|
|
Post by momsthoughts on Apr 13, 2009 8:27:43 GMT -5
|
|
adefonzo
Junior Member
If I can see further than some, it's because I have stood on the shoulders of giants
Posts: 308
|
Post by adefonzo on Apr 13, 2009 11:33:09 GMT -5
I've been reading this thread with a bit of interest over the last several days, and I figure I might as well finally chime in... I don't begrudge anyone their right to feel down right angry (would use other words, but the censor would bleep them out) about what transpired regarding Mr Wasser, but there are a lot of things that the public does not understand about the operations of school boards. Now...let me make this absolutely clear...I have no "inside knowledge" about what happened with regard to Mr Wasser and the Regional Board's actions after the incident arose. I do not speak for the board, or for the BOE that I happen to serve on. I just want to present some facts that often get left out when the public gets worked up over an incident involving the schools. First of all, there is no way Bunny Hammer or any other board member can come on here to discuss the matter. There are very specific laws in place that absolutely forbid discussing matters regarding staff without first taking several steps to notify them and allow them the opportunity to present their own defense. To be even more frank, these same laws prevent a BOE from even discussing a staff member in an executive session without giving them proper notice...so there is absolutely no way to discuss it in a public forum. Next, as an outsider looking in, while the idea of the unaccredited degree leaves a bitter taste in my mouth as a resident here in the Boro, we have to also look at the flip side, and the legal ramifications that may have come about if the BOE tried to get rid of Mr Wasser. In an article in the News Transcript, newstranscript.gmnews.com/news/2008/0806/front_page/002.html , it states that "Wasser's contract also does not specify that a degree obtained must come from a federally accredited school." So let's imagine that the Board fired Mr Wasser. He then has - I believe - every right to sue the district for breach of contract (I will have to defer to our resident legal experts to weigh in on this, but I believe that would be his case). That type of case would likely cost the district a great deal of money in legal fees, not to mention what the costs might be if a settlement decided that Mr Wasser was correct. Now...I'm not saying one way or another that the board made the right choice or the wrong one...as I said, I don't have inside information as to what exactly was going on. I am merely saying that it's not as simple as it may appear to the public. Look...through all this babble, I am basically trying to say that there is a lot more that is probably going into this situation that we as the general public are not privy to. I realize that many folks are angry over this...admittedly, I am one of them. But that doesn't necessarily mean that the board has not done all they can legally do in this case. Momsthoughts...it's clear that you are drumming up support to vote out all of the incumbents...and that's absolutely your right to do so. I just wanted to present some other thoughts on here to try and defend the board members, if only just a little bit. |
|
|
|
Post by momsthoughts on Apr 13, 2009 12:42:42 GMT -5
You certainly raise good points. And you are right. sort of. Here are my "arguments" to two of the most significant points raised: 1. His contract allows for him to get a degree from any where. Ok, sure he can get a degree from pottery school - doesn't mean the tax payers have to pay for it. It also wouldn't qualify him for a raise. The state has laws in place that supercede the language in his contract (law over rules omissions in his contract) He can get the degree - he just doesn't have to do it at tax payers expense and take a raise for it. Nor is he allowed under law to amend his name with Dr. or Ed.D from a non-accredited school. 2) As for firing him - the state made it clear that their hands were tied - it was up to the Board of Education to bring Tenure Charges to the state. They all but invited them to do the office to do so. This is a perfectly reasonable response from the board. Had the state found he was in violation of tenure - it would void his contract. THE BOE chose not to bring TENURE Charges. They did not pursue any avenue to correct or explain this non-sense. What they did do was everything in their power to cover it up and try to make it go away. That is not representing the people - that is protecting Wasser. (personally, even if it cost the district money to break his contract - in my book it would have been money well spent) He is leading the largest school district in the state of NJ - without morals. He would have you believe he didn't know the online "GET A DOCTORATE FOR $2900" school was not accredited. He didn't know?  He is responsible for seeing to it that our schools are accredited. As the leader of the largest school district in the state - he could arguably be considered the STATE'S EXPERT on accreditation. But he would have you believe he didn't know Breyer State was not accredited? (even though it says so on their website) He is either the stupidest supt ever or he is a fraud. We dont need him, we don't want him, we deserve better. We deserve a board who will be responsive to the people they represent. This board has actually said "We don't answer to you"....oh yes, they FORGOT they do!!! It is time for new people. People who want to look out for the communities interest. People who don't have relatives in the district who have to support Wasser or lose their income. We need a fresh start. This board shares the blame for this mess. They all have to go. IMHO  |
|
|
|
Post by admin on Apr 13, 2009 15:43:17 GMT -5
Andrew and Mom, that is some good back and forth betwen the two of you. Both make some great points and provide interesting reading.
Anyway, I am seeing more and more Hershey signs around town, no Hammer ones yet.
|
|
|
|
Post by momsthoughts on Apr 13, 2009 17:59:12 GMT -5
Brian! I have to say, I find the folks on this board to be VERY intelligent and well informed. Not that I always agree with everyone - but a lively, informed debate is always a great way to share view points and to learn. I respect the passion, restraint and manners every one employs here!
Thanks!
|
|
|
|
Post by momsthoughts on Apr 13, 2009 18:02:34 GMT -5
As for the election, I really in my heart of heart think it is time for a change. Perhaps the lack of signs is a resignation on Ms. Hammer's part that her time to serve is coming to an end? ? I have to say on a personal note - I would love to hear Mr. Moses band - do they still play? Perhaps they will play at a victory party! (what can I say? I love live music.....) |
|
|
|
Post by admin on Apr 14, 2009 11:03:43 GMT -5
Brian -- "Hershey" signs? Not sure Nestle would be pleased! Ha ha. Funny how one typo can open up a whole new world of laughter. For example, I recently bought a new crockpot and my best bud Julie emailed me about it...inadvertently missing one crucial letter and giving me a whole new Bawdy Euphemism! Very funny. Typos can be fun. ;D Back to the thread -- I have a gut instinct that Mr. Moses will win by a large margin. He is so widely liked and respected, deservedly so. He is a man of profound honor and benevolence. I don't know about that. This goes to the question why we don't see Hammer signs all over as well. Maybe she doesn't need to advertise. Moses may be well liked but it all comes down to how much people are paying attention to the issues and what they think of those issues. . The one thing Hammer has in her favor is that she is an incumbent. In this town that is a massive advantage. |
|
adefonzo
Junior Member
If I can see further than some, it's because I have stood on the shoulders of giants
Posts: 308
|
Post by adefonzo on Apr 14, 2009 11:23:01 GMT -5
Back to the thread -- I have a gut instinct that Mr. Moses will win by a large margin. He is so widely liked and respected, deservedly so. He is a man of profound honor and benevolence. I have to agree with Brian on this. The first thing we have to remember, and I am certainly speaking from first hand knowledge, is that turnout for school elections are traditionally abysmal. Not "low"...abysmal. Of course, this could work either way. If a few more folks are motivated to come out and vote for Mr Chocolate bar (forgive my "Casual Reader" moment), he could very well pull it off. Or, it could be that "everyone's talking" and no one shows up - which is typically the case - and will possibly help Bunny Hammer get re-elected. I won't discuss here who I would vote for, nor will I praise or disparage either candidate...as quite honestly, I don't know how ethical that would be considering I am a BOE member myself (in my "other life"). Rather, I would just encourage everyone to actually show up and vote...let the people decide (as it was meant to be) |
|
|
|
Post by momsthoughts on Apr 14, 2009 18:47:45 GMT -5
I agree -- the most important thing people have to do next Tuesday is VOTE! So, I would urge everyone to take a moment and email your friends and neighbors and just remind them to vote - or better yet - make it an outing! pick up your neighbors and drive over together. It is really important this year. THANKS |
|
