leelye
Junior Member
Posts: 150
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Post by leelye on Apr 16, 2008 6:46:52 GMT -5
Apparently you don't even have to be a resident of the Borough to attend this either !!
newstranscript.gmnews.com/news/2008/0416/Front_Page/028.htmlCitizens get inside look at K-8 school district BY CLARE MARIE CELANO Staff Writer FREEHOLD - You don't have to be a graduating eighth-grader to earn a diploma in the Freehold Borough K-8 School District.
Agroup of volunteers who attended the school district's first Citizens Academy were each presented with a diploma in recognition of their "graduation" from a six-session course that taught them how the district operates. The presentation took place at the April 7 meeting of the Board of Education. Superintendent of Schools Elizabeth O'Connell noted that one of her goals for the district is to improve communication with the community. She said 17 people attended weekly two-hour instructional sessions in February and March and learned how the district operates. The program shed light on topics such as state mandates, the school budget, curriculum, district initiatives, long-range plans, the functional capacity of schools, enrollment, the Freehold Borough Educational Foundation grants, professional development and the No Child Left Behind Act. O'Connell said she was pleased and impressed with the commitment that each of the 17 volunteers agreed to make. "It's not easy to give up six evenings and attend a two-hour session each week. I give them a lot of credit," she said. The superintendent said she received a great deal of positive feedback from those who attended the program. "They said they learned a great deal about many things they were not aware of," O'Connell said. Brian Sullivan, who took the course, said it was a great learning experience. He said he believes he was unique in the group because he is not a parent or a staff member. "The only exposure I had to the school district previously was to see my tax bill," he said. "The schools are the foundation of a community and I think they are the most important thing. Our kids are our future. I think it's important for people, especially those like me who don't have children, to know what's going on in the school district." Borough Councilman George Schnurr also attended the program. He said that since taking his seat on the Borough Council, he has focused on making an assessment of every borough department in an effort to learn "what they do on an everyday basis and to get their view of what they need." Schnurr said learning more about the school district fit right into his plan. "I was trying to find a way to look under the hood of the school system, so to speak. I had questions for every other borough department, but where the school district was concerned I didn't really know what questions I needed to ask. So I jumped on the opportunity to learn how the schools operate from A to Z," he said. "I was surprised to learn what the special education services entail," Schnurr said. "They (the board members) don't really have a choice as to how they spend much of the budget funds. They have to follow so many regulations." He noted that the school district is highly regulated, much more so than the town's governing body. Schnurr said the district has a variety of after-school activities and programs for children to participate in during what he called the second half of the school day. "I was really impressed by the level of commitment shown by all the administrative staff, the principals and the teachers," Schnurr said. "It left me with a good feeling to know that the students of Freehold Borough are so well taken care of. The level of genuine concern and attention to detail was more than I expected." The graduates of the CitizensAcademy are Brian Sullivan, George Schnurr, Jackie Daesener, Autumn Nonnemacher, Kevin Tennant, Mike D'Antonio, Melissa Lawlor, Gene Dougherty, Ted Miller, Linda Lichardi, Yeni Cardenas, Jeanne Vigeant, Liz Clanc, Tammi Verni and Jillian Lazaro. The instructors were Superintendent of Schools Elizabeth O'Connell, Business Administrator Veronica Wolf, Director of Curriculum Ronnie Dougherty, Freehold Intermediate School Principal Nelson Ribon and staff members Janet Morales, Pat Rizzo, Jermaine Moore and Tom Tramaglini.
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Post by admin on Apr 16, 2008 7:42:39 GMT -5
Leelye wrote:
Apparently you don't even have to be a resident of the Borough to attend this either !!
I see that you highlighted Yeni Cardenas. She acts as a translator for the schools. I do not know if she is paid or volunteer. Remember, over fifty percent of our school population is children born to immigrant parents.
There was also a teacher who lives in the township who attended the academy.
I am also trying to be good and not send this thread south, but reread the article and do some homework. You will find more things of interest.
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Post by novillero on Apr 16, 2008 13:21:36 GMT -5
Would you happen to mean that there are other people on this committee that have ties to Casa Freehold?
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Post by admin on Apr 16, 2008 13:27:49 GMT -5
Would you happen to mean that there are other people on this committee that have ties to Casa Freehold? Remember, this was not a committee, but a group of concerned people who care about this town and took the time to attend this very good program. We were taught by high profile employees of the school. I believe that Yeni was there to act as translator in case any people who do not speak American attended. None did. I will admit, I am surprised because our schools have extensive resources for children who are English deficient. |
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Post by richardkelsey on Apr 16, 2008 13:38:23 GMT -5
This quote made me smile:
This reminds of the work done by the Citizens advisory Committee on Schools on which I had the privilege to serve in 1995-96. (That was when we first expanded the schools to address the "surprise" up-tick in student population.)
That committee spent most of its first few sessions learning all the solutions it could not recommend thanks to state mandates and regulations. It really made one wonder for what purpose NJ has so-called "local control." In reality, School Boards and administrators have little, if any, control, thanks to mandates and unions.
The real sock in the eye of course, is that as voters, your votes have no meaning. Think about that -- you participate in a sham election whereby your will is always over-turned. That too might explain some of the apathy discussed on the other thread.
It is great that people get involved -- so I won't deride the program or participation in it -- particularly since I did not participate. It sounds, as described, a little bit like an opportunity to spin the lack of control and to educate people into the current failing system for rationing state education. Alas -- that is a cynical view and apologize for the knee-jerk reaction -- but that's how this story reads.
I am sure, as always, good intentions prevail.
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Post by novillero on Apr 16, 2008 15:00:59 GMT -5
Would you happen to mean that there are other people on this committee that have ties to Casa Freehold? Remember, this was not a committee, but a group of concerned people who care about this town and took the time to attend this very good program. We were taught by high profile employees of the school. I believe that Yeni was there to act as translator in case any people who do not speak American attended. None did. I will admit, I am surprised because our schools have extensive resources for children who are English deficient. Ms. Cardenas was there to act as a translator??? What, in case Janet Morales, the liaison to the latino community (a publicly paid position) and an Borough ESL teacher couldn't speak spanish??? No.... I do not think that is why Ms. Cardenas (a resident of Freehold Township) was there... |
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Post by novillero on Apr 16, 2008 15:04:28 GMT -5
I find the comments about alleged illegal immigrants attending the Citizens Academy, well, rather funny. By Jove!!! Did you think that non-citizens were going to attend something called the "citizen's academy"  |
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Post by admin on Apr 16, 2008 15:06:24 GMT -5
This quote made me smile: This reminds of the work done by the Citizens advisory Committee on Schools on which I had the privilege to serve in 1995-96. (That was when we first expanded the schools to address the "surprise" up-tick in student population.) That committee spent most of its first few sessions learning all the solutions it could not recommend thanks to state mandates and regulations. It really made one wonder for what purpose NJ has so-called "local control." In reality, School Boards and administrators have little, if any, control, thanks to mandates and unions. The real sock in the eye of course, is that as voters, your votes have no meaning. Think about that -- you participate in a sham election whereby your will is always over-turned. That too might explain some of the apathy discussed on the other thread. It is great that people get involved -- so I won't deride the program or participation in it -- particularly since I did not participate. It sounds, as described, a little bit like an opportunity to spin the lack of control and to educate people into the current failing system for rationing state education. Alas -- that is a cynical view and apologize for the knee-jerk reaction -- but that's how this story reads. I am sure, as always, good intentions prevail. Rich, Your post is pretty good in summing up things. When you mention about mandates, unions and the little real control that the BOE has, it is a real eye opener. That survey the schools conducted last year showed that many people are very concerned about those things. The program was a real eye opener and something worth taking the time to go to. How many times have we had Andrew come onto this site and correct errant information? People need to know what obstacles the schools face. They also need to see all of the good in the schools. This program covered both very well. I understand the schools may do something like this again and I hope they do. |
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Post by quidproquo on Apr 17, 2008 7:34:43 GMT -5
What would you cut from the budget? Cut the Citizen's Academy from the budget and buy needed books. Then send a letter home to parents stating how their tax dollars are needed to replace even more out dated books in order to keep up with the new curriculum.
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Post by quidproquo on Apr 17, 2008 7:37:34 GMT -5
Apparently you don't even have to be a resident of the Borough to attend this either !!
newstranscript.gmnews.com/news/2008/0416/Front_Page/028.htmlCitizens get inside look at K-8 school district BY CLARE MARIE CELANO Staff Writer FREEHOLD - You don't have to be a graduating eighth-grader to earn a diploma in the Freehold Borough K-8 School District.
This opening line is pathetic FREEHOLD - You don't have to be a graduating eighth-grader to earn a diploma in the Freehold Borough K-8 School District. |
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Post by lisas84 on Apr 17, 2008 7:45:20 GMT -5
Quidproquo: No, that line is not pathetic. It's creative writing. The intent is to capture the readers' attention and to underscore the concept of the Citizen's Academy.
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Post by novillero on Apr 17, 2008 7:54:04 GMT -5
I think the question by WLisa is a good one for Brian and anyone else that attended this workshop...
after this experience, did you learn of anything that you would cut from the budget?
Also, what about quidproquo's comments about (1) outdated books? and (2) did we just spend taxpayer money to educate Brian??? if so, did that money come from the school budget???
Brian, what is the return on our investment on you? What did you learn about the school system (and can you comment honestly or will you couch your comments?)
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Post by quidproquo on Apr 17, 2008 7:57:20 GMT -5
Quidproquo: No, that line is not pathetic. It's creative writing. The intent is to capture the readers' attention and to underscore the concept of the Citizen's Academy. Thats your opinion, I expected "BY George Bush Staff Writer" after reading the ice breaker opening line “Our enemies are innovative and resourceful, and so are we,” Bush said. “They never stop thinking about new ways to harm our country and our people, and neither do we.” |
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Post by lisas84 on Apr 17, 2008 8:03:24 GMT -5
Quidproquo: Yes, to a degree. But I am also a professional writer and editor for nearly 23 years, so my statement was an observation based on my experience. The lead sentence or paragraph that is successful draws the reader into the article, and captivates attention. This is often the most challenging component for writers. There are times when I sit and agonize for what seems an interminable time trying to nail the Perfect Lead.
I'm a bit off topic but I wanted to give you more about why I wrote my original post above.
Why don't you share why you read that as pathetic? I would enjoy your insight. Also, I may be daft but I cannot seem to make the connection between George Bush's quote and the opening line of the article by Clare Celano. Please enlighten me.
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Post by richardkelsey on Apr 17, 2008 10:52:35 GMT -5
Apparently you don't even have to be a resident of the Borough to attend this either !!
newstranscript.gmnews.com/news/2008/0416/Front_Page/028.htmlCitizens get inside look at K-8 school district BY CLARE MARIE CELANO Staff Writer FREEHOLD - You don't have to be a graduating eighth-grader to earn a diploma in the Freehold Borough K-8 School District.
This opening line is pathetic FREEHOLD - You don't have to be a graduating eighth-grader to earn a diploma in the Freehold Borough K-8 School District.I don't know if it would have been creative -- but true and provacative might have been: "You don't have to be a citizen of the United States to earn a diploma in the Freehold Borough K-8 School District." |
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Post by admin on Apr 17, 2008 16:42:09 GMT -5
Brian. Now that you went to the Citizen's Academy and are informed about how the school system operates. What would you cut from the budget? I am certainly no pro at schools and how they work, but the academy provided a much better understanding of many aspects of the public education system. There was a lot of information that was very new to me, some of it may have be Greek for all I know. The academy tried to get as much info to us, but we only scratched the surface on some issues. When I read your post, Lisa54, I had to smile. It reminded me of the first night. At the end of the class School superintendent Elizabeth O'Connell passed out a budget exercise to all of us. AS she handed it out she had a big smile on her face. The exercise was based on the real school budget dealing with staffing. I think she was smiling because it was time for us to put up or shut up. What could we do? We broke into teams and were given a budget, mandates, and a list of needed staff for the school. Within that budget we had to hire some positions. With other positions we were required to hire an aid if we hired the position. To say the least, it was an interesting exercise. The teams of course had a time limit, so the brainstorming was quick. Personally, I had my own plan, but I am a team player so I kept quiet because it was only an exercise. All the teams tried to max out their budget. I would have hired the mandates and given the rest of the budget to the tax payers as a rebate. ;D My own views aside, it is clear from attending the citizens academy that the school BOE has little wiggle room in what they can do. A good portion of the CA was geared toward mandates and regulation. The topic of public vs. private schools came up. St Rose being the example. The question raised was are all of these mandates and regulations good when the jack the costs up so much? I think most people know where I stand. The one question I never asked and should have, is what would the BOE do if they could do anything they want besides raise our taxes? What compliance and mandates would they get rid of? besides more money, what would they do to ease their burdens? |
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Post by admin on Apr 17, 2008 17:07:45 GMT -5
Response to Novillero:
I think the question by WLisa is a good one for Brian and anyone else that attended this workshop...
after this experience, did you learn of anything that you would cut from the budget?
I think we learned more about how hard it is to cut a budget. I mentioned the exercise we did, and that only scratched the surface. To really cut any budget you have to have the entire thing in front of you.
Also, what about quidproquo's comments about (1) outdated books? and (2) did we just spend taxpayer money to educate Brian??? if so, did that money come from the school budget???
Like I mentioned in another thread, I believe this program was paid for by a grant. I could be wrong.
Brian, what is the return on our investment on you? What did you learn about the school system (and can you comment honestly or will you couch your comments?)
My seat on the CIC is where I hope to have a return on the investment of my time attending CA. Even as a voter, it is great to educate the general public. People do get misconceptions about things or have errant information. The BOE is to be applauded for this effort. Remember, they were there late with us instead of being home with their families and friends. That is dedication.
Getting back to CIC, we are trying to promote the positives in this town. Knowing about the very good things in our schools is very valuable. There is a far worse perception of our schools than what we deserve. I understand that much better now.
One of the other things I considered valuable was understanding that the BOE is not an authority, but more of an oversight to make sure things are running smooth. There is no question in my mind that the problems we face are far more because of the state than anything local.
Anybody who reads this site knows that I am a harsh critic of public education in general. Attending the academy has not softened me one bit. What it has done is make me understand the system and both the strengths and weaknesses that are found.
I will end this post on a somewhat off topic note. This past week a met a mother whose kids went to Millstone. That is a really nice community with oddles and oddles of money. ( Compared to us)
We got to talking about schools. I was listening to her and she sounded just like many of the people here in FB. They have had issues with growing enrollment and flat funding just like us. This conversation was one that I have heard around town many times. The moral, we are not alone in our problems here and barring the impact of illegal immigration, we are no different than most other towns. One interesting fact about Millstone, they are also recipients of the twenty first century program that our school has. Not many places have that really good program.
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