I will be providing a permanent link on the right as soon as I learn HTML!
Thanks to Kathryn and Lou for providing a much needed and useful service.
Gotta get back to the sun and fun.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
That's What I Want
Today I am doing a quick post on someone and something I should have done a long time ago. Our district treasurer, Kathryn Sines along with the help of Lou Schott have put up a web site that is dedicated to district finances. This is the kind of utilization of technology I’m talkin’ ‘bout! Everything you want to know is a click away either from her FAQ’s page, quick links, or if your question is so obscure it’s not already there she has provided her E-mail.
Sunday, June 15, 2008
No Worries
Wow. Wednesday night was the worst board meeting yet. It started out great. I was asked by the board president to lead a discussion regarding the community survey conducted over a year ago. I prepared a power point with aspects that stood out as either “what we’re doing right” and “what we need to improve or implement”. It was met with the usual eye rolling, lackadaisical, I’ve got better things to do attitude. I suggested that some of these resident concerns be made a part of our newly minted goals. After all wasn’t this what the survey was for? Or did we do it so we could have a good read about resident concerns and then do nothing about it?
Then something interesting happened. I was surprised when at the beginning of the meeting an addendum to the agenda was presented that included a surprise executive session. It stated that it was for discussion of the Patterson litigation. I was shocked that they were willing to discuss it with me, but glad because I thought maybe we could finally work through the issues that I feel are Sunshine Law violations and putting our actions at risk. So after all regular business, it was moved and seconded that to enter executive session. A five minute recess was called rather than the customary 10. Upon my return in 4 minutes 56 seconds, I was physically blocked access to the executive session. I explained that I needed to hear it from the board president and attempted to enter the room. The door was then opened for me and the board president stepped outside with me. She agreed I should be denied access and returned to the room and the door was shut. I attempted to enter the room to request that the record reflect that I was being physically denied access but instead the door was opened and the treasurer was asked to step outside to hear my request. I waited outside 1 hour and 6 minutes, watched the stage crew remove all recording equipment, and adjourned with the board, once again asking that the record reflect that I was physically excluded from the meeting. We agreed on something for a change. The vote to adjourn was 5-0.
Then I read the Falls News today. I find the statement of “she can’t be a plaintiff and a defendant” was sort of ironic. Why not? I can be a board member and not a board member at the same time.
My biggest problem with the whole scenario is that no one even had the decency to ask me to excuse myself. Not that I would have. I see no reason members cannot meet in pairs with the board atty. Wrongful acts have already occurred in executive session yet I am supposed to trust that this time things will be different. And why do I have a problem with the defendant meeting in this manner to discuss the pending litigation? Because their collaboration is not my concern. Because they frequently do discuss items not allowed. And how about because they could have done this in a proper manner, on the record and given me a proper forum in front of the entire board to defend myself rather than clustering themselves in a room and barring my access.
And now a little blurb on last Mondays goals board meeting. The noob pointed out that finances didn’t make it into our goal session a few months back. That’s right- no financial goals. I pointed out that I had many financial goals on the board but they didn’t get a majority vote to move forward. He ignored me and went on to say that now that he’s seen the five year forecast he thinks we should add that one! Novel idea noob. But the best goal is this one- Having the district labeled “Excellent” by the end of next school year. Don’t get me wrong, I will be thrilled if we did, but I generally set attainable, realistic goals. Maybe by 2010 or’11. But ’09? Come on. I dare our staff to prove me wrong. But it’s not just them. It’s parents and the kids themselves too and I don’t we are quite there yet. Just like with raising the GPA to participate, it’s a lofty idea that hasn’t been thought through.
Then something interesting happened. I was surprised when at the beginning of the meeting an addendum to the agenda was presented that included a surprise executive session. It stated that it was for discussion of the Patterson litigation. I was shocked that they were willing to discuss it with me, but glad because I thought maybe we could finally work through the issues that I feel are Sunshine Law violations and putting our actions at risk. So after all regular business, it was moved and seconded that to enter executive session. A five minute recess was called rather than the customary 10. Upon my return in 4 minutes 56 seconds, I was physically blocked access to the executive session. I explained that I needed to hear it from the board president and attempted to enter the room. The door was then opened for me and the board president stepped outside with me. She agreed I should be denied access and returned to the room and the door was shut. I attempted to enter the room to request that the record reflect that I was being physically denied access but instead the door was opened and the treasurer was asked to step outside to hear my request. I waited outside 1 hour and 6 minutes, watched the stage crew remove all recording equipment, and adjourned with the board, once again asking that the record reflect that I was physically excluded from the meeting. We agreed on something for a change. The vote to adjourn was 5-0.
Then I read the Falls News today. I find the statement of “she can’t be a plaintiff and a defendant” was sort of ironic. Why not? I can be a board member and not a board member at the same time.
My biggest problem with the whole scenario is that no one even had the decency to ask me to excuse myself. Not that I would have. I see no reason members cannot meet in pairs with the board atty. Wrongful acts have already occurred in executive session yet I am supposed to trust that this time things will be different. And why do I have a problem with the defendant meeting in this manner to discuss the pending litigation? Because their collaboration is not my concern. Because they frequently do discuss items not allowed. And how about because they could have done this in a proper manner, on the record and given me a proper forum in front of the entire board to defend myself rather than clustering themselves in a room and barring my access.
And now a little blurb on last Mondays goals board meeting. The noob pointed out that finances didn’t make it into our goal session a few months back. That’s right- no financial goals. I pointed out that I had many financial goals on the board but they didn’t get a majority vote to move forward. He ignored me and went on to say that now that he’s seen the five year forecast he thinks we should add that one! Novel idea noob. But the best goal is this one- Having the district labeled “Excellent” by the end of next school year. Don’t get me wrong, I will be thrilled if we did, but I generally set attainable, realistic goals. Maybe by 2010 or’11. But ’09? Come on. I dare our staff to prove me wrong. But it’s not just them. It’s parents and the kids themselves too and I don’t we are quite there yet. Just like with raising the GPA to participate, it’s a lofty idea that hasn’t been thought through.
Friday, June 06, 2008
Luuuu seeee....
Guess I’ve got some ‘splaining to do. Today’s Beacon Journal was a surprise to most people I’m sure. Before you read the article and jump to conclusions, let me fill you in on what is going on and why.
First of all “suing” makes it sound like I’m out for money. The only money I asked for is my $225 filing fee. This is not about money. It’s about an injunction to compel the board to abide by the law. Don’t get me wrong, I could have asked for damages for each violation in the suit. But I didn’t. I asked for an order from the court to stop all wrongful acts committed by this board and a little something extra. I am also asking the court to order that an opinion from the Ohio Attorney Generals office be obtained before a member can be censured.
Let me explain how censure works. There is no book on the right and wrong reasons to censure. If I cross my eyes during a meeting and fellow members don’t like it, they can censure me if they have the votes. Just so everyone is clear on a few things, it is pronounced “sen-sure”. Not “sen-sore”. I point this out because previously this board censured me and referred to it as censoring me. I’m sure censoring me is what they had in mind, hence the Freudian slip. But fortunately for us they only have the power to censure me. I feel an opinion is needed because this board uses the threat of censure in an intimidating manner.
The Beacon Journal wanted to focus on the executive session voting. That is the least of our worries. The more important issues are the ones that involve the publics right to open government, clear and concise minutes, and the ability to trust that your board of education is conducting the business stated in the notice given and that the notice and/or agenda doesn’t leave you guessing. You can’t go into executive session for employment promotion, demotion, compensation, discipline, etc.. unless the board is actually performing each of those acts. The board can go into ES for promotion if they are promoting someone.
I assume the people of Cuyahoga Falls elected me to represent their stances on issues. How can I effectively do what I was elected to do when I cannot garner a majority vote to do the very least for the citizens and follow the law? Example- the law states you cannot amend the agenda for a "special" board meeting. Yet a member moves to amend it, it receives a second, I object and state the reason, I'm out voted and the board proceeds to conduct business outside the scope of the notice to the public. The citizens of Cuyahoga Falls, and the press for that matter, have a right to be an informed public. Would you like notice that we were going to discuss goals, you decide not to come because goals do not interest you, and then find out the board also voted to cut all extra curricular activities? No chance for input. No having your voice heard (not that there’s much of that now), no chance to respond. It’s just done. No that didn't happen, but it could with this board. This is one example of many violations. This is why we have laws protecting the publics right to open government.
I have attempted to resolve these issues and many others on numerous occasions. But it's a five member board and I am but one. I assure you this was a last resort. I am dismayed that an injunction is the ONLY remedy at hand to resolve these types of issues. There is no agency or official that can compel a board or council to adhere to the Sunshine Laws other than a court of law. I am confident that the courts will resolve these issues and the board can move forward with doing what we were elected to do- serve the people of Cuyahoga Falls.
The purpose and spirit of the Sunshine Laws are crystal clear. Open government. That's what the people expect and deserve.
First of all “suing” makes it sound like I’m out for money. The only money I asked for is my $225 filing fee. This is not about money. It’s about an injunction to compel the board to abide by the law. Don’t get me wrong, I could have asked for damages for each violation in the suit. But I didn’t. I asked for an order from the court to stop all wrongful acts committed by this board and a little something extra. I am also asking the court to order that an opinion from the Ohio Attorney Generals office be obtained before a member can be censured.
Let me explain how censure works. There is no book on the right and wrong reasons to censure. If I cross my eyes during a meeting and fellow members don’t like it, they can censure me if they have the votes. Just so everyone is clear on a few things, it is pronounced “sen-sure”. Not “sen-sore”. I point this out because previously this board censured me and referred to it as censoring me. I’m sure censoring me is what they had in mind, hence the Freudian slip. But fortunately for us they only have the power to censure me. I feel an opinion is needed because this board uses the threat of censure in an intimidating manner.
The Beacon Journal wanted to focus on the executive session voting. That is the least of our worries. The more important issues are the ones that involve the publics right to open government, clear and concise minutes, and the ability to trust that your board of education is conducting the business stated in the notice given and that the notice and/or agenda doesn’t leave you guessing. You can’t go into executive session for employment promotion, demotion, compensation, discipline, etc.. unless the board is actually performing each of those acts. The board can go into ES for promotion if they are promoting someone.
I assume the people of Cuyahoga Falls elected me to represent their stances on issues. How can I effectively do what I was elected to do when I cannot garner a majority vote to do the very least for the citizens and follow the law? Example- the law states you cannot amend the agenda for a "special" board meeting. Yet a member moves to amend it, it receives a second, I object and state the reason, I'm out voted and the board proceeds to conduct business outside the scope of the notice to the public. The citizens of Cuyahoga Falls, and the press for that matter, have a right to be an informed public. Would you like notice that we were going to discuss goals, you decide not to come because goals do not interest you, and then find out the board also voted to cut all extra curricular activities? No chance for input. No having your voice heard (not that there’s much of that now), no chance to respond. It’s just done. No that didn't happen, but it could with this board. This is one example of many violations. This is why we have laws protecting the publics right to open government.
I have attempted to resolve these issues and many others on numerous occasions. But it's a five member board and I am but one. I assure you this was a last resort. I am dismayed that an injunction is the ONLY remedy at hand to resolve these types of issues. There is no agency or official that can compel a board or council to adhere to the Sunshine Laws other than a court of law. I am confident that the courts will resolve these issues and the board can move forward with doing what we were elected to do- serve the people of Cuyahoga Falls.
The purpose and spirit of the Sunshine Laws are crystal clear. Open government. That's what the people expect and deserve.
Tuesday, June 03, 2008
Do Your Homework
I often take a lot of flak for my stances on public education. I guess I am not your typical school board member. I have often said that in my opinion teachers make above and beyond a fair wage for the degree earned. Especially when you factor in the benefits. It seems teachers and their supporters have a hard time seeing what I as a parent see. What many parents see.
Before I go on I want to say that Cuyahoga Falls is very lucky. We have many caring dedicated teachers. But we have lackluster teachers as well. And yes, as hard as it is for some to admit, we have some teachers biding their time ‘til retirement. Please don’t insult my intelligence by pretending these things don’t exist in Cuyahoga Falls.
The Plain Dealer did an interesting series last week on teacher training, post graduate training, and quickie degrees. It’s a very insightful series. I’m particularly interested in the field experience degrees. The way Ohio’s economy is at the moment, I bet you could find a few accountants willing to teach high school math for 40K, summers off, spring break, two weeks at Christmas, and the lucrative benefits. In fact, I know of a teacher in CF who quit a six figure salary job to teach in CF. Why? Less stress, better bennies. At least that’s the story this teacher gave me.
Research questions quality of teacher education
Posted by Scott Stephens and Edith Starzyk May
Post-grad education training includes strong CSU course -- and quickie degree mills
Posted by Edith Starzyk and Scott Stephens
But the most telling part of the article for me was this- “In a four-year study released 20 months ago, Arthur Levine, former dean of Teachers College at Columbia University, found that students who intend to major in education, as a whole, have lower scores on college entrance exams than other college-bound students.” Eeek!
Read the articles and let’s talk about what we can do to ensure that Cuyahoga Falls employs quality dedicated teachers without resorting to the “pay them more” mentality. But if “pay them more” is the only solution in your mind, then I ask you to tell me- what I as a tax payer can expect in return as far as accountability and a return on my investment?
Before I go on I want to say that Cuyahoga Falls is very lucky. We have many caring dedicated teachers. But we have lackluster teachers as well. And yes, as hard as it is for some to admit, we have some teachers biding their time ‘til retirement. Please don’t insult my intelligence by pretending these things don’t exist in Cuyahoga Falls.
The Plain Dealer did an interesting series last week on teacher training, post graduate training, and quickie degrees. It’s a very insightful series. I’m particularly interested in the field experience degrees. The way Ohio’s economy is at the moment, I bet you could find a few accountants willing to teach high school math for 40K, summers off, spring break, two weeks at Christmas, and the lucrative benefits. In fact, I know of a teacher in CF who quit a six figure salary job to teach in CF. Why? Less stress, better bennies. At least that’s the story this teacher gave me.
Research questions quality of teacher education
Posted by Scott Stephens and Edith Starzyk May
Post-grad education training includes strong CSU course -- and quickie degree mills
Posted by Edith Starzyk and Scott Stephens
But the most telling part of the article for me was this- “In a four-year study released 20 months ago, Arthur Levine, former dean of Teachers College at Columbia University, found that students who intend to major in education, as a whole, have lower scores on college entrance exams than other college-bound students.” Eeek!
Read the articles and let’s talk about what we can do to ensure that Cuyahoga Falls employs quality dedicated teachers without resorting to the “pay them more” mentality. But if “pay them more” is the only solution in your mind, then I ask you to tell me- what I as a tax payer can expect in return as far as accountability and a return on my investment?
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