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 ...)

I am a STEM supporter -- but there are no Blank Checks!

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!

Did someone say "silly" ?

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.

Golden Triangle Deal Collapses .... Again.

(See Cape Cod Times article here.)

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.