LVCSD - Annual Election of Board Members and Budget Vote - Tuesday, May 20, 2008
The Locust Valley Central School District Annual Election of Board Members and Vote on the Budget will be held on Tuesday, May 20, 2008, between 12:00 noon and 10:00 p.m. at the following places:
Bayville Election District: Bayville Intermediate Schools
Brookville Election District: Community Hall, Brookville Reformed Church at the corner of Brookville Road and Wheatley Road
Locust Valley Election District: Locust Valley High School/Middle School
There will be a "Meet the Candidates” evening on Tuesday, May 13, 2008 at 8:00 p.m. in the High School Cafeteria. Six candidates are running for three seats on the Board of Education: incumbents Dr. Yao H. Chu and Ronald J. Walsh, as well as Philip Bellisari, Kathleen Falciano, Joseph Florio and Lisa McLoughlin.
Tomorrow, Tuesday, May 12, is the Locust Valley School Board Meet the Candidates Night at the middle/high school.
I look forward to hearing someone with fresh ideas. Since my daughters both graduated; only recently did I see the "Little Theatre." So much $ went to those renovations- yet that theater has an unfinished plywood floor and steps, and looks incomplete. It doesn't feel too sturdy, either.
I know we have have a new Superintendent; still administration salaries and various projects are out of control, and parents still have to foot the bill for their kids in either dollars or volunteerism.
I know I'm old, but it seems to me that the whole process worked much better when I was a kid, and I mostly grew up on LI. I hope everyone comes out to hear what these people have to say, and that everyone comes out to vote.
Thanks for reading-
Stephanie
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I think it is important for everyone to recognize that we do have a new S.I. who has done remarkable things in Jericho and comes from a "power couple" of education. Dr. Hunderfund promoises to bring new and exciting progessive ideas to our district. Voting down a budget would only cause turmoil and unneeded issues for her in her first days as S.I.
We need to support the budget. Now is not the year to vote down the budget, we cannot tie Dr. Hunderfunds hands beofre she even starts her job.
I agree increases seem to be yearly and large, I also agree that waste is probably within the budget, but lets put some new blood on the board, lets give them the time to review the budget for the next year and possibly cut the waste and streamline the next budget.
In the meantime, it is imperative for those of us with children in the district to GET OUT AND VOTE and support the budget giving our new administration a fresh start at making our distrit a great district.
Voting down a budget DOES NOT touch teachers salaries, pensions or benefits. Voting down a budget effects the students directly. It is that way through out the state.
Margaret Marchand
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I don't generally get involved in the school budget issue. Since I have no kids, I am sure to be accused (incorrectly) of having no stake in the issue. However, after reading the editorial in the leader this week, I will absolutely be voting no this year.
The link (right column, "Again For The Kids"):
http://www.theleaderonline.com/letters.htm
While I understand that you have to pay well in order to attract talented people, $250,000.00 seems a little excessive. Add to that the perks - 70 paid sick days with unused in excess of 51 paid out at over $1,000.00 per day (~$20,000.00), $10,800.00 for a tax deferred annuity, $5,000.00 in lieu of life insurance, and I'm sure, full health and retirement benefits (you know - the same retirement system that her husband is double dipping into to the tune of $500,00.00/yr) and you have a very lucrative package.
People tend to justify this by saying that we can't skimp when it comes to our kids, but how does it serve your children if, after receiving an education that spared no expense, they cannot afford to live in the community they grew up in because the taxes are too high?
Barry
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It took three years for the district to hire our new Superintendent,with a great compensation package. Now we will have to start the process all over again for a new Assistant Superintendent. Dr Shear resigned yesterday,effective July 1,the same day our new Superintendent starts.
This district has gotten out of control. Why does our district have a problem hiring and KEEPING administrators? They can't complain about the money - we as taxpayers have been giving them the money.
Barry, I agree with you. Our children can't afford to live in our community, so their children (our grandchildren)can get a great education.
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BRAVO!!!!!
Add in the same right to sell back unused vacation yearly and thats maybe another $20,000 in cash compensation per year. Add the 40% cost of other benefits and our cost for this Supt. is well over $425,000 per year.
There are also 21 other administrators (per Newsday) making over $110,000 per year at the LVCSD.There are so many people in that Adm Bldg. they have to park on Bayville Ave..
Her contract also calls for paid health package for life should she retire at the end of her contract. IT ALSO CALLS FOR CONTINUATION OF THIS BENIFIT FOR HER SPOUSE SHOULD SHE PREDECEASE HIM. That was definetly a negotiated clause as he collects a substansial pension bump as he does not receive a medical plan (per Newsday).
I wonder if any school board member put a pencil to paper to make an estimate of the costs of this and other perks we will be paying for life. I believe our new Supt. is also a Tier I Member (I think her service dates to 1971). Her pension will almost match her husbands.
Wonder no more why the cost per child per year is over $30,400. Unbelievable. Just do the Math ($67,000,000 Budget, divided by approx. 2,200 children)That is more than the cost of sending a child to CW Post including room and board.
We need cuts in administrators not in programs for our children.
My vote a resounding NO!!
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If you vote NO it does not cut the administrators pay - you are NOT punishing THEM!
It only hurts us as a community!
When was the last time you tried to make improvements anywhere in your life and it did not cost you money?
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Dan you are right. This district should start at the top and get rid of the waste in the Administration. The first step is to vote new candidates to the BoE who can and will demand accountability, solid research, and will question tough questions about the expenses. This is not the time to vote in the "popular" candidate. We need "Team" members. The "Team" to include the taxpayers, not just the seven members of the BoE. The second step would be to eliminate the Assistant Superintendent position, since Dr. Shear has now resigned as of 7/1/08 and make that position a "Director"of Curriculum", saving the district at least $75,000 plus some of it's perks. The third step would be keep the programs that work for the students and replace the ones that don't. In the current issue of "Soundwaves" under Academic Excellence - Over 90% of elementary students perform at mastery level in Math. Why did both current members of the BoE state on Tues. 5/13/08 that "Trailblazers" (the current math program)is being replaced with the math program Jericho SD uses now. This doesn't make sense. If over 90% of the elementary students are at the mastery level now, why change. You know the saying,"If it's not broken, why fix it". At over 90%, doesn't sound broken to me.
The time has come to start at the top and work our way down.
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Sorry, I didn't proof read. "vote new candidates to the BoE who can and will demand accountability,solid research,and will ask tough questions about the expenses."
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Why is it they tell us the first thing to be cut is programs for the kids! that should be the last!! the first should be pay rise freeze, then perks, then adim staff.Let the upper management do it, then the middle managers go but remember this the product is our kids education if they are not achieving that then whats the school for? the kids programs and their support system,i.e. after school extra help ,should be the absolute last!!!
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Hey Margaret,I have a question.How do we effect salaries and pensions and the like??And why does the adminastrators ,not even the teachers, throw our childern under the bus before cutting "Hard Line Costs" first?who has heatlh care for life? unbelivable!
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lOCAL joE,
I would like to address your question "Why does it hurt the kids first?" with regards to a budget not passing.
Teachers salaries, pensions and benefits, are protected by the State. The district cannot change those.
So every budget starts with a large amount of money going towards those three things, then the other programs and "extras" like sports etc are added on.
When a budget fails, the first to go are the items in a budget not mandated by the state, the items a district can control.
Barry,
Yes our administrator will make alot of money but she is highly educated and works extremely hard for the position she held and will hold. Administrators are not in the union and can negotiate their salaries and benefits. They do not have the luxury of Summers off and half days.
Most Superindendents work extremely long days, well exceeding the school day and they are always on call.
People need to start viewing a district like the business it is. Every productive business on the fortune 500 have highly skilled and higly paid execs, this is what we are doing.
It is sad to see the writings on this blog. The sentiment that people should not make this money for educating our children is so very sad.
The teachers make good salaries, but they live here on Long Island and have families and need to survive. What do you expect???? What would be a fair salary??
By the way, your house value depends on your distrit reputation and productivity, for that reason alone you should all rethink your deisions.
Vote for the candidates that are for the school and the kids and who have proven to be positive members of our community.
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Vote for the candidates that have stayed current with the issues throughout the district and can make positive changes. We don't need the "buddy system" on the BoE anymore. We need people who will ask the tough questions, and be able to research, not just take the word of others. We don't need BoE members that, on one hand boost about math scores, and in the next breath say the math program is no good and will be replaced.
Education is a serious business. We need serious people on the BoE, that don't DOUBLE TALK.
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Comparing LVCSD to the a Fortune 500 Company, is a stretch. This is a very, very small district (2200 kids) with a very highly compensated supt., with 21 additional well paid administrators to help.
Let me quote her contract:
Par:5 Work year Vacation. The Supt. shall have a twelve month work year, July 1 through June 30, and shall not be required to work during school recess periods or days designated as school holidays, except in circumstances which require the Supt's attendance.
That's a nice schedule. I don't think
any Fortune 500 company can match that.
Comparison of the LVCSD Supt. to a Fortune 500 CEO is an 'apples to oranges' comparison.
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Hey Joe,
I thought I answered that question. Administrator salaries are negotiated by the admin and the board, they concur with the competitive rate that other local distrit pay their administrators.
Teachers salaries are set on a scale based on their education ( masters gets more $$ than non-masters etc.) Again the scale is most likely set by each distrit individually and based upon living wages and kept competitive by neighboring districts. Once these salaries are set they have pensions and health care attached as well.
Tenure is protected by the state.
If you want change tenure or the teachers pensions and health care benefits I would suggest amasing like minded people and heading up to Albany to start protesting these issues.
The indiviual districts really cannot change those things.
Teachers are professional people who by the time they are tenured, most are on their way to holding a masters degree plus additional credits. Masters plus 30, plus 45 plus 75 all come with increases in salary. Therefore, the more you go to school to keep current with the changing educational times, the more money they will earn.
In my opinion, they deserve it. They live here on LI and have families and have to pay the high cost of living here. If you change their salary structure and do not give incentive for higher education and self-training then you will be stuck with people who are not as qualified to teach our kids.
We entrust our children to these people more hours in a day than they are with us the parents. I want a person who is happpy with their job and pay because that means they will continue to work hard for our kids.
Nothing in life on LI is cheap. It is like anything else, you get what you pay for in life. I want the top notch Superintendent for this district and I want her to come in with a passing budget.
Her salarly and the budget are two seperate issues to me. If you tie her hands with a contingency budget you will hinder her from doing the very things we are paying her the big salary to do!!!!
I know the economy is slow and gas is high, I know peopple do not want higher taxes, but this year is not the year to vote NO for protest purposes.
We finally have a great chance at changing the direction of this district and perhaps make it a district administators want to come to and STAY on board for a life-long carreer...lets not blow it.
Vote Yes.
Vote for the Board members that support the budget and our kids!!!
Too answer your question about health care for life? I agree that is ridiculous but look around our village tax paying dollars pay for MANY peoples life long health care right in this Village.
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Dan,
I am not going to argue about the fortune 500 comment. However, do you know a CEO or CFO of any fortune 500 company?? Do you know their companies budget and value?
My comment was to draw a parallel to a successful business, any business with a large budget. You need qualified people who have the know how to run it, and yes they get paid big bucks for their education, their experience and their promise for better things to come.
I am focused on the district.
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Not arguing, just thought the analogy was not a legit. comparison
High salary is fine with me provided there is something to manage. If I remember correctly about only 20% of this budget has any flexibility; 80% is mandated... by contract our some state or federal mandate mostly unfunded by those agencies and left to the taxpayer to fund.
Having a highly paid Supt and 21 ass't administrators trying to manage 20% of the budget ,approx 12 million dollars, of which their salaries and benefits packages is approx. 3.5 million. That's just a little ludicrous to me.
No business, that is successful, operates with any resemblance to this. This only happens with government.
Just wait until next year when new Federal Regulations will require the school districts with over $50 million budget must account for the $$$ amounts future benefits will cost and budget same.
It will also take effect in small villages like Bayville next year.
JUST WAIT UNTIL THE TAXPAYERS SEE THESE FIGURES.
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How does Margaret know so much about teacher salaries and the increases that come with additional education - she is a special education teacher.
I don't think voting down the budget would make the changes we need in this district. Voting three new people to the BoE would. It's the current BoE that agreed to the Superintendent's contract, giving her paid vacation days left over from the Jericho SD and health insurance for life, which includes her husband, should something happen to her.
There are three seats open for the BoE. We need no nonsense people who have a good understanding of what has been going on in this district for years, so they can put a stop to it. This is not the time to vote the "popular" person. It's time to vote for people who will be tough, research, ask the tough questions and give the taxpayers answers. We need people to serve on the BoE who won't DOUBLE TALK. Changes have to start at the top, so start with the BoE.
VOTE MAY 20TH
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Cathy, Please clarify your first statement.
" How does Margaret know so much about teacher salaries and the increases that come with additional education - she is a special education teacher."
Are you saying that as a Special Ed Teacher it's not in her purview to know anything about the pay scales of Teachers and how they work with regard to increases?
Or are you saying (in a poorly punctuated sentence, which renders your meaning unclear) that her experience as a teacher is what gives her the familiarity with the pay scale system?
I sincerely hope it is the latter and will refrain from making any further comment until you've had a chance to clear it up.
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Hey Dan,
Thought it was you. Hope you are well....I enjoy healthy debate, you know that! I do hear what you are saying, but like I said this is not the year to vote NO, we need to support this incoming SI, we are invested in her.
Cathy,
Your comment about my profession is bizarre.....No one asked why I knew so much? Are you trying to insinuate something here? Please clarify.
Either way, not embarrassed of my profession.
My profession gives me the background to know when a district is trying to make a directional change for the betterment of the community, the schools and the kids.
The Incumbents were articulate and smart in their answers. They handled themselves with dignity and grace. The other three challengers, Joe, Phil and Cathy did the same. They were honest about what they did not know and forth coming in their answers.
Anger and resentment towards a board and a district is never productive.
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System is broke!!!! needs to be fixed .That has to start from the people.
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Edie & Margaret
I was trying to give credibility to what Margaret had to say about teachers salaries.
As far a anger and resentment towards a board. I'm not angry or resent any member of the board. My opinion, they have not been truthful and forth coming. They have aloud much waste at the top, which could have gone into the students. Since voting down the budget would be hurtful to the students, the only other change we as taxpayers can make would be to change some of the decision makers. Some of the decisions made in the last few years, by the BoE, have not been to the benefit of the students. I'm not talking about IB, although that is a small part.
There are problems in this district, and change has to happen.
Margaret, some of your remarks towards others are never productive. Don't forget, it takes a community to make a district.
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How smart can two incumbents be when they stated Tues. night, 5/13, that the "Trailblazers" math program was no good and it was being replaced with the math program from the Jericho SD. Then the very next day, members of the BoE placed "The Truth" ad in the Leader stating "Over 90% of elementary students perform at mastery level in math." Not to mention "Soundwaves" the official newsletter for the LVCSD, stated the same thing a week earlier. Over 90% at mastery level doesn't sound like a bad program to me. That is what I refer to as DOUBLE TALK. Changes have to be made. Start with the BoE.
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The Board of Regents in Albany has changed the math curriculum - this is the first year for the new 9th grade Regents exam. I would imagine that the Jericho Math program is aligned to the new standards. Changing the high school curriculum means that the changes will also affect the middle schools and elementary schools. The textbook publishers just love to see curriculum changed. This means more expense for the local districts who now have to get all new books and new new curriculum written. So now they are stuck with older texts aligned to the now abandoned Math A-B curriculum.
As a math educator I see little difference between the old and new.
The next mandated expense will happen when the state mandated all day kindergarten goes into effect. The matter is before the Board of Regents now. This will be another expense as the districts will be required to supply all day kindergarten to every child. The option of having a half day program will no longer be available.
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Cathy, thanks for clearing that up.
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I am reading the Bayville Blog for the first time and have confirmed why I never read it before. Cathy and Dan are asking good questions, but of the wrong people. If you have the courageous to ask these questions in the first place, then please ask them of the people whom the question addresses and the person who can answer them. I would must rather listen to fact than your speculation.
Since you placed so must effort into this issue I would hope that you really do want the answer.
Cathy - Did you ask the BOE, ASI of Curriculum or the Math Department your question, Why did you change Trailblazers program, if it was working so well for our test scores? If so, maybe they would have answered you the way they answered me when I asked. Trailblazer's publisher wrote to the district stating they are sending a supplement to our current program to get Trailblazers up to the newest Board of Regents Math Standard. The district has not received it yet. To find a program that meets the Board of Regents newest Math Standards they formed a Math Committee, reviewed available programs and agreed the Envisions Program was the best fit for our students needs. It provides for differentiated instruction at the class room level, continued teacher development support, and much more. I learned some of this info from parent meetings held at each of my kids schools. FYI- all of this happened long before Dr Hunderfund was appointed. Our district staff and BOE find Dr. Hunderfund's knowledge of the Envision program to be an added benefit to implementing it.
Bottom line - if you do not support the Budget: 1.How can the BOE support a Math Program change? Remember Trailblazers has not sent a supplement to align us with Math Standards and therefore each grade level will need to write curriculum to align with standards.
If you do not support the budget: 2.How can the BOE and District staff continue to develop a K-12 educational plan that supports ALL students?
I hope that you do carefully consider when choosing 3 candidates for the BOE.
I hope you do want a team player and a person who researches the subject matter. Pick the candidate that thoroughly researches from the actual sources, not speculated assumptions. I, personally, have not seen one of these candidates at any BOE meetings this year and she even said so at the "Meet the Candidates" night. I do not want a person in the BOE position whose knowledge of Board Actions is not current. The BOE has been working very hard, under the direction of the President and Vice-President, to delve deep and research each undertaking they are truly responsible for. They have not rushed into any decision until they reached a consensus decision amongst themselves. Now that is what I call a "team-player"
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Cathy,
Thank you for answering the question I do appreciate it. As for my remarks that have not been productive, I apologize none were intended to be that way concerning this issue.
I am frustrated. I truly cannot understand why in a year where we invested in a top notch SI, voters would not recognize that and want to give her everything they can? Walking into a contingency budget is a nightmare, especially if you are NEW!
The very people who voted no will turn around in a year and say..."Hey what has she done that is so great and worth that salary???"
As for the trailblazers. I always beleived it was a good program that HAD to be supplemented with conventional math skills. Trailblazers teaches kids to think outside of the box so to speak, but it is not for every learner and not supplementing it was a crucial error. I do not know how long it has been the math program here...so that being said. when a district invests in a program there is substantial training and $$ expenses that go along with that program.
Unfortunately, not every program works, like Whole Language in the 90's went nation wide and then they realized no one was learning to read! So a program does have to have a maturation period within its own district to either succeed or fail.
I personally believe the trailblazers should have been done away with or used as an additional math curriculum. Again I cannot say when it should have b/c I do not know how long ago it was implemented.
What I like about the incumbents is that they are dedicated to our district and they were knowledgable in their answers on Meet the Candidate night. I felt they were the strongest two at Meet the Candidates night and were highly effective in getting their points across.
I do like having differing opinions on a board, it is a core belief I have. So I am not opposed to adding a new player to the board. However, changing the whole slate is not effective either.
Especially if we lose the current board President Dr. Chu. He appears to unify the group and he is a very educated and educationally minded man. I like the fact that he has children who range the spectrum of educational needs and he then in turns represents that when on the board.
Lets not forget, after we argue the salaries, the pensions the costs the right/wrong decisions... this is ultimately about our kids.
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Bayville Resident
Thank you for the information about Trailblazers. Why couldn't the incumbents say this the other night. They only said the program was bad. They did talk about the HS math program and stated that the Board of Regents mandates programs and the district picks up the bill.
I had four children in this district. They graduated 2002,2004,2005,and 2007 so it's been awhile since elementary math.
I have been voting for the school budget since 1989, I will vote YES this year, but would like to see New candidates on the BoE.
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Margaret
I think most of us are frustrated. So to release some of that frustration we lash out on a blog or forum. I will agree that voting down the budget will not solve anything, but creat problems for the students.
I don't agree with you about the current BoE. Dr. Chu is a very nice man and educated. However for nine years I've heard him say the same things. It's time for a change.
It's this current BoE that approved to give Mr. Hirt lifetime health insurance not just for himself, but his wife, who is a doctor. Now we have a new Superintendent who is getting the same, plus more. Nothing against her or her salary, but the perks are out of control.
It's nice that we can agree to disagree.
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I am well aware that Lisa McLoughlin can ruffle a few feathers. She can be tough. However, she knows more about this district than the current BoE, combined. She has attended more BoE meeting, "then Carter has liver pills" Granted she played a low profile this year, but lets not forget in Feb and March the BoE canceled two meeting because they couldn't get a quorum.
I'm tired of the "popular" vote. This district is out of control in spending, not including the mandated items. The perks and uncompleted projects, has to come to an end.
I've known Lisa for years now, she is a team player. She may have a bark, she doesn't bite.
Some of the current, and prior administrators, have asked Lisa for her research and opinions on various topics.
What gets me is the current BoE can grant lifetime health insurance to two couples, but they couldn't hire one more elementary teacher for Bayville two years ago.
It's time to elect NEW candidates to the BoE.
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Running around today I've heard some, not so nice, rumors about a candidate who is running for the BoE.
Facts worth mentioning. Back in 1997 or 1998 Lisa McLoughlin brought to the district's attention, their Board policy on High School grading was not that clear. How much weight should homework, quizzes, tests,projects and finals have towards the students final grade. Dr. Singe asked Lisa, knowing she was, and still is, an excellent writer, to rewrite the policy. Well, if you look up that policy today, 3/4 of it was written by her. Bet most of the current BoE didn't know this.
In 1/04 the BoE's agenda stated "A change in HS courses effective for the fall 2004". Lisa was at that meeting and listen to a member of the Board give a "verbal report" about the IB Programme. Lisa asked about the research that was done. The district showed her a letter they sent to Jay Mathews, reporter for Newsweek,in 2003, stating they were no happy were LVCSD ranked on his list. There were no minutes from the HS Site Base team, nor did the HS Academic Goals Committee have a report on the IB Programme. That started Lisa to research the IB Programme on her own.
Last spring (2007) Dr. Chu voted down the BOCES Budget.(public record)
Lisa has been low keyed this year, but that does not mean she is out of touch with what is going on in the district. She has the agendas and minutes from every BoE meeting.
Again, we need strong, informed people on the BoE to make changes. I don't want my tax dollars wasted because of a "popularity" vote". We're not voting for the "king" and/or "queen" of the class. We voting to make changes.
VOTE MAY 20TH
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I have a bank account; I am not an investment banker. I own a home; I am not a licensed real estate agent nor am I a contractor. I am a parent, that does not make me an education professional. I am not an accountant, but I do know that the LVCSD received high marks on a state audit at a time when the state was searching for any wrongdoing. For years I have heard "Why can't LV be more like Jericho?" This school board did the near impossible, convince Dr. Hunderfund to come to LV. On the two occasions I heard Dr. Hunderfund speak I was extremely impressed with her. Obviously she was impressed with the current board or she would not leave Jericho to accept this position. This district is poised to become one of the best on Long Island. I will vote for this current board,as president of this board Dr. Chu deserves our gratitude and our vote.
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i may not be a well adorned individual in this community but with respect to all that have questions about supporting our budget i truly believe that not supporting this and every other budget to follow will have an impact on future tax increases.
i am not a buget guru but if this budget is not passed we may vote again. if it is defeated we go to a contingency budget i think we get to vote again on another budget submitted by the BOE. after that we are then on an austerity budget.
there are a few questions we as a community and our administrators should ask...can we survive on such a budget without compromising our curriculum? yes
should we give this new superintendent an opportunity to correct past budget problems and vote yes? no, that is why she has been given such a generous compensation package.
what about those "clean negative monies" that our past interim superintendent was so famous for??? millions of dollars just swept away under the carpet...FOR WHAT???
my feeling is that if there is money in a line of the budget just sitting there as a "clean negative" than we can afford a contingency.
what services will be taken away??? well, here is where NEW YORK STATE allows school boards to use those threat tactics...while protecting the compensation packages of our administrators. the teachers union is very powerful at protecting the rights of teachers.
where is the children's union???
the one that protects the rights and advocates for our children???
where is the taxpayers union???
the one that takes a stand for the rights or the taxpayer???
that union should be our legislation and BOE's but they support the teachers union.
we as a community need to be our own union we need to support our child's education while protecting our finance's
i agree, we need to vote for a NEW BOE
i disagree, in that we need to support this budget
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The BOE will not necessarily put a second budget to vote if the first is defeated. In fact, many districts go right to contingency.
Historically,to meet contingency three or four of the most common moves made by BOEs include 1)increase class size so teachers can be laid off. This quickly effects huge savings to the budget, 2)reduce or eliminate sports and arts programs - again a lot of savings quickly. Remember just a few years ago when Plainedge eliminated the Football program and spring and fall plays 3)almost all districts cut back all or most class aids 4)reductions in buses. Cuts are the discretion of the BOE but teacher salaries, and administrator contracts can not be cut.
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http://www.Newsweek.com/id/39380/?q=2008/rank/1/
WOW!!
Newsweek JUST RELEASED the rankings of the top schools. Locust Valley is now rated # 225 and is in the top 1% of high schools in the United States. Say what you will but there is no denying our school is now among the very best not, only on Long Island, but in the country.
Congratulations to all our fine teachers, aids, support staff,,Richard Hirt and the administration Dr. Chu and the BOE as well as the students and their parents. WELL DONE!!!!!!!!!
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So, if that is the case, even having a budget vote is a joke - since you have no 'choice' but to support it or the 'kids' suffer. Sort of like holding a gun to your head.
Perhaps if the community voted NO that the BOE should resumbit a better budget rather than lash out and punish the kids.
Seems like a new BOE might be the answer. The key is to vote.
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we all know that the district paid newsweek for that ranking.
one or two years ago this district didn't even make the ranking in the best 1000 schools so how all of a sudden does it rank in the 1%????
i guess that is where the "clean negative" money comes in
thank god richard hirt is gone and thank you to the boe for removing dr. sheer.
next...dr. chu
as far as increasing class size this district and every other district has to follow state reg's re:class size. we are at the max already...no one is getting laid off if we vote this budget down.the
key is to vote and vote no
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remember when just a few years ago plainedge did eliminate its football program but with the help and support of a community and dedicated parents they ran a fund raiser to bring it back and had a very successful year
i will buy my boys their football equipment and start a league or have a fund raiser and vote NO
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Where is this school district headed? Finally we have someone at willing to take the helm (being generously compensated ) and high level and mid level administrators are leaving. WHY?
Are they leaving because they now need to be accountable for their actions? Are the leaving because they are not confident the change (remember this is their industry and should be current on what is happening in it) ? Are they afraid the same board members will return and we again will be at a stand still?
Newsweek,top 1% , hahaha. Locust Valley # 225 Interesting how LVCSD has an asterisk. "The**Includes IB. Nearly all other schools use just AP tests. AP, IB and Cambridge participation are indicators of a school's efforts to challenge students and prepare for college.
Reporting by: Gina Pace and Dan Brillman"
How many of the 224 schools above are IB schools? Not too many and they were able achieve this status?
224 Herricks New Hyde Park
110 Syosset Syosset
67 John Miller-Great Neck North Great Neck
66 Wheatley Old Westbury
60 Cold Spring Harbor Cold Spring Harbor
49 Great Neck South Great Neck
20 Jericho Jericho
REMEMBER TO VOTE , May 20th
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A ranking of 225 and you are still complaining? Are you kidding? Two years ago LV had a 100% graduation rate, this year 99.5%, the Majority of juniors and seniors now take IB courses, this school has changed considerably in the last few years. If you think that the IB program is ineffective, check your stats. The top high schools in this country are IB schools. Listen to your highschoolers and their friends, the vast majority of students know it's cool to be IB! By the way, I do not think Plainedge ever rejected a budget after that. I have a coworker from there. He complained bitterly the whole year. It was just too devastating to their kids. 225! I am not surprised but I am delighted. Kudos to Dr. Chu et al.
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Looking at the Newsweek list, 24 of the top 70 schools were IB, more than 1/3 and that is the TOP 70 in this country. People scream for change, but when they see positive change they still complain. What is your rationale?What really is your gripe?
The reason LV was in the 800's a few years ago is because the Newsweek rankings are formulated by the amount of students taking advanced courses; LV had only a few during the transition time from AP to IB. To suggest that LV paid Newsweek for the ranking is a claim that is almost laughable if it weren't so serious in its ultimate implications. I think some people in this community are just so convinced that our current BoE are evil-doers that they can't see the truth: that they just significantly put LV on the map. Congrats LV, you are now among the nation's elite!
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Looking at the list LV was one spot below Herricks, BEAT Roslyn, Garden City, North Shore, Manhasset. I echo above commentsd, Congrats LV, congrats Dr. Chu
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Participating Parent "convienently
forgot" the 2nd BEST Long Island school, #47 Southside Rockville Center which is ALSO AN IB SCHOOL
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that list is an IB list
jay matthews started it to support IB
how about writing about schools that keep costs down while providing an enriching curriculum that is approved by NY State board of ed....there are plenty of those schools around but jay matthews had his own agenda probably receiving a kick back from IBO to publish it.
we have a high percentage of graduates because we have very smart children who need a strong foundation in which this school district does not provide
why is this district working on the middle school math???
because of the failed math program supported by DR. CHU
vote NO
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NO MORE "CLEAN NEGATIVES" IN THE BUDGET
WE WHAT TO KNOW WHAT EVERY DOLLAR IS SPENT ON
WHERE HAS ALL OF THE "CLEAN NEGATIVE" MONEY GONE
MILLIONS OF DOLLARS SWEPT UNDER THE CARPET OVER THE PAST YEARS
WE WILL SUPPORT YOUR BUDGET WHEN YOU HAVE EVERY DOLLAR ACCOUNT FOR
VOTE NO
STOP BLIND SIDING US WITH THE IB PROGRAM
SHOW US WHAT YOU CAN DO WITHOUT IT
SHOW US THE NUMBERS OF CHILDREN GRADUATING THAT ARE NOT IN IB
THE REAL NUMBERS
VOTE NO
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The district is probably working on middle school math because the Regents have implemented a new syllabus. The districts must align their curriculum with the new syllabus. Also, the eighth grade math exam results show up in Newsday so I'm sure the district wants good results.
There is an erroneous statement in one of the postings. There is no mandated class maximum for general education in New York State. Class sizes are often negotiated in labor contracts. Special education classes all have to meet state and federal mandates.
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WHY WOULD WE WANT TO GET RID OF THE THE IB PROGRAM ? IT HAS PROVEN SUCCESSFUL BEYOND BELIEF.
What is your agenda? Perhaps your child is not willing to put in the effort or time to participate in the IB program. Do not ruin it for the MAJORITY of our students who are thriving in the program. There are people running for the school board who are only concerned with their (HER)agenda, and will not speak for you. I will vote for the incumbents who have finally brought ACHIEVEMENT to our district. BTW, the state revised the middle school math curriculum.
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Stop with "The State" changed it. There are plenty of schools in this STATE that have achieved higher levels on the list with or without IB, that had to implement the same changes.
The excuses have to stop. As far as HER agenda, she first started to have a fair share of IB and AP courses. The BoE approved the removal of AP courses. Yes, there are some students that do benefit from IB. Not enough for my tax dollars. SHE has had the guts to vocalize her thoughts, backed up with research. Can't say that about some of the current BoE. SHE is the "UNION" for the students and taxpayers. In this community, you're not "popular" if you don't go with the flow. Well look what has happened to our tax dollars, because of the "popular" voice. Take a hard look at the list. There are districts ranked higher then us, who don't spend $30,000 per student. How do they do it?
I DON'T WANT MY TAX DOLLARS SPENT ON A "POPULARITY" VOTE. This district is out of control. It will take strong minds and voices, to get this district back under control.
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To vote the budget down and keep the same BOE plus one new person, will not change anything. It's the current BoE that approved everything that's not working. THE BOE HAS TO CHANGE TO MAKE THIS DISTRICT ON PAR WITH OUR TAX DOLLARS.
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I hope everyone can see that Cathy is really just a thinly veiled mouthpiece for Lisa Mcloughlin. If nothing else, the unprofessionalism demonstrated by having her 'mouthpiece' be so vocal on this blog should make people think twice about voting for her.
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exactly.... some of the candidates are loose cannons. also, I've heard about people planning to vote the budget down because of the cell towers. this is a fight to be had with the village of bayville. voting no for the budget only hurts the kids.
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jane doe
Thank you for bringing attention to my post. However, if you know who I am, you would know, I'm nobody's mouthpiece. I am free to express MY OPINIONS, as many times as I wish, just like anybody else on this blog, if they choose.
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Don't vote for lawyers!!!!
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Whether the budget passes and regardless of who is elected to the Board, Lisa and Cathy infect this blog just as they did The Leader blog. The result; rational people soon realize their irrational, hateful comments reflect sick personalities and tire of Lisa's diatribes and Cathy's tireless attempts to inflate her fragile ego by attempting to sound intelligent when she just isn't.
Before long this blog will go the way of The Leader's BLOG WITH VIRTUALLY NO ONE READING OR POSTING ON IT.
Talk about negative energy.
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From what I have seen so far with the IB program is a lot of wasted time working on useless studying. My child has has a very difficult time in college because my child should have learned what they are going over in high school, I blame that on the IB courses my child took. Another child, a friend, that took AP has had no difficulty. How do you explain that?
All I can say is beware, IB does not prepare your children for college.
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Jay Matthews is compensated by the IB Organization for his contributions to News Week for supporting the program.
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I don't have kids in the school, so I don't vote every year. After reading this blog, I'm going out to vote for Lisa. must be a reason why some on this blog are threaten of her. I hope she can do better with the spending at the school. can't be worse than what we already have on that board. thanks for the information.
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I agree, after reading this blog, Lisa looks like the only one that has any knowledge about this district. She seems to go to all of the BOE meetings and has knowledge regarding the budget.
VOTE NO
VOTE for Lisa
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I keep reading here about this IB program that is in the high school and decided to look into it a little.
Some of the Locust Valley High School classes called SL classes do not seem to be given any credit at some of the local colleges. Why does Locust Valley have these classes if the graduates will not receive any transfer college credits for taking the SL classes?
I looked up the following schools and found that there was no credit for SL classes in IB, only HL classes receive college credits:
1) Columbia University:
http://www.studentaffairs.columbia.edu/admissions/faq/academic.php#5
2) NYU Stern School:
http://w4.stern.nyu.edu/uc/newstudent/freshmen.cfm?doc_id=7289
3) Cornell University:
http://admissions.cornell.edu/apply/international/exams.cfm
4) Fordham University:
http://www.fordham.edu/images/academics/fordham_college_at_r/credit%20for%20ap,%20ib%20and%20courses%20taken%20in%20hs.pdf
Cornell Engineering gives no credit for any IB math:
http://www.engineering.cornell.edu/prospective/undergraduate/references/advanced-placement.cfm
Anyone have any information on this? It seems to me from the little information I read that the AP classes result in more college credit at these colleges than the IB classes, especially if you have to take the SL class as a pre-requisite for the HL class in high school. If SL is a pre-requisite to taking the HL class, that means you are taking two IB classes for college credit as opposed to one AP class.
Please let me know if I am understanding this correctly.
Thanks
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you understand it 100%
now why can't this district understand it and why doesn't anyone do the research that you have done instead of undermining lisa for her research with IB?
and a lot of money is going into IB when our children could simply take AP and get the education and credit that is recognized by the NYS dept of education and colleges
vote NO
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SL IB course is a one year - taken in 11th or 12th grade, same as AP
HL IB course is 2 years - taken in 11th and continued in 12th
I got no credit for the 2 HL courses I took.
My friend from North Shore High got credit for 3 AP courses.
My SAT and HS grades were better. Not fair. IB is a joke. Wish I had more AP's
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On an AP test one needs at least a "3" to get credit at a state college, private colleges want to see a score of "4" or "5" my neighbor got a full years credit for her IB diploma at NYU, My daughter got academic scholarships to some of the above mentioed colleges on the basis of her IB diploma. No complaints from me or her. People in Rockville Center have had IB for 20 years and would never change it.
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If I understand this correctly, and please correct me if I am mistaken, a high school student at Locust Valley can take two AP classes over two years for six college credits, or one IB class over two years for three college credits, assuming the student obtains the necessary grade for college credit?
If I were a student, I would take two AP classes to receive six college credits as opposed to one IB class that would give me only three credits for the same time period. That would reduce not only my first year course load during my transition to college, but would reduce my tuition bill by the cost of six credits as well.
There must be a reason why the high school wanted IB instituted. What was the reason given? Do more students pass the IB tests and fail the AP tests so that the net result is more college credit via IB even though it takes two years as opposed to one year to complete?
Please excuse my ignorance of the IB program as my child is still at the elementary level and when I attended high school many years ago, my school only offered AP English as an option.
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Hi Anonymous (3:45 pm posting on May 20)
A student can get one full year's worth of college credit with an IB diploma? What scores on IB are needed for that? And what school of NYU gave college credit for one full year for the IB diploma? Was that 24 or 36 credits? Was it Arts and Science, Courant, Business, Tisch? It would be interesting to know if all the schools within NYU give the IB diploma students a full year's worth of college credit or if some schools within NYU give more credit than others. As I noted above, Cornell gives some credit for HL classes, but Cornell's engineering school does not give any credit for IB HL math - so a Locust Valley HS student interested in attending Cornell for engineering would not benefit from IB HL math and that student needs to know that information before deciding on what classes to take - IB or AP.
Please let me know about the NYU student. Thanks.
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P.S. to Anonymous (3:45 pm posting on May 20)
Please let me know the number of college credits your daughter received from her IB diploma (I forgot to add that to the last email).
Thanks, Kathy
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Dear Ex IB student, what were your grades on IB tests, what were your friends grades on AP, low grades no credit anywhere
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My cousin is in Southside HS Rockville Centre, he is going to MIT in the fall. Southside offers IB and AP. My cousin split his courses between both. He liked AP over IB but his two of his IB teachers were jerks.
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By asking questions, it was not my intent to have this thread on IB devolve into an exchange of barbs. I simply want to compare apples to apples, so to speak between IB and AP.
If an IB "diploma" nets a student 24 to 36 college credits as "anonymous" set forth, that is a great savings in college tuition, etc. How many IB classes to obtain the IB diploma? How many graduates from Locust Valley have received one year's (24 to 36) college credits by securing the IB diploma and from what colleges?
This information should be made available for the parents on the school website. And it could be a selling point for the budget to the parents of all students in the district - here's how to save one years worth of tuition, a savings of $25,000 or more for private colleges - if your child gets ?? grade on ?? number of IB tests, the following schools give ?? credits to those who obtain the IB diploma (name the schools)
Or is the comparison 2 years of work for three IB HL credits versus 2 years of work for 6 AP credits as the ex IB student set forth? How do we find out the answer?
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Kathy: Look at the LVCSD website under IB program. There is a whole list of FAQs. # 12 and #17 should help. It looks like the major difference between AP and IB is the assessment of the courses and also IB is interdisciplinary. As far as what universities accept how many credits that is dependent on each university's admissions criteria and how that acceptance coincides with the individual student's program of study at HS into their freshman year. I hope this explanation helped a little.
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Hi Jeanne:
To get the IB diploma as per LVCSD website, it says that:
The International Baccalaureate Diploma Program is a comprehensive two-year curriculum for highly motivated students between the ages of 16 and 19 . . . . Unlike other honors programs, including Advanced Placement, students are required to take courses in six subjects at the same time.
At least three but not more than four are taken at the higher level (HL), the rest at standard level (SL).
So if I am reading this correctly, and please correct me if I am wrong, the IB diploma student takes 12 classes over two years, only four of which can be the HL classes.
If the IB diploma student wants to go to Fordham, based on the info on the Fordham website set forth in my other post, the student will get credit at Fordham for the 4 HL classes taken and no credit for the other 8 SL classes taken to get the IB diploma.
If the 4 HL classes net the student approx 3 college credits per class - that is 12 college credits or nearly one semester for a student with an IB diploma, not a full year of college credit.
Is that correct?
Some HS students would want to take challenging classes regardless of college credit and those students (and their parents) would be pleased to get 12 college credits for classes taken in High School.
However, the LVCSD website should explain that most local colleges will not give college credit for the SL classes that are part of the diploma program, just so the parents and students are aware and are not disappointed that they will get no college credit for classes such as the SL foreign language (from Fordham or NYU) and the students will likely have to take foreign languange again at college.
Thanks, Kathy
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Kathy: Yes, that is correct. The max HL classes are four which would only yield 12 credits (possibly). Foreign language which is an SL will probably not get you credit at Fordham which requires 12-16 credits in foreign language.. to graduate. Like I said it is the individual university that makes the call per student. Keep in mind that IB has two distinct tracks. The IB certificate in which a student may only take one or two HL classes if any or the IB diploma where the student may take up to four HL classes. The four should get you 12 credits towards college but again this is all the discretion of the universities at what they accept and what the don't. The IB program is for educational purposes. It is for the student who is seeking and advanced challenge at the HS level. If you come out with some additional credits that your university will accept freshman year then that is an added plus for the student/family but not the sole purpose of IB.
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Congratulations to Dr. Chu, Mr. Walsh and Mr. Baldasari, and to the residents of the Locust Valley School District who sent a resounding message - that the residents of this community want to move forward in a positive manner and who remembered what all of this is really about - Our Children .
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Very happy to see the results this morning.......Job well done by the residents in our district to get out and vote the right way!
Congratulations Dr. Chu, Mr. Walsh and Mr. Bellisari.
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I pity the fool that supported this budget, Chu and Walsh
This budget did not pass by much and Bayville did not pass it.
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I too am happy to see that reason prevailed, and that not only was the budget passed, but that voters selected three candidates who can work together in a positive fashion and continue to move the district forward. Hopefully Ms. McL will finally learn that her confrontational manner and inability to be a team player are not wanted by the voters of this district. The idea that only SHE is the one who knows what is right for the district and that SHE can enact changes on her own is ridiculous. My experiences with Ms. McL in the past have shown me that she is an arrogant, intolerant harpy who alienates all that encounter her. Even her good ideas end in failure due to her inability to work with others. This would have been a disaster on the BOE where teamwork and the ability to compromise are essential. Our BOE may not be perfect, but they are community volunteers who are trying to do what is best for the children of this school district. We all may not agree with them - and they may not even all agree with each other - but they are working hard to do the right thing. Most of these people have other careers and are willing to spend many, many hours helping our school district. Isn't it time we thank them for their efforts instead of always pointing out what is still wrong? No where is perfect!
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And by the way, let me clear up a couple of items that have been thrown around this blog. First, I was at the board meeting where the question was asked, and the answer provided, about "clean negative." I am not an accountant and yet I understood the answer. Without going into a lot of detail, it was part of doing journal entries and cleaning up various accounts. There was nothing "shifty" about it. People need to understand that accounting and cash expenditures are two different things, and don't always work together. For example, you write a check for a charitable contribution on December 31. You receive a deduction for that contribution this year, although the money does not come out of your account until next year. And, the charity does not receive the check until next year - and accounts for it next year as well. One transaction, several different ways of accounting for it. And it is much more complicated with an organization. Suffice to say that NY state audited the district's books and they were happy with what is being done. And, if you really have that many questions about the issue, why not give Adriana Silver a call and ask her to explain the accounting practice again? No, the implication has to be that the district has something to hide!
Second, here are a few facts regarding teachers and the budget. The practice of tenure is set by NY state. They mandate that teachers be awarded or not awarded tenure after three years. As a district we cannot change this; voting down the budget will not change the tenure system. In addition, teacher's and other staff salaries are negotiated as part of contracts. These contracts typically run 3-5 years, and have to be renegotiated when they are ready to elapse. The negotiations are done with the unions, which also receives direction from the state unions. There are limits to what our local unions can negotiate away - for example, the state union would not allow them to negotiate a negative raise. The only flexibility comes in the amount of the raise and in the area of benefits: how much should the workers have to contribute towards their own insurance, pensions, etc. All of these salaries and benefits are then a fixed part of the budget. The problem with all of this is not our BOE, the problem is the system in this country. Voting down the budget will not change salaries, benefits, or unproductive teachers. The only way to change all of these is to change the system, and that means voting on a national level: school choice, vouchers, and candidates who will stand up to the national unions. Please stop blaming our BOE for things they cannot change; remember they are taxpayers too and would love to see the school budget be lower!
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Sorry anonymous, but Bayville DID pass the budget. And calling people fools for supporting a budget that helps our children makes you a fool. Let me guess: you are old, angry and childless correct?
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Congratulations to Dr. Chu, Mr. Bellissari and Mr. Walsh and LV on passing the budget.
Thank you to the voters who had the courage to question the status quo and pull my name. It was not loss by a landslide, 35% of you supported my position as compared to 46% for the incumbents. I am proud to be an American and to have had the opportunity to participate in this important local election.
".....it was part of doing journal entries and cleaning up various accounts. There was nothing "shifty" about it. People need to understand that accounting and cash expenditures are two different things, and don't always work together. For example, you write a check for a charitable contribution on December 31. You receive a deduction for that contribution this year, although the money does not come out of your account until next year. And, the charity does not receive the check until next year - and accounts for it next year as well. One transaction, several different ways of accounting for it. And it is much more complicated with an organization. Suffice to say that NY state audited the district's books and they were happy with what is being done." ~watching with interest
"Cleaning up various accounts"? A very interesting choice of words for a line item designated Instructional Salaries. One would think the district would be able to make available information to the public as to whose salaries were being "cleaned up".
The audit you refer to was conducted several years ago under Alan Hevesi who I believe was convicted of "something", if memory serves me correctly. It will be interesting to see the results of the new upcoming audit ordered by Cuomo.
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To let me guess -
The budget vote for Bayville was:
YES - 595
NO - 612
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Oh Please, six candidates ran and you finished dead last. Every candidate received more votes.I just picked up the numbers at the district office
Dr. Chu who you and your cronies targeted had 1,234 votes to your 835. That, my dear, is called a landslide-- 50% more votes.
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Ms. McL, you lost, and you lost handily. Will you ever acknowledge the fact that people don't buy your brand of animosity and antagonism towards those who have the gall not to agree with you? Perhaps if you spent some time at Dale Carnegie courses you might actually learn how to "win friends and influence people" rather than the other way around. Your very good ideas in certain cases get lost among the torrent of negativism and hostility that emanate even from your written words. I have heard your sanity on the IB issue questioned more than once.
With respect to another audit, I am sure it will be fine for the district. You are always looking for veniality, rather than assuming the best of people; is this the Christian way?
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Examinator and Watching with interest:
I think it is pretty obvious to the readers of this blog exactly where the negativity, animosity and hostility towards different ideas and me personally are emanating from. I post under my real name, not as cowards throwing vicious barbs hiding behind anonymous monikers.
Do unto others, as you would have others do unto you. That's the Christian way I learned.
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Christian????? You have said more unkind and untrue things about people than anyone I have met.
You are in fact the definition of negative energy. People are tired of it and this election told us the members of this district would vote for anyone before you.
Yes, you were dead last. Despite your collusion with that rag, The Leader, the community sent a clear message to the current Board, both incumbents reelected, that is job well done and to you with the lowest votes "get lost, your negative, vicious style will no longer be tolerated.
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LVCSD BUDGET: PASSED
Totals= 1,210 YES and 1,139 NO
Bayville=595 Yes & 612 No
Brookville=126 Yes & 57 No
LV=489 Yes & 470 No
BAYVILLE DID NOT PASS THE BUDGET
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"Ain`t no more Island left for Islanders like me" The "Man " wins again thanks to the lockjaw bunch!!! I hope the S.I> gives herself a big party and the B.O.E. rot in hell! I` am outta here.
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with regards to the breakdown of numbers....it doesn't surprise me that bayville didn't pass the budget. to put it kindly, we have more than our fair share of the 'greatest generation' and it is known that often older people on smaller incomes/with no kids in school will vote down a budget. i would like to hope that bayville's numbers are more a reflection of demographics than of peoples lack of support for their school.
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To Local Joe:
"The Lockjaw bunch" knows whats good for the community, their kids and your kids too. Its a good thing we didn't have to rely on the Bayville vote.
Interestingly you have turned your negativity on the people of Locust Valley. Typical!
Maybe it is time for you to go Local Joe!
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Actually, Brookville passed the budget by only 69 votes because they don't send their children to the schools in this district and Bayville didn't pass it because the majority of our children go to the schools.
Don't blame it on the "greatest generation". There are a fair share of parents, probably 400, in Bayville that did not support this budget.
Jones Manor has 46 residents and there are probably about 154 seniors residing in Bayville.
This budget didn't pass by an overwhelming amount of votes.
That is a bigger message than it passing.
This district has a lot of work ahead in convincing 1,139 residents that this district is #1 not #200 (whatever Newsweek gave it)
Be careful for what you vote for!!!
Personally, I believe that passing this budget gave the administration and BOE a green light in increasing taxes on future budgets without taking into consideration cost of living etc.
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To Anonymous:
I've said unkind things about you? WHO ARE YOU? Have the courage to approach me directly instead of relying on the lies and slander your comrades spread about me.
I was under the mistaken impression that LVCSD was actually part of the United States where people were free to express different ideas and vote for the candidates of their choice without fear of intimidation or coercion on the part of the ruling junta. Not so. In LVCSD, the reigning Board is so afraid of someone with a difference of opinion that it musters Parent Council Presidents to make phone calls and send out slanderous e-mails to vote against me. They sent their silver fox all over Bayville and Locust Valley to buy up copies of The Leader off the newsstand so people wouldn't be able to get copies before the vote and people wouldn't see the endorsements and The Leader's vote no editorial. I find this particularly hysterical since the silver fox not only paid for his own "Truth" ad (ROTFLMAO) but paid EXTRA for ad placement which non-subscribers did not get to see! How stupid is THAT? Spreading nasty rumors to the teacher's union about things I never said and telling the new Supt. that I paid for a 'vote no' ad which I didn't, all dirty politics of which I am sure you are very proud.
Yes, be very proud of the lessons you are teaching your children, great leaders of this school district. Continue to delude yourselves that your actions are righteous and justified and that attacking me is "for the children". Do not call me "my dear" or tell me you will "no longer tolerate" me because I have the guts to stand up to arrogant bullies like yourself. I just thank God my children no longer have to be subjected to your small minded, fascist ways.
Just remember, what goes around, comes around.
Peace out.
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I think, Ms. McL, that your riposte has just established not only Anonymous' point, but that of every person who voted for anyone but you. Disparagement of those who disagree with you, seeing conspiracy theories behind every "grassy knoll;" has it ever occurred to you that the PC president you mention acted as a private citizen voicing her own opinion? Most people I know dislike you on the basis of their own interactions with you; no prompting from a BOE member is needed. And by the way, I know several people who emailed their friends saying "Anyone but Lisa" - are they BOE flunkies as well?
And as for endorsements and ads in the Leader: any credibility they had with respect to you vanished a year and a half ago when they allowed their forum to become your personal method of attacking those who disagree with you. Oh, and not to mention allowing you to "report" on BOE meetings where objectivity was a figment of your imagination.
Yes, Ms McL, what goes around comes around, and you reaped yesterday all of the poison that you and your cronies have been spreading for the past several years. Good riddance!