Take it from Major Burns, just let our leaders tell us what to do and what to think and everything will be fine. And no, there is no conflict of interest when we rest this power in “leaders” who are the guy we hired to work for us as a superintendent and the chairman whose wife and son both work at Chariho (and he spends many of his days at Chariho as his employer also gets money from the District). But they can’t do this alone —
Bob Petit, Terry Serra and Andy McQuade (the members of the sub committee who created this document) feel like you have too much access to information, too. Besides the fact that they have all stood by and watched as Barry Ricci has openly (in executive session) refused to answer my questions because he says I divulge “confidential” information (and Ricci himself decides what is confidential), but now they want to take away your and my right to information. This subcommittee has come up with the following proposed changes to the way our board operates.
Here are the changes that will be voted for on Tuesday.
CHARIHO SCHOOL COMMITTEE
RULES OF CONDUCT
The following Rules of Conduct are adopted to ensure that 1 School Committee meetings are efficient, effective, and respectful, 2 requirements of the Open Meetings
Act are met, 3 the focus of the School Committee is on improving educational opportunities for students and 4 roles and responsibilities are clear for members of the
School Committee.
Meeting Procedures
a. School Committee meetings open to the public shall be held in the Middle School library from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM. The ending time of the meeting can only be extended by a vote of 2/3 of the members present. Executive Session may be held before and/or after the public meeting.
b. Special meetings may be called by the Superintendent, in conjunction with the Chair, for grievances, student discipline hearings, personnel matters,litigation, negotiations, etc. Each member will be contacted; the special meeting will be held if a majority of the members indicate that they will attend.
c. The agenda for School Committee meetings shall be Meeting Call to Order/Pledge of Allegiance/Silent Meditation, Executive Session optional, Closing/Sealing of Executive Session Minutes if necessary, Disclosure of Executive Session Votes if necessary, Recognition, Public Forum, Business, Reports, School Committee Requests for Future
Agenda Items or Legal Opinions, Consent Agenda Items, Policy if necessary, Executive Session optional, Closing/Sealing of Executive Session Minutes if necessary, Disclosure of Executive Session Votes if necessary, and Adjournment. The order of the public meeting agenda may be adjusted by a majority vote of the School Committee.
d. The School Committee will follow Robert’s Rules of Order; the most recent edition will be used. However, regarding the rule requiring a motion prior to discussion and then limiting members to
two opportunities to speak on each motion: Consensus on an item may be attempted first; when the Chair deems appropriate, he/she may call for a motion; then the two
e. All persons wishing to speak during Public Forum for items not on the agenda will be recognized; however, the Chair will have the discretion to limit each person to 2-4 minutes. Brief responses from the School Committee may be given during Public Forum. The Chair will also have the discretion to ask the School Committee if it wishes an item being discussed in Public Forum placed on a future agenda and suspend further conversation on the topic to that time; a majority vote of the School Committee is required to place an item on an agenda. Public Forum may not exceed thirty minutes.
f. A School Committee member may request that a statement he/she made be included in the minutes or request that another person’s comments be included in the minutes.
g. Sealed Executive Session minutes may not be discussed by individual members of the School Committee.
Agenda Development
a. The Superintendent, in conjunction with the Chair, shall develop the School Committee agenda.
b. Individual members who would like an item placed on an agenda should make the request during “School Committee Requests for Future Agenda Items or Legal Opinions.” A majority vote of the School Committee is required to place an item on the agenda. Discussion is limited to 2-4 minutes by the member making the motion for the agenda item; no other discussion is allowed. Requests for emergency or time_sensitive items should be directed to the Chair, via the District Clerk, at least eight 8 days prior to the meeting. The Chair shall determine whether or not to place an emergency or time-sensitive item on the agenda.
c. Requests for legal opinions or other information from legal counsel shall be made during “School Committee Requests for Future Agenda Items or Legal Opinions.” A majority vote of the School Committee is required. A request may also be sought during Executive Session; a majority vote of the School Committee is required.
Ill. Communication/Requests for Information
a. Outside of the meeting setting, School Committee members should speak only for themselves; they should avoid giving the impression that they speak for the School Committee.
b. Members who are pursuing self-initiated inquiries related to school performance, operation, personnel, or other School Committee members shall not request supportive data from the Superintendent or other administrators unless such data is normally available to the public. Such data requests shall be directed to the School Committee in the form of an agenda item. School Committee requests for information requiring substantial time and effort on the part of the administration shall be brought to the School Committee for action as an agenda item.
c. Email communications to or between a quorum of School Committee members shall be limited to those purposes provided under the Rhode Island Open Meetings Law, i.e., notification and scheduling of meetings.
The Superintendent may use email to communicate to the School Committee as a whole for the same purpose as well as to notify the School Committee of significant school incidents. Members of the School Committee shall be bound by the District email disclaimer.
IV. Ethics
a. All members of the School Committee are bound by the Code of Basic Management Principles and Ethical Standards for School Committee Members.
b. All members of the School Committee are bound by the Rhode Island Code of Ethics.
V. Violations
a. In the event that the School Committee determines, after affording written notice and a public hearing, that a member of the School Committee has violated the Rules of Conduct, the School Committee may vote in public session to censure that member. A motion to censure one member of the School Committee may not be combined with a motion to censure any other member of the School Committee.
MEETINGS
All meetings will be held in the Middlo School library from 7:00 to 10:00 PM. The ending time of the meeting can only be extended by a vote of 2/3 of the mombors present. If the Middle School library is unavailable, the High School library will be used.
Special meetings may be called by the Superintendent, in conjunction with the Chair,
for griovancoc, dicciplino hoaringc, etc. Such meetings may bo scheduled prior to a schodulod mooting or for a separate date. Each member will be called to coo if they can attend, but the meeting will be held if a sufficient number of omboro to constitute a quorum indicate thoir availability.
Mootingc will begin as coon as a quorum is present after the established starting time.
The Committee will follow Robert’s Rules of Order; the most recant oditien will bo used.
However, regarding the rule roquiring a motion prior to discussion and then limiting
members to two opportunities to speak on each motion: Consensus on an item may
be attempted first; when the Choir dooms appropriato, ho/cho may call for a motion;
then the two comment limit is imposod.
The Pledge of Allegiance will prooodo Silent Meditation at the beginning of meetings.
Any grant that would obligate the district to future expenditures will be placed en the
agonda as a coparato item from the Consent Agenda.
Public Forum will bo on tho agonda of both monthly meetings.
All porsenc wishing to spook during Public Forum will be recognized; however, the
Chair will have the discretion to limit each person to 2 4 minutes. Tho Chair will also
havo the discretion to ask the Committee if it wishes an item being discussed in Public
Forum placed en a future agenda and suspend further conversation on the topic to that
time.
If a member has an item ho/the would 11kg placed on the agenda, ho/she should: a
make tho request dudng “Committee Requests”, or b direct a request in writing to the
Chair, via the District Clark, at least eightS days prior to the scheduled meeting date.
A Committoc member may request that a statement ho/she made be reflected in the
minutes or request that another person repeat his/her comments for inclusion in the
minutes.
GENERAL RULES OF CONDUCT
Requests for legal opinions or other information from the District Solicitor shall be made
during “Committee Requests” or an appropriately convened Executive Session and
must be approved by consensus of the Committee members before the Chair can
contact the Solicitor.
Outside of the meeting totting, Committee members thould only speak for themselves;
they should avoid giving the impression that they spoak for the Committee.
Committee requests for information requiring substantial time and effort on the part of
the administration should be brought beforo the Committee under Committee Requests.
E mail communications to or between a quorum of Committee members shall be limited
to those purposes provided for under the Rhode Island Open Meetings Law i.e.,
notification and scheduling of meetings.
5/13/97, 3/24/98, and 1/27/04
So let us recap – The superintendent wont answer my questions, even when I tell him I am asking for a parent. The Committe uses “move to question” motions to silence debate and when we read the rules that say we should not do that, Holly Eaves says that as long as the majority of the Committee agrees to do it, we can violate the rules because “they aren’t laws.” And now Bob Petit, Terry Serra and Andy McQuade want to set “rules” to make is so that you have to get Committee approval before information can be requested or even discussed. And if anyone on the board doesn’t follow these “rules” (“not laws” as Holly Eaves would say), they can be censured.
This is the kind of stuff that keeps Chariho as the laughing stock of the state.
Chariho School Parents' Forum 
These anti-democratic rules are one more reason why Hopkinton must stand againt any effort to lock us in with these scam artists for another 20 years. They are obviously unhappy with Mr. Felkner’s ability to inform the public and silencing Mr. Felkner requires a Stalinistic approach.
Mr. Petit remains a useful idiot. He goes along with whatever his leaders from the other towns tell him to do. I especially like the accomodation to Mr. Day’s bedtime. Meetings must end by 10 PM.
Hopkinton families need to take a long hard look at the secretiveness of the School Committee and Chariho’s administration. For anyone struggling with approving a bond “for the kids”, keep in mind the gang running the place cannot be trusted. They are thieves and this latest attempt to hide from the public is another example of their games.
As Mr. Felkner says they are a laughingstock. If these rules pass and the public has its access to information eroded even more, then keep this is mind when Mr. Petit or the other Chariho lap dogs try to pull the wool over your eyes. The less we are allowed to know, the easier it will be to fool us. Don’t be fooled and when the opportunity comes, send Chariho the message we are not fooled.
Comment by Curious Resident — May 12, 2008 @ 1:13 pm |
The only laughing stock I see is you Bill. Lets ask Mrs Carieri what she thinks about some of the things that come out of your mouth? Maybe that is the real reason we are the laughing stock of RI.
Comment by bpetit — May 12, 2008 @ 1:57 pm |
Brilliant response, Bob. The classic, “I know you are but what am I” response.
When I heard the govenor on John Depetro Monday he was speaking very highly of Bill’s work. But I guess your talking about the story in the paper. Is it possible that the Providence Journal got something wrong?
But Bob, why don’t you defend this action of taking away rights from the citizens. I for one have emailed Bill with questions before. Now I can’t be represented by him because the whole committee must approve anything he wants to know. This really is a joke.
Comment by JSO — May 12, 2008 @ 2:11 pm |
What does the governor have to do with how Chariho meetings are run?
Mr. Petit’s committees efforts to further hinder parents and taxpayers ability to get information are contemptible. They may have short term success keeping us in the dark, but I know I won’t accept any spending, be it bond or budgets, which isn’t completely transparent. I’ll vote no until they share every last detail down to the last dime. I think I am like many in Hopkinton who demand our money be spent responsibly and transparently.
I’m tired of programs like RYSE where costs and outcomes are hidden. I’m tired of bond proposals where the community is lied to and alternative ideas are ignored. These new “rules” are one more slap in the face of those not connected to the system. Silencing Mr. Felkner is another way of keeping working families uninformed about how our money is spent. None of this has anything to do with Mr. or Mrs. Carcieri, but it has everything to do with Mr. Petit and others like him. Shame on them.
Comment by Curious Resident — May 12, 2008 @ 2:29 pm |
JSO
Yea your right I lowered myself to that level. I shouldn’t do that. I complain about the name calling and I go and do it. Two wrongs don’t make a right.
I must watch and listen to the wrong shows because I don’t hear the praise that some of you are hearing about Bill. Actually I am hearing a lot of the opposite from some of the same people you all speak of. Wouldn’t think the ProJo was wrong on what they said or Bill would be sueing them next.
Comment by bpetit — May 12, 2008 @ 2:39 pm |
CR,
Bill could tell you to go play in traffic on 95 and you would agree it is the best thing to do.
Read what is out there and if you can’t; listen to the meeting tomorrow night.
Comment by bpetit — May 12, 2008 @ 2:42 pm |
I’m waiting for the guy to give us one bad bit of info. Unlike the School Committee, which routinely betrays children, families and taxpayers, Mr. Felkner has never done anything but try and protect Hopkinton children and families. This upsets school employees. The rest of you would have had Hopkinton playing in traffic months ago if not for Mr. Felkner.
I read the new rules as posted here. Are you telling us this is not a true representation of what you are looking to do at the meeting? The very first “move the question” was achieved with less than 2/3 of the committee approving. This was against the rules. I don’t trust the School Committee to be writing their own rules. They can’t even ethically follow Robert’s Rules never mind make up their own.
Comment by Curious Resident — May 12, 2008 @ 2:50 pm |
I am not betraying you CR but than again I shouldn’t bother you becasue you don’t care what I say or do anyway.
I find it funny that evry time we do something as a committee it is becasue Bill made us or it is because we are trying to shut Bill up. I don’t give him that much credit. Believe me Bill is not the first thing I think of in the morning and not the last thing I think of at night either. He maybe your hero, but I have better things to do than to constantly worry about if I am upsetting Bill or not.
All I want to ask is “TRANSPARENCY”?
Comment by bpetit — May 12, 2008 @ 3:14 pm |
So you’re changing the way the committee operates to further restrict the flow of information, but you’re not doing it because of Mr. Felkner? You mean the committee of Stalinists decided to do this simply because you enjoy keeping information from the public? Now there’s something to brag about.
Comment by Curious Resident — May 12, 2008 @ 3:52 pm |
Here is MY note:
NO TO ANY BOND ! NO TO ANY BOND! NO TO ANY BOND! NO TO ANY BOND! NO TO ANY BOND! NO TO ANY BOND!
And a question> IF the School Committee is in charge, and IF they must not meet in private, and IF they are supposed to develop, write and propose for the public and the school committe, HOW did they (without meeting illegally in a closed session) develop this document? Certainly, as those in charge of our school district (the School Committee, paid for this duty, as Bob noted previously) and a greater then 50 MILLION dollar budget they are supposed to control and review, we would not want the employees drafting rules of conduct for the governing group, the school committee? OR are the inmates running the asylum? Sure looks like it.
Comment by Dorothy Gardiner — May 12, 2008 @ 4:57 pm |
I think they are able to create new rules outside the review of the public by forming sub-committees which do not establish a quorum. I have to believe that there was much input from the administration and the chair. I would guess (Mr. Petit has trouble understanding the word) that Mr. Felkner was not consulted for his take on the rules?
They’ve also formed a sub-committee for the SRO position. I won’t be surprised if the School Committee suddenly does a turnaround and decides to keep the SRO position funding a Richmond police officer. The public will have to “guess” why because the discussions are happening under the aegis of a sub-committee. I’m not against sub-committee, but if they are formed so information can be kept out of public discussion then they are just one more School Committee ruse.
Comment by Curious Resident — May 12, 2008 @ 5:21 pm |
CR,
You buffoon! While I’m no fan of Bill Day, the 10PM ending time for school committee meetings seems to have been in place for some time, it has nothing to do with Day’s bedtime. Heck, he’s already half asleep at the 7PM start time and going downhill fast! The poor, old, senile, man needs to give up his school committee seat, the sooner the better. He was at last week’s Richmond Town Council meeting and could hardly put more than 3 or 4 words together at one time.
I’m going to take my time to digest what’s here, especially since it appears that Mr. Felkner tried doing some OCR scanning for the strike out part and trying to figure out some of it hasn’t been easy so far.
Comment by CharihoParent — May 12, 2008 @ 5:55 pm |
Don’t let them silence you Bill F. They think if they can keep you quiet they can go back to the days when the rest of us were sleeping. I’m thinking Hopkinton families are awake now and even making up new rules to keep everything secret won’t work. I’m also at the point of saying NO to any Chariho spending until they are able to tell me where every cent is going to be used. Bob P. might as well move to Richmond as he never gets anything done for Hopkinton families and kids anyway. He squeaks from time to time about spending but most of his big mouth is saved for Hopkinton families who can’t afford to send more cash to Chariho. He is the Hopkinton rep involved in all the issues looking to shaft Hopkinton families. Can’t figure it out to tell you the truth. Does he have a job or business where he makes money off Chariho? Maybe his wife or kids work there?
Comment by Real Question — May 12, 2008 @ 6:40 pm |
Mr Petit
Projo took it out of context, I’d guess. The “suing” comment was another interesting and snide comment. Does that mean that you weren’t sincere in your apology for name calling? Felkner only has one lawsuit going that I know of, though I’d urge him to look a bit closer to home if he’s looking for number two :-).
For your edification:
http://www.920whjj.com/cc-common/podcast/single_podcast.html?podcast=helenglover.xml
You’ll have to go to 5-5-08 and the 9am hour with the Governor to hear the Governor say nice things about Mr Felkner.
Now do you have proof that the Governor ever said bad things, as you imply, or are you insinuating that it was in “executive session” with the Carcieris? Also, what about the fact that you’re taking away Felkner’s ability to represent me? Tell us right here – will you vote for these new rules that take power away from my vote and give it to a guy that I didn’t vote for and another guy (who works for the guy that I didn’t vote for)? If you will, then you no longer represent you constituents. You represent Chairman Day.
Comment by JSO — May 12, 2008 @ 8:44 pm |
Petit is a big fan of secret meetings so maybe he’s in on secret meeting with the governor?
Excellent point about shifting power away from individual members and into the hands of Day and Ricci. Neither of whom have received one single vote from a Hopkinton citizen. Petit has demonstrated immense loyalty to the Richmond community so I can understand why he would want to vest the Richmond chairman with even greater power. He also has his nose planted firmly in Ricci’s behind. I’m sure rules diminishing Hopkinton families ability to be informed is no problem for Petit.
Comment by Real Question — May 12, 2008 @ 8:58 pm |
Dot in comment #10, do you think about what you post before you post? That is so out in left field. Paid for what? We ran a sub committee, we posted the meetings according to the laws and we changed the policy.
Mr. Felkner did not volunteer to be on this sub committee, he will have his input tonight on what he wants and doesn’t want. And yes CR we did do it legal. So you accusing us of doing it illegally is bogus. But maybe next time we should ask Bill if it is ok that we have a sub committee. And by the way Bill Day didn’t have anything to say about this either, the sub committee meets makes their recommendations and the School Committee votes to accept or reject the proposal. Sub committee meetings have to be posted like all other meetings but CR you are so knowledgeable about the open meetings laws and ethics and how everything should be done I am totally surprised you didn’t know all of this. But than again you probably do, you are just trying to mislead the people that don’t!
Real Question I don’t work for Chariho, I don’t have family that works for Chariho besides Mr. Stanley (cousin) and I can’t vote to take or give him more money anyway. And even if I could it doesn’t help my pocket anyway.
JSO
Yes I will vote for these changes, I was on the sub-committee that made them. If you feel that I have taken away from the ability to find out information than all I can say is your wrong and you should all think about what you are saying. A few of you jump at what Bill says and think his word is the word of GOD, it is not. This is a policy that the school committee goes by but if you think enough about it there are laws in place that supersede policies for what you are all talking about here.
I do have to laugh at the comments that I have done so much for Richmond residents; now that I stopped laughing can you tell me what? Because I think the bond is good I have done a lot for Richmond. I haven’t done anything all I have done was voice my opinion. But since it doesn’t go along with some from Hopkinton it is all about the other towns.
Comment by bpetit — May 13, 2008 @ 8:28 am |
In defense of Bob, even though I don’t always agree with him, the school committee members are in a different position than a council member. The council has to do and make decisions based on the town they represent. The school committee’s charge is to do what is best for the schools. They really have to do what’s best for the whole, not the part. I do not envy that position. He obviously feels his position is correct for the benefit for Hopkinton as well as Richmond and Charlestown. That doesn’t mean we can’t disagree with him.
As far as subcommittees go, when and where are the agendas posted for them Bob. Perhaps, you can provide a link for people so they will know where to find them.
Just state the facts, people, and please post quotes from above that make you believe that they are superceding any laws and overriding Robert’s Rules of Order. This would make it easier for a lot of people and would certainly convince people on your position. If you make a legitimate case, I would certainly jump on that bandwagon, as I’m sure others would too.
Comment by Lois Buck — May 13, 2008 @ 9:21 am |
The following is a link that will bring you to the RI General Laws regarding school committees and superintendents. From here you can link to whatever subject interests you.
http://www.rilin.state.ri.us/Statutes/TITLE16/16-2/INDEX.HTM
Comment by Lois Buck — May 13, 2008 @ 9:23 am |
The following is a link that will bring you to the RI General Laws regarding school committees and superintendents. From here you can link to whatever subject interests you.
http://www.rilin.state.ri.us/Statutes/TITLE16/16-2/INDEX.HTM
Sorry if this posts twice, but the first time I tried posting it, it didn’t show up.
Thanks for your patience.
Comment by Lois Buck — May 13, 2008 @ 9:24 am |
I’ve tried to post a link. Perhaps, it will show up some time today.
Thanks, and have a nice day!
Comment by Lois Buck — May 13, 2008 @ 9:25 am |
I did not say a sub-committee acts outside the law. Mr. Petit made that up. I said that a sub-committee allows School Committee members to discuss a topic outside the view of the public. Didn’t say it wasn’t legal but it is one more example of the Chariho School Committee operating is a less than transparent manner.
As for who Mr. Petit represents, there is no law telling politicians they have to represent a specific constituency. This applies to the Town Council as well as the School Committee. Mr. Petit can represent Providence if it floats his boat.
Hopkinton has made their opinion known with the bond vote, the budget vote, and the 5th & 6th grade vote. Even if you ignore the discussions here where Mr. Petit is the only acknowledged Hopkinton citizen taking the side of the voters in Richmond and Charlestown, he still advocates and supports positions directly contradicting the will of Hopkinton as expressed by our votes.
Does he have a legal right to do this? Yes, of course, but when he does it and he angers a large segment of Hopkinton, don’t start whining about being misunderstood. This is a lie. He is understood. He is telling Hopkinton families to go jump in a lake.
Comment by Curious Resident — May 13, 2008 @ 10:17 am |
Lois thank you. Here is the link
http://www.chariho.k12.ri.us/district info/school committee.
This is what is out there.
Schedule of Meetings
Important School Committee & Budget Meeting Dates
2007-2008 School Committee Calendar
5/13/2008 School Committee Meeting Agenda
5/5/2008 SRO Subcommittee Meeting Agenda
5/5/2008 Rules of Conduct Subcommittee Meeting
4/24/2008 Rules of Conduct Subcommittee Meeting
4/24/2008 School Committee Special Meeting Agenda
4/22/2008 School Committee Meeting Agenda
4/8/2008 School Committee Meeting Agenda
4/8/2008 Rules of Conduct Subcommittee Meeting
4/1/2008 Rules of Conduct Subcommittee Meeting
3/25/2008 School Committee Meeting Agenda
3/20/2008 SRO Subcommittee Meeting Agenda
3/13/2008 SRO Subcommittee Meeting Agenda
3/11/2008 School Committee Meeting Agenda
3/11/2008 Health and Wellness Subcommittee Meeting
3/4/2008 School Committee Special Meeting Agenda
2/26/2008 School Committee Meeting Agenda
2/12/2008 School Committee Meeting Agenda
2/5/2008 Legal Services Subcommittee Agenda
also Lois you are right, people don’t have to agree with all that I say. I don’t have a problem with that. I do think more need to understand the complexity of the school committe and their charge. As much as some would like me to jump for Hopkinton all the time I can’t. I do have to be fair to the district, as represenatives from Charlestown and Richmond have to be fair to Hopkinton. I just try to be fair and honest and if I do that I won’t regret what I am doing or how I am doing it.
Comment by bpetit — May 13, 2008 @ 10:22 am |
CR you are not ( as much as you think you are) the voice of Hopkinton. You don’t seem to understand something. I have people e-mail me, call me and stop me at the stores and gas stations in town and voice an opinion totally different than what you have here. There are a lot of people that are for this bond, don’t forget it only failed by 47 votes. I voted for it and in my “OPINION” it is best for Hopkinton and the rest of the district. So I do feel I am speaking for Hopkinton residents as well as other towns. Just becasue you don’t feel the bond is any good doesn’t mean “ALL” of Hopkinton does. Stop making yourself out to be the voice of everyone. It is fine to disagree with me but there is another side in Hopkinton that wants me to stand and say “YES” should I ignore them?
Comment by bpetit — May 13, 2008 @ 10:30 am |
Lois thank you for understanding.
I posted this before but not sure where it went.
here is the link
http://www.chariho.k12.ri.us/district info/school committee
Here is the info
Schedule of Meetings
Important School Committee & Budget Meeting Dates
2007-2008 School Committee Calendar
5/13/2008 School Committee Meeting Agenda
5/5/2008 SRO Subcommittee Meeting Agenda
5/5/2008 Rules of Conduct Subcommittee Meeting
4/24/2008 Rules of Conduct Subcommittee Meeting
4/24/2008 School Committee Special Meeting Agenda
4/22/2008 School Committee Meeting Agenda
4/8/2008 School Committee Meeting Agenda
4/8/2008 Rules of Conduct Subcommittee Meeting
4/1/2008 Rules of Conduct Subcommittee Meeting
3/25/2008 School Committee Meeting Agenda
3/20/2008 SRO Subcommittee Meeting Agenda
3/13/2008 SRO Subcommittee Meeting Agenda
3/11/2008 School Committee Meeting Agenda
3/11/2008 Health and Wellness Subcommittee Meeting
3/4/2008 School Committee Special Meeting Agenda
2/26/2008 School Committee Meeting Agenda
2/12/2008 School Committee Meeting Agenda
2/5/2008 Legal Services Subcommittee Agenda
I do have to do what is best for the district. I know the represenatives for the other towns do the same. WE all try our best to be fair and honest for all the disrtict. I know in my own mind if I continue to do this I can feel good about what I have tried to do and the way I have gone about getting it done.
Comment by bpetit — May 13, 2008 @ 10:37 am |
Lois twice I have tried to post the link and it doesn’t show up?
Thanks for your comments and support from your last post.
Comment by bpetit — May 13, 2008 @ 10:39 am |
Do you know how to read a newspaper Mr. Petit? I am merely staking a position on the same side as the Hopkinton majority. This does not make me the voice of Hopkinton any more then your taking the side of the majority of Richmond and Charlestown makes you their voice.
You are definitely entitled to your opinion. You legally can vote any way you want. No argument from me. But, when you defy the will of the majority of Hopkinton, and you do it consistently and with utter disregard for the majority, don’t be surprised or offended when you face heat.
This isn’t about changing your mind. You’ve made it clear that you don’t change your mind regardless of how wrong you are. Hopefully a candidate will defeat you in the next election for your seat and that person will sometimes agree with the majority of the families who elected him/her. Heck, I’d even accept somebody who has the ability to engage in intelligent debate even if we do disagree. I used to be against vouchers until Mr. Felkner started informing us here about the benefits. It feels good to be able to change your mind. You should try it someday.
Comment by Curious Resident — May 13, 2008 @ 10:46 am |
CR you are right I will never change my mind and side with you; I can never be that negative.
Also if you can read I have also told you before that some of the people that voted against the bond; only did so because they didn’t want the whole thing to go through. But, have said that if it was split they would vote differently because they feel that the high school needs to have the repairs done. So you see I am only wrong in your eyes. I listen to people in the town of Hopkinton. But seems to me your eyes are always closed to anyone who doesn’t agree with you anyway. Remember I voted against the budget. So tell me where I am so far off with Hopkinton.
CR I would need to run again to be defeated, I will decide that when the time is right. That is not a concern of mine right now. There is too much to do in the mean time than to worry about that.
And one last thing I am not surprised or offended by you and I am not even sure why you would think that. I don’t get offended by a chronic complainer. I look at the source and the source in this case (YOU) doesn’t concern me.
Comment by bpetit — May 13, 2008 @ 11:57 am |
Your argument for a revote is idiotic. Using your logic we could have a million revotes as there are a million different ways to modify the bond. We could vote for the track alone. We could vote for the track and lockers. We could vote for the lockers and maintenance shed. We could vote for the maintenance shed and track. On and on we could go making sure that we had enough bonds to cover every possible configuration and every possible outcome.
The School Committee decided to have us vote on one particular bond. They had other recommendations but chose the bond we voted upon. Now that the original bond has lost, you want to try again by separating some items into three bonds. You could do this same thing endlessly until you finally got something approved. Of course, if you admitted to this game then you’d be admitted to attempting to subvert a legal vote. Maybe the School Committee is just to stupid to understand what they are doing? Maybe they really think that we should vote and vote and vote until voters approve something?
You do not need to listen to anyone but Mr. Ricci if that is your druthers. You’ve proven yourself incapable of representing Hopkinton families and that is your right. We’re stuck with you. My goal will be to enlighten my neighbors as to your inconsistencies. When you attempt, and sometimes succeed, in harming Hopkinton families I will point it out here.
While you voted against the budget and made feeble efforts to cut some spending and eliminate positions, you save your real passion for battling Mr. Felkner and joining the other two towns in efforts to overturn the will of Hopkinton families. When you’re on the right side of the budget along with your Hopkinton constituents, you quietly bow to the School Committe majority who favor outrageous contracts and excessive spending. When your on the wrong side opposing the Hopkinton majority we can’t shut you up.
Funny how you aren’t so quiet when you don’t get your way on a bond or when you want to fight to continue to hide information from the public. You’re more then willing to write letters to the newspaper when Mr. Felkner tries to keep the public informed. When Hopkinton votes against a bond you don’t hestitate to have a big mouth and join with the other towns looking to spend millions more. Where were the letters when the School Committee rebuffed your spending cuts? Where were the posts here when the other School Committee members basically ignored your effort to cut unnecessary administrators?
Comment by Curious Resident — May 13, 2008 @ 12:32 pm |
If there is a chance to screw Hopkinton families Petit can’t shut up. Whether it be muzzling Felkner or pushing for a revote you can count on Petit being vocal if it hurts Hopkinton families. When it comes to spending cuts Petit claims he tries but who noticed? His idea of trying is to timidly mention positions for cutting or management studies or budget items. When he is told no by the other members he quietly slinks away. No letters in the papers. No public displays of displeasure. It’s hard to believe it is the same guy.
Personally I don’t believe him. I think he makes tokens gestures to control spending knowing he will lose. I think he wants to lose. What else are we to think because we know when he really cares about something you can’t shut him up. When he really cares he’ll make things up out of thin air to propel his cause. When he really cares he is loud and he is public. When he really cares he goes after the Bucks or Capalbo. He’s relentless.
If Petit cared about the same issues as most of us in Hopkinton he would be a force on the school committee. As it is he is the “useful idiot” undermining Hopkinton’s best interest by supporting the interests of Charlestown and Richmond.
Comment by Real Question — May 13, 2008 @ 1:04 pm |
Again speaking for Hokinton Families. If you will speak for you and your family only I will continue but not until you understand you do not speak for Hopkinton.
“You’ve proven yourself incapable of representing Hopkinton families and that is your right.”
“When you attempt, and sometimes succeed, in harming Hopkinton families I will point it out here.”
“you save your real passion for battling Mr. Felkner and joining the other two towns in efforts to overturn the will of Hopkinton families”
these are all qutoes from your last post. I have heard from a lot in Hopkinton that feel different than you do. I have all ready told you this.NO one has told me that CR was the voice of Hopkinton……not sure why you think you are. If all Hopkinton people were coming to me and saying the same things you said here I would agree that I was doing wrong, but guess what CR…..their not.
Comment by bpetit — May 13, 2008 @ 1:12 pm |
Do you expect people to come up to you on the street and tell you what a bad job you are doing representing their interests? If so, you are dumber than I give you credit for.
Hopkinton families spoke to you with the bond vote. They spoke even louder with the budget vote. They spoke to you with the 5th and 6th grader vote.
I will continue to speak to you and to every person in a position of leadership. You can ignore me and ignore the families who have spoken at the ballot box, but pretending we have not given you our opinion is disingenuous. It’s a lie.
In any case, my message here is not for you, but for anyone who might be exploring the issues and looking for perspective. You have the School Committee to advocate for more spending. You have the newspapers promoting more spending. Don’t begrudge us our place to give the community an opposing perspective.
I like the fact you come here. You are an excellent demonstration of the callousness and disregard Chariho has for the regular, working families of Hopkinton. The more you defend Chariho, the more Hopkinton gets to see how little regard you have for our community and our families. I recognize you are free to ignore your constituency, but when you try and pretend you are acting in our interest then we have the right to publicize your positions and to tell the community why you are wrong.
Comment by Curious Resident — May 13, 2008 @ 1:27 pm |
Real Question if you didn’t notice than shame on you. Maybe you should pay more attention to what is going on and then make comments later.
Listen guys or gals (CR and Real Question) we can go on and on like this but it is really going no where. I have 2 years left. Call me what you will, say what you want. You know where I stand like it or not I will continue to do what I think is best for the “STUDENTS” and the “DISTRICT”. If you feel that is supporting Charlestown and Richmond than so be it. They are part of this district right now and I will do what is in the best interest of all. If you are on the school committee and not doing what is right for the district as a whole; than there is a problem.
Lois summed it up earlier for you. We are to help out the district. If you don’t think I have tried to do things for Hopkinton which would have also benefited Charlestown and Richmond than that is your opinion. You are entitled to it. But this babbling, disrespectful, relentless, useful idiot feels like we are just going round and round. I don’t want to take away anymore time from the people that have something worth while to post.
Comment by bpetit — May 13, 2008 @ 1:28 pm |
yes CR I guess I am an dumb. I give Hopkinton people more credit than you, i think they have the guts to tell me I am wrong to my face; as some have. Not all are cowards and just use the interent and a fake name to hide behind. Funny how Georgia,Scott Bill, Dot, Bill Felkner, Barbara,Tom, Vinnie, Lois, (you want more) have told me to my face that there have been items they don’t agree with me. Why do you not give the rest of Hopkinton the credit they deserve? I do respect them for that. But I guess I am dumb…..
Comment by bpetit — May 13, 2008 @ 1:39 pm |
Perhaps you are…sure seems that way. Either that or your smart but corrupt. I don’t know you well enough, but you definitely take some illogical positions.
Have you ever told us why you fight so vehemently against Mr. Felkner’s efforts at transparency and accountability?
Have you told us why you don’t attack the spending and the spenders as virulently as you go after the one guy who consistently opposes excessive spending?
Have you told us why you drone on endlessly about a revote but don’t seem to care that unnecessary employees, who you yourself opposed, continue to earn salaries and benefits at the expense of Hopkinton families?
Where is the outrage Mr. Petit? We’re not talking chump change but probably hundreds of thousands/millions for employees who aren’t needed. Probably more than enough money wasted to pay for tracks and landscaping and the numerous other areas where you’d prefer to waste money.
We can go on and on with this great debate. As long as one side works against the ability of families to sustain themselves I’m sure I’ll be on the side trying to control the spenders. As long as Mr. Petit and others like him publically express their opinions damaging to our community, then we should be here voicing our opposition.
The days of the mass media controlling all the information is over. Mr. Petit should have come along a few years ago when only the pro government side had a place to be heard. The dynamics have changed.
Politicians can derive power from special interests, but the regular people have a place to discuss the issues and identify the politicians putting special interests before families. Mr. Petit is one of those politicians. Mr. Felkner is not. The days of taking money from families without challenge are over.
Comment by Curious Resident — May 13, 2008 @ 1:57 pm |
I am not against transparency I have worked towards that along with other members. We just don’t cry wolf every time we don’t get it our way. You and Bill seem to think every time we do something it is to shut him up. WE have more improtant things to deal with than to worry about shuting Bill up. It is called EDUCATING the students.
I voted down the budget along with you. I voted for the bond, unlike you. I tired to makecuts, didn’t work I was out voted. I guess now is when I should call the rest of the committee names? Cut down their families? Say they don’t have a clue?
If you followed the last meeting you would have known that I voted against re-newing the contracts because I think we should have staggered them. This would have given us the chance to make cuts in administrative areas if we need to. The cuts I mentioned during the budget would not have any effect on this years budget because the contracts ran until next year anyway. In effect you would have paid someone for not working at all if we had made those cuts. This is what lead us to the staggering of contracts.
Think about this. What are you saying here. I am not sure how to answer. If we cut positions it is to take money from the budget. How would we have hundereds of thousands of dollars to do repairs? This money would be eliminated with the cuts.
Not sure how to answer this either. Seems I am the only one here defending or not. Mr. Felkner comes here makes a post, complains he has been violated again and than goes away. He leaves you to defend his battles, CR. I try to answer questions, most times you don’t like what I have to say. I can’t help that. I speak from the heart and what is my understanding of how things are.
What I say here is not in anyway shape or form the beliefs, feelings or ideas of the school committee. When I come here I speak as to my understanding of things. For myself on my own behalf. I don’t try to speak for the committee or the Town of Hopkinton.
Comment by bpetit — May 13, 2008 @ 2:38 pm |
There are very few reasons why most information should not be readily available to the public. Every last little budget detail should be instantly acccessible on the internet. I’m sure Mr. Stanley does all his budgeting on the computer and this means transparency is merely a few clicks away from being available to every person with a computer and the internet. Why would this be a project? What possible reason could anyone have to not vote to approve transparency? Red flags and sirens go off when people object to transparency.
I too wish Mr. Felkner had more time to dedicate here, but I understand we all have limits. You yourself have times when you are active and then you disappear. I’ve pulled away at times myself. We all have lives to lead.
I go after you hard and heavy. You continuously disappoint me with your misplaced advocacy. You show us you can have a big mouth about certain things, like ill conceived bonds, yet you are comparatively quiet about other issues you claim to care about…controlling spending…non-reporting of educational outcomes. I appreciate your votes on these issues, but I wonder why you aren’t as aggressive about the reducing spending as you are about increasing spending?
I do question your intellect. You disregard commonsense too much for me. Unfortunately you do play the useful idiot for those wanting to maintain the status quo. BUT, you are willing to take the heat publically here, and that is very admirable to me.
Hopkinton is lucky to have Mr. Felkner, Mrs. Capalbo, Mr. and Mrs. Buck, Mrs. Thompson, Mr. Abbott, and the many other private citizens who stick up for Hopkinton families. We clearly have the cream of the crop here and I’m proud they stick up for the interest of Hopkinton families. Too bad that the you and the politicians from Charlestown and Richmond don’t recognize the futility of going down the same path over and over again. Hopkinton finally realizes that things must change at Chariho. The status quo fails all our children. Maybe someday you and the others will get it. Maybe not.
Comment by Curious Resident — May 13, 2008 @ 3:12 pm |
Petit and most of the SC does NOTHING to educate the kids. They enrich the employees and pretend this educates the kids. Taking money from families weakens the home and a weakened home makes learning more difficult. Maintenance sheds and tracks don’t educate kids. Landscaping doesn’t either. If you think it does how about letting me have enough of my money to buy a shed and hire landscapers? I could even put in a track if that is the secret to turning my kids into Einstein!
Throughout the history of this country we’ve been a global leader in education. Only over the last few decades have we’ve been surpassed by virtually every other country regardless of economic status. This has happened because nitwits have convinced themselves that spending money is the same as educating kids. I wonder how we ever survived when past American generations were leading the world while being taught in one-room school houses?
Transparency and accountability is the key to educating kids. When teachers and administrators know they are being watched and held accountable I am sure most of them will do a great job. It is human nature. Allowing schools to hide from the public harms education of kids. Anyone supporting secret meetings and routinely sealing minutes is not an educator, but an obstruction to education.
Comment by Real Question — May 13, 2008 @ 3:34 pm |
Hi!
We need LEADERSHIP on the school committee! Mr. “Bill” Day has been a fire dept. official, chair of a poltical party,town moderator, town council member, involved in youth sports, and now as Chariho School Committee Chair. He knows Chariho. However with his decades of experience including years on the school committee,he should be working to build more confidence in our school district as far as transparency. He is not “green” to local public affairs.
What are Bill Felkner’s “sins?” Bill has a strong aura about him but he brings to the table intelligence, aggressiveness, and a get to attitude. The REAL issue is what are others going to do about transparency and what have they brought to the table? The question is what are other members of the school committee besides Terri Serra, Andrew McQuaide,Jr., and Bob Petit, going to do to bring confidence in information sharing with the public. Certainly laws guarantee some access. I do not immediately know how compliant the school district is with following open records and open meetings laws.
Before my infamous 2 million dollar budget cut, I had difficulty getting much information out of then Supt. John Pini.
Question: How much should the public know about finances and other matters NOT protected by closed meetings and closed records? The law spells it out. There may be problems with some matters such with forecasting some budget issues, I understand, but how restricted should be information sharing?
Regards,
Scott
Comment by Scott Bill Hirst — May 13, 2008 @ 4:53 pm |
Are these new rules for silencing Bill being voted on tonight? They can try and push the genie back into the lamp but no way, the internet isn’t going away and information will get out. All limiting access to info will do is create further distrust of those hiding from the public. Good luck to Bob P. and the rest in keeping us in the dark. If they won’t tell me I’ll assume the worst! 🙂
Comment by Truth or Consequences — May 13, 2008 @ 7:38 pm |
“You and Bill seem to think every time we do something it is to shut him up. WE have more improtant things to deal with than to worry about shuting Bill up. It is called EDUCATING the students.”
Mr Petit:
I am certain that this vote happened tonight and, because you answered in the affirmative earlier, I am certain that you voted for this abomination. I am sorry that I could not attend the meeting, but I have to work this evening.
Make no mistake about it though. You and the leadership (if we can call Day and Ricci that) find Felkner to be a pain in your asses, a fly in the ointment and a general hindrance to your agenda. This crap is meant to take away the intrusion. It is aimed at silencing your dissenter. Otherwise it would not allow the leadership to set the agenda at their own whims. Your members – ALL of your members (ie Felkner) are elected to represent their constituents. When Felkner can no longer get something on the agenda, I can no longer have my say. I am disenfranchised and you and your friends have done it to me. Felkner is the only one who feels that executive sessions are being abused so there is provision to punish those who break the covenant of secrecy. Name me another who has acted in a similar manner and I may accept that this is not aimed squarely at Felkner.
Even if I were to take you at your word that it is not… just how does secrecy, silence, and acquiescence to the status quo educate kids? I believe that your junta feels that they can not educate kids the “right way” as long as there is a dissenting voice among you. These rules have nothing to do with education… only with silencing dissent.
Comment by JSO — May 13, 2008 @ 8:37 pm |
Bob and his friends may try and they may feel moments of respite from dissent, but ultimately their efforts at squelching dissent will fail. I can’t imagine Bill F. will shut up no matter what walls they erect. It doesn’t seem to be in his nature. Hopkinton citizens are made of strong stuff and I can’t imagine procedural tricks keeping most of us quiet either.
I’ve knwq Bob a little when he was kid. He was a bully then and it looks like nothing has changed. He may be more sophisticated as an adult but he still uses strong arm tactics. Bob has decided the way things ought to be and how dare anyone challenge him and his allies on the board!
I do wonder what Bob does now for a living? How is it he turned his life around? Who are his friends and what does he owe them?
I’ve noticed he is quick to be outraged when RYSE gets questioned or a bond fails, but when he throws the average Hopkinton family a bone by voting no for a budget or a contract, it doesn’t seem to phase him a bit when he fails. Why the different temperment when board members oppose him versus when his own townspeople oppose him? Why no temper tantrums when spending goes through the roof over his tepid objections?
Perhaps he is a skilled politician? He votes for things he doesn’t believe in, like budget cuts or contracts, when he knows his vote doesn’t matter. But when his vote might matter, like a bond revote, his true colors show?
He wasn’t this complicated when he was a kid. He was a brute using physical force to get his way. Now Bobby is grown up but still trying to bullying other people to bent to his will. Billy Day is older than Bob, but my memories of him are as an adult bully. The two of them make a good pair.
Comment by Truth or Consequences — May 13, 2008 @ 9:28 pm |
bpetit,
do you mean to tell me that you and others – a majority – voted for the administration contracts without staggering their terms? Which means you cannot cut/delete/fire them next year??? You have damned us to THREE MORE YEARS or more of unneccessary administrators?
Comment by Flick — May 13, 2008 @ 9:39 pm |
You got it. Not only did Bob fail in his futile and brief try at eliminating a few administrators, he also failed to get staggered contracts so we might have a reasonable chance at getting rid of a few in the future.
Didn’t Bob vent here about this issue? I’m sure he did because he is such a strong defender of Hopkinton and our desire to control spending at Chariho.
Didn’t we see endless posts from him outraged that his fellow board member would ignore this reasonable request to stagger contracts?
Bob doesn’t hesitate to tell us how much Richmond and Charlestown compromise to make things better for Hopkinton. I’m sure he was very angry and let everyone know how disgusted he was with the actions of the board.
Or maybe, because they didn’t call him names, he doesn’t care what they do. Maybe anything goes as long as he doesn’t get called any names? He’s a keep that Bob Petit. A true defender of the downtrodden Hopkinton family! It’s for the kids don’t you know?
Comment by Truth or Consequences — May 13, 2008 @ 10:20 pm |
Flick the administrators contracts were voted down last night, not sure where you heard or saw that they were approved? The vote ended in a tie so it didn’t move. Holly has requested an agaenda item for a sub committee to look into some of these contracts and the way we set up and approve bids.
We modified the Rules of Conduct policy last night. All of the committee members brought some good ideas to the table and we modified them. I will say this again. It was never my intention to shut Bill Felkenr up. it was my intenntion to try to come up with a way to bring some of this information to the public eye. Some of the information requests and agenda requests are done through phone calls or now e-mails and I felt that it should be brought up in meetings to discuss this in front of the public. You keep asking for transparency and I thought by making requests at the meetings would be a way of doing it. I was wrong as Bill, Holly, George and mostly Giancarlo brought to out attention. It would be to diffuicult to get items on the agenda. So we changed it.
When I said in a previous post that laws supersede our policies, it was reaffirmed last night by our attorney. The freedom of information act is a law. You, Bill and anyone, have the right to request public information at anytime.
Comment by bpetit — May 14, 2008 @ 8:29 am |
George Abbott voted FOR the revote on the bond…..why on earth is Hopkinton lucky to have him????? Well, at least he voted. Usually he abstains.
Comment by wow — May 14, 2008 @ 8:54 am |
Good Grief! A REVOTE on the BOND? As long as we have the Stepford wife, the trust fund baby, the college kid who never pays taxes, poor Mr Bill, and the toothpick chewing guy as well as the assorted others on the committee, I think we are all doomed! Lets get together and do the following:
FIGHT to get EVERYONE in Hopkinton to “JUST SAY NO”, if we are not successful, then we can demand a revote! And why not? We should have the same right of vote overturn as those who have a revote when the vote is “no”!
Comment by Dorothy Gardiner — May 14, 2008 @ 9:12 am |
We had to have an attorney tell our SC that the FOIA applied to them? And they get upset when they are called morons? How much did that tidbit of information cost us in legal fees? I don’t know what rule changes were enacted last night but thank goodness for legal precedence or the Chariho SC would be running meetings under the Cone of Silence!
Comment by Truth or Consequences — May 14, 2008 @ 10:22 am |
Didn’t cost extra for any information last night. The attorney was all ready there for other matters.
Where did the bond issue come in WOW? We didn’t vote on that last night. Was that just a general statement?
Comment by bpetit — May 14, 2008 @ 10:35 am |
Hi!
You need rules to control behavior and protocol but rules that are enacted to stifle debate or discussion or marginalize minority ideas should not be approved. Bill Felkner has nothing to prove. He has the cachet that no one of the school committee currently possesses, I know of. Bill Felkner is a leader of a Rhode Island “think tank” that puts forward ideas and a number of notable people are involved in it.
Bill Felkner’s critics should realize he would be hard pressed to violate state laws as he would be called on it.
The question that needs is how many dictates from the state and federal regarding education to school districts are general in nature? By this I mean a general charge (mandates) to address a certain program without putting a price tag to this item or another item, but mandating local school districts having to do it. How to meet and fulfill mandates could have MULTIPLE ANSWERS.
June 23,24, and 25, are the three day threshold candidates can file for office. The last day is no later than 4 PM,. Any candidates in Hopkinton wishing to run as a Republican and get Republican Town Committee endorsement in Hopkinton should contact me immediately at scottbillhirst@yahoo.com or 401-377-4643;. The Hopkinton Republican Town Committee will meet Sunday evening at 7 PM at the Hopkinton Police Station. I will preside in absence of our Chair Kenneth W. Mott,.
Regards,
Scott
Comment by Scott Bill Hirst — May 14, 2008 @ 10:53 am |
Bob Petit – That was in repsonse to CR in post 36 talking about thank god for certain people. Why thank god for Abbott when he didn’t support Felkner and vote no on a revote? Sounds like he panders. SBH – I didn’t think the Republicans even had a committee in Hopkinton…..Ken Mott is the Chair??? Nothing like a good laugh in the middle of the day.
Comment by wow — May 14, 2008 @ 11:53 am |
Wow,
The GOP is alive and well in Hopkinton, Thank You,wow,! Ken has been long interested in Hopkinton. He has a lengthy political/government resume including Town Council service in Hopkinton. The party heads in Hopkinton are Vinnie Cordone, Democrats, and Ken Republicans.
Betty Combs, has succeeded Charlie Beck in Charlestown on the GOP side,. The Democratic Chair in Charlestown was John Rosa there but it may be someone else. In Richmond Tom Dufficy is Chair on the Democratic side and Clyde “Jack” Gordon was Chair on the Republican side. Check with these people as there may have been changes?
Regards,
Scott
Comment by Scott Bill Hirst — May 14, 2008 @ 12:45 pm |
SBH – I would have figured you would be the party chair. I thought you were the “main” republican in Hopkinton. How could your committee appoint Mott over you?
Comment by wow — May 14, 2008 @ 12:51 pm |
Scott they will never forgive you for embarrassing them with the $2 million Chariho budget cut. All the brainpower in Richmond and Charlestown had no clue they were being scammed by Chariho but Scott Hirst had it figured out. They’ll never get over the fact that you’re the one who exposed them for being fools.
Comment by Truth or Consequences — May 14, 2008 @ 1:17 pm |
or the double digit tax increases he voted for
Comment by wow — May 14, 2008 @ 1:24 pm |
I wish the urge to assess politicians by tax increases would go away. Politicians have tricks for hiding increased spending which don’t show up right away in tax increases. Accruing surpluses (taking money they don’t need) during high revenue periods and then using the surpluses to offset spending increases down the road. Don’t be fooled.
The real test of a politician’s fiscal management is how well they control spending. Did spending go up beyond inflation and population growth? This is the best way to determine if a politican grows government.
Comment by Curious Resident — May 14, 2008 @ 2:19 pm |
SBH voted many times to use the surplus to offset tax increases. Thats why Hopkinton ended up w/the big increase in 2004
Comment by wow — May 14, 2008 @ 2:38 pm |
Did he vote to increase spending beyond inflation plus population growth? Mr. Hirst is not a money spending capacity now, but if he is an excessive spender this could influence my vote should he run for a office in the future.
On a positive note, when pretty much every Richmond and Charlestown leader was ignoring or encouraging excessive spending at Chariho, Mr. Hirst stood up and led the charge to cut spending. He obvious has the courage to face down the entrenched interests. While most everyone else was wrong, including the majority of voters in Richmond and Charlestown, Mr. Hirst was on the right side of spending cuts.
I don’t always agree with him, but it is extremely noteworthy that he has had it right on the Chariho budget for years.
Comment by Curious Resident — May 14, 2008 @ 3:01 pm |
Wow displays a bitterness toward Scott that we’ve seen from CP. Almost like they had a personal conflict. Unlike many of us Scott posts are very mild and most often helpfully informational. Nothing here to make them viciously attack Scott but they do. Maybe lingering anger over his budget cutting proposal?
Comment by Truth or Consequences — May 14, 2008 @ 4:40 pm |
Hi!
I will let my record speak for itself. I am not perfect but can hold my own with the best of them. We have had double digit increases in Hopkinton. Chariho drives the spending engine.
We may never know who most of the people are under their Internet ghost names but as a person involved in the community, I really should identify myself.
This weekend on Saturday, South County GOP Breakfast at 8 A.M., Exeter Host, Big River Inn, West Greenwich, on Route#3, near Fire Station. Various South County towns plus West Greenwich and East Greenwich participate. Do also note the Scottish Highland Festival http://www.riscot.org also on Saturday. I volunteer at that. Located on Washington County Fairgrounds.
Sunday is the Hopkinton Historical Association program with Anna Coit, 100 years old, who will talk on the relationship of North Stonington and Hopkinton and the history of North Stonington. That is at 2 PM at the former Second Seventh Day Baptist Church building our HHA Meeting House, the former Second Seventh Day Baptist Church building,across from Hopkinton Town Hall. No charge. The other two have charges.
Regards,
Scott
Comment by Scott Bill Hirst — May 14, 2008 @ 6:31 pm |
I would challenge that crap and let a court decide that non sense. Sounds like a gimme. 19 year old goober going to set policy? This is a banana republic loosing its last grasp to hold to on a $129,000 job. Why (we know why) isn’t this guys’ contract isn’t allowed to expire and why does this committee let itself get so lead?. Mr. Petit,and others, this person works for you not the other way around. The tail is wag an eleven person dog. If the dog doesn’t want to hunt, get a new dog and I don’t mean a dog like this. No experience and credibility (?), and why was the previous dog aloud to select this one? Mr. Petit you went here allegedly and when was Andreotti aloud to pick Pini. My guess was the school committee selected him. Correct me if I’m wrong. The rules get so easily changed. Its a disgraced.
Come back to up before the elastic snaps.
Comment by Never Hold — May 14, 2008 @ 8:55 pm |
Glad to know several did not allow these administrators compacts (excuse me, contracts) to continue without the possibility of staggered terms. This would be the only year they would need to establish sequence. Even the school committee doesn’t wish to be hog-tied for the next several years. Good for them.
Let’s see if they can sustain reality and control the SRO person for whom they are liable and have the right to determine a ‘resource’ officers agenda.
Comment by Flick — May 14, 2008 @ 9:40 pm |
WOW. Is that WE oppose Women, We Oppose Workers, Wetrosexuals?
What’s the break down?. What are the numbers?, where’s your research?
Be a man, women, tranvestite,transexual, transgender, be something! SHOW US YOUR FACTS! TELL US WHERE TO GET THE NUMBERS! When 80% percent (a rough number) is put into a Towns budget and it is voted over by the other two towns and the town is forced to eat it and an exodus of folks are forced to leave, you are beyond stupid. Don’t respond, I already know the answer.
Straight and not interested.
Comment by Reply #56/WOW — May 14, 2008 @ 10:38 pm |
I’m not religous, but when I go to sleep at night, I thank goodness for Bill Felkner and Thankless Gooness for Barry Richness (at our expense) of course he can’t sleep he’s laughing to hard. Good for him.
Comment by Thank Goodness — May 14, 2008 @ 11:19 pm |
Did the SRO position remain funding a Richmond police cop? Sounds like the lawyers slapped their hands a little on the new rules for keeping things secret? Were they still able to get by with rules unfriendly to the public? Staggering contracts is in limbo or will it happen? Sorry for all the questions but a lot has been talked about but I can’t tell what actually happened at the meeting?
Comment by Truth or Consequences — May 15, 2008 @ 9:05 am |
T or C
The SRO position was tabled for more review. The attorney was answering questions explaining what can be in executive session and what can’t and how to it gets there. The rules of conduct policy had some revisions made to it and then was approved but it doesn’t take away any rights to information for the public. FOIA supersedes any policy that the school committee can make. This is what I was trying to convene on Monday. I hope I answered your questions
Comment by bpetit — May 15, 2008 @ 10:20 am |
I’m with those more concerned about discussion which don’t have to be in executive session but are there anyway. When the board has the choice they choose to keep it from the public. This is disturbing to me.
Same with rules of conduct. I see it as one more game to keep things from the public. The only rule problem I’ve seen is shutting off debate. Sometimes before debate even happens. If you have rules severely limiting discussions or giving the majority the ability to silence the minority then it certainly takes away the public’s ability to decide how well we are being represented.
You were on the sub committee. What is the objective of the new rules? What do you feel needed to be fixed and how will the new rules fix it?
Comment by Truth or Consequences — May 15, 2008 @ 11:14 am |
I have read in PROJO with a mixture of disgust and surprise that a “meeting” between Charlestown, Richmond and Hopkinton will take place to discuss the “BOND” issues.
I do not know WHO is meeting, but I can tell you that anyone from Hopkinton who perceives that other towns will want to “compromise”, “play fair” and be honest with Hopkinton just bought a bridge.
Consider the following:
1. The roof is not leaking (remember that???)
2. Building being brought in under cover of night (RYSE)
3. New, untested programs being used for our children, with no later evaluation.
4. A school committee person (Mr. Petit) who has the grandiose idea that he works for “all the children” when he should and is bound to oversee the schools in the best interests of Hopkinton children. However, he prefers to support Richmond and Charlestown rather than the town that he represents.
5. Administration which neither repairs nor maintains school buildings, even with MILLIONS of surplus dollars.
6. Administration which will not insist on sanitary conditions in schools and has allowed infestations of rodents and bugs.
7. An administration which would expect me to vote again for a bond or any bond while fiscal and educational mismanagement continue.
8. An administration which not only operates in a secretive, covert way, but seeks to discredit committee members who seek to identify, quantify and publish factual information about expenditures, expenses, surplus, educational courses proposed and the methods used to evaluate them, as well as other pertinent information that parents and taxpayers need to evaluate management.
9. Failure to arrange transfer of the 5th and 6th graders or consider methods to achieve this.
10. FAIR and EQUAL funding by all three towns. NOW
There is no question that repairs are needed at the elementary schools, but only destructive maintenance has been used. Simply look at the 1904 building, which could have been brought up to standard for 2 million dollars, and would have been a safe, secure, airy place for learning for years to come. NO, instead, little or NO maintenance was done, and we have portable classrooms at both Ashaway and Hope Valley.
I won’t even attempt to review the errors which led to the failure of the water system in Richmond, as Richmond should be evaluating THAT mess!
I do not want to be tied to this underhanded crew for another 20 years due to a bond, and I do not want the escalating costs associated with this bond. If our current administration will not maintain their current property, how can we expect them to do any better with newer buildings? As soon as we learn WHO from Hopkinton will attend this meeting, call them and ask them to keep their word. NO BOND!
THIS is just another thing that KEEPS us the laughing stock of the state. Hopkinton MUST stay strong and make sure that the basis for a bond is right before we support any such bond. Yes, we need a lot of things, but do we really want to thow ourselves under the bus? Before we spend any money we need fiscal management and HONEST, OPEN management. To do otherwise is to doom our townspeople to continued waste and secrecy while we condem our children to a continuum of mediocrity, and an inability to compete in an educated world.
Comment by Dorothy Gardiner — May 15, 2008 @ 11:52 am |
Personally T or C
I felt like asking for information through phone calls and emails was keeping the public out of the loop. This was why I agreed to this section “B” under agenda Items.
All of us do this not just Bill, which is why I said this was not to silence Bill. When we talked about it at the meeting I realized that it would make it difficult to get items on the agenda. We changed it back. As for other information, people do not need to go to the representatives to request information. They can ask for it themselves. Even in the case of fight, weapons, or drug charge. If someone wants to know something they can e-mail or call the principle or superintendent and ask them directly. You have just as much right as we do. You have to understand something here, we as a full committee can make changes, put in requests and ask for further information as long as the committee as a whole agrees. Bill, myself, George or any school committee member “does not have anymore individual rights than you do” when we are not in committee we are people of the district.
I thought it might bring some transparency to the public on some of the requests that were made and why. After hearing the others I felt it would limit them. I agreed to change it back. This is why I think this works out good, just because a few look it over and make suggestions it isn’t a policy until everyone agrees.
Move the motion is a right under Roberts’s rules. I do agree I think it was used wrong the night we used it on Bill. I think everyone should get a say. Again not perfect here. WE did change the policy to give the public a chance to speak if the motion was made. (When you make a policy change, you need to think of what effect you might have on future school committees). I don’t think it should be used like it was but if it is I do agree it shouldn’t stop the public from speaking.
There were some little items that we looked at and changed like public forum not exceeding 30 mins. We don’t see where we would have this problem but if there were an item on the agenda that did bring in a lot of the public; we needed to limit it to something because as it was we could sit there for days as there was no limit.
I know there are more and if you see something you want me to answer please ask direct. We spent a lot of time on this so I could write pages as to why things may or may not have changed.
Comment by bpetit — May 15, 2008 @ 11:56 am |
Mrs. Gardiner I am not aware of any meetings but I think it is a great move if the 3 towns are even thinking about coming together to talk. Something needs to be done. Whether anything would comes from a meeting or not is a different story. But I can’t believe what I am reading. When is it going to be good enough for you? How will they know if they can bridge the gap if they don’t sit down and talk?
Your quote
“Hopkinton MUST stays strong and make sure that the basis for a bond is right before we support any such bond.”
How do they do this if they don’t try to talk to the other towns and figure something out? What would they be standing on? A defeated bond and once that is done what do they do?
Also not really sure where my stand on the bond comes in to play, I didn’t know about a meeting. But that is OK, I can take the heat or I wouldn’t be in the kitchen. I stand for the bond and all of a sudden I do nothing for the students of Hopkinton. I do not support ideas or motions for Charlestown or Richmond anymore than I do for Hopkinton and anyone that looks at it that way doesn’t understand the district. When we vote on teachers, books and curriculum I don’t recall anyone saying it was for the benefit of the Richmond and Charlestown students and the heck with Hopkinton students. Maybe I get a different packet than the rest. I better look in to this.
Comment by bpetit — May 15, 2008 @ 12:16 pm |
Thank you for the info. Sorry to say but I would never deal directly with anyone in Chariho’s administration. When you have children in the school and no other education options you can’t afford to irritate the school. They can harm your children. I’ve had teachers say outrageous things to my kids (including a teacher telling the kids she didn’t believe in God) and I have bitten my tongue because I don’t trust teachers or administrators to leave my kids out of any problems they have with me. If I have an issue I want addressed Bill and maybe George are the only two I would trust to keep my name or my children’s name out of it.
I’ll take you at your word that the new rules were meant to make things more transparent but there is no doubt that Bill is the one board member who constantly seeks to publicize Chariho info. If the rules are opposed by him or seem to silence him then it is no surprise when the public questions why new rules are being considered. Even the people who despise Bill must admit he is very public and doesn’t hesitate to tell us what he thinks.
Comment by Truth or Consequences — May 15, 2008 @ 12:30 pm |
I agree with Bob that towns getting together isn’t necessarily a bad thing. If they are getting together to discuss a phased in tax equity plan then it could be very good.
I agree with pretty much everything on Dorothy’s list. Hopkinton has a history of being vigilant and Chariho has a history of being sneaky. We need to keep our eyes open. There should be no concessions on bonds until the long standing issues are resolved.
As a gesture of good will we could agree to get rid of the current administration and bring in administrators with a record of fiscal restraints and top notch education results for the kids. Other communities around the country get much, much more for much, much less. Let’s bring in someone who has proven they are capable of doing the same thing here!
Comment by Truth or Consequences — May 15, 2008 @ 12:38 pm |
One more thing about who Bob should be representing. If he chooses to base everything on all kids and the other board members only worry about their kids then Hopkinton is losing representation.
As Bill points out the Charlestown members clearly represent only Charlestown. If they used Bob’s the approach claimed by Bob then tax equity would be a no-brainer. Families from all three towns would be taxed equally and this clearly would be the best thing for the most kids. Tough for Hopkinton when the other town have reps worried mostly about their town’s kids and Hopkinton has a rep who joins with them.
Comment by Truth or Consequences — May 15, 2008 @ 12:49 pm |
T or C I think Bill did feel like these were changed to keep him silent. But they weren’t. Andy has been asking to have this policy looked at for a long time and we finally did that. Bill Felkner made some good points the other night and I think it was his motion that made one of the changes to the policy.
I don’t agree that other members are out for their own children. I think everyone on that board is out for the best interest of the students in all towns. I know the trickle down can be an argument for helping the children. But tax equalization is about the tax payers more than the students. Equalization doesn’t teach our children. Being able to afford things for our children because of paying higher taxes might be reasonable but I am sure their are people in Charlestown that are struggling paycheck to paycheck the same as people in Hopkinton. This is happening all over our nation.
Would I like to see equalization? Yes.
But I can see it from the other side too. If I lived in Charlestown and was living paycheck to paycheck would I agree to tax equalization? It is a tough situation for all sides.
Maybe someone has an idea and that is why I think if anyone truly is meeting I say great.
I will put it out there like this……I as a resident and a representative from Hopkinton for the school committee am 100% for tax equity. I would think that the representatives from Charlestown are not for it. This shouldn’t stand in our way of making decisions that are best for “all” the students of the district. I might be going out on a limb here but I would have to say most of the students could care less how this district is funded. I know it wasn’t a concern of mine when I was in k-6 or 7-12 grades.
Comment by bpetit — May 15, 2008 @ 1:23 pm |
You’re right the children could care less.
Therefore, Charlestown’s opposition to equalization is based on Charlestown adults. Therefore Charlestown opposes tax equity because of the adults not the children. If Charlestown was only thinking of the kids they would not let tax equity stand in the way.
That was my point and you made it for me.
As for tax burdens Hopkinton families, including those with children, have a much higher tax burden than Charlestown families. This is simply beyond refute. The less money parents have the less money is available to be spent on children. Also beyond refute. Chariho deprives Hopkinton kids more than Charlestown kids whether the kids know it or not. The Charlestown adults do know it and don’t care enough about Hopkinton kids to fix it.
Comment by Truth or Consequences — May 15, 2008 @ 1:43 pm |
You do NOT represent “all the students”. You represent the TAXPAYERS and PARENTS from Hopkinton. That means you should, as the button says Question Authority. Question WHY the RYSE program continues with a program without bid, that has not be evaluated. Question why the blazes ANY School or other building should be built on the current BrownField. Question why there are portable classrooms for the smallest of our students in Hopkinton. Question why the roof continues to leak in Ashaway School. Question what is in your dark heart that would even CONSIDER revising a code to prevent discussion or introduction of a topic for an agenda item.
Question why and I ask you now, for a line by line spreadsheet copy of projected, actual and paid expenses for the last fiscal year. Provide me with the ACTUAL costs of the RYSE program, including transportation, legal costs, salaries, fringes, and building costs. Provide me with a statistical and financial review of the costs and savings of the RYSE program, and compare that with the costs to transport and educate those students if the RYSE program did not exist.
Provide me with justification for a Police Officer to take a child to South Shore Mental Health without the intervention of the local emergency room. OR does that officer have an MD after his name? What if the child had taken illicit drugs? Having a child scooped up and transported to South Shore must make parents real warm and fuzzy feeling. Why not an ambulance if a child is that unbalanced, of danger to himself or others?
So, you can simply publish all of the items I have requested or Ill meet you somewher and pick up the papers.
Thank you in advance for agreeing to provide me with the information I have requested. I DO appreciate your willingness to provide the requested information.
Comment by Dorothy Gardiner — May 15, 2008 @ 1:43 pm |
Mrs. Gardiner I stated earlier in a post that with the subcommittee being formed we are going to look in to contracts and bids. At least that was my understanding of the request from Holly. I also stated I would like to be on this committee as I believe it will be an eye opener.
The current brown field and buildings being built on them. SIMPLY NOT TRUE. Don’t throw out something you can’t back up. It was looked into.
I ask you, WHY should we have portable classrooms for ANY of our children?
I haven’t heard of any leaks in the Ashaway School, but it wouldn’t surprise me. I would say the only way to fix the roof at the Ashaway School is to rip it off and replace it. Oh yea and the high school roof and the RYSE roof that was leaking, and oh by the way Richmond School roof ( I think you see where this is going).
And we have $3 million earmarked for repairs to try and get the high school fixed( not all on the high school but most). We did put a large amount into some of the problems at the elementary schools last year. Like the elimination of lead paint at Hope Valley and Richmond school. Don’t try to make it sound like we aren’t working to try to fix these buildings when I would think you of all people would be making sure we are. Only so much you can do with the money out there. We can’t change the past.
As for the policy I have spoken to it, answered it and that is all I can say about it.
The spreed sheet projected and actual cost. I will explain it again even though it has been explained at least 10 times now and that is no exaggeration. You have been in the room at least a couple of them because I was in the same room with you. The state is piloting a new way of keeping actual costs and looking at the budget. Chariho was selected by the state to be part of this program. It is a good thing because we will have a better understanding of this new way when it goes live for all. Since it is kept differently it wouldn’t be comparing apples to apples. They are changing the way the line items are formed and how they are numbered. So, what maybe on an old budget under one item number might not be the same under the new one and would create more confusion. If you have a problem with that, I welcome you to contact the state and voice your complaint. They are the ones who want it different.
“Provide me with a statistical and financial review of the costs and savings of the RYSE program, and compare that with the costs to transport and educate those students if the RYSE program did not exist.”
The first part (actual costs) has been posted on this blog by Mr. Felkner I believe, so it has been provided to you at one point to look at. The second part cost and transportation if RYSE wasn’t here.
All though this information is on that page that was posted , I hope it is something that will be looked over well with the formation of this new subcommittee.
Just remember the rising costs of fuel. I can’t see how there would be any savings by transporting our students out of district. But we will see.
SRO officer ……if you have been following the meetings you would know that we are in agreement with you on this. I do not feel that the SRO program was setup to handle situations the way they have been handled. We are working on trying to fix the SRO program. Unfortunately, I think there have been many times things have been handled wrong.
Comment by bpetit — May 15, 2008 @ 3:23 pm |
Hi!
It is in The Providence Journal “South County” edition of a meeting or proposed meeting at Chariho about the bond Saturday. To avoid an open meetings violation a majority of the town council from each town council cannot attend which would be a majority of three or more from each town. Only two from each town could attend.
I think two Hopkinton Town Council members other than Beverly Kenney should attend. She is the odd person out on the Hopkinton Town Council regarding the bond revotes or votes whatever you prefer, even though she is Town Council Vice President. Add to that fact, she is a retired school teacher in the district, her son reportedly works at the RYSE school, and her husband is Chariho School Building Committee Chair, two other Hopkinton Town Council members should represent the town.
If school committee members attend six, a simple committee majority, or more there would be a question of open meetings violation. Bill Day has expressed interest in attending the meeting.
I will post this under or most of this under bond heading.
Regards,
Scott
Comment by Scott Bill Hirst — May 15, 2008 @ 5:00 pm |
We did post the RYSE costs – what were provided. We also showed that that spreadsheet did not include costs covered “in kind” by Chariho (nurse, payroll, yard service, etc..) nor did it include legal fees which were directly related to RYSE – estimated over $100k in the first year. And we also showed that RYSE did sign a no-bid contract that has gone from about $420k to $720k (hopefully George can check my numbers as he knows this issue well).
On a related note, Psy Centers Inc., (the company that services RYSE) is bidding for the training school.
Comment by Bill Felkner — May 15, 2008 @ 8:51 pm |
Bill:Will you try to attend saturdays meeting on the bond proposal?
Have the testing issues been resolved at the Board of reagents?
Comment by george abbott — May 15, 2008 @ 10:29 pm |
George, I’m sorry but even if I wanted to go (which I don’t), I couldn’t. We have a house full of family this weekend for Luke’s Christening.
The testing has not been resolved yet. They had a hearing on the funding formula legislation today.
Comment by Bill Felkner — May 15, 2008 @ 10:33 pm |
God bless Luke.
Comment by Real Question — May 15, 2008 @ 10:49 pm |
Thx, RQ.
Comment by Bill Felkner — May 15, 2008 @ 11:02 pm |
Hmmmm Mr Felkner said it all. Requests for information (even that which existed before the “change” in computer software) are stymied, and the requester (not even Bill, who is on the SC) never gets all of the information requested.
By the way, Bob, my limited exposure to changing of computer software: Usually any new system is tested, but even with testing, actual use usually displays faults and bugs in the system, so use testing is usually limited to a few select users to assist in the final in use testing. (Sounds like that is what CHARIHO is doing) However, during this phase, dual systems (the old and the new) are usually used, as a brand new system might crash, and this prevents any loss of data. Finally, most new systems (as part as the RFP)have the ability to integrate/import/export old data. I am sure that as a member of the SC, you reviewed the specs, confirmed that both old and new systems could “talk” to each other so that old data could be used for statistical and financial projections, and that a safety net such as a dual system was in place so that no data would be lost or corrupted. Correct? If that is so, then any information requested can just be “dumped” and burned to a CD. If all else fails, then requested information can just be printed. We DO still have printers, don’t we?
Comment by Dorothy Gardiner — May 16, 2008 @ 6:49 am |
Mrs. Gardiner I am not saying that the information was the best break down; I am just saying that Bill posted what we saw. We are working towards a more detailed break down or at least I will if I get on the subcommittee.
No I didn’t review the software. The funny thing is you seem to think we can dictate to the state how and when things will change. Doesn’t happen that way. As for seeing the software no I didn’t see it or test it or have anything to do with it. I don’t know enough about it to give you an honest break down of the software except that it is aligning parts of the budget differently. I am sure if you want to know about the software you can call Brian Stanley and he could explain it better.( he has a few times all ready) If you don’t feel comfortable with that there is always RIDE.
I do work with software Mrs. Gardiner and you are correct normally they would have a backup of the old software and this is normally done incase the new software has a major problem you can go back. There is no major problem with the software, why would you spend money to convert back? The break down Tom Buck asked for will come. It just isn’t available at this very moment. Andy was pushing to have this very same break down that you are asking for here, so another thing the school committee is working towards getting so we can inform the public.
Bill your post about the RYSE cost, I understand what you are saying all I was trying to say was that is all we have at this point. Hopefully we can with the addition of the subcommittee break it down more.
I am not and have not found anywhere that I can say that the administration has knowingly with held information from the public. Some of the break downs might not be as much as we would like to see but we have to work to get to that point. We take the information we have and break it down, make suggestions as to what we would like to see and figure out a way to come to that point. There is no magic wand to make all of this appear, it is going to take some work and I am willing to work towards that; give us time.
Comment by bpetit — May 16, 2008 @ 10:55 am |
What makes Dorothy Gardiner an expert on everything that has to do w/schools?? Its one thing to have an opinion, its another to talk like you’ve run a school. Hey Dorothy, why don’t you run for school committee since you have all the answers.
Comment by oh boy — May 16, 2008 @ 12:47 pm |
OH BOY,
I’m not an expert in schools. I am a parent, taught for CCRI and URI in clinical programs, but I am not an “expert”. I have worked also for large corporations, and I do KNOW that the behavior of this administration would never be tolerated in the public sector.
I remember being told when I made an error while working for a large corporation…”Don’t make an excuse JUST GET IT RIGHT”!!
I also had the opportunity to see (several times with different companies) the method used to upgrade software, allow continued data collection and reports, and provide import and export capabilites in order to maintain data flow.
If I asked for a report, I got it.
Since I am paying for this school system, I have every right to expect value for my money, transparent administration, quality of work product and attention to the bottom line. I do not need to be on the school committee to do that. It is my RIGHT as a taxpaying citizen to have it.
Comment by Dorothy Gardiner — May 16, 2008 @ 12:57 pm |
You are right Dorothy the way Chariho is run would never be tolerated in the private sector. Any employee who brought in a program claiming to improve performance at a cost neutral or cost saving basis would be required to present data validating the claim. I refuse to believe that RYSE and MST treatment is the best for every single kid. It seem pretty impossible that in situations as complex as what happens at RYSE that one treatment and one program is always the way to go.
We shouldn’t have to wait years to have the cost and results. We definitely shouldn’t be giving exclusive treatment contracts to private companies. Petit may want to let the administration off the hook. I think they should be canned for incompetence. And let’s not forget the math horror show. Those poor kids will probably never recover. Again something that’s been going on for years and would probably still be going on if not for a few parents who couldn’t take it anymore!
Comment by Real Question — May 16, 2008 @ 1:19 pm |
I think both Dorothy and Georgia Ure should run for the school committee.
Comment by oh boy — May 16, 2008 @ 2:04 pm |
Wow you need to look at some of the corruption in the public sector. Have you seen the news? Someone was letting these people get away with a lot for a long time. Makes you wonder how many other companies are corrupt but just haven’t been caught.
The problem is Mrs. Gardiner, as explained; if your were to get the old and new information side be by side it would create more confusion as a lot of information wouldn’t line up. You don’t trust now, why add more to it? When you can compare the same numbers across the board you will see that.
And just to let you know some software is done in a test environment before is goes live. The state tested it and asked some schools to help them in live environments. By doing this you make changes as you go along. I am sure there is a backup of the old information doesn’t mean it is still on a live server. IF line item 1 was transportation on the old and line item one is maintenance on the new how do you compare?
Real Question I haven’t seen any justification for letting anyone go. If some of you had your way, we would be letting go of administrators every time they blinked you need to better than this. PROVE they have done any wrong and I will be the first to ask for their resignation. I trust in people until you burn me and not one administrator has burned me yet.
Didn’t see any of you at the National/Rhode Island Honor Society awards last night. You don’t come to see the great students that are coming out of this school system, you never say anything positive, and you just always want to rip it all apart all the time. I think it was you Mrs. Gardiner that talked about “Alice in Wonderland” at one time……..I think referenced the wrong fairy tale. You should reference the “boy of cried wolf”.
By the way I want to congratulate all of those terrific students and the wonderful achievements they have made. I believe there were 109 students that received recognition last night at the ceremony. A job well done.
And a thank you to the teachers and parents that helped these wonderful students achieve these honors.
Comment by bpetit — May 16, 2008 @ 2:28 pm |
You never know who has children in National Honor Society.
Ricci was involved in bringing us constructivist curriculum. Ruined the math future for hundreds of kids in all likelihood. That alone should get him fired.
Unfortunately his incompetence isn’t limited to curriculum. He also brought us RYSE. We have violent juveniles routinely disrupting the school. The guy can’t even tell us if RYSE works or how much it costs. Any private sector manager who implemented a program and could not cite ROI (return on investment) chapter and verse years later would be fired. No question.
Along with RYSE came lawsuits from parents. This was hidden from the public and maybe even the SC (at least some of them). This would be automatic dismissal in the real world.
Ricci runs the SC meetings. Day has the gavel but Ricci pulls the strings. This would never be tolerated outside of the government. The tail wagging the dog.
I could go on, but you choose to be blind to the mismanagement. Short of Ricci committing murder I doubt you’d find fault with his performance.
I know there are administrators around the country and around the world delivering excellent results at a reasoanable cost. Bring one of them in to run Chariho and I’m sure most of us will be very happy.
Comment by Real Question — May 16, 2008 @ 2:52 pm |
Real Question you talk but go no where.
Comment by bpetit — May 16, 2008 @ 3:08 pm |
I take it your response means you’ll continue to ignore and deny Ricci’s incompetence?
Comment by Real Question — May 16, 2008 @ 3:46 pm |
Speaking of school management…or mismanagement, Edward Achorn of ProJo had an interest editorial about school management. Although I generally agree with the editorial, I do put some blame on teachers. If they don’t agree with their unions then they should make their unions change tactics.
http://www.projo.com/opinion/columnists/content/CL_achorn13_05-13-08_VEA2OG4_v15.39ce057.html
“Thanks in part to unsustainable benefits for public-employee unions, the state confronts a budget deficit of a half-billion dollars or more. And it cannot effectively tax its way out of the nightmare, since its radically high taxes (including property taxes) have already driven out jobs, businesses and many middle-class taxpayers, cutting revenues and leaving Rhode Island one of the few states in recession…”
“The kind of thinking that brought about this economic debacle also prevails in public education. Thanks to state labor laws that tilt the playing field against taxpayers, and local officials who consistently give away the store in contract negotiations (either deliberately or because they lack the intensity and experience of their well-funded foes), the Ocean State pays one of America’s highest tabs per pupil for public schools, and gets generally mediocre results. And when even more money is invested in the schools, it seems to go into the pockets of special interests in the form of unsustainable benefits, rather than getting to students in the form of new books, science labs, sports, art, music and first-rate teaching.”
“Teachers are not the problem, Mr. Gorham maintains. Most truly care about helping children learn. Many admit quietly that they are troubled by growing public animosity because of the slash-and-burn, take-no-prisoners tactics of their union leaders. Teachers would be happy to be treated as well-paid and well-respected professionals, rather than as embittered hourly workers who get pressured to put union dictates ahead of helping children.”
Comment by Curious Resident — May 16, 2008 @ 5:50 pm |
Hello Bob,
It really shouldn’t be a difficulty to give the public the proposed budget and the actual expenses relating to the budgets for 05-06; 06-07; 07-08. None of these years used the new computer software proposed by the state. And Chariho does have the actuals to equate to the proposed numbers.
These can’t be printed either if requested by a citizen or by a school board member. There really is no particularly good reason for this – Brian Stanley is very competent and efficient; persons have asked for this data and it’s not available. This is foolish and encourages people to distrust the administration.
The complaint is that the new system can’t be related to the old. OK – give us the old to compare to other old prior years. You can’t get this as a school board member, let alone telling the public that they just have to ask. It’s not available. It’s also not your fault. It hasn’t been available for years.
I would also congratulate these Honor Students. I have asked, several times now, for the average SAT scores of our top 5% and top 10% students. This would show how well the school’s best students were performing on a national exam and therefore how well Chariho does when every student isn’t averaged in with the top performers. It is an honor for these studious persons to be recognized for their very hard work. Perhaps you can ask this time?
Comment by BarbaraC — May 16, 2008 @ 11:27 pm |
I think I’m going to mow the lawn today
Comment by hakunamatada — May 17, 2008 @ 7:56 am |
Business people who fill out expense reports know that the government demands to know where a business spends its money to the penny. Businesses must produce every receipt for expenses. Company cars must account for every mile driven. Is it possible Chariho can operate without keeping similar records? Ask my company where we spend our money and we can tell you. Why can’t Chariho do the same when it is using our money? They can but they don’t. We have no reason to trust them. Barbara is 100% right!
Comment by Traveler — May 17, 2008 @ 9:40 am |
does a tree make noise if it falls in a forest and nobody is there?
Comment by okeedokee — May 17, 2008 @ 11:47 am |
Haven’t finished yet but watching the School Committee meeting. The new lawyer should be told that using “frankly” in every other sentence is annoying.
His response in regard to “moving the question” was unsatisfactory. I’m not sure it is a legal question, but he could have provided some guidance. The question remains that if the School Committee chooses to use Robert’s Rules of Order, then are they obligated to stick to the rules or can they deviate as they go along? For instance, they moved a question on a majority vote rather than the 2/3 as proscribed in Robert’s Rules of Order. Can they simply change the rules then and there? They also disregard the debate rules preceding a move the question motion. I understand they can make whatever rules they want, but can they do as they go along or should we know ahead of time that they are going to disregard Robert’s Rules in specific instances?
I also have to wonder if the lawyer misunderstood Mr. Abbott’s questioning in regard to amassing funds from the towns and then redistributing those funds? As Mr. Abbott points out the funds are collected proportionately based on student enrollment, but if a surplus is accumulated with all the towns paying a different amount toward the surplus then wouldn’t reimbursement need to remain proportionally the same? The lawyer said legally this wouldn’t be required, but this seem very unlikely to me. Theoretically Chariho could redstribute wealth by taking 38% funding from Richmond and 26% funding from Charlestown but then turn around and reimburse giving 33% to each town. This has to be illegal, doesn’t it?
I was very pleased with the lawyer’s response to requests for information by individual School Committee members and the public. Mr. Ricci and the rest of the administration is legally bound to provide information within 10 days. The lawyer emphasized that individuals could not require the administration to do research, but since most of us wouldn’t trust the administration’s research anyway, I’m more than happy that data must be given and we can do our own research.
Comment by Curious Resident — May 17, 2008 @ 12:47 pm |
Little Andy McQuaide is a puerile fool. His support for agenda items requiring majority approval was properly referred to by him as “collective”. Collectivism is a code word for communism. Mr. Felkner and Mr. Abbott both stood up for the rights of individuals. Even Mr. Petit, who was part of drafting the dictatorial rules, relented. In listening to Little Andy it seems he basically created the new rules or at least was the dominant member of the sub committee.
Numerous references have been made to requests for research. Are they referring to requests for the cost of RYSE or requests for educational outcomes for RYSE? These types of requests are not research but data requests and should be complied with under the “Open Records Act”. The problem is that we can’t even get simple data like costs and results. What other “research” has been requested? Or is this a strawman argument?
Comment by Curious Resident — May 17, 2008 @ 2:19 pm |
dont you have anything better to do on a saturday afternoon when it is beautiful outside than to watch a 3 hour school committee meeting????
Comment by frankly — May 17, 2008 @ 6:58 pm |
Community service.
Comment by Curious Resident — May 17, 2008 @ 8:42 pm |
When they said getting research from Ohio – I was confused myself but figured it out later. I asked the new assistant superintendent to review the note put on this site by Dr. Quirk. I posted her response on the page “Analysis Math”
She didn’t do anything more than copy a chart on the site. Her job is to research the new math curriculum and all I asked was for her to look at this Doc’s work. They didn’t seem to like that.
Comment by Bill Felkner — May 17, 2008 @ 11:31 pm |
How is referring the Assistant Superintendent to research asking her to do research? You’re providing information, not requesting information. I don’t know how you put up with these clowns.
Comment by Curious Resident — May 17, 2008 @ 11:54 pm |
I noticed the lawyer said FRANKLY way too much! Baby Andy was extremely defensive about the rules. Petit snapped at George Abbott so I think he was a little testy from all the criticism. Was it just Mcquaide and Petit on the rules committee? They were the two most upset when the new rules were attacked. The lawyer didn’t impress me much but lawyers are usually pretty slimy so no surprise there. Lawyers usually go with the money. I wonder if they learn that in law school? I did enjoy the kids testifying about the advance programs. The adults were long winded but the kids were great!
Comment by Real Question — May 19, 2008 @ 8:47 am |
Hi!
Frankly, I am disappointed in the conduct of the Chariho School Committe Chair, Mr. Day. No other person on the Chariho School Committee has as varied political/community resume as Mr. Day: Chair of a political party, firefighting official,involved in youth sports,town Moderator, Town Councilman, and now School Committee Chair. For a person with that background he should be more experienced and sophiscated.
It came to my attention last evening he took a personal shot at me at the Richmond Town Council meeting and mr. Reddish, then took a shot at Vinnie Cordone. As you know Vinnie and I both testfied against the Chariho bond bill on the high school.
At a school committee meetings years ago Mr. Day took a personal shot at me and when asked by a reporter I declined to respond. I in public forum last night brought up the situation involving Mr. Day’s and Mr. Reddish’s comments. Hopefully I will get a chance to review a tape of that meeting. Vinnie is concerned about the situation.
FYI!
Regards,
Scott
Comment by Scott Bill Hirst — May 20, 2008 @ 6:39 pm |
Scott,
What was said?
Comment by what? — May 20, 2008 @ 6:43 pm |
Did it take a personal attack on you and Vinnie to be disappointed by the Richmond leaders? Day leads a school which has been robbing district families for years. Reddish leads a TC which puts politics ahead of its community. Personal attacks on you and Vinnie may be upsetting but it pales in comparison to the damage these two men continue to inflict upon district families.
Comment by Truth or Consequences — May 20, 2008 @ 8:24 pm |
Hi!
As I understand it and I haven’t seen the tape of the meeting Bill Day noted Vinnie and I spoke at the House Finance Committee hearing and noted I lived with my mother and unemployed then supposedly Joe Reddish noted Vinnie’s unemployment and the Richmond Town Council chamber erupted in laughter as I understand it. I mentioned in public forum at the Hopkinton Town Council meeting last Monday night.During his Town Council President’s report Vinnie spoke to it but without comment essentially until he learned more but he noted he would respond when he learned more. Neither of us have seen a tape of the meeting. We were told of the remarks Monday night before the town council meeting.
Bill Day has attacked me personally before. I can’t say I know Joe Reddish other than to say hello to. At this time both these officials from Richmond should be addressing issues instead of personal attacks or foolishness.
Obviously I would like them for instance to explain how a Richmond-Charlestown district could work in light of Charlestown very low tax rate and almost 3-1 tax assessable base advantage over Richmond. Pounding on Hopkinton does not change those numbers!
Regards,
Scott
Comment by Scott Bill Hirst — May 21, 2008 @ 11:45 am |
The callous disregard Richmond leaders have for Vinnie’s unemployment and Scott’s living situation is more of the same from these guys. They have no empathy for their own town’s families struggling to make ends meet so why would it be any different for Hopkinton people?
Through the years Hopkinton has shown itself to be the mature and responsible town. We’ve had a few leaders who have fallen short but overall we’ve held our elected leaders and our local government institutions to high standards. Richmond voters seem to be disengaged. The town is run by politicians who enrich themselves and their standing at the expense of their neighbors. We may be stuck with them because of Chariho but at least we can say we didn’t vote for them.
Comment by Truth or Consequences — May 21, 2008 @ 12:04 pm |
Hi!
My comments at the last Hopkinton Town Council meeting may be in The Chariho Times http://www.charihotimes.com , as they are the only paper that was at last Monday night’s meeting. The Sun and Providence Journal were NOT present. It is my understanding no press was at the Richmond Town Council meeting when the remarks were made. I assume I would have been contacted by them if they were. When Bill Day personally attacked me at a school committee meeting years ago, I declined to comment to Chris Keegan, I believe the reporter was at that time. This time I will, if I am asked by the press.
Regards,
Scott
Comment by Scott Bill Hirst — May 21, 2008 @ 12:05 pm |
Hi!
I enjoy politics and the personal attacks show people who don’t want or can discuss issues.
Frankly, I noted about the Hopkinton Town Council last Monday night compared to the two in Chariho. Can the other two town councils really criticize Hopkinton’s? Charlestown’s Town Council is the MOST FOLLOWED by non residents in the region. That one needs no elaboration. Richmond Town Council has the benefit of two “financial people” on it including Mr. Reddish, a banker, and Council President, who could use their “expertise” on fiscal issues. Dr. Oppenheimer, who teaches finance at URI has years of Richmond Town Council experience. If he was quoted in the press years ago if I remember correctly he has gone back and forth on the equalized tax thing.
With his experience and finance background what are his solutions? I want to stress he apparently did not attack Vinnie and me at the last Richmond Town Council meeting but assume he joined in the laughter.I do not see the Richmond Town Council as engaged in the Chariho situation as Hopkinton is. As you know by reading the papers Charlestown is considering sueing Hopkinton on account of Chariho.
Regards,
Scott
Comment by Scott Bill Hirst — May 21, 2008 @ 12:25 pm |
Charlestown should sue us and we should sue them right back! Imagine claiming we aren’t paying enough!?! I’d like to see if the courts would allow the tax inequities to continue?
The bond would have Hopkinton families paying more than twice as much as Charlestown families. Richmond families would be paying more than three times as much! And this is with the bond split in equal 1/3! How can Hopkinton be burdened with budgets approved by taxpayers who hardly feel the financial impact? If it isn’t illegal to tax property owners within a district different amounts then it should be.
I wouldn’t worry too much about the personal attacks. Probably a sign of desperation as the Richmond TC knows their chances of conning the voters is getting less and less. Vinnie has taken a stand for Hopkinton and they don’t like it.
The solution may lie in a lawsuit. Richmond and Hopkinton should sue Charlestown for district tax equity. Sure seems like we have the better argument than the claim that we’re not spending enough at Chariho. If we did sue Charlestown and won, then they would probably withdraw immediately. They could save us all a lot of money by withdrawing now.
Comment by Truth or Consequences — May 21, 2008 @ 8:55 pm |
I agree T or C with the desperation. Weak, insecure and ineffectual persons enjoy taking pot shots at the misfortune of others. Juvenile reactions by adults condoning the statements are sad. Everyone makes mistakes – to encourage ongoing civility an apology is in order.
Comment by BarbaraC — May 21, 2008 @ 9:28 pm |