Talk With Tracy

So, this is my first entry and the Board of Education meeting Monday night gives me quite a bit to write about. I think I will get into the politics of it a little later, but right now, I would like to address things that came up Monday night that were not answered fully for whatever reason and were deserving of a more in depth answer.

When it comes to textbooks, we would all like the best of the best and the most current editions, but that is not happening! Why? There is no money for new texts; there are new Core Curriculum Content Standards and the  anticipated Fort Lee curricula to drive the need for new books, not this year though and the books contain standard information that can be updated through instruction and good lesson planning. Ultimately, textbooks are a resource of effective teaching, not a requirement. There was a five-year plan mentioned last night but it did not seem to answer questions a board member had or audience members had. That plan is an extension of what happens every year, inventory of books are taken to make sure of condition and that we have enough for the following year; and a few books can be added easily until its time (every fifth year) to get a complete new set of textbooks. It is on the agenda every year to qualify the textbooks for use. There is a silver lining, the district has done its due diligence in keeping track of their inventory.

Oh there was so much stuff Monday night! So keep reading!

Many people had comments and questions Monday night, but none resonated louder than the students! The high school students were articulate and passionate about saving their beloved teachers that will no longer be part of the school district in September. Your speeches were smart, clear, and full of adoration for your teachers. Even if nothing happens, and the teachers do not return, they should feel proud and honored that group of young people felt strong enough to speak out for them. It was a pleasure to hear from you and please, join us more often!

There were lots of reductions, more than originally anticipated and none felt harder than the reorganization of the para-professionals. This stinks! They got caught between the teachers’ union decision not to freeze raises, as requested, and an ever shrinking budget. They do not get to vote in the union, but they do have to pay dues and abide by the union’s bylaws; it seems so unjust. Some will be hired back as full-timers, but the bulk will be part-time with no benefits. I think that there could have been more consideration to freeze the 800K in raises until the next fiscal year by the teachers; it would have lightened the impact of cuts. Moreover, remember it is a freeze; they would have gotten the money next year! This year is tough because of the 2 million drop in state aid!

Now, here is a little perspective on the Board of Education members. First, congratulations, and good luck to the newly elected members as well as the newly elected President, Art Levine. I hope he can gain control of the meeting, the members, and audience. I sat there and wondered if you understood how you, as a board presented yourselves. Aggressive commentary, antagonizing and undermining tones aimed at each other just breaks down the environment, it poisons the team we need you to be.  

The board appeared as a fractured entity, polarizing at times, unprepared, unknowledgeable and agitated. I am sorry to be so direct, but it was very frustrating watching the meeting last night. Please read the agenda prior to the meeting, ask questions of what things mean prior to the meetings, emailing is a great resource and I am sure the administration will accommodate questions; understand the workings of the board, and abide by them, when to motion and how agenda’s work. Read, commit to and live the ethics code that were adopted last night, the same ones that were  violated over and over by using current employee names or discussing personnel issues about employees to private citizens. Board members are held to a higher standard at these meetings, as it should be, so please, no infringements of ethics can be acceptable.

Find commonality, remove your own personal or professional agendas, and identify a universal mission, set your objections and goals as a policy making entity, as one unit; use the administration as expert consultants; ask the questions and demand results. There is too much work to be done to get unhinged at each other or from audience member who is looking to dot your i’s and cross your t’s. We (the public) are relying on you to represent us and we are expecting you to that in a dignified, intelligent manner. We need the decisions to be made with thorough research and understanding to move this district forward.

During my own campaign, I promised that Community Outreach would be addressed, and I will ask the BOE during the assignment of committees to consider a “Community Outreach Committee” or something in tune to public relations. I think it is important to educate the parents, and greater community in what the BOE does; tell us what the schools need and whatever they need help with. This would include a community contact, they could bring issues or concerns back to the BOE in a more constructive and cohesive manner than what is sometimes said at the meetings.  

For my fellow parents, please come to the meetings! They are usually brief, and you will be able to observe the working of where decisions are made that effect your children’s education. Please feel free to comment on the agenda or ask a question specific about the agenda. It is your presence that will continually remind the board members why they are there and indirectly support your children.

If you have any questions that you would like answered about education, from this district to special needs advocacy, just type them here!