|
Post by patriot2415 on Apr 23, 2006 18:50:43 GMT -5
Guardian, putting the same budget up 2x was a slap in the face for the community. That is why it failed the second time, plain and simple.
You have my word that after my children are off to college, I will continue to do everything in my power to help this community. I will remember the children just starting their school years and I will vote to provide them the same environment my children had.
|
|
|
Post by gopybl on Apr 23, 2006 19:17:32 GMT -5
IMO the major short fall in the Maryann Capone campaign is going to be that she is running against Felice. I think her advisors would have been better served asking her torun next year....
Donna, I am not sure if it were you or some other members who had made that remark. I am pleased to learn that you are in favor of co-curricular programs as I am in favor of curricular programs. I am fullyt awarer that our only identity as a community comes from our school district.
Guardian - You can be rest assured that our Executive Board dealt with one of the PYBL members you spoke about last year. I would be very curious to learn the identity of the other member you are referring to???
I would really enjoy hearing about some of the platforms that some of these candidates are running under...If anyone knows of their policies or platforms please advise.
Also, please note that Maryann Cappone and Alan Fox have reached out to PYBL to address our Board at our Next open board meeting on May 1st.
|
|
|
Post by justfacts on Apr 23, 2006 20:30:28 GMT -5
I see that guardian16 came on to this site again - without having had retracted the several lies, nor apologized for the many erroneous statements made by them about a week or two ago.[/i]
Shades of the spin-doctoring tales of the past BOE members, guardian16 is still not adult enough to correct their false assumptions and twisting the facts about others before proceeding on.
guardian16 had to go back to several earlier posts to dig up the fact that I said I have a copy of his contract. Then they used that in a new post to make the comment: "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."
Charging me with NOT saying something about the Contract Renewal? And then saying it's an action I forgot to take? What a twist! guardian16, if you want me to give you some information - then just ask! [/i]
Others have. But to fault me for NOT saying something and then, at the same time, making a guess as to why I didn't - doesn't say much about your level of intellectual development.
There is a lot I could say about the Superintendent's contract. For instance, - it is true that the BOE of last year extended the contract - but not for services from him for this year, or even next!
Each year a BOE decision has been made to extend the contract for four years - so one has to go back a few year's to find the Board that was responsible for extending his contract into 2006. I know much about that contract and hesitate to mention too much about the paper signed by a screwed up Board of just a few years ago. It might distract some from the immediate goals of this year.
But what has that "traditional" cycle of automatic approvals of Contract Extension, Raise Hike, Bonus Approval and the Annual Contribution of $20,000 to an Annuity got to do with singling out one Board member as you did?
It was a Board action - and it is the Board as an entity - that is responsible for that action. AND - is it not my responsibility to talk about it in a particular post - despite what you may wish!
If one wants to look for a single person to blame - it is the original single signer of that Contract and the BOE President who "honchoed" these actions thru each year - up until this coming one![/i]
It has been all the members of past BOE's, following the dictum's of a BOE that did not respond to community desires, that in 2005's meeting for this 2005/6 year, extended his contract for a fourth year (to 2009) And that is something I most definitly mentioned on a prior post.
However, the Board of this coming year, even though there will be at least several unchanged members on it - will not be the Board of this past year, nor the Board of four years from now.
For penetrating that thought into the limited intellect you exhibit (of not being able to grasp the significance of certain simple changes), try this example of what a simple change can bring about:
It's much like the loosing team of last year getting rid of one member and replacing them with a new member - and becoming the winning team of this year.
It is what the revived Board of this year (and the changed Board of this coming year) has done, and will do, that matters.
So, until you're adult enough to retract your erroneous and false statements, until you stop trying to pass unprovable charges off as opinions and/or facts, until you stop chastising me for NOT saying certain things in these postings - I bid you adieu! No more responses from me to you on this forum.
Ed
;D Old Biblical Statement from a Father to a Young son; "Suffer not to talk unto fools! Cast not your pearls before swine." Revised modern edition; "He who talks to hind end of jackass gets wind in face!" ;D
|
|
|
Post by gopybl on Apr 24, 2006 6:14:48 GMT -5
Also, at our May 1st meeting will be Felice Cantatore, Frank Presuto, and Ralph Raymond. Each of the BOE members seeking election have requested to be put on the agenda except for Steve Lassman. I will advise with additional information regarding their policies and platforms after this meeting.
By the way, has anyone seen Steve Lassman campaigning???
|
|
4max
New Member
Posts: 10
|
Post by 4max on Apr 24, 2006 12:25:37 GMT -5
To all... I completely agree with you about the Meet the Candidate's night last year and how poorly run it was. I know that I and others submitted many questions that did not fill a particular "criteria" and were therefore dismissed. I felt and still feel that this was a form of censorship and gave my feedback that evening and since. The fact that Pat Zinke was unable to speak was absolutely ludicrous. Fortunately she ran unopposed so she has been able to bring her intellect and fairness to the BOE. I agree with you Phil, she is certainly a bright spot on the Board. I too have spoken to several people who have implied that it will be run differently this year, but so far I do not have any clear committments either, so I too will refrain from posting what I've heard until I know it to be fact.
Mom23...very good points. I too was going to make the point that Frank was virtually unknown throughout the district until several months ago...that fact was apparently a deciding factor and seen as a positive with regard to bringing him on the Board. So, I don't think it is too late for anyone who is truly looking to make a difference.
In addition, I don't think any of us should or could be judge and jury with regard to who attended how many meetings and what questions they've asked etc.. First of all, who is keeping track? Secondly, many of us (well about the 20 of us) who diligently sat at every Board and budget meeting last year (and years before) could also make the point that the involvement of a larger number of people this year could be "too late" also. Most of us..(many Eastplain and PTA members..including MaryAnn Capone) were the ones sitting there night after night, passing fliers etc.. and trying to get the budget to pass so ALL of the programs would be saved. We would have welcomed any support to help get it passed last year so nothing would have been cut. Yet still, I have no business telling anyone that their interest and hard work this year is "too late". It's never to late to decide to get more involved and be an intregral part of this district.
The failure of the budget spurred many new faces to get involved and that has turned out to be probably the only positive with regard to the austerity budget. However, everyone has done so in there own manner. Some are more publically vocal, some email, some have one on one conversations etc.. The thought that one asks questions or not at a meeting has no bearing on their level of involvment, dedication or ability. If it did, I could make the same argument about Mr. Cantatore. I have seen him at the meetings...but honestly I have never heard him make a comment or ask a question. Does that mean that he is less informed or less dedicated? One's manner in learning or involvement is not really for any of us to judge.
Joe A.
I am glad to hear that the PYBL is open to all of the candidates to make their platforms known. Ultimately, in the end, regardless of who gets elected.... those of us who remain involved in school board/district matters will need to work together and this is a good start.
I agree with Mom23...Maryann, Allan may be "lesser" known in some circles but are very well known and greatly respected in others. Honestly, I know that Felice has been at the meetings, as have I..and he appears to be a very nice man and very involved in some areas. Past that, I apparrently do not travel in the circles that he is campaigning..b/c I do not know anything about him or his platform..only that he is 1/3 of CPR. Ralph and Frank..I know about them what I have witnessed at board meetings and many conversations this year (and for Ralph over the past few years). I can of course base my judgements on those interactions. I just hope we all make our decisions based on what we really know about a candidate and who represents what is most important to us. What we know first hand IMO is more important than what we've heard or who belongs to what group or how many meetings they've attended. Let's keep our minds open to new ideas. So far as evidenced more recently on this board...that is becoming more the norm and we should all be proud of that.
|
|
|
Post by patriot2415 on Apr 24, 2006 13:27:16 GMT -5
4MAX
Donna, were you ever a boxer ? Because you just kicked my butt !!!!!
In all honesty, I understand what you are saying. I was posting in my point of view, and really that is what these post are, people discussing their points of view.
All I was saying is that Ralph, Frank and Felice have been heavily involved in the process this year and I think that experience will make them strong BOE members. I have had a lot of interaction with the three of them so maybe my view is a bit skewed.
I want nothing more then to have a board that will be responsive to ALL community members.
Take it easy on me.. My ribs hurt !!!!!
|
|
4max
New Member
Posts: 10
|
Post by 4max on Apr 25, 2006 0:10:58 GMT -5
Hey Phil, Thanks for listening to my thoughts and I totally agree that these posts are for just that...to discuss and share different viewpoints. Yours is well taken also. I am happy about the progress most of us have made to that extent. I know I usually say things as I see them..but I'll try to take your ribs into account next time!! Have a good one! Donna
|
|
|
Post by gopybl on Apr 25, 2006 6:25:22 GMT -5
Donna,
Great posts....I do disagree with the previous post refering to the PTA working individually to pass the budget last year and that the fact that the community is mobilized this year should not be held against everyone else....You are correct, the majority of the people involved now were not involved in the past, I being one of them. I previously was not involved because I thought that leaving those items to the EXPERTS that we elected was the right thing to do. In no way did I ever think their would be such a huge disconnect between our school district and the community....This is why I felt compelled to get involved. I wanted to know how it was possible for their to be such a huge disconnect. What would make the BOE think that a room of 20 people represented a good cross section of this community when they just gave them an opportunity to speak at the polls.
For that the BOE must be held responsible....and they have been all year. The fact that the BOE President is not seeking re-election confirms that. As you indicated in your previous post, The fact that Maryann Capone was part of that group supporting to put the budget up again with no changes troubles me... It confirms that she was not in touch with the communities wants and desires.
Ironically, last year I was not approached by any of the Candidates to address the PYBL Board of Directors at our open meetings. Not even Pat Zinke who had nothing to lose. This year we have 5 Candidates who have requested to address this Board. Why is that?
Donna, I would venture to say that you might have a greater possibility of getting your questions asked of these candidates at the PYBL meeting than at the PTA council "Meet the Candidate" forum...If you would like to submit your questions (Or anyone elses questions) to me I would be happy to present them to the candidates and report back to you their responses...
Loooking at the initial requirements for the questions to be asked of the candidates.... I would bet against any of mine being read to any Candidate....Yes that is censorship as you stated earlier...But I will submit them anyway to the PTA Council.
I think the Candidates reason for coming to our Board is because these candidates see how powerful it is to reach out to so many families very rapidly... many families participate in all of these youth groups....Soccer, Lacrosse, Football, Basketball, Softball, & Baseball....If you add in Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, & the PTA's you would most likely get your message accross to almost the entire community 50 and under.
This is where we have learnedas a community our most IMPORTANT lesson....Each of these groups individually can not effect LONG TERM POSITIVE change in P-Town. WE must change this community as a TEAM....As the VOTE YES Committee has shown, we can make explosive improvements in this community if we work together...Just look at what the PPAC was able to do.....Let's never let what happened last year happen ever again. You have my word, I am in this for the longhaul..
|
|
|
Post by justfacts on Apr 25, 2006 7:31:04 GMT -5
Here's a message from the District site
It's about the upcoming "Meet your Candidates Night" and questions that will be allowed to be asked of the Candidates.
Despite what has been posted here by several about the poor format for presenting questions last year, they have chosen to make it worst this year by requiring that questions be submitted BEFORE the night of the meeting! The meeting is Monday May 8th, 8pm at the Board Room of the High School.
It might be worthwhile to start calling the Chair to express a desire for a more open Q&A session.
***************************************
From the site: "Questions for the Board of Education Candidates to answer will be submitted prior to that night so that they can be prescreened for: legibility, repetition, and inappropriate content. We have implemented an e-mail address for questions to be sent. If you have any questions that you would like presented on the evening of May 8th, please send them to:
Plainedge_PTA_Council@yahoo.com
If you do not have access to a computer or would prefer to submit a question in writing you may write it on an index card and place it in an envelope marked Meet the Candidate Night PTA Council and place it in the PTA mailbox of your school. Please include your name and address, together with your questions. All questions, must be submitted no later than May 2, 2006.
Each candidate will be given a 2 minute opening statement and then we will begin to answer questions. A moderator has been supplied by the New York State PTA ~ Nassau Region. A time keeper will also be appointed.
If you should have any questions, please contact me at 516-465-2062.
Dawn Marie Rizzi, Chair Meet the Candidate Night"
***********************************
An open dialog permits adoptive questioning - or more questions to the more viable candidates and less time with those that are not. It also allows questions to be developed in response to the answers given by the more interesting candidates - a situation that can't be had if only pre-canned questions are allowed. Meet your Candidates should be an interactive event - not a staged one!
Ed
;D Get thee hence to the Candidate's meeting - You'll have to live more than a year with the results ;D!
|
|
|
Post by gopybl on Apr 25, 2006 14:46:17 GMT -5
Donna & Ed --- Did you guys notice that on the meet the Candidates letter sent out to the community, that Maryann Capone is listed as the recording secretary for the PTA Council....Do you think this is a conflict of interest? Does this provide Maryann with an advantage over the other candidates? Is it a conflict to hold more than one board position during your term in office???
I am not knowledgeable regarding the heirarchy at the PTA....Does Dawn Marie Rizzi work for Maryann in her capacity with the PTA Councils? Any feedback you could provide regarding this would be appreciated....
PS: Steve Lassman has sent me an email today....I suppose he reads these threads as well.
|
|
mom23
New Member
Posts: 14
|
Post by mom23 on Apr 25, 2006 16:06:58 GMT -5
It is my understanding that Maryann is going to recuse herself as the recording secretary for the PTA Council, so as there not to be any conflict of interest, and no advantage over anyone else. Maryann is a straight up, professional, play by the book woman, and would not do anything to jeapordize her candidacy, nor the candidacy of others. I suppose that should she be elected, she would then have to deal with whether or not it is a conflict of interest to hold more than one board position while in office...however, since she's not a current BOE member, no conflict.
I don't believe DawnMarie Rizzi works for Maryann. They are individuals, each having a specific job, who along with several others, comprise the PTA Council.
That's great news that Steve Lassman has contacted you. I am sure he has his reasons for not doing so earlier...the important thing is that he did, and he's moving forward in his efforts to be elected.
|
|
|
Post by justfacts on Apr 25, 2006 16:11:25 GMT -5
gopybl
Yes, I did notice that MaryAnn was listed. And, No, it is not a conflict of interest. That's because another group of persons within the PTA is running the event. Although personal favoritism might come into play in reacting to her answers, or selecting questions to her, or presenting her as a Candidate, there is no "official" conflict.
It is up to Dawn Marie to run the meeting according to her personal ethics in a fair and even-handed method. There is no Official control that the Recording Secretary would have over her.
The President of the PTA, is normally an "ex-officio" member of all committees and groups, and could possibly exert some pressure on Dawn Marie - but no one else can! Again, it is up to the personal integrity and strengths of each individual concerned as to misconduct or unfairness being involved. I, personally, have no question about this event being run fairly.[/b]
Once again, there is no "Official Conflict of Interest" with MaryAnn being on the Board and being a member of the PTA.
However, it has been noticed that some past members of the BOE gave up any official position in the PTA, other than member, once appointed to the BOE. That is an individual decision and not required by rules or regulations. Some persons just want to avoid even the appearance of conflicts of interest.
Ed.
|
|
|
Post by frawg88 on Apr 25, 2006 19:30:44 GMT -5
I have been dormant now for quite a while taking it all in, but now feel the need to participate in the discussion. I am quite pleased that we now have a CHOICE of candidates for the three expired BOE seats. It’s been quite evident that this chat board has become a campaign rally for the CPR candidates. However, based on excerpts from postings on this site, they may not be the right people for the job. Let’s really look at what people are asking for: Go PYBL: “Isn't our School District like operating a business? The lets treat it like one.” “I think we can all agree that CHANGE is NEEDED” “IMO, the community is better served when the BOE reflects the many diverse interests of the community”
Wild rover: “The overwhelming desire for change on the school board” “I also believe that WE all know that the board as it is currently conformed is incapable of this task” “Let’s really start pushing the theme of change in our dealings in the community”
Just Facts: “I'll continue to point out the BOE's and Administration's shortcomings in handling the public money given for the best education of their children” “Do you have specialized skills? Such as in Financial Analysis? These are questions for all candidates, not just the latest ones” “Independent viewpoints are what we need…” “If given the choice I would vote in a way that would select candidates of the most diverse backgrounds possible.”
4max: “I also feel that their professional credentials; knowledge of finance and ability to think creatively should play a major role as well.”
I believe what many others do – CHANGE IS NEEDED – but SUBSTANTIAL change will NOT happen by electing 2 out of 3 candidates who are already sitting BOE members. Three NEW faces, three NEW thinkers; three NEW voices are needed who absolutely, positively MUST have experience in budget and finance. The biggest threat to the children of this community is the fact that every year the budget goes up at the expense of their programs, including BOTH academic and extra-curricular/sports. We pay MORE every year but our kids get LESS. The BOE engages in the same budget process every year because there is no one on the current BOE with real-world business experience dealing with large budgets and revenues. One candidate of the CPR team, as a sitting BOE member, has been involved in this same flawed budget process for 5 YEARS and is one of 7 who put the same budget up for a revote last year – something that some of the CPR supporters on this site say was a “slap in the face” to this community. I don’t bring this up to single out anyone – I mention it only as an example to illustrate how contradictory some of these postings are.
Our school budget represents a $60+ million dollar business. In the business world, people are told to find cost savings or they lose their jobs. You need to have the experience to know where to look for those savings and how to make it happen. Mrs. Capone, one of the new BOE candidates, got up at one of the budget meetings and corrected the administration/BOE on the issue of unemployment insurance. She verified with the state that employees can only collect for 26 weeks, not 52 weeks, therefore the budgeted amount for that line item was too high. That prompted the discussion which reduced that expenditure by $47,000 which is now going to kids programs. If she can do that from her seat in the audience, then what might she be able to do for our kids sitting on the BOE? From what I’ve heard, Mrs. Capone, Mr. Fox and Mr. Lassman all have financial experience. As far as entering “late in the game”, the run for BOE seats does not begin until petitions are handed in. (I’ve come to find out that the reason Mr. Lassman has not been out and about announcing his candidacy until now is because unfortunately his mother has been terminally ill in the care of hospice, and she passed away the week of the budget meetings.) As far as PTA membership being a factor in the election – well, that’s pretty ridiculous. Shame on any BOE member (or any parent for that matter), who has not paid their $7.00 to join the PTA, as this dues funds many good things for our kids. The same goes for what elementary school area a candidate comes from – it’s irrelevant - but ironically it just so happens that each set of candidates has 2 who live in the Eastplain area and one who lives in the West area, so that is not an advantage or disadvantage for either. All 6 candidates are also advocating for a YES vote on the budget.
The future of this community depends on electing people to the School Board who can utilize their proven, successful business practices to develop school budgets which maintain or hopefully increase programs/clubs/sports while decreasing overhead and discretionary expenses; budgets which keep tax increases under double-digit figures and which can be readily supported by all segments of the community. Only then will we end the divisiveness that comes with the current practice of being forced to pick and choose which kids lose out every year. If we want this destructive cycle to end, then we must make our decision based on who brings the best qualifications and experience to the table – not on personality or affiliations with certain “groups.” I agree with the newcomers on this site – we need to consider Capone, Fox and Lassman as our choice.
P.S. - I vote YES.
|
|
mom23
New Member
Posts: 14
|
Post by mom23 on Apr 25, 2006 20:13:27 GMT -5
frawg88...
Bravo! Thank you for articulating what I believe many people are thinking.
|
|
|
Post by wwjd on Apr 25, 2006 21:08:25 GMT -5
Frawg 88
AMEN!
|
|