Man do I need my head examined. I should have seen it coming last night. The board agreed to form a committee to study our bussing program. The board dictat- errr I mean president, asked if anyone was interested in this committee. Two members were to be appointed. Our newest member spoke up first, then myself, then the VP. Well the noob got it (for those of you net lingo dummies, a noob is a person that is new at any particular event, game, board, etc.) and then after much hemming and hawing she appointed herself. Let’s see, which board member has been concerned about bussing inequities from day one? Oh, I believe that was me. Let’s see, who has lived here their entire life and knows our streets, I dare say, better than even our most experienced bus driver? Oh, that also would be me. And maybe the noob. I guess what really perplexes me is that afterward while waiting for our new board photo to be snapped, the pres explained to me the she wanted the noob for his bussing expertise and herself because she’s really interested in this. Um OK. So why ask during the meeting if anyone was interested if you already knew? Why not just state the people and the reasons? Are any of you interested in kissing my butt? Well too bad if you are because I already know who I want to kiss my butt. I only asked so I could tell you no.
Some strange happenings have happened to me lately. This morning I go to my favorite coffee shop to sit in my car and drink over priced coffee and use their internet service for free. Why my car you ask? Because it’s my comfort zone where no one can bug me. Anyway, I’m sitting there gazing at the new Hoover Mahal, when one of our administrators strolls inside with a gift bag in hand. Dang! I knew I shouldn’t have worn my pajamas out of the house today! I had to go home and change just so I could go back and be nosy! I saw her greet some dudes in suits and was convinced they were meeting to steal her away from us! I like this lady. I couldn’t let them woo her on my turf! So I raced home and changed and very slick like went back to nonchalantly go inside and shock every barista working, as they have only seen me in my car at the drive thru and parked out front using their internet. (Barista is a fancy term for the person who makes the over priced coffee).
Much to my surprise there was no wooing. There was a party (complete with gifts)/ Cuyahoga Falls administrative educational meeting happening. Eeeek. I’m not sure who was more uncomfortable, me or the nine or so of our employees par-taying. Don’t worry, they’ll have to water board me to get names. They’ll have to pry the list out of my cold dead hands, they’ll have to… well, you get the picture. Some might say “lighten up Kellie”. I have a question. Why is it the only people you see hanging out in food and beverage establishments during normal working hours are people whose wages come from our tax dollars? And attorneys, but they’re not really people. I’m not just talking about our employees. It starts with them but it’s city workers, it’s county workers, way obvious with state workers, and on down the line. Now I don’t know about you but I have to stay at work and work. And presents have never been part of the mix. Who knows, maybe I’m wrong. Maybe the gifts were part of some educational training exercise. I actually don’t really have a problem with a meeting outside district offices if it’s something that warrants it. But could you at least give the appearance of not having a party?
Lastly I want to share a quick story about one of the many things that it wrong with society today. My sons cell phone was stolen. The mother of the thief called me to see if his story of how he acquired it was true. We agreed that the police should be called because his story had changed four times. From the original story that my son gave it to him, to the final- a dark haired stranger from Roberts Middle School gave it to him at the park, told him whose it was and then roughed him up a little. The police went to his house and he stuck to the dark haired stranger story. The police called me back to tell me that I should instruct my son to not show off his expensive ($30 cell phone?) electronics to his “friends” and there was nothing they could do to the thief. I quote “we’re not gonna do the bright light in the face and strong arm a nine year old”. So I guess the moral of the story is this, it’s ok to steal and lie before you’re ten years old. My kid and the thief learned this lesson today. Today a nine year old stealing a cell phone tomorrow an eighteen year robbing the pizza delivery man.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Lies, Lies, Lies Ye-ah
OK. I lied. I’m a politician now, it’s a part of the job description. I told you I haven’t seen a Falls News editorial that has moved me in years. Actually, I have. The most recent was this one. I don’t know what I like about it more, the novel idea of incorporating a song title into the header, or the content itself. This is how you inform people. This is how you begin to get the public to understand how to take ownership and responsibility for their tax funded entities. I was thrilled to see this piece in the Falls News. Board and Council meetings are scary and daunting to many people. Making the process understandable and user friendly is a great service to the community.
There’s a few opinion letters of late that I’ve liked as well. This one and this one are two of my personal favorites. Speaking of letters, there was one that I didn’t like so well. I find the letter to be poorly written and a prime example of where the term “baffle you with bull%#@!” comes from. You can read my response in this week’s edition of the Falls News, but you know they have that pesky 300 word limit. It almost killed me to limit myself to that! I got desperate and used FNP instead of Falls News Press. One word vs. three you see. So I’m going elaborate here because I am free to be wordy. In the past I have submitted letters to the FNP that required files of public record to back up statements I made before they would print it. It was frustrating but in hind sight, they didn’t know me and the fact that I do my homework. So imagine my surprise when I saw this letter from my fellow board member. Notice how there is no facts to back up the claims made. I would like him to cite the pertinent and relevant facts left out of articles. I can’t believe the FNP let him say this without documentation to back up the claim. It’s one of the most unbiased acts I have ever seen from the media.
But the one that really blows my mind is the “certain disgruntled board member” comment. The nerve!! No one even had the decency to inquire if I actually was disgruntled before printing this! And for the record I am not disgruntled. I’m thrilled that we have one elementary school that is the 4th highest per pupil spending in Summit County. Of course you’ll be shocked to learn that they are an “Excellent” school on the state report card. Meanwhile my child sits in a classroom of 28 kids in his “Effective” school and wonders when the promised “more comprehensive reconfiguration” is going to take place. I’m also pleased that the board hasn’t found a way to efficiently and equitably bus our students. It’s good that a proposal to lower the bussing limit and eliminate exceptions was proposed. I’m sure using many busses to haul 12-15 kids is proving cost effective with today’s gas prices. And our streets are so squared off that I know bus stop points every 2-3 block radius is a preposterous idea.
Maybe our new board president will lead this board in a new direction. Maybe we will start focusing on the problems and stop trying to convince ourselves that all is well. Maybe we will finally start utilizing the survey results. Maybe.
There’s a few opinion letters of late that I’ve liked as well. This one and this one are two of my personal favorites. Speaking of letters, there was one that I didn’t like so well. I find the letter to be poorly written and a prime example of where the term “baffle you with bull%#@!” comes from. You can read my response in this week’s edition of the Falls News, but you know they have that pesky 300 word limit. It almost killed me to limit myself to that! I got desperate and used FNP instead of Falls News Press. One word vs. three you see. So I’m going elaborate here because I am free to be wordy. In the past I have submitted letters to the FNP that required files of public record to back up statements I made before they would print it. It was frustrating but in hind sight, they didn’t know me and the fact that I do my homework. So imagine my surprise when I saw this letter from my fellow board member. Notice how there is no facts to back up the claims made. I would like him to cite the pertinent and relevant facts left out of articles. I can’t believe the FNP let him say this without documentation to back up the claim. It’s one of the most unbiased acts I have ever seen from the media.
But the one that really blows my mind is the “certain disgruntled board member” comment. The nerve!! No one even had the decency to inquire if I actually was disgruntled before printing this! And for the record I am not disgruntled. I’m thrilled that we have one elementary school that is the 4th highest per pupil spending in Summit County. Of course you’ll be shocked to learn that they are an “Excellent” school on the state report card. Meanwhile my child sits in a classroom of 28 kids in his “Effective” school and wonders when the promised “more comprehensive reconfiguration” is going to take place. I’m also pleased that the board hasn’t found a way to efficiently and equitably bus our students. It’s good that a proposal to lower the bussing limit and eliminate exceptions was proposed. I’m sure using many busses to haul 12-15 kids is proving cost effective with today’s gas prices. And our streets are so squared off that I know bus stop points every 2-3 block radius is a preposterous idea.
Maybe our new board president will lead this board in a new direction. Maybe we will start focusing on the problems and stop trying to convince ourselves that all is well. Maybe we will finally start utilizing the survey results. Maybe.
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Trust Everybody, But Cut the Cards.
I have had several people ask me about my vote for president and vice president. Allow me to explain. Not only did I vote Gunter for president, I seconded the nomination. And yes I also voted yes on Dunphy for vice. You see I was under the false impression that these two women truly wanted to turn a new leaf and begin a year of cooperation. Silly me.
As was witnessed at the meeting, I kept my end of the cooperation deal. I foolishly believed that this board could come together and start working for the people of the district. I was led to believe that I had support in my nomination of a Cuyahoga Falls resident to be appointed to the districts finance committee. I would not have nominated him had the support not been there. But I went into the meeting believing it was. I thought that perhaps all those hours of mediation and thousands of dollars spent on boardmanship and training seminars had finally paid off. How nice that the board could finally put some time and energy into working for the taxpayers and their children.
First up on the agenda- electing a president. Gunter was nominated. I thought to myself, what better way to show my appreciation of the new board attitude than to second the nomination? During the discussion a speech was made by a fellow board member talking about working together and coming together for the common good, etc… I was almost moved to tears. New pres is elected 5-0 and sworn in. Then Dunphy was nominated for vice president and our brand new president gave a similar spiel on cooperation and the new board love. I almost asked if we could have a group hug. I also voted yes on this nomination. But it seems our newest member wasn’t fooled by this display of ours and voted no. Really loud. But alas 4 yes votes and she’s sworn in.
The meeting then proceeded as usual until it came to the finance committee approval. Since only four of the original five members expressed interest in continuing their service, I contacted a gentleman who had previously expressed a desire to serve over a year ago. He was still interested so I decided I would recommend he be added to the committee the board was asked to approve.
My does word travel fast. Much to my surprise, an amendment to the agenda was waiting for me at the board meeting. Boy was this going to be uncomfortable. It seems there was a last minute phone call and whamo bammo we have the fifth finance member back! I didn’t think this was going to be a problem though. After all, it’s not like they make any binding decisions. I decided that I would move to add my recommendation as well since an odd number and majority considerations aren’t needed for this group.
Shouldn’t be any problem, I was thinking. After all this guy’s a well known in our city. He’s a 17 year resident of Cuyahoga Falls, has a stake in our property values, and the health of our districts’ finances as well as the quality of education here. Oh and did I mention that he has an intimate knowledge of school finance? In fact he has more years experience with school finance than any one else on the committee including our own employees. And he was willing to share his knowledge and expertise gratis. Not only that, he was a respected employee of the Cuyahoga Falls Board of Education awhile back, left on good terms, and has offered help and assistance through the districts financial fiasco of 2005. Surely a shoe-in!
I moved to add the sixth member and it was seconded. My first clue something was amiss was when the new and improved board president suggested that this was the superintendents committee and she didn’t think the board had the authority to alter his recommendations. I was stunned. Apparently someone needs to brush up on who the agenda belongs to. Wait a minute! I remember this same board member waving the agenda around during a meeting in 2006 and pointing out to this same superintendent that the agenda and its items belong to the board. Surely she knows the board has the authority to amend any item brought forward!
Here’s a little meeting lesson for those of you that luckily do not have to deal with it- When a motion is made and seconded it must have discussion and then be put to the vote. Now here was our new board president trying to declare the motion illegal! I guess the new title went to her head. We elected a president not another dictator. Guess that speech at the start of the meeting was lip service.
After trying to calmly say to her that she couldn’t declare my motion illegal and began to explain why- she cut me off and “called the question” which means end all discussion and vote on the original motion. I in turn declared a “point of order” which stops her action and forces the explanation of my right as a member to have my valid, seconded motion put to the vote. I sat there perplexed as to why voting to enhance our districts finance committee had become such an issue. Needless to say, I won this round and it was put to the vote.
Imagine my surprise after thinking this gentleman had support and publicly nominating him to this committee only to watch the motion fail 2-3.
I guess the contract of personal agendas is in full force and effect. I was a fool for believing that this board was making progress.
On a lighter note it looks like my idea of having more meetings in the library might happen after all. Yeah I know I got ignored when I suggested it. Yeah I know it took one of the majority members suggesting it with one of those over the top of the glasses glances. But regardless it’s happening. It will be much easier for handicapped, disabled, and just plain old achy people like me to attend board meetings. It’s a good thing no matter how it gets done.
As was witnessed at the meeting, I kept my end of the cooperation deal. I foolishly believed that this board could come together and start working for the people of the district. I was led to believe that I had support in my nomination of a Cuyahoga Falls resident to be appointed to the districts finance committee. I would not have nominated him had the support not been there. But I went into the meeting believing it was. I thought that perhaps all those hours of mediation and thousands of dollars spent on boardmanship and training seminars had finally paid off. How nice that the board could finally put some time and energy into working for the taxpayers and their children.
First up on the agenda- electing a president. Gunter was nominated. I thought to myself, what better way to show my appreciation of the new board attitude than to second the nomination? During the discussion a speech was made by a fellow board member talking about working together and coming together for the common good, etc… I was almost moved to tears. New pres is elected 5-0 and sworn in. Then Dunphy was nominated for vice president and our brand new president gave a similar spiel on cooperation and the new board love. I almost asked if we could have a group hug. I also voted yes on this nomination. But it seems our newest member wasn’t fooled by this display of ours and voted no. Really loud. But alas 4 yes votes and she’s sworn in.
The meeting then proceeded as usual until it came to the finance committee approval. Since only four of the original five members expressed interest in continuing their service, I contacted a gentleman who had previously expressed a desire to serve over a year ago. He was still interested so I decided I would recommend he be added to the committee the board was asked to approve.
My does word travel fast. Much to my surprise, an amendment to the agenda was waiting for me at the board meeting. Boy was this going to be uncomfortable. It seems there was a last minute phone call and whamo bammo we have the fifth finance member back! I didn’t think this was going to be a problem though. After all, it’s not like they make any binding decisions. I decided that I would move to add my recommendation as well since an odd number and majority considerations aren’t needed for this group.
Shouldn’t be any problem, I was thinking. After all this guy’s a well known in our city. He’s a 17 year resident of Cuyahoga Falls, has a stake in our property values, and the health of our districts’ finances as well as the quality of education here. Oh and did I mention that he has an intimate knowledge of school finance? In fact he has more years experience with school finance than any one else on the committee including our own employees. And he was willing to share his knowledge and expertise gratis. Not only that, he was a respected employee of the Cuyahoga Falls Board of Education awhile back, left on good terms, and has offered help and assistance through the districts financial fiasco of 2005. Surely a shoe-in!
I moved to add the sixth member and it was seconded. My first clue something was amiss was when the new and improved board president suggested that this was the superintendents committee and she didn’t think the board had the authority to alter his recommendations. I was stunned. Apparently someone needs to brush up on who the agenda belongs to. Wait a minute! I remember this same board member waving the agenda around during a meeting in 2006 and pointing out to this same superintendent that the agenda and its items belong to the board. Surely she knows the board has the authority to amend any item brought forward!
Here’s a little meeting lesson for those of you that luckily do not have to deal with it- When a motion is made and seconded it must have discussion and then be put to the vote. Now here was our new board president trying to declare the motion illegal! I guess the new title went to her head. We elected a president not another dictator. Guess that speech at the start of the meeting was lip service.
After trying to calmly say to her that she couldn’t declare my motion illegal and began to explain why- she cut me off and “called the question” which means end all discussion and vote on the original motion. I in turn declared a “point of order” which stops her action and forces the explanation of my right as a member to have my valid, seconded motion put to the vote. I sat there perplexed as to why voting to enhance our districts finance committee had become such an issue. Needless to say, I won this round and it was put to the vote.
Imagine my surprise after thinking this gentleman had support and publicly nominating him to this committee only to watch the motion fail 2-3.
I guess the contract of personal agendas is in full force and effect. I was a fool for believing that this board was making progress.
On a lighter note it looks like my idea of having more meetings in the library might happen after all. Yeah I know I got ignored when I suggested it. Yeah I know it took one of the majority members suggesting it with one of those over the top of the glasses glances. But regardless it’s happening. It will be much easier for handicapped, disabled, and just plain old achy people like me to attend board meetings. It’s a good thing no matter how it gets done.
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