DURHAM — The Oyster River School Board may soon face a dilemma in regard to filling the vacant seat on the board as no one from Madbury has shown interest in the seat.
The position was left vacant when former Board Chair Mark Townsend resigned June 7.
Representatives on the board consist of one from Durham, Lee and Madbury, along with four at-large representatives. Townsend was the Madbury representative.
The board posted the position and was hoping that someone from Madbury would've shown interest in the position by now, but no one has, according to Superintendent Howard Colter.
"The School Board is working in cooperation with Madbury selectmen to fill the vacancy," he said. "We would be happy to have someone from Madbury on the School Board and are waiting for someone to step forward and fill the vacancy."
However, filling the seat outside of Madbury, while unlikely, hasn't been ruled out.
Colter stressed the vacant seat is intended for a Madbury representative, but admitted that at some point the question about filling the vacancy with a Lee or Durham representative will likely come up.
"When do you say we've waited too long?" he said. "We may need to consult with counsel to find out what we need to do if no one steps forward to fill the position."
Colter declined to give an opinion when asked if the recent tension on the board, along with recent resignations, may be influencing the lack of interest in the position.
"One could probably make that argument, but I don't want to speculate," he said.
The board has seen three resignations in three years, including the resignations of two board chairs.
The most recent resignation of Townsend created the most bitterness because of an e-mail chain between Townsend and board counsel. The e-mail chain consisted of Townsend and Colter seeking a legal opinion about Board Member Henry Brackett's comments at a Lee Board of Selectmen's meeting in May.
However, the e-mail chain also contained allegations from Townsend toward other board members, which created some friction between them at a June School Board meeting.
Colter said the important thing now is to get someone new on the board.
"This situation isn't ideal," he said. "We'd like to have a full board made up of seven people."
Colter said he is willing to meet with anyone who has some interest in the position to answer their questions. He can be contacted at 868-5100.
It's not surprising to me people aren't jumping up and down to get onto this board at this juncture.
ReplyDeleteI would like to nominate Roger Spiedel! I think he would be great!
ReplyDeleteFYI--This was a Fosters Article by Aaron Sanborn
ReplyDeleteAfter watching the board meeting broadcast last evening (of the 7/14 meeting), it is no wonder that no one is stepping foward.
ReplyDeleteThe largest irony of all during the meeting that occured last evening, the discussion of board retreats and unity as a goal.
When will Ms. Portalupi stop yammering on and on and on and on about the "role of a board member"
Her arrogance is a strong contributor to the lack of interest in this open seat. I find it amusing that one moment she cries for open trust and unity, and the next she is reminding board members yet again to "understand their role"
Yet she continues to make the same statements, "know your role" Folks, I believe she doesnt' understand her role.
This arrogance, and lack of respect shown towards other board members during live meetings is what will push interested parties away.
We should all be outraged that this board is hesitant to spend time studying school start time, but has no issue spending retreats and hours at meetings discussing "board unity and mutual trust." How about this board members, do your damn job and realize that it is okay to disagree as long as it is done with respect.
I also hope everyone caught that there is a 2.8 million dollar surplus. Once again we have lost positions, experienced painful cuts, and somehow some way, we have another surplus. Really?
In sum, I would never support Roger. He seems like a nice old gentleman, but this board has enough going on without adding another controversial figure. We need a new fresh open minded face, because despite JoAnn's constant insulting cries to the contrary, new people can figure out how to be on a board and at this point new and unbiased is what this board needs!
Since Mr. Colter arrived:
ReplyDelete1. Don Maynard almost lost his job.
2. The drama program was almost lost
3. Assistant supt lost his job, and new structure that does not work or make sense created.
4. Long time principal leaves, yes because of him.
5.teachers live in fear, and a culture of mis-trust is strong. Despite best efforts of building principals.
6. Tech and stuff are prioritized above staffing.
7. Staff cuts are made without true analysis of how the children will be affected.
8. A culture of mis-trust is created within our community, for the infraction of asking questions.
9. An SAU office that used to be an open door, is now a place where a citizen is met with suspicion for asking questions.
10. Lawsuits
11. Questionable contracts.
12. Questionatable spending practices.
13. Inability to communicate with the public
14. Creating a culture of mis-trust on the board.
15. Resignation of 3 board members.
16. Resignation of long time staff member, Blaine Cox.
These are the infractions that have occured over the past 4 years. When will this board have a real conversation about the direction of our district? When will the board realize that until a new leader is put in place, divisions will continue and our district will be stuck.
Howard has lost the majority of respect in our community, throughout our buildings, and if he will not step down on his own it is time for him to be asked to leave.
He (Colter) should be asked to leave then....
ReplyDeleteSadly the board is to busy trying to figure out what their role is to do anything about it.
ReplyDeleteI just watched the 7-14 school board meeting and, once again, Joanne P. was a cancer to the group. How dare she sit there and tell Henry that she does not think he has the attention or energy to devote to being the negotiation chair. Jenifer R. reminded Henry that he has only been chair a few month; she and Joanne voted against Henry's nomination. I would like to propose that every voter in our district go to the poles and vote against renominating Joanne and Jenifer next time their term is up. They are both doing their best to fight Henry every step of the way and not easing his transition to leadership. If they really cared about Henry or doing what was in the best interest of moving forward in a productive manner, they would stop attacking his ability to do the job.
ReplyDeleteThis board needs an enema!!
She also said Henry wouldn't be effective as negotiation chair because he was "controversial".
ReplyDeleteI bet she didn't notice the irony of her statement at all!
I thought Henry handled the situation just fine. His response to their continued attacks on his integrity was eloquent and direct.
Bravo Henry!
You're doing a fine job as board chair. Don't let them get to you.
You are moving ahead honorably, integrity intact. Let's hope others follow your example.
"Colter said he is willing to meet with anyone who has some interest in the position to answer their questions."
ReplyDeleteSo let me get this straight--Colter is now pre-screening his future bosses?
Does anyone on this Board realize that THEY are supposed to be in charge?
I think Henry is doing a good job with respect for the board and also handles attacks towards him with finesse. It is crystal clear Joanne is supressing movement forward. She and Jennifer are disrespectful to the board at times which should not be tolerated. No wonder there is no "unity." You can disagree yet still have to have respect and be civil. It amazes me that we now have to hire and pay for a facilitator for "board unity." I have my doubts that this will work. The mold has already been set with Howard, Jennifer, and Joanne. Also did you notice when asked where this money will come from, Howard said he would find it in the budget. I look forward to the day when Joanne and Jennifer are gone. And to think I voted for them way back. Shame on me. People have changed and not for the better.
ReplyDeleteThanks I Teach for your comments and bringing so many issues to the blog. I am sure many were not aware how MANY detrimental things have occurred under Colter's hand.
Can they just give the new chair a chance for god's sake?
ReplyDeleteIt has been quite a surprise that Jennifer has become JoAnn's Stepford Wife. It seems that when Kim resigned, Jennifer went to the dark side. It is hard to imagine that her original ideas as a Board member could have changed that much. Someone needs to sit JoAnn down & explain what HER role is as a Board member. It isn't to intimidate and insult other Board members. Her arrogance is beyond belief. And from the numbers in the last election, she should understand the message the voters are sending.
ReplyDeleteHoward seems to have a magic hat that he pulls money from... oh wait, it is actually our pockets!
I'm watching the 7/14 Board meeting and I am ready to put my fist through the screen. JoAnn Portalupi, if you read this blog... STOP!! You are arrogant and insulting. You act as though you are the only person on Earth who can understand their "role" on the Board. Enough already. ENOUGH!!
ReplyDeleteI believe Jennifer and JoAnn are voices of reason and provide a check to the naiveté of new Board members assumptions of how things can or should work. A Board is not in charge; they set policy and should ensure it is being followed. They evaluate the superintendent and I agree it is time for him to go, but make no mistake...the only reason JoAnn and Jennifer may look extreme is because of their effort to balance the extreme views of Roger, Henry, and the majority of posters on this blog it would seem.
ReplyDeleteTo prove my point, there will be many postings following mine that call me a hack for the administration a moron or whatever, but as one with experience with school boards and schools, please know that it isn't just the superintendent, although he is proving the point that leadership matters and it is missing in the ORCSD; things will not improve until the Board does understand its role collectively and starts working collaboratively and logically.
But it seems that JoAnn automatically disagrees with every word out of Henry's mouth simply for the sake of putting him down. I don't see her as trying to work collaboratively at all. She seems to just want to push other Board members down. Through the years, she was able to intimidate and silence other members very effectively. I don't want to mention names, because these people served their time and should be left alone now. Nonetheless, there is a history. And this time you are seeing Board members who are pushing back. Board terms are for three years. She basically is saying that in one term no one can have enough experience to participate in the process or have a valuable opinion. And it appears to be a personal issue she has with Brackett. She is the one who needs to work on her collaboration skills. Continually judging other Board members is not productive.
ReplyDeleteI also disagree with the statement that "A Board is not in charge." They are above the superintendent in the hierarchy of the district. Yes, they should not micromanage the management of the district. And if we had a strong leader, like our previous superintendent, this would be fine. But Howard Colter is a weak leader who is not serving our district well.
During the 7/14 Board meeting, Howard was whining about the four hour Board meetings. They have been having four hour Board meetings for as far back as I can remember. And now it is a problem? If this is a problem for him, maybe he should find a job that is better suited to his personality... maybe something that doesn't involve management???? Just a thought.
ReplyDeletePortalupi is fundamentally wrong in her view of the role of the Board; she has stated in the past that she believes it is the Board's role to support the Superintendent, when of course the role of the Board is just the opposite: to listen to the public and provide strategic direction to the Superintendent, not to be led by him.
ReplyDeleteI hope voters will bear these facts in mind next March--the future of your children's education and the contents of your wallets are at stake!
It is time for our school board policy to evolve and for the role of the superintendent and the role of the school board members’ to change. It appears that our current operational system has many flaws and invites corruption. The blind compliance exhibited by Rief and Portelupe appears to exacerbate Colter’s power over them. It also causes them to avoid, at all cost, any dissent in opinion. The more the public questions the way Colter is doing business, the more loyal and corrupt Portelupe & Rief will appear. What we are witnessing now is the worker bees gathering honey for the king. The worker bees are invested in the mission and failing to look at the big picture. The king’s power is too alluring and drawing them in. They fail to notice the most important stake holders of all…..the public. The current rift on the school board will ultimately persuade taxpayers that Colter, Portelupe & Rief are unwilling to meet the demands of the most important stakeholders. Their survival is threatened by their inability to listen to the very people who have voted them into their current positions.
ReplyDeleteAt the last board meeting, we saw a bold and brazen follower in Portelupe as she attacked Henry Brackett, telling him that he did not have the time or experience to be on that negotiation committee. She obviously knew that his involvement on the committee would be an outcome that Colter would not approve. One would think that she would be on high alert to monitor her behavior given the events of recent board activities, however; as is often the case, we sometimes see an escalation in unethical behavior when followers perceive a threat to their leader. Such undying loyalty; to what end will Joanne sacrifice herself to her God. Her new position, sitting next to the king, serves only to remind her of her position as queen. It is an alluring delusion of power she flirts with while repressing any honorable intent she may have had while serving her public.
One of the biggest flaws in the Colter, Portelupe & Rief master-plan to monopolize and control the board is a complete lack of regard for stakeholder opinion. In order to successfully pursue their agenda, they are dependent on public support. Ultimately, the public supplies the resources and they are doing little to appease the most important stakeholders. We have seen the demise of Steve Taylor and Mark Townsend and Ms. Portelupe & Ms. Rief should pay close attention to the calendar. Their day will come.
Doesn't Jennifer Reif's term end in March 2011? Given the numbers in the last election, she & JoAnn Portalupi shouldn't even think of running. It would save them the embarrassment.
ReplyDeleteJoanne is always supporting the superintendent, no matter what the issue. It's so blatently obvious. She doesn't even try to be proefessional or discrete about it anymore.
ReplyDeleteWe will only have to tolerate Portalupi's arrogance for 8 more months. Thus will end the reign of the rubber stamp.
ReplyDeleteA long ways to wait.....And too much to put up with....
ReplyDeleteHow true.
ReplyDeleteAfter watching the July 14 meeting, I am very impressed with Chair Brackett's composure. JoAnn Portalupi is down right insulting. The fact that she questioned Henry's ability to handle the negotiations committee was ridiculous. She is really scraping the bottom now. Brackett would be replacing Townsend who came onto the Board at the same time as Brackett. Portalupi will use any excuse to attempt to make Brackett look bad. She really needs to back off. And she probably was involved with the negotiations committee that gave us our wonderful superintendent to begin with... note the sarcasm. She certainly ushered through Colter's fat contract. She is the one to keep off the negotiations committee.
ReplyDeleteKudos to Henry for not losing his cool.
Ditto to the aboe blogger! Well said.
ReplyDeleteJoanne Portalupi needs to watch a recorded DCAT and see how she is acting in her "role" as a board member. I think she needs to take a look in the mirror!
ReplyDeleteJoann acts exactly the way the Superintendent wants her to. We need both of them gone, pronto!
ReplyDeleteFirst, I'd like to say that I agree with most of the bloggers on this page ... Colter needs to go, and soon ... before the new school year if possible.
ReplyDeleteSecond, I feel that we ALL need to remember that the board members are volunteer citizens. I myself am on a public board, and know that it's not easy to make decisions that may not be popular. Grassroots community organizing is the underlying fiber of our country and all of these board members should be thanked for their contribution of time and energy.
Public service is not altruistic by any means; we know it is often mixed with selfish interests. We all have vested interests in why we do things and how we go about accomplishing our goals or fulfilling some type of moral obligation. Joanne P. may be donating her time to the public but it is not the public interest that she is serving. I think that the above blogger may have more compassion for Joanne because he/she is currently serving in a public position and perhaps worried the same type of thing could potentially happen to him/her. It is important to have a system of evaluation which invites everyone to “fair comment.” Accountability presents as an issue of those in public offices, which, is why one must be very careful with how they communicate with the public.
ReplyDeleteLet's keep things simple.
ReplyDeleteNo one is perfect, district officials included!
But it's safe to say to that everyone on this blog is a jerk!!!!!
^Does the above blogger's designation apply to herself?
ReplyDeleteSelf-hatred is a saddening spectacle, indeed.
Name-calling is the last refuge of those who have no ideas to contribute to the discussion. Better to ignore him/her.
ReplyDeleteThe earlier suggestion that Joan should watch the playbacks of the meetings is a good idea. Although it is unlikely that she would admit that she is an impediment to a smooth running Board and that she does not treat her fellow Board members with respect. Prefacing an insult with "I don't mean to be insulting..." does not negate the fact that she is being insulting. If she doesn't mean to insult the others, then she should just stop doing it.
ReplyDeleteIs Howard Colter being held accountable for the $30,000 (plus the district expenses) cost of the special ed. case? If not, then why not?
Impediment is an understatement! JP needs to go.
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, it is wonderful people give their time to be on a board and take on the time and responsibilities of their position. It probably feels like a thankless job at times. I do appreciate the time and effort members give. However, it does not give one a "free pass" to insult other fellow board members continuously and try to railroad important issues. Agree to disagree but with respect. How will the school board move forward when it appears to be part of a train wreck at the moment? And some board members need to look at the big picture for the community, not just "their" agenda items which seem to always support the superintendent.
ReplyDeleteAnd to the person who says everyone on the blog is a "jerk": You must be a district employee and/or one of the people being talked about here. This blog was created for opinions, comments, perspectives. I don't always agree with comments but I don't degrade people with name calling. If you don't like what you read here, don't continue to visit the blog.
so little time and so much negativity!!
ReplyDeleteAn important article on the value and pitfalls of anonymous letters to the editor, one with great pertinence to this community blog--Neil Swidey's "Two Cents in the Digital Age" (Boston Globe - Sunday Magazine, 6/20/10)--has convinced me to identify who I am and what position I hold in the district: John Monahan, English teacher at ORHS. The Swidey article is well worth reading.
ReplyDeleteDuring the spring of the '08-'09 school year (with follow-up meetings and a district-wide survey administered in the fall of '09-'10), I was part of the "reorganization Committee," a group that gathered teachers and administrators from all four schools, board members from the ORCSD board, and other volunteers from the community at-large. The list of committee members, extensive meeting-minutes and Reorganization Committee recommendations have been available on the ORCSD Website under "district info" and "archived files." cont.
The Reorganization Committee recognized the very real and regrettable pain involved at the beginning of the reorganization process, but also vote to approve the new administrative structure and direction. The committee's approval was based on the many merits of the reorganization plan and its great promise for for demonstrable, positive impact on how teachers teach and learners learn. The reorganization has many terrific programs in place and growing. I would like to discuss briefly--although, admittedly not as briefly as would befit a blog--two such programs in which I am currently involved: the ongoing curriculum work and the "Response to Intervention Team" (both described under "district initiatives"). cont.
ReplyDeleteThe ongoing curriculum work--whether it's my area, English/Language Arts or Math or Science--has brought together ORCSD teachers from kindergarten through high school to work--literally side-by-side--to better understand what teachers at every level cover in their classes and what each level may do to cultivate vital skill-sets in our students. It's more than just satisfying the NH state standards and those standards currently evolving in the steady, nationwide movement toward "Common Core Knowledge"; it's a program that enhances innovative, collaborative teaching and learning. cont.
ReplyDeleteSimilarly, the information gathered by the "Response To Intervention Team" has broadened the high school's knowledge of incoming 9th grade students who need the most academic and social services support. With a little more time to gather information, the teachers and administrators, language experts and psychologists on our faculty will be able to react more quickly and more effectively than ever before. It's an exciting developing program and a key district initiativethat deserves the patience and support of our entire community. cont.
ReplyDeleteLast... Regarding the all-important patience and community-wide support, I would like to commend school board members Joanne Portalupi and Jennifer Rief, whom I see as tremendously brave, committed and gritty advocates for our community of students, families, teachers and administrators. I see their ardent support of Superintendent Howard Colter and directors of instruction Danielle Bolduc and Meredith Nadeau as an honest fight for the many, leading-edge educational initiatives in place and growing vigorously in the Oyster River School District.
ReplyDeleteSome people who might be inclined to express an opinion grow reluctant when they might have a valid fear of retaliation. Mr. Moynahan posted an articulate valid argument against anonymous posting however; if he had an opinion that might not please his co-workers or bosses at school, he too might be inclined to post anonymously. It would be reasonable for him to fear retribution. I will try, as I hope others do, to always back up my opinions or comments with facts. It always good to have varying perspectives in a discussion. I agree that posting openly might change the level of negativity but it might also change the condition in which honest dialogue can flow.
ReplyDeleteI was not aware that such a large committee participated in restructuring the administration in 2009. How were teachers chosen? Was it a proposal that was initiated by the Superintendent? How was the value of the restructure studied? Did you follow a model school that may have experienced success with the same type of restructuring? If so, what is the name of the school district? If the proposal came from the Superintendent, would it be reasonable for committee members to go against his plan? Has there been any impact to special education? Has the committee followed up to study the impact? These are just some of the many important questions that need to be asked and answered.
Regarding Mr. Moynahan’s second comment:
“I would like to commend school board members Joanne Portalupi and Jennifer Rief, whom I see as tremendously brave, committed and gritty advocates for our community of students, families, teachers and administrators. I see their ardent support of Superintendent Howard Colter and directors of instruction Danielle Bolduc and Meredith Nadeau as an honest fight for the many, leading-edge educational initiatives in place and growing vigorously in the Oyster River School District.”
Mr. Moynahan provided a murky synopsis, at best, of how he feels school board members and administration are performing their duties. He seems outraged by the negativity of anonymous bloggers yet fails to comment on the open rudeness and unprofessional conduct, which, has been made public and discussed at length on this blog and backed up with facts.
Mr. Moynahan, thank you for posting the information about the reorganization and other efforts of the district to improve the education of our children.
ReplyDeleteAs grateful as I am, I hope you'll pardon me if I wish we had known about this sooner. Perhaps you'll agree that the district could do a better job communicating such information to parents and taxpayers.
Perhaps if the district website was revamped to be a little more user friendly and easier to navigate more people could know what you know.
Now...I appreciate your advocacy on the part of the superintendent and certain members of the board and administration. Whether I agree with all or some of your opinion is beside the point.
I'm wondering if you have anything critical to say about the district? After all, nobody's perfect and no system is without its flaws.
You must see some area that needs improvement, some situation with which you're dissatisfied.
Could you share something along those lines with us?
Would you be willing to sign your name if you did?
I'm not looking for negativity for its own sake here. I'm looking for honest dialogue about how we, together, can improve our children's education.
I'll post as anonymous for this reason. My children may have you as a teacher some day. I'll assume that you are an honest and honorable man. I have no reason to believe otherwise at this time.
But, not knowing you, and seeing your clear advocacy on behalf of some members of the board rather than the board as a whole, I will have to remain anonymous.
With all due respect Mr.Monahan, I have to disagree. I watch every board meeting. While I no longer have children within the schools, my children have had the benefit of an ORSCD education, and have thrived. In part due to wonderful caring teachers, with a dash of parents who advocated for them over the years. I see Jocelyn, and now Ann and Krista as equal advocates of education. I also believe Henry Brackett asks the questions that need to be asked, and I thank him for the ability to do so.
ReplyDeleteI have to disagree that Jennifer and JoAnn are brave. If they were in fact advocates they would be supporting new board members, in the best interest of the students of this distict. Instead, they seem to only thrwart attempts at ideas. Case and point. At the last meeting JoAnn warned against how difficult it would be to the "the first" in changing the time of day. JoAnn also fought the strategic plan proposal when originally brought foward by Jennifer. I have not seen their open support and advocacy for anyone but Howard. I can not speak for the others you mention. From my seat on Wednesday's evenings, they do not seem to always have the best interest of students in mind any more or less than other board members. This calling out of the two of them only serves to further divide this community and this board. Thank you for your service in our district. I will also not sign my name, as my children had you as a teacher and while I know you to be honorable, they would be upset that I have challenged you in this forum in this way.
What exactly are the "leading edge inititives"
ReplyDeleteCan you list them please?
First I want to thank Mr. Monahan for his service as a teacher and for his "bravery." However, I do not see JoAnn and Jennifer as brave. I see JoAnn as a bully and Jennifer as a follower. I see a teacher in this district who is willing to put his or her name to a posting on this blog as incredibly brave. Especially at the high school level. Although because his post was in favor of the district, he should not be reprimanded. I also question whether he would be as free to post his name if he didn't agree with the high school administration. I just wonder.
ReplyDeleteOyster River appears to have an immense PR problem. If initiatives like Mr. Monahan described are in progress, then why on earth isn't this being shared with the public. We actually want to hear about exciting new initiatives. The Durham updates are circulated via e-mail on every Friday. There are brief announcements with links for further information. It is a great way to keep the citizens informed. This isn't rocket science & it doesn't have to be a big deal to put together. If the superintendent took submissions from the schools & published something weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly, it would do a lot to reassure people who are wondering what on earth he does for his big paycheck.
Mr. Monahan, please post again. I would like to hear more about the Reorganization. When exactly did this intiative begin?
Does anyone know approx how often the ORCSD website updates the meeting footage? I am really looking forward to viewing the 7/14 meeting. Last meeting footage is 6/16.
ReplyDeleteThe re-organization was originally a mandate by Colter. When the teachers spoke up and asked why they were not asked for input, (rightly so) a committee was formed. While it is great that teachers now support this new organization do not lose sight of how it first went down.
ReplyDeleteI also want to know why these intitatives are such news to us. We are people who pay attention, yet we don't know about these? I have kids in the high school and yet I don't know about these? PR problem indeed! Prior to the arrival of King Colter this district seemed to be more together, parents felt more welcomed (thought Laura Rogers does make us feel welcomed) and those that questioned were not attacked as they are now. What is King Colter so afraid of, and why does Ms. Portalupi see such a need to protect him?
With any luck, Portalupi will be a non-issue after the March '11 election. She is not at all a team player and doesn't belong on a public Board.
ReplyDeleteMr. Monahan, thank you for both posting openly, using your name, and for your service as an English teacher in our great district.
ReplyDeleteI am interested in learning more about our district's program as referenced in your posts. You cite important curriculum work ("It's more than just satisfying the NH state standards and those standards currently evolving in the steady, nationwide movement toward "Common Core Knowledge"; it's a program that enhances innovative, collaborative teaching and learning").
What do you see the ORHS (and the ORCSD as a whole) doing to move toward 'Common Core Knowledge' and a core curricula? Are we? What is the English department's position on a core curricula, especially when it comes to literature and grammar fundamentals, beginning at the earliest levels? Also, how does the district customize learning to various levels of aptitude and interest, with respect to English instruction?
Finally, I would appreciate any additional, specific details about the program you reference. Thank you!
Is the Reorganization Committee the same as the Strategic Planning Committee? Or are they two different efforts.
ReplyDeleteI believe they are different. The Strategic Planning Oversight Committee is comprised of board member, ORCSD staff, and community members. This committee has the charge of developing a strategic plan and submitting it to the board for approval.
ReplyDeleteI am not sure, but I think the reorganization committee may have been an administrative initiative that dissolved the assistant superintendent position and created the two directors of instruction.
all these comments are perfect reasons - exactly the reason -- why Seth Fiermonti needs to reorganize this blog. People make wild accusations and hide behind this veil of anonynimity. Slanderous, untrue comments are thrown around more than my son's little league team throws a ball during a game.
ReplyDeleteWhen are people going to realize that this blog in its current state is poison - to us, to our community, to our professional workforce, and most importantly, our students.
Which is more harmful to a student? This blog, or an administration which refuses to fulfill commitments it made in an IEP?
ReplyDeleteI'll take "administrative misdeeds" for $50,000, Alex!
I agree with poster above. What happened to the good 'ol days when the public was silent, administrators ran amuck and the Board Chair supported it 100%? Boy, this blog is the source of all our woes. I wish all this dirty laundry could stay hidden and we could have the wool pulled futher over or eyes. Whistle blowing is such poision to "our students." I wish we could spend more money on legal fees and less on paper and books. *sigh* I miss the good 'ol days!
ReplyDeleteWild accusations and veils, sounds like the SAU office. If the SAU office would openly communicate, guessing wouldn't happen. I have heard Seth invite the SAU office and board members to write on this blog, they have ignored him. Mark Townsend ran on the idea of openness, yet hid behind the veil.
ReplyDeleteOur professional workforce, and our students need these questions asked and answered. Teachers are not attacked here, they are supported. When are people going to realize that this Blog is needed, in the absense of any other open dialogue that does not seem to be coming from the district.
Hear, hear! Seth should be hailed as a HERO for bringing this level of openness and communication to this District!
ReplyDeleteWhich is obviously something that our administrators (Colter, Nadeau, and formerly Cox) and the School Board members who "back them 100%" (Portalupi, Rief, and formerly Taylor) are DESPERATE to prevent.
REMEMBER: the only ones who gain anything from keeping secrets are the administrators who aren't performing their jobs properly, and teh elected officials who are unwilling/unable to hold them accountable!
For everyone else, students, teachers, and the general public, thsi blog is a VERY GOOD THING!
Seth: keep up the good work and DON'T CHANGE A THING!
And for those of you who don't like thsi blog, go start your own! Maybe you can call it "Misinformation, half-truths and lies!"
Oh...right...that's what we get evertime a new issue of the School Board Newsletter comes out!
Funny, the person who talks about changing the blog due to accusations made under "anonymonity" doesn't sign his/her name. Does he/she understand that people are more apt to state their opinions and/or give information that is needed and not fear retributions this way?
ReplyDeleteI am hopeful that Mr. Moynhan will answer some of the questions raised here in the blog. It's helpful to get a teachers points of view.
ReplyDeleteGiven John Monahan's naive and biased statement, I don't think he would offer any noteworthy opinions or answer the questions posed by bloggers however; I would, like many others, welcome his comments. If one were to review the tapes from the past few school board meetings, you would have to conclude that Joanne pulls the experience card way too much, blames and points the finger, focuses on details rather than results, complains often, and does not digress from the Superintendent Colter's agenda. Jenifer Rief has hostility toward Henry Brackett and lacks respect for him even though he tries his best to respect her opinions. She is also a relatively new board member and insecure in her knowledge base. I suspect she may be capitulating to Colter and Joanne P. because she perceives them as more powerful. It is hard to truly appreciate her efforts despite how well meaning her attempts to be a good board member may be. She is young and should change her ways before it is too late. The past several school board meetings are far more telling as it relates to Joanne and Jenifer's actions than Mr. Monahan's words of support.
ReplyDeleteMegan, Please don't refer to the nationwide movement as "Common Core Knowledge" The current initiative adopted at the national level and adopted by a majority of states, including NH is the "Common Core Standards";
ReplyDeletehttp://www.americaschoice.org/
"Common Core Knowledge" is grounded in a conservative movement promoted by E.D. Hirsch
I applaud Mr. Monahan for his attempt to join the discussion. It is interesting that he had a lot to say and then stopped. It makes me wonder whether he was told not to say anything more.
ReplyDeleteThe high school teachers are fed the party line that comes down from Colter through Laura Rogers. And Rogers can be very convincing.
To the "Common Core Knowledge," complaining blogger: Megan T. was just using the same language as John Monahan (see above Manahan comment). Quit your itching!!
ReplyDeleteTo the blogger above, words matter! I realize they are all parsed to fit the narrow arguments subscribed to on this blog....but words and word choice does matter; I don't have an itch:)
ReplyDeleteJohn Monahan stated the following under the above comments:
ReplyDelete"It's more than just satisfying the NH state standards and those standards currently evolving in the steady, nationwide movement toward "Common Core Knowledge"
Megan T. addressed John Monahan, using his terminology, which, if anyone googles as I did, you would note that there is reference to the "Common Core Knowledge," movement. It is not meant to be a derogatory reference but,rather, to suggest "common," "basic," or "universal," standards that our schools should prescribe to following. I understand that words matter, which, is why I wanted to clarify that if you have a problem with Megan's use of "Common Core Knowledge," you should take it up with Mr. Monahan because he is the one that introduced it on this blog. I would suggest that you first do your homework because it appears that your only intent was to attack Megan.
I was referencing Mr. Monahan's comment and seeking greater insights into our district's initiatives. Thank you to those who recognized my reference.
ReplyDeleteFor Mr. Monahan and other educators, I would like to hear more. Please use the blog to share your insights and views. As a parent who cares deeply about her children's education, I want to learn more about the aforementioned initiatives. Thank you!