Krista Butts: vote for Piedmont

Elections for ORCSD School Board are on March 12th. Tom Newkirk is running for re-election and deserves to remain in his seat. He has done a great job and it has been a pleasure serving with him. 

I have decided to step down from my seat on the Board because my kids deserve my time again. My seat needs to be filled by a "common Joe", someone who can represent the constituents that will soon be unrepresented...parents of young children, children with an IEP, families of two working parents, etc. Our district needs people on the Board that will put the children of our district first and their own personal agendas last. 

The person to fill my seat is Carl Piedmont. He is honest, he is a man of character, and he will represent some of the constituents in our district that need a voice on the Board. He was raised by school teachers and believes in the value of public education. Please vote on March 12th, educate yourself on the issues and the people running for office, and please consider Carl Piedmont for School Board at Oyster River Cooperative School District.

Henry Smith: Please support Carl Piedmont and his family in light of recent personal attack in Foster's

Dear Fellow Citizens of Durham,

Following a very open and candid session with Carl Piedmont the evening of Sunday, 3 March (along with 25-30 other fellow citizens of Durham), I strongly endorse the candidacy of Carl Piedmont for the ORCSD Board.

He does NOT believe that Creationism should be taught in our school district!
(Despite an ill-conceived letter to Foster's on 2 March which seemed to assert this by implication.)

He is a thoughtful person regarding the well-being of our school district, very interested in the welfare of our children, has two children in the school district, is a former coach of sports teams where they lived in Indiana and a man with a variety of experience which would contribute greatly to his role as an ORCSD Board Member.  He believes in a school budget considered thoughtfully and carefully and would look out for our best interest in the education of our children.

I strongly endorse Carl Piedmont and Tom Newkirk for the ORCSD Board.

Please go out to ORHS on Tuesday 12 March and vote for Piedmont and Newkirk!

Thank you.

-Henry M. Smith

Dean Rubine Reveals His Role in Worldwide Zionist Conspiracy!

Speaking of things you really ought to read: http://orcsdcleanslate.blogspot.com/2013/03/tom-b-uncovers-zionist-conspiracy.html

Props to Dean for injecting a little humor into what had been a pretty grim week!

From Foster's: Analysis of ORCSD Tuition Issue

Foster's yesterday published a letter from old friend Mike McClurken with a data-driven analysis of the relative merits of tuitioning in students from the three towns that are currently under consideration and its effects on educational achievement.  It is well worth reading: http://www.fosters.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2013130309449

By the way, if you aren't already reading Mike's blog, you should be: http://www.orcsdnumbers.org

Barth Responds to Controversy

Robert Barth has written a response to my post, which has been posted at Dean Rubine's ORCSD Clean Slate blog.  You can read it here:

http://orcsdcleanslate.blogspot.com/2013/03/bob-barth-responds-to-tom-b.html

Response to Barth letter: Sylvie Butler

This is in response to Mr. Barth’s letter, requiring Carl Piedmont to explain his religious beliefs, based on the fact that his son attends an evangelical college. Following Mr. Barth’s lead, I have devised the following guidelines to help voters weed out unsuitable Oyster River School Board candidates:

Don’t vote for anyone whose kid might play hockey. That might mean they are pro athletics and against the arts.

Don’t vote for anyone who drives a car. That might mean they’re against trucks.

Don’t vote for anyone who eats meat. That might mean they’re against vegans.

Don’t vote for anyone who snow shoes. That might mean they don’t support downhill skiing.

Don’t vote for anyone who wears a tie. That might mean they’re down on casual Fridays.

Good grief, if we go by Mr. Barth’s logic and make assumptions about people based on peripheral facts about them, as in where their son goes to college, then we end up eliminating every single viable candidate out there. We want a diverse board, made up of people of different backgrounds. That’s what’s going to make Oyster River great.

If we want to vet our candidates, then let’s do so fairly and honestly by asking open ended questions based on issues relevant to their candidacy. Hit and run tabloid style attacks based on illogical assumptions should never be practiced or tolerated. Period.

Sylvie Butler

Lee NH

Bigotry Has No Place in ORCSD: My Response to Robert Barth

Robert Barth’s letter is a heady brew of paranoia, anti-religious zeal and conspiracy thinking.  It’s wrong on so many levels it’s hard to know where to begin, but let’s start with the facts.

The assertion that Trinity International University’s “entire curriculum is based on belief that the old and new Testaments represent historical and scientific fact without exception” is demonstrably false.  A glance at TIU’s website (http://undergrad.tiu.edu/academics/) shows that curriculum to include, among other majors, English, biology, psychology, nursing, physical therapy and pre-med.  Needless to say, none of those subjects are to be found in the Bible.

Second, Barth conflates Christian evangelicalism with Biblical fundamentalism. Evangelical Christians represent a wide range of theological beliefs; many if not most do not believe in a literal interpretation of the Bible.

Furthermore, Barth makes the inference that because Piedmont’s (adult) son attends a college that is associated with the Evangelical Free Church of America, that the father therefore must be a Christian fundamentalist. Even if we grant that this tendentious scenario might somehow be true, Barth is entirely wrong about the religious affiliation of Piedmont and his family; they are Roman Catholic, a faith that most definitely does not espouse a literal interpretation of the Bible.

Therefore, both the idea that Piedmont’s “agenda might include the denial of rational thought, fact-based conclusions and most science” and that one “would have to suspect that a prime motive for anyone holding such beliefs to run for School Board would be to incorporate their ideation into the curriculum” are simply absurd.  Even if Piedmont’s religious beliefs dictated such a stance, no individual member of the School Board has the power to change the curriculum—that authority is in the hands of the Superintendent and his leadership team.

Just for a moment, let’s conduct a little thought experiment: if Barth published a letter demanding that a Jewish candidate provide reassurance that he would not use his elected position to advance the worldwide Zionist conspiracy, would our community not rise up in righteous indignation to condemn his anti-Semitism? Why, then does Barth feel it is legitimate to question what he supposes to be Carl Piedmont’s motives, based on similarly false assumptions about Christianity?

The answer is obvious.  Barth is not interested in actually getting an answer to his questions, or else he would have availed himself of one of the many opportunities to ask Piedmont himself, either in public or in private.  Rather, the letter is a transparent attempt to tie Carl Piedmont the worst stereotypes of the so-called Christian right.  This attempt is all the more loathsome because Barth’s allegations are manifestly untrue, and it is most unfortunate that Foster’s gave him a platform to legitimize his false propaganda.

In short, Barth is wrong about just about everything.  Not just wrong, but willfully wrong.  Spectacularly, fantastically, crazy-conspiracy-theory wrong. The hatred, contempt, and intolerance he’s put on display are shameful.

But Barth is not just wrong on his facts, he is not just wrong in his inferences, he is not just wrong in his transparent attempt to smear Carl Piedmont and his family. When Barth writes “I would defend without reservation any individual’s right to believe whatever he/she chooses, but that doesn’t mean I will always respect or tolerate those beliefs” (emphasis added) he strikes at the very heart of what makes our community, our country, our society what it is.  For tolerance is, and ought to be, a bedrock principle of our nation and the ORCSD community. 

By stating that he cannot “tolerate” beliefs with which he does not personally agree Barth places himself outside the norms of our society, which demands respect and, yes, tolerance of those who are different from ourselves.  His bigotry belongs in the trash heap of discredited ideas, along with racism, sexism, nativism, and all the other harmful -isms that our society has, as it matured over time, rejected.

And so, Mr. Barth, here is a question I hope you might address—a “red flag,” if you will.  I would like to be informed as to your beliefs with respect to neo-Nazis, Klansmen, white nationalists, neo-Confederates, racist skinheads, the “Patriot” movement, and other hate groups.  Because, Mr. Barth, when you say you can’t “tolerate” the beliefs of others, as someone who has experienced anti-religious bigotry first-hand that is the kind of company that leaps to my mind. 

Perhaps comparing this letter to the Kach Twitter debacle may be apropos: the ORCSD community eschews bigotry of all sorts, including religious intolerance. This was demonstrated by the hundreds who protested former Board member Jim Kach's Twitter remarks two years ago. But while Kach was re-tweeting small-minded statements that lacked the originality of thought that the Barth letter contains, Barth's remarks are even more loathsome, since they come from his own pen.

It is again incumbent on all of us to state loudly and without reservation that this sort of false and malicious defamation, this bigotry masquerading as political discourse, has absolutely no place in our community.  A good start would be for the other two candidates, whose campaigns this attack was designed to boost, to denounce it.

Barth Acuses Candidate of Religious Bias; Piedmont responds

Editor's Note: The following is a statement by Carl Piedmont, ORCSD School Board candidate, in response to a letter to the editor by Robert Barth, husband of ORCSD School Board Chair Maria Barth.  

Piedmont has asked this blog, as well as FORE and the ORCSD Clean Slate blogs, to post his comments in the hope of dispelling the allegations made by Barth.  He has also submitted this same statement to Foster's.

I have my own opinion about this matter (of course!) but will post it later.



On March 2, 2013, Foster's Daily Democrat posted a Letter to the Editor entitled "More Information"
You may read the letter at: http://fosters.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20130302/GJOPINION_0102/130309889/-1/FOSOPINION

Below is my response to the misrepresentation of my character and personal attack on my family:

"Clarification for Robert Barth and Oyster River Community"
To the editor: I am Carl Piedmont, running for the Oyster River School Board. I would like to respond to a letter Robert Barth wrote questioning my motives for running for school board as it relates to my son attending Trinity International University (TIU). My son attends TIU on an athletic scholarship. TIU is Christian-based and teaches contemporary science topics including evolution.

First off, I am running because I want to serve in our community and believe in public schooling and giving children a top-notch education. I have four children, two of which are currently in the Oyster River system. Also, I was raised by teachers and respect and value the institution of education. I have 'skin in the game' and care about what happens in our schools.

As for my personal beliefs, my family belongs to the St. Thomas More Catholic parish in Durham. I believe in modern science and will not impose religious tenets into the curriculum as a school board member.  I will work together with my fellow board members to advocate for excellence in our schools and be fiscally prudent when spending our district funds.

I welcome Mr. Barth and others to learn more about me and contact me through my website: www.carlpiedmont.com

Carl Piedmont

Madbury

Candidate's Statement: Carl Piedmont

Carl Piedmont
At-large candidate for the Oyster River School Board

Hello! I am Carl Piedmont, a Madbury resident running for your School Board. My wife Amy and I have four great children: Meagan, 21 years, resides in Texas, Austin attends Trinity International University on an athletic scholarship, Alfred is in 8th grade at the Middle School, and Samantha is in 4th grade at Moharimet. Since moving here over two years ago, my family has enjoyed Oyster River greatly.

My parents were teachers and I value public education tremendously. After researching New Hampshire school districts, I found that Oyster River would offer my children many benefits. Growing up in a small, Indiana college-town, I also sought a similar setting for my family. Ultimately, we chose Oyster River for its educational reputation.

To remain on top, Oyster River cannot rest on its laurels. We need to face the challenges of declining enrollment and global competition. Because two of my children still have years of schooling ahead, I have ‘skin in this game’ and a deep vested interest.  I decided serving on the Board is a great way to contribute to our children’s future success.

I consider myself to be fair, a good listener and, above all, 100% dedicated to what I do.  I support safe, drug-free schools, academic excellence, fiscal responsibility, and fresh ideas. Serving cannot be taken lightly and requires doing what is best for all stakeholders: teachers, staff, parents, community members, and, most importantly, our students…they are our future!

As a School Board Member, I will try to...

• Promote school safety and initiatives to keep drugs and alcohol out of our schools
• Work with the Oyster River community to deliver a long-term strategic plan
• Raise student enrollment by attracting more families into Oyster River
• Be fiscally responsible in decision-making and the budget process
• Support programs that raise student opportunities inside and outside the classroom

My Background

• Work currently as a Northeast Sales Manager for Poseidon Barge
• Extensive restaurant industry experience
• 20+ years coaching with Police Athletic League and intramurals
• Volunteer at Meals-on-Wheels and Forks of the Wabash Historical Society
• Father of four children ranging in ages from 10 to 21 years old
• Graduated from Ball State, Muncie, Indiana with a major in Criminal Justice and minor in Business
• Raised by teachers and experienced at student teaching

Relevant Skills

• Fresh viewpoints and innovative ideas to support students and the community
• Budget preparation and financial analysis
• Communication skills including good listening
• Negotiation acumen to reach reasonable agreements
• Volunteerism including coaching and serving in the community

Thank you and please remember to vote on March 12th!

Carl Piedmont
www.carlpiedmont.com

Candidate's Statement: Tom Newkirk

Editor's note: At last night's session, School Board candidate (and current vice-chair) asked me to post the following.  Again, this should not be considered an endorsement; I am happy to publish statements from any and all candidates.  

Candidate—Oyster River Cooperative School District (At Large Seat)

Tom Newkirk

• Durham resident since 1987 and father of three children who attended and graduated from the Oyster River Schools
• Former high school teacher and Professor of English at the University of New Hampshire in my 36^th  year
• Nationally recognized author on literacy
• Founder and Director of the New Hampshire Literacy Institutes and the Writers Academy for middle and high school students

Achievements this Year:

This year I have served as Vice-Chair of the Board.  With so many new members the learning curve was steep for all of us, but I believe that the Board successfully moved beyond the contention and controversy of the previous year. In particular we have:

• Established a tone of civility and respect. The Board has worked cohesively with almost all votes—including the vote on the budget—being unanimous.
• Established a good working relationship with our skilled new superintendent, Dr. Jim Morse.
• Continued the important and successful work on energy reduction in our schools.
• Taken the first steps to develop a capital improvement plan.
• Made significant staff reductions without any involuntary lay-offs.
• Re-started work on the Strategic Plan.
• Begun exploration of tuition agreements with neighboring towns that can significantly affect future budgets.

Challenges Ahead

• Negotiation of new teacher contract.  We want to maintain a salary and benefit package that will allow us to continue to attract the very best applicants. But we will also need to ensure that benefits are comparable to comparator school systems.

• Tuitioning in students at the high school. This decision needs to be made with great care. The options need to be clearly presented to the public, with costs challenges, and benefits for each. The community needs to be deeply involved in this decision, and be given the opportunity to express its views—perhaps through a non-binding referendum.

• Capital Improvement. According to a number of recent facility studies, we have 4 million dollars in needed facility improvements. In my view, delaying these improvements is false economy. We will need to face up to this situation  through substantial annual budget appropriations, or through a warrant article for a bond.

• Rebalancing Student Populations in Elementary Schools. Currently Moharimet Elementary School has 80 more students than Mast Way (which is actually the larger school).  This situation is not likely to change because most of the new housing is in Madbury. As a result we are paying for modular classrooms at Moharimet ($17,000/ year) when there is space at Mast Way. We need to work toward sensitive and sensible plan to rebalance the population.

• Work Toward High Academic Standards Without Being Driven by Standardized Tests. I am in favor of many of the ideals of the Common Core State Standards—greater depth, the thoughtful reading of difficult texts, a greater variety of kinds of reading and writing. But I am concerned that the Common Core is so tied to testing. I have been stunned by how much it will cost the district to even administer the new Smarter Balanced tests.

                                                                                    Vote March 12 in Your District