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Post by rinx on Apr 8, 2006 12:38:05 GMT -5
devils, that was well put. However, the BOE should have a better backup plan just in case. The one showing what they would cut frankly, will not cut it. There would be a riot if Richman and his mini me tried to implement those draconian cuts. Lets hope it doesn't come down to that.
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Post by patriot2415 on Apr 8, 2006 12:50:15 GMT -5
Rinx, if you are speaking about the contingency budget if the budget was voted down, that is a reality. Massive cuts are necessary to meet the mandate by the state.
But lets not go there. Lets focus on May 16th and getting the budget passed.
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Post by devilsrus on Apr 8, 2006 12:54:41 GMT -5
Good afternoon Rinx, Lets keep the energy pointed in the right direction. There is a great deal at stake; professionally for the adminstration and the faculty and personally for anyone who has or had a child in the schools'. As the administration continues to improve the scores on the tests and the teams continue with their success we will attract attention at the next level. And the next level isthe one we should all have our eyes on. As was pointed out on Wednesday we have students representing the District at prestigous colleges and universities. We have had a student accepted at Cooper Union within recent years. As Patriot stated we have had numerous scholarships bestowed on students for athletic and academic success. Lets keep on building. Its not just about this year but if we dont take the first step forward now it might be years before we get the chance again, if ever. Lets not leave it to chance. If everyone does what they can to get the vote out, if everyone does what they can to spread the word we have a real chance to make a difference. We all have a chance to continue to impact positively on these students and future. As a community we can accomplish more for all the kids. As Doug P said it is a team effort, it was important for the BOE to listen and now it is important for the rest of us to put up. The time is now! Vote YES!
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Post by guardian16 on Apr 8, 2006 13:15:58 GMT -5
I’ve been reading this site for the past couple of months and feel I must contribute an alternate opinion for consideration. Many of us in the community are having difficulty with the contradiction in the “CPR” slogan. How do you “breathe new life” into the Board of Education by re-electing people who are ALREADY ON the Board? How will the SAME people become a NEW Board?
Mr. Presuto was appointed to the School Board (hand picked behind closed doors without community input) a few months ago. Mr. Presuto has no children in school, has never had any dealings with the schools and is totally unfamiliar with this district’s K-12 programs, services or extra-curricular activities. His vote to re-instate all high school sports programs at the expense of academic programs such as Kindergarten enrichment, special ed inclusion, AP Italian, CISCO Academy and others, clearly demonstrates that he will not make decisions in the best interests of ALL students. If he won’t even advocate for elementary programs which will affect his own child entering school next year, what can we expect him to do for ours?
Mr. Raymond has been a Board member for 5 years. For each one of those five years he has approved employment contracts, including raises for the Superintendent, administrators and staff, which I see “JUST FACTS” and others complain about daily. He also voted with a unanimous Board last year to put the same budget up for a revote, which put us in the austerity situation we are in today. Why should we expect anything to change if he’s re-elected? In addition, meeting minutes show he has the worst record of any Board member for arriving late and missing meetings during the last five years. What is most disturbing, however, are Mr. Raymond’s various conflicts of interest as a Board member. The incident where the North Massapequa Fire Dept. showed up at a Board meeting and threatened to fail the budget if they don’t get a school tax exemption was disgraceful. Mr. Raymond is both a volunteer AND a high level paid employee of the NMFD. He looked the other way while the firemen used fire trucks and equipment (paid for with our community tax dollars) to protest and blackmail the Board. Why would he help orchestrate this? Could it be because he would receive a direct financial benefit from the approval of this exemption? An exemption, by the way, which would have shifted the portion of their school taxes onto the rest of us to pay. (Isn’t it ironic that Mr. Presuto’s first order of business as a brand new Board member was to initiate the motion to approve this exemption?) Mr. Raymond is also the President of the Republican Club and a member of the Plainedge Bobcat Football Board. So, the question being asked in the community is – “is he on the Board to serve certain special interests, or is he there for the good of ALL of our children?” Evidently not, because he also restored all sports programs at the expense of elementary programs and high school academic courses that some students need for their college resumes.
Mr. Cantatore is a new resident of the district who also has no knowledge of the district’s academic programs and services, or the Plainedge school district history. He’s good at photo ops and politicking, and advertising himself on his website (Plaintalkonline.com), but the last thing we need is another politician on our school board – we already have enough of those. He has not demonstrated any qualifications that convince us he can make decisions concerning the school budget or our children’s programs. If elected, he would be the only new person out of seven. So again, how does that give us a NEW Board?
If this wasn’t enough reason to doubt the CPR Team, then check out the posting from 2:41 p.m. on April 5th by “JUST FACTS” on page 1 of the “Final Budget” thread. It appears that the CPR Team of Cantatore, Presuto and Raymond has made a “deal” with a particular segment of the community that if they get them elected, CPR will offer the Superintendent a “buy out.” Oops - was that cat supposed to be let out of the bag before the election? You can bet it wasn’t, but this prospect got “JUST FACTS” so excited, he couldn’t contain his keystrokes. He’s now suddenly changed his tune about the budget being too high. You won’t believe your eyes – he now wants it to be HIGHER! He accuses just about everyone on the school board and administration of all kinds of deceptions, yet he thinks this deception by his CPR Team, is a good thing! This is hypocrisy at its best! “FACTS” – would you do the math for us? How much would it cost to offer the Superintendent 2 years salary to leave, while also paying his replacement? Gee, that kind of money would pay for a lot of programs for KIDS, wouldn’t it? One also has to wonder if the Raymond & Presuto motion in the final hour Wednesday night to put all high school varsity sports back in the budget was another part of the “deal” that the CPR Team made with that segment of the community in exchange for votes. It sure smelled like it.
The Cantatore, Presuto, Raymond Team should keep the CPR acronym – but just change it’s meaning from “breathing new life” to “Conning Plainedge Residents” - because all of this sounds like past history is about to repeat itself. (Remember the other infamous wheeling, dealing threesome? Josephine Reder, Rhona Vitagliano and Keith Wilson?) That would be the worst thing that could happen to this community.
P.S.: In case you didn’t know, Josephine Reder is one of CPR’s campaign managers. She accompanied them to their “Greet the Candidate Night” at Pappalardo’s and is hosting meetings with them at her home. She was the reigning queen of deception in Plainedge for 18 years, and still owes the district $9,000.00 which she refuses to pay back for unauthorized expenses she charged to the district like purchases at Home Depot, Toys R Us, huge personal cell phone bills and a vacation at Disney World in Orlando. (It’s all in the forensic audit report on the school’s website.) How many clubs or sports could that $9,000.00 have funded this year for KIDS?
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Post by devilsrus on Apr 8, 2006 13:51:05 GMT -5
Good afternoon Gaurdian, There is alot of information and or allegation in your post. It makes an interesting read. But at the end of the day what are your suggestions and/or solutions to the problem at hand. Are you considering running for a seat? There is alot of either old vitriol or personal agenda jumping of your post. What do you suggest be done now? You suggest a sinister conspiratorial web but there is no Grassy Knoll. Another way of looking at it is that Mr. Raymond at the least has proved himself to be a contributing volunteer member of his community in a variety of ways. Does his political affliation offend you? The Bobcat prgram has enjoyed huge success, both in terms of growth and on the field. Is this a problem? Do you just not like Firemen? Mr. Cantore may be a new member of the community but he also can bring a fresh set of eyes to examine old problems and perhaps offer a new perspective on ways to address those issues. Mr. Presuto has a child who will be in the District for the long haul but is also looking at old problems with of view of providing for those at the top of their scholastic years, unselfishly. And by the way not all high school sports were returned but only those at the varsity level and only after the BOE was able to deliver a creative solution to just one of the many issues they had to address. In order to breath new life it is essential to stop breathing the old hot air. So Guardian : What say you? YES or no? Vote for the kids? or vote against? At the end of the day who gets hurt? The time is now Guardian; jump on the train. Dont get left at the station. VOTE YES!
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Post by elphaba65 on Apr 8, 2006 14:05:57 GMT -5
Guardian- Right on, where have you been? Devilsrus seems to be implying that your post is a no vote. To me it appeared more about choosing the right candidates to be on the board. I would hope after last year no one would even consider a no vote. I beilieve that the majority of the comuunity learned last year that a no vote only hurts the kids.
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Post by devilsrus on Apr 8, 2006 14:37:04 GMT -5
Good afternoon Elphaba, I implied nothing. I inquired; is it yes or no. There are three seats coming up again next year. Spirited political debate usually offers solutions not yet thought of. These three men can be part of an evolving new BOE whose face is changing. I absolutely agree you with that a no vote hurts the kids. First lets' get the budget voted in. Then the normal political process can occur. I'm sure, as you are to, that new alliances will form and new ideas will be presented and hopefully new accords can be reached without rancor. It is about change. Circumstances are always changing. It is also about time. And this time the cicumstances have brought us to a pivotal point in time. If we do not vote yes the recent history of last years failure when combined with a failure of this years budget could and probably will have long term disastorous effects. My second inquiry referred to Guardian offering solutions. We as a community must move past old hurts and/or scars. Those three past Board members are gone. Lets look to the future, lets get the budget past and then after all of that is accomplished then let the political debate begin. There are serious discussions ahead and decisions to be made. It is crucial to the process to receive as many positive ideas as possible, no matter who they come from. These three men have stepped up to the plate and are willing to work this out. The time is now Vote YES
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Post by fpresuto on Apr 8, 2006 15:15:40 GMT -5
Guardian,
As it is quite obvious that you do not support Mr. Cantatore, Mr. Raymond, or myself. I respect your choice. With that said, your false allegations and fictional messages are unwarranted.
Please allow me to enlighten you to a few truths.
- You are correct - my child is not yet in Plainedge, HENCE the reason why I felt it important to get involved now. I could have, easily, sat back and complained about decisions and actions after my children were in school. However, that is not how I operate, nor is that productive.
-Your allegations of some sort of deal to get re-elected or buy out Dr. Richman could not be farthest from the truth. I have had no such discussion, nor has that thought process ever entered into my mind. To be clear, the fact that we may have lost other programs is sad and is certainly a concern of mine. However, the truth of the matter is, the more we lose, regardless of what stage of education that loss may be in, the worse it will be, not only for my children, but for future generations, as well. So to say that I do not have the children's interest is neither fair nor true. The premise of eliminating opportunity for any child is not an easy premise to deal with. Therefore, it is important to reinstate as much as possible. The largest problem with that is the budget number (13.6%) we would be facing to bring everything back. Would I have loved to vote to put everything back? Absolutely, however, as a tax payer, I recognize that such a task is impossible. My goal and constant message was and will continue to be - "To provide as much OPPORTUNITY to as many as possible".
- As for your Josephine Reder comments. Let me set the record straight - I had NEVER spoken to or met her prior to the meet the candidates night, nor have I spoken to her since. Your allegations about her being my campaign manager are completely false. And I would be extremely interested in hearing about the meetings being held at her house with me in attendance. Specifically, since they have never occured, nor will they.
Your passion is unquestioned in your comments, however, your allegations are off base. With that said, I ask that you please answer 2 questions for me, since your passion and feelings are soo strong?
-Why hide behind screen names? Be as strong as your words and speak up for yourself. Sign your postings, be a true voice in the community and not simply one that hides and screams from the back of the room. That is what this community needs at this time more then ever. We need as many people as possible to speak up and be heard.
-Also, why have your attacks been strictly on those running for seats this year? The vote to re-instate varsity sports did carry a 5-2 acceptance vote. I am not hearing your displeasure with any other YES voters. If your comments are simply to discredit someone running for an open seat in the upcoming election - I understand, however, at the very least, please be fair and factual with your posts.
With all of this said - I truly hope that your Budget Votes are in the BEST interest of the children. There is still soo much to do and regardless of your thoughts of any candidates running for seats, the children need to be EVERYONE'S focus at this time.
And, as always, I am open to futher discussion. If you would like - email me at fpresuto@att.com
Sincerely, Frank Presuto
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Post by justfacts on Apr 8, 2006 15:26:59 GMT -5
guardian16
A point of clarification:
The post you referred to from me spoke of a "little fat" from an optimum budget. I said that there was no need to trim the budget down to the last dollar and reach that optimum level - leave room for a "buy out".
In many earlier posts and years, predating any recent discussions, I have clearly stated my conviction that this District would be far better off without Richman managing school affairs. My "buy-out" statement was a reiteration of that belief - not motivated by any recent plans - or lack thereof - by anyone else.
Also for clarification, I have defined what I believe the optimum level to be - and no one has come near that level yet. It is pretty well defined in the opening to the thread that I started called "The Third Budget". That is the baseline for leaving a little extra.
What do you think of reaching a $4 Million level without touching one of the presently provided children's programs? That even leaves room for some more "fat" to add to the present level of children's programs![/i]
I have also said to many and e-mailed the following: Give Richman a taste of what he has practiced on the Secretaries with regard to "stealing" their vacation money.
The Courts have told him often that what he did was not legal and he should pay them their vacation time. He has stonewalled that issue and continues to not pay them despite a court order.
The buy out need not be as large as some have imagined.
I believe that a revived BOE with courage could also say to him - "We're canceling your contract - no buy out! Just get out. Take us to Court if you will, we'll appeal and appeal and appeal until your old and grey - and still ignore any Court order to pay you." Turn about in this case would be fair play!
All in all, the post Richman period - which is definitely coming - will mean that Plainedge can get back on track to better Schools in this District. [/i]
Ed.
P.S. That is an interesting analysis you did about the C_P_R candidates. However, I have meet with all three many times, as well as a few others, and I find that it is in the combination of the three that there is new strength and conviction. The results of their working together they have already shown is but a foreshadowing what can come.[/b] They have also developed a support team (not including me) among some residents that they seek advice from.
They have stood together early, and have discussed goals and objectives that are more reasonable and constructive than what I have heard from others. One such other candidate's sole objective was to get Mallow out - he offered no objectives beyond that. Another was hot about the "rubber stamping" of the BOE, but could not show he'd be no more than one counter-voice out of seven.
At least the C_P_R team has demonstrated that would be three voices working together on the BOE that are more representative of the community at large. And a fourth voice seems but a small step away.
Never mind what had or had not been done in the past - it is the future we are building to. For what it is worth, I personally think they are the best candidates in the first step to rebuilding the BOE.
Ed.
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Post by gopybl on Apr 8, 2006 16:25:09 GMT -5
Guardian 16 - Interesting post....However, lets review the re-instatement of Varsity Sports...Technically Loretta Giardina Cast the deciding vote. Rich Mallow also voted Yes...Cathy Flanagan voted Yes...are these individuals just as heinous as Mr Presuto & Raymond? Cathy Flanagan is the President of East Plain PTA....Why aren't you attacking Cathy or Loretta for their viewpoint?
Honestly, if you attended the meetings it was mentioned over and over again that with everything not coming back this year, not one group would be completely happy with the outcome of the budget. I think the BOE was right in their statement. I think the BOE created a budget which spread the cuts evenly accross all age groups.
The fact that Mr. Presuto doesn't have children currently enrolled makes him a perfect candidate since he has no special interests to help and support. Unlike some of our other Board Members.
Lets also realize that curriculum cuts were made at the High School without prior knowledge to the community. Who is responsible for monitoring that? Who is supposed to hold the Administration accountable?
Mr. Raymond & Mr. Presuto seem to be the only members who happen to have differing opinions to the Administration...they seem to be the two Board Members consistently asking tough questions during the budgetary process....Lets not forget that their questioning regarding the unemployment insurance line item resulted in a fully funded Music Program at the Elementary School...Where is your mention of that?
If I remember correctly it was Presuto & Raymond who were constantly asking for break outs of line items...Additional supporting documents....Hard questions which many other people on the Board were not asking. Much to the amusement of the Elementary Parents in the audience.
Breathing new life into the Community is to support the Two Individuals that question the Administration consistently and do not take numbers at face value....Do you think Raymond & Presuto may have had some influence over using the fund balance?
Mr. Cantafore has been continuously helping this community via his website plaintalkonline.com. He also has been tirelessly donating his time to many of the community efforts. Felice also helped resurface the Teeball field at Pitken Memorial for PYBL....These are community efforts which very few others demonstrate in the community. It is people like Mr. Cantafore that make Plainedge a great place to live.
In closing, If you don't support the new BOE...Thats ok. Just make sure you support the budget and vote Yes on May 16th and don't hurt the kids.
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Post by rinx on Apr 8, 2006 16:44:33 GMT -5
Rinx, if you are speaking about the contingency budget if the budget was voted down, that is a reality. Massive cuts are necessary to meet the mandate by the state. But lets not go there. Lets focus on May 16th and getting the budget passed. Phil, that's a load of Richmans crap and more of his threats. I'm telling you...there would be a riot. Everyone I've spoken to have all mentioned how ticked off they'd be. I'd like to know if this was so fair that everyone was losing something, how come Richman is still getting his raise and keeps his assisstants? While teachers for the kids get chopped. Yeah, real fair. Heave ho - Richman's gotta go! Heave ho Mallow's gotta go!
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Post by rinx on Apr 8, 2006 16:47:28 GMT -5
I forgot...the mandate from the state? Just like the one he had this year that he thumbed his nose at? It was in Newsday this week that showed which districts said to heck with the state mandate. Plainedge was in that group. Facts was right all along as usual.
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Post by rinx on Apr 8, 2006 17:18:46 GMT -5
Good afternoon Rinx, Lets keep the energy pointed in the right direction. There is a great deal at stake; professionally for the adminstration and the faculty and personally for anyone who has or had a child in the schools'. As the administration continues to improve the scores on the tests and the teams continue with their success we will attract attention at the next level. And the next level isthe one we should all have our eyes on. As was pointed out on Wednesday we have students representing the District at prestigous colleges and universities. We have had a student accepted at Cooper Union within recent years. As Patriot stated we have had numerous scholarships bestowed on students for athletic and academic success. Lets keep on building. Its not just about this year but if we dont take the first step forward now it might be years before we get the chance again, if ever. Lets not leave it to chance. If everyone does what they can to get the vote out, if everyone does what they can to spread the word we have a real chance to make a difference. We all have a chance to continue to impact positively on these students and future. As a community we can accomplish more for all the kids. As Doug P said it is a team effort, it was important for the BOE to listen and now it is important for the rest of us to put up. The time is now! Vote YES! Devils... Plainedge has had many, many, many students go on to bigger and better universitys. Many got scholarships to great institutions. All before John Richman was here and will continue to do so after he's long out of here. This clown took credit for what the sports kids and parents acheived this year. I guess in a way he deserves some of the credit. If it weren't for him, the teams wouldn't have bonded together all summer raising the funds that he cut. Or taking credit for robotics kids going to Coopers Union on scholarships for from a program that he snickered at. I am of hope that board members will read and know of the out and out hatred that this community has for JR and gets him out of here ASAP.
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Post by patriot2415 on Apr 8, 2006 17:48:50 GMT -5
Guardian/Rinx - your personal agendas against the administration are the exact attitudes that have divided this community. You don't see the big picture, you make unproven allegation and statements.
Guardian, today is your first post. As stated before..where have you been? Since we are spreading allegations, lets try this one... maybe YOU and a few in the minority are trying to divide the community. Maybe you are their spokesperson. Maybe you and them have a SECRET agenda. If not, state your name, step up and be part of the solution.
Rinx, I see in your post you like to refer to me by my name. Again you have something to say, put your name on it, step up and be part of the solution.
It is so easy to sit in your house and spread so much mis-information.
Ever Ed, Mr. Justfacts, signs his name. I agree with some of his posts, disagree with others, but I respect the hell out of him for putting his name on the line.
Can't say I think the same of the two of you right now.....
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Post by devilsrus on Apr 8, 2006 17:54:08 GMT -5
Rinx and all concerned Plainedge People,
This is about one issue and one issue only. This is about the kids......Not about me, not about the BOE, Dr. R., Just, Guardian, GO or any of us. Lets not get involved in any discussion except the one that matters. May 16 is our one goal, May 16 is about where we all want to be and May 16 will open to the door to any political discussion, debate, ambition or decisions. BUT LETS GET TO MAY 16 AS A UNITED DIVERGENT GROUP OF PEOPLE WHO ALL WANT THE SAME THING! THE BEST WE CAN PROVIDE FOR THE FUTURE! ITS ABOUT THE KIDS! VOTE YES! THATS WHAT IT IS ALL ABOUT. VOTE YES! VOTE FOR THE KIDS! I would love to sit and discuss this all night long. But the bottom line is a YES vote. VOTE YES! VOTE FOR THE KIDS!
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