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Post by mythreekids on Apr 20, 2006 23:46:37 GMT -5
Just to correct the record.. Maryann Capone would NOT be the third PTA member from Eastplain. Pat Zinke's home school is Schwarting and Cathy Flanagan's home school is Eastplain. Although Maryann's home school is Eastplain, Maryann is a CPA by trade.. Something that would be of value to have on this school board.. She knows her finances and she is tough.. no doubt about that.. Just so you all are aware, she would be an ASSET to this board and community..
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Post by mythreekids on Apr 20, 2006 23:48:18 GMT -5
I stand corrected... I do believe Loretta Giardina is from East plain as well.. So yes there would be three members from Eastplain, but please everyone, do not look over Maryann who is professional in every sense of the word. She knows her finances!!!!
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mom23
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Post by mom23 on Apr 21, 2006 7:46:36 GMT -5
Just a few thoughts. There has been some discussion on this board about us having two PTA members already on the BOE, and how, essentially having another PTA member be elected to the BOE would be a detriment because that would promote further "clique" voting. I looked up the definition of the word clique, on Webster's online dictionary, and here is what it said:
Clique a narrow exclusive circle or goup of persons; especially: one held together by common interests, views, or purposes
If we are going to use the word "clique" when referring to certain members of the BOE or for that matter certain candidates for the BOE, shouldn't we then be fair and use it to describe CPR also? In my opinion, they are being sold as a "package" deal...three guys with common interests, views, or purposes...to breathe new life into the BOE.
There are seven members to the BOE. Our hope is that each of them brings a little something different to the table, however, aren't they essentially a "clique"? According to the definition, I would think we would want them to be. I would think we would want their common interest, view and purpose to be to work for the children of the Plainedge school district.
I believe we need differences of opinion on the BOE. I believe we need a group of people who are willing to put themselves out there, ask the questions the community wants answered, fight hard when they believe in something, but at the end of the day they need to be held together by their common interests, views, or purposes...and that's the kids.
I guess what I really want to say is before you discount someone because they are a PTA member listen to what all the candidates have to say. Each community member has the right to their opinion as to who they think would best serve us on the BOE, and we should all promote the candidates we believe in. However, to discount a person's credentials based on rumours, or the fact that they are not with the "popular" group, or because they are a PTA member is not responsible.
P.S. As an aside, there are a lot of dads who are PTA members, and as such are issued their PTA membership cards. In the beginning of the school year, when PTA membership collections are due, people choose the family membership, so that the dads can participate in school activities as a PTA member, and for some events at a lower price. We see plenty of dads at the Halloween party, field day, book fair, and PTA meetings, just to name a few.
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Post by patriot2415 on Apr 21, 2006 10:01:47 GMT -5
Mom23,
You are correct. This is the perfect example of why we get ourselves into trouble in this district. Someone says the PTA is a "Clique" and then someone needs to defend that statement and says CPR is a "Clique". That is where the division starts.
Last year the Meet the candidates night was attended by total of MAYBE 20 people. Let's get the word out that there is another meet the candidates night coming up ( someone help me with the date!!!). That is the evening where we see who we want on the board representing us.
everyone.... get the word out to your neighbors and friends
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Post by gopybl on Apr 21, 2006 12:24:33 GMT -5
Mythreekids - You are correct....We should have a group with one common goal....The improvement of Plainedge Education. IMO, the community is better served when the BOE reflects the many diverse interests of the community. So that everyone has a say in the process....The fact that they are part of the PTA does not mean that they are not Capable of doing the job....But loading the board with PTA members does not provide a true reflection of this communities diverse interests. I need to run out to an appointment but I will elaborate later.
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4max
New Member
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Post by 4max on Apr 21, 2006 23:45:16 GMT -5
To elaborate somewhat on Mom23's post...I had a couple of cents to throw in. First, I completely agree. Second, Phil I thank you for recognizing and addressing exactly what continues to be counterproductive with regard to "labeling" certain people or groups in this community. When any one person (or group) makes a sweeping generalization about another based solely on their affiliation with a particular group, no good can come of it. I thought we have learned that already. But, you are correct, someone then feels the need to defend...I guess as I do.
Most surprising to me is that anyone (sorry Ed) could actually insinuate that an affiliation with the PTA could be a bad thing. To me, it is illogical. I don't really think that I need to defend the work that the PTA does on all grade levels, b/c anyone who is an active member knows just how much they do....whether it is helping at a book fair, dressing as a pilgrim for history night, running games at a Halloween party or running the numerous and extremely worthy assemblies that are brought in, to name but a few. I know from experience that some of the most involved and hard working parents are active members of the PTA. As we all know, it is often the same faces in this district who are willing to step up for the tough jobs, and if a candidate for the BOE is known b/c they work like crazy for the PTA, something that directly helps the kids, then I think that says something about their willingness to get involved. They have in essence walked the walk and are looking for another way to better this district. Call me crazy (wouldn't be the first time) but I feel that is a positive. Is it the only factor? Not by a long shot...but it is not a detriment.
That brings me to the point of membership. Being a member of the PTA is not an exclusive group or covert operation with a hidden agenda. It is parents working closely with teachers to provide many opportuities for the children....and then working literally hand in hand with the kids to see them come to fruition. ( PTA run activities are the only "extra" thing that the elementary kids had this year). I'm not sure how anyone could see that as a negative thing. Every parent that has a child in school is encouraged to be a member and I know on the elementary level (at least at Eastplain) that usually amounts to at least 99% of the parents. So to say that another PTA parent should not be elected the BOE could potentially eliminate almost any parent from running.
In keeping with that line of thinking, if Mr. Cantatore is a PTA member or his household is, should he be eliminated on that fact alone? would his thinking be skewed due to his membership? When Mr. Presuto's child attends school for the first time next year, should his family be cautioned not to join the PTA b/c it might skew his perspective? If the answer to those questions is.. "of course not", then if they get elected, we would still in essence have PTA parents "loading" the board..as some have put it (just different PTA parents). Or is it just the PTA members that are not supportive of a particular line of thinking that are being implicated? or just Eastplain PTA members? (which I assume Mr. Cantatore is one). I am not clear on this. The lack of logic suggests to me that one's membership is not really the issue at all. In addition, if Eastplain happens to have more parents involved than the other schools, well good for us. I am proud of that.
My point is simple...PTA is very far reaching and affects many if not all of the candidates running for the BOE, so it is illogical to use that issue to discredit any candidate. I may be idealistic but I would much rather know the credentials; experience; knowledge of finance; background in education; past work in district; creative ideas etc.. that a potential board member has than whether or not they paid their PTA dues. If we're only concerned about whether the board will be "loaded" in one direction or the other, many could make similar arguments regarding CPR as well. Shouldn't we be more concerned about finding out what each candidate has to offer as opposed to how we can discredit the others? Let's focus on the positive changes that may be made by each candidate intead of building up one group, by insinuating negative things about the others.
After all that has transpired last year and this year, we owe it to this community and the kids to be responsible and find out as much information as possible regarding the potential members of the BOE. We need not listen to or believe rumors and it is up to us to find out the truth, just as we did with the budget process. The direction of this district depends on it. In the end, we will of course support whom we feel will do the best job, and that is also part of this democratic process. However, respect for one another's opinions should remain a constant. We can't afford to go backwards on that issue.
Ed, as an aside...I find it interesting that you speak often of not telling anyone how to vote on the budget b/c it is not your place...you are just an information station of sorts... and that you are not "with" any particular group...however you are quick to suggest we all vote the "cool" way. I felt your comments regarding the other candidates to be somewhat irresponsible, in that you didn't need to know anymore than that they were affiliated with the PTA and that unless they refuted rumors in a forum that you dictated, then you would be forced to believe them to be true. That to me, is not digging out facts, it is making a judgement without any basis at all. If I believed all of the rumors and comments over the years that I have heard regarding you or the library, that would be grossly unfair and I would not have the right to nor have I dictated where and when you should dispell them... Of course, I respect your right to your opinion...it just seems inconsistent with what I have seen you stand for in the past. Well, I care about as much about being in with the "cool" crowd as I did when I was 12 years old, and I will make it my business to support whom I think will get the job done. I would hope that all residents would do the same.
Phil, thanks for pointing out the Meet the Candidate night...hopefully the turnout will be much better than last year.
Also, not on this thread (sorry), but wanted to thank John Hanrahan (and all involved) for running a positive, organized and inclusive meeting last night. It was nice to see the strides that have been made this year in the faces of those who attended. Makes me feel like there may be a light at the end of the tunnel.
Donna M.
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Post by gopybl on Apr 22, 2006 5:48:22 GMT -5
Donna - I can only express my own opinion regarding this subject....Which may not be worth the bites I am occupying on this site....but here it goes. During the budget process we had many individuals who would identify themselves as ACADEMICALLY concerned parents....As to insinuate that the other parents fighting for Extra-Curricular activities were not concerned with Academics...It seemed that those parents were always very involved in the PTA's. Personally being a parent of a child at Eastplain I found that to be quite insulting.
I do agree with you that someone's affiliations should not automatically disqualify them from consideration. However, I can tell you that peoples affiliations to groups shed a tremendous insight to the type of person they are and their belief systems.
After being at many of the Budget workshops, it was quite evident that we have many different groups with many different viewpoints on what is important to the education of our children. I also found it enlightening to learn that even within the ACADEMICALLY concerned group of parents their were divisions between Eastplain, Scwharting, and West parents concerning what they felt were most important to their children's education.
Which brings me to my opinion....We need to have a wide spectrum of respresentation on the BOE....If the BOE is truely going to be indicative of the community then we need to have individuals on that BOE who are supportive of the many groups that are here in Plainedge. I know many of the PTA members at the other schools are concerned that the BOE is being stacked with Eastplain parents....Does that mean they would potentially support Eastplain issues before another schools? ...You would hope not....But I am sure some people think the other way.
I do agree that we need to find out what the Candidates platforms are before making decisions....What changes are they looking to make in the Community.....For instance, Cathy Flanagan's platform was getting more State Aid to the community from Albany. Pat Zinke ran unopposed so had no platform. The C_P_R_ platform is to hold this Administration responsible for finding ways to provide a better level of education Cheaper, Better, faster for our kids. To provide us with a BOE meeting instead of a Superintendents workshop meeting. Frank and Ralph have been walking the walk on the BOE and did a fantastic job during the budget process this year.
In closing, You are correct someones affiliations should not automatically disqualify them....Their platforms and viewpoints will do that within each of the different groups here. I wish all the candidates much success in their campaigns....But I will be looking to Breathe New Life into this BOE.....
Sincerely, Joe Amalfitano
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Post by plainedge13 on Apr 22, 2006 7:47:57 GMT -5
Just to correct the record.. Maryann Capone would NOT be the third PTA member from Eastplain. Pat Zinke's home school is Schwarting and Cathy Flanagan's home school is Eastplain. Although Maryann's home school is Eastplain, Maryann is a CPA by trade.. Something that would be of value to have on this school board.. She knows her finances and she is tough.. no doubt about that.. Just so you all are aware, she would be an ASSET to this board and community.. I am confused by this post - it states that Maryann is a CPA by trade. A search of the New York State licensing website does not list her as a CPA, or even a PA.
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Post by justfacts on Apr 22, 2006 8:24:51 GMT -5
4maxI stand corrected. You are absolutely right. Labels by themselves should not be used to disqualify people.It turns out that I had met MaryAnn Capone as a neighbor who lives around the corner. It was not until the meeting the other night that I associated her name with the face of the person I've met and talked to previously. She seems to be very nice and a very devoted parent. But I know very little else about her.
What has led me to supporting the C_P_R team however, is that they have become very active and forthright in their work at meetings and in the community. They have shown they are capable and able to work together for the benefit of this community. And they have actively promoted their candidacy by attending various activities of other groups.[/b] The other candidates who came later have been remarkably quiet about their running for the position - except - I guess, among a limited circle of friends. It's important that they, and their qualifications and goals or platform, be widely known by the community. I don't believe that rest of us should have to go to the "Meet Your Candidates Night" to find out just what their platform and views are. Not that we won't go there. It believe it is is incumbent upon them, as candidates, to get out in front of the whole community as soon as they decide to run. So far that has not happened. I still know little about MaryAnn and absolutely nothing about Mr. Fox and Mr Lassman. All three names sprung on the forum scene just five days ago with no further background information.There was no intent on my part to discredit the many PTA activists in Plainedge. The intent was to notice that persons devoted to one organizational structure were, or would be, a majority number on the Board of Education. My reaction would have been much the same if a particular Sports, or Academic group, became a majority on the Board. This would also be true if the Firemen, Police, Teachers or other professions were the majority number of Candidates.
However, as a long time elected public official in this District - I do know how difficult it is to get a broad spectrum of residents to volunteer to run for office. Most Candidates do come from a pool of activists associated with other existing community activities. So it is difficult to find people to run that do not have some outlooks in common with other members of the Board.
If given the choice however, I would vote in a way that would select candidates of the most diverse backgrounds possible.
My apologies if I misled anyone.Ed. Let's get on to the real task at hand - getting the most of the Budget dollars into the Children's programs.
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Post by wwjd on Apr 22, 2006 21:36:59 GMT -5
- Meet the Candidate night is 5/8 @ the HS - Maryanne Capone is a CFA and is intellegent, kind and a blessing. - if we're counting members of the EP PTA - might as well include Mr. C of the CPR -- he is a paid Eastplain PTA member.
EP apparently has a large number of people who want to get involved and make a change. I don't think the school a candidate comes from has anything to do with anything. Mr. C is an Eastplain parent!
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4max
New Member
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Post by 4max on Apr 22, 2006 23:21:13 GMT -5
wwjd.... thank you ..that was pretty much my point. If we're going to point out the home school of the candidates..we should do so for ALL of them. And I agree..a candidate's home school should have nothing to do with their ability as a potential Board member. If members of other schools are concerned that there are too many stepping up from a particular school, then they certainly had the opportunity to run as well. I'm sure we'd all be glad to see as many people as possible get involved. I think ALL the candidates should be applauded for their willingness to take on such a difficult position. I also agree that Maryann Capone is one of the brightest women that I know. She is a hard worker and has been most recent Treasurer of the Eastplain PTA...keeping impeccable records. Joe A. I appreciate your willingness to have a constructive discussion regarding these issues and being receptive to my opinions as well. I'm not sure, but I think you may be referring in part to me with regard to those "academically" minded parents however I would never insinuate that those who are concerned with extra-curriculars are not concerned with academics...as I am also very much in favor of the co-curriculars as I have stated many times. I think the reason that came up at the meetings was with regard to the select few residents who were acting poorly and somewhat bully-ish in terms of suggesting cuts to academic programs and then felt entitled to the "saved" monies for co-curriculars. Again, I'm not generalizing. But there were some residents who appeared to want their co-curriculars "saved" at any cost to the academic integrity of the district and acted very disrespectfully in order to make their point. But what's past is past. I think many of us have risen above that. However....I do hope that ALL of the potential board members are "academically" minded in the sense that they are indeed first and foremost a Board of EDUCATION. Of course, IMO education encompasses many things...curricular and co-curricular....but if we don't have the academics in place...the co-curriculars cannot stand alone. I totally agree that the members of the Board should represent diverse viewpoints and that the groups that they are affiliated with speaks volumes about their character and beliefs...and that of course goes for all of the candidates. I also feel that their professional credentials; knowledge of finance and ability to think creatively should play a major role as well. But like I said..we all have varied ideas of what is important for a candidate to represent and will support whomever feels right to us personally. I too, wish them all the best in their endeavors. Just as an aside (wrong thread I know)..at the meeting the other night, the parade organizers for budget awareness day (I'm sorry I don't recall who it was) said they were looking for past graduates and class of 2017 students etc.. I don't know if this helps but my Dad was a student in the first graduating class (1958) of Plainedge (and is still a resident) and my daughter is currently in first grade (class 2017). My sister and I are also graduates (class of '82 and '87 respectively..ok..my mom graduated too ..). Don't know if the generational thing could help, but I think my Dad would be willing...who would I contact?? Thanks..Donna M.
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Post by patriot2415 on Apr 23, 2006 9:18:41 GMT -5
All, I believe we all want what is best for the district. We want a fair budget, which I believe we as a community did the best we could do THIS YEAR. We also want the BOE to represent all of us. I applaud every volunteer, and I thank them for all their time and efforts.
The upcoming board election this year and next year are, to put it mildly, the most important events that will take place in the school district. For it is these election that will shape the board for the first time, the way the community wants it to be. A board who has the knowledge of the inner working of the school district, yet knows it is the COMMUNITY that they represent.
I am not endorsing anyone or telling anyone how to vote. I will just state what I believe to be facts.
The CPR team has been involved in this years budget process throughout. They have listened to the community, they are in-sync with the community. Frank and Ralph have the experience of this years process, a process where they saw the community make great strides in taking back some control and providing direction. I think they learned some invaluable lessons and will bring that knowledge to the decision making process that affects not only the budget, but decisions that affect which teachers are kept, what administrators are needed, which administrators need to be changed. They are OUR voice ! Felice has been a great addition to the PPAC and PTRA teams. His community involvement is outstanding. There is definitely a comfort level with these 3 candidates.
As for Maryanne Capone,Mr. Fox and Mr Lassman: MaryAnne has been at many meetings, has asked questions and has some good suggestions. I have come to know her over the past weeks and she is a very intelligent person. It would be outstanding to have her on the board, if not this year, she my candidate for next year !!!!
Mr. Fox - I believe he has been present at "some" meetings but I have never heard him ask a question, address the board, reach out to community leaders or express ANY ideas on any subject.
Mr. Lassman, I know personally, our sons have played different sports together. He is a great guy, BUT I have never seen him at any meeting, any community events, he has not reached out to the community and has not expressed any ideas or opinions on any topic.
Although all three are probably great residents of Plainedge, It is my opinion that it may be too late in the game for them.
Donna, as for the Meet the Candidates night. I don't know if you have any input, but the format last year was terrible. I know that there were a lot of question submitted, and only a few got through. I don't think as part of the election process, our questions should be screened. It should be a structured open forum, where residents ask the question and ALL parties need to respond. Last year when Pat ran unopposed, she did not have to answer any questions. That turned me off personally and I did not vote for her ( sorry Pat !!), because I didn't know where she stood. As it turned out, she is a bright spot on the current BOE. But what if she wasn't? No one would have known until she was elected. So I ask, if the league of woman voters cannot provide a more open forum, then they should step aside and let the residents interview and have a dialog with the people who are running to represent us.
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Post by justfacts on Apr 23, 2006 10:25:17 GMT -5
patriot2415
Great post - well stated info an excellent input about the "Meet Your Candidate" night. Thanks also for some very much wanted info about the quiet candidates!
I hope the even if some of the candidates on the present ballot don't get in this year - they have the understanding that the community needs them - and they will run next year. What's most important is not the year you run - but the fact that you run. I'm sure that they will all succeed if they keep at it. We do need all of you. I speak also from my experience as a Board member - it is a rewarding job in ways you can't imagine as yet! It is worth waiting for.
The "Meet you Candidate" should, I Believe, again be recorded and made available for later playback on one or another of these forums. It would be nice if the School District Computer was returned to full functionality - and made the playback available to the whole community at hours of their choice! As yet, the District's Computer performance record is very spotty even for making Meeting Minutes available. This performance spottiness apparently does not apply to Richman's personal "Blog Spot" - that's up most of the time!
I agree with you Partriot2415 - - - All candidates should have a chance to present their ideas, goals, plans and objectives. These should also be open to direct queries from the audience in an orderly fashion. It is the only way the electorate can make a reasonable value decision about voting for one over the other. The League should recognize this and alter the format accordingly. Last year was not an effective way to run such a meeting.
Additionally, this Q&A session is the first real experience that The Candidate will have in answering directly to the Community. No filtering of the message, no excuse to not answer, no "stonewalling", no third party intervention! It is an excellent way to "break them in" to the process that they will have to follow if they are on the Board.
The direct Board and Community Q&A process should not be impeded by a third party. That approach sets up a bad precedence.
Let's look forward to a great "Meet Your Candidate" night meeting!
Ed.
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Post by guardian16 on Apr 23, 2006 17:47:59 GMT -5
A few observations, Mr. Raymond currently resides in the Eastplain area, so does that mean we have three Eastplain Board members, or we can say Mr. Raymond’s children attended west, so we therefore have three West Board members? I foolishly thought that a Board member represents ALL children, not just their “home” school.
Regarding the PTA, how dare any of you knock being a PTA member? Who do you think is up at the schools doing fund raisers EVERY year? Who do you think is running the Holiday, Mother’s Day and Father’s day sales at the schools which you know elementary school children love? Who is in the classroom assisting the teachers with holiday parties? Who runs field day, organizes class trips and tries to provide the children with those activities eliminated from the budget? I for one would not want a Board member who is not a PTA member.
Mr. Dowdell has mentioned that Mr. Raymond, Presuto and Canatore were being “tutored “by Deidre. How scary is that, Mr. Raymond has voted YES for every school budget (twice last year), are you saying he did not understand for the past five years what he voted for?
Mr. Dowdell, you have said in the past that you have the superintendent’s contract, why are you not saying that it is THIS year’s school board that decides whether or not to extend Dr. Richman’s contract? I guess just a little something you forgot to mention.
From the bottom of my heart I thank the sports parents who raised the funds so that the children of this community were able to have their seasons. Please, please, don’t forget that is was the PTA parents, a few former and current school board members and a group of high school students who walked the streets BEFORE the second budget vote to inform the community what they would lose on austerity. The community instead chose to believe poisonous e-mails (from a member of this forum), current and former members of PYBL (vote no the first time) and people with an ax to grind with Dr. Richman (regardless of the fact that their child would also be hurt).
I truly hope that all of you who are working so hard to get this budget passed will continue to vote YES when your children are no longer in school. My “VOTE YES” signs are hung proudly in my window; I will vote Yes, I always do.
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mom23
New Member
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Post by mom23 on Apr 23, 2006 18:45:19 GMT -5
Patriot2415...
I completely agree with you about last year's Meet the Candidate's night. It is my understanding that based on this year's feedback from the community, that this year's forum will in fact be run differently. I have heard of several changes that are being made, but honestly hesitate to post them, b/c should they not come to fruition I don't want it to be "mom23" who is spreading rumours (LOL). I'll try to confirm this week, and if I get a concrete answer, I'll post.
Just a little food for thought...before Frank was appointed to the BOE he never attended a BOE meeting, was not known throughout the district, and didn't have a child attending school. There were so many other people applying for the position, who, in all honesty brought a lot more to the table. I know we had CPA's, teachers, business owners, people who had been to BOE meetings and actively participating in those meetings, just to name a few. The BOE took a chance with an "unknown" community member. Thus, my point...I don't think it is too late in the game for anyone. At this point we may not be saturated with information on the "lesser" known candidates...but I don't think that will be the case for much longer. I personally know two out of the three candidates and believe they will make very formidable opponents in this year's election. Give them a chance...you may ljust like what you hear.
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