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Post by andrewd on Feb 27, 2007 9:59:13 GMT -5
Brian, I leave it up to you where you want to post this thread...
The Freehold Boro K-8 school administration staff and board of ed has organized a town hall meeting for March 20th at the Park Ave school auditorium. Attending the meeting will be Senator Karcher, Assemblywoman Beck, and Assemblyman Panter as well as Monmouth County Superintendent Eugenia Lawson. The exact details of the meeting are still being worked out, but it will generally focus on the issues revolving around school funding.
The district is working with the PTO's from each school to set up babysitting so that as many parents can attend the meeting as possible.
In addition to this posting on this web site, we will be posting the date and time of the meeting on the district web site, placing ads in the local papers, and using a phone system to get the word out. We will also be relying on the people in town to spread the news, since word of mouth is one of the best ways to get folks interested in something.
I can not stress this point enough...
[glow=red,2,300]WE NEED A STRONG SHOWING AT THIS MEETING. [/glow]
The district has worked to gain a better understanding of the issues the public has with the schools through the survey we conducted (as unpopular as it may have been with some people). We have worked hard to get the message to our Legislator's that this town's schools are in dire need of immediate help. We have pleaded our case to them in person, and have now arranged the opportunity for the people of the town to come out and hear what they have to say as well as question them on issues related to our schools.
If the night of this town hall metting comes, and the room is not packed...PACKED...with parents and other folks from our town, then the message to our Legislators will be that we do not care, and I know that's not the case.
I hope, and quite frankly expect to see a jam packed room that night, and I look forward to a very informative session as well as some solid questions and concerns coming from the parents and other folks from our town.
If anyone has any questions regarding the meeting, contact me and if I do not have the answer, I will find out for you. andrewdefonzo@yahoo.com
Andrew DeFonzo
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Post by admin on Feb 27, 2007 15:41:08 GMT -5
Andrew, it is good to leave this thread here. I will even sticky it, add it to the calender, and put it in the news fader about one week before the meeting.
Feel free to post anything you want from the schools here, Andrew.
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Post by admin on Feb 27, 2007 15:42:45 GMT -5
PS, at last nights BOE meeting it was mentioned that these meetings in other towns were packed. Let us make sure that FB is on the political map, not to be ignored by Trenton
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Post by admin on Mar 5, 2007 17:15:14 GMT -5
The above information has been confirmed. There will be free child care as well--no excuses!
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Post by fiberisgoodforyou on Mar 5, 2007 17:38:00 GMT -5
MORE FALLOUT,
It was announced today that the Boro BOE has fires a tenured Music teacher and is now cutting all music and art programs!!!
However ESL and "WORLD LANGUAGE" funding is being pushed....
Oh, and there will be a BOE meeting tonight...LAST MINUTE, to talk about funding...
Nice so the result, the lesson, from to the School Board Survey is, deny services to the children of VOTERS and TAX Payers in order to sway their vote...
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Post by admin on Mar 5, 2007 17:40:17 GMT -5
MORE FALLOUT, It was announced today that the Boro BOE has fires a tenured Music teacher and is now cutting all music and art programs!!! However ESL and "WORLD LANGUAGE" funding is being pushed.... Oh, and there will be a BOE meeting tonight...LAST MINUTE, to talk about funding... Nice so the result, the lesson, from to the School Board Survey is, deny services to the children of VOTERS and TAX Payers in order to sway their vote... fiberman, Start this one up as it's own post. This is very worthy of discussion.  |
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Post by richardkelsey on Mar 5, 2007 17:54:55 GMT -5
MORE FALLOUT, It was announced today that the Boro BOE has fires a tenured Music teacher and is now cutting all music and art programs!!! However ESL and "WORLD LANGUAGE" funding is being pushed.... Oh, and there will be a BOE meeting tonight...LAST MINUTE, to talk about funding... Nice so the result, the lesson, from to the School Board Survey is, deny services to the children of VOTERS and TAX Payers in order to sway their vote... It may be -- and I suggest probably is the case -- that ESL is state mandated. I do agree -- however -- that the education industry profits from being "forced" to make these decisions because they know that programs such as music are the type of educationally enriching programs that active parents want in schools. Cutting them, will draw a knee-jerk reaction crying for more funding -- as the alternative of cutting unnecessary programs is not permitted because -- well -- they are state mandated. BTW -- you must love that local control up there! |
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Post by andrewd on Mar 16, 2007 4:37:51 GMT -5
It has come to my attention that there are some concerned parents out there who are considering using Tuesday nights Town Hall meeting to air some of their grievances about particular board members and their actions outside of the board of education.
While I can obviously not tell anyone what they can or can not say, I will make this request...
We have this opportunity on Tuesday night to stand united as a town in front of the three people who can help us the most in regards to getting us extra funding for our schools. If we come out Tuesday night and start showing that we are fighting amongst ourselves, our strength and our message will be severely damaged.
I know a lot of people are, quite frankly, pissed off at the choice Ron Reich has made to offer his services as an attorney to the Latino advocacy groups. I myself have said on this site that I do not agree with Ron's politics, but I also stated back then that his choices outside of the BOE have no bearing on his service to the BOE so long as he does not use his elected office to in any way influence his other pursuits. Regardless of that, this is not the time to bring up these issues. Now it's time for us to "circle the wagons" and speak in one voice to Karcher Beck and Panter about their shortcomings and what we, as their constituents, need from them.
The issues many of you have with Ron Reich should have been brought up a couple of months ago when the information first became available, but no one spoke up at that BOE meeting. If it is something you feel still needs to be addressed, at least wait until the next BOE meeting to bring it up...don't do it in front of the legislators and the press that's sure to be there.
I have always tried to be honest on this site, so let me do so again now...
If anyone takes this opportunity on Tuesday night and uses it to slam a board member in front of a large crowd, state legislators, and the media, then in my opinion, you are no better than the advocacy groups that are constantly looking to just make a splash in the media rather than deal with the issues in the proper setting. There is a time and a place to air your grievances about board of ed members, Tuesday night is not that time nor that place. Tuesday night is about forcing our elected officials in Trenton, the people who make the laws, to get us the funding we need to provide our children with a decent education, and the tools and opportunities they need to compete in this town, county, state, country and world.
Please, do not lose site of the fact that Tuesday night is about the children, not politics. There is a BOE meeting on the 26th to discuss any other issues you may have with any board member, myself included.
I look forward to seeing you all at Tuesday night's Town Hall meeting...I look forward to you all asking tough, pointed questions of our state representatives, and I look forward to hearing something new out of them as to what they plan on doing for us.
Remember, Tuesday night, 7pm at the Park Avenue school gymnasium/auditorium. And then the next BOE meeting on the 26th at the Park Ave School Library, again, 7pm.
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Post by admin on Mar 16, 2007 17:02:34 GMT -5
Andrew,
I agree with your above post one hundred percent. Tuesday is about the children and the welfare of the schools. Internal town issues should have little place when we have the opportunity to address our elected leaders from Trenton. Our concerns should be what ever the Trenton gang should be hearing and dealing with.
There is a time and a place for everything. If people have issues with Ron Reich the time to deal with him will be when he runs for re-election.
For now, we do have to circle the wagons. The Trenton gang needs to see a united Freehold and understand that we are a voting block.
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Post by kellieofbraun on Mar 16, 2007 18:25:21 GMT -5
Don't be closed mouthed!!!! Pack that house! Give your kids a turn at the "mike", my 4th grader has alot to say about what her future holds next year and wants to tell our senator and assemblyman and woman that it's NOT FAIR!!!!
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leelye
Junior Member
Posts: 150
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Post by leelye on Mar 16, 2007 18:27:36 GMT -5
I need some clarification. I don't recall whether I heard this, read it, or it was mentioned in the News Transcript.
Is Tuesday's Town Hall Meeting open to the public or are we supposed to be writing our questions on an index card for prescreening? If that is the case, I think we should show up with signs demanding why people we elected get to pick and choose which CENSORED questions they are going to answer !! What kind of democracy is that ?? "We, the people" (The Declaration of Independence) should not be silenced !! After all, two thirds of the representatives that will be at the meeting support illegal immigration and are not doing anything to address the issue currently !! I'd like to hear from them what their plans are to help get more funding for our schools. I believe Senator Karcher toured the Borough schools a few years ago after she was first elected. What was her opinion then and what has she done to help the borough get more school aid?
What's your opinion ? I'd like to know.
Leelye
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leelye
Junior Member
Posts: 150
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Post by leelye on Mar 16, 2007 18:32:59 GMT -5
I think I found the answer to my question:
Budget will be topic of legislators' discussion
BY CLARE MARIE CELANO
Staff Writer
FREEHOLD - State legislators will visit the Freehold Borough school district on March 20 to discuss the Board of Education's proposed budget for the 2007-08 school year with residents.
State Sen. Ellen Karcher (D-Mon-mouth and Mercer), state Assemblyman Michael Panter (D-Monmouth and Mercer), state Assemblywoman Jennifer Beck (R-Monmouth and Mercer) and Monmouth County Superintendent of Schools Eugenia Lawson are expected to speak at the Park Avenue Elementary School cafetorium, Park Avenue, at 7 p.m. and to answer questions on local school funding and the legislative special session on property taxes.
The board is proposing a $16.7 million budget for 2007-08 that cuts personnel and programming.
Mark Hudzik, the vice president of the district's teachers association, recently told the board he believes the proposed budget will "diminish the quality of education" that is able to be offered in Freehold.
The Freehold Borough school district presently spends about $8,100 to educate each student, the second lowest figure in Monmouth County, according to Bus-iness Administrator Veronica Wolf.
In order to provide a thorough and efficient education, according to the state, school districts should spend between $9,000 and $9,948 per pupil. Anything below $9,000 per pupil is considered by the state to be "at or below the minimum for a 'thorough and efficient' education," she said.
Superintendent of Schools Elizabeth O'Connell said, "This visit with state officials is an opportunity for our community to hear from and meet with the elected officials of District 12 and the county superintendent to share their thoughts and concerns about our school funding dilemma."
According to O'Connell, the League of Women Voters will moderate the forum. Each guest will speak and then a question and answer session will follow. Audience members will be asked to write their question on a card, which will then be presented to the legislators.
Board of Education President Jim Keelan said residents "should come out and let their voices be heard by their representatives in Trenton."
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Post by Guest on Mar 16, 2007 18:42:31 GMT -5
There will be a section for Public comments too. 90 seconds per person for you to voice your concerns directly to YOUR Trenton Reps. Bring out the kids too, let them speak.
Also SIGNs are a GREAT idea!!!
Let them know our "OUR KIDS COUNT AND SO DO ARE VOTES!!!" ;D
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Post by Guest on Mar 16, 2007 18:44:11 GMT -5
Sorry "OUR" . I need some of that ESL too sometimes...  |
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Another Concerned Parent
Guest
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Post by Another Concerned Parent on Mar 16, 2007 20:11:02 GMT -5
Does anyone know if anyone from our Council will be in attendance, or has anyone reached out to them?
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Post by admin on Mar 16, 2007 20:15:46 GMT -5
Does anyone know if anyone from our Council will be in attendance, or has anyone reached out to them? I will reach out to the council and see what I can find out. and to our new registered user Kellieofbraun, make sure your fourth grader speaks loud and clear. I believe we will have a packed meeting that night. |
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Post by Concerned Parent on Mar 17, 2007 6:50:08 GMT -5
I hope the BOE is aware of the possibility, and prepared to deal with, the various "groups" who may show up...we don't want a repeat where our taxpaying citizens are shut out, or a damaging demonstration and detraction from the purpose of the meeting.
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Post by guest on Mar 17, 2007 8:06:53 GMT -5
so far 5 council reps have confirmed they will attend. :)They were also invited to have one rep speak at the introduction.
The BOE and the Council are in close communication!
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Post by admin on Mar 17, 2007 11:03:43 GMT -5
I hope the BOE is aware of the possibility, and prepared to deal with, the various "groups" who may show up...we don't want a repeat where our taxpaying citizens are shut out, or a damaging demonstration and detraction from the purpose of the meeting. I am sure that after the last council meeting, many people are wondering the same things. I have been in contact with the Latino Leadership Alliance and as far as I can tell most people just want to pack the room with ALL of Freehold Borough residents. So far I have heard nothing about any outside agitators from any groups planning on appearing. I hope that outsiders stay out. This will not be the time nor the place for them. This meeting will be a good opportunity for Freehold to be united. We need to deal with our issues internally. While others may be interested in what happens here, they should remain distant. |
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Post by admin on Mar 17, 2007 11:05:02 GMT -5
so far 5 council reps have confirmed they will attend. :)They were also invited to have one rep speak at the introduction. The BOE and the Council are in close communication! very good to hear, thank you for the heads up. And pick a screen name.  |
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Post by admin on Mar 18, 2007 8:26:27 GMT -5
so far 5 council reps have confirmed they will attend. :)They were also invited to have one rep speak at the introduction. The BOE and the Council are in close communication! very good to hear, thank you for the heads up. And pick a screen name. I received an email from Councilman Sims. He did confirm that most of the Council will be there with us. |
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Post by fiberisgoodforyou on Mar 18, 2007 22:41:47 GMT -5
heres a great website I found that seems to have lots of useful information for Tuesday night!
mysite.verizon.net/sos_schools
Looks like a helpful knowledge base
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Post by sonofsilencedogood on Mar 20, 2007 11:21:03 GMT -5
A word of caution to anyone planning on speaking at tonight's Town Hall meeting...
Do not fall into the trap of blaming problems on a certain ethnic group in town. If you wish to comment on the illegal immigrants in town, be sure to use those exact words, "illegal immigrants"...do not get into labeling them based on their particular ethnic background.
The reason I say this is simple...do not give the advocacy groups the ammunition they are looking for to further demonize the people of this town. By using the phrase "illegal immigrant" it does not point towards a specific ethnic group, but rather a group of people who are breaking the law, plain and simple.
The advocacy groups will still scream that we are being racist, but that is when we need to hold fast, and calmly say that we are not directing comments towards an ethnic group, but, again, "illegal immigrants" who are breaking the law.
I hope this subltle message gets across to everyone and we are able to use it to keep those who would detroy this town, at bay.
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Post by Freehold Resident on Mar 20, 2007 14:11:33 GMT -5
Expect the Mayor to attend and say a few words at tonight's meeting, but don't expect individual council members to speak on the platform. I hear they were asked to leave the floor open to the residents so we can maximize the allotted time addressing and hearing from these state reps.
F R
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Post by admin on Mar 20, 2007 14:26:18 GMT -5
A word of caution to anyone planning on speaking at tonight's Town Hall meeting... Do not fall into the trap of blaming problems on a certain ethnic group in town. If you wish to comment on the illegal immigrants in town, be sure to use those exact words, "illegal immigrants"...do not get into labeling them based on their particular ethnic background. The reason I say this is simple...do not give the advocacy groups the ammunition they are looking for to further demonize the people of this town. By using the phrase "illegal immigrant" it does not point towards a specific ethnic group, but rather a group of people who are breaking the law, plain and simple. The advocacy groups will still scream that we are being racist, but that is when we need to hold fast, and calmly say that we are not directing comments towards an ethnic group, but, again, "illegal immigrants" who are breaking the law. I hope this subtle message gets across to everyone and we are able to use it to keep those who would destroy this town, at bay. I would go a few steps further and not even mention illegal immigration. Everyone, including our elected reps, know that illegal immigration has not been kind to our town, among many others. Tonight needs to be about the education system in New Jersey. It all needs to be challenged from top to bottom. We do need to show a united Freehold. As far as the advocates, forget them. They are not a concern tonight. I only hope that they do help to bring out some more of our town's residents and show the unity we all need. If they fail to do that, they are not an issue. The schools, children and property taxes are tonight's theme. |
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Post by fiberisgoodforyou on Mar 20, 2007 15:06:32 GMT -5
A word of caution to anyone planning on speaking at tonight's Town Hall meeting... Do not fall into the trap of blaming problems on a certain ethnic group in town. If you wish to comment on the illegal immigrants in town, be sure to use those exact words, "illegal immigrants"...do not get into labeling them based on their particular ethnic background. The reason I say this is simple...do not give the advocacy groups the ammunition they are looking for to further demonize the people of this town. By using the phrase "illegal immigrant" it does not point towards a specific ethnic group, but rather a group of people who are breaking the law, plain and simple. The advocacy groups will still scream that we are being racist, but that is when we need to hold fast, and calmly say that we are not directing comments towards an ethnic group, but, again, "illegal immigrants" who are breaking the law. I hope this subltle message gets across to everyone and we are able to use it to keep those who would detroy this town, at bay. This may turn out to be a proud turning point for us all. All I heard about are parents focused on FUNDING, FUNDING, FUNDING, FUNDING. If there is ANY reference to Illegals this will be few if ANY! This is almost a NON issue tonight! Tonight is all about the state of NJ, and unconstitutional school funding! there is lots of good information here... mysite.verizon.net/sos_schools Cheers! |
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Post by richardkelsey on Mar 20, 2007 16:19:22 GMT -5
A word of caution to anyone planning on speaking at tonight's Town Hall meeting... Do not fall into the trap of blaming problems on a certain ethnic group in town. If you wish to comment on the illegal immigrants in town, be sure to use those exact words, "illegal immigrants"...do not get into labeling them based on their particular ethnic background. The reason I say this is simple...do not give the advocacy groups the ammunition they are looking for to further demonize the people of this town. By using the phrase "illegal immigrant" it does not point towards a specific ethnic group, but rather a group of people who are breaking the law, plain and simple. The advocacy groups will still scream that we are being racist, but that is when we need to hold fast, and calmly say that we are not directing comments towards an ethnic group, but, again, "illegal immigrants" who are breaking the law. I hope this subltle message gets across to everyone and we are able to use it to keep those who would detroy this town, at bay. This may turn out to be a proud turning point for us all. All I heard about are parents focused on FUNDING, FUNDING, FUNDING, FUNDING. If there is ANY reference to Illegals this will be few if ANY! This is almost a NON issue tonight! Tonight is all about the state of NJ, and unconstitutional school funding! there is lots of good information here... mysite.verizon.net/sos_schools Cheers! Well -- people who seperate the call for funding from the reason why you need more funding do a disservice to the cause. First and foremost -- many of the purported reps at this meeting are reps that have done nothing to help Freehold with its problem with illegal immigration. Most will parrot the phrase -- "it's a Federal issue." Actually -- school costs related to illegal immigration may be a result of the failure of Federal policy -- but the costs -- and where to find the money -- is a state and local issue. The nexus is important to demonstrate to purported leaders that inaction on their part causes these fiscal problems that will result in the state needing to find more money for this problem. If the Borough had not a single child who was here illegally -- or a child of illegal aliens -- it would not have a funding problem. That is plain and simple. |
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Post by fiberisgoodforyou on Mar 20, 2007 21:40:10 GMT -5
"If the Borough had not a single child who was here illegally -- or a child of illegal aliens -- it would not have a funding problem. That is plain and simple."
True, and here lies the problem, the Feds, under the constitution, requires we provide an education for EVERY child, regardless of their residency status, , we still need to fund education per the US Constitution,
however... the pervasive level in which FB has been assaulted by the steady influx if Illegal Aliens, due to federal inaction, the STATE of NJ and the NJ Department of Education need to work out an arrangement for the federal government to reimburse us, or these agencies need to SUE the federal government for allowing this situation to fester.
In my opinion!~
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