There is a petitioned warrant article
(Warrant Article #7) on the upcoming Oyster River Community School
District Warrant that advocates for the formation of a study committee
to explore the potential of becoming a sustainable school district. If
this passes, staff/administrators, students, school members, and
community members will be invited to be a part of the committee and
the study. If you are interested in more information about this
initiative, please see the link below.
http://www.orcsd.org/images/stories/district_info/WA7_Web_Package_21711-1.pdf
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Warrant Article #7
Monday, February 21, 2011
Six vie for two open Durham School Board seats [click on link to see candidate pictures]
Six vie for two open Durham School Board seats
http://www.fosters.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20110221/GJNEWS_01/702219941/-1/FOSNEWS0102&template=GreatBayRegion
By LAURENNE RAMSDELL
lramsdell@fosters.com
lramsdell@fosters.com
Monday, February 21, 2011
DURHAM — Six individuals are vying for two vacant positions on the Oyster River School Board.
In the race to fill a one-year term as a Madbury representative on the school board are James Kach and Susan Willer.
Kach, 67, has been a resident of Madbury for 14 years. As he is filling in as a Madbury representative on the current School Board, Kach said he has had a "blast" and hopes to continue to work toward maintaining the superior quality of education in the Oyster River school district at a sustainable cost. Kach has been married for 36 years and has one child. He cites experience working closely with teachers as he serves the Exeter school district as an Internet technology technician.
Willer, who has had a child go through the Oyster River school district, said she wants to serve on the school board as a way to give back to the community that offered her daughter so many opportunities. The 45-year-old is the owner of Nails to Tails Pet Grooming and has held many management positions at various companies. Willer is currently working on a Bachelor's degree in organization management at Daniel Webster College. A resident of Madbury for over 19 years, Willer said she hopes to help solve some of the School Board's current problems by bringing a fresh perspective to the board.
Vying for one three-year at-large position on the school board are John Collins, Chandler Hull, Megan Turnbull and Ann Lane.
Collins, of Lee, has taken a hiatus from the board since his six years of service on the board from 1997 to 2003. The 57-year-old lives at 59 Belle Lane and has been a resident for 19 years. A professor of genetics at the University of New Hampshire, Collins has a PhD in molecular biology. He said he hopes to be elected to the board once again so he can work to smooth over some of the difficulties it has faced in recent years. Married with six children, Collins said he would foster civil debate among board members so that high quality education throughout the district remains a top priority of the entire school board.
Hull, 18, is a 2010 graduate of Oyster River High School. Currently, Hull is a freshman at UNH working toward a Bachelor's degree in biology. Having served as president of his class and a member of the student senate, Hull said he could bring new ideas to the board that directly relate to the students. A resident of Durham for five years, he lives at 24 Canney Road. Hull has followed the works of the school board closely throughout his time in the Oyster River school district and said he wanted to take advantage of the open position to work toward keeping the district together as a team.
Turnbull said she will use her 20 years of experience in project management to support the public education system. A four-year resident of Durham, Turnbull lives with her husband and two young children at 29 Sandy Brook Dr. She runs a consulting business from her home and has many degrees in subjects including political science, East Asian studies as well as strategy and marketing. Turnbull, 42, is heavily involved with the Parent Teach Organization and has participated in many school district-related meetings and working groups. She said she will work to improve the fiscal practices of the board while going through the budgeting process.
Lane, 52, resides at 43 Stagecoach Road in Durham and has been a resident for seven years. She has been an active volunteer in the community and the Oyster River school district. Lane has served as chair of the PTO for two years and has participated in the long range planning committee. Married with three children, Lane said she is suitable for the at-large position because of her constant advocacy for sustaining quality education. Calling herself a consensus-builder, Lane said she would like the opportunity through the board position to foster district unity.
In addition, Richard Laughton is running unopposed for the position of moderator. A resident of Durham for more than 23 years, Laughton, 53, resides at 188 Wednesday Hill Road. A 1975 Dover High School graduate, Laughton said remaining a neutral moderator is one of his strengths. Having three grown children, Laughton said he hopes to fill the role as moderator so he may give back to his community. He said he hopes to see the School Board become more fiscally conservative while trying to be lean in areas they can be while budgeting.
Voting will take place on Tuesday, March 8 at Durham, Lee and Madbury town voting locations.
http://www.fosters.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20110221/GJNEWS_01/702219941/-1/FOSNEWS0102&template=GreatBayRegion
By LAURENNE RAMSDELL
lramsdell@fosters.com
lramsdell@fosters.com
Monday, February 21, 2011
DURHAM — Six individuals are vying for two vacant positions on the Oyster River School Board.
In the race to fill a one-year term as a Madbury representative on the school board are James Kach and Susan Willer.
Kach, 67, has been a resident of Madbury for 14 years. As he is filling in as a Madbury representative on the current School Board, Kach said he has had a "blast" and hopes to continue to work toward maintaining the superior quality of education in the Oyster River school district at a sustainable cost. Kach has been married for 36 years and has one child. He cites experience working closely with teachers as he serves the Exeter school district as an Internet technology technician.
Willer, who has had a child go through the Oyster River school district, said she wants to serve on the school board as a way to give back to the community that offered her daughter so many opportunities. The 45-year-old is the owner of Nails to Tails Pet Grooming and has held many management positions at various companies. Willer is currently working on a Bachelor's degree in organization management at Daniel Webster College. A resident of Madbury for over 19 years, Willer said she hopes to help solve some of the School Board's current problems by bringing a fresh perspective to the board.
Vying for one three-year at-large position on the school board are John Collins, Chandler Hull, Megan Turnbull and Ann Lane.
Collins, of Lee, has taken a hiatus from the board since his six years of service on the board from 1997 to 2003. The 57-year-old lives at 59 Belle Lane and has been a resident for 19 years. A professor of genetics at the University of New Hampshire, Collins has a PhD in molecular biology. He said he hopes to be elected to the board once again so he can work to smooth over some of the difficulties it has faced in recent years. Married with six children, Collins said he would foster civil debate among board members so that high quality education throughout the district remains a top priority of the entire school board.
Hull, 18, is a 2010 graduate of Oyster River High School. Currently, Hull is a freshman at UNH working toward a Bachelor's degree in biology. Having served as president of his class and a member of the student senate, Hull said he could bring new ideas to the board that directly relate to the students. A resident of Durham for five years, he lives at 24 Canney Road. Hull has followed the works of the school board closely throughout his time in the Oyster River school district and said he wanted to take advantage of the open position to work toward keeping the district together as a team.
Turnbull said she will use her 20 years of experience in project management to support the public education system. A four-year resident of Durham, Turnbull lives with her husband and two young children at 29 Sandy Brook Dr. She runs a consulting business from her home and has many degrees in subjects including political science, East Asian studies as well as strategy and marketing. Turnbull, 42, is heavily involved with the Parent Teach Organization and has participated in many school district-related meetings and working groups. She said she will work to improve the fiscal practices of the board while going through the budgeting process.
Lane, 52, resides at 43 Stagecoach Road in Durham and has been a resident for seven years. She has been an active volunteer in the community and the Oyster River school district. Lane has served as chair of the PTO for two years and has participated in the long range planning committee. Married with three children, Lane said she is suitable for the at-large position because of her constant advocacy for sustaining quality education. Calling herself a consensus-builder, Lane said she would like the opportunity through the board position to foster district unity.
In addition, Richard Laughton is running unopposed for the position of moderator. A resident of Durham for more than 23 years, Laughton, 53, resides at 188 Wednesday Hill Road. A 1975 Dover High School graduate, Laughton said remaining a neutral moderator is one of his strengths. Having three grown children, Laughton said he hopes to fill the role as moderator so he may give back to his community. He said he hopes to see the School Board become more fiscally conservative while trying to be lean in areas they can be while budgeting.
Voting will take place on Tuesday, March 8 at Durham, Lee and Madbury town voting locations.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Foster's Oyster River School Board hopefuls take part in Q&A
Oyster River School Board hopefuls take part in Q&A
By LAURENNE RAMSDELL
lramsdell@fosters.com
lramsdell@fosters.com
Thursday, February 17, 2011
DURHAM — Six candidates vying for three seats on the Oyster River School Board participated in a question-and-answer session Tuesday evening at Oyster River High School.
Vying for two at-large positions are John Collins, Megan Turnbull, Ann Lane and Chandler Hull. In the race for one position on the board, representing Madbury, are Susan Willer and James Kach.
Collins, who has served six terms on the School Board in the past, said he wanted to run for an at-large position because he feels he can make an overall difference. As he's been through the budget process before, Collins said he has experience that will be helpful in forming and implementing Oyster River's newest budget.
Turnbull, a resident of Durham and a mother of two in the Oyster River school system, said she is suitable for an at-large position as she is heavily invested in the district, as well as education itself.
"My passion for public education runs very deep," said Turnbull. As she is part of many education based organizations, Turnbull said she has professional skill sets that will be helpful to the board and will help keep members on track to maintain the district's values.
Lane said she moved here because of the school district's reputation. For the past 20 years, Lane has been dedicated to child advocacy and education through her consistent commitment as a parent volunteer in the Oyster River School District. Though the board is facing many challenges throughout the upcoming fiscal year, Lane said she will work to the best of her ability to improve the current public education system.
Hull, the youngest candidate running for an at-large position, said he is interested in giving back to the school that gave him a number of opportunities. As a 2010 graduate of Oyster River High School, Hull said he could bring new ideas to the board and address issues with a fresh perspective while truly relating to the students in the school system.
Willer, a 19-year resident of Madbury, has had one child make her way through the school district. Though her daughter has already graduated, Willer said she wants the opportunity to give back to the community and school system that offered her daughter so much while attending.
Kach, who currently serves as an interim member of the School Board, he has been submerged in the current board's efforts. Kach said he has recognized many things in his time serving on the board that need to be done in the community, and that he is the right man for the job.
"I want to offer whatever I can to make it a pleasant experience for students, staff and the community at large," said Kach.
The upcoming School Board will be faced with the task of finding and hiring a new superintendent and a new high school principal. When the candidates were asked Tuesday evening what they would be looking for in those looking to fill the leadership positions, all agreed that such individuals would need to possess great strength in listening and communicating.
"When I think of a leader," said Turnbull, "I look for a clear vision that's articulate and that everyone understands so they know where the ship is headed."
Hull said it's important that such individuals looking to fill the leadership positions be motivated role models, as they are the ones implementing the policies that work to benefit those involved in the school district.
Kach and Lane agreed the future superintendent and high school principal should work to bridge the gap between members of the school district and the school board. They suggested those vying for the positions include all stakeholders, including past School Board members, in their decision-making process.
When asked if they would support the continuation of the district's Advisory Budget Committee, the candidates unanimously agreed the committee's service has been a key instrument in Oyster River's many successes.
"Multiple minds bring us the greatest value," said Lane. "Not one person is an expert on everything."
Willer echoed Lane's suggestion, noting the committee's opinions have been a crucial element in much of what the current School Board has adopted and implemented. Kach called the committee a godsend, as they have worked hard to break matters down to the nitty-gritty for board members and have made many suggestions the board has ultimately accepted.
Though they agreed the committee has done the board a great service with its recommendations, Collins and Turnbull said it would be crucial to clearly define the role of the committee and its relationship to the board in order to take full advantage of the committee's potential.
Each year, the School Board is faced with the difficult task of balancing a need for high quality education and lowering taxes. Expected to be no different for the upcoming fiscal year, the candidates were asked which is more important to them. Though each stressed the importance of keeping taxes low to avoid driving anyone out of the district, each candidate said they would ultimately work to put high quality education first and foremost.
"We need to look at areas where we can act frugally without hurting the quality of education," said Kach.
Collins stressed the students within the Oyster River district only have a few years in the school system, and their education during that time shouldn't be sacrificed for the sake of lowering taxes.
As each candidate comes from a different background, one question at the Tuesday evening candidates night focused on whether they would enter the School Board with a prior agenda.
All explained they would enter the board as a member with no hidden or open agendas. However, more than half of the candidates stated they would like to see certain projects and plans implemented more than others, but that it wouldn't stop them from hearing all sides of an argument and staying open-minded.
Residents of Lee, Madbury and Durham will take to the polls on March 8 to fill the three board positions.
http://www.fosters.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20110217/GJNEWS_01/702179726/-1/FOSNEWS02&template=GreatBayRegion
By LAURENNE RAMSDELL
lramsdell@fosters.com
lramsdell@fosters.com
Thursday, February 17, 2011
DURHAM — Six candidates vying for three seats on the Oyster River School Board participated in a question-and-answer session Tuesday evening at Oyster River High School.
Vying for two at-large positions are John Collins, Megan Turnbull, Ann Lane and Chandler Hull. In the race for one position on the board, representing Madbury, are Susan Willer and James Kach.
Collins, who has served six terms on the School Board in the past, said he wanted to run for an at-large position because he feels he can make an overall difference. As he's been through the budget process before, Collins said he has experience that will be helpful in forming and implementing Oyster River's newest budget.
Turnbull, a resident of Durham and a mother of two in the Oyster River school system, said she is suitable for an at-large position as she is heavily invested in the district, as well as education itself.
"My passion for public education runs very deep," said Turnbull. As she is part of many education based organizations, Turnbull said she has professional skill sets that will be helpful to the board and will help keep members on track to maintain the district's values.
Lane said she moved here because of the school district's reputation. For the past 20 years, Lane has been dedicated to child advocacy and education through her consistent commitment as a parent volunteer in the Oyster River School District. Though the board is facing many challenges throughout the upcoming fiscal year, Lane said she will work to the best of her ability to improve the current public education system.
Hull, the youngest candidate running for an at-large position, said he is interested in giving back to the school that gave him a number of opportunities. As a 2010 graduate of Oyster River High School, Hull said he could bring new ideas to the board and address issues with a fresh perspective while truly relating to the students in the school system.
Willer, a 19-year resident of Madbury, has had one child make her way through the school district. Though her daughter has already graduated, Willer said she wants the opportunity to give back to the community and school system that offered her daughter so much while attending.
Kach, who currently serves as an interim member of the School Board, he has been submerged in the current board's efforts. Kach said he has recognized many things in his time serving on the board that need to be done in the community, and that he is the right man for the job.
"I want to offer whatever I can to make it a pleasant experience for students, staff and the community at large," said Kach.
The upcoming School Board will be faced with the task of finding and hiring a new superintendent and a new high school principal. When the candidates were asked Tuesday evening what they would be looking for in those looking to fill the leadership positions, all agreed that such individuals would need to possess great strength in listening and communicating.
"When I think of a leader," said Turnbull, "I look for a clear vision that's articulate and that everyone understands so they know where the ship is headed."
Hull said it's important that such individuals looking to fill the leadership positions be motivated role models, as they are the ones implementing the policies that work to benefit those involved in the school district.
Kach and Lane agreed the future superintendent and high school principal should work to bridge the gap between members of the school district and the school board. They suggested those vying for the positions include all stakeholders, including past School Board members, in their decision-making process.
When asked if they would support the continuation of the district's Advisory Budget Committee, the candidates unanimously agreed the committee's service has been a key instrument in Oyster River's many successes.
"Multiple minds bring us the greatest value," said Lane. "Not one person is an expert on everything."
Willer echoed Lane's suggestion, noting the committee's opinions have been a crucial element in much of what the current School Board has adopted and implemented. Kach called the committee a godsend, as they have worked hard to break matters down to the nitty-gritty for board members and have made many suggestions the board has ultimately accepted.
Though they agreed the committee has done the board a great service with its recommendations, Collins and Turnbull said it would be crucial to clearly define the role of the committee and its relationship to the board in order to take full advantage of the committee's potential.
Each year, the School Board is faced with the difficult task of balancing a need for high quality education and lowering taxes. Expected to be no different for the upcoming fiscal year, the candidates were asked which is more important to them. Though each stressed the importance of keeping taxes low to avoid driving anyone out of the district, each candidate said they would ultimately work to put high quality education first and foremost.
"We need to look at areas where we can act frugally without hurting the quality of education," said Kach.
Collins stressed the students within the Oyster River district only have a few years in the school system, and their education during that time shouldn't be sacrificed for the sake of lowering taxes.
As each candidate comes from a different background, one question at the Tuesday evening candidates night focused on whether they would enter the School Board with a prior agenda.
All explained they would enter the board as a member with no hidden or open agendas. However, more than half of the candidates stated they would like to see certain projects and plans implemented more than others, but that it wouldn't stop them from hearing all sides of an argument and staying open-minded.
Residents of Lee, Madbury and Durham will take to the polls on March 8 to fill the three board positions.
http://www.fosters.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20110217/GJNEWS_01/702179726/-1/FOSNEWS02&template=GreatBayRegion
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
School Board Candidate Forum on DCAT - Taped Broadcast Tonight & Later this Week (Feb.16 -19)
The Oyster River Cooperative School District Candidate Forum, held last evening, was taped and will be broadcast on DCAT (Channel 22) this evening (Wednesday, February 16th) at 5:00, 7:00, 9:00, and 11:00 PM.
The ORCSD Candidate Forum is also scheduled for broadcast on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday (Feb 17, 18, and 19) at 7:00 AM and 7:00 & 9:00 PM.
The ORCSD Candidate Forum is also scheduled for broadcast on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday (Feb 17, 18, and 19) at 7:00 AM and 7:00 & 9:00 PM.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Special School Board Meeting - Thursday 2/17
The Oyster River School Board will meet for a special meeting at Oyster River High School in the Guidance Conference Room at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 17th, 2011. The topic of discussion will relate to FY12 Budget.
Monday, February 14, 2011
A Warning
I have seen many comments tonight that are disrespectful, accusatory, and downright mean. I want to encourage those that post here to remain informed, inquisitive, respectful, and polite.
The blog was created as a place to share concerns and ideas about the district. It is not a place for blaming others with ignorant comments and mudslinging behind an anonymous veil. If this continues, I will be forced to remove the ability to post anonymously.
Please keep the discussions respectful. We are a small and dedicated community. I want to encourage thoughtful debate and information sharing.
Thank you.
Seth Fiermonti
UPDATE: This morning, I am truly saddened by the tone on the blog. Yes...these comments have happened in the past and it seemed to me that thoughtful debate overshadowed it in most cases. However, last night was not the only deciding factor.
As the blog has become more aware in the community, an increasing number of people have written to me to remove anonymous comments. These include people I know as well as people I don't. For the anonymous comment that said I put up the warning because my friends got attacked...that is NOT TRUE. In fact, a teacher emailed me asking to remove the comments last month.
We live in a well educated and great community yet people who take a side (no matter what it is) seem to be vilified and called out for actually taking a stand. Someone very close to me said recently that walking down the middle of the road will only get you run over. However, here, it seems that is not true.
So, while I hoped that allowing anonymous comments would allow people who are fearful of retribution to speak freely, it has also allowed those that are not respectful and seem to forget that the individuals who are called out are educators of our children, volunteers in the district, and parents and friends in this community.
Moving forward, you will need to either state your name/email when posting, register as a user, or use a login from another source such as Google, OpenID, or AOL Instant Messenger.
The blog was created as a place to share concerns and ideas about the district. It is not a place for blaming others with ignorant comments and mudslinging behind an anonymous veil. If this continues, I will be forced to remove the ability to post anonymously.
Please keep the discussions respectful. We are a small and dedicated community. I want to encourage thoughtful debate and information sharing.
Thank you.
Seth Fiermonti
UPDATE: This morning, I am truly saddened by the tone on the blog. Yes...these comments have happened in the past and it seemed to me that thoughtful debate overshadowed it in most cases. However, last night was not the only deciding factor.
As the blog has become more aware in the community, an increasing number of people have written to me to remove anonymous comments. These include people I know as well as people I don't. For the anonymous comment that said I put up the warning because my friends got attacked...that is NOT TRUE. In fact, a teacher emailed me asking to remove the comments last month.
We live in a well educated and great community yet people who take a side (no matter what it is) seem to be vilified and called out for actually taking a stand. Someone very close to me said recently that walking down the middle of the road will only get you run over. However, here, it seems that is not true.
So, while I hoped that allowing anonymous comments would allow people who are fearful of retribution to speak freely, it has also allowed those that are not respectful and seem to forget that the individuals who are called out are educators of our children, volunteers in the district, and parents and friends in this community.
Moving forward, you will need to either state your name/email when posting, register as a user, or use a login from another source such as Google, OpenID, or AOL Instant Messenger.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
HIghlights from ABC Report
After reading many comments on the blog regarding ABC recommendations to the School Board, I am not sure if people have seen/read the entire document. Our 21-page report to the District included significant process and funding improvements. If you have not read it, I think you will find that we are dedicated to providing the best allocation of resources for the children of this community. We accomplished a great deal and met about 2x per week for 3 months. We will continue to press on and refine our recommendations and focus on key areas of the District in the coming year.
You can find our full report, copies of our minutes, etc on the website: http://www.orcsd.org/index.php?option=com_docman&task=cat_view&gid=103&Itemid=203
You can contact the committee at: abc@sau5.org
There are many recommendations in our report. Our focus was not on cuts but on efficiency. Here are a few highlights that have not been mentioned:
You can find our full report, copies of our minutes, etc on the website: http://www.orcsd.org/index.php?option=com_docman&task=cat_view&gid=103&Itemid=203
You can contact the committee at: abc@sau5.org
There are many recommendations in our report. Our focus was not on cuts but on efficiency. Here are a few highlights that have not been mentioned:
At Mast Way and Moharimet, some class sizes exceed Board maximum targets. However, no provisions are made in the FY12 budget to address this issue and no plans are in place to address this in the future. We recommend that $85,000 be set aside in the FY12 budget for purposes of a contingency in the event a teaching position is needed to address the class size issues.
The High School has some class sizes that are significantly lower than the Board maximum target of 22. We recommend that the ORCSD increase and/or eliminate the cap on tuition paying students and increase that number by at least 20 in FY12 and consolidate some of the very small classes at ORHS. Specifically, 2.5 positions could be eliminated saving approximately $200,000. As an alternative, increasing the number of tuition paying students by 20 will also generate $200,000.
We recommend that the proposed 1.0 FTE Technician position for an Application/Database Manager remain in the FY12 budget due to the significant needs of the ORCSD in database management and integration.
The budget presented for the school district contained many unexplained amounts and variances. We suggest that this budget be built from “the ground up” to ensure that amounts included are easily explained and not duplicated elsewhere in the budget.
The CIP budget has been minimally funded over the past few years – ranging from $275,000 - $350,000. We believe that this is not a sufficient amount of money to keep up with the maintenance needs of the buildings, land and infrastructure. And as a result of the low dollar amount allocated, projects have been deferred or spread out over multiple years, increasing the total cost to ORCSD. We recommend that a study be completed and an appropriate amount be allocated for CIP projects each year, and that safety items be funded over convenience items.
We note that two trust funds exist that appear to be designated for facility development. These total $172,000. The ORCSD should access these funds for CIP projects and systematically set money aside for transfer to these funds each year.
We believe that a fleet renewal program of two to three buses per year is responsible, particularly after four years of limited investment in the fleet.
Monday, February 7, 2011
[T]he budget fails to respond effectively...
Posted with permission:
2/7/11
Dear Members of the School Board:
I write with the greatest appreciation for the dedicated service and long hours of hard work you all have put into overseeing our schools and especially in preparing the budget that comes before the town in March.
Nevertheless, I must state my concern about the budget as it stands. The report of the Advisory Budget Committee identifies extremely serious defects in the Board's budget preparation process and a disturbing lack of clarity and transparency in the resulting budget. The Board's tepid reaction to the recommendations of the ABC does not inspire confidence in the Board's management of this crucial community function, the education of our children.
I know it is a difficult task, reconciling the expectations of the people of Durham, Lee, and Madbury for an excellent school system with the competing demands of all those involved in our schools, especially at a time of exceptional economic stress. But the budget fails to respond effectively with clarity and purpose to the needs of our community. I can not support the Board's budget in its present form; I will vote against it on March 8.
Whatever the outcome of that vote, I would urge the Board to undertake a careful process of self-examination, using the recommendations of the Advisory Budget Committee as a blueprint for a strong, responsive School Board of the future.
Respectfully,
Phil Ginsburg (Durham)
2/7/11
Dear Members of the School Board:
I write with the greatest appreciation for the dedicated service and long hours of hard work you all have put into overseeing our schools and especially in preparing the budget that comes before the town in March.
Nevertheless, I must state my concern about the budget as it stands. The report of the Advisory Budget Committee identifies extremely serious defects in the Board's budget preparation process and a disturbing lack of clarity and transparency in the resulting budget. The Board's tepid reaction to the recommendations of the ABC does not inspire confidence in the Board's management of this crucial community function, the education of our children.
I know it is a difficult task, reconciling the expectations of the people of Durham, Lee, and Madbury for an excellent school system with the competing demands of all those involved in our schools, especially at a time of exceptional economic stress. But the budget fails to respond effectively with clarity and purpose to the needs of our community. I can not support the Board's budget in its present form; I will vote against it on March 8.
Whatever the outcome of that vote, I would urge the Board to undertake a careful process of self-examination, using the recommendations of the Advisory Budget Committee as a blueprint for a strong, responsive School Board of the future.
Respectfully,
Phil Ginsburg (Durham)
Advisory Budget Committee Votes Against Recommending Budget
The ABC made recommendations in its report of January 3 (see link below), presented to the School Board, based on the data it was given in December. We as a committee are pleased that the School Board and the Administration made some reductions before finally proposing this operating budget, but we believe additional reductions could be made without damaging our shared goals of effective and efficient education of our students. We are particularly concerned about one time savings being spent on recurring costs. Although the budget has gone down for the first time in recent memory, taxes for all three towns will increase because of declining revenue.
The ABC voted against recommending the budget in Article 8 by 5 to 2.
Additional Information
The election to approve the School District Warrant Articles and select new School Board members will occur March 8, 2011 in the respective towns.
The posted FY2011-2012 budget for the Oyster River Cooperative School District can be reviewed by going to Google Docs for the full budget data as well as visual graphs and charts of the data. The links to the budget documents are:
Budget Visualization: https://docs.google.com/present/edit?id=0ATacA8zqQKh3ZDdyZjR2d18xdmg5aG44Zw&authkey=COPi0p4I&hl=en
Full Budget Data: https://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=0AjacA8zqQKh3dDl3bWJETHYtcXNRQ09xMUlCZzZLMHc&hl=en&authkey=CL3rjeoF
The ABC report submitted to the School Board on 1/3/11 is posted on the district websitewww.orcsd.org under School Board SubCommittees at http://www.orcsd.org/index.php?option=com_docman&task=cat_view&gid=103&Itemid=203
Sunday, February 6, 2011
School District Candidates' Night, Tuesday, February 15 @ 7PM ORHS - Sponsored by the Mast Way PTO
What: ORCSD School Board Candidate Night
When: Tuesday, February 15th (snow date is Wed., Feb. 16th)
Where: Oyster River High School, Multipurpose Room
This is YOUR opportunity to meet, listen to, and ask questions of participating district moderator and school board candidates. Refreshments will be served.
Have questions for the candidates?
Submit questions by NOON, Friday, February 11, 2011 to Wendy DiFruscio
Call Wendy at 868-5100 x20 or e-mail her (wdifruscio@orcsd.org)
Hope to see you there!
Thursday, February 3, 2011
ABC Member Resignation Letter
Bill gave me permission to post this.
--Jenna
Feb 3, 2011
Fellow Members of the Advisory Budget Committee;
When I volunteered to serve on the ABC, I made certain assumptions about the time that would be required of me as well as the amount of time that I could offer. I assumed that analysis of the ORCSD budget would be a simpler process than has proven to be the case, and that retirement would provide me with a more significant amount of “free” time to serve the needs of the community. I was mistaken on both accounts.
It has become very apparent that he organization of the school budget itself has a history of inconsistency and confusion, needlessly requiring a great deal of time and effort to properly understand and analyze it. Honestly, I am not sure whether that has been intentional or just the consequence of haphazard business practices and neglectful oversight. In any case, it requires a greater commitment of time from ABC members than I have been able to provide. For the important work of the ABC to move forward, it needs the full commitment of all its members. Being honest with myself and with you, I’m not that person right now. I greatly respect and admire the amount and quality of work each of you have contributed in an attempt to bring reason and fiscal responsibility to the ORCSD budgeting process; I don’t want to add to your workload or detract from your effort by underperforming while others are ready to provide the assistance you need.
Please do not conclude that I have lost interest. Prior to joining the ABC, I had committed to serving on the board of directors of Child Voice International and the board of elders of Durham Evangelical Church. I have had a long association with both organizations and feel called to give them my highest priority. In so doing, I am simply not able to provide the ABC with the time required to sort through the budget morass and address the fiscal issues that you, the school board and the taxpayers of Durham, Lee and Madbury face. I would be happy to help in a more limited and specific role; I am not content to miss as many meetings as my schedule now requires or to contribute as little as my time now allows.
Please accept my resignation as well as my appreciation for the opportunity to have served with you for a brief time. The school board is extremely fortunate to have as capable and committed a resource as you offer them. I hope they fully understand, appreciate and utilize it.
I wish you the greatest success.
Sincerely
Bill Bryon
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