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| Security Cameras at SHS captured the source of an unusual noise this week --- it was the sound of more tax dollars being sucked out through tghe leaks that somebody forgot to fix .... when they were fixing the leaks in the pool! |
Saturday, December 06, 2014
Security Camera Footage ...
Friday, December 05, 2014
Like Shooting Fish in A Barrel ... or a (still) leaky swimming pool ...
I have finally managed to laugh my way out of Writer's Block!
First, the Town proudly announced that they had cut 9% of the $30 Million cost of the proposed Public Safety Building -- by eliminating 45% of the building space!
If they cut 90% of the space would we save 18% of the cost?
Now I understand why we need the building -- but by eliminating 100% of the space would we only save 20% of the cost!! Would we be paying somebody $24 Million to NOT build us a building.
You have to love consultants!
Unfortunately, local government has become such a flea circus that nobody is paying attention anyway --this deal would have a better chance if they would stop "educating the public" !!
(I do think we need a better Police/Fire station -- but I still question the cost. I'm even more suspicious now that they have managed to reduce 45% from what they originally claimed was a "no-frills" proposal.)
The Sandwich Pool ... the gift that keeps on giving!
So, we just spent $980,000 to fix the leaks in the pool .. and it looks great! Except for one minor issue ... IT'S STILL LEAKING!!
It gets better. Apparently the pool has never met the State Building Code because it was never properly grounded. And, apparently nobody noticed that until the renovation was completed. No word on the cost of that repair yet.
Just to recap the Pool saga -- a few years back some School Committee folks were practically tarred and feathered by an angry crowd wielding swim goggles and pitchforks for pointing out:
- The Community School Accounting Reports were bogus, misleading, and useless
- The Pool was being subsidized by the School System
- There should be a reserve for Pool maintenance
- Unknown people were allowed to wander in and get naked with high school kids
Guess what?
- The School budget funded "Lifeguard Love Shacks" to provide public changing areas,
- The Community School closed because it couldn't support the pool or its own expenses
- The Public was eventually banned during school hours for obvious security reasons
- The Pool was closed due to a lack of maintenance
- Almost $1 million was spent to fix the pool -- but it still can't open because it leaks
- Even if it didn't leak, it doesn't meet code because users could be electrocuted
The more things change, the more they remain the same!
Tuesday, October 07, 2014
LET'S FIND OUR 2020 VISION By Jim Pierce
I just spent a fun-filled few minutes at notthepta.org. A couple of folks referred to the future of the Wing building complex. Below is an article by yours truly that was published in your favorite turtle cage liner over three and a half years ago. Your dedicated readers also appear to have missed the point that the FY15 budget includes $75K for a Wing re-lifing study. We remain on track although my six month, mentioned at the end of the article, appears to have become 4-5 years :-) The inertia in this form of government can never be over-estimated. But, to quote Winston Churchill, "Democracy is the worst form of government, except for everything else we've tried."
My crystal ball proved reasonably accurate. Please feel free to "reprint" the article with reference to its original publication date, if you like.
LET'S FIND OUR 2020 VISION
During the week of February 14 the final piece in a giant puzzle was placed face up on the table for the selectmen and school committee. Now all those pieces have to be assembled into a Capital Asset Plan for Sandwich.
Cost estimates were presented for making the Wing complex serviceable as a school long term. There are basically three alternatives. The complex can be renovated for $30 million. New construction coupled with renovation would cost $40 million. A whole new school can be built for $50 million. The consultant also pointed out that the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) will reemburse about half the cost. The estimates were escalated because construction cannot begin until 2014.
If one of these paths is followed, the voters of Sandwich will be asked to borrow between $15-25 million to have a fourth school building in place in time for the 2015-2016 school year. The problem is, at least as I see it, Sandwich will not need four school buildings. The voters may have good reason to want a fourth school building. That is distinct from needing one.
The school enrollment as of October 1, 2010 was just over 3400. That is down 800 from the peak in 2002. The classes in the high school today average about 260. The entering kindergarten classes over the next four years, based on 2010 census data, will average about 210. Each of the next four years about 260 students will graduate while 210 are entering kindergarten. Consequently, enrollment goes down 50 students per year.
Cat Stuck in Tree Next?
I have avoided chiming in with my $.02 on the latest heavily publicized "Fire Boat Rescues Dog from Canal" stories. I was hoping somebody else could find a dark side to saving somebody's beloved pet rescued. But it didn't happen.
Here's the disclaimers:
1) I like dogs, I've always had dogs. Some of my best friends are dogs.
2) The current FD administration did not acquire the stupid fire boat -- so we can't blame them for the foolish thing. (but maybe they could sell it?)
3) I am reluctant to antagonize any group that I may need to save my fat ass from a bad situation
That being said, would we have emptied the station leaving at least half the Town with limited coverage if it was a cat stuck in a tree? If we had multiple calls and called in mutual aid from another Town is it fair to make those other folks wait for an ambulance?
Couldn't the Coast Guard, or the Harbor Master who already have staffed boats on site handled the call?
Friday, September 26, 2014
Timberrrrrrrr !!!
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| Missed Opportunity --- I'm sure SOMEBODY must have seen this guy nesting along the Service Road ? |
The No-Gas crowd saved the best for last. The mind-numbing broadcast caused me to nod off more than a few times, but I have a distinct memory that one of the last speakers had a lovely English accent and spoke of the Town shredding Baby Birds in a wood chipper.
Nonetheless, the Selectmen showed spine and made cogent comments and well-reasoned explanations for their votes to allow the tree removal. Justin the Tree Warden did a good job explaining the situation despite the fact he probably feared for his life. The Crossmans even appeared very reasonable and professional -- despite their long involvement with this issue.
On the other hand, more than a few of their neighbors thought they had been invited to a barroom brawl!
Friday, August 29, 2014
And Now a Word From The Sandwich Public Schools ....
Wednesday, July 09, 2014
The Case With No Winners
UPDATE -- The CCT is reporting that Dr. Johnson has not agreed to the settlement. The Town is still on the hook for $465,000 but no other details are available.
From the Cape Cod Times: Sandwich to pay Johnson $500K
No surprise. But, it's too bad that winning a case doesn't actually produce any winners -- unless you count the lawyers who benefited from a four year unsupervised billing orgy!
On one side, you have the Sandwich taxpayers who have essentially been paying two Superintendents for the past three years as a direct result of the actions of four vindictive school committee members. That's money that hasn't gone towards improving education, fixing roads, fixing beaches, or maintaining buildings.
On the other side, you have a former School Superintendent with almost 40 years of experience who has become essentially unemployable. Not only did she lose her job but, once some folks realized there could be some ramifications for their actions, they really began to pile on the bullshit.
Does anybody think it is unusual that a District would ban their own School Superintendent for allegedly speaking harshly to an employee -- yet allow two other school employees directly involved with the care of children to remain employed -- despite the fact that they appeared to be so intoxicated that fellow employees had to drive them home from school?
How about a Union that not only defended both of those employees but then filed grievances and fought to get them reinstated and their records expunged? But, then again, this is the same union whose new President recently resigned because she was tired of being bullied by the old union leadership. (Who, not coincidentally, is back in control.)
One other point -- the current Superintendent made a comment about this settlement affecting funds available for students in the current year's education budget. Given that the bulk of this settlement was decried by a Judge months ago, this liability should have been fully accrued for in Fiscal 2014. In fact, given the facts of the case, I would be shocked if there has not been a reserve on the books for this payment for the past three years. This has already hit the budget -- To say this claim could also have any impact on the coming year's school budget is disingenuous at best.
Let's not start lining up those FY '15 Budget excuses yet!
Mass. Taxpayers Will Fund Sandwich Project That Sandwich Voters Did Not Want to Fund
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| Thank you Abington, Athol, Braintree, Chelsea, Danvers, Edgartown, Falmouth, Granby, Haverhilll ....! |
Mass. Taxpayers Will Fund Sandwich Project That Sandwich Voters Did Not Want to Fund
Standard Stadium Disclaimer: I am one of the large number of people who absolutely, positively, do not begrudge any veteran a memorial. I would have no problem re-naming the High School Building after Captain DeConto. My concern is only the cost and priority of the project.
The roads are falling apart, the beach is washing away, and the Public Safety Buildings are a disgrace, I'm just not seeing artificial turf as a major necessity.
But, barring the sudden growth of a spine, I assume the Governor will sign off and then we can thank the good folks in West Boylston, North Adams, Lowell & Lawrence for their contribution to our football field.
But, for the record, this still doesn't make up for the value of the subsidized swimming pool access Sandwich taxpayers have been providing to their Cape neighbors for the past two decades!
Wednesday, June 11, 2014
The New Sandwich School Department Theme Song ....
Ironically, at the same time time that Sandwich takes a giant step forward through school consolidation and reconfiguration it takes a giant leap backwards to the Bad Old Days of Union theatrics and bullying.
Interestingly, a few years back several teachers complained privately to the School Committee about bullying -- but because they weren't willing to go public, there was little that could be done. One Committee member did publically criticize a union member by name for bullying and was immediately slapped with a grievance demanding an apology. In response, she said she would rather sit naked in the stocks in front of the Daniel Webster than to apologize for her comments. Eventually the matter was dropped. (No stock-sitting required!)
One of the provisions of the last Teachers contract gave the Union the ability to charge all teachers a representation fee regardless of whether or not they joined the union. Maybe, now that every employee is forced to fund this nonsense, somebody will have the courage to step up and end the embarrassment that small minority of Union leadership causes their colleagues and the entire District.
Tuesday, June 10, 2014
Sandwich Teachers Union President Resigns -- Fed up with Union Bullies!
"Unfortunately there are also a few representatives on your executive board who are filled with hatred and anger. They have no interest in resolutions, only in bathing in their own vitriolic sentiments and bullying others. "
The below email was sent to SEA members across Town yesterday. I have never met outgoing SEA President Paula Chambers, but her email shows a tremendous amount of bravery and professionalism to make very public what has long been a major problem in the Sandwich Schools. (Thank you to all of the folks who sent me a copy of this -- all of whom made the stipulation that their names not be used.)
Dear Friends and Colleagues;
I am writing to inform you that I have resigned as President of the SEA. I have worked very hard to represent and advocate for all SEA members, and am grateful for the support and guidance many of you have given me along the way.
During my year as president I have gotten to know some very good members of the executive board who work tirelessly to represent the people in their buildings.
I want to publicly thank them for their dedication and hard work this year. Unfortunately there are also a few representatives on your executive board who are filled with hatred and anger. They have no interest in resolutions, only in bathing in their own vitriolic sentiments and bullying others.
There is a definite disconnect with my approach and that of this vocal minority. My belief is that Unions should be there to find positive ways to resolve differences, to support each other and to make the schools better. I don't believe in a union that looks for ways to rip people apart and to cripple their own school system.
I am sorry if I have disappointed any of you, but the current board is one I can no longer be part of.
You may hear rumors of what happened at the last Eboard meeting, so I thought you deserved to hear it from me.
Although every Eboard meeting has been confrontational, the last meeting really went south quickly. The issue was my request for president release time for next year which we had previously discussed at earlier meetings . I wanted to get a final vote on the issue before bringing it to all of you at the next general membership meeting on Monday. President release time is customary in most towns of our size, and I believe it may be part of the reason that we have always had such difficult relations in our town. There has to be time to work out problems, not just file grievances. True success should not be measured by the number of grievances filed, but rather by the number avoided by adept problem solving skills. A board member said to me that she didn't understand what I needed time for, and that "all that is involved in being a president is contract negotiations". That mentality is why there have been so many problems in the past. Filing grievances is a quick response to issues but it is very short sighted. Building healthy relationships and working out problems requires effort, time and the proper skill set. As a successful president you need to have time for negotiations Yes- but also time for a multitude of other subcommittees, time for listening, time for researching solutions and for attempting conflict resolution, you need time to meet with and to communicate with Eboard members, to write newsletters, and to communicate with all of the schools and all of the units - not just the teachers. You have to have time to contact the Supt., administrators, MTA , local and state representatives, time to speak at, and watch school committee meetings, and if there was enough time,some presidents get involved in advocating for legislation and educational policy at the local and state level.
I especially thought time would be important next year with all of the changes in store for our district. The supt. had agreed to president release time - funded by the association or by the town- he was open to either, I had put it on the agenda to discuss with the Eboard and then present the options to the general membership for hopeful approval on Monday. I had also seriously contemplated taking a pay cut if the membership didn't think it was possible to fund the release time and did not agree to let the town fund it. I thought it was that important .
In the meantime my teaching schedule for next year was up in the air and It had been set up with an open block - not yet filled - in case I was able to work this out. Some Eboard members took this opportunity to let me know how much they didn't trust or like me and launched a personal attack on my character for even attempting to get release time. When others tried to speak in defense they were shouted down.
When I looked at the angry mob in front of me I decided I was all done.
I tendered my resignation which was met by "Finally, Its about time!" from the biggest bully in the room.
This particular issue was about my position, but it wasn't about me- as some may want you to believe. I stillwould urge you to consider release time in the future for presidents; as I think it will be key to a successful union.
I understand that the the meeting for Monday was cancelled, which is a shame because I do think members should be kept up to date on what is going on. Here are a few key issues you may want to know about:
1. The custodial contract has been settled, with a tentative agreement.
2. The ESP Contract was ratified.
3. The Secretary Contract was ratified.
4. The Teachers Negotiations team has hired a private mediator to come in for the next 3 sessions to help us find solutions.
5. There s a new component of the evaluation system going in place next year - it involves getting student feedback through surveys. My suggestion to the JLMT group is that the surveys next year should only be used for teachers to review privately. No one should be required to share feedback with admin in the first year of implementation, as we all have enough to stress about next year. I had worked this out with Maureen Wiklund and I hope this verbal agreement remains intact.
We have a lot of changes in store next year, the Supt. has stated that there will definitely be an overall loss of jobs. Buildings and schedules will be changing and we will all be struggling with trying to keep a positive attitude and doing right by our students while feeling a bit overwhelmed and uncertain at the same time. Although I am no longer on the SEA board, I am always interested in meeting with people who want to create positive change in our school and who want to find thoughtful and equitable solutions. I will work to promote candidates for the board next year that exhibit these types of qualities . Feel free to contact me if you want to talk about improving school culture.
Members need to speak out to create the union they want. If you are silent, that is a sign of your approval with the status quo.
I truly wish everyone the best of luck. I hope everyone has a great summer and comes back refreshed for a successful school year.
With Love and admiration of my colleagues -
Paula Chambers
- your coworker
Saturday, May 31, 2014
The School Configuration Kerfuffle Made Easy
Like most situations -- this one has a lot of angles & perspectives:
Superintendent: UPSIDE: Reconfiguration would produce efficiencies and consistencies and allow existing resources to be leveraged to provide some good opportunities for students of all ages. Resources, or events, that may not be feasible in 2-3 locations could be affordable in one location.
DOWNSIDE: It's going to cost some money to reconfigure schools (think smaller toilets) and there will be some costs with moving equipment and changes in transportation. Also -- there will be much loud discussion and public angst which will distract from the everyday effort of running the District, and implementing the STEM program. BUT -- this is a good opportunity to deliver on the eventual cost-savings and efficiencies you have been promising.
Teachers: UPSIDE: They will work with more colleagues in their own grades and have access to more shared grade-specific resources.
DOWNSIDE: Kids are liable to be distracted by changing building so the first few days may be confusing. Teachers will be expected to deliver consistent curriculums -- may not be able to wander off and "do their own thing". Besides, moving is a pain in the ass and change is bad.
DOWNSIDE: Kids will be put through too many traumatic changes if they have to go to a new building. They like having their kids in one place. They don't want to drive to Forestdale. They didn't vote for that! And, why do they call him "Dr." anyway -- does he have a medical degree?
(One thought about the "traumatic changes" some folks are worried about: This is 21st Century Sandwich. With so many kids expected to routinely adjust to Step Mother, Step Father, Mom's Boyfriend, Dad's Girlfriend, Two Moms, Two Dads, raised by Grandma/Grandpa, joint custody, custodial parents, Mommie's house, Daddy's House, job relocations, mortgage foreclosures, etc. --- I'm thinking they can probably adjust to changing schools every three years -- especially with all of their friends being in the same building with them.)
Parent Group #2: UPSIDE: Everything, great idea.
DOWNSIDE: Absolutely none!!!!!.
Parent Group #2: UPSIDE: Oh, are they thinking about changing the schools? I haven't heard anything about that! Will this impact Pop Warner or Youth Soccer?
DOWNSIDE: Oh, are they thinking about changing the schools? I haven't heard anything about that! Will this impact Pop Warner or Youth Soccer?
School Committee: UPSIDE: Might be able to do something that will have a long-term impact on the School Department -- without receiving a subpoena!
DOWNSIDE: Few members have any real background in education (and a couple act like they have no education) -- They know that no matter what they do -- somebody will be pissed off!
CONCLUSION: The Committee will catch Hell either way. The only thing they can do is attempt to make a rational, educationally sound decision based on the information presented to them. They have heard from the public ad nauseum over the past several weeks -- there is little to be gained by listening to the same people repeat the same things one more time. I think the School Committee's question to themselves should be: "Have we heard any legitimate issues raised that conflict with the professional judgement of the Superintendent and his team?'
Friday, May 30, 2014
Decision-Making By Cat Fight
A while ago somebody asked what I thought about the idea of restructuring the school system into K-2/3-6 or leaving it K-6. I really didn't have an opinion. As I said back then, I was far more concerned about getting three of my kids back and forth to three separate high schools next year --- and hoping that Kid #4 put her college degree to good use teaching somewhere. Anywhere.
But, I have since developed a few random observations and opinions:
1) The Superintendent shot himself in the foot by applying for a job in Idaho in the middle of the most significant change in the Sandwich Schools since they installed indoor plumbing. After all of his discussion about this being "his last job" and how "he had always wanted to retire on the Cape", his credibility (unfortunately) went right down the crapper -- particularly after reading he also had a house in Idaho and had always wanted to retire there also. It was made worse with his silly comments about "not looking for the job", "mutually decided it wasn't right", and being "committed to his new 3 year contract". I like the guy --- but let me translate --- He applied for a job, they didn't hire him, and now he's committed to staying here ---- until the next opportunity comes along and he decides " he always loved Toledo, or Wichita, or Marshfield ..."..
It's too bad -- the idea that he planned to focus the remainder of his career doing what needed to be done here -- without worrying about the political bullshit that drove his predecessors out was encouraging. Now we are left wondering if he has the stomach to keep dealing with the natives, and, if not, how soon the next search committee will be convened.
2) A very vocal group of parents has formed in support of the K-6 structure. It's sort of an amusing group to watch because very few of them seem to have paid attention to anything over the past few years but now seem to think that decisions should be made based on how many times they repeat their personal opinion. They also seem to think that somewhere in the Constitution there is a clause giving them the right to vote on anything they decide they want to vote on. Interestingly, the group has been emailing their views to the School Department and while their opinion does hold a slight majority of responses -- there are so few letters received in relation to the total number of families in the District, that is not much of an advantage.
3) The School Committee -- while I would point out that the School Committee is generally pretty lame (some members MUCH lamer than others!), they were elected to make this decision. If a member of that Parents group felt so strongly about the issue, maybe they should have run for a seat. Instead, they allowed two dopes to be (practically) unopposed last year, and three more people to wander in off the street unopposed tis year with no public vetting process or without any review of their experience or education. If you read the Parents' Facebook comments, a lot of them don't even know who's on the Committee. (Yeah, I know -- they're very busy people .... no time to pay attention ... blah, blah ...)
I do think most of the Committee has shown some common sense by electing a well-educated and professionally-qualified Chairperson. I hope he will continue to do what he thinks is correct for the District -- and not bow to the pressure of a very small, very vocal minority of the population -- on this or any future issue.
3) The Teachers Union did their own poll on the issue and that also came out slightly in favor of maintaining the K-6 configuration. It's been decades since my last stats class, but I would certainly question the margin of error and the validity of that process. The quality of the last public poll by the Union was on the level of something usually seen in a third world nation that produced bananas. It was so bogus it would have been humorous -- except for the damage it caused. These folks are experienced educators, but given the deeply entrenched reluctance of some members to change anything, I am actually surprised the results were as positive as they were. I was expecting a resounding "no way" -- but I'm not seeing it.
4) And then you have the Administration -- overlooking the wounded Superintendent -- the rest of his team seems on-board. But, then that's WHY they're on his team! BUT, they are also experienced professional educators. They are trained and licensed to educate kids. and will be doing it long after the kids of these parents have graduated. Longaberger / Silpada / Tupperware / Etsy / Babe Ruth / PTA experience ain't the same as an advanced degree in Education.
So ....?
This will be a defining moment for the School Committee. Do they go with the professional opinion of the experienced Superintendent that they hired to run the District, do they go with their own deeply held convictions (which may or may not be the same as the Administration), or do they just fold and bow to the wishes and personal opinions of a relatively small -- but very loud -- group of parents?
We shall see.
Thursday, May 29, 2014
Battle of Irrelevance
The Broadsider has an amusing story this week about the local Hysterical Commission being concerned about the addition of a sign saying some hacks from Sandwich, England got together recently with some of our home-grown hacks and decided to declare the namesake towns "Twin Cities". Yawn ...
Next week, I hear some folks from Subway will be in-town asking to be declared the "official Sandwch Shop(pe) of Sandwich" --- an honor that I assume will also come with a sign. At least we something in common with Subway ---- since sub shops (or "shoppes" in "The Village") are one of the few growth industries in town.
The following week, there is a group from Forestdale scheduled to visit Town Hall to request to be designated "The P.A. Landers Cultural District". That seems fair since at least Landers is still in business and pays way more in local taxes than the Glass Company ever did! (BTW, I assume all those trucks and loaders parked off Rte. 130 are registered in Sandwich -- and not still paying excise and personal property taxes to Plymouth or Hanover instead? Maybe somebody should check that?)
I find it amusing that in a town where a $70 million budget passes without a single question, a town where the roads and public safety building are falling apart -- yet votes to spend $1 million to fix a swimming pool that nobody will admit to having any idea what the operating costs are --- yet they get excited about 1 more stupid sign.
Of course it's a stupid sign! People want to know where the bathrooms are, and how to get to (any other Town's) beaches. Nobody cares about the egghead mini-districts, cultural districts, or signs commemorating coincidental name similarities. Those are all amusing hobbies for people with too much time on their hands or those who feel a need to justify their existence --- but otherwise -- who cares?
The only thing more amusing than listening to these dopes argue for their irrelevant pet projects is when an equally irrelevant group wants to argue about it. It's too bad somebody has to win the argument!
Saturday, May 17, 2014
Wednesday, May 07, 2014
A Modest Proposal ...
Hell, if it takes 2 minutes to approve $70 million, why do we need to waste hours on arguing about the Special Interest du jour ...?
Retribution can be a Bitch !
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| A group of Barnstable oyster farmers recently rented a giant crane in an unsuccessful attempt to steal Joe's Lobster Mart |
Monday, May 05, 2014
WTF ?
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| This potato was unable to attend Town Meeting tonight -- but if it had, it would have asked the same number of questions that those approving the budget asked. |
I turned on Town Meeting this evening (The Daily Show & Colbert were both repeats). I thought I was watching a speed reading demonstration -- the articles were passing as quick as they could be read, and re-read, and then re-read one more time.
The over $70 million dollar annual budget was passed in seconds --- with absolutely no comment or question from the audience --- not even a stupid one! Other towns take multiple nights to discuss and approve what Sandwich can knock off in minutes!
Does anybody really think Town Meeting is still relevant to the operation of the Town? It's a numbers game -- out of 15,000 voters, maybe 250 will show up. If you want something bad enough (pool, astro-turf, the ability to chase away illegal aliens) all you need is 125 warm bodies.
Yeah, I know... it's Democracy!
Which brings us to the Giant Potato above.
The Magic Valley Times News (which is apparently in Idaho) is reporting that a Dr. Richard Canfield was named one of two finalists for the Blaine County School Superintendent's job -- but didn't get the job. What a coincidence, Sandwich has a Superintendent of the same name. Wait a minute -- I recognize that face! According to the local papers, Canfield and his wife love the Blaine County area and have been vacationing there for years. That sounds vaguely familiar... that's what he said about Cape Cod a couple of years ago -- usually in the same paragraph with the phrases "last job" and "going to retire here".
Here we go again. A new Superintendent comes to Town, turns the system inside out -- and then either gets driven out of the District or flees before the locals can gather their pitch forks & torches!
Well, at least we still have a strong, experienced, School Committee -- except for those three folks who walked in off the street unopposed and two others who have been described as the special interest devotee and the un-medicated third grader. Damn.
Well, at least we are getting a new astro-turf field! (Because it would be disrespectful to veterans and 9/11 victims if we didn't spend pennies a day to prevent 400 kids from getting grass stains. Or something like that.)
Gimme a break.
Sunday, April 20, 2014
Consultant to the Committee on Consultants Who Hire Other Consultants
So far, the best reason I have heard to build a new Library is that Town Hall needs a bigger building in which to store their collection of Consultants' reports. (I hope they save a special place for the Consultant who thought it was a good idea to spend $3.5 million to renovate Town Hall and reduce the amount of space usable by Town employees!) The latest farce is the employment of a consultant to determine how residents feel about building additional recreational facilities.
It's no secret that the Town needs more space -- the constant beating the fields take is second only to the constant beating the School Department takes for their poor condition. The reality is, if the schools are spending money on fields (or pools), they aren't spending money on academics. It's that simple.
If an outside group wants to use a school field they need to pay for their share of the maintenance. It's an old argument that that taxpayers shouldn't be expected to fund private group use of public facilities out of the school budget -- especially if these non-profits manage to find ways to pay some of their "volunteers". If a group decides some of its people deserve to be paid -- than they should damn well be paying for the use of taxpayer-funded facilities.
For more details -- see the Mass Attorney General's Office online database of non-profit organization tax filings at: www.charities.ago.state.ma.us,
Just for old-time's sake, I looked up one particular group that has always benefited greatly from the use of school-funded facilities -- and -- sure enough, the nastiest, most foul-tempered little troll who constantly fought against any usage fess was ... wait for it ... the highest paid "volunteer" listed on any of the tax returns. When asked about her group's ability to pay, the Troll had sneered. "I'm not showing you our tax returns!" She was too stupid to realize they were already available online.
But that's an old argument -- and we have already seen that few really give enough of a damn to speak-out on the issue. This "new study" will show two distinct groups: (1) People who want more facilities and (2) Everybody else who won't show-up.
At the risk of sounding cynical, I suspect there may be a "solution" all ready to go -- just waiting for a consulting "study" to justify it! And, I suspect the consultant is not going to be the only one making a grab for my tax dollars in this deal!
So let's not pretend.
Saturday, April 19, 2014
Grab Your Flux Capacitor ..... We're Going Back to the Future !! (By Bob Guerin)
Good news!
Town Hall has decided to begin a conversation with resident taxpayers about recreation space, fields and Sandwich Hollows. Most folks in town consider this a dialog that’s long overdue.
At least 10 and perhaps 15 years ago, the Sandwich Hollows Golf Advisory Board, of which I was a member, brought a detailed plan to the Board of Selectmen and Town Manager that showed exactly how 25 to 30 acres of Hollows’ land could be cleared, leveled and used for recreational fields. Our plan included detailed parcel maps and identified resources willing to clear and level the land at no charge. We had imagined that Little League, Sandwich Youth Soccer, Sandwich Lacrosse and Pop Warner would use and maintain the lands at little to no cost to the town, just as they do other fields today.
Amazingly, this is almost exactly the same Hollows’ land use idea that Town Hall has just announced that it is now willing to explore with the help of a paid consultant.
When I recently asked a Selectman why it’s taken almost 15 years for the Board of Selectmen and our Town Manager to act on what was once a no cost proposal I was told: “we had other priorities.”
Knowing that the Sandwich Hollows’ land use project was once a no cost / low cost project, I am eagerly awaiting the cost estimates for this new recreation proposal. I’ll bet it’s not going to be cheap.
I hope the new recreation project is at least as good as the free 30 acres of recreational fields that the Sandwich Hollows Golf Committee proposed building almost 15 years ago.
Town Hall has decided to begin a conversation with resident taxpayers about recreation space, fields and Sandwich Hollows. Most folks in town consider this a dialog that’s long overdue.
At least 10 and perhaps 15 years ago, the Sandwich Hollows Golf Advisory Board, of which I was a member, brought a detailed plan to the Board of Selectmen and Town Manager that showed exactly how 25 to 30 acres of Hollows’ land could be cleared, leveled and used for recreational fields. Our plan included detailed parcel maps and identified resources willing to clear and level the land at no charge. We had imagined that Little League, Sandwich Youth Soccer, Sandwich Lacrosse and Pop Warner would use and maintain the lands at little to no cost to the town, just as they do other fields today.
Amazingly, this is almost exactly the same Hollows’ land use idea that Town Hall has just announced that it is now willing to explore with the help of a paid consultant.
When I recently asked a Selectman why it’s taken almost 15 years for the Board of Selectmen and our Town Manager to act on what was once a no cost proposal I was told: “we had other priorities.”
Knowing that the Sandwich Hollows’ land use project was once a no cost / low cost project, I am eagerly awaiting the cost estimates for this new recreation proposal. I’ll bet it’s not going to be cheap.
I hope the new recreation project is at least as good as the free 30 acres of recreational fields that the Sandwich Hollows Golf Committee proposed building almost 15 years ago.
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Could it be a coincidence that there were reports of an odd-looking
DeLorean tooling around Sandwich Hollows recently?
It was obviously one of the Consultants trying to go back in time
to find a way to charge for the same answer that was obtained
free in a dozen years ago!!
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Wednesday, April 02, 2014
Time to take The Wing on "The Ride"
Like many animal owners, over the past twenty-something years, there have been numerous occasions when Dad and the aged & ailing dog/cat/rabbit/guinea pig go out for That Ride --- the ride from which only Dad returns.
Well, I think its time to take The Wing on The Ride....
Somebody recently asked my thoughts on the plans to reconfigure the three K-8's.
Well, I think its time to take The Wing on The Ride....
Somebody recently asked my thoughts on the plans to reconfigure the three K-8's.
I just don't have a horse in this race. Next year, I will have three kids at three different high schools, and (hopefully) a fourth teaching school someplace. No more K-8's.
I've never claimed to be a professional educator, or an expert in child development (just ask my kids!) But, from a management perspective, it makes sense to me to consolidate like operations whenever possible --- to allow the greatest sharing of resources and talent and to ensure maximum consistency of results.
But ... I've been told that kids can't be treated like widgets.
If there is a sound educational argument to be made to structure in one fashion or another, I could be swayed. BUT, if the argument is based on ill-informed hysterical shrieking or rambling dissertations by folks with no professional background or experience in the subject (other than the ability to mix sperm and egg), I tend to change the channel and watch American Idol!
From a Big Picture perspective, the Wing has to go. While I suspect the engineering / consulting reports are exaggerated, there's no disputing it's a grossly inefficient facility that is costly to maintain.
I always argued that we may need those school seats at some point, but given the increased number of seats at Pope John Paul II and Sturgis, the growth in School Choice options, and the generally changing age demographic in this area, that's probably unlikely. Any substantial student growth I the future would likely impact an expanded Upper Cape Tech, or more cost-effective modular additions to the Forestdale or Oakridge.
That being said, I am still leery of adding yet another piece of useless real estate to the Town's portfolio. In a professional environment, I would be promoting an effort to consolidate Town services in a single location and then liquidating the remaining properties to outside buyers -- buyers with money, not the friendly folks looking to help themselves to public property for their own benefit -- or those that confuse "historic" with "old".
What has (not) happened to the Dewey Avenue building is a disgrace.
As I have little confidence that the Town could ever actually coordinate or finance a renovation/consolidation effort, I would strongly support subdividing the parcel, turning the fields over to the Recreation Department and selling the building to a private developer for renovation into apartments, and/or an assisted living facility. Sale proceeds could be used to fund some of the deferred maintenance efforts around town.
Or, we could hire another consultant.
The best argument I've heard for a new Library building is that we need more space to store our Consultants' Reports !!
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
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When I am called to duty, God,
wherever flames may rage, give me strength to save a life, whatever be its age. Help me embrace a little child before it is too late, or save an older person from the horror of that fate. Enable me to be alert, and hear the weakest shout, quickly and efficiently to put the fire out. I want to fill my calling, to give the best in me, to guard my friend and neighbor, and protect his property. And if according to Your will I must answer death's call, bless with your protecting hand, my family one and all.
The Fireman's Prayer
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Saturday, March 08, 2014
Budget Numbers Don't Add Up (By Bob Guerin)
The standard School Committee and Selectman discussion of Dr. Canfield’s budget continues to suggest $1 million of savings will soon be realized by the schools.
It is just about impossible, though, to find any evidence and documentation supporting these numbers in any published budget materials. How much money is Dr. Canfield spending this year? How does that compare to what the schools spent last year, or expects to spend next year?
Perhaps the reason for this oversight and research failure by our elected officials is because the real numbers don't match up with the storyline. For example, in the current year, the schools are expected to spend 30,819,859. With all the savings being talked about, plus the past decade of declining enrollments, a reasonable person might assume that spending next year will be down a bit. But it's not. In fact, the Superintendents’ budget calls for spending $32,006,580 in 2015. That's $1,186,721 more than this year. It's not a one-year aberration either. Spending increases are projected for the following year (2016) by Dr. Canfield albeit he suggests a significantly smaller increase than this year’s requested increase.
It's hard to rationalize that the school's budget is about to realize significant savings while also reading reports published by the schools showing spending going in the opposite direction. . . .
The basic problem is simple Dr. Canfield and our elected officials have tortured the English language by suggesting that if spending grows less than expected, it should be called a spending cut or savings. Outside of city hall, nobody talks like that. This is more than just a theoretical discussion about transparency and budgeting. The failure of our school administration, school committee and selectmen to provide real numbers presents a false image to taxpayers about the state of our municipal budgets. Spending is not being cut but going up.
It is just about impossible, though, to find any evidence and documentation supporting these numbers in any published budget materials. How much money is Dr. Canfield spending this year? How does that compare to what the schools spent last year, or expects to spend next year?
Perhaps the reason for this oversight and research failure by our elected officials is because the real numbers don't match up with the storyline. For example, in the current year, the schools are expected to spend 30,819,859. With all the savings being talked about, plus the past decade of declining enrollments, a reasonable person might assume that spending next year will be down a bit. But it's not. In fact, the Superintendents’ budget calls for spending $32,006,580 in 2015. That's $1,186,721 more than this year. It's not a one-year aberration either. Spending increases are projected for the following year (2016) by Dr. Canfield albeit he suggests a significantly smaller increase than this year’s requested increase.
It's hard to rationalize that the school's budget is about to realize significant savings while also reading reports published by the schools showing spending going in the opposite direction. . . .
The basic problem is simple Dr. Canfield and our elected officials have tortured the English language by suggesting that if spending grows less than expected, it should be called a spending cut or savings. Outside of city hall, nobody talks like that. This is more than just a theoretical discussion about transparency and budgeting. The failure of our school administration, school committee and selectmen to provide real numbers presents a false image to taxpayers about the state of our municipal budgets. Spending is not being cut but going up.
Thursday, February 27, 2014
The Minister of Magic ?
The CCT is reporting that Town Manager Bud Dunham "found" enough cash floating around Town Hall to eliminate the possibility that Selectmen would need to propose a Prop 2 1/2 Override to fund the implementation of the Academy of the the Sacred STEM. Previously the Board had decided not to decide on presenting the Public Safety Building to the voters.
Looks like we're switching philosophies from "Let the Voters Decide" to, "Never Trust The Voters with Anything Important" !
(To be Continued ...)
Friday, February 14, 2014
I am a STEM supporter -- but there are no Blank Checks!
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| Don't Worry, STEM will save us ! |
I'm a STEM supporter, I'm also a Canfield supporter -- but I'm concerned that the the chant of "STEM, STEM, STEM!" has become the standard answer to every question. I am also concerned that there does not seem to be much School Committee oversight any more.
The Town suggests a 2% budget -- the Schools come in with 4.5%.
The Schools endorse opening the pool -- even though they have no idea of the operating costs.
More than $500,000 was spent on a new technology platform (iPads) which essentially commits the District to future expenditures to maintain the program -- and there is no committee discussion. (Again, not a bad idea -- but it needed some discussion and tyhought)
The Superintendent was discussing Overrides with the Selectmen, before the School Committee.
I think its amusing that some of the same people that used to claim prior School Committees were rubber-stamping Superintendent's proposals, and used to make long. dramatic, nonsensical financial pronouncements now appear to be comatose. What has happened to that rush to make a public comment -- regardless of gaining any understanding of the facts?
Once again, it appears those self-proclaimed Budget Watchdogs have turned into little leg-humpers!
Sunday, February 09, 2014
Saturday, February 08, 2014
And THIS is why we're in trouble .......
Jim and I have always had a cordial relationship -- we agree on many issues and agree to disagree on others but I think his response to Bob Guerin's description of the latest Golden Triangle fiasco as "silly" is a little over the top. But, then again, I think trying to negotiate a land development deal through the local press is also a little over the top -- so I guess he's being consistent.
I do understand his concern over the attention paid to the amount of money the pool was taking away from the Town's academic budget -- I would probably feel the same way if my daughter-in-law ran the pool programs.
But, I probably would have been a little more careful about referring to the former Superintendent of Schools as "unqualified". People with 35+ years of experience who have worked as Assistant Superintendents and have earned Doctoral degrees might be a little sensitive to that -- particularly when she's already on the winning side of some very costly litigation against the Town.
"Ham Fisted approach to the SEA" ? OK, I have no doubt that's the way the SEA President described it when she met with him -- but most Selectmen don't try to involve themselves in the business of other committees. Although it is nice to see where the Chairman of the Board of Selectmen stands on efforts to control labor costs. Maybe he could make an effort to do that on the Town side?
The loss of students has always been a concern -- but there's not a hell of a lot the School Committee can do about the doubling of Sturgis classroom space and the opening of PJPII High School. I would also venture that opening a pool will not stem the flow of students leaving the District -- for schools without pools! Maybe if some efforts had been made to reduce property taxes, we wouldn't have so many empty 3-4 bedroom houses in town?
And, my favorite: "forcing a contract renewal through a lame-duck School Committee". I'm not sure what he means -- was he referring to Dr. Canfield's renewal which was done this past spring at the meeting immediately prior to the election? Or was he talking about Dr. Johnson's renewal which was done at the meeting before an election several years ago? In any event, both Committees followed the recommended MASC procedure of having the committee who has worked with the Superintendent complete his/her evaluation and renew his/her contract (or not). You wouldn't want somebody evaluating a performance they had never witnessed would you? I'm surprised Jim didn't remember that explanation -- I know it was in several depositions lately -- I guess he really wasn't paying attention to the Town's attorneys.
Tuesday, February 04, 2014
Saturday, February 01, 2014
Be Afwaid, Be Vewy Afwaid ...
It's not very often I get to quote Elmer Fudd, but looking at the challenging budgetary waters we are heading into, its terrifying to see who could be driving the boat!
There is definitely one, but probably three seats opening up on the School Committee this year. The current Chair has been in for two years and will likely have to rotate off -- leaving (God Help us!) Crossman and Kangas as the potential Committee Chair (unless Andrade or a new member steps up.)
So far, their only claim to fame is being characterized as "mean-spirited" and "callous" by a Superior Court Judge, after their actions cost the Town over $430,000 in the Johnson case. One is also best known for her undying support for the pool -- regardless of the cost. The other has been lovingly referred to as an "unmedicated third grader" and is best known for rattling off strings of completely meaningless budget numbers, and accusations -- only to be told she was looking at the wrong document.
In other words, probably not the people you want at the helm (or in the room!) when you're looking at:
- Consolidating & Restructuring schools
- Implementing a new STEM Program
- Overseeing a $30 Million budget
- Convincing the Public the schools need an Override
- Stemming the tide of kids fleeing the District to Choice & Charter schools
- Negotiating contracts with the Teachers & the Superintendent
If you have ever considered running for School Committee, or have any interest in local government, or educational policy, this could be your year. You can read an article on "What Makes a Great School Board Member" here -- but I would strongly suggest that you contact past and/or present Committee members for more information on this position.
Friday, January 31, 2014
Cue The Flying Donkeys ... It's Budget Season !
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| " When donkeys fly!? " |
I have to admit it -- I haven't watched more than a few minutes of a School Committee Meeting in months. I tuned in to one school budget meeting recently and saw three empty chairs -- so apparently some of the members weren't paying attention either. (Maybe they were watching American Idol?)
I don't think I've missed anything. I have caught parts of Selectmen's meetings -- as much as I do like Canfield, I cringe when I hear the phrase "I haven't discussed this with the School Committee yet". Apparently, he doesn't take them seriously either?
Smoke and Mirrors aside, somebody needs to call a spade a spade.
The Poolies fought successfully to get almost $1 Million in public money to fix the swimming pool --- despite never producing a Business Plan or operating budget to show ongoing operations would be funded.
Now, just a few months later, the School Department needs an override. But, of course, its not to cover the increased pool operating costs, it's for (say it together!)...... STEM. Some folks seem to think the mere utterance of that magic word has the ability to waive away all budgetary restrictions.
I think STEM is a fine concept, and I think Gil Newton will do a tremendous job running it. I also think the proposed school realignment and Wing-ectomy are both good ideas. But I'm not hearing anybody ask any tough questions or discuss any alternative solutions.
Could we have made do without the pool until the savings from the Wing-ectomy started to kick in? That pool had never been available to students during the day anyway until recently when it was publicly acknowledged that anybody could buy a pool pass and wander naked with the high school kids. (Despite the initial tar and feathering -- it now appears to have finally become obvious (to most) how stupid that Community School policy was.)
What happens if there is no override? Are we going to shut-down the pool we just paid a million to fix, or are we going to lay-off some teachers. and cancel some classes?
There will be so many people with their hands out for an Override this year that Town Meeting will look like its being held in the streets of Calcutta. By my rough estimate so far:
- Stadium Funding - artificial turf, etc.
- Police/Fire -- Public Safety Building (or two, or three!)
- Schools -- STEM, STEM, STEM
- DPW -- Roads, parking lots, etc.
- Library -- Bigger and Better building (to recharge your Nook/Kindle in ?)
- Wing-ectomy funding to study the Reno/Rehab/reuse of Wing
Let the games begin!!!!
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