dfx
Junior Member
Posts: 221
|
Post by dfx on Aug 9, 2010 7:59:21 GMT -5
As I announced several weeks ago, I have resigned my position as the Chair of the Freehold Borough School District Community Relations Committee over "philosophical" differences. However I am still an elected member of the Freehold Borough Board of Education who's accountable to each of you and continue to believe that one of my duties is to represent concerns of Borough residents. I also believe that it's the responsibility of all school board members to actively solicit public feedback on a frequent basis about our schools. (Some of you may have even received one of the hundreds of hand-delivered letters I've distributed to homes throughout the Borough last October, last April, and even this past Sunday.) The reason for this communication is to again solicit resident feedback about our schools.
I know there are many misconceptions about our school district and during my past year on the Board of Education I've heard all kinds of unsubstantiated rumors – such as classes being taught in half-English/half-Spanish, an active discouragement of parental involvement, a passive attitude in checking student's residential status, rampant financial waste, etc. (Though I've found it interesting that none of these rumors come from people whose children actually attend the schools, but that fact matters little in gossip circles.) But I've also had the pleasure of being on the receiving end of calls from residents who've actually visited one of our schools and had their initial impressions of our district turned on its ear. Now I'm certainly not saying that our district doesn't have its share of problems – far from it. We do not receive our fair allocation of state funding and our growing student population is a constant concern. Nevertheless I would estimate that about 85% of our issues stem from poor public relations and ineffectually addressing some of the wildly inaccurate rumors about our good schools.
So it is against this backdrop that I am once again reaching out to everyone. I can't promise that I will be able to answer/address all of your concerns, but as your elected representative to the Board of Education I do promise to always listen and voice your concerns.
Thank you,
Daniel Xavier
danielx@freeholdboro.k12.nj.us
|
|
|
|
Post by Mike Rosseel on Aug 9, 2010 8:39:06 GMT -5
Dan,
I have to disagree with 85% of the issues stem from poor public relations and inaccurate rumors. I have done some research resently when looking into sending my soon to be step child to Boro Schools. Maybe you can shed some light on the following questions/concerns..
1. The state rankings and test results can't lie. Our grammar schools rank very low with certain subjects scores alarming low? What is the answer for this? How can't this be accurate?
2. You claim the half english half spanish isnt true...is it really not true?? I have spoke with children from Park Ave and the Learning Center, both have told be of long periods of waiting after work is complete due to some students lack of comprehension of the english language. One student even pointed out the teachers make them after there work is finished go around to other students that have English issues and help them? These children are losing valuable time in class that should be used for learning not teaching. Most of these children used the term BORED in school because the learning pace is so slow. They speak of a lack of interest due to having to wait for other students due to language issues. Is that fair for these children, why are they getting the short end of the stick because they speak English.
3. I think many people feel our BOE in town needs to understand these issues, and not be so defensive about them. We have issues Dan, period, instead of trying to stop rumors why aren't the issues being corrected?
Dan this is in no way a shot at you, I know first hand how dedicated you are. Its simply a fact that our students and there test results show, there are certainly issues in our classrooms. Whats being done to better there learning experience?
|
|
dfx
Junior Member
Posts: 221
|
Post by dfx on Aug 9, 2010 9:29:41 GMT -5
Mike -
Please send me an e-mail to my school board account with more details pertaining to your first two concerns and I will look into the matter ASAP. (The more detailed/specific the information, the quicker/faster I can get back to you.)
dfx
PS. I will not be in attendance at next Monday's 7pm BoE meeting as I will be on vacation with the family, so there might be a delay in my response.
|
|
BrianSullivan
Full Member
Good ideas never cross burned bridges. Practice unity in our community
Posts: 1,041
|
Post by BrianSullivan on Aug 10, 2010 15:49:41 GMT -5
Dan,
I was one of the recipients of your recent door to door letter. I had plans on posting about it to say one basic thing to you- good job.
It is something I respect when I see somebody going that extra step as you have done. Keep it up and do not let anyone tell you otherwise.
As for the rest of you posts here, I like your tone. You are absolutely correct in dealing with rumors and misconceptions people have. Please just remember, people will opine based on what facts they have. That is why it is so important for elected officials to be as open, honest and accessible as possible.
I also agree with the very real need to get positives things out in the public arena. One "rumor" I have heard time and time again from parents is that the teachers and staff are great and the education is really good in the schools.
Your letter did highlight positives and that is good.
|
|
acj
Novice
Posts: 2
|
Post by acj on Aug 11, 2010 13:25:57 GMT -5
Mike
I need to address some of your concerns.
You say, “The state rankings and test results can’t lie.’’Only looking at the overall test scores will take into consideration all the facts.
In the past we have struggled with results of subgroups, especially our students that fall in the socially disadvantaged group, and other districts have similar challenges. However when you take a deep dive into the rest of the scores you'll see that we excel in many groups and exceed some surrounding districts. The 2009-10 test scores will be presented to the public at an upcoming BOE meeting. We welcome questions and feedback from the community. I will post the date and time on this site.
2. You also say, “You claim the half english half spanish isnt true...is it really not true?? I have spoke with children from Park Ave and the Learning Center, both have told be of long periods of waiting after work is complete due to some students lack of comprehension of the english language. One student even pointed out the teachers make them after there work is finished go around to other students that have English issues and help them? These children are losing valuable time in class that should be used for learning not teaching. Most of these children used the term BORED in school because the learning pace is so slow. They speak of a lack of interest due to having to wait for other students due to language issues. Is that fair for these children, why are they getting the short end of the stick because they speak English.’’
Mike please reach out to the building principals or Superintendent Liz O'Connell. They will disspell any rumors you are hearing about what goes on in the classroom. In addition they will give you and your wife a tour of the school(s) and answer any questions you have. To echo Dan's response when he said: "But I've also had the pleasure of being on the receiving end of calls from residents who've actually visited one of our schools and had their initial impressions of our district turned on its ear." I too have experienced the same. At Park Ave please give Joe Jerabek a call at 732-761-2124 or email him at joej@freeholdboro.k12.nj.us. At the Freehold Learning Center Ronnie Dougherty at 732-761-2239 or email ronnied@freeholdboro.k12.nj.us and at Freehold Intermediate Nelson Ribon at 732-761-2156 or email. I recommend taking a tour of all three schools -- a wonderful experience.
Liz can be reached at 732-761-2102.
I'm also available to talk as well. My contact info annettej@freeholdboro.12.nj.us or give me a call at 732-618-8441. I'll buy the coffee.
3. Mike you also say, “”(I) think many people feel our BOE in town needs to understand these issues, and not be so defensive about them. We have issues Dan, period, instead of trying to stop rumors why aren't the issues being corrected?’’
Every organization needs effective communications. Mike I hope by responding to you and providing you with the correct contacts that we are taking steps to disspell the rumors. As a member of the BOE I'm not defensive but rather frustrated. The BOE makes an effort to provide as much information as possible to our stakeholders. However we can always improve existing communications and add more. At the Aug. 30 BOE meeting the Community Relations Committee will present enhancements to current outreach. I hope to see you at the meeting.
Annette Jordan
President
Freehold Borough Board of Education
|
|
|
|
Post by Mike Rosseel on Aug 11, 2010 13:55:20 GMT -5
Mike I need to address some of your concerns. You say, “The state rankings and test results can’t lie.’’Only looking at the overall test scores will take into consideration all the facts. In the past we have struggled with results of subgroups, especially our students that fall in the socially disadvantaged group, and other districts have similar challenges. However when you take a deep dive into the rest of the scores you'll see that we excel in many groups and exceed some surrounding districts. The 2009-10 test scores will be presented to the public at an upcoming BOE meeting. We welcome questions and feedback from the community. I will post the date and time on this site. 2. You also say, “You claim the half english half spanish isnt true...is it really not true?? I have spoke with children from Park Ave and the Learning Center, both have told be of long periods of waiting after work is complete due to some students lack of comprehension of the english language. One student even pointed out the teachers make them after there work is finished go around to other students that have English issues and help them? These children are losing valuable time in class that should be used for learning not teaching. Most of these children used the term BORED in school because the learning pace is so slow. They speak of a lack of interest due to having to wait for other students due to language issues. Is that fair for these children, why are they getting the short end of the stick because they speak English.’’Mike please reach out to the building principals or Superintendent Liz O'Connell. They will disspell any rumors you are hearing about what goes on in the classroom. In addition they will give you and your wife a tour of the school(s) and answer any questions you have. To echo Dan's response when he said: "But I've also had the pleasure of being on the receiving end of calls from residents who've actually visited one of our schools and had their initial impressions of our district turned on its ear." I too have experienced the same. At Park Ave please give Joe Jerabek a call at 732-761-2124 or email him at joej@freeholdboro.k12.nj.us. At the Freehold Learning Center Ronnie Dougherty at 732-761-2239 or email ronnied@freeholdboro.k12.nj.us and at Freehold Intermediate Nelson Ribon at 732-761-2156 or email. I recommend taking a tour of all three schools -- a wonderful experience. Liz can be reached at 732-761-2102. I'm also available to talk as well. My contact info annettej@freeholdboro.12.nj.us or give me a call at 732-618-8441. I'll buy the coffee. 3. Mike you also say, “”(I) think many people feel our BOE in town needs to understand these issues, and not be so defensive about them. We have issues Dan, period, instead of trying to stop rumors why aren't the issues being corrected?’’Every organization needs effective communications. Mike I hope by responding to you and providing you with the correct contacts that we are taking steps to disspell the rumors. As a member of the BOE I'm not defensive but rather frustrated. The BOE makes an effort to provide as much information as possible to our stakeholders. However we can always improve existing communications and add more. At the Aug. 30 BOE meeting the Community Relations Committee will present enhancements to current outreach. I hope to see you at the meeting. Annette Jordan President Freehold Borough Board of Education Mrs Jordan, how about these; 1.The Freehold Borough School District has 19 students for every full-time equivalent teacher, with the NJ state average being 11 students per full-time equivalent teacher. (education.com) 2. 3rd grade State average for math is 75% we scored 56% Source: NJ Dept. of Education, 2008-2009 We actually scored below in 3rd thru 8th 3. Language Arts Literacy we scored below state average by a considerable amount in all grades 3rd thru 8 NJ Dept. of Education, 2008-2009 4. Science scored below state average in all grades 3rd thru 8th NJ Dept. of Education, 2008-2009 5. Our school district recieved a 2 out of 10 from great schools .com These are a few examples. I am not saying I could do anything better because I sure couldnt, just curious to whats being done to improve our test results? |
|
acj
Novice
Posts: 2
|
Post by acj on Aug 11, 2010 17:17:36 GMT -5
Mike
We can go round and round debating what is posted on line or we can sit and talk facts about the district. As I mentioned in my post there is more to the raw numbers. You have my number as well as the contact inforamtion for our district admin team. Again looking forward to talking with you.
|
|
|
|
Post by lisas84 on Aug 11, 2010 18:13:56 GMT -5
Annette, thank you so much for the work you do and your devotion. And for taking the time to post here. It is good people like all of you: Dan, Mike and you, who accomplish, because of your devotion and willingness to ask questions, to listen, to dialog, to collaborate for the ultimate common good.
I've been often accused of wearing "rose colored glasses" because simply, I believe in the human spirit, the will of good people, will prevail. This particular road may be long, arduous, but I like to believe you all will prevail, make a positive difference.
|
|
|
|
Post by Mike Rosseel on Aug 11, 2010 19:29:30 GMT -5
Mike We can go round and round debating what is posted on line or we can sit and talk facts about the district. As I mentioned in my post there is more to the raw numbers. You have my number as well as the contact inforamtion for our district admin team. Again looking forward to talking with you. Those results are from the state, how can they not be accurate? I mean no disrespect to you, like I said, I certainly couldnt do anything better. With that being said, why would't the facts be the numbers? Dont the numbers reflect whats happening in the classroom? Maybe Im wrong but it seems that way to me! |
|
BrianSullivan
Full Member
Good ideas never cross burned bridges. Practice unity in our community
Posts: 1,041
|
Post by BrianSullivan on Aug 12, 2010 4:56:29 GMT -5
Mike We can go round and round debating what is posted on line or we can sit and talk facts about the district. As I mentioned in my post there is more to the raw numbers. You have my number as well as the contact inforamtion for our district admin team. Again looking forward to talking with you. Those results are from the state, how can they not be accurate? I mean no disrespect to you, like I said, I certainly couldnt do anything better. With that being said, why would't the facts be the numbers? Dont the numbers reflect whats happening in the classroom? Maybe Im wrong but it seems that way to me! Mike, I am going to back up Annette here, I have written many times that numbers and stats do not always show the entire picture, be it studies, polls, statistics etc. I always view those type of things as a part of the puzzle, but never the complete picture. If the schools do the citizen academy again, do yourself a favor and sign up. It is well done and worth the time. |
|
BrianSullivan
Full Member
Good ideas never cross burned bridges. Practice unity in our community
Posts: 1,041
|
Post by BrianSullivan on Aug 12, 2010 4:58:45 GMT -5
Mike We can go round and round debating what is posted on line or we can sit and talk facts about the district. As I mentioned in my post there is more to the raw numbers. You have my number as well as the contact inforamtion for our district admin team. Again looking forward to talking with you. Annette, I want to echo Lisa and thank you for taking the time to post here. Both you and Dan are very informative and helpful. While I have no reasonable expectation that elected officials will come to any web site do debate or get into heavy back and forth, it is really good to see you reaching out and putting much needed info out there. |
|
|
|
Post by Mike Rosseel on Aug 12, 2010 5:55:40 GMT -5
Those results are from the state, how can they not be accurate? I mean no disrespect to you, like I said, I certainly couldnt do anything better. With that being said, why would't the facts be the numbers? Dont the numbers reflect whats happening in the classroom? Maybe Im wrong but it seems that way to me! Mike, I am going to back up Annette here, I have written many times that numbers and stats do not always show the entire picture, be it studies, polls, statistics etc. I always view those type of things as a part of the puzzle, but never the complete picture. If the schools do the citizen academy again, do yourself a favor and sign up. It is well done and worth the time. Im very confused and need someone to clarify this for me. The NJ Dept. of Education has test and averages, we are very much below the average set and that isn't telling a story? Our district is ranked 2 out of 10, no story? All reports show a heavy math deficiency no story? Like I have said, Im not here saying these people are doing a horrible job and I would be better because that isnt a fact. Im sure there all working hard but if theres a standard issued by the state and were way below, I just don't get how that can be deemed acceptable and not an issue. Why does the state do the testing and have certain levels if they mean nothing? Why did Brett Schundler make a special trip to our town? Am i missing something? |
|
BrianSullivan
Full Member
Good ideas never cross burned bridges. Practice unity in our community
Posts: 1,041
|
Post by BrianSullivan on Aug 12, 2010 15:54:49 GMT -5
Mike, I am going to back up Annette here, I have written many times that numbers and stats do not always show the entire picture, be it studies, polls, statistics etc. I always view those type of things as a part of the puzzle, but never the complete picture. If the schools do the citizen academy again, do yourself a favor and sign up. It is well done and worth the time. Im very confused and need someone to clarify this for me. The NJ Dept. of Education has test and averages, we are very much below the average set and that isn't telling a story? Our district is ranked 2 out of 10, no story? All reports show a heavy math deficiency no story? Like I have said, Im not here saying these people are doing a horrible job and I would be better because that isnt a fact. Im sure there all working hard but if theres a standard issued by the state and were way below, I just don't get how that can be deemed acceptable and not an issue. Why does the state do the testing and have certain levels if they mean nothing? Why did Brett Schundler make a special trip to our town? Am i missing something? Mike, there is absolutely a story and you are not wrong for having concerns or questions. You are right to have both. I for one love to see open and decent dialog and really appreciate when people do provide facts. AS far as the BOE members who posted here, I do not have the expectation that they will get into very heavy dialog. For now, I am happy that they both take their time to post what they do. They are , of course, more than welcome to utilize this site any time they want, but I completely understand that elected officials have to be cautious about participation on any open forum. The reality is, most of what an elected official puts here is going to be a well prepared statement. I also believe that they do have to continue getting facts out and more importantly, get the good news out there. One thing you brought up, Mike is the good schools site. I have posted about that a few times and the fact that we have a very low rating. I have also mentioned that it is possible to get those ratings changes. It surprises me that it hasn't happened. That site is a resource and paints us in a bad way. Improving that rating is very important. |
|
dfx
Junior Member
Posts: 221
|
Post by dfx on Aug 13, 2010 9:26:49 GMT -5
Mike -
As Annette mentioned, there are plenty of people who would be more than happy to listen & respond to your concerns. The topics that you bring up are valid points of concern, however it's crucial that we receive as many details as possible regarding these concerns and a direct e-mail/phone call is a more effective/preferred means of communication than on a public message board.
daniel xavier
NOTE: As a Board of Education member, my own personal use of this media outlet (as well as the letters I distribute throughout town) is to publicize my quest for district feedback. However it's important to note that I will not publicly respond to specific questions regarding the district in this forum as I would not want it misconstrued that I am authorized to speak on behalf of the entire Board of Education. Additionally, many items in the realm of education are of a very personal/highly-sensitive nature (individual test scores, incidents involving specific students, etc.) and cannot legally be disclosed.
|
|
|
|
Post by Mike Rosseel on Aug 13, 2010 14:00:02 GMT -5
Mike - As Annette mentioned, there are plenty of people who would be more than happy to listen & respond to your concerns. The topics that you bring up are valid points of concern, however it's crucial that we receive as many details as possible regarding these concerns and a direct e-mail/phone call is a more effective/preferred means of communication than on a public message board. daniel xavier NOTE: As a Board of Education member, my own personal use of this media outlet (as well as the letters I distribute throughout town) is to publicize my quest for district feedback. However it's important to note that I will not publicly respond to specific questions regarding the district in this forum as I would not want it misconstrued that I am authorized to speak on behalf of the entire Board of Education. Additionally, many items in the realm of education are of a very personal/highly-sensitive nature (individual test scores, incidents involving specific students, etc.) and cannot legally be disclosed. Dan, I disagree! These are test results, public information, why not address the issue and answer the questions? I would think you would want people to see you interacting with residents. Why come to a message board and drop some facts yet not respond to the publics questions? Maybe Im wrong but doesnt make sense to me |
|
BrianSullivan
Full Member
Good ideas never cross burned bridges. Practice unity in our community
Posts: 1,041
|
Post by BrianSullivan on Aug 20, 2010 7:42:22 GMT -5
|
|
|
|
Post by Mike Rosseel on Aug 20, 2010 8:31:39 GMT -5
I presented questions and concerns and the only answers I got was send it in a private email, etc. Excellent communication?? Also, the 85% rumors from people who don't have children in our schools makes you think why aren't there kids in our schools? Maybe because of the issues presented? Also, address the test results and rankings, still waiting on that!! |
|
|
|
Post by Mike Rosseel on Nov 5, 2010 7:20:36 GMT -5
Can we have some feedback about the AYP for our elementary schools? Did they pass?
|
|
|
|
Post by ess0350 on Nov 6, 2010 12:16:03 GMT -5
I would be very curious to see how the issue of the scores and the AYP is addressed. Maybe it is time for more residents to participate in the citizen’s academy. I think we do need more awareness regarding our schools in the Boro.
I am a big believer in quality education being a product of my local school system that I attended. I did not attend Boro schools as I grew up in another municipality. I certainly had the support of my parents as they are both educators and made up for the gap that was not provided in the schools as an “average” student. I was a very shy child and felt that I did not fit in. I do feel that "middle of the road" students are the ones that seem to be overlooked. In general from my own experiences this is the group of students are overlooked in favor of the gifted and the struggling. I am no way advocating this is the case in the Boro or not having a focus on the two groups I mentioned. I think they need more focus as well. I am only stating this has been my experience as a student.
As far as non English speaking students, yes there is a need to educate them as any other student. I am curious as to a different approach to teaching these children. Would it be feasible to teach them English first before they are mainstreamed with regular the curriculum?
|
|
