs.
Maria Paslick, president of the Prince William County Schools Education Foundation, said Walts's troubles in Greece are unfortunate. "When you have the school board attorney having to address this issue, it costs money," Paslick said, adding that more information needs to come out before judgment is made. "When our superintendent has to leave his business here to attend to these other matters, it's a huge distraction, no matter how you look at it."
Walts has declined to comment on the Greece matters in recent days. But Keith Imon, an associate superintendent who worked with Walts in the Greece school system, has vigorously maintained that nothing with the Greece budget was done improperly.
So far, the school board has backed Walts.
"He's fully discharging his duties as far as I am concerned," school board member Don Richardson (Gainesville) said.
Webmaster
WALTS CONTRACT: STEALTH HEATH ADDENDUM - Feb 17, 2008
To Webmaster:
Thank you for posting a link (below) to the Superintendent's Contract addendum of Dec 14, 2004. This provided lifetime health insurance at no cost to the individual. I offer several points.
1. The public... even some BOE members probably haven't seen this document before.
2. As a sitting BOE member at the time, I can say that I did not receive a copy before voting.
3. And, in response to my recent FOIL request, the Board Clerk does not find any record of this document having been distributed to BOE members before voting Dec 14, 2004.
4. Perhaps this document should be dubbed the 'STEALTH HEALTH' addendum.
5. The motion to approve lifetime health insurance and other benefits was moved by Phelan, seconded Mueller, Dec 14th and voted 6 "yes" (Hoffman, Mueller, Peterson, Phelan, Russell and Sweet), and 3 "no" (Grason, Hubbard, and Walsh).
6. Also note, there are no initials/date or other official marks indicating that the addendum had been reviewed by the District's attorney.
7. Perhaps other BOE members will want to check in... on how they voted and why, and what they knew at that time.
George Hubbard
Document - February 17 2008
Here is a copy of the Addendum to Steve Walts's Contract that gave him the lifetime healthcare.
Addendum
Webmaster
Comments - February 18 2008
Some poor souls and die hard fans of Walts and Keller-Cogan have suggested that Dr. Kehoe was implicated in the Audit Report.
This is hogwash.
These "bottom feeders" will do and say anything to deflect the blame from where it truly belongs.
The truth is had it not been for Dr. Kehoe, we would not have been audited. We on the board learned that the office of the State Comptroller would not be auditing Greece Central until 2009. Dr. Kehoe contacted the Comptroller in early 2006 asking that we be moved up and, as a result of her request, they agreed to do it sooner and came in when they did last year.
So, to the Mary Smiths out there I say bite your tongue instead of sticking it out at those who speak against your beloved Steven L. Walts.
Joe Moscato
Whistle Blower Policy - February 16 2008
I must commend Pat Tydings for his initiative in instituting a long needed whistle blower policy. However, that said, the policy he proposed is an abomination. This policy was written by board attorneys in conjunction with Pat and Steve Achromovitch. It is obvious to this board member that the process outlined in this policy is severely flawed and will not inspire anyone in their right mind to come forward. Perhaps that is why it is being presented in its present form and is another example of the smoke and mirrors policy of this administration.
This policy is a reaction to recommendations made by the State Auditor who strongly urged this action consistent with their findings during the audit. They suggested it for two reasons, one to eliminate a repeat of wrongdoing in the future and because the number of anonymous calls they received during their six month investigation telling them to look at this and look at that was overwhelming and never before seen by them.
My point, if we are going to have a policy that works, we have to do it altogether differently than the one being proposed. The following is how I would craft this policy, very simply and with straight forward guarantees of protection to those who choose to come forward.
1. The district, district officials or anyone employeed by the district should not be the "go to" person. The board should hire or designate an outside agency with no ties whatsoever with district officals for this purpose.
2. Persons coming forward to this agency with information would be assigned a code number. The only person who would know their true identity would be the designated agency.
3. This agency would provide any information learned directly to the board, including only the code number of the person coming forward.
4. The only way this person would be identified would be through his or her expressed written permission.
5. It will then become the responsibility of the BOE through the president to make the superintendent aware of the allegations and request the action indicated.
Joe Moscato
Comments - February 15 2008
Hi Folks:
What follows is an account of unbelievable vicious politics that takes place on your school board. It is a tale of conspiracy, deceit, down-right arrogance and hatred directed at yours truly. It is an attempt by board members to deny me the right to represent those who elected me to represent their interests and that of the community at large. I take my obligation seriously and have always acted in the best interests of our students and those who pay the bill. The story that follows is an example of the latest attempt by the board majority, led by Roger Boily, to disenfranchise members of this community by attempting to stifle my efforts on their behalf.
The latest attempt to do this started with my placement of an item on the agenda for Last Tuesday's meeting. The agenda item dealt with the allegations contained in the unfortunately released comptroller's audit. The agenda item was in the form of a resolution authorizing district officials to contact the appropriate law enforcement agencies asking for an investigation to see if the alleged actions of our former superintendent rose to the level of criminal activity.
The second part of my resolution directed our attorneys to examine the facts contained in the FINAL audit due to be released in late March, to determine if Dr. Walts was in violation of the 2004 contract with regard to his retirement benefit of 100% lifetime health care. The obvious purpose here was to see if his actions disqualified him from receiving the taxpayer funded benefit.
This is where some members began to unravel and decided to attempt to kill this item. It was not because they disagreed with the resolution, but because I was to be the presenter. They could not tolerate this and what follows is an illustration as to what lengths some members of this board will go to cut me off at the knees and not let my ideas see the light of day. You be the judge as to what actually took place.
At the agenda setting meeting on Monday, February 4th, I not only had to fight to stay in the room, but to argue to have this properly posted item on the agenda consistent with board policy. Present at this meeting were Achromovitch, Boily, VanOrman, Tydings, Oberg and myself. The meeting ended and the agenda was set with my motion properly in place. Later, when I received the official agenda, I would discover that this document in no way resembled the agenda agreed on at the February 4th agenda meeting. In fact, in a gross departure from past practice, names of all agenda presenters, including mine, were removed from agenda items. This was a back-door attempt to slip someone else's name on to my agenda item. I would later learn at the February 12 board meeting that Superintendent Achromovitch, by his own admission, had instructed the board clerk to remove all names from agenda items. This action was inappropriate by our Superintendent as he does not control the board agenda.
The next day I would learn that Pat Tydings was going to place a competing motion to mine on the agenda. This practice is not allowed by board policy. I informed Pat of this fact and he indicated he would go forward as planned. This prompted a question from me to Mr. Tydings, "Pat, if I had not shown up unexpectedly at the agenda setting meeting, would my name be attached to my motion?" Without hesitation his answer was "No." My suspicions were confirmed. The conspiracy against me was now clear as a bell.
On Monday, February 11th, at the request of Roger Boily and made through my friend and fellow board member, Frank Oberg, I agreed to meet with Boily and Oberg at 8:30 a.m. at Breuggers Bagels. At this meeting, Boily disclosed that ever since I placed this resolution on the agenda, Carolyn Hauer had gone "postal" and had been continually demanding that he not allow me to have this item on the agenda. Roger told us that he correctly told her that he did not have the power to do this and that only I (the presenter) could take it off. He went on to reveal that Carolyn refused to accept this explanation and demanded to talk to the board attorney. He then set up a conference call with Fred Aten at which time Mr. Aten supported what Mr. Boily had told her citing the section of the SED Law. Apparently, according to Boily, she became irrational and continued to harass Roger renewing her outrageous demands. Obviously, her hatred for me has no bounds. Incidentally, that conference call will cost the taxpayers. It was obvious to Frank and me that Boily was caught between a a rock and hard place. Because of Achromovitch's gaffe by overreacting to the draft audit, and acting without board authorization, it was imperative to protect him with this resolution. I then agreed to have Frank Oberg make my motion in an attempt to negate Carolyn's irrational behavior toward me. Roger agreed and said he would talk to her and get back to me before the next night's meeting. Not surprisingly, this never would happen and never did.
At 6:15 p.m., fifteen minutes prior to the February board meeting, I would be told that Roger was not going to allow my motion on advice of attorney and he would substitute a motion of his own, in clear violation of board policy. I was being pressured by Boily and Fred Aten to withdraw my motion. When Boily left the room, I struck an accord with Mr. Aten wherein it was agreed that after I brought the motion forward, he agreed to address the board in public as to why portions of my motion should be removed and at that time I would reconsider. Unfortunately, and much to my dismay and surprise, my motion did not received the necessary "second", killing it and any discussion pertaining to its content as well as Fred Aten's explanation.
Folks, we are in serious trouble. This board is fast becoming the kind of board as the one vilified in the draft audit. This board, with one or two exceptions, is now under the complete control of another controlling superintendent who controls the board agenda in violation of SED Law and board policy.
My fear is simply this, five years from now when the next State audit takes place, this board will be cited for the same lack of oversight as spelled out in the audit. This board has completely lost focus on the purpose of why they are on this board and in the meantime our students continue to languish in mediocre academic performance while the board spends its time fighting over internal politics. Shame, shame on all of us.
Joe Moscato
Please contact me - February 14 2008
Bev:
I'm in Prince William County. I found your comments very interesting, especially since I have 5 children in the system that is under Dr. Walts now. We are very concerned down here in PWC.
Could you please contact me by email and leave your phone number at:
kgmomof5@gmail.com
Katie R
"Address the Mess" residents forum comments - February 13 2008
I am addressing you this evening with mixed emotions regarding the recent audit draft prepared by the New York State Comptroller's Office. I have been angry, outraged and at times extremely sad. I would like to be hopeful that the financial mess and the long-known academic decline of our school district can be turned around. But hope for positive change diminishes every day that this Board fails to take adequate corrective actions.
How can anyone NOT be angry when reading about the financial waste and abuse that the audit describes? Clearly the taxpayers have been robbed, but more importantly, our children have been robbed of a better education. I am angry that classrooms continue to go without proper books and supplies. And that special education parents had to file a successful class action law suit to receive the services that their kids were legally entitled to. Meanwhile the Superintendent was handed a blank check to spend money as he wished without being held accountable by the Board. I am outraged that each year building staffs were ordered to reduce their operating budgets by 10%, while at the same time money was siphoned off the district's operating funds for the luxurious CIP projects. And how angry should we be when we learn that $1.7 million was spent for services that may never have been performed? And another $1 million that was paid to the construction manager without authorization and documentation. That money could have gone virtually anywhere, all while the Board snoozed and heard from Supt. Walts that the CIP was on plan and on budget.
And shouldn't the FBI investigate the "Change Order Scam" where only SIX of 2400 change orders were brought to the Board for required approval? I guess the Board missed that also.
The history of our Board's failures continues. In 2001 the NYS Commissioner of Education ruled that the school district's 3651 reserve funds were being abused and served as a revolving checking account. This is violation of NYS Law but no one was held accountable.
In 2004 the district's internal claims auditor was arrested for embezzlement of district funds. That situation was swept under the rug as attempts by members of the community to provide information on how internal auditor duties must be performed under NY state law were ignored. And of course the numerous employee grievances that were violations of contracts along with the successful EEOC cases further confirmed that corruption and illegal activities were alive and well in our school district.
Lets not forget the computers that Walts and his cronies walked off with when they left for Virginia.
While we in CARE are grateful to the state auditors for conducting the present audit, we believe that this sampling audit shows only the tip of the iceberg of unscrupulous activity that has occurred here. A forensic audit is needed for the years from 1998 through today. It should include the investigation of all the superintendents, their staffs and the board members during these years. Board officers should be given special attention as by law, they serve as the Chief Financial Officer of the district.
It is well-remembered that some of you sitting on the present board were highly visible supporters of Supt. Walts and his actions. In fact some of you resorted to screaming and name calling for those of us in the community who tried to alert the past boards to the problems. But we were usually just "cut-off-at-the-knees" as the recent infamous e-mail from a current board member describes as a plan of action for those of us that refused to drink the kool-aid.
We have learned in the newspapers that our Supt. has approached the Monroe County District Attorney regarding the audit findings. But isn't that a Board duty? And shouldn't the Board President be responsible. And shouldn't there have been a public vote by all of you to take the legal steps needed.
Prior Boards passed their rightful and required responsibilities to a powerful and rogue superintendent. Is this board headed down the same path?
This Board of Education must step up now and take three critical steps to address the mess! If you don't, you will be no better, and perhaps worse, than the past boards that gave away the store.
First, we need a thorough forensic audit conducted by a law enforcement agency for 1998 through 2007.
Second, we need to pursue a criminal investigation of the audit findings with you, the board, requesting that activity.
Third, the lifetime benefits given to Supt. Walts need to be suspended immediately. This is the most actionable display of your determination to address the mess. The taxpayers will see that you truly mean business.
Will you step up and do the right things and display leadership?
Will you do more than call the audit a "learning experience" and just rewrite some policies?
But what policies are needed to make stealing and lying unacceptable?
Or will you dive for cover and be remembered as another board that failed?
Greece deserves better!
It is time to put your bickering aside. It is time for action.
Thank you.
Bev Strehle
Greece district holds off on Walts - February 13 2008
Meaghan M. McDermott
Staff writer
(February 13, 2008) — Former Greece Central School District Superintendent Steven L. Walts' retirement health benefits are safe, at least for now.
Acting on legal advice, Greece's school board on Tuesday declined to revisit the benefits, saying to do so would be premature. A draft audit of the school system by the state Comptroller's Office alleges some financial misconduct in the district during Walts' employment, but during Tuesday's board meeting, school attorney Fred Aten reminded the board — and the community — that the audit has not been finalized and its conclusions could differ when the final report is released in late March or early April.
A copy of the draft was obtained by the Democrat and Chronicle and published earlier this month.
Residents outraged by the draft audit's conclusions lashed out at the board Tuesday night.
Beverly Strehle said the board needs to do three things to restore community trust: initiate a forensic audit of district finances from 1998 to 2008; ask for a criminal investigation; and suspend Walts' health benefits.
During the meeting, the board did vote to retroactively authorize current Superintendent Steven Achramovitch to contact the state Attorney General and Monroe County District Attorney and ask for a criminal investigation into the alleged mismanagement. Board President Roger Boily asked Achramovitch to do so last week. Board member Joseph Moscato said Boily should not have done so without a board vote. Boily apologized and said he was being proactive.
Last week, Moscato said in light of the draft audit, he would ask the board to revoke Walts' contract, which provides him up to 100 percent of his health care insurance costs although he is now superintendent of the Prince William County schools in Virginia. Walts worked in Greece from 1998 to 2005, and his contract allowed him retirement benefits if he left Greece after five or more years of employment.
A motion Moscato made Tuesday asking the board to revisit Walts' contract after the final audit is released died for lack of a second.
Aten said the board needs to tread carefully and ensure it takes no actions that could be construed as defaming, libeling or slandering Walts.
Board member Frank Oberg said he was outraged the draft audit was made public.
"This was leaked prematurely to the press before any factual errors could be corrected," he said. "No matter what happens now, people will always remember what they first heard
Webmaster
Plaque - February 12 2008
It certainly looks like George Hubbard was right and the rubber stamp seven were either asleep at the switch or in cahoots with Walts. The rubber stamp seven continually thwarted George's attempts to find out what was going on with GCSD finances and for that each and every one of them deserves public ridicule.
While Greece citizens or the current school board may have difficulties suing Walts and the rubber stamp seven, there are alternatives, which wouldn't cost much money. I'd suggest erecting a plaque, with Walts' name, the names of his administrators, and the names the rubber stamp seven indicating that they misused at least $2.5 million dollars of taxpayer's money, which was supposed to "be for the kids". A prominent wall of the "performing arts center" would be a good place for such a plaque.
Greece residents also should not forget that there are five or six members of the current school board who are supported by the same groups, which gave us the rubber stamp seven. Doesn't it seem strange they are now arguing over deficits and fund balances!
Bob McArdle
Controversies Threaten to Erode Trust in Schools Chief - February 12 2008
By Ian Shapira
Washington Post Staff Writer
Tuesday, February 12, 2008; Page B06
In public, Prince William County School Superintendent Steven L. Walts has enjoyed unanimous support from the School Board since he arrived in 2005 to lead one of the Washington area's fastest-growing systems.
But surprisingly persistent controversies from Walts's previous job in Upstate New York could erode his standing among his elected bosses and the wider school community, according to interviews with several parents, community leaders and school officials.
Last night, the county School Board met with its attorney and Walts to discuss a recent preliminary audit by the New York comptroller that found that the Greece, N.Y., school district was rife with financial "waste and abuse" during Walts's tenure. The report also says the Greece system's "acquiescence to a powerful superintendent" led to unauthorized spending on capital improvements.
In a statement, School Board Chairman Milton C. Johns said: "The School Board is satisfied with this information and will continue to monitor any ongoing developments. Dr. Walts continues to have the confidence of the Prince William County School Board. The Prince William County community can rest assured that the School Board has long-standing and transparent policies and audit procedures, assuring integrity and effectiveness of all division operations." Walts has declined to comment in recent days on the Greece controversies.
"When leaving Greece, the capital project was within budget," said Keith Imon, a Prince William associate superintendent.
Aside from the audit, Walts is also contending with a federal lawsuit in New York filed by Greece teacher Mary T. Donlon, 57, who accuses him of age discrimination. Walts and other former Greece school officials are expected to travel to New York for depositions as soon as this month. Donlon is one of five Greece teachers who served under Walts and filed complaints with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and lawsuits.
"What I've heard from parents is that everyone's very concerned," said Martina Boone, a parent and vice chairman of a Prince William safe schools advisory council. "I think there's a concern that these types of things have happened up there and are going to spill down here."
Some school officials also are apprehensive about the emergence of leadership questions during a difficult budget cycle and a barrage of parent criticism over a new elementary math program.
"We're trying show people how hard-working we are and how we need higher teacher salaries," said a principal, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because of fear of retaliation. "To look at the county board of supervisors and say we need more money when you have all this baggage going on is not good."
Some teachers said they were unsure whether the New York controversies are a serious matter or a vendetta by old foes.
"Everybody's kind of speechless. They're like, 'Have you seen the paper?' " said Meg Gruber, an earth science teacher at Forest Park High School, who serves on the board of directors of the Prince William Education Association. "Mostly, people are like, 'Do you think it's true, or do you think there is a faction in New York that still doesn't like him?' "
The Greece audit could lead the Prince William School Board to review a contracting policy adopted after Walts arrived. That policy allows contracts for construction, goods and services that cost $500,000 or less to be awarded without board approval. Previously, the board had approved contracts for construction costing more than $200,000 and those for goods and services costing more than $100,000.
"I suspect that topic is going to come up," said a school official who spoke on the condition of anonymity because of fear of retaliation. "In light of the concerns raised in Greece, I think it's something the board should look at."
Webmaster
Comments - February 11 2008
It's a hell of a thankless job.
My hats off to them for all they have been through.
I meant it "tong in Cheek" when I wrote it.
It has special meaning for anyone who has ever served.
Speaking of thankless jobs.. I admire you for sticking to Greeceschools the way you have. You have had a lot to do with the turn around. Turning a School District is like turning an Ocean Liner, Neither one turns on a dime. Getting it to move forward is like moving an elephant. If you can get it to pick up it's front foot, the rest will follow. Just make sure it dosn't move backword when it comes down. Patient persistents will get you there.
In case you don't know
"Thanks Jeff."
Bill Donlon
Comments - February 11 2008
In a small upstate community in 1948 a local farmer, with a reputation for having a hot temper, lost a court decision to a neighbor. His friends, afraid that he might do something rash, descended on his place to show sympathy and support and were surprised to find him sitting calmly on his front porch whittling on a piece of hickory.
"Have you heard about the decision Jeb?" One of his friends asked.
"Oh! I've heard!" Jeb replied.
"Well ain't ya mad?" asked another friend.
"Oh, I guess I'm just about as mad as I've ever been!" Jeb answered, with out looking up from his whittling.
"You ain't fixing to do nothing rash, are you Jeb?' asked the first friend.
"I'm fixing to get even in the worst way I know how!" answered Jeb.
"Aw Jeb! You go gunning for him, they'll hang you for sure!"
"I'm not fixing to gun anyone!" Jeb replied in a raised voice.
"Well you'll be wearing stripes and breaking rocks if you burn his barn".
"I ain't no barn burner!" Jeb replied, lowering his voice.
"Well what are you fixing to do Jeb?' asked his friend.
I'm going to wait till this spring to set things right" replied Jeb.
"And just what terrible thing are you going to do to your neighbor this spring Jeb?" asked his friend
Jeb looked up from his whittling for the first time since his friends entered the yard and fixed
them in a hate filled stare. Then, in measured tones through his grinding teeth, he replied:
"That's when I'm going to get his sorry ass elected to the school board!"
Careful Jeffrey, HMO just might come looking for you with a rope and a gun.
Bill Donlon
Comments - February 03 2008
With all that has come out in the recent days, It looks like HMO was right on the money!!..
I say that Greece Citizens should Re-elect HMO to the board
at least there will be 3 people looking out for the good of the Taxpayers and the students.
Remember Student learning is the Goal
Jeffrey Cagwin
Let's hear from the old gang! - February 11 2008
Just a thought...
Remember Karen Hoffman chiding some of our present board members (HMO) about in fighting and stirring things up and sensationalism, & the old 'why can't we get along'......
Ms. Hoffman...you always put yourself on a pedestal...many people thought you were this wise old sage...
Time to come out and admit you were WRONG!
We trusted you! And because you looked the other way, we're still paying! What did you tell your kids growing up about integrity?
And how about Mr. Table thumper Larry Sweet....Not so sweet now is it? Hubbard, Muscato, and Oberg were big bullies, weren't they Larry? Pushin out poor Meg in her winter whites!
What about now Larry? YOU looked the other way too! You were asleep at the wheel! This community elected you...I'll bet they didn't know that you'd end up being just another politician!
Time to eat crow, people! Try it w/ some 'OLD BAY"...I hear they use that a lot down in Prince William County!
Want to restore some good faith? Help restore your own integrity? Both of you should come forward : apologize and admit You were wrong! I wish there were odds on that! Bet you'll NEVER do it, cause you don't have the stones!
Oh, and by the way...Thank you Charlie, Joe, and Frank! All that crap you took? Turns out it wasn't for nothing!
John Yeara.
New Story - February 11 2008
Here is the newest story From the Washington Post.
PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY
Schools Chief to Be Deposed in N.Y. Bias Suit
By Ian Shapira
Washington Post Staff Writer
Monday, February 11, 2008; Page B05
Steven L. Walts, the Prince William County school superintendent whose financial management of a New York school district is under investigation, is expected to give a deposition soon in a lawsuit alleging that he and his subordinates discriminated and retaliated against a teacher in the Greece Central School District, according to the plaintiff's lawyer.
The lawsuit, filed by elementary school teacher Mary T. Donlon, 57, names Walts and several other former Greece officials as defendants. Donlon alleges that Walts recommended her dismissal in 2005 after she complained to him that she was unfairly evaluated and that less-experienced, younger teachers were hired over her for summer school positions. Walts was the Greece superintendent until mid-2005.
The U.S. District Court case in New York comes after a rare determination by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission that Walts's administration discriminated against Donlon on the basis of age.
His deposition has not been scheduled, but it could be as early as this month, said James Bilik, a senior counsel with New York State United Teachers, a federation of local unions that is representing Donlon. A trial could occur this year or in the first half of 2009, Bilik added.
Through a schools spokesman, Walts released a statement yesterday saying that he was aware he could be asked to give a deposition but did not know of a scheduled date.
The pending deposition comes at a sensitive time for Walts, who became Prince William superintendent in 2005, replacing the long-serving Edward L. Kelly. Since Walts's appointment, he has been trailed by escalating controversies in Greece.
Tonight, the Prince William School Board is scheduled to meet in a closed emergency session with its attorney to discuss a recent New York state comptroller's audit that determined Walts and his Greece administration used unauthorized funds to pay for building renovations and other capital improvement projects. Greece school officials have referred the matter to the state attorney general and the Monroe County district attorney's office for investigation.
Prince William board members have declined to comment in detail about the audit.
Yesterday, Milton C. Johns, the School Board chairman, said he was not aware of the pending deposition. "Frankly, those are things that happened in another place and another time," he said. "Steve is a consummate professional. I don't see any reason to be concerned. This has a lot to do with New York state politics and union politics and less about job performance."
Many parents and teachers like Walts's outgoing style and ambition to increase the school system's stature in Northern Virginia. Others view his problems in Greece as evidence that School Board members conducted a weak superintendent search in 2005. Board members did not visit Greece and had been unaware that more than a dozen teachers filed EEOC complaints against Walts's administration there. The School Board picked Walts after its first choice, Charles Q. Lindsey, then a superintendent in Knoxville, Tenn., turned down the job.
Corey A. Stewart (R-At Large), chairman of the Prince William Board of County Supervisors, said he has confidence that the School Board will investigate the New York audit thoroughly. "But if things get out of hand and [School Board members] don't take charge of the situation, the Board of Supervisors will have to do something," he said. "The School Board needs to look at everything very critically and openly and shouldn't take anybody's word for it that nothing was done wrong."
Posted by Webmaster
From VA - February 09 2008
GCSD Folks:
I figure you might like to see this. Our school board just scheduled an emergency closed meeting with legal council to discuss Walts. It will be Monday night, the day before your school board meeting.
Now this is VERY HOT and interesting news! Thought you would all want to see it if you haven't already.
Alyson
http://pwcs.edu/admin/news/NR.asp?NRnum=212&NRdate=2/8/2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE N.R. #212, 2/8/2008
Date: 2/8/2008
Contact: Ken Blackstone
Director, Communications Services
703.791.8015
Irene Cromer,
Supervisor of Community Relations
703.791.8720
Prince William County School Board Schedules Closed Session
Pursuant to Virginia Code §§ 2.2-3707 (D) and 2.2-3711 (A) (1) and (7), the Prince William County School Board will hold a closed session emergency meeting on Monday, February 11 to consult with legal counsel regarding today’s reported allegations of misconduct involving the Division Superintendent. The meeting will be held at 7 p.m. in the School Board closed session room at 14800 Joplin Road, Manassas.
Webmaster
New things to take a look at - February 09 2008
Local Journal Messanger Article today: http://tinyurl.com/2qrv7e
PWCS PROPOSED BUDGET article: http://tinyurl.com/2k3f8r
Local BLOGs:
NY News and Articles from this week mentioning PWC:
www.PWCTeachMathRight.com
Webmaster
New Article - February 09 2008
The Eashington Post has a new article.
Meeting Planned On Schools Chief
Webmaster
Everyone answers to someone (eventually) - February 08 2008
Nothing new here, go back in this sites archives I said it then and I reiterate "Absolute Power Corrupts Absolutely". Let me see if memory serves correctly a School Super and his cronies in Long Island did not think that any one would notice the missing 11 Million WRONG. Rochester Police Chief thought he was above the law WRONG hello Lewisburg. Steve, Gerry and the boys were always talking about the BIG PICTURE and we were not smart enough to get it.Well all of the little pictures that make up the big picture tell the tale. The Comptroller is not doing this just for laughs. Stay on em Meaghan we are proud of ya( I mean you).(buy ya a Stout on St Paddys Day).
William Empey
Great Article - February 08 2008
Please check out the article in the Potomac News.
Superintendent target of N.Y. probe
By CHERYL K. CHUMLEY
Click here for Story
Webmaster
WHO WAS/IS RESPONSIBLE FOR GCSD FINANCES? - Feb 6, 2008
"Local Finance Law identifies the president of the school board as the chief fiscal officer and chief executive officer of the school district."
So says the book SCHOOL LAW, 30th Edition, pg 709 on Fiscal Management.
All newly sworn members of GBOE get a free copy of the most recent edition.
George Hubbard.
How surprised are we? - February 05 2008
After reading the D&C these past two days only reinforces what I and a LOT of other GCSD employees thought all thoses years back! The former supt. spent $$$$ like it was water.....Heck,there is a $24,000 outdoor drinking fountain at Longridge that pays homage to this extravagance!!!
I even have 6 GRAND OPENING cookies (@ approx.$2 per cookie)in my freezer that you may put on EBay to recover the cost of this over indulgence....Do the math....est 500 cookies for each Grand Opening ( I do not know how many Grand Openings...ah,let's use the 15 figure) equals approx.7,500 cookies times $2 each....you get $15,000 used to BUY COOKIES!!!!!!! Do we call this "Sweetening the Pot"?????
I am sure this is "small potatoes" when compared to the other monetary nonsense that went on,but it is an example of the GCSD's "open wallet" policy....
If ya wanna cookie go to EBay or call me...I have 'em in my freezer and bet that they taste great after all these years!!!!
David Thomas
GCSD Retiree 2005
State Audit - February 05 2008
Here are the links to the Stories in the Democrat and Chronicle
Story 1 - Click for Story
Story 2 - Click for Story
Story 3 - Click for Story
And here is the State Audit. -- Click for Audit
Webmaster
Comments - February 05 2008
I would like to make sure the folks in PWC, Virginia know that they have bigger problems with Walts and his other minions he brought with him from the Greece & Pittsford School Districts. You all need to go to the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle web site and read Sunday's (2/3/08)front page regarding the New York State Comptroller's audit report of the Greece School District during Walts' reign. There is also a story in the D&C today (2/5/08) as well that should be read by all in PWC including the Board who hired this man. The editorial board of this newspaper is calling for a criminal investigation and for the NYS Attorney General's Office and the local District Attorney's Office to conduct an investigation.
The state audit is a scathing report of financial mismanagement under Walts. The story and the full audit can be read by going to the Democrat and Chronicle web site and clicking on the Sunday edition.
While I truly sympathize with parents and teachers regarding Walts' plan to implement his new math program in PWC like he did here(which by the way has been a complete failure in Greece)You all ought to be going by the hundreds if not thousands to school board meetings to force his resignation. Your school board and your community were sold down the river to hire Walts by people in the Greece school district giving him glowing reports, some of which came from the same administrators and Greece Board members who are referenced in the State audit report. In my opinion, this man should NEVER be allowed to work in any school district in the United States again. Likewise for the people he brought with him from NYS.
All you parents and teachers in PWC need to go to the Washington Post and all other print, TV and radio news to get this audit out there in addition to your concerns about the math program.
Anne Miller
Former Greece School Board Member (1993-1996)
Mr. Skeet I think we need you in PWC VA - February 03 2008
I am part of a group of parents in Prince William County calling ourselves "The Teach Math Right Team". We seem to be the unfortunate recipients of several of your former Greece Administrators and from reading the posts on your site and articles in the news there it seems all too familiar. We are preparing for a school board meeting coming up this week where Dr. Walts will present his new budget and proposed plans to issue bonds to borrow money and we will address the school board on the new Math Investigations program. I would love to talk with Mr Skeet or others in hopes that they may offer some insight to all of this!
Thanks!
Alexis Miller
PWC Teach Math Right Team (VA)
www.pwcTeachMathRight.com
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/PWCSMathForum/
http://www.petitiononline.com/123math/petition.html
SHOCKED - February 03 2008
After reading the article in today's D%C on the draft audit. I am shocked that the Board of Education would want to meet in Executive session, to discuss the audit. One would think that restoring public trust would be foremost. I understand that the Open Meeting law may allow the board to go into Executive session to discuss this subject, but the law does not state they HAVE too. Also lets not forget some mistakes the current board has made.
1. E-mail, lets cut them off at the knees.
2. Vice President stating to vote yes on Excel vote during a board meeting. Then stating in the D%C I was speaking as a parent not a board member!
3. The district cut out 15 minutes of Board comments from the tape it sent to the public access station to broadcast.
One would think that the district and Board of Education would LEARN from past mistakes. Then again maybe NOT.
Jim Leary
Surprise, surprise!- February 03 2008
Thank you comptroller. Thank you Ms. McDermott.
FINALLY, some of the big graft is being exposed. It is about time. Have to add that I don't think it would be fair or just for our new super to have to wear this mess or be held accountable to explain it.
Could say told ya so...but in the interest of moving on how about the following "immortal words" of the school district's current law firm; "It just isn't worth very much."
TALuther
Hate to say we told you so, but..... - February 03 2008
O.K. all you little Stevie and Meg supporters! Did you read the paper today...(I know, you say the D&C is not fit to line the bottom of your bird cage, yada,yada,yada)
So They misused money? Like LOTS & LOTS of money?....& some of that money can't be accounted for? so basically missing? Missing money is sometimes referred to....and please forgive me if I misunderstand the english language....but STOLEN... is a word that comes to the Password game in my mind!....and people who are responsible for stealing money are referred to as ...... CROOKS????
Soooooo...in a nutshell....HMO was RIGHT about those bad,bad, may I add BAD people!!! Oh c;mon, you can say it!
Too bad I wasn't on the inside! Might've gotten a free lunch out of it!!!
SO...the Moral of the story is "Don't be blinded by the light (or the white pants suit in winter, or the Pepe Le Pugh head stripe!)"
John Yeara
Comments - February 1 2008
What ever happened with Mr. Oberg's motion to review the Open Enrollment policy? I attended 2 BOE sessions in October and November when it was discussed. A report was due, but I can't find any details on results or status in the December and January BOE minutes...
Paul Hodges
COMBINED SURPLUS FUNDS: $10.5M TOTAL - January 16 2008
Viewers of BOE meeting Jan 8th should take note of comments by Vice President Julia VanOrman. After complimenting the budget presentation, Julia said [to admin], ".the more information you can give us and that we can give the community and share with them going forward with this process, I think will really be a benefit."
Presuming Julia's words expressed more than just her thinking on the Board, voters should welcome this openness and transparency.
So, here are a few P's & Q's (Points and Questions) to consider:
Point#1: Last year (2006-07) BOE withheld $3.6M of a much larger surplus... and did not count this when preparing the budget for this year.
Point#2: The net of expenditures for this year (2007-08) is projected to yield $7.1M surplus. Hence, combined surplus: $3.6M + $7.1M = $10.7M.
Point#3: The net of incoming revenues this year is projected to be a small $0.2M ($151,000) deficit. This would have been a $2.1M surplus if not for reduced County sales tax revenue. So, Total combined surplus: $10.7M minus $0.2M = $10.5M.
Ques#1: When will BOE share with the public... possible uses for the above surplus of $10.5M?
Ques#2: With an austerity budget of $188.7M this year, where actual spending is projected to come in $7.1M lower, where should BOE set the starting base for building next year's budget?
Perhaps Board members and others would like to comment.
George Hubbard
Current issues in the District Comments - January 16 2008
Hello everyone,
Below is an exerpt from a letter that PASSN has recieved from the lawyer that negotiated the class action settlement with the district. He has reminded us that ALL students with a classification are covered under the Consent Decree. He needs to hear from the parents in order to find out if the district is implementing the services as spelled out in their agreement. He will not know this unless we give him the information. Please contact us if you would like to meet as a group. If you would like to contact him individually his information is listed at the bottom of the e-mail. Please notify all parents of their coverage under this decree and encourage them to communicate any issues. We can help our disrtict continue to make improvements by holding them accountable to the law and openly communicating and advocating the needs of the students. Here are some samples of complaints covered by Consent Decree: The issues covered by the decree are not limited to thoses listed here) if you are not sure CALL!. If you answer YES to any of these statements you should definately call Jonathan.
Services were removed from a student without explanation.
Services were removed from a child due to scheduling or budgetary issues.
Services that were reccomended by professionals were refused without justification based on my child's needs.
Child was declassified without updated evaluations or written explanation
Student fails to progress in current program (Gap is static or growing)
Child is 14 or older and I have not met the Person Centered Transition Specialist from the district yet.
IEP changes were made based on changing grade level or buildings instead of the needs of child.
Support staff ( Aides, assistants CCA) services were removed without documentation or justification.( Child's need did not change)
Support staff not trained or familiar with child's BIP or IEP
Inclusion into specials classes ( ART MUSIC Tech, Home and Careers etc...takes little to no consideration of childs IEP and accomodations or supports are withheld at that time.
Staff allows students to refuse services that are on IEP.
Greece PASSN ( Letter exerpt below)
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Hi, everyone --
Under the Greece consent decree, we are supposed to meet with the District to go over any implementation concerns. Before we do that, we would very much like to meet with parents to learn of any consent decree issues or concerns. From the PASSN meeting in November, I know that transition is one area we should be looking at, but I would like to learn if there are any other issues, as well.
Thanks very much, and I look forward to hearing from you.
Regards,
Jonathan
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Christine Latus
Greece PASSN
From Charlie Hubbard - Greece school board January 16 2008
As we go down the school budget road there are 2 items i would like the owners (taxpayers) of this district to be aware of.
#1 Approx. 90% of the spending increase is brought to you by the Greece school board via approval of contracts (salaries + benefits) and bussing costs.
#2 The projected DEACREASE in enrollment for next year is 365.
I will be supplying further info as it becomes available.
Charlie Hubbard
chubbard005@rochester.rr.com
615-2678
Improved Results at Athena M.S. - January 8 2008
Good news for Athena Middle School having made sufficient progress to be removed from the SED list of schools in need of improvement.
Congratulations to students and staff at Athena Middle School... and to everyone in the District who played a part in - "MAKING CHANGES" - to improve educational results.
In the context of 'continuous improvement', it's not only the improvement in results that should be celebrated, but the CHANGES to a process that lead to improved results... i.e. cause and effect... that deserve recognition.
Presumably the changes to the [educational] process at Athena M.S. are known and repeatable. Only then can improvements be sustained... perhaps translated to other settings... and advanced to even higher levels of achievement.
Can BOE members comment on steps taken to continue the momentum?
George Hubbard
Re: Hubbard Finance Cost posting - December 22 2007
Hello,
A note that my comments in the post: December 17 2007
"I think these comments are unfortunate."
was referring to Mr. Oberg, not Mr. Hubbard.
I apologize for any confusion this may have caused.
Tom Klotzbach
Comments - December 22 2007
My point was not concerning the estimated interest charges being part of the proposition. My comment was made concerning the estimated interest charges being explained and disclosed to the public, even if meetings were poorly attended, and even if this was not brought up by the public.
It's a matter of being as public facing with information as possible.
Tom Klotzbach
Passing EXCEL Increases School Budget - Dec 22, 2007
Having just passed the EXCEL Project in Dec, will voters be surprised in May to find a budget increase resulting from EXCEL? Publicized as a freebee from Albany - some called it a 'no brainer!', when will the public be told?
Point#1: Thanks to BOE member Oberg's Dec 19th posting, "Public Interest.", it is now known GCSD will finance EXCEL by selling 15 yr bonds... interest charges are involved - estimated at $6.8M... hence the total cost for EXCEL is: $21.4M (repairs & upgrades - as publicized) + $6.8M (bond interest - as not publicized) = $28.2M total.
Point#2: In round numbers, $28.2M/15 yrs = $1.88M* will be required annually to repay the debt. (*) This number may be somewhat smaller during early years as EXCEL spending ramps up.
Q#1: Will the $1.88M* for EXCEL be included in future GCSD budgets for the next 15 yrs?
Q#2: Isn't the additional $1.88M* over and above what would otherwise be budgeted each year... if there were no EXCEL Project?
Point#3: As an illustration for perspective, adding $1.88M to a $188M GCSD budget such as for this year (2007-08) would amount to an additional budget increase of 1%.
Q#3: When (and how) will BOE explain to voters... this 'surprise' budget increase resulting from EXCEL?
George Hubbard
Public Interest(?) in Interest? - December 19 2007
The points that I made in my EXCEL post dated December 9 apparently rubbed Tom the wrong way. He apparently concluded (wrongfully) that members of this current BOE do not take finances seriously because the proposition placed on the ballot did not indicate the interest (finance charges) that would be incurred if the $21.4M were to be approved. I regret that I did not clarify my use of the term "divulge" in my posting as I intended it to be used, namely, the inclusion of interest charges on the EXCEL proposition as it appeared on the ballot. I did not intend that the level of interest cost that might be incurred should be kept a secret from any member of the public.
This inclusion of interest charges on bonding propositions has been raised on any number of occasions in the recent past. Those discussions have determined that the district was not legally bound to include this item. Physical space limitations on the voting machine space precludes lengthy writing. It is important to reduce often complex propositions into the simplest possible terms to avoid confusion on the part of the public. Thus finance charges are (were) not included in the proposition language.
There is also the matter that if interest figure "a" was estimated and disclosed and subsequent market events resulted in interest figure "b", the differential would likely be the source of much public irritation and blog writing that would accuse the board of "lying" at worst or deceptive practices at best. In any event, the proposition vote is for the approval to spend a specific amount of money for a specific purpose. The public is not being asked to approve the financing interest rate.
I am aware that a few individuals, a former BOE member among them, would like to see interest charges included on all proposals to be submitted to the public for approval. I would also point out that the desire of one or more current board members to have this info on the ballot requires, in our case, to have five members of our nine member board insist via a vote to include the information. Such a decision has not been taken by any board in recent years to my knowlege although the matter has been discussed at some prior BOE public meetings.
I would also like to state that while I was out of town (November 6 through 26), the board was presented with a document dated November 15, 2007 written by district School Business Administrator Lou Alaimo entitled "EXCEL Bond Amoritization Schedule." In this document Mr. Alaimo laid out three scenarios involving financing dependent upon SED approval of the aid allowed. This document suggested an interest charge ranging from $6.7M to $6.9M on the expected bond sale. So the BOE knew on or about November 15 the "approximate" amount of interest likely to occur. I suspect that readership of this document was not limited to just BOE members.Thus Mr. George Hubbard's posted estimates of $7.3M in interest is (was) in the "ballpark." I hasten to add that this document is not "secret" and is available.
I would also state that this district held a number of well publicized public meetings in November and December to acquaint our citizens with the details of the EXCEL project. I must tell you, that having attended two of the meetings prior to my departure from town, I couldn't have been more "underwhelmed" at the level of public participation at these meetings. There were not more than six or seven citizens at either of the two meetings I attended. It is my understanding that subsequent meetings were also poorly attended. The Superintendent together with members of his staff and several BOE members were at each of these events. They were prepared to answer any and all questions or concerns about EXCEL.
These meeting opportunities were, in my opinion, the ideal time for "interested" citizens to raise concerns about "interest" on the bonds. Alas, there was no public interest in "interest!"
Frankly, since my term on the BOE, I have championed privately and publicly the "right of the citizen to know" and to participate in district issues. I have authored and gotten the board to pass motions that established meeting opportunities and invited the public to participate. The restoration of Resident's Forum, seeking input on the qualifications of our new district superintendent, the search for the new superintendent, and most recently the Cable access 12 issue all come quickly to mind as examples of this board's desire to seek ways for public participation and input. Yet, I continue to be dismayed by the dismal public participation in these opportunities. I think we like to complain but not participate when given the chance! There I go being strident and aloof again.
Frank Oberg
Pinellas County Florida schools return to neighborhood schools - December 19 2007
For those of you interested in returning to neighborhood schools,the Pinellas County Schools have done just that. The following is a link to an article in the St. Pete's Times
http://www.sptimes.com/2007/12/19/Northpinellas/Pinellas_School_Board.shtml
Jane McLean
Hubbard Finance Cost posting - December 17 2007
"Point: The law does not require the interest estimate to be made nor publicly divulged as I understand it from talking about this subject with our attorneys and with district financial personnel.
Point: Since it is NOT required by law to be estimated/promulgated and since there is NOT a majority of the BOE that insists that it be divulged it IS not!"
I think these comments are unfortunate. No, the interest expenses are not required by law to be estimated, nor publicly divulged. But your comments come across as strident and aloof. You may not be required to divulge this information, but wouldn't if be better to discuss and explain the costs in the widest possible audience.
I know of other Boards of Education that have discussed the interest estimates and discussed them at length in Open Meeting. Why? Because they wanted to make sure that whatever the medium, folks would have a ballpark idea of the costs. That's not unreasonable, contrary to what seems to be coming through in the portion of your post above.
Lastly, the GCSD Board of Education has been admonished to be more attentive to detail in matters of budget and finances, when the Commissioner wrote:
"I therefore admonish respondent board again to comply with Education Law §1716 in adopting future contingency budgets. Continued failure of the board to act consistent with law is not acceptable." - see http://www.counsel.nysed.gov/Decisions/volume47/d15688.htm
Although the issue in Appeal of Hubbard is a tangential one to the estimates of interest cost estimates, there does seem to be a problem at Greece that does not place an emphasis on detail in the areas of finances and budget, and it has been noted by the Commissioner on more than one occasion. I would hope the BOE would want to put its' best foot forward in this area and if it means estimating interest costs, then perhaps that should be done.
Tom Klotzbach
Comments - December 17 2007
You win some - you loss some - but of course you can't make a mistake if you do nothing.
I was reminded recently of one of the TRUE victories we had as a member of the school board - We now have chistmas back in our schools.
This was brought to my attention by a resident and yes this was not always the case - hard to believe but 2 years ago we had to put CHRISTMAS 'back' in our schools.
I hope the kids and community appreciate it - I know I do and I can't begin to tell you how much I appreciated this resident reminding me.
It would be unfair of me not to mention how the thanks must also go to Mr. Moscato - Mr. Oberg - and Mr. Grason for without thier efforts this would not have happened.
MERRY CHRISTMAS
Charlie Hubbard - school board
Wall Street Journal - December 14 2007
Greece Central Schools makes the Wall Street Journal Today.
Please read the article
Webmaster
EXCEL Questions... and more questions - Dec 12, 2007
Q#1: When will voters be told about increases to future District budgets to pay for EXCEL?
GCSD graduation rates for ninth grade cohort groups has declined rather steadily over recent years from 85% to 80% (no data yet for last year) while other districts have been moving up.
Q#2: If EXEL stands for Expanding our Children's Education and Learning (a catchy phrase), how much of EXCEL spending is directed to improve student 'education and learning'? What are the measures and goals for improved student learning?
Q#3: EXCEL is a catchy name for a project for P.R. purposes, but how does this EXCEL Project really differ from a regular Capital Improvement Project (CIP)... like e.g. the 2000 CIP for $120M? Why wasn't this project explained to the public as the '2007 CIP'?
George Hubbard
Greece Central 2007 Graduation Rate - December 12 2007
The following information was supplied to me from a FOIL
request that I made to the
Both methods of calculating graduation rates, the cohort method and the senior class method have their own advantages and disadvantages. It is just important to always compare apples to apples.
In the senior class method you simply take the number of seniors that are in a school or school district, on BEDS day, October 1st and divide that number into the number of seniors that graduated the following June. This is the most simple, most commonly understood and most straight follow method of calculating graduation rates. When the community ask a perfectly reasonable question; “How many seniors graduated?” This is what they expect, a straight forward answer.
2007 Graduation Rates
Advanced
School # Seniors/Design. Dip./, Reg. Dip./, IEP,/ Local,/Tot. Grad./ % Grad./ #Not Grad
Arcadia 331 115 115 2 18 250 75.5% 81
Athena 359 196 92 6 7 301 83.8% 58
Odyssey 115 60 48 0 1 109 94.7% 6
Olympia 374 123 123 7 29 282 75.4% 92
District 1179 494 378 15 55 942 79.8% 237
Sorry for some of my abbreviations but it is a lot of data for the horizontal sheet. To help, this is the code from left to right: Design. =Designation, Dip=Diploma
Reg. Dip=Regular Regents Diploma, Tot Grad=Total Graduation
Well, this is the data!! Now, is it good news or bad news? Do you like what you see or dislike what you see?
Some of my general comments are:
The district has nothing to celebrate with this set of data.
There are no improvements shown. In fact, I think the district is down a percentage point or two.
When
Who would get on a plane if we knew that one out of four
seats were going to fail and fall through the bottom
of the plane? One out of four students that enter the plane of
In June of 2007 Greece Central put 237 into the great Black Hole. Where are they? Did they get a GED? Graduate in Aug 2007? Will they graduate in Jan of 2008 or June of 2008? The answer is we don’t know. They are in Greece Central’s great big Black Hole. We do know from the 2005 graduation data that only 4% more of the students that did not graduate in June of 2005 went on to graduate by the following June of 2006. By this same comparison, only 4% or 10 students of the 237 students that did not graduate in the June of 2007 class will graduate by June of 2008.
The next time you hear the BOE members or district office administrators talk about how great things are in Greece Central and what great things they see happening in the buildings when they take their tours of the district and buildings, ask them about the MISSING 237 students that DID NOT graduate in June of 2007. How great is the district for the class of 2007 Black Hole students.
Sincerely yours
Doug Skeet
EXCEL - December 12 2007
Ok I missed that there is building aid? So is that what the bonds will be purchased for?
Shannon Kozak
: I am very confused EXCEL ?- December 12 2007
On the state web site it indicates that the EXCEL max is 4 million in aid? Am I missing something? Also are we selling or buying bonds? Again the web site indicates that EXCEL money can not be used to pay for bonds. Please explain.
Also to the previous post while I may agree that there are problems in our district/board why on earth would you penalize the children by voting no. That makes no sense we need to get the community educated an out voting to elect the board that is wanted. We have a history of poor turn out for voting.
Shannon Kozak
A Furtive Schoolboard!! - December 11 2007
I haven't looked at this site for quite a while, but I see nothing has changed in GCSD. The school board is still trying to deceive the public on spending issues and muddies the water so that the average citizen can never have a clear view of how their tax dollars are being spent. The only solution is to vote NO on every budget and spending request until we get some competent, honest, and forthright people in control of the school board!!
The many pieces of mail that showed up in my mail box from the district certainly would lead one to believe that the State of NY was going to pay for "Excel". Even that doesn't make it right because who do the idiots on the school board think pays the NY State taxes.
GCSD needs to be introduced to the concepts of downsizing and cost reduction, especially since the enrollment is not increasing!! But then again, maybe those concepts are beyond the cognitive ability of the school board!
Perhaps we should consider getting up a petition to have the current board removed from office!!!
Bob McArdle
EXCEL Project Cost Disclosure - Dec 10, 2007
To: Mr. Frank Oberg
Thank you for your posting Dec 9, "Hubbard Finance Cost.". You cared enough to reply to my fact finding posting of Dec 7 - I appreciate that. Now the fact finding is over - EXCEL financial facts are known.
I willing accept most of your points. And, I don't object to the prudent use of debt/credit. However, do you agree that prudence in making such a business decision requires complete information about the cost of debt? What did BOE know?
As my more recent posting of Dec 9 shows, I believe the issue here is contained in two words, "HIDDEN costs".
To my point, and following up on your analogy of what a homeowner pays for a house, wouldn't a homeowner be told the total mortgage repayment cost -- purchase cost + interest costs for a house purchase?
I ask: "Have voters been given this information for EXCEL?" And, what was the count and when did BOE vote where the majority insisted this information not be divulged to the public?
In conclusion, would a business model vis-à-vis a personal homeowner model be more appropriate for an operation with an annual budget of $188M like GCSD?
George Hubbard
EXCEL Project: Hidden Costs - Lack of Community Disclosure - December 9 2007
Here's an update on EXCEL costs.
1. Bonds will be sold to finance the EXCEL project.
2. Publicized Project Costs = $21.4M.
3. Estimated Non-publicized Costs = $7.3M (bond interest). Are costs not publicized to voters 'Hidden' costs?
3. Total public cost related to EXCEL = $28.7M --- 34% more than $21.4M for labor + materials + purchase items etc.
4. Expected state aid = $28.7M --- 34% more than costs for the job as publicized to voters.
5. Q#1: Is the community entitled to know the total cost (to expenditure of public funds) related to a District project?
6. Q#2: What did BOE know - when and how were they informed?
7. Q3#: Has the community been well served - properly informed? Some voters may be satisfied with such use of (their) public funds, others may not.
8. Q#4: Does BOE have a responsibility to ensure quality information for all voters?
George Hubbard
Hubbard Finance Cost posting - December 9 2007
I will respond once to Mr. Hubbard's response to my post with the following:
The interest on a bond CAN be "estimated". It is NOT a "confidential" number. The estimate will be imprecise since the exact market conditions of the bond sale can not be known until it is a "done deal."
Point: The law does not require the interest estimate to be made nor publicly divulged as I understand it from talking about this subject with our attorneys and with district financial personnel.
Point: Since it is NOT required by law to be estimated/promulgated and since there is NOT a majority of the BOE that insists that it be divulged it IS not!
Point: Assume the $7M "estimate" made by some for the bond interest is correct and that the interest can indeed exceed by 2X the cost of some items within the project. So what? When a citizen buys a house and takes out a mortgage, it does not take a "rocket scientist" to know that the homeowner will pay back in interest charges an amount that likely exceeds the value of the home upon its purchase date. That does not dissuade many from buying homes on credit. To my knowledge, there is not a government entity at any level (local/state/federal) that does not use credit and oft times at "staggering" levels. There does not appear to be overwhelming public and/or political support for government use of credit so I suspect it will be going on long after I am "gone from Planet Earth." Buying on credit is the "American" way, after all!
Point: As a BOE member AND as a taxpaying resident of GCSD I am unwilling to "pay cash" for the $21.4M as I do not wish to have a HUGE one time hit in my school tax bill. I would rather eat the elephant "one bite at a time" over 15 years. That is why I voted to support this project when it came before the BOE. I am sure there are folks who feel differently about this than do I. If so, I suggest they run for the BOE, obtain a majority of like thinking folks on the BOE and begin to do things differently.
Point: Much "capital work" has accumulated over time in this district and successive BOE's over a long period of years have chosen to "kick the capital maintenance can" down the road. At this point a $100M expenditure would NOT exhaust the current project list. The EXCEL proposition is a cost effective way for the district to get some significant work done with a minimal or no tax increase to the district taxpayers. At this point, the district finance guys are estimating the district's cost to be ZERO.
Point: This district, with the support and connivance of past BOE members going back over a long period of time, have made some "bone head" capital decisions (in my opinion!). The Athena Performing Arts Center (Taj Mahal), the APAC $100K piano, Olympia's $700K TV studio, fancy brickwork portico's, and other things come instantly to mind. Since none of us can "unring the bell", I believe this current board took care to insure that the current EXCEL proposition contains only "essential" projects.
Point: It is now in the hands of the voters to decide. For those who disagree with paying the bond interest, you have the option to vote "NO" or vote not at all.
Regards,
Frank Oberg
EXCEL Project - Finance Costs- December 7 2007
Board Member Oberg makes a point in his posting "EXCEL Bond Dot #4 - December 6, 2007". Thank you for responding to my earlier posting of Dec 5.
Frank states, "The rate of interest charge will be determined at the time the bonds are sold so the precise amount of interest is not known [at this time]."
George says, none of the costs in the EXCEL project are precise... all are best available estimates. So why should finance/interest charges be treated differently... doesn't the District have estimates... what has BOE been told... why shouldn't these costs be disclosed... why shouldn't the public know?
Let's break the EXCEL proposal down into bite size pieces using essential declarative COST STATEMENTS and REVENUE STATEMENTS.
CS#1 - COST STATEMENT: According to project plans, GCSD estimates "Building Repairs" will cost $17.8M at then current market rates at the time of construction.
RS#1 - REVENUE STATEMENT: GCSD estimates revenue from State Aid reimbursement to be $17.8M for "Building Repairs".
CS#2 - COST STATEMENT: According to project plans, GCSD estimates "Technology Updates" will cost $3.6M at then current market rates at the time of purchase.
RS#2 - REVENUE STATEMENT: GCSD estimates revenue from State Aid reimbursement to be $3.6M for "Technology Updates".
Oberg statement: GCSD plans to borrow money to finance the EXCEL project using 15 year bonds.
CS#3 - COST STATEMENT: According to project plans, GCSD estimates "Bond Interest" will cost $x.x at then current market rates at the time the bond(s) are sold.
RS#3 - REVENUE STATEMENT: In the interest of simplicity and before composing a REVENUE STATEMENT to pay for "Bond Interest", let's first understand the amount of "Bond Interest" to be paid.
1. COST QUESTION: What is the estimated bond interest cost ($x.x) to finance the EXCEL project?
2. Can't the "Bond Interest" cost be estimated with about as much precision as estimates for "Building Repairs" and "Technology Updates"?
3. If this cost information is not confidential, shouldn't it be made available to the public as part of total project cost? And if not, why not?
4. I and others have estimated the bond interest at $7.3M. If this number is correct, finance cost/bond interest is more significant than cost for "Technology Updates" for the total project by a factor of 2X.
George Hubbard
EXCEL Project DOT #4 - December 6 2007
The $21.4M EXCEL prroject will, if approved, be bonded over a 15 year period. The rate of interest charged will be determined by market conditions at the time the district sells the bonds.
The interest that the district will pay for this borrowing is fully aidable through the "generousity" of the taxpayers of New York State ( of which I regretably "are" one) and thus the the GCSD taxpayer will be made "whole" for this expenditure. Thus the New York State taxpayer will be picking up the tab for the interest expense.
I have also been assured that all of the tasks contained in the EXCEL proposition are believed to be fully aidable by existing New York State formulas. I have also been told that should an individual project, after the obligatory state review is conducted after the project has been approved by the GCSD voters, be denied state reimbursement it will be removed from the project list. The money for this item would then not be spent.
For the critics who believe that capital projects should be undertaken on a "cash" basis as opposed to bonding/borrowing they NEVER say how much of an increase in the GCSD tax rate they would tolerate to finance $21.4 M over a two to four year period. Personally I am opposed to a tax increase sufficiently large to cover such an spending increase. Such an increase would necessitate a huge, thats HUGE, tax increase!
Consider also that the $21.4M contained in the EXCEL proposition is merely a "dent" in the overall capital needs of the GCSD district. I am certain that an additional capital expenditure (beyond EXCEL) will be a part of the 08/09 budget currently under development. Past budgets have included a range of $2 to $5 million in capital expenditures on a "cash" basis.
I also seriously doubt that the New York State legislators will breathe a "sigh of relief" should the the GCSD voters decide not to take advantage of the EXCEL reimbursement. Current projections suggest a looming state budget deficit of $4 Billion. One fifteenth of $21.4M plus interest (annual state budget expenditure) will not come close to resolving such an immense problem.
Regards,
Frank Oberg
BOE Member
EXCEL Bond Dot #4 - December 6 2007
Item Removed due to Dual Posting
Webmaster
Excel - December 5 2007
I thank George Hubbard for crunching the numbers. I have done the same and agree that there is a $7 million hole.
My numbers show a $158,000 plus monthly payment at 4% interest for 15 years. That means $158,000 every month that is not available for other things. Can the money be borrowed at 4% for 15 years? It doesn't matter if Greece residents or state tax payers are paying this. We are still in bondage for 15 years.
On the technology side it means we will be paying 15 years for things that will probably be obsolete in 3 to 5 years.
It is time to change the way school districts and all government entities do business. It is time to stop borrowing. It is time to reduce spending, not continuously increase it every year. It is time to reduce taxes, not increase them every year.
Mike Schelkun
EXCEL PROJECT - December 5 2007
EXCEL PROJECT: Spoon Feeding the Public with a 'Holey' Spoon!
Informed voters may wonder if the spoon being used to feed financial facts to the public about the EXCEL PROJECT has a hole in it - perhaps a $7M hole?
Connect the dots below and decide for yourself.
Dot #1: The District first publicizes (in writing - news articles, mailings, etc) the total estimated costs for the EXCEL PROJECT at $21.4M. Also, they are quick to proclaim, costs will be paid with state aid dollars.
Dot #2: Later the District acknowledges (not in writing) the State doesn't send its dollars immediately, so Greece will need to borrow $21.4M. and then let the State pay the District back later at a slower rate.
Dot #3: The District plans to borrow using 15 year serial bonds, but makes no mention (in writing) about the costs to borrow; this as if to say to voters. costs to borrow for a project are not part of total costs for a project.
As a reference example: Assuming a 4% interest rate, the total of (re)payments on a $21.4M bond would be $28.7M, therefore expected cost to borrow might be approximately $7.3M.
Dot #4: So in conclusion, when voting 'Yes' on Dec 13th, how will voters know if they are approving $21.4M. or perhaps $28.7M for the EXCEL PROJECT? Perhaps even more important, how does the District expect them to know - or don't they?
Also, who pays the borrowing costs ($7.3M in my example)?
As elected public officials, some members of the Board of Education may want to speak out to reassure the community RE: Dot #4!
George Hubbard
Open enrollment misleading - December 3 2007
I am just reading the comments about open enrollment and there seems to be a lot of wasted time on this subject as open enrollment is not really an accurate description.
The question should not be how to get rid of it but rather how to make it more equitable.
We have for three consecutive years tried to get my child into a "school" of choice and not once have we gotten a place. This year we are 110 on one waiting list and 24 on another. Either the district needs to have true open enrollment or none. As far as the signature schools all students should be able to get the same education and benefits, (IB/arts/AP) no matter which school in Greece they attend. It is beyond frustrating to know that my child that excels in the arts can not attend the signature school for the arts.
It is equally frustrating to know that we have no say in what is best and that a computer lottery system makes the choice for us. The open enrollment option/ school of choice is misleading as only a lucky few will win.
Jeff Kozak
Two Legitimate Concerns - December 3 2007
George, Mike good point each of you. Ms,/Mr. DEEPTHROAT any comments on these. (for those of you not old enough to remember DEEPTHROAT was the confidential source that along with a reporter from the Washington Post broke the Watergate story that directly or indirectly caused the resignation of President Nixon.) Gosh I feel just like a double naught spy. (Thats from the Beverley Hillbillies, Jethro I think)
William Empey
Excel Money - December 3 2007
Folks
Can someone in the "know' please clarify for me the Excel vote. We all have heard that this is "free" money. It will not cost the Greece community a penny in increased taxes. I fully understand that New York State money is our NYS taxes. It is the old is taxes coming out of our right pocket or left pocket but if we don't spend it other districts will and we should have our fair share of "free money".
Now I am reading postings that if the Excel proposition is passed by the community, Greece Central is really "borrowing" the money. Are we borrowing the money or are we getting "free' or grant money with no obligation to pay back principal and interest?
Question: If passed by the voters will Greece Central have to pay interest on the money and will Greece Central have to pay back principal? Obliviously, if the answer to the question is YES and Greece Central has to pay interest and/or principal then it will cost the voter money for this "Free" money and once again the community has been lied to.
Thank you!!
Enjoy
Doug Skeet
Two Concerns - December 2 2007
I would like to comment on two topics that disturb me. First, suing the county over the Fair Plan. Greece is a party to this. I understand Greece stands to lose $2.27 million. Rather than suing the county, the district should find ways to trim spending. This is less than 2% of our $188 million budget, less than 2 cents out of every dollar. If the board and administration can't figure out how to deal with this, they all should be looking for new jobs.
The second is the Excel Project. I just received the information on Excel sent out by the district. When I first heard of this new spending I went to the district website and reviewed the projects. Several things disturb me about this program to spend another $21 million. First, much of what I saw should, in my opinion, be ongoing maintenance programs. They should be paid out of yearly operating expenses. We should not have to borrow for them.
A lot of money is allocated to updating bathrooms to meet ADA federal requirements. I saw large differences in the cost. Arcadia lists 4 at 300 square feet each for $66,000 or $16,500 each. Apollo shows 6 at 300 square feet each for $277,000 or $46,000 each. Why is there such a big difference.
Is all the money being spent for needs. I think we must do a better job of distinguishing between needs and wants. Past boards spent huge amounts of money on wants, not needs. The performing arts center is one of them.
The indication is the board expects the state to pick up the tab for this spending. However, the word used is "anticipate", not will. In the meantime the district sells bonds. What is the interest rate and how much will it add to the cost? Will the state pick this up too? What if the state doesn't pick this up?
Finally, take a look at New York. The state is broke. They have a huge multi-billion dollar deficit for next year. School districts, the state and all levels of government need to start living within their means and stop borrowing.
Mike Schelkun
2007 CIP (Capital Improvement Project).- December 2 2007
To: William Empey
1. Your GreeceSchools.com opinion of November 29th, "Question answered." was very informative and a service to the community. It also raises additional questions.
2. Do you still have access to your unidentified 'highly credible source - let's call him/her "DEEPTHROAT".
3. I understood DEEPTHROAT to say the District will borrow $21.4M to fund the 2007 CIP if approved by voters Dec 13th.
4. Ques#1: When will the school district tell voters - in writing - that they will not only be approving the borrowing of $21.4M, but also agreeing to pay additional finance charges?
5. Ques#2: How much are the additional finance/interest charges expected to be?
6. For example, $21.4M financed with a 15 year bond at 4% per year would require total repayments of $28.7M. Please check my math, but doesn't subtracting $21.4M for principal leave about $7.3M for interest charges.
Thanks.
George Hubbard
Question answered - November 29 2007
I received the answer to my question from an unanticipated but highly credible source. If the proposal is passed, the district will bond the money that will be spent. The State of New York will then service the debt that has been created by the district. The school tax levy will not increase or decrease if we agree with these expenditures and vote yes on the proposal. We are still spending NYS tax dollars so there is no free lunch however in my opinion, a yes vote on this initiative is prudent.( My wife was standing by with the defibrillator while I was typing this). Wed Nov 28th Buffalo News page one Buffalo Public Schools will be forced to lay off 641 Teachers unless a recent court ruling on salary step increases is overturned. More on that next time
William Empey
Seeking a definitive answer - November 28 2007
I have an open question to anyone who may know what the correct answer is.
Will approval of the capital improvement, repairs/maintenance proposal being voted on this December cause the school tax levy to increase, decrease or remain unchanged. I would like to know exactly how this is funded. Is it bonded and then reimbursed, bills submitted to the State? If there is an increase in the levy, we should see a decrease when the State reimburses, Correct or not. Joe or Steve would you mind weighing in on this.
Thanks
William Empey
Thanksgiving - November 22 2007
Hi Folks:
Happy Thanksgiving to all and may God bless!
Joe Moscato
Gusto contract - November 21 2007
Employee contracts are available online at the district's website. Click Intranet, employee contracts. The Gusto contract listed is for the year 2005 but little had changed in a successor agreement.
When we sat down this July to review the contract, I requested an increase in the hourly rate for work beyond the regular work day and more clearly defined language around the substitute's work load. The district refused both proposals. At that meeting Robert Smith gave us the agreed cost of living calculations, I signed the agreement and we were done. At least I thought we had an agreement until a few weeks later, I was called and told the board wanted to approve the expenditures.
Then I was told the board wanted comparison salary information from neighboring districts. So here we are and it never should have gotten where we are now.
Jane McLean
Comments - November 2 2007
While I share Charlie's frustration with regard to our district's inability to effectively deal with our existing employee contractual agreements, I disagree with the manner in which he and five other board members dealt with the GUSTO contract. The majority of this board voted to break the law, laws that they swore to uphold when they took their oaths of office as board members. Why our administration did not discourage this course of action is mystifying to me. Because in not doing so, they too are complicit in this questionable action, an action I will guarantee you will not be upheld by PERB when GUSTO files their complaint.. PERB will view this as an unfair labor practice and impose sanctions on the district. In any event they (GUSTO) will get their paltry $3.00 a day raise with penalties to the district attached.
There was an alternative to this action. Why the district did not opt for this procedure is not understandable to me. Although I have not seen the GUSTO contract, I am sure there is a clause as in any contract considered an "evergreen contract" which states that each year either party may request to renegotiate certain provisions or the entire agreement. This was not done even though the district could have asked for reconsideration. Instead, they opted to use the school board, which has the authority to control spending EXCEPT in matters relating to labor agreements. This is spelled out in the provisions of the New York State Taylor Law which this board willfully violated.
The irony here is the fact that our GTA contract expired months ago. In their case, we chose to obey the law and award them annual raises of $1,500 to $3,000 without a new agreement. Why? Because the same law that applies to GUSTO applies to the GTA contract and that law says we have to give them their raises regardless. So that begs the question, why didn't the administration ask the board to approve what amounts to a 4% across the board increase for teachers. To me, the answer is simple. Why pick a fight with an 800 pound gorilla. Instead they opted to take on a weaker group over a lousy $3.00 a day. Go figure!
Until the New York State Legislature has the courage to make changes to the Taylor Law, giving our school district a level playing field regarding employee relations, our hands are tied. The unions simply hold all the high cards and we as taxpayers will continue to be euchred by the unions.
Joe Moscato
Response - November 19 2007
Your right Mr. Childs - you should be ENTITLED to a raise.
Who do these administrators think they are wanting to fix a contract that just started in 1987.
Subs are needed to replace those who don't come to work and we give them raises because they're ENTITLED - why not you.
Yes the taxpayers didn't approve the budget but 'so what'? who are they?
There-in Mr. Childs is the real danger - start showing a concern for the 'taxpayers' or god forbid start 'respecting' them and 'they' might think they own the place.
Charlie Hubbard
chubbard005@rochester.com
615-2678
Contracts Should Be Honored - November 19 2007
The Greece Central Administration is not honoring our subbing contract for the GUSTO union. Do you know how much our raise is?? It is a whole $3. a day!! Can you imagine the district being sued for $3. a day?.
Can we have the court costs that the tax payers will have to pay for lawyers instead of the $3.?? Why would the district do this? It does not make any sense on any level of sound thinking? Maybe another board member could explain the reasoning that baffles the rest of us?
Doug Childs
GUSTO Member
GUSTO contract - November 18 2007
To Jane McLean:
Your acknowledgement of my support for the GUSTO contract is appreciated.
While I appreciated your comments, it was really not necessary as I was merely doing what I was elected and sworn to do, sworn to uphold all district policies, regulations and contractual obligations. How our superintendent and his staff have handled your group's contractual arrangement is an aberration of the worst kind. In all my years of involvement in labor management relations, never have I witnessed such a devious, reprehensible act on the part of management toward a group of employees under contract. If I had not personally seen it happen, I would not have believed any administration possible of such utter deceit.
The deceit I speak of was perpetrated on the school board by our superintendent and his staff. I must give credit where credit is due. The way they did it was masterful. In fact, I must admit I was almost bamboozled until I recognized that they were employing something akin to "bait and switch". Unfortunately, six other members of the board did not recognize the ploy and were misled and used. Because all of this was going on behind the closed door of the October executive session, by law I am forbidden to discuss what took place. I can and will say this that until some time after that session, neither I nor other board members were aware of a written agreement with your group. To this date, I still have not been provided with a copy of this agreement. In fact, at the November meeting, no board members had a copy. Yet we voted on a provision contained therein, a direct violation of board policy on approval of contract. So what's new! The leadership of this board chooses to circumvent policy when it suits their needs.
With regard to GTA's contract, as you know GTA's contract contains 23 consecutive step increases. These increases average 4% each year. We are currently negotiating a new contract and are at an impasse. You are correct when you say that the board in July did not nor should it have voted on whether to deny the automatic increase which they are now receiving under their old agreement consistent with State Law.
By denying your increment, were you unfairly discriminated against?
Absolutely!! There was a right and fair way to handle what took place. It's called collective bargaining as described by law. Why the district circumvented this process is anyone's guess. I fear nothing positive will result from their course of action. Taxpayer dollars will be spent by this district on lawyer's fees that will not have a beneficial result and will only lead to further distrust in this district, distrust between labor and management and further distrust by the public.
I thought, as a member of a previous board, we had successfully put an end to these kinds of practices. Obviously, I was wrong. Apparently we still have some administrative carry-overs committed to the previous practices of our former administration. This is indeed unfortunate and personally disappointing for me.
Joe Moscato
Used and abused - November 13 2007
Thank you Joe for your supportive comments at the board meeting tonight.
Greece substitutes(GUSTO)are hard working teachers who are an integral part of the learning process in Greece Central.
For the past seven years I have been president of Gusto and our leadership team has sat down with the district to review our contract and make minor changes to the agreement.
This year the superintendent and his legal eagle have decided to challenge our "evergreen contract" and refuse to give us our cost of living adjustment. We have bargained a contract in good faith and the board's approval of a budget for this school year should have taken into consideration the cost implications of our contract.
Do you approve a GTA contract each year when teachers step to another pay rate?
We have waited over four months to received our contractual cola.
Do you feel used? I know we feel used and abused.
Jane McLean
Comments - November 11 2007
Hi Folks:
I would like to draw your attention to next week's edition of the Greece Post. Frank Oberg and I have collaborated on a guest essay that outlines some of the facts surrounding open enrollment, schools of choice and the excessive busing done in this district when compared to past practices.
One important factor not contained in this article is State aid reimbursement for district transportation costs. The district would have your believe that our entire budgeted amount is reimbursed at 69% of total. This is not true and is misleading and will be covered in another posting as soon as I have compiled all relevant facts. At this time, I can say with some degree of certainty, that a significant portion of our extraordinary transportations costs are not state aidable as they exceed State guidelines.
Joe Moscato
GIRLS vs. BOYS Academic Dispartiy Still A Concern - November 2 2007
There is a great article in today's D & C concerning GIRLS vs. BOYS academic achievement.
There is a free lecture this afternoon by Kenneth Hilton, superintendent of a Sullivan County school district, at 4:00 pm at Lake Auditorium in the Smith Science Center at Roberts Wesleyan College, 2301 Westside Dr. Chili.
See you there!!!
Enjoy
Doug Skeet
Busing Costs - November 7 2007
Greece Central School District Board of Education
Busing Costs vs Student Enrollment
October, 2007 – Frank Oberg & Charlie Hubbard
Transportation costs (does not include bus purchases) in Millions ($) INCREASED 62% over period shown
Enrollment (does not include Pre-K) Declines 7.8% Over the Period Shown
It should be noted that the latest five year enrollment projection shows a further decline to 12,164 students in 2012/2013. Presumably the price of fuel, oil, wages and benefits that affects transportation cost will continue to rise over this same period making the divergence in the trend lines more apparent. The transportation costs shown in this graph, incidentally, do NOT include the benefit costs of the associated employees
Webmaster
Graduation Rates - November 5 2007
All
Thanks to the NYS Education Department and thanks to George Hubbard for organizing the new cohort data into readable charts. The public now has more detailed information regarding graduation rates.
In the past we had the four year cohort graduation rate: ie Greece Grad Yr. 2005 79% graduated. This means that of the entering 2001 ninth graders 79% graduated in four years. ( PS a very low number for Monroe County)
Now the state has two more cohort numbers, a 2 yr. percentage and a 5 yr. percentage. More data is good as long as everyone compares apples to apples. The 2 yr. percentage is the percentage of entering juniors that graduate in 2 yr. and the 5 yr. percentage is the number of entering ninth graders that graduate in 5 years.
In Grad Yr.2005 Greece graduated 79% of the ninth graders. When I published these numbers in the past people would say "Yes Doug but many of those students come back for summer school and graduate or they come back for the fifth senior year and graduate."
With the new cohort numbers we now know that with the 2005 class 83% graduated after the fifth year, an increase of only 4%. This would include summer school of August 2005, January 2006 and June 2006 graduations. Not very impressive.
Enjoy
Doug Skeet
Arcadia High School - November 3 2007
Joe
A slight change to your history of Greece. Arcadia High School was never changed to a middle school. Arcadia High School was going to be changed to a middle school but never was converted.
A second school was started on the grounds of Arcadia High School for the 1987-88 school year. Arcadia Middle School was started with a single grade level of sixth grade students in six portable classrooms attached to the side of Arcadia High School. The following year there were two grades; 6 and 7. The following year there was three grades; 6, 7, and 8 housed in 26 portable classrooms.
Arcadia High School to be phased out but public outcry and changing enrollment numbers saved Arcadia High School. Now what to do with this "portable Arcadia Middle School". Answer buy Cardinal Mooney and convert it to Apollo Middle School and District Office.
Enjoy
Doug Skeet
Comment - November 2 2007
As previously stated, the 70's and 80's were turbulent times for the district. There was a dramatic drop in attendance. The elementary school population peaked at 7,500 students in 69-70. This decreased to 5,200 students in 1984. Between 78-79 and 84-85 the elementary population decreased by some 1,360 students a drop of 21%. This allowed the district to close West Ridge. Britton Road School was closed and sold to Wegman's. Arcadia High School was almost closed, but was converted to a middle school.
In 1985, the district forecast a slight 5 year increase in elementary population and a continuing decline at the secondary level. However, the Town of Greece, under pressure from developers at the time, made adjustments to the town's master plan. In doing so, areas previously zoned for commercial and industrial development in the northwest quadrant of the town were rezoned to residential. This would result in a housing boom in those areas and left the district office scrambling to accommodate student growth in the northwest while nearly all the district school were located in the eastern section of town.
>From 86 to 88, the board ultimately adopted the recommendations contained in the "Pairings and Boundaries Report." In 1987 the shift at the elementary level was made resulting in the present day K-2, 3-5, 6-8 and 9-12 grade level structures.
As a way of implementing this plan, the board outlined plans on how to deal with the ever changing shifts in student populations. Those plans included adopting an open enrollment plan for secondary schools which we now know as the "secondary option" which meant students could opt to go to a middle or high school outside of their attendance area. This was done on a "space available contingency" which established a waiting list and certainly added and additional level of increased busing expenses. The district deemed that the expense was justified in order to balance school populations. They also adopted a "feeder path" to group schools to maintain school identity. West Ridge was designated as a "safety valve" for K-5 enrollments.
To be Continued
Joe Moscato
Comments - November 2 2007
Hello Doug Skeet - RE: Graduation Rates, thanks for your comments.
The Board is being told (Oct 23) that graduation rates are improving, but they are shown no data for last year (2006-07). And worse yet, they don't ask.
Knowing the graduation rate for last year is important because it is the pivot point in a data-driven analysis to determine where the District has been. where it is now. and where it's headed on this important measure. How else can the Board adopt goals for future graduation rates within the School Improvement Plan?
My read of SED data for Greece students graduating 4 yrs after entering Grade 9 is as follows: 86% for 2001-02, followed by 83, 84, 79, and 80. There is no SED data yet for 2006-07, but surely the District knows the number.
If you can confirm the graduation rates, perhaps we could use the 10 numerals above to create a special Board hotline - where 868-384-7980 dials "FAILURE" for approximately 200 students each year in GCSD that don't graduate!
Doug, do you agree, and thanks for caring? Also, do you vote yes or no for the Board to keep the hotline ringer on during 'time-out'?
George Hubbard
Graduation Rates - November 1 2007
All
It continues to amaze me, even shock me, how easy it is for individuals to find excuses for low academic achievement in Greece Central. Now the new excuse is transfer in and transfer out students.
Before Joe's recent posting we had: Free and Reduced lunch rate,(Supt. excuse at recent BOE meeting), poverty level, number of single parents, parents not helping their children, students just don't care, changing social economic society, Greece Central today is not the Greece Central of yesterday as excuses for Greece's poor performance. The list goes on and on and on!
I just want to yell STOP, THINK, WAKE UP!!!! Is Greece Central the only school district with these factors that influence student achievement and graduation rates? Of course not. ALL school districts have these same factors in their school districts.
Does Rush-Henrietta, Gates-Chili or Brockport have students that transfer in and out? Do they have an increased number of students on the free and reduced lunch program? Do they have and increasing poverty rate? Of course the answer is YES. These three districts are "LIKE" districts to Greece. They each have a 7% official US census poverty rate. Greece is in LAST place to each of these districts in almost every academic measure such as 4th, 8th and graduation rates. Even the poor, farm rural areas such as Elba, Oakfield-Alabama and Naples score higher than Greece Central.
Until we look at ourselves and look at the "Brutal Truths" we will continue to spin our wheels. How do the students perform BEFORE they get to our high schools? Poorly!! in fact almost in last place in Monroe county. Greece Central's graduation rates will not increase until the K-8 curriculum programs are fixed and there is an attitude adjustment. NO EXCUSES!!! Stop the blame game.
The current math program has been in place for 8 years and what do we have? Greece is second from the bottom in math in Monroe County. The same individual is still in charge of the failed program. Thousands of students do not have a math base to enter high school.
Some Greece schools have barely 50% of their students passing reading and language arts examinations. Thousand of students do not have basic reading and language arts skills to enter high school.
Besides the "Roller Overs" how about the behavior of the BOE, the agenda of the BOE, in the past the lack of educational goals, a Supt who stated in his public interview, "Instruction in not my strong suit, in Erie County I am known for successful labor relation contracts" I guess Greece Central has lost on both counts.
The current direction for Greece Central are the SMART goals. I sincerely hope this process is successful for the students of Greece. The good news is that Greece is writing goals. The bad new is that it is news. Goal setting should be an engrained process that is routine for a school district. It is a start.
Enjoy
Doug Skeet
PASSN - November 1 2007
Parent Advocates for Students with Special Need
Invite you to join us for
An Evening with
Atty. Jonathan Feldman
Regarding the Special Education Consent Decree
Monday, November 5, 2007
7:00-8:30pm
1 Vince Tofany Bulovard
(GREECE TOWN HALL)
Click for Flyer
Christine Latus
Comment - October 31 2007
Hi Folks:
As I go forward with these series of postings, I want to make one thing perfectly clear. I do not purport to be an expert on the busing practices of this district nor how the district handles the balance of current school population. As previously stated, I will simply put out relevant facts contained in the grade level structure report which is in the possession of all current board members.
During the past 25 years. Our school district has undergone numerous changes in an attempt to deal with fluctuations in the overall student populations, shifts among the attendance boundaries and provide parents some choices in what schools their children attend.
As a result, changes were made in attendance boundaries, a previously closed school was opened, a school was purchased, two new schools were built, and the "secondary option", "schools of choice" and "signature schools" were provided to balance student population.
Prior to 1980 the District had K-6 schools, three high schools, Olympia, Arcadia and Athena; three middle schools, Britton Road, Hoover Drive and Athena. Grade levels were K-6, 7-8, 9-12.
The significant changes began in 1980. Faced with massive boundary changes, elementary schools were reconfigured to K-3 and 4-6. Special consideration was given to transportation distances that would result.
This transportation concern was discussed over and over by previous boards and several committees that were created to study space utilization district-wide. There was a common concern in each instance that involved transportation and related costs. The concern centered around one important factor which was to not turn current students who were walkers into bus riders. Obviously, this did not happen. The fact is that when we had 15,000 students, we bused fewer children than we do now in spite of the fact that our enrollment is down almost 2,000 students and is expected to drop by an additional 1,000 students over the next five years to an estimated 12,200.
To be continued.
Joe Moscato
Response - October 30 2007
George:
The 13,248 students you cite sound like our current enrollment figures. I have no information as to what our K-12 population was in 92-93. However, I believe our population peaked in 1997 with just slightly less than 15,000 students. We have been in a steady decline since then.
I am not aware that Olympia is overcrowded. I do know there exists a very "short" waiting list of students wishing to opt to go to Olympia as part of the secondary option component of open enrollment.
It is true that one of the claimed benefits of open enrollment is to avoid overcrowding in individual schools. I am aware of two elementary schools that fit that category and at least one or two that have under populations.
As an individual board member, I certainly believe if overcrowding exists at any of our high schools, it would have an adverse effect on graduation rates.
I can give you an example of a fact that has a more significant effect on graduation rates and that is the turn-over factor (the number of move-ins and move-outs during the course of the school year). The school you cited, Olympia, I'm told had over 500 turn-over's that I feel is more significant.
Joe Moscato
Open enrollment question for Joe Moscato. - October 30 2007
Enrollment Questions for Joe Moscato.
1. K-12 enrollment for 1992-93 stood at 13,348 students - slightly higher fifteen years ago than now.
2. Word has it that Olympia High School is overcrowded while at least one other high school is under capacity. Is this true?
3. Isn't one of the claimed benefits for open enrollment, to avoid overcrowding in individual schools?
4. Does BOE belive that overcrowding might contribute to the District trend of declining Graduation Rates?
George Hubbard
Comments - October 29 2007
Hi Folks:
Before I begin the next phase of my postings on open enrollment, it is important for you to understand one important fact. When Frank Oberg placed this action item on last week's agenda, both he and I knew it had no chance of getting the required five votes. However, what we had hoped for was an honest, intelligent discussion by all board members on this topic. We did not anticipate that the board leadership would have a member table the item indefinitely, thereby cutting off all debate on the subject.
Most unfortunate is that the subject of open enrollment is an important topic and is on the minds of many residents of this community. The comments contained in the exit poll after our defeated budget last May confirmed that fact. Evidently our superintendent and board leaders are not listening to the voters. Bad mistake, in my opinion, and this will be reflected in future budget votes.
During the coming days I will be posting a series of articles outlining the evolution of how the grade level structure in the Greece Central School District from 1980 to present changed. I will be quoting excerpts from a report bearing that title which was prepared for the Board of Education this year by Assistant Superintendent, Don Nadolinski. This report was compiled as a result of my resolution to study K-5 schools, open enrollment, signature schools and schools of choice. It is a fascinating and enlightening document that describes the significant changes brought about since 1980 due to fluctuating student population and shifting populations as a result of a significant housing boom in the town over the years.
As I highlight important areas of this report, you will see how previous school board's struggled with the problems that were created and their ultimate solutions to them.
Next posting: The Beginning of Change
Joe Moscato
Comments - October 26 2007
Hi Folks:
As previously stated, here is a list of some extraordinary busing being done by our district. It's a short list, but is an illustration of how far this district is willing to go to placate parents at additional taxpayer expense. I have compiled this list by way of conversation with veteran bus drivers.
1. The morning rover bus - The function of this bus is to cover the entire district. Its purpose is to pick up students who are tardy and miss their assigned bus. The bus used is usually a 60 passenger bus. The driver is instructed to monitor his radio and respond. I have learned that on a "busy" day, this bus will pick up 1 or 2 kids anywhere and take them to their school anywhere in town. Most days there are no kids. We pay the driver a guaranteed three hours regardless. The fuel costs are considerable as this bus is either running or idling for three hours. The fix is obvious.
2. The missing parent bus - Since a parent or adult is required to be home before some children are allowed to leave the bus, the bus driver is instructed to take the children whose parent is not home to Parkland School where we provide baby sitting services until the parent picks them up.
3. The City delivery bus - We currently send several buses to several areas of the City to pick up students of Greece Central residents who live with a relative or guardian at a City address. Of course, we take them back to those City addresses after school.
4. Stand-By Drivers - Transportation officials routinely call in as many as a dozen stand-by drivers to handle unforeseen problems. They are guaranteed one and a half hours show-up pay whether they drive or not. Or not, I am told, is the usual outcome.
5. Additional Training - Additional training for new hires as bus driver. I have learned that because budget cuts will force the layoff of some bus aides, new drivers are being required to qualify and be certified as aides. Why? The answer is obvious. The district will be able to assign a driver as an aide. So, what's the problem with that? Here's the problem. Drivers are paid at a higher hourly rate than aides, so they will receive the driver rate when they do aide duty. We lay off aides and then train drivers to take their place at a higher rate of pay.
These are just some of the practices that contribute to our out-of-control busing costs. By the way, some of the aforementioned practices are not State aidable. I will cover that in another posting. Please keep in mind that this posting, as well as others, are for your information. I'm sure some of you will have different opinions as a result which is understandable.
Joe Moscato
Comment - October 25 2007
Hi Folks:
I had planned another article regarding open enrollment and schools of choice. However, because today's article in the D&C did not square with information in my possession, I will defer.
The cost of transportation this year is closer to 12 million dollars. Now, keep in mind these figures were provided by the Finance officials. The portion of that amount that relates to open enrollment and school of choice was given as approximately 2 million dollars.
In further postings I will discuss the net effect on our busing in terms of additional buses and related associated costs as a result of open enrollment and schools of choice and State aid for transportation.
Joe Moscato
Next Posting: Some busing practices of this district that this administration would rather you did not know.
Comments - October 24 2007
Hi Folks:
During te coming days I will be posting on this site. I will be sharing with you factual information I have compiled in connection with our district's open enrollment policy and related busing costs.
Frank and I were prevented from discussing this information when we were bushwhacked by the Boily led board majority who would not allow a discussion on the district practice.
I will be doing this for two reasons: First, I think this community is entitled to this information and secondly, I like to write. I find it therapeutic and satisfying and I enjoy doing so.
Joe Moscato
Enrollment Numbers - October 23 2007
Here are the Enrollment numbers for Greece Central with Future Projections.
Webmaster
Doug's comments are right on....BUT - October 23 2007
Doug,
I really appreciate you staying on top of what the "stats" mean in the world of testing. I wish that parents and administrators would comment on the sad situation of graduation rates and test scores. Where are the comments from Board of Education members??
I would like to know how many kids took these math and reading tests.
Does Greece get more low level kids to take the exam then other districts??
I have heard that the guidance counselors at Arcadia handed out many free vouchers to the poorer students so that they could take the tests too....many of this population probably pulled the test scores down.
Should we know how many kids took the exam from each school before we say the Greece Schools are not doing the job? Perhaps some of the other districts only have college bound kids take the exams?? How can we find out this information? One way or the other I do appreciate your continued involvement in the future of Greece Central Students.
Doug Childs
Retired teacher
SAT Writing - October 22 2007
2007 SAT SCORES……WRITING
Part 3 of 3 Parts
Dear Parents:
The third portion of the SAT examination is writing. The National mean score is 494 and the New York mean score is 482. The Greece Central HS scores are as follows:
Arcadia HS 459
Athena HS 497
Olympia HS 467
Odyssey HS 509
1. Every suburban school district in Monroe County scored higher than Arcadia HS and Olympia HS.
2. Every school district in Genesee County scored higher than Arcadia HS and Olympia HS.
3. Every school district but one in Livingston County scored higher than Arcadia HS. Two school districts scored lower than Olympia HS.
4. Every school district in Ontario County scored higher than Arcadia HS. Every school district but one scored higher than Olympia HS.
5. Every school district but one in Orleans County scored higher than Arcadia HS. Every school district but two scored higher than Olympia HS.
6. Every school district but one in Wayne County scored higher than Arcadia and Olympia HS.
Summary:
Arcadia HS scored 4th from the bottom of the 62 school districts in the 6 upstate counties.
Olympia HS scored 8th from the bottom of the 62 school districts in the 6 upstate counties.
Athena HS and Odyssey HS scored in the bottom half of the 6 upstate counties.
There were no printed acceptance scores in writing for the 25 New York State four year colleges.
Sadly….
Sincerely yours,
Doug Skeet
SAT Math - October 22 2007
2007 SAT Scores------Math
Part 2 of 3 Parts
Dear Parents:
Everyone understands the need for a strong math base for all students. It is a need in a technological society. The second portion of the SAT examination is math.
The National math mean score is 515. The New York State math mean score is 505.
Greece Central HS scores are as follows:
Arcadia HS 490
Athena HS 537
Olympia HS 499
Odyssey HS 509
1. Every suburban school district in Monroe County scored higher than Arcadia and Olympia HS.
2. Every school district in Genesee County scored higher than Arcadia and Olympia HS.
3. Every school district in Livingston County but one scored higher than Arcadia and Olympia HS.
4. Every school district in Ontario County scored higher than Arcadia and Olympia HS.
5. Every school district in Orleans Country but one scored higher than Arcadia and Olympia HS.
6. Every school district in Wayne County but one scored higher than Arcadia and Olympia HS.
Athena HS and Odyssey scored slightly higher than Arcadia and Olympia HS. Ranked in Monroe County they were in the bottom half of Monroe County and the other 5 upstate counties.
Summary:
Arcadia High School scored 4th from the bottom of 62 high schools in 6 New York State upstate counties.
Olympia High School scored 5th from the bottom of 62 high schools in 6 New York State upstate counties.
Summary:
The mean score of 490 for Arcadia would not be accepted for 17 of the 25 most popular New York State four year colleges. The mean score of 499 for Olympia would not be accepted for 16 of the 25 most popular New York State four year colleges.
Sadly…..
Sincerely yours,
Doug Skeet
SAT Reading - October 22 2007
2007 SAT Scores-----Critical Reading
Part 1 of 3 Parts
Dear Parents:
At a time when educators are talking about raising educational standards, the information age, the technological age and books such as “The Earth is Flat” all high light the need to have a school system to help prepare students for the new 21st Century. A summary of the 2007 SAT scores, as reported in the Democrat and Chronicle on 10/21/07, for upstate New York show a very bleak picture for Greece Central.
In fact, Greece Central School District is in an academic crisis. The 2007 SAT scores indicate that Greece Central graduates students qualified to “Flip Hamburgers” This is not said by me in any sarcastic manner but is meant to drive home the point as to how low Greece Central’s ranking is when compared to other area school districts.
The 2007 SAT scores are reported in three parts: Critical Reading, Math and Writing. In this writing I will report on Critical Reading.
The National mean score in reading is 502 and the New York State mean score in reading is 491. It is the mean score that college admission departments compare individual student scores against. Greece Central High School scores are as follows:
Arcadia HS 479 Critical Reading
Athena HS 503 Critical Reading
Olympia HS 485 Critical Reading
Odyssey HS 530 Critical Reading
1. Every suburban high school in Monroe County scored higher than Arcadia and Olympia. The Rochester City School District’s School of the Arts scored higher than Arcadia at 485.
2. Every high school in Genesee County scored higher than Arcadia and Olympia HS. This includes poorer rural schools such as Elba and Pembroke.
3. Every high school in Livingston County scored higher than Arcadia HS except for Mount Morris 468. Olympia scored higher than three of the seven districts.
4. Every high school in Ontario County scored higher than Arcadia HS and Olympia HS. This includes poorer districts like: Naples, Geneva and Bloomfield. One district Red Jacket scored the same as Olympia 485.
5. Every high school in Orleans County except one LA Webber 467 scored higher than Arcadia HS. Only two districts Holley 481 and L.A. Webber 467 scored lower than Olympia HS.
6. Every high school in Wayne County except on Clyde 466 scored higher than Arcadia HS and Olympia HS.
Summary:
Arcadia HS is fourth from the bottom of 62 high schools in six upstate New York Counties.
Olympia HS ranked ninth from the bottom of 62 high schools in six upstate New York Counties.
Athena HS ranked 5th from the bottom of 21 high schools in Monroe County.
Odyssey ranks in the middle of the 21 high schools in Monroe County.
Summary: Of the 25 most popular, in-state, four year colleges 20 of the 25 have higher entrance accepted mean reading scores than the mean reading scores of Arcadia HS and Olympia HS. Graduates of these two high schools would not qualify for entrance in the area of critical reading.
This data represents a crisis in Greece Central. Students out of Arcadia and Olympia in the area of Critical Reading would not qualify for 20 out of 25 New York four year colleges.
Yes my introductory comments are inflammatory but at a time when scores have to go up our students would not qualify for college so hopefully they would be qualified to “Flip Hamburgers”
Sadly…
Sincerely yours,
Doug Skeet
Excel Project - October 16 2007
Hi Folks:
It is apparent to me that there still remains a great deal of mistrust in our community. The upcoming Excel Capital Improvement Project has created a lot of debate about the worthiness of this program. There are questions about what is contained in the project. I believe over the coming weeks, the district will be putting out that information in mailings as well as public forums dedicated to explaining the Excel Program and all projects included therein. Watch for the dates.
What causes me the most concern is the skepticism and lack of trust that the district will use the 21 million as proposed. I can fully understand this thinking, as we all know we have been stung before by the former Walts bunch and the last 119 million capital bond issue.
To address this concern, at the October 23rd board meeting, I will propose the establishment of a new school board committee to oversee the application of the 21 million to only those projects outlined in the Excel proposal. This oversight committee will include community representatives as well as board and district personnel.
I can't stress enough the need to pass this proposal. It is sorely needed to fix long-standing repairs. At the present time it is estimated that we would need to raise 100 million to update our entire infrastructure. As you can see, the 21 million represents only 20% of that amount. Please take the time to be informed on this issue before the December vote.
Joe Moscato
Comment - October 15 2007
To Anonymous
My attention was drawn to another blog site where you state that I refused to be liaison to schools. The board member who told you this omitted or did not know why this happened.
While it is true I have ongoing physical problems, that is not the reason. As my time permits I visit schools and other facilities regularly. The reason I decided to "go it alone" was because our all-knowing vice president refused to follow long established board protocol which required her to ask senior board members if they would like to keep their schools or select new ones. She failed to do this and denied my request for a specific school. Instead, she gave that school to a newly elected board member. In response, I told her to assign her picks for me to someone else as I would be available to visit ALL schools requesting me. That's the whole story. It is obvious that someone is speaking "out of school" (no pun intended) and that does not surprise me.
To the other Anonymous (although I suspect you are the same person), there were three votes against the Achromovitch contingency budget, Hubbard, Moscato and Oberg.
As for my asking for help, you read it wrong. I was asking you to help yourselves, not me. Help your kids, not me. Help your grandchildren, not me. Get involved for their sake, not mine.
Joe Moscato
Comment - October 12 2007
Due to recent changes on your school board, it is imperative that you become involved in the action or lack of action taken by the present board.
I fear that this community as a whole is becoming more and more compalcent. I sense a feeling of frustration and resignation on the part of the majority of district stakeholders. We cannot allow this to happen. We run the risk of returning to the way things were done under our past two superintendents. Trust me, all the ingredients are in place to take us back to the past.
Get involved, speak out, demand accountability and improved education of our kids. Collectively, you have it within your power to return our school district to the once proud and one of the top educational school districts in Monroe County. This community deserves nothing less than the best - "Make it so!"
Joe Moscato
Graduation Rates - September 27 2007
Readers
What the District does not show you is the relative position of Greece and the relative position of each high school. For 2006 the graduation rates are as follows:
Olympia High School..... Lowest suburban school district graduation rate. Approximately 73% Rochester City School District School of the Arts High School. Approximately 79% Arcadia High School...Second lowest suburban school district graduation rate. Approximately 80%
I am out of town and do not have my files with me. The exact percentages maybe off a bit but the rank order is correct.
In other words Greece has two major high schools that are the lowest and second lowest of the suburban school districts. In 2006, I believe for the first time, a Rochester City High School had a higher graduation rate than a high school in Greece. All school districts in Monroe County have to deal with NCLB, new standards, low income students,behavior challenges, poverty pockets, low budgets and all the other excuses given for low test scores and low graduation rates.
Before everyone jumps on me with "Yes Doug but the cream of the crop goes to the School of the Arts." No!!! My wife Mary Jo was a vice principal at the School of the Arts for 14 years and she had the job to make sure that the student enrollment at SOS matched or mirrored the make up of the student enrollment of the city wide school district. The selected students were talented in the arts but the ethnic, academic, special education make up of the enrollment was the same as the city wide enrollment. Later and now the enrollment is done by district office personnel statistically by computer.
When the new Greece goals are published in October, I certainly hope there are measurable goals relating to test scores and graduation rates.
Thank you.
Enjoy
Doug Skeet
Graduation Rates - September 27 2007
This is the Chart shown at the meeting on September 25th
Click Image for Full size copy
Webmaster
Email - September 22 2007
This is the e-mail sent to school board member Charles Hubbard from school board member Carolyn Hauer.
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Hello Guys,
I had a pleasant discussion with Julia following our retreat whereupon I was fortunate to run into the ARMS team after their 6th grade orientation, one of my liaison schools. Heads up to you two Rotarian boys, I still might be brought back by Ed D'angelo as a returning Rotarian next year and he's asked me to be finemaster for his presidential year - so watch out you two - I'll be keeping track. Who's got the courage? Just try to keep all that gossip down during golf tomorrow if you can.
More importantly and to the point, for future reference please give a heads up when wanting a report ie. Finance committee. I am very reluctant to prematurely submit publicly with this BOE group the names (to the HMO's of the board) before necessary and before our committee's first meeting, where I'll have an opportunity for asking each member about full public disclosure of their participation, from which I expect some conversation will develop. I will not rush the gun on a group I have worked diligently to cultivate and to whom I have made some professionalism assurances.
Charlie is annoyed we didn't vote this committee in. TOO BAD - they had their chance twice and this boy agreed with me both times for heavens sake.
From you both, I am expecting clear statements, to be offered as BOE leadership and as supt. about why vote is unnecessary, so that no incoming finance committee members question their own legitimacy or have it questioned. Please be prepared to make these statements and to cut off Charlie, etc. cleanly and publicly should it come up again in the manner in which he tried to challenge it today!
As to the Finance committee's charge, my comment is that as a BOE we set the annual charge for all BOE working committees, ideally at the same time - that would include transportation, finance and now communications committees. I am happy to draft a charge for finance, with Bob, Lou and Gale, then submit it to you both. But, I am not likely to support anything Chuckie & co. would try to dictate, preferring to chop it off at its knees before it sees the light of day! Others should perhaps be ready to do the same for these other two committees, then all BOE committees look to be on the same page and time frame, under the same rules, open, honest and clear. Just maybe not popular with our own internal naysayers. TOUGH! Let's move forward with just a bit of courage and a lot of class and we may yet win the day.
Frustrated but optimistic & Best regards,
Carolyn
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Webmaster
Board members should resign - September 22 2007
Re the letter released to the democrat and Chronicle
If authentic Carolyn and Roger Boily have to resign.
I have serious questions about our supervisor too.
This is an unacceptable attempt to subvert democratic processes.
Brian Caterino
School District Finance Committee - September 16 2007
Email Sent to Board of Education
I am sending this e-mail because I was contacted by Carolyn Hauer at the end of July or beginning of August asking me if I would be interested in serving on the board Finance Committee. I told Carolyn I would be willing to serve on this committee. I asked what the "charge " was by the board for this committee and was told that Roger was letting Carolyn chair this committee and determine the direction and scope the Finance Committee would undertake. I was also informed by Carolyn that I would be receiving a letter from her by mid August informing us who would be on the committee and when the initial meeting would be. To date I have not received any information.
The biggest concern I have regarding this committee is the fact the BOARD as a whole has not had any discussion regarding the "charge" to this committee or the scope we are to undertake. This committee needs to have to have the support of the ENTIRE board and an agreement by the ENTIRE board on the charge and scope of this committee or we will all be wasting our time. This finance committee will take a big chunk of time from all who have volunteered for this job. I want our responsibilities and goals to be clearly stated so when reports come to the entire board, there is no dissension from individual board members that we (committee) have gone beyond our scope of responsibilities or charge.
I would appreciate an update from the board regarding the status of this committee.
I thank you in advance for taking the time to read my e-mail.
Regards,
Anne Miller
Board Goals - September 14 2007
Here are the Board Goals that were voted on in the last meeting.
In reading these it leaves us wondering where are the real goals. This is also probably why they just posted this on the Districts Web site.
We had to get the President of BOE to give the clerk permission to send it to us.
Take a look and let us know what you think.
2007-08 Board of Education Goals
The following Board and District goals were discussed for the 2007-08 school year and presented at the September 11, 2007 Board of Education Meeting for adoption.
Academic Performance – The District will demonstrate improvement in academic performance consistent with and in conjunction with our school improvement process with emphasis on our students with special needs. School Improvement Plans will be established by each school and the improvement process will focus on student achievement results across multiple measures of performance. The School Improvement Plans will be distributed throughout the community and interim reports will be provided to the Board of Education, parents, and community. A year end report to the Board of Education will include a summary of goals achieved and/or not achieved along with the supporting evidence as document by but not limited to the New York State Assessments, the Special Education Consent Decree, the Contract for Excellence, and other measurements as identified in the school improvement plans.
Finance – Through the District Finance Committee, the Board of Education will monitor the district’s financial status and plans to ensure quality management. The Committee will investigate and, on a regular basis, advise the Board and District regarding the workings of the Committee including short term and long term financial plans, as well as opportunities for revenue enhancement and cost reduction. The Committee will also assist in the development of a budget that is accountable, affordable, supports all student learning, and, is financially responsible to and is supported by the community.
Board Advocacy – The Board will continue to advocate for education and students and remain informed on the legislative issues which impact students and our educational system included by not limited to the following issues:
- No Child Left Behind (NCLB)
- Student Health and Wellness
- Asset Development
- State and Federal Funding
- Legislative Matters
- Contract for Excellence
Each member of the Board of Education will make every effort to attend and participate in at least one conference sponsored by the MCSBA, NYSSBA and other recognized organizations.
Board and Community – The Board of Education and District will strengthen our communication with the community and reaffirm our partnerships with parents, businesses, residents, and the Town of Greece. To achieve this goal, the Board will take the following actions:
- Establish a Communications Advisory Committee on or before November 1, 2007.
- Prepare and distribute at least four written district newsletters during the 2007-08 school year.
- Revise and update the district’s website. An interim progress report will be given to the Board by February 1, 2008.
Strategic Plan - The Board of Education and the Superintendent will work toward establishing a long range strategic plan to address the following issues:
- Collective Bargaining
- District Properties and future use needs
- Facilities and Maintenance Operations
- Kindergarten through grade 5 configuration
- Signature schools and schools of choice
- Technology
- Transportation
The Superintendent will report back to the Board of Education no later than the December Board meeting regarding the status of the Strategic Plan and a timeline to address the above noted issues.
Intra-Board Interactions: - In an effort to enhance the status of this Board in our community, each Board member will indicate his and her willingness to abide by the School Board Code of Ethics by signing the Code of Ethics as set forth in Policy 2350, and further agrees to sign the Code of Ethics at the earliest public meeting following the adoption of these goals.
Policy 2350
Greece Central Open Meetings - September 14 2007
Please take a look at the document by clicking here --Open Meeting--
This is a advisory opinion on the way The Board uses executive session in thier meetings.
Webmaster
Thank you, Mr. Kramer - September 13 2007
Mr Kramer,
I appreciate your comments; I asked because I wanted to know....but I must respond to a couple of items (my website isn't up yet!) First off, Au contraire...I DO have defend my union. I don't neccesarily agree w/ 100% of everything, but I am a team player & that's my team. As a union, we could've said more or done more to bring situations to light during the past few years, but union leadership took the high road and bit their toungue...Now if it WERE to be me, I would've been yelling from the mountain tops because some things that went one regarding how teachers were treated were just plain wrong.
..take as an example the disgruntled citizen (as I will only refer to her as)that responds to a letter I wrote to YOU under the heading of 'clueless'. Now, I've been called much worse, but NEVER by someone who doesn't even have a clue who I am....and most people I know would not refer to anyone who has 3 degrees as 'clueless'. A person who does that is not really worthy of respect in MY opinion.
But, that is an example of how many people treat teachers in greece. Our community doesn't always respect us or our opinions, even tho it's an intelligent and educated opinion. Where is a community going to go when it doesn't respect the opinions of community employees who are among the most highly educated? And how do you fight against ignorance like that?
So, if the union or it's members don't react, then the public thinks we don't care....when we speak up, it's those whiny teachers again.....most people know this to be true; we're damned if we do, & damned if we don't.
I won't disrespect my union's leadership & say I speak for them because I don't. They represent many people and there are many dynamics to what they have to look out for. People in the community don't know that and can't possibly understand. As it is, we are working under a contract that expired over a year ago....but for some reason, community members who AREN'T teachers either don't know that or conveniently 'forget'. (ah there I go whinning again!!!!)
Hey, if it's so great being a teacher here, why isn't everyone flocking to Greece to teach? Why aren't disgruntled citizen's saying to themselves "Hey, this is a good gig! I think I'll do it?" And why aren't teachers just out of college staying in N.Y. State to teach?
Bottom line is, NOT everyone can do this, like every job it has it's ups and downs, & N.Y State (Greece in particular) doesn't seem to appreciate the job we do enough to make it worthwhile for everyone. (You know, most of us would take the appreciation over a little more money!!!!)
When I step out of my house, I am on the job! A student or parent of a student comes up to me and talks to me, it's part of my job to be cordial and talk with them. At Wegmans, Hamlin State Park, even this Summer at 1000 Isles or Old Forge.
And I will not just ignore these people because when I took this job, I accepted that as well. So there's your summer off.....reality is, I am on the job 24/7....and you know what? If ANYONE asks me for help....even a disgruntled citizen who doesn't respect me or my job....and I CAN help them? I will! That is really what we do.
Too bad not enough people appreciate it. John Yeara
Sorry - August 28 2007
That should be one employee for every 4.02 students. More Alfie later.
I am Sorry
Really
William Empey
Whats it all about Alfie??? - August 27 2007
Is it just for the moment we live? Uh Oh, yes you caught me singing, the music thing. Not spending enough money, impoverished schools, conforming to the norm, get real. From my perspective, NCLB just holds educators accountable just like the rest of us. No resources, there are 4.02 employees for every student in the GCSD (I don't know who the .02 person is but I have an idea). Its easy to pontificate when its someone else who is footing the bill. Yes it is as simple as granite curbing will someone tell me how spending over 12 times more than the state does for the for our schools parking lot curbing has anything to do with education? It smells like something else is going on but I am not ready to use that word yet. One more thing no one ever was able to tell me why the former and current Superintendent makes more than any member of President Bushes Cabinet and almost as much as Mayor Duffy and County Execs Brooks combined salaries. Anyone?????
(Mea culpa Mea Maxima culpa I misspelled lose in my last post thats Latin we used to have to take it because it is the root of most modern languages somebody tell Alfie please)
William Empey
Response - August 22 2007
Frank/Charlie
The truth of the matter is in this case I AGREE with the position of HMO. That was not the point of my posting. The point for both you the wasted 1 1/2 hrs while BOTH sides and each INDIVIDUAL member of the board has to go on and on (Grand Standing?) when each side knows they are not going to change a single vote on the other side. That is the point!! The message was repeated three times for HMO and five times for the Boily crew. A quick roll call vote would have produced the same result. As I said the sad truth is that BOILY controls the Superintendent and he will always listen to five votes.
In this case it would have been good community politics to have a no tax increase. Money wise the dollar amount is so small in the big picture it makes little or no difference. In fact, it maybe a dangerous pattern to start that if a budget goes down past practice means the BOE has to go to a zero tax rate increase. This year the BOE could of easily done it, in other years it may not be so easily.
Both of you know that the community turned down the budget. THAT IS ALL WE KNOW. The budget presented was turned down. Everyone has there own theories and ideas of why. There is nothing that says the community said it must be a zero tax rate increase. The community said no to the budget presented. The BOE listened and did not approve that budget. Democracy WORKED! A different budget was approved.
This is still the greatest country in the world, No one died in all the wars in vane. The approved budget was lower and a legal process was followed as established by the law of the land.
For politics and politics only for this year a zero rate would of have good. A "reserve" could have been held in the hands/bank of each individual citizen of Greece and if needed taxed when needed.
How does the book "The World is Flat" effect the future of education? It would be so great to listen to some philosophical or policy issues or a book discussion and use the hour and hlf to good use.
Enjoy
Doug
Mr. Skeet - August 22 2007
I found your choice of words in your latest posting interesting at best in reference to HMO 'grandstanding'.
Let me make this VERY clear. We live in the greatest democracy in the history of man.
In a democracy a persons vote ought to mean something and it does at every level of government ACCEPT the level of government in charge of educating our kids.
So you can refer to it as 'grandstanding' but frankly this ought to scare to hell out of any clear thinking American. GET IT?
Charlie Hubbard
chubbard005@rochester.rr.com
615-2678
Thank you - August 21 2007
Mr. Yeara, Thank you for seeing my wife and I as good intelligent people....we hope we are........and no, we don't believe in insulting people. With that said, I have to tell you I have three teachers in the family so I'm "fairly well educated". And I understand what a mess this school district is in.
Anne Miller is one of the most highly-respected members of the community and was not speaking for us, but only stating the facts as they exist now in Greece. Sad facts but nevertheless ours! Sad because our school boards have created this mess....and yes, sometimes the truth hurts!
Rather than defending your union, you as a teacher should use your knowledge and expertise to help change things..With their demands for increases the community cannot afford, the union will be forcing the district and the school board in the future to cut both jobs and programs. We will be losing good teachers. Are the increases worth it considering the salaries that now exist in Greece? I say no.
Let us all remember that in order to operate smoothly, a school district MUST create a "blanket of trust" with both its teachers and its residents who do foot the bill.
This is not the case in Greece. Trust has become a word of the past. And after the last board meeting, I don't expect it to return.
Thanks for listening to one taxpayer....
Jim Kramer
Confusion-One man's opinion - August 21 2007
There was an article written in the Democrat and Chronicle at the time Mr. Boily was elevated to school board president. It was titled "Good sign for Greece. New leadership can go far to build public trust!" It also stated, "Evidence that the board lacks public confidence is the resounding rejection of its proposed budget in the spring. To his credit, Boily recognizes that the board needs to mend fences with the public. After all, taxpayers foot the bill."
After listening to the August 14th board meeting(should be aired tonight on Ch.12 at 7P.M., again on Friday on Ch.15), I became confused. Is this the same Mr. Boily? If you're going to "talk the talk" shouldn't you "walk the walk"?
Given an excellent opportunity to begin "mending fences", Mr. Boily failed to hear the excellent presentation given by a fellow board member, a motion that was not only proper but "morally correct". The message I received when he voted against the taxpayer once again was,"Why worry about the taxpayer? He'll/she'll always be there to foot the bill." Why can't he ever vote against the real problem, SPENDING!
Why mend the fence when you can tear it down?
We, the residents, were led to believe that with a new superintendent and a new board president things would change. But with all due respect to both gentlemen, what I heard was a superintendent once again telling the board what to do..........Deja Vu of what we witnessed during the Walts dynasty!.........Sorry, Steve and Roger, but it's the truth!
One of the board members mentioned the word "backbone" and the lack of it by everyone up there?...........Enough said!
To Joe Moscato and Frank Oberg,....excellent motions with the necessary data to support them...You did your homework!
Thumbs up to the members who supported you....They listened to the voters and.......Thank You!
I ask the community to watch the telecast and see what they think...
Jim Kramer
Board of Education - August 20 2007
Board of Education—Sad Story
The Greece Central School Community elect INDIVIDUALS to the Greece Central Board of Education. Isn’t it interesting and sad and how quickly the individuals disappear and the “Voting Blocks” appear.
In my opinion, the really sad part of Tuesday’s BOE meeting was not the result of the tax rate vote, the result was known before the vote. The wasted hour and a half is an issue and that eight people, Julia VanOrman was absent, could not discuss and comprise on an issue as important as the tax rate. No comprise, this is about POWER. The truth is that either way, a small tax increase or no tax increase really represented small dollar amounts in an almost $190,000,000 dollar budget.
What did the vote really represent POWER!!! HMO knew the Boily Block was going to support the Superintendent’s position of building up reserves. This allowed the HMO to grand stand their stated positions. The Superintendent wanted a tax increase because after all this is POWER and flexibility for the Superintendent. He now has more dollars to move around. The Boily crew has to support the Superintendent because Boily hand picked and hired the Superintendent, along with giving him a 6.23% annual raise. They now have to support the recommendations of the Superintendent. Jeff Smith never attended a BOE of meeting prior to being sworn in and he got elected on the coattails of Boily so he votes as Boily votes.
Politics isn’t it wonderful. Trust in the BOE? How long did the “discussion” take an hour or hour and a half? Everyone on the BOE, everyone in the audience and everyone in radio land knew the out come of the vote before it was taken. An hour and a half of grand standing on both sides makes for exciting radio listening. The only questionable vote was the vote from Pat Tydings and now we know he is in line and in the Boily camp of his golfing buddy.
How foolish of me to think that the hour and a half could have been spent on academic issues and graduation rates.
Enjoy
Doug Skeet
Test scores & socio-economic status - August 20 2007
Mr. & Mrs. Kramer asked some good questions. They seem like good, intelligent people who really want to know & don't just go off insulting those who are trying to educate the community (You can lead an old horse to water, but you can't make her read an entire article!)
I have been a strong advocate against standardized testing which is the cornerstone of "No Child Left Behind" and ONE reason (of many mind you!) is the built in bias of these test.
There are many websites and plenty of literature that highlights an ongoing history of this bias; it is NOT new! One local person who has spoken out against overtesting is William Cala; the interim superintendant of the Rochester City School District. Alfie Kohn; who was a keynote speaker we had to open the school year a few years ago is an author who has published many books and articles on the subject; For those of you who want to see ONE entire article, try this
http://www.alfiekohn.org/teaching/edweek/staiv.htm
or just google 'Standardized Testing'
Here is part of it that refers to the socioeconomic bias...I hope that it at least in part answers your questions.
J.Yeara (the rest is from Alfie Kohn)
The tests may be biased. For decades, critics have complained that many standardized tests are unfair because the questions require a set of knowledge and skills more likely to be possessed by children from a privileged background. The discriminatory effect is particularly pronounced with norm-referenced tests, where the imperative to spread out the scores often produces questions that tap knowledge gained outside of school. This, as W. James Popham argues, provides a powerful advantage to students whose parents are affluent and well-educated. It's more than a little ironic to rely on biased tests to "close the gap" between rich and poor.
Guess who can afford better test preparation. When the stakes rise, people seek help anywhere they can find it, and companies eager to profit from this desperation by selling test-prep materials and services have begun to appear on the scene, most recently tailoring their products to state exams. Naturally, affluent families, schools, and districts are better able to afford such products, and the most effective versions of such products, thereby exacerbating the inequity of such testing. Moreover, when poorer schools do manage to scrape together the money to buy these materials, it's often at the expense of books and other educational resources that they really need.
Hooray for Mr. Hubbard - August 19 2007
Mr. Hubbard,
I would like to thank you sincerely for your honesty and candor. I know for a fact that the three who voted for the taxpayers were yourself, Mr. Muscato, and Mr. Oberg. What we are seeing again is a lack of trust between the community and the district. In short, the one step we took forward almost 2 years ago, I can see now that we are going 3 steps back. It is a sad state of affairs when the leadership cannot be trusted. We the taxpayers did send a message. . . you have to do more with less. The excuses keep piling up that we just need more money to fix the problems that have been plaguing us for years. The money is not the answer. The answer is leadership, and I have yet to see it from this district. The majority of the board members have their own agendas and it is not for the benefit of the community as a whole.
In the words of board member Tidings, there is still a "disconnect" between the district and community, and I am sorry to say that it still exists. We need leadership in this district that will tell the superintendent that the taxpayers have the last word, not him, and that the school board is there to represent the taxpayers, as well as the children. When the taxpayers say no, the school board and administration need to heed what is being told to them and stop being adversarial and become more proactive.
I would like to close by saying I would like to see more proactiveness than reactiveness by the members of the district who should be making the "right" decisions for all concerned in this district.
Larry Baldasare
WING NUT - August 18 2007
Yep........just keep ranting Mr. Yeara. Public education is going down the tubes because the unions care more about what THEY want (more money, more benefits, no accountability) than the children they are supposed to care about.
The public educational system is no longer about educating our children. It is all about the power and money hungry unions who want to control the system and see taxpayers as cash cows with our money. And the unions know we don't have school boards and superintendents who have the guts to stand up and say enough.
Just keep posting Mr. Yeara. You are helping educate parents and others on the dysfunctional educational system and in my opinion, some of the wing nuts that work within it.
Anne Miller
Unions, Teachers, Politicians and a little reality - August 17 2007
Are Unions good? In the old days there was a need today I'm not so sure.
Fact: In this state if a person works in a Union Shop (their words) that person does not have to join the Union but the Union collects an agency shop fee from the non member (so much for freedom of choice.
Public employees (teachers included) are precluded from authorizing a job action like a strike by the Taylor Law. About 5 years ago the Buffalo teachers went on an illegal strike on the first day of school. So much for obeying the law and what about the kids they all proclaim to care so much about. The NYSUT (the big Union the teachers statewide just formed) was one of the largest donors to the new Governors campaign. Personally I am sick and tired of having the GTA and the national unions keep telling our senior citizens that if they don't vote for the teachers next big raise they must hate their grandchildren. Fact a local company whose members are represented by two heavyweight international unions just voted to contract and wage concessions (some wages were cut by half) so they could keep staffing at current levels (not loose any jobs). Fact: the national teachers unions spend a lot of money lobbying against charter schools and public funding of faith based schools ( they do not want you to have a choice if they can help it. (translation: no competition ) Aquinas is building a new field house on their property the curbing for the parking lot is cast in place concrete (just like NYS Roads) costs about 4.00 per foot. I think it is at Apollo but not sure GCSD is installing Granite curbing at almost 50.00 per foot. If you think that the Superintendent or anybody else involved in this administration gives a rats a-- if we can afford it or not think again. Aquinas knows how to stretch a buck and put out a good product at the same time.
Like Doug says,
Enjoy
William Empey
Got a clue...you should try it! - August 17 2007
Ms. Miller,
I bought a clue today at the clue store! You should try it!
I appologize in advance to everyone that's sick of the namecalling & such on this site; after today,
I will only comment on my own website from now on....then Ms. Miller, if you really wanna know what I think, you can look it up....you may not like it tho!
I encourage more of you to do the same thing so this site can harness some positive energy....teacher bashing just brings out the worst in me.
btw....NOTHING is free in the empirical meaning of the word. It seems like you have an issue w/ unions for whatever reason as is your right; but keep your venom to yourself. Our community needs some positivity....I keep hearing complaints, but NO solutions....& this time Ms. Miller, it started w/ you speaking for someone else who I asked a question...& you went on about unions... and insulted me for being a teacher...for no reason that I can ascertain...I don't even know who you are! my question had NOTHING to do w/ unions and I still don't have the answer to my original question???? (scroll back to see what that was....even I forgot!)
Read your history on labor unions! (here's a sight I googled:or choose your own!)
http://www.socialstudieshelp.com/Eco_Unionization.htm
Why do you think we HAVE unions?
How were workers treated before that! Maybe it's not all rosey now, but it's a darn sight better than 18 hour days and child labor!
What about Teachers in your 'golden age'? They were only women & they couldn't get married or be seen in the company of men! Not to mention what women were paid for that career decision!
Was that better? Excuse us for making progress....I guess you should only be allowed to make money if you are selling something!
Now, go ahead & rant right back because you seem like one of those people who has to be right & has to get the last word in; and education is bad & teachers are evil & blah, blah, blah....so it's all yours....
Have a nice day! See you on the world wide web!
John Yeara
Thank you - August 16 2007
To Charlie Hubbard, Joe Muscato, Frank Oberg
Thank all of you for representing the voters. As we have said before it was deja vu all over again. Taxation without representation is what we have; board members who know the wishes of the people and yet do the exact opposite! You all tried and we want you to know that you have earned our respect and yes, trust.
Jim and Pat Kramer
What does a 'NO' vote mean??? - August 16 2007
It is with extreme sadness that I write this posting.
On Tuesday night the Greece school board by a 5-3 vote said 'WE don't care how you voted Mr. + Mrs. Taxpayer' 'WE are going to raise your taxes anyway'
They did of course follow the recommendation of the superintendent (sound familiar) - stuck their middle finger straight up at the owners of this district (the taxpayers) (the people they are SUPPOSE to represent) and voted to raise your taxes after a resounding defeat of the budget in May.
WHY?
Well I can't answer that. You'll have to ask the 5 who voted 'for' it. This much I will say at this time (more later) if you Mr. + Mrs. Taxpayer thinks this school board RESPECTS you - you are sadly mistaken.
The number one item on the exit survey at the polls in May BY FAR was a 'lack of trust' of the school board by the voters.
This is not about me - I put up as good a fight as I could to stop this lunacy but I failed. I had this crazy idea that restoring trust with the community would be a priority for this board and in turn benefit our kids - unfortunately I was wrong again.
TRULY - TRULY SAD
Charlie Hubbard - school board
Chubbard005@rochester.rr.com 615-2678
Give Credit When Credit Is Due - August 13 2007
Give Credit When Credit Is Due
In this week’s Greece Post there is a very informative article concerning the process to be used to frame the goals for the Greece Central School District for the 2007-2008 school year.
The process as described appears to be EXCELLENT! The district is using a system called SMART goals which stands for: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Timely. Making the assumption that the process will be accomplished as described, a large number of staff, parents and students worked to look at ways to improve student achievement in a measurable manner. The involvement of so many people can only be good.
I truly hope that this goal setting process will be the start of the “turn around” of Greece Central that so many of us have been working and waiting for. Greece appears to be off to an excellent start toward improving test results and graduation rates.
Let’s give credit when credit is due.
Enjoy
Doug Skeet
Comments - August 12 2007
SHOULD SCHOOL BOARD RAISE TAXES… TO INCREASE ‘IDLE MONEY’?
1. Greece schools last year (2006-07) - total expenditures = $176.1M.
2. Budget this year = $187.7M… up $11.6M – - an increase of +6.6% over last year’s spending.
3. Operating budget last year ran a surplus = $6.5M (money taxed – not needed).
4. Board must decide if total surplus from last year should be used to reduce taxes this year, or hold some back to increase ‘idle money’ (idle money = reserves + unappropriated funds etc).
5. Superintendent proposes to increase ‘idle money’ - - total $7.4M.
6. BOE members represent voters… should explain their positions. What do voters want?
George R. Hubbard
NO HELP FOR DOUG SKEET – JUST MORE QUESTIONS - August 8 2007
Doug Skeet, thank you for your informative comments (“Please, Someone Help Me Understand”, Aug 2nd) RE: Superintendent’s pay raise.
I too have wondered if the Board believes its handling of the Superintendent’s pay raise (total compensation) was a significant step forward… a step toward improved educational results and building better community relationships.
Here are my top five points to add to the Doug’s “Please, Help…” list. The common theme here is (lack of) openness when informing the public.
1. LATE BUDGET: The Superintendent’s 2007-08 Proposed Budget was submitted March 20th – a week late; it was due on March 13th according to the 2007-08 Budget Calendar.
The late submission cut time for public review from 3 weeks to 2 weeks before Board adoption Apr 3rd.
2. AMBIGUOUS FINANCIAL DATA: The Superintendent’s reporting of certain financial information has been inconsistent.
For example, yearend fund balance (projected to June 30th) in documents for Board members – documents not generally made available to the public, show that on March 27th the Fund Balance was estimated at $13.0M, and later on July 24th reported to be $13.6M.
However, by comparison, the intervening budget document, as generally made available to the public in May, reported yearend fund balances of $8.5M.
The public was told a much lower figure – about $4.5M lower. This misrepresented the availability of funds for the next school year.
3. UNECESSARY BUS FINANCING: Despite recent growing budget surpluses each year, the Superintendent recommended in Proposition 1 (last spring) to acquire 27 replacement buses on a time-payment lease purchase plan.
Why not pay cash as the District has done for many years? But of course putting buses up as a supplemental proposition did make the budget look smaller to voters - an enticement to vote yes.
And worse, the time-payment finance charge of $294,000 was reported to the Board, but not revealed to the public. The Superintendent deleted this just before the Board approved Proposition 1 to go forward for public vote.
4. CONTINGENT BUDGET – UP 6.6%: After voters defeated the budget on May 15th, the Superintendent proposed that the Board adopt a 2007-08 Contingency Budget for $187.7M – up 6.6% over actual expenditures last year. The public was not informed about the comparative increase.
5. PERFORMANCE - STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT: Perhaps of greatest concern is data from the State Ed… the school report card for Kenmore-Tonawanda S.D. Over the last five years, Ken-ton Cohort Graduation Rates declined from 93.5% (2002), to 86.0%, 88.2%, 77%, and 65% - an unmistakable and serious downward trend. This data was brought to the Board’s attention May 30, 2007.
As elected officials to represent the public, what did the Board know… and when… during the hiring process? If there’s an assignable cause, does the Board know this? How is the Ken-Ton trend being taken into consideration for improvement plans at GCSD – explained openly or ignored silently? Was the pay raise affected?
Sorry Doug, I can’t offer you any help, only more questions! But since I now have more questions than you, can you help me to understand?
George Hubbard
Letter To the Board - August 8 2007
To The Board Of Education,
I am requesting District Clerk, Lynn Armstrong send each board member a hard copy of this e-mail because I do not have e-mail addresses for Gail O'Toole or Mr. Smith.
In May 2007 the voters of this community said "NO" to your budget and proposition. Instead of going back to the drawing board and presenting a new budget to the voters, the board, by removing a few hundred thousand dollars, basically gave us the same school budget we voted down. Many board members thought that because the voters did not approve the budget that by "law" they could only reduce the budget by X number of dollars. This was, in my opinion, purposely communicated to you by Administration to mislead the board into falsely understanding what your options were by law under a "contingent budget." It was also a failure on the part of some individual board members to read the "School Law" handbook which outlines in plain English what a "contingent budget" is and the financial freedom you as a board have. School board members receive this school law handbook each year. It is written in such a way that even a 6th grader could read and understand the laws surrounding school districts. It is NOT the Administration's job to "educate" board members. It is your job to find out and know the laws.
This community deserves tax relief. Since 2000, (7 years) this community has given this school district in excess of $1 BILLION to educate our children. This is the same community which has been devastated by thousands and thousands of high paying jobs lost forever with the layoffs at Kodak. Greece is an exceptionally caring community and cares deeply about our schools but there has to be a reality check by the school board and Superintendent regarding the future economic stability of Greece and Monroe County.
I am urging this board and this Superintendent to provide leadership and understanding of this community and adopt a ZERO percent tax increase for the 2007/08 school budget.
We have given you over $180 Million for next school year even on a "contingent budget." You need to find ways to spend that money to educate our children and improve our educational outcomes without constantly telling us we need to spend more. It is not how much money one gets. It is how that money is used and managed that counts. If the nine board members and the Superintendent can't provide the leadership and figure out how to accomplish a ZERO percent tax increase then we have no leaders at all.
Regards,
Anne Miller
Comment - August 2 2007
Please, Someone Help Me Understand!
Mary Jo and I have been out of town for about six weeks. I am now in the process of reading the last six weeks of the Greece Post. I am particularly interested in the July 5-11 issue and an article entitled “Superintendent Gets Pay Raise”. “The Greece Board of Education granted Steven Achramovitch a nearly 2 percent raise, eight months after he was hired”.
Even if the above percentage raise was the only raise he received the information would be bad enough but in reading the article the Greece School Board of Education also gave him a $5,000 one time payment for Achramovitch to put into a retirement account that he will set up. In other words Superintendent Achramovitch, now thanks to the Greece School Board of Education has the opportunity to have a second retirement plan in the form of a retirement annuity. The big question not answered in the article WHY?
To the Greece community, Superintendent Achramovitch is already a member of the NYS Teachers Retirement System. He is currently receives 2% credit per educational year that he is employed as an educator in NYS toward his NYS pension. His pension is calculated as follows: the number of years in education, times 2%, times the average of his three highest salary years. For example, if Achramovitch works in NYS for 35 years he would earn 70% credit. Now, 70% times the average of his three highest years. Who knows what his salary average will be but what we currently know he is making $203,300. He is a young man so it is reasonable to say his average could be at least $220,000. His final average could easily be much higher. So 35 years time 2% equals 70% times $220,000 equals $154,000 per year for life. The Greece Central School Board of Education does not think this is sufficient and gave Achramovitch $5,000 to start a SECOND retirement annuity. My money says this is only the first “one time payment”. Watch next year when he will receive a second “one time payment” to this additional retirement plan. Obliviously the Greece Central School Board of Education doesn’t think this amount is sufficient. Why?
Lets now look at the headlines again and calculate Achramovtich’s real salary raise. It is much more than the reported 1.6%. Achramovitch received $3,300 in a salary increase. Lets not forget the $5,000 retirement annuity. Total new dollars is $8,300. As a percentage of his former salary of $200,000 the $8,300 new dollar raise is 4.15%. Lets not forget this 4.15% is for only eight months. As a prorated 12 month raise 4.15% equals 6.23% In reality the Greece Central School Board gave Achromovitch a 6.23% annualized raise. That percentage was never reported by the school board or in the Greece Post Article. Now I am back to my basic question, WHY?
Let me ask a question. The Greece Teachers have been without a contract for a year. I have no idea why it is not settled but why should they settle for anything less than a 6.23% annual raise. The Greece Central School Board of Education has set the pattern with the Superintendent’s raise. Charlie Hubbard has publicly said many times that labor contracts will never be voted on without the Board of Education knowing the total cost. This pay raise was approved unanimously by the School Board.
In the same Greece Post article former school board president Walsh indicated despite voters defeating the budget and three propositions in May, Archromovitch deserves the raise. He is not responsible for the low test scores and low graduation rates as the problems in Greece were started before he arrived. We are being told by Walsh that the “fruit of his performance” will not be immediately visible. So a Superintendent not accountable or responsible for the budget, test scores, graduation rates or the “problems of Greece Central” can earn a 6.23% annualized raise.
At a school board meeting in May President Walsh admitted that he did not create the Superintendent’s evaluation instrument as required in the Superintendent’s contract by January 2007. In fact the evaluation tool was approved by the Greece Central Board of Education on the same night that the School Board gave him a 6.23% annualized raise. This raises a second very disturbing question, Who wrote the evaluation of the Superintendent for his first 8 months in Greece? The board did not have an evaluation instrument. Are we back to the days of Steve Walts when he wrote his own evaluation and gave it to the school board. My money says Superintendent Archromovitch wrote his own evaluation and gave it to board president Walsh.
Speaking of former Superintendent Walts. Do you remember the outrage by the new school board majority members of CARE (Walsh, Grason, HMO) when they took over two years ago that Superintendent that Walts received lifetime health and dental insurance from the citizens of Greece. What is the difference between giving lifetime health and dental insurance and giving the current Superintendent a lifetime second retirement system?
Sincerely
Doug Skeet
Thank you - July 31 2007
To: Community, Superintendent, School Board
Thank you Mr. Empey for expressing my feeling exactly regarding the recent televised graduation from Greece Olympia High School. I was appalled at what I saw. Shorts, sneaks with no socks, flip flops and high heels the girls could barely walk in could not be disguised by caps and gowns. Anyone who saw this can tell why these children are not ready to enter the "real world". Not only do they have to be re-taught the fundamental three Rs by a new employer, they also need to be taught how to dress. This was a poor choice of graduations to air on television. I only hope it was not representative of all Greece schools. Everyone concerned with this production should be ashamed!
Pat Kramer
Questions? - July 31 2007
To: The Community
Thanks once again for all the feedback we have received since writing our letter. We have compiled a list of taxpayer questions you asked.
1. Why is it that as our school spending increased test scores have decreased?
2. Why as enrollment decreased does spending increase at such an intolerable rate?
3. Why is public school education so much more expensive now than private school education where high test scores and graduation rates are guaranteed?
4. New York State admits academic standards are being LOWERED to accommodate more children to pass. Why are our test scores so low. Why is there a need for social promotion in Greece?
5. Our children no longer enjoy the secure feeling of going to a neighborhood school. Why do we continue to pay soaring transportation costs for busing when no educational benefits have resulted from it? Number 1 challenge for the new school board.
6. Why are we so concerned with art centers, TV stations and now fitness centers when so many of our children are failing?
7. Why is the community being called dysfunctional because it turned down a proposition concerning state aid? State aid IS taxpayer money.
8. Why are we blaming our socioeconomic climate for low test scores? Are we saying lower income workers can’t have smart children?
9. Why do residents have to pay for employee health benefits when they themselves have to pay for their own?
10. Do we have the board now that can correct these things?
Thanks again,
Jim and Pat Kramer
Time for Residents to Speak Up - July 31 2007
To: The Community
We would like to thank all the residents who have given us feedback concerning our July 16th letter. Not surprisingly, each and every one of you have agreed with us that “Our Vote Meant Nothing” when the budget was defeated. Each and every one of you wanted budget changes, not “Déjà Vu”. One disgusted resident commented “Doesn’t anyone on the Greece School Board realize this is America? “ Another sadly stated “It wasn’t always like this”. And they were right. IT WASN’T ALWAYS LIKE THIS.
We now have a new superintendent and a new school board. Step up to the plate, ladies and gentlemen, and present a more sensible budget to the community. RESPECT OUR VOTE.
With the size of our budget, we should be getting quality education in Greece. What we have received are low test scores and an absolutely embarrassing graduation rate. There is an obsession in Greece about putting the blame on someone else’s shoulders instead of their own. Let’s not blame Washington or Albany for Greece’s problem. Responsibility and Accountability are needed HERE. Look at our budget closely. The answers are there in black and white. More money does not buy better education. Better use of the money already there will!
James and Patricia Kramer
The same team ? (I think not) - July 31 2007
Just a couple of random observations. I watched the Greece HS graduations on public access. I do not know what I expected but did not expect what I saw. Flip flops, shorts, teachers looking like they could not wait for it to be over.
My youngest graduated from High School this year and it was a little more dignified to say the least. Oh well you get what you pay for.
Message to Anne Miller. You have got it right, public ed is all about the bucks if you don't think so take a ride down to Union Street and take a look at the NYSUT building. The way I see it that building is indicative of the mentality of public ed, looks good from the outside little of substance on the inside. Anne the person that is engaging you in debate is now and has been on vacation for over a month, will work about 180 days this year (give or take), has a benefit package that is worth a substantial fraction of his salary is a member of a Union that is negotiating for more of the money that you work about 100 more days a year for than he does. Well we will be working for the rest of the summer and next summer and the one after that and, our tax bill will show up exactly on time.
People like your debate partner will be whining and the union will be doing its union stuff and we will continue to pay for an inferior product.( and flip flops will probably be considered formal wear by then kinda like dumbing down a course of study).
William Empey
Get A Clue! - July 26 2007
Mr. Yeara,
Your rantings only add to the dysfunction of the union and why our educational system in this country is going down the tubes.
First of all, your question to me (and to others in the past) is "have I ever been a teacher?" This is an insult to me and other parents because WE were our children's FIRST TEACHERS! And we continue to be teachers long after our children leave the public school system! So, I have been a teacher for 32 years now and I have the privilage of continuing that role (of course without all the perks one would get on the public payroll) with my granddaughter and future grandchildren. Most parents care deeply about their children and work hard to teach them good values and get involved in their education. The union does itself no favors by attacking people who you believe are not "real teachers." It is this continued arrogance by the public educational system that parents and others are tired of supporting.
In the last 7 years this community has given the school district in excess of $1 BILLION to educate our children. Of that $1 BILLION Mr. Yeara, approximately 75 PERCENT of this $1 BILLION or $750 MILLION has been given to you and other union employees for salary and benefits. If, after giving out $750 MILLION in generous salary and benefits, you and other union employees can't get our test scores or graduation rates out of the toilet then perhaps it is time for a house cleaning. The people who pay the bills are tired of excuses and Throwing more money at the unions will not fix the problem.
And your rantings about this community voting down a proposition that would not cost us anything????? I guess when you are on the public payroll it is easy to forget that nothing is free. The money to pay for that proposition was not FREE. It was just coming from our left pocket instead of our right one. That is what they call "State Aid." That is the money that comes from the left pocket.
Anne Miller
overtaxing comments - July 27 2007
Ms. Miller,
I hear you live in a very nice home! I am saddened to hear you are being overtaxed out of it!
And with 'all due respect' to you; I will not refer to you as 'clueless' although you could use some help...I was asking the Kramers what bothered them about the budget;Now, unless you are their lawyer I am not sure why you are answering; but I believe you mostly wanted to tell me how bad I should feel for being a teacher and that my union is the cause of you losing your home. Now, are those real comments or are you exaggerating just a bit (as well as speaking for others without being asked!)
If you'd care to debate accountability; let's have a go.... do you know what the no child act does? Or what it is?
Do you believe there is ANY standard worth while that EVERY PERSON is able to attain at the same exact age?
Do you believe that children are the sum of their test scores?
Do you believe teachers should teach to the test?
Do you believe that special needs students should be held to the same exact standards as honors students?
How exactly do you feel that NCLB is holding parents and students accountable?
How is punishing schools that need the most help by taking away funding is going to help them?
If I have a kid in my classroom that refuses to bring materials or do anything that the class is doing how much of his refusal to do any work MY responsibility?
Do I focus on this student to the point where students in the same class don't get my help? Or maybe enough of it?
Are you aware that it seems almost every spring now in some educational institution that a student flips and causes the deaths or injuries to other students and instructors?
AND ON TOP OF IT ALL; I have to read comments from someone who doesn't know me OR what I do OR where I live write a rebuttal to questions for someone else entitled "Clueless"???? You have a lot of nerve, I'll give you that! To bad wisom didn't happen with age!
Obviously, you have some problem with the budget, but don't take it out on me, lady!
I live here too & I pay taxes as well....and when I ran out of some supplies or the school couldn't afford to send my son on a field trip, that money came from my pay check!
I have seen a few budgets over the years and I know that it is very unusual for the Greece Budget to fail when EVERY OTHER MONROE COUNTY budget passed!
What does that say about our community???
Totally disfuctional! And it's everyone else's fault exept the person in the mirror! People have got to get it together! We're on the same freakin team!
I also know there was a proposition that was not going to cost us a cent! No, not even you or your house!!!!! It was voted down! Now, there may have been some other issues about that; but until I hear it from a source that knows...that is the long & short of it!
If a proposition doesn't cost any money and benefits the kids, how do people vote that down????
I won't ask how you voted on that,but clearly SOMEONE does need a clue!
Have you ever been a teacher? We all make decisions! It's not "you' or 'us'...it's just us!
John Yeara
CLUELESS - July 26 2007
All due respect to Mr. Yeara but the comments posted by Mr. & Mrs. Kramer are not hard to understand. We are being taxed out of our homes by school boards and superintendents and school district unions, especially the GTA who only want to sqeeze us out of every last dime we have.
Mr. Yeara, the "No Child Left Behind" act is not the cause of our ever expanding budgets and subsequent tax increases. Nor is it "state mandates" or lack of our fair share of "state aid" or "federal aid."
Out of our school budget of almost $190 MILLION approximately 75 percent, YES 75 PERCENT or $143 MILLION goes to pay salary and benefits for district employees. The remaining $47 million goes to fund everything else.
While I understand that school districts are a "labor intensive" industry, we as taxpayers should not be taxed out of our homes to provide salary and benefits that far outweigh what we receive. I am sick and tired of paying huge salaries and medical benefits that are out of line with what we as taxpayers receive and without any accountability on the part of the people who educate our children. Our academic results are in the toilet Mr. Yeara and I am not willing to spend one more dime to "fix" the problem. Ten years ago our budget was approximately $115 million and we had about 13,500 students. We now have a budget of almost $190 million, yet our enrollment is still around 13,500 students. We have given you $75 million more to spend for the same number of students and our academic results are worse than they were 10 years ago even though you have continued to receive salary and benefits increases far beyond what we as taxpayers have received.
It is time for the unions to get a grip on the real world!
Do you get the message now Mr. Yeara?
Anne Miller
Be specific - July 24 2007
Mr. & Mrs. Kramer,
After reading your comments about the budget, I gathered you weren't happy w/ the contingency budget as well as the School Board's initial budget....but if you are going to ask them to get 'your message' shouldn't you be specific as to what it was about it that you didn't like? (on this website; maybe you told them, but as a reader that doen't help me understand your point of view)
I can appreciate people not being satisfied w/ 'status quo' education, but I really don't think the budget is to blame. If you need a scapegoat, try Washington! The whole'leave nno child behind' thing is a COMPLETE FARCE!
First of all, it's NOT possible! To leave ABSOLUTELY NO CHILD BEHIND TO FAIL!
How low do you think we'd have to make the standards to keep that promise? Has there EVER been a single benchmark that meant anything in history that was acheievable by EVERY, SINGLE PERSON? Yet, at the same time you want 'no child left behind' you call for 'higher standards'....the two ideas are in total conflict with each other! that's like asking every little league baseball team to be crowned champions!
If you are looking for a way to help education, please go after the politicians who can change this ridiculous policy!
Hmmmmm...I did it again...I digress...so what exactly about the budget bothers you????
John Yeara
Greece School Board Mistaken - July 16 2007
Greece School Board Mistaken
the July 10th meeting some of the board members explained that they had not done a good job of getting the district's message to the voters. That was before the budget vote. We as residents are concerned with the message sent 'after' it's defeat, the one proving OUR VOTE MEANS NOTHING !
We too sent a message - one that was totally overlooked by the past board. Through the defeat of the budget we told them we are NOT content with the 'status que'. We expected a new budget presented that is in line with the economy in which we live, NOT the 'fairy-tale' economy in which the district operates. We expected changes. The school district is no longer a part of our community, but an entity operating on a scale far above it. What we received was a 'carbon copy' of the past administration, or simply put 'deja vu' all over again !
With a new school board there is new hope. If the vote that elects board members is recognized, the vote that defeats a budget 'should not' be overlooked. You as board members would like us to 'respect' the decisions you make with our money - then please respect the decisions of the voters who elected you to do so.
Until that happens, how can we TRUST you?
James + Patricia Kramer
School Board - July 11 2007
The Greece School Board is now on Board Docs
Here is the Link
Greece Board Docs
Webmaster
Graduation Ceremonies - July 11 2007
Graduation Ceremonies to Air on Cable 12
Tapes of the four Greece high school graduation ceremonies will air in July and August on Cable Channel 12. The schedule is as follows:
Olympia: July 10 and August 7
Arcadia: July 11 and August 8
Athena: July 12 and August 9
Odyssey: July 13 and August 10
All programs are scheduled to begin at 7 p.m.
Webmaster
Stop Paying Steve Walts Health Insurance! - July 9 2007
July is the start of the New Fiscal Year for every school district in New York State.
New board members take their seats and new BOE Officers assume their duties.
New Law firms are appointed to represent the district and those who supply the milk products to our children are approved.
It is at exactly this time that Citizens, Staff and Faculty should come forward to challenge "Past Practice".
As a second grade teacher at Autumn Lane School, I would like to humbly suggest, that the GCSD stop the "Past Practice" of paying for the health insurance for the Superintendent of Prince William County Virginia.
What is the worst that will happen?
He will have to get a Lawyer, at his expense, to challenge the District in Court.
He could win AND the District will have to pay exactly what it is paying now.
He could lose! And the District will stop subsidizing the Prince William Tax Payers
What's the down side?
If the GCSD lawyers are not up to the challenge, then now is the time to rectify that.
"Feint Hart Never Won Fair Damsel"
Mary Donlon
Second Grade Teacher
Autumn Lane
2007-08 BUDGET, June 27, 2007 - June 28 2007
1. With an 'austerity budget' for next year, will Greece schools have enough funding?
2. In a memo dated June 12th, District administration advised GBOE... the estimated total year-end expenditure for this year (2006-07) would be $175.3M.
3. At the Board meeting of the same date (June 12th) by vote of 6-2, GBOE adopted a 'contingent budget document' for next year (2007-08) showing $187.7M. a year-to-year increase of $12.4M (+7.1%).
4. In advance of the budget vote May 15th, voter information stated a budget increase of 4.5%.
5. Do voters deserve an explanation?
George Hubbard
PTA funds - June 26 2007
Tina,
Larry had every intention of spending that money on the kids this year, but due to lack of parent volunteers a lot of the programs that the PTA wanted to have for the kids didn't happen, thus the extra money in the PTA fund. Line item funds are added every year. This is nothing new to the PTA fund; the parents just don't hear about it because it is not made public by the PTA members.
Diane Baldasare
PTA funds - June 25 2007
Diane, how would you like it if your child worked to raise money for team warm up outfits (or anything else) only to be told that the money would be used for the next batch of kids and not yours. It's the same thing with the PTA funds. . .I'm a firm believer in spending the money in the year that it was raised. The kids of the parents that raised the money should get the benefit in that school year. . . not something that will happen down the road when their kids are long gone. If you are saving up the money for something "big", then the parents should know that ahead of time and be told what the fundraiser is for.
Tina Karol
Kirk Road PTA vote - June 21 2007
Mrs. Fitzgerald,
Since you were not at the first vote I am to assume you don't realize that the only reason we had a second vote is because Renee acted like an adolescent when she found out that she did not win the vote.
All of you people who are trying to crucify the way Larry ran the PTA this past year need to get a life. Did anyone come to Larry at any point in the year and tell him that they did not like the way he was running the PTA . . NO! Are you all chicken to say something to his face . . YES! If you have nothing nice to say about all the time and effort he put into the PTA , THEN DON'T SAY ANYTHING AT ALL.
All that extra money that is in the PTA fund Larry wanted to use for line item things for the children for years to come. Now it will be spent on frivolous things that won't benefit the children at Kirk Road for years to come.
When you all grow a spine and stand on your own two feet and have an opinion of your own, then maybe you will have something to say that people want to hear. Until then, keep your nasty remarks to yourself or say them directly to that person instead of hiding behind this blog site.
I am only using this site this time because there are so many of you who want to hide behind someone else's apron stings (I use that term loosely because none of you have the time to take care of your house or children because you are too busy slamming everyone who is different than you on this site) and believe every lie that is fed to you.
Contemplate this while you get a life!!!
Diane Baldasare
The real president - June 21 2007
Due to issues at the first vote that caused concern from parents and teachers, regarding the lack of full disclosure of certain information, the first vote was set aside and a second vote was done. Renee Finnemore won that vote and is the new Kirk Rd PTA president.
Congratulations Renee. As a parent of 2 children who benefitted greatly from your knowledge and dedication to the children while you were previously PTA president, I know the children and staff next year can look forward to a productive and rewarding year.
Kelly Fitzgerald
President - June 21 2007
Will the real President Please stand Up!!
Is it Renee or Larry??
Jeffrey Cagwin
Congratulations Renee Finnemore - June 21 2007
Congratulations to Renee Finnemore for being recently elected by a popular vote to be President of the Kirk Road School PTA. Not only has she shown support to the teachers and staff at many of the Greece Schools, she always remembers "Student Learning is the Goal"
Amanda Handley
Odyssey Academy Class of 2007
Letter from Parent - June 19 2007
This is a letter I received from a parent of the School District.
I thought the community world like to know what is going on in the schools
Since this is an On going investigation I can not share the Names of the people involved.
---Start of Letter---
I would like to share a letter that I have written to the superintendent, the deputy superintendent, the principal and the vice principal of Greece Apollo.
There is so much emphasis on the budgets and test scores etc, I thought I would add the problems that I have been dealing with lately.
To whom it may concern
My name is xxx, Mother of xxx, who is currently enrolled in the 8th grade at Greece Apollo. We moved here from Avon, Livingston County at the beginning of the 05/06 school year. Obviously, it is challenging to make friends when attending a new school. So I was delighted when I learned xxx had befriended a girl named xxx. Things went well initially, but I became alarmed after I learned a few things about her. It seems as though xxx is a very controlling person. She would not allow xxx to have any other friends other than herself. Xxx told me she had no choice but to do what she said because she was afraid of being physically hurt by this girl. She even told me "Mom, I have to do what she says or she will beat me up".
By the 3rd quarter of the school year, the friendship ended. xxx began mentally tormenting my daughter and xxx became very depressed and withdrawn. She tried to make other friends on a few occasions, but xxx would interfere, and for some reason, the kids would actually listen to her.
Now xxx was back to square one... alone and without friends. At the beginning of this school year xxx felt as if she had no choice but to become friends with xxx again or face another year friendless. It started off ok, but within a few months I started to find nasty letters and emails from xxx. One day xxx came home with very large bruises on her arm. xxx wouldn't tell me how she got them, I am assuming she was afraid to. I only found out later, from my son, that xxx had caused them. I should have called the police at that time, but I had nothing to go on without Xxx cooperation.
In May 07, I found an email from xxx threatening to beat xxx head in the following day at school. My daughter visibly shook while reading the email and begged me not to make her go to school the following day. I called the assistant principal and explained to him what was going on. I insisted that I would not be putting my Daughter in a position to be physically hurt. I also told him that I wanted the police involved. I was told that because the threat wasn't made in school. I was on my own. I called 911 and they sent a police officer to the house. I showed him copies of the emails and he took them to xxx house and confronted her. But because of xxx age, nothing else could be done until she physically hurt xxx. Imagine my horror!
I again called xxx the following day to see what my options were. He said that the only thing that I could do was to go to our Dr. and request that xxx be taken out of school due to stress. She could be tutored at home for the remainder of the school year. I also told him I wanted xxx transferred to Greece Athena for the following school year as apposed to Olympia where xxx and her friends were going. He said that was the easy part.
I followed the advice and got a note from our family doctor. Only to find the request denied by the school doctor? It seems there is a rule that you must be out of school for 20 days before you are eligible for tutoring. I was confused by the fact that xxx did not know this rule existed. I also received a notice that xxx is number 27 on the waiting list for grade 9 at Athena High School. Meaning she will have to attend school with xxx and her friends again next year. I just want my daughter to be safe, yet I continue to run into obstacles at every turn. On June 7th and 8th, I took xxx into school to make up her Social Studies exam. She wouldn't even attend her own school without me with her. As the exam was ongoing, I heard several voices in the hallway. I recognized xxx voice among others. They walked back and forth outside the classroom making comments. At one point I heard xxx say, "You're going to die!" Despite xxx taking a test, the teacher made no effort to stop this until I finally asked him to put an end to it. He asked the girls to leave, but it wasn't until security was called before they finally left. The whole situation had crossed over into the realm of unbelievable. With recent headlines in the news involving schools, you would think statements like that would be taken extremely seriously.
Xxx stopped by to see how xxx was doing and I told him what had happened.
He said this might be what they need to actually do something about xxx. He would write this up and he would "take it to the top", whatever that was supposed to mean. That is the last time I have heard from xxx. I am also waiting on return calls from the Principal, whom I am told, I need to talk to, before I am able to talk to Superintendent Steven Achramovitch. How's that for a bloated bureaucracy? All of us send our children to school with the minimum expectation of an organized and safe learning environment. From my experience, Greece Apollo does not seem to supply this basic need. What is more alarming to me is they either do not have a system in place to deal with concerns, or they just outright do not care. What parent would subject their child to this on a daily basis? What have we become as a society when an obvious situation of bullying like this has us handcuffed and powerless to stop it? Something needs to be done on a community level to end this type of situation. And more immediately, something needs to be done so my daughter can attend school without fearing for her physical safety. I do not plan on resting until I feel my daughter is safe, and I am begging for the districts help in finding the solution.
Hopefully the xxx hasn't confused anyone. I think I have made my point. After I sent this letter the principals secretary called me to schedule an appointment with her and the assistant principal. That is tomorrow. Hopefully we can get some sort of resolution on this problem. How funny is it that they teach a course on 'Assets" to 8th graders that includes harassment and bullying, but they can't seem to do anything about this? Ridiculous!
--- End of Letter ---
Webmaster
Prayer..Greece Town Board - June 19 2007
I've read aricles written by Ms.Braiman before.I usually find her opinions either rediculous or insulting. Therefore, it's no surprise that I find her latest assault..on the Greece Town Board's prayer policy...to be equally offending. I certainly hope the Board won't be "bullied" by this women.
This country was founded on many good princibles...one of which is the Freedom of Religion. Since it's it's conception , sessions in Congress are opened with a prayer for guidance. Prayers from all religious groups are respected...after all...this is America!! Many have flocked to this Country in search of that very freedom!
Now,the ever so wise Ms. Braiman finds this practice offending. Frankly, I find Ms. Braiman offending! If she finds the word "God" so offensive, I'm sure there's some nation on this planet that would suit her beliefs. I , for one, wouldn't miss her intolerance at all!
Sylvia Koehnlein
Reading is STILL an under rated skill! - June 16 2007
Ms. Fitgerald,
What in the WORLD are you talking about!
I did NOT EVEN MENTION whatshername.... and I said I am not going to!
So I should check my facts; help me out then...
Did Larry Baldasare win an election?
You don't have to help me with the rest. I know Larry & he is an intelligent concerned parent! I have seen Mr. Baldasare at SEVERAL board meetings and he is very involved with our staff at Arcadia Middle School. He is definitely a teacher advocate & stood up with us against some very evil people not too long ago!
So lady, you might wanna check yourself & before you go accusing anybody of 'opening their mouth' w/out facts you should read what I wrote. I really see nothing but a sincere letter congratulating a man who has proven himself to be a teacher ally.
If you have a problem, w/ Mr. B...maybe you should be talking to him yourself instead of airing all kinds of dirty laundry on this website.
I don't even know the other person you refer to; all I know of her is she (also)makes accusations without proof and on this website.
I will advocate for teachers because I am one & I know what we have to put up with on a daily basis! Mr. B has been an ally! And since the teachers DIRECTLY help the kids (remember them? Like yourself only smaller!)& he supports them NOT JUST WITH WORDS but with actions.
Now I urge you, please go back & read my congratulations to Mr. B. Take it for what it is.
John Yeara
Make sure of your facts - June 16 2007
Mr. Yeara, your subtle dig at Mrs. Finnemore has once again dismayed me considerably. For someone who insists people should have facts before opening their mouths, you obviously do not have yours straight, or you would know that due to extreme concern from some teachers,as well as parents,as to the way Mr. Baldasare conducted himself before and during the meeting, where he won the "popular" vote by "1", the results were set aside and there will be another vote.
You say "He is also very aware of how hard the school's staff works and will be an excellent partner in education for the Kirk Rd. Staff!". Are you aware that Mr. Baldasare is the current president of the PTA there, and at the end of this year the PTA has a surplus of $9000, however, he had denied requests from teachers telling them that the PTA didn't have any money, without ever discussing it with the rest of the executive PTA board? As a parent who was highly involved in 3 events this year that generated income for the PTA, I am quite ticked, for lack of a better word, that my hard work to benefit the kids is sitting in an account unused when there were teachers asking for help.
Now, if for whatever reason you don't personally care for Mrs. Finnemore, that is fine. But you should be careful of who else you are endorsing and know the facts before doing so.
Kelly Fitzgerald
Congrats to Mr. Baldasare - June 16 2007
I just wanted to congratulate Mr. Larry Baldasare on being elected by a popular vote to be the head of Kirk Rd.'s PTA....
Larry is an intelligent, concerned parent who is in touch with the Greece School District. He is also very aware of how hard the school's staff works and will be an EXCELLENT partner in education for the Kirk Rd. Staff!
Well Done & BRAVO!
John Yeara
Greece Central School District’s 2007 Math Results - June 14 2007
Greece Central School District’s 2007 Math Results
Grade Greece 2006 2007 Brockport Gates-Chili R-H
3rd 79.3% 17/17 85.3%
16/17 91.6% 89.9% 92.9%
4th 81.4% 17/17 86.0%
16/17 86.0% 89.4% 88.4%
5th 64.9% 17/17 74.6%
16/17 75.7% 83.7% 76.5%
6th 66.0% 15/17 78.9%
14/17 84.4% 77.6%* 82.4%
7th 58.9% 15/17 72.7%
15/17 84.6% 73.8% 71.0%*
8th 62.1% 15/17 59.8%
15/17 70.8% 72.7% 56.8%*
Grade E.I. W.I. WebsterW.C. C.C. Pittsford E.R. Fairport
3rd 85.8 86.8 89.7 64.1* 91.2 95.8 90.9 91.2
4th 83.5 93.8 88.0 78.4* 88.3 95.8 84.6 88.5
5th 77.9 88.1 83.8 56.7* 88.9 96.7 76.3 86.5
6th 58.8* 91.4 84.5 69.7* 89.3 91.4 77.0 82.5
7th 62.3* 88.8 88.1 84.2 86.9 92.4 74.7 83.6
8th 56.4* 85.7 82.8 62.7 82.9 89.5 62.6 81.3
Grade Penfield Hilton Spencerport
H.F. Lima Brighton
3rd 92.4 90.2 90.0 96.3 92.2
4th 97.0 83.0 87.9 95.0 96.5
5th 87.6 82.0 84.9 91.2 90.3
6th 84.0 86.3 83.7 88.5 83.0
7th 88.3 84.7 89.0 91.1 85.0
8th 65.5 73.8 85.2 77.4 80.9
Comments:
Greece, Brockport, Gates-Chili and Rush-Henrietta are “like” communities
with a 7% US census poverty rate.
*Marks are those grade level scores that are lower than Greece’s scores.
Between 2006 and 2007 Greece increased the percentage of students passing at
all levels except at 8th grade.
Through out NYS math results went up.
In grades 3, 4 and 5 Greece went from last place in the county to second from
last place in the county.
In grade 6 Greece went from third from last place to fourth from the bottom
in the county.
In grades 7 and 8 Greece remains in 3rd from the bottom in the county.
Greece math results remain near the bottom of suburban Monroe County school districts. Look at our neighbors in Hilton and Spencerport. Why?
Enjoy
Doug Skeet
Readers - June 14 2007
According to the D & C Greece Central School District is to receive an unexpected $1.07 million dollars. The question is: What should Greece Central do with this "extra" million dollars?
Enjoy
Doug Skeet
Just the facts - June 13 2007
Ladies,
Catch up on your reading! But please forgive me if someone who supposedly is affiliated w/ a group that partners with teachers writes that 'there are teachers who don't do their jobs' and tha9t a teacher would take exception to that! In case you hadn't noticed, some of us are a little tired of it & really don't feel like taking it any more! So find another pin cushion!
There was no mocking; I expect parents to support their schools and teachers. Instead everyone's looking for the loophole or the easy way, and when the students don't quite get it,it's our fault.
Agendas are the student's and parent's responsibility to use properly.... and they ARE shown how to use them...and by the time they get to me, they have had a few years of practice & they STILL don't get it right!
Everyone is so quick to blame the teacher! Take a look in the mirror! I'll take my share of blame where it's warranted. I expect no less from the students and the parents. And just because a parent barks at me, I can't change reality!
It may sound a bit too honest for you, but I can't apologize for that! My job is to teach; teaching requires facts. Not lies or even partial truths!
And if you don't like it, that's o.k. too.....this IS an opinion page....and these are MY opinions.... And my opinion is, when people stop kidding themselves and shoulder their own responsibilities, mankind might truly improve! Take it as a challenge. Join us!
This is the last I'll say of it; if anyone wants the last word, go for it!
John Yeara
Mr. Yeara - June 12 2007
Mr. Yeara,
Instead of mocking Renee, reread the comments. I don't see anywhere that she says that you are a bad teacher. You have to admit that there are teachers in the disrict who are not the best. As there are parents that are not the best. Renee was simply explaining her position and mine on agendas. It would be great if all the schools taught the same way but they don't.
Donna Kephart
TV Studio - June 12 2007
I thought your readers might be interested in seeing for themselves the article that, according to some community members, should have put school board members in "the know" about GCSD's now famous TV studio......that is assuming that we read the article in the paper back in June, 2005.
Unfortunately I missed this one.
The article follows.................
School adds cool learning tool
Jazz station WGMC moves into Olympia High media center
Victoria E. Freile
Staff writer
(June 15, 2005) — GREECE — Until recently, many Olympia High School students didn't know the Greece Central School District housed a radio station.
In fact, many still don't know much about it.
Last month, a radio and television studio opened in the school's new library and media center. At the same time, the staff of the predominantly jazz station WGMC-FM (90.1), which goes by Jazz 90.1, moved to the new facility.
The library/media center was part of the district's $119.5 million capital improvement project approved by Greece voters in June 2000. The station was previously housed in a converted kitchen in Apollo Middle School.
Now, district officials plan to offer Olympia students an opportunity to learn in the studio this fall. Radio broadcast and production lessons will be incorporated into courses at Olympia, said Keith Imon, assistant superintendent of communication and technology. In future years, Imon said district officials hope to launch broadcast courses for Greece students.
Olympia freshman Laura Benedict, who turns 15 today, said she'd like the chance to try something different in class.
"I'm good with technology," she said. "I'd like to see if it's what I'd want to do."
The district acquired the radio station license in the 1970, and has housed the station ever since, said Station Manager Rob Linton. Although it started as a student-run station, its role has changed over the years, he said.
WGMC operates independently from the district with an annual budget of approximately $150,000. About 90 percent of the budget is funded by regular donations from its 1,400 members. Local businesses pick up the rest of the tab, Linton said.
The station — one of a handful of such jazz stations in the nation — employs four workers and relies on more than 20 volunteers to operate, he said.
Ryan Roggow, 17, of Greece interned at the station over the winter and said he learned about the intricacies of radio broadcasting and interacting with people in the professional world. He decided to stay on as a volunteer and said he hopes to pursue a career in radio sales and marketing. Ryan said he'd love to see other students blossom as he did.
Linton, 25, also found his calling after taking a broadcasting course in high school. He said he hopes that offering hands-on instruction will help other teens find an outlet to do what they love.
"There's such a big difference between learning from a textbook and having the chance to try something out in the studio," Linton said.
"So many students want to learn and this will give them such an edge in college."
End of article.......................
Hi,
Its me again!
I took the liberty to put line 1 and line 2 of the article's main body in bold type face. I also "italicized" line 3. Within line 3, I put in bold type face the word "television."
Some observations about the article might be made:
Line 1 makes the point that many Olympia students, who presumably are on the grounds near daily during the course of the school year were apparently unaware of the radio station's presence on campus.
Line 2 restates the obvious.....Many still don't know much about it!
Line 3 employs the use of the noun "television" but once. That word did not appear again in the entirety of the article.
The article's emphasis seemed to be on the jazz radio station. No where did the writer describe what the tv studio was for, when it would be used, how it would be used, nor did it describe "who" would be using it! The terms "cable", "cable access", "channels 12/15", the Time-Warner "hookup", were an apparent oversight on the part of the district sources interviewed for the article. Alternatively the absence of these terms might be explained by the need to "edit" the size of the article to fit into the June 15, 2005 edition of the D&C. That obviously calls for speculation on my part!
The article does use the term "media center" several times which should have clued in the community as to the presence of the TV studio. It is therefore a reasonable leap of imagination (at least for some of us) that any school board member who did happen to read the article should have been able to perceive both presence and purpose of the facility. The term "media center" apparently is (or was) insufficiently descriptive to get the job done! English is such a difficult language in which to communicate!
I can, however, exclude myself from the failings and poor intuitive qualities that caused the nine board members serving in June 2005 to not grasp the presence of the studio or its purpose (or at least none have publicly declared their knowledge of same) after perusing the D&C article. You see I wasn't sworn in as a board member until July 1, 2005. My TV studio "awareness clock" didn't start working until January 2007.
Enjoy!
Frank Oberg
Mr. Yeara - June 12 2007
Mr. Yeara. Im a little dumbfounded as to your attacks of Mrs. Finnemore. No where have I seen here personally attack you or call YOU a bad teacher. Someone else brought up the subject of agendas and she gave her opinion on the subject. She is speaking from her own personal experience and I happen to know that much of what she has said is fact. My children have gone through the same school hers have, with the same teachers and there has been a definite laid back attitude about the agendas at this school. I think her point is that if the district is going to require them, then there should be some sort of policy about use of them at the elementary level, where the kids are just starting to learn about the use of them. If the teachers don't feel it is their job to use them or make sure the kids know how to use them at the elementary level, then do away with them and get rid of that expense. As another parent mentioned, just let them use a notebook, it would certainly cost a lot less. The reality is that you will never get every single parent in the district to take on the responsibility of making sure their children are using them properly, which is a shame, but a fact.
I honestly find your nastiness towards Renee disturbing when she has not aimed anything she has said at you specifically. I can't believe you honestly think that every teacher in Greece is a great teacher and there aren't any that could stand some type of improvement. I have had experience with both types of teachers in the district. Those that have been outstanding and gone way above and beyond and those that do not want to do anything other than get through each day with the least amount of hassle. Even one of this type of teacher is too many. So Renee's remarks are not necessarily that far off the mark. My son actually has a teacher that constantly swears at the kids and has called them "freaking idiots".
I commend most teachers because I know there is no way that I could do what they do every day. I think most times it is a very thankless job and I can only imagine the grief you must get from some parents, as I have seen how disrespectful some of the students in my daughters class are to their teacher. No person, much less a teacher, should ever have to put up with that and how do you teach the rest of your class when having to deal with that? I think I can understand a little of your frustration at all teachers are having to deal with now days besides just teaching, but verbally attacking a parent who is not only extremely involved with her own children, but in many other childrens lives thru PTA and girl scouts is uncalled for. The world would actually be a better place if more parents were as involved as Renee.
Kelley Fitzgerald
seek help! - June 12 2007
Renee,
Please seek help!
To all Greece Central Employees...
Please read this woman's comments carefully so you know EXACTLY where she stands!
To the Borcyk family and many, many others...
Thank you for your continued support, involvement, assistance over the years in Greece Central...
Oh, Renee? one more thing...Mr. Walts is in Virginia!
John Yeara
Exit Poll - June 11 2007
Here is the exit poll and the results
Exit Poll
Exit Poll Results
Webmaster
You're not getting it either - June 11 2007
John,
First, you're making a mistake in assuming I am an irreponsible parent. My kids don't have ipods, xbox or playstation, we don't have cable, they share one cell phone which is not to be used without my permission and it's most common functions are alarm clock and checking in with me. There are no tv's in kids' bedrooms, the computer is in the family room with alloted time for each child, and you don't get the privilege of electricity(meaning tv, music, computer or even hair straightener for the teenager) if you have not completed your chores(which include having homework done, picking up your room, helping with household cleaning etc). They don't get an allowance to blow at the mall every weekend and they don't roam the neighborhood at all hours. I use edline or email to make sure the kids are putting in their best effort and we stress that school is their job, their number one priority and we expect them to work hard or they don't get free time. So if you can set aside the notion that I am one of the parents you've dealt with and listen to what I am saying, maybe you could understand where I am coming from.
Most teachers put in more time and effort than people give them credit for. There is no such thing as 7 hour days, summers off and all those holidays in between. They have to be teacher, parent, cheerleader, nurse, psychologist and disciplinarian all in one while follwing a curriculum that isn't always adequate, sometimes without enough materials. I don't think it's is a fluff job. I'm sorry though, just because I don't have data to back it up, the truth is, not all teachers are great, some aren't even good.
Your comments come from your experiences as a middle school teacher and parent of a middle school student. In my original post, I was talking about elementary students. When agendas are first introduced to students, they need some direction about how to use them. They need to have those habits instilled in them so they can be successful later on. But as I said in my last post, if a middle school student is struggling, that student's parents and teachers should be working together to help that student be successful. I don't think it's unreasonable to expect that.
You're saying I should watch a teacher and follow their example? I have first hand knowledge of a teacher who screams at his children so loudly the neighbors can hear him calling his kids names. How about the teachers we hear about on the news who are arrested for sleeping with their students? A teaching degree doesn't automatically make you know better than anyone else or make you a better parent. Somehow, I think you'd prefer parents see teachers more as human than perfect.
Some teachers give every kid the same thing, even if that's not meeting their needs. You said yourself your job is to TEACH. Well sometimes that means having to adjust what you do to be sure every kid gets it. When you're aren't willing to do that is when I have problems with teachers. I am not the same parent to each of my children because that is not what's best for them. They each have different needs and respond to situations differently, I have to adjust my approach to fit them. Teachers need to do the same. Yes it's more work, but you have to take responsibility for your role as well. It's not fair to just sit back and blame the parents, computers, cell phones and everything under the sun for the behavior of kids. Sometimes, unfortunately, the problem is the teacher. There are teachers who play favorites with students, who don't have enough patience, who don't follow the curriculum but still get to keep their job year after year. There are ones who should have retired long ago but are still around, miserable and cranky and taking it out on the kid who's having a hard time because his parents split up(remember what I said about that human thing, this is when I as a parent remind myself that we are all human, so have patience with them as they have struggles too).
When I come to a teacher and say, my son, the one with ADD who's on medication because he cannot function in your classroom that has 15 things going on at once, cannot remember what his homework is, and even though we expect him to write in the agenda, he forgets or he doesn't write it all down. There is no reminder to do it, it's just up there on the board, with an expectation that at the end of the day you check the board. This seems reasonable to me but my son can't do it. The time that's given to write the homework down is probably the worst time of day for him to be to writing it down. There's announcements going on,oh did you hear that- pizza for lunch tomorrow and people talking, Susie do you want to have a sleepover this weekend and people are moving about and pulling out toys, I've got to write my homework down and gadgets and now my pencil's broken and I have to go to the sharpener, but look at that there's paper here and she said we should clean that up ding ding bus 709 is here, and I love the pizza I hope mom lets me buy. Hey there's my friend I haven't seen all day and he's got that cool book I just read I wonder if he got to the good part yet and on and on. This is what it's like in my son's head. So what am I to do? I am at home, I cannot see the board, I cannot be sure what comes home is all that should be in there. I can give a reminder in the morning before he leaves, but thousands of things go through his mind once he leaves so I am sure he won't remember. It is up to him, he's got to be responsible for getting it written down, but he can't keep focused long enough to do it. When he comes home and I say, is this all that was on the board today, he says I don't know or I can't remember. Now, I have a pretty good sense with him, I know when this is just his excuse and when he really can't tell. But, I've taken away his privileges, grounded him. I've explained why it's so important to be organized and keep lists and how it will help him remember. I've modeled for him and keep a calendar in the kitchen and at my desk. I encourage him to keep track of things on a calendar in his bedroom as well as in his agenda. But the next day, he goes to school and the same thing happens all over again. I let him go to school without the work complete, to learn the consequences of not using the agenda or writing the homework in it. I hope he will learn the lesson. Finally, I ask the teacher for some help, we're trying to teach our son to be responsible for this and get it done, because now, as has been the case for weeks, this is the fourth day this week the boy does not have his homework done. So could you please, just for a few days, check in with him to be sure he's got it. I am thinking as I write the note to teacher, I know this is a lot to ask with 23 other children to take care of, but we're both invested in my son's success, so it's worth the effort. I have a good relationship with his teacher and I am told whenever there is an issue, so I feel confident that if I express my concerns we can work together to help my son. And what happens? At 9 am he gets a lecture about how he's 10 now and he needs to be more responsible. By the time 3:15 rolls around he starts the daily drill of too much going on at once and he forgets to write the assignments down. I talk to teacher who tells me No I won't check in with him. I don't require them to use the agendas, they should use whatever works for them. It's up to them to figure out what that is.
I have more than one child in this district and through the years, every teacher has had a different policy on the agendas. Some insist the kids use them, some don't care if they use them or not. Some want them signed, some want only school work written in there, some say write your other stuff in there too. If we are going to invest in agendas(be it the district or parents who pay for them), then let's teach the kids how to use them and be consistent in the expectation of how they are used. I am not trying to make excuses for kids who don't do their work or complain about the good teachers out there. I want my kids to be responsible, and I expect all of the adults in their lives to help teach them how to do that.
Renee Finnemore
Focus on the facts please - June 11 2007
While my comments may not please some of the BOE members, this is an opinion page. If an elected official decides to post his opinions here, community members have the right to comment and question in the same manner-like it or not. Here is a link to the D and C article written in 2005 by a reporter that most people in our community respected during the time she covered our community. Mr Oberg and Mr Moscato would better serve the community and our students by speaking to a resolution for the future rather than pointing their fingers to the past:
http://www.jazz901.org/press/
Dianne Berardicurti
Thank you - June 7 2007
I would like to thank the teachers, coaches, and administrators at Arcadia that helped my daughter have another great year. Because she is my youngest, I have come to appreciate these times, maybe more than I did with my older children. And while everything is not perfect there, I know that they try their best to make it so. And though family still comes first, she spends more time at school and with her friends than she does at home. It is gratifying to know that the teachers are compassionate mentors, and not just there to earn a paycheck.
Mark Borcyk
Some people don't get it. - June 7 2007
Renee,
I have SEVERAL comments way too long, and if you want to contact me as well, feel free, but it would be like throwing bricks into the grand canyon, because you clearly just don't get it.
More of an issue is your comments on Teachers doing or not doing their jobs and that's a heckuva charge to make! Especially since I understand you had something to do with PTSA??? I thought that was supposed to be a partnership w/ parents and teachers? It's hard to partner with anyone who would turn around and put a knife (or pen) in your back!
I will just say this; Unless you have some solid proof, don't open up a pandoras box that you can't close! I love when parents try to divide the community by slamming the teachers!
Here are some questions concerning statistics for you to consider; What percentage of teachers are you insisting that doesn't want to 'do their job'....
NOW What percentage of PARENTS would you suggest don't do their job as parents? Like holding their kids accountable?
I had a parent last month who yelled at ME because her son got suspended for telling me to 'shut up' at the top of his voice in the hallway when I was trying to get him to go to a class which he was already late for! Then, the mom wanted ME to appologize to him for it so that he would appologize to me!
I am suggesting, ma'am...that you don't know what you are talking about! Too many parents come into the schools yelling at us because their kid isn't 'perfect" (any idea how many times parents get on me because their kid got a B+, not an A? or better yet...an A and not an A+....and Oh....just so you know they don't desrve an A+ for just showing up!!!!!)
And these parents think they will yell and scream & we will back down and throw away the referral or change the grade just because they think we should DESPITE any evidence to the contary!
And these kids go right back to what they were doing before because they know mommy & daddy will go yell at the teacher if they get in trouble again.
THAT people is what is hurting your kids! 30-40 years ago parents would have NEVER thought of questioning their kid's teachers....and they had FAR LESS training than we do!
So, Ms. Finnemore, either go back to school, get a couple of degrees (like what we have to have) get certified, go teach & then tell me how bad we are, or keep your sword in it's sheathe! We're supposed to be on the same side....you should listen to the professionals! Believe it or not, we know what we are doing (most of the time!)
In closing: (nd hopefully, I will not have to be so moved to rebut supposedly supportive parents who are disrespecting us!)
There's an old saying "If you promise not to believe half of what your child says happens at school, we promise not to believe half of what your child says happens at home!"
John Yeara
Agendas and responsibility - June 6 2007
John,
I have much to say in response to this, far too long for this board.
The DISTRICT pays for agendas because they feel their use is important. How can teachers then say we don't care if the kids use them, but you as a parent should make your kid use it?
Teacher's job is to TEACH(you said so yourself)
TEACH kids how to use the agendas from the beginning and be CONSISTENT in their use.
I am not talking about middle school kids, I am talking about 3rd and 4th graders who are just being introduced to agendas. This is the time to teach good study habits. They need to be fine tuned long before middle school if we can expect success.
Would be glad to expand and share my full comments, I have authorized the webmaster to give you my email address.
Renee Finnemore
Response to Dianne - June 6 2007
Dianne:
Sometimes I wonder why you do not post on this site unless Frank or I post something. Your continued animus is obvious and your remarks are that of an uninformed person. I suggest you read Frank's posting again. You might learn something. By the way, while you're wondering, wonder about this - the teachers and students at Olympia had no knowledge of this facility until recently as it was off limits. You need an appointment to get in. How do I know? I needed one before I was allowed to tour the studio.
Joe Moscato
Cheap Shots! - June 6 2007
I and other board members visit schools regularly.
I do not examine every nook and cranny of every building on my visits.
The TV studio is accessible by a separate outdoor entrance from that of Olympia High School. There exists a doorway leading into the studio area from the main library but there is a sign posted that asks that you "not use it." I have been in the new library a number of times (7 or 8 times since 2005 if memory serves) and was unaware of the TV studio.
No one ever bothered to point it out nor offer a tour.
The undeniable fact is it (the TV studio) was not supposed to be public knowledge until the time was right!
Sorry Diane!
Frank Oberg
Response to Renee's response to John - June 5 2007
Renee,
For one of those parents who 'don't expect teacher's to do everything'....it is strange that later you would say there are 'too many teachers that don't want to do their job'... and previously wondering why the district doesn't make teachers accountable for the KIDS to use their agendas....
Renee, you apparently don't what our jobs are, so how you would have an idea how many 'don't want to do their job' is beyond me! I think it would be interesting to know who these teachers are that you have been following around so much....
The real fact is if the District is purchasing the agendas, and the agendas are paid for w/ taxes paid by parents (including myself!) then, I would expect that each parent would require better use of these things since they are paying for them!
Consequences for students for not using the agendas that PARENTS can implement? Try taking away the cell phones, Take the blasted t.v. out of their bedrooms, take the phone out of the bedroom, put the computer in a spot where the ENTIRE family has access to it, take away the Nintendo and playstaion and x box!
Too many times we hear how parents don't know what to do about their children's lack of motivation or poor behavior, but then they go out and buy them lap top computers, t.v. for the bed rooms, cell phones, Nintendo Wii or playstation....
That is what parents can do at home that will help us GREATLY! I'll bet we'd NEVER have to check another agenda if they would ALL follow through!
And I AM a parent of a middle school student who does NOT have a cell phone, television, phone, or computer in his room....and if he DOESN'T do what he is supposed to do, he doesn't get to use his games until he is finished w/ his jobs! ....
...that's just so you know I do practice what I preach!...Now if a teacher is doing that, do you think it might not be a bad idea for everyone???
I think at least it's certainly worth a try!
John Yeara
Comments - June 5 2007
After reading Mr. Oberg's elaborate posting, I am left wondering just how many times Mr. Oberg or other Board members have visited the schools since May of 2005. Might a simple visit to Olympia have evidenced TV Station?
Dianne Berardicurti
Graduation Rates - June 4 2007
Greece Central High School’s Graduation Rates
With information from the Democrat and Chronicle’s web site, I have discovered that the graduation rates from Greece Central’s High Schools are far worse than I original realized. Go to the D & C’s home page, click to Roc Docs, click to graduation rates and then click to Monroe County. You will then have a complete listing of all high schools in Monroe County, including Rochester City School District.
Let’s just stay for a moment with the suburban high school’s graduation rates. I will get back to Rochester City School District later. From D & C articles I knew that Olympia had the lowest graduation rate in Monroe County. What I did not know was just how low Olympia was to the second lowest high school and what high school was in second place from the bottom?
In 2006 Olympia’s graduation rate was 72.94%. The second place graduation rate, from the bottom, was 80.81%. That is almost a full 8% lower from the second to last place high school. Oh, by the way, what Monroe County High School is second from last place? You say it can’t be another Greece High School. Well you are wrong. Yes it is another Greece High School. Would you believe it is Arcadia High School? Well sadly it is Arcadia High School. I have checked and doubled checked the figures. I was shocked to see that Arcadia High School’s graduation rate has dropped so low.
Of course, this means that two out of three of Greece’s Central’s largest High Schools are in last place and second from last place of the suburban high school’s graduation rates. When Odyssey Academy is included we can say that two out of four of all of Greece Central’s High Schools are either in last place or second from last place in suburban Monroe County high school graduation rate.
Before you come at me with that old “Socio-Economic” nonsense or Greece Central has changed to be more like a city. From the same data let’s look at some other high schools.
Brockport, Gate-Chili, Rush-Henrietta and Greece, according to the US poverty ranking each has a 7% poverty rate. What are the graduation rates in these school districts?
Brockport…………86.99%
Gates-Chili……….86.77%
Rush-Henrietta…...82.62%
Greece Arcadia…...80.81%
Greece Olympia…..72.94%
Let’s look at the Rochester City School District. Surely a city high school can’t have a higher graduation rate. Well you are wrong again. The city high school, School of the Arts has a 79.17% graduation rate. So when we compare all Monroe County High Schools the high schools with the three lowest rates are as follows:
Greece Olympia…….…….72.94%
City School of the Arts…...79.17%
Greece Arcadia……………80.81%
I was shocked to see a city high school having a higher graduation rate than a Greece High School, especially when the other high schools have the following rates:
School or the Arts……………………79.17%
Wilson Magnet High School……….. 51.52%
Global Media Franklin………………44.09%
Engineering/Manufacturing Edison....41.57%
John Marshall……………………… 39.45%,
East High School……………………38.39%
Bioscience & Health Career………...37.5%
School for Business Franklin…….…36.14%
School Without Walls…………...….34.43%
Skilled Trades Edison……………....31.68%
Inter. Fin./Econ. Franklin…………...26.04%
Imaging/Information Edison………..19.61%
Jefferson High School………………11.76%
In summary: when comparing only suburban high schools, Greece has two high schools with the lowest county high school graduation rates. When compared with Rochester City School District, Greece has a high school, Olympia, with a 6.23% lower graduation rate than a city high school. When high schools are ranked from the lowest to highest, in regards to graduation rates, Greece has a high school, Olympia, in the lowest position and another high school, Arcadia, third from the bottom.
Sincerely
Doug Skeet
Cable Access TV Takeover - June 4 2007
Some facts to consider:
The June 1, 2007 Greece Post article suggests that the BOE was "in the know" about the TV studio built with $660K worth of taxpayer money out of a $119.5M capital project. This notion was conveyed by remarks of a particular district employee.
My information and knowledge takes issue with his comments. I contend that the knowledge of this TV studio and the purpose for which it was built was a "tightly held" secret. I and other BOE members with whom I currently serve have never heard the words "TV Studio" in connection with the district until January 2007.
Prior to my election as a board member in May 2005, I attended, as a private citizen, several district meetings that were conducted to review the progress of the capital improvement project. The meetings were attended by Contractors, key district managers, and two BOE members (no longer serving). Briefing books and photos were shown that conveyed progress to date on a number of the district capital improvement items. Not once did the subject of a TV studio come up at any meeting I attended. I would have remembered!
I checked with another long time veteran BOE member who was present at said same briefings as an observer. He told me he had never heard anything about the TV studio!
After I began my service as a board member on July 1, 2005, there was not a single mention of the TV studio until January 14, 2007. That is when Superintendent Achramovitch asked board permission to engage in "discusssions" with the town about the school district assuming responsibility for operating cable access channels in western Monroe County. Subsequently BOE member Roger Boily and I were selected to meet with a group of school district managers to review the status of this project. The BOE heard nothing more about the "talks" until we were asked to attend a meeting in May 2007 to discuss a "draft" contract authorizing the district to assume full responsibility for cable access operation. The BOE unanimously voted to conduct a "public input session" in May to ascertain the opinion of the community on this matter. The overwhelming majority of speakers (many of whom came from towns other than Greece) urged the BOE to not undertake this endeavor! There were no speakers from any of the town governments at this meeting.
It is curious that the presence of the TV studio was kept under wraps for years and knowledge of this project confined to a select few. The word "STEALTH" is apt in this instance. It raises the question(s) as to why the school district is involved with this effort?
The words "media center" were applied to this project in documents pertaining to the $119.5M CIP plan. The "media center" was part of an expansion of the library at Olympia High School. A contractor recently affirmed to me that this TV studio was to be kept under "wraps". The term "media center" was employed to presumably disguise the project. The studio stood "finished" and ready for use as of 2004!
One must wonder why a $660,000 taxpayer investment was allowed to sit idle since its 2004 completion. The Post article quoted another district employee who suggests it sat idle "because it takes awhile to develop curriculum." If the purpose of this huge investment was for the education of our kids, why then was the curriculum not under development so as to coincide with the completion of the studio? Note: The district will be conducting an "elective" course beginning in fall of 2007 to teach TV Broadcasting. At last count here are about 30 high school students signed up for this course.
There is another reason! The reason it's use did not come up for public discussion was the fact that EDu-Cable's contract to run the cable access channels was still in force! Documents recently obtained show that the district was in "quiet" discussion with the town representatives to "take over the responsibility for the operation of Edu-Cable" prior to the commencement of the CIP project. I have since learned that there is some level of dissatisfaction with the current operator.
It is my opinion that the school district has no business to be in the middle of the conflict between the current cable access operator and the town(s). I am also annoyed that the district can find the funds to build a TV studio for $660,000 but was unwilling to spend a relatively paltry (by comparison) $30,000 to procure musical instruments for use by some of our less well off students in elementary school music programs!
Some district advocates argue that our students will not fully benefit unless the school district takes over the full responsibility for operating the cable access channels. The district's students do not need to do "live" TV to learn how to run a TV studio. They can photograph any event that takes place, edit the tape, and play it back on a cable channel like CH12 or 15 at the discression of "whomever" is operating the cable access operation. In fact, "live" TV on commercial channels is a rarity these days. Even the nightly news is mostly edited video tape!
This district does not need to run the cable channels for "educational purposes!" This district does not need to run the risk of becoming embroiled in time consuming, attention diverting, and costly lawsuits! This district has plenty to do just focusing on becoming more cost effective and keeping taxes as low as possible. This district has plenty to do to figure out how to reduce the drop out rate, increase the graduation rate, improve special education, and raise academic performance of all our students. We need to implement initiatives that provides appropriate academic intervention to students that are falling behind or to get our kids more "college" ready!
As far as this BOE member is concerned, the "secretive" manner in which this whole affair has been handled is disgraceful. Pursuit of this cable access "takeover" will do absolutely nothing to aid the restoration of trust between the community and the Board of Education. The fault for this ill conceived project clearly rests with district personnel that no longer are in the district and the "the bell can not be unrung!"
The BOE can, however, insist that we have nothing further to do with this matter. We should proceed with our TV elective course but leave the operation of the cable access channels to some entity other than the Greece Central School District!
Frank Oberg
Agendas - June 3 2007
Dear Renee,
As a middle school teacher (who actually teaches John Yeara's son), he is absolutely correct in that students need to write their assignments in their agendas. And the agendas are a necessity, not superfluous. They have invaluable information in them that we use in the classroom. They are used daily to write assignments. They have hallway passes, called Passports, that allows the student to move about the building and for any adult to check where they are supposed to be if they are in the hallway. Next year, at Arcadia Middle, ours will also have our Behavior Management Plan and we have made plans for presenting the plan to students and parents so everyone is on the same page. (No pun intended).
As for payment of the agendas, we have had many discussions in our building regarding where we can make cuts in our building budget. Each building gets only so much money, and we must decide as a building how to best spend that money. We feel agendas are so important, that we have continued to have them in our budget. As a discussion item, we have been looking to see what other districts do to provide the agendas for their children. PTA's and parental purchase are topics we have discussed, so that we can earmark the money designated for agendas to Field Trips or Professional Development (both of which must be provided within our allotted building budget).
These are tough decisions, in light of the recent defeat of the budget. But agendas do help students work towards organizational skills and are used daily. Unfortunately, with over 100 students on a team, there is not enough time within the schedule to check each child's agenda. Time is given in class to write down assignments, assignment boards are displayed in classrooms so students can see assignments for the week, and in some cases EdLine is used to provide additional information.
Val Snelgrove
Response to John - June 3 2007
I am not one of those parents who expect teachers to do everything. I recognize my role as part of the team(home, school, community) to help my children be all they can be. I expect teachers to teach my children as I am at home, not only what they need to know in regards to curriculum, but strategies to be a successful learner and a contributing member of society. If that means showing them how to use an agenda and ensuring they do, then yes, I expect that much. I am not talking about middle/high schoolers here, I am talking about third graders who are introduced to agendas and are building the skills needed for good study habits for upper grades and beyond. However, if my middle/high schooler were struggling with that, then yes, I'd expect their teachers to work with them to help them find a strategy that works for them. Just as we'd be working at home to help instill those habits. This isn't passing the buck or keeping kids from taking res