Roundup: BOE News Update

The more things change the more they stay the same.  Last night’s Board of Education meeting was just that.  The administration would speak, the entire board (minus one gadfly member) would drool (or maybe it should be spelled drewl).  The current members were elected for change. They showed up fired Mikey, hired Pat, hired a few other new folks and then put their hats and sun glasses on and said that was too much like work.  Now they sit in their lawn chairs (or in some cases stand on a porch) and watch the tax paper bend over more and more each year.  Here some highlights from last night’s meeting you may or may not have missed. Lots of $$$$$$$$$BOE$$$$$$$$$$

1.       IT Director $102,191.00 a year.  “Hey Mayor What Happened?  Shared Services, NO?  Really? So, were back to two IT Directors in the City? And you had time to go see Obama on Monday? Is he helping Middletown? “

2.       The board is so tired from working sooo hard, Mitch, Eddie, and everyone’s (especially Ryan Kennedy) favorite TED dy Bear didn’t show. Thanks for representing the voters. (Absent).

3.       The board approved the approval of hiring a temporary Facilities Director from a private company called Sodexo. They won’t even tell you how much this is costing. 

4.       No. focus group, no workshop, doesn’t even tell the people who are affected. Just jam it down their throat and they will have to deal with it.  WESU suburb, the Pikes Ravine area, was moved to Macdonough Elementary back in 2009. Bad times, people sold their house because of this. Now less than five full years later back to Snow Elementary and Farm Hill they go.  People need to ask if one board member who lives in the village district had anything personal to gain.  The committee who recommended this is chaired by Ed McKeon. His neighborhood now gets moved back to Farm Hill School.  Fishy?

4.5   Sheila Daniels- If you speak against something, most people would then vote against it.  We all know you’re related to Earle, but you do not have to act like him...

5.       The board went into executive session to discuss non-renewing of contracts.  What the Insiders sources at the BOE building are saying is Mayor Drew lied again.  No layoffs????  Not so much!!! Over 50 layoff notices went out to teachers. Tommy’s son is safe, is yours?

6.       Also, did anyone hear Ryan Kennedy mention the BOE met on Saturday morning- 9am?  Hello TRANSPARENCY?? I think Seb Giuliano needs to send Chief McKenna over there again to chase those fools out of there? Shake em down!!!!  24 hour police presence, I think so!

7.       Why was Former Councilman David Bauer outside peeking into the Chamber?  It was seventy degrees out and this guy is wearing a winter hat!

The Board of Education will be in front of the Common Council for their budget workshop on April 16, 2013 at 7pm. Phil & Joe – we get it, it's for the kids. Drinking game anyone?

Letter from Pat Charles: Guide to Addressing Concerns

Dear Parents and Staff,

Parents have called today asking for information about how to talk with their children following the shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School. Below is guidance that may be helpful.

Sincerely,
Patricia Charles, Superintendent

To guide parents through difficult discussions about school violence, the National Mental Health Association offers the following suggestions:

*Encourage children to talk about their concerns and to express their feelings. Some children may be hesitant to initiate such conversation, so you may want to prompt them by asking if they feel safe at school. When talking with younger children remember to talk on their level. For example, they may not understand the term “violence” but can talk to you about being afraid.

* Talk honestly about your own feelings regarding school violence. It is important for children to recognize they are not dealing with their fears alone.

* Validate the child’s feelings. Do not minimize a child’s concerns. Let him/her know that serious school violence is not common, which is why these incidents attract so much media attention.

*Discuss the safety procedures that are in place at your child’s school. Explain why visitors sign in at the principal’s office or certain doors remain locked during the school day. Help your child understand that such precautions are in place to ensure his or her safety and stress the importance of adhering to school rules and policies.

*Create safety plans with your child. Help identify which adults (a friendly secretary, trusted teacher or approachable administrator) your child can talk to if they feel threatened at school.

*Recognize behavior that may indicate your child is concerned about returning to school. Younger children may react to school violence by not wanting to attend school or participate in school-based activities. Teens and adolescents may minimize their concerns outwardly, but may become argumentative, withdrawn, or allow their school performance to decline.

*Keep the dialogue going and make school safety a common topic in family discussions rather than just a response to an immediate crisis. Open dialogue will encourage children to share their concerns.

* If you are worried about your child's reaction contact the school or a mental health professional.

Source: National Mental Health Association