A version of this story appears in TheDailyNorwalk.com
Parents walked away disappointed from Thursday evening’s Common Council Finance Committee meeting. After hearing from dozens of speakers who pleaded for more money for education, the committee voted 4-2 to recommend not raising next year's city spending limit--" the cap"-- beyond 2.4 percent, the amount recommended by city’s director of finance.
“I cannot consciously vote to ask for any more of a tax increase,” Council member Doug Hempstead said. He spoke in favor of a resolution to set city spending at $273 million, which means a 2 percent increase in property taxes. Council Members Nora King and David Jaeger voted against the resolution, favoring instead full funding of the BOE budget that has a 4.7 percent increase in spending over last year.
Before the committee vote, hundreds of parents, teachers, administrators and city officials filled the Norwalk High School auditorium, heeding the PTO Council challenge to “Fill the Auditorium”.
For more than two hours, they took turns at the microphone hoping that the finance committee would recommend “raising the cap.” If the Common Council passes a 2.4 percent spending cap next week based on the finance committee’s recommendation, the BOE will have to make approximately $3.5 million in cuts beyond what the BOE requested budget calls for.
Before making their decision, the council members asked City Finance Director Tom Hamilton about the impact of Gov. Malloy’s recently proposed budget plan on state aid to Norwalk. Hamilton hadn’t had a chance to “fully analyze” the changes, but said it was “dangerous” to change projections based on the governor’s recommendations which may change during the legislative session.
Finance Committee Chair Nick Kydes suggested that if the BOE unions gave up their wage and step increases, it could save the BOE $3.2 million, minimizing shortfalls.
During the public hearing which preceded the vote, parents spoke about their children, their own struggles in this economy, and their attachment to the Norwalk community and their schools. Most parents spoke in support of the district as whole and asked officials to make education a city priority.
Amy Newsom, PTO president of Silvermine Elementary school, talked about “shared sacrifice”, a term being used by politicians when talking about the difficult decisions facing towns and schools. “I think everybody should pitch in. I would pay more taxes. I also think there should be union concessions.”
Several people, including seniors, spoke about how investing in schools is good for real estate values. “My house is my single biggest investment,” said Paul Brown, a retired resident. “If the school system goes down so does the value of my house.”
Teachers and parents spoke about renewed optimism they have in Norwalk Schools because a new superintendent. Melissa Petropolis, a teacher and a parent said, “After 22 years of teaching, I feel like we are headed in a very positive direction. That makes me very hopeful.”
Parents were frustrated by threats of constant cuts. “Why should we continually be stealing from our children?” asked Jimi Napoli, president of the Columbus PTO. “I want to live in a community that believes in its children.”
BOE members Jack Chiaramonte and Steve Colarossi promoted the board’s budget, as did West Rocks Principal Lynne Moore and Brien McMahon principal Susan Koroshetz. BOE Chief Operating Officer Craig Drezek spoke on behalf of Superintendent Susan Marks who is attending a conference in Colorodo (which she paid for out of pocket, stated Drezek). “Even with the union concessions, a 2 percent increase will mean significant cuts.”
Friday, February 18, 2011
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I want to personally thank all the parents and supporters who came out in favor of our education system last night. Even though the vote did not go the way that we had hoped, our mission moves ahead. We need to continue voicing our opinions and advocating for the educational needs of our children.
ReplyDeleteAt the first BOE budget meeting, I spoke about the Budget being a long process. Last night was part of the process and we move onto the next phase.
The mere presence of hundreds of parents packed into the Norwalk HS Auditorium spoke volumes. I was proud to be among so many concerned parents. We will regroup today and be in touch about our plans for the City Council Meeting next week. I'm thinking we fill the aisles next meeting - who's up for the challenge?
My hunch: More money from the state will materialize before this is over.
ReplyDeleteI am so disgusted to see the constant banter of how much money is spent on high salaries with teachers and administrators. Does anyone ask how many years those people have worked? How much money has been spent on their personal education to have the salaries they have. I am one teacher that is at my cap without getting my doctorate. Yet, I am still taking courses not because its mandated by my principal to help assist with our math program but because it will assist my students in learning. Many teachers do this constantly. Many of us work on average 9+ hours at school, but some even more with time spent planning lessons, researching topics to assist us in the classroom. I haven't seen the overtime in my paycheck. I am disgusted in the lack of respect I saw by one Counsel member last night. Families were there in support of Norwalk and agendas were already made. YOUR mind was already made up! SHAME ON YOU!!! You do not represent the people and come election year it will be your turn to finally listen to the people!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteIt is unfortunate you miss the point that others disagree with your position, 11:16. I would hope you teach your students to consider two sides of an opinion. Reforms are needed and I chose not to support the idea of tossing more money at the BOE as a quick fix this year. The kids will not suffer, I trust, if the board is asked to prioritize the budget.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry 1:18 but you must not have been there last night. According to the people who spoke the majority disagrees with you. Reforms are needed but until you have walked in the shoes of a teacher for one day...You honestly would not even get what it is like. Times have changed and more and more is being put on the classroom teacher. Students aren't coming in with the same foundations of the past. Some schools have parent involvemnt which is commmendable...but others do not. It's not nearly equal if things are cut across the boards when the needs at some schools are so high. We are at a time in which our District is in need of improvement. To cut programs or lose teachers, aides, etc would be devestating. Do things need to change? Absolutely and maybe Dr. Marks will do what she is being paid to do and will make the needed changes in our structure. This just isn't the year to take things away.
ReplyDeleteI was so disappointed in the common counsil last night--they were not paying attention. This is what I noticed: one kept looking at his cell phone and whispering to his neighbor, one was doodling, and little eye contact was made except for 2 members who looked genuinely intersted--perhaps they were parents of young kids in Norwalk? You represent the people CC--shame on you for not taking their opinions to heart. I couldn't read their names, but I was upset at their lack of interest. They already had their minds made up before the public hearing--the CC did not show any interest in hearing what the public had to say.
ReplyDeleteLynne Moore.....dinosaur!!!!!
ReplyDeleteLynne Moore had the courage to say what no one wants to hear, pretends doesn't exist and wants to sweep under the carpet. I'm glad someone said it out loud and it's too bad most members of the Common Council weren't really listening to what anyone had to say.If they were listening to speaker after speaker say "Raise my taxes, raise the CAP" perhaps this city would truly be a democratic one and the process wouldn't be a sham. It's unfortunate so many members of the Council, and the Finance Director are the Mayor's puppets. When the puppeteer isn't keeping an open mind what can you expect from the puppets?
ReplyDeleteThere are still positions that need to be cut. Central Office has a job description where one person is in charge of evaluating 12 people. That's a luxury!
ReplyDeleteThere are more positions that need to be reviewed and cut before more funding is even considered.
3:52: Not that it particularly matters, but I am a Norwalk teacher, a parent of NPS students, and a Norwalk resident first, and yes… I was present at the meeting. Whether I was present or not is irrelevant to my understanding of the present budgetary process. I am still entitled to formulate an opinion that does not necessarily go along with the pack. I have attended numerous public hearings in the past and they are nothing new. It is commendable that members of the public would come out for these recent meetings, but it is unfortunate that it takes an emotional issue to get people out. In all honesty, I heard many conflicting comments last night which led me to believe that some speakers either did not have their facts correct or they did not necessarily understand why they were there in the first place. Forgive me, but it seemed to me that several people were hellbent on challenging rather than acquiring understanding or exchanging positive dialogue. Instead, the meeting’s comfort level was compromised by the range of disrespect shown by various individuals and the incessant talking by some audience members throughout the meeting, as well as caustic comments made, bordering on slander. I still cannot sort out the information the way you see it. I have many questions and I need answers. I don’t think this issue is so simple as to say we need more money. This seems to be commonplace in all districts throughout Connecticut. Perhaps I should tell you that I would choose to freeze my salary to support the full budget request if, and only if, I could guarantee that the money saved would go directly to the students in our schools. I do not, however, assume that to be the case. If I could be supplied with an itemized budget chart for NPS, that would provide the clarification I seek, rather than hearsay, to better understand this fight. Please understand that my purpose is not to quibble with you. I am not your enemy, and if you see me as one, such is my point. I strongly feel that to divide Norwalk and/or to hurl insults at others, be they elected officials or those with conflicting opinions, is neither productive nor advantageous to one's "cause."
ReplyDeleteDr. Sue....Where are you??? Should be there...'cause people care....Hope that "conference" was worth it...sounds like more of the same old sh__!
ReplyDeleteShame on Susan Marx for not being at a critical budget meeting. For the money we pay her. . .and incidentally she held out for more money before accepting the job so plz spare me the talk of freezing your salary. . .Marx should absolutly have been at this meeting. How could we complain boe members were absent from the last important meeting if the new super sends her 1 wk veteran status sidekick to the meeting instead of coming herself. I agree with 5:28...same old sh___ different names.
ReplyDeleteFisrt of all, we are very fortunate to have Dr. Moore out there swining for the kids. Dr. Moore os an outstanding administrator with courage and passion. thank you Dr. Moore. Second, Dr Marks is attending an inportant national conference, she is where she should be. The costs of the conference are paid by the foundation sponsoring the conference. Finally, Common council out of touch? Personal agenda's that squashes peoples business? Lol, duh. Will we remember in November?
ReplyDeleteThank you Lisa and PTOC for organizing the public attendance to this important meeting. I was disappointed, also, to see the council members seem so bored, distracted, or just not interested in LISTENING to that which was said. I saw one, just one, actually looking at the speakers. I also see that their minds were made up, before it even started, as they sat with blank looks on their faces. And Dr. Moore, even if your cause is right, your delivery is deplorable. You are downright scary.
ReplyDeleteI'd like to put a challenge out there to administation, teachers and parents. Leave the Norwalk taxpayers alone until those of us currently involved in education win back their trust that their tax dollars will be well spent.
ReplyDeleteBut, according to Fred Wilm's Finance Chart regarding collective bargaining salaries, by my simple math division of the number of employees and the total wage increases for 2012, I come up with a pay freeze for prinicipals and adminstrators that averages out to be about $5000 dollars and for teachers it appears to be about $2400 dollars(some more...some less depending on step level blah blah, blah.)
In the world of "shared sacrifice" and perhaps in keeping with what our governor is setting forth in his state budget, if NPS staff was to AGREE to freeze their wages and school families were to stump up between $1000- $2400 (at least as much as a teacher) that would net the school district a surplus of somewhere between $5M-12M for technology, books, programs and sports and such. (I'm assuming approx 5000 families.)
Now I KNOW what everyone is going to say....what about the families who can't afford to pay ... and I would reply thus:
1) well we have to start somewhere with those who could/want to pay
2) Then, it really points to the argument made about unprecedented economic times and supports the Finance Committees's position
to not increase taxes to simply keep up with step increases, insurance and pension pay outs
etc. That sends us back to collective bargaining pay freezes or painful lay offs.
So that's my latest idea. Go ahead shoot holes in it anonymous folks...but when you consider what is at risk and the reforms that are needed...our children's 3Rs in elementary, more rigor in the middle schools,electives and languages more geared toward the the 21st Century, and high school sports, music and honors and AP classes, I think we all know what needs to be done.
I have never been against investment in education, but like the teacher who posted previously, I want whatever funds I handover, whether it be in taxes or another form to go to programs ...not perks for the adults, particularly when adult accountability in education is virtually non existent.
The adults in Norwalk and around this nation have to face up to the fact that we bought homes we could not afford, pulled equity out to go on vacations and/or used credit cards to buy that big screen TV.
Little Johnny has is x-box but can he read? Unless there is shared sacrifice now our children will be less educated than us and saddled in a mountain of debt. Oh, and those high paid, high tech jobs will be taken by the children in the rest of the world (you've seen our math and science scores as a nation!)
Thank you, Lisa, and others for your thoughtful, intelligent posts. The issue in Wisconsin is a warning to all states in CT. If you are not aware of what is going on, PLEASE open your eyes! The issue in Wisconsin is very frightening and very real. Before we are faced with major layoffs and worse, we need to snip the city's charge card.The timely alternative is to prudently check our spending and choose our priorities. We have not hit the wall... yet. We could not have a more timely warning as the one in Wisconsin. It is just astounding that people continue to wear blinders about the state economic forecast.
ReplyDeleteLisa,I think the schools represent the town and as a town all members of the community should share the burden as they share the benefit as well in their property values.
ReplyDeleteIsn't it interesting that Dr. Marks chose the new Finance Director(with one week of work in Norwalk) to give her speech rather than Asst. Superintendant Tony Dadonna(who has been here forever). What does that say?
Poster 10:07 and 12:48 knows an awful lot about things the average person wouldn't. Is this the same person playing both sides?
ReplyDeleteFor those of you who want to know who the City Council Finance Members were by name (your left to right)-
ReplyDeleteDoug Hempstead (R)
Kelly Straniti (R)
Nick Kydes (R) - Chair Finance Committee - and CLEARLY a fan fave...
Andy Conroy (R)
David Yeager (D)
Nora King (D)
Lisa Lenskold--Although not a fan of your highlighted common councilman, it was unprofessional of you to mention it. One would hope that you would have preferred to take the high road.
ReplyDeleteWhy is 40% of the budget spent on ADMINISTRATION ????????
ReplyDeleteWhat a colossal WASTE of taxpayer money !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Lisa.. I'm not sure why you would lineate the finance members by making this a political fight. The idea that politics or some sort of conspiracy theory is behind the finance majority decision is just not true. BOE members Jack and Steve are Republicans, and as is to be expected, they supported the full budget. It is no secret that individuals on the council are fiscally conservative and we will later be thankful that they do not play to the emotions of a crowd who are looking at a narrow picture. Politics is politics so yes; of course, we will begin to see a platform unfold so Mayor Moccia can be contested by a Democratic candidate locally, which also explains the rift in the finance vote. That, too, was to be expected. In the meantime, let's be wary of what is really happening around us on a greater scale that cannot be confined to politics. People, regardless of their political affiliation, are infuriated by Connecticut’s new governor, who happens to be Democratic. Please watch the posted video on The Daily Norwalk about Malloy's taxes and how they will affect local businesses over the next two years. I really think it is wise to transcend this one public hearing and move on to educating ourselves about the budget process both federally and state-wide. Also, I am compelled to say that listening to individuals under those lights is not so easy. Try it for an hour or more. I believe the man in the middle of the panel was the council’s legal counsel who advised the chairman from time to time. Having attended numerous meetings, I recognize this as procedure. I saw all members listening. Not everyone stares straight ahead when they are listening. How silly is this! I witnessed the finance committee taking notes and or absorbing thought in his/her own way. Come on, people...this is so petty. Does this help our schools? As far as bashing Dr. Marks... the woman obviously had to make a choice. Do you really think we need to rebuild an atmosphere of distrust and dissent in our school system once again? Parents, teachers, administration, city officials (Board and Council members) need to come together. Creating bad blood is not in the best interest of our kids or our school system in the long run. Dr. Marks is trying to build a system that had been crying out for help. We need to stop misdirecting our frustration at the council members and BOE members who have a job of making sense of very real budget constraints.
ReplyDeleteI'm a Norwalk teacher and I spent almost $2000 this year on: books, pencils, crayons, colored pencils, 5 binders for each child, glue sticks, Elmer's glue, supplies for science fair, art supplies, general science supplies, materials for math manipulatives, a replacement computer,etc. I'll take a pay freeze but only if it keeps the current staffing in place.
ReplyDeleteThis is so sad. First, I think you perhaps you may have misjudged Lisa Lenskold. I don't think she is downing republicans. If that is the case, why would she have invited so many who are involved in the budget process to present workshops. In that case it could be said that she was leaning toward them. Perhaps she is trying to be objective in the PTOC's mission in getting more money for the school system. That said, THERE ARE MANY TEACHERS WHO NEED TO GO. Teachers who tell students they are not going to be fit to do anything but pump their gas, Teachers who are insulting to parents and principals who want to sweep it under the carpet, Teachers who don't care enough to keep students motivated and allow top grades to slip, The hiring of music teachers who can't play piano and just the overt political overtones that have gone on with friends protecting friends who just need to go. They call it cronyism. It happens in many areas of Norwalk and will eventually bite us in our assets. It makes for interesting bedfellows. While compromise is the name of the game, who knows what goes on in the dark before it is brought to light. You have principals like John Reynolds and David Hay who just stay out of the politics and concern themselves with their staff and their students. Has anyone checked out the wonderful reading program going on in Ditrio's school? You have principals like DR. LYNN MOORE who puts her life into her work IN ADDITION to ADVOCATING STRAIGHTFORWARDLY for these children regardless of what it costs her. Though I am an advocate for more money particularly for principals like Dr. Moore, Hay and Reynolds, I am not an advocate of continuing to throw money into a system that has failed so many children on so many levels. We've thrown so much money into education, but it seems we don't know what to do with the data and recommendations presented to us. I agree that PERHAPS it is a new day with Dr. Marks. Yes, she does seem to get it, but it will remain to be seen how much of an advocate she really is whether she gets 2 percent or more. Money or no money does not stop real advocates. It is a catch-22 of sorts. Will putting more money into the system resurrect it, or will not putting more money into the system send a message that we are fed up with spending money with litte result? I don't know that answer. I do know that I hope that both republicans and democrats are smart enough NOT to turn this into partisan politics. We cannot afford that and if it is detected I implore all of you to pay close attention and have your say at the polls. EDUCATE YOURSELVES ON THE THE TRUE ISSUE, THE TRUE DOLLAR AMOUNTS, so you (and help those around you who may deal more in emotion than intellect) can make educated decisions. Do not fall prey to the seeming hero that comes from nowhere to oppose anything the republicans say and thus taking advantage of the emotional high parents are feeling right now. Do not fall prey to republicans who seem to want to go after blood and use numbers as their camoflouge. You have democrats and republics who really see the big picture and know what's at stake. On the other hand you have both parties who just want to oppose the other. THE FOCUS IS OUR CHILDREN. Unless you educate yourselves (and most of you who post here are making the effort) and your friends, how can you properly advocate for your chidren. Ask the tough questions. Ask for proof. Otherwise, before you know it, things are a done deal and we are all left crying and wondering how and why? This is not a democrat-republican thing. IT IS A STUDENT THING. If this generation is educated in mediocrity, what will they teach the next generation? When will we get off this merry-go-round? Will 2011 be a true year of transition? Our babies deserve the best we can give them!
ReplyDeleteBravo, 6:14.
ReplyDeleteAnd you can tell Lisa she is forgiven :)
Kydes dug his own hole and now he can figure a way out of it (good luck with that). Doug Hempstead and Andy Conroy are both Republicans and they did a good job tempering a difficult situation. This issue has nothing to do with party politics - it has to do with our kids and their education. Professionalism can go a long way - try it some time, Nick.
ReplyDelete7:33, stop your comments about Tony Daddona. Don't you think we know who you are? You are trying to save your own central office position by constantly throwing his name out there. How unprofessional you are!
ReplyDeleteIt's interesting that when negative comments are made about you, they are deleted. I guess it's not okay to malign you, but it is okay to malign him?
Lisa,
ReplyDeleteIf you have any leverage at all, I would definitely advise the posters on the PTOC Facebook page to be very careful of the inappropriate posts that are being made ("Kydes is an A##). Some parents are making this budget issue a personal battle. When representing schools, there will be times when schools will need to come before the various council committees asking for support from council committees, perhaps finance or park and recreation, for various reasons (grounds, repaving, playground equipment, upgrading). I strongly feel you need to advise the PTO's in this regard before bridges are burned and some schools are not perceived in a positive light.
People can question Dr. Marks all they want, but where was the Mayor that night? I don't recall him there!
ReplyDeleteHe was there, 8:26, as was most members of the Common Council.
ReplyDeleteHow is it true, that despite a terrible recession, going on for several years now, with all of us affected by lay-offs, under-employment, cutbacks, seriously hard times, that the Norwalk administrators and teachers unions have have not endured a freeze on wages? We're blessed in not having had a single teacher laid off. Think hard about this. What other "business" has endured the recession so unscathed? And could someone please explain to me the details of our City's other unions, which purportedly have taken cutbacks? I'm not sure if it's even true. I tip my hat to the great teachers of Norwalk, but also acknowledge that this is the year to take a freeze, to enable the cap to rise, because right not it looks like it's set. And it will be devastating to our children.
ReplyDeleteummm...To my knowledge you can't cut teachers if people keep having all these kids! How many children do people want in a classroom...30? I mean really people!
ReplyDeleteMarks should have been there. No conference is as important as this budget proceeding. The new guy was too new to handle this. I know people want to make her out to be the coming of the messiah, but she should have been there for the bucks we are paying her. Priorities matter. Bad public relations, Marks.
ReplyDeleteI for one have changed my position on the vote to freeze my wage increase when and if it comes. Up until a few weeks ago I was all for a freeze. Now they have cut the legs out from under me so badly in my ability to do a good job that they could forget it. Shared sacrifice does not mean we bear the brunt of the burden as teachers and administrators.
ReplyDeleteWell...here's where we are headed not just in Norwalk but as a country.
ReplyDeleteAgain, just looking at the operating budget data, Norwalk will have a 10% increase in salaries and benefit costs for FY12 and a 2.5% decrease is supplies (read kids books/paper pencils) and a nearly 14% decrease in equipment (read classroom technology, etc.)
Structurally we are not about education anymore...it is about healthcare. As private sector example for my education friends, I have seen my premiums go up for the past 7 years. I pay $1000 a month and that is in under a group/corporate plan. Seven years ago it was $100. I have self employed friends who pay $2000 a month out of pocket for a family of 4.
We have serious structural issues in helath care and it is spilling over into the public sector in this country and it is going to hurt the next generation.
Classes ARE going to get bigger, kids ARE going to learn less, parents WILL turn to after school programs or tutoring to make up the difference of what is not happening during the day and the health insurance companies are going to be raking it in. As to closing the achievement gap via public school education...I fear not. More and more of it will rely on charity.
Lisa,
ReplyDeleteThe reason your premiums are so high is due to all the lawyers and their frivolous lawsuits.
Law school enrollments are at an all-time high so there is no end in sight.
So Lisa,
ReplyDeleteYou seem to be very intelligent. I read the letter in the Hour yesterday from a very angry parent. He was very uninformed and highly emotional. This seems to be rampant. Before people really burn those bridges, can't you educate them? Our mayor was relieved to find the money coming from the state, same as last year. That was a concern. The Finance committee is asking questions still, as was apparent at the meeting. Before this is over, there may not be any "cuts" in programs. As you know, there may have to be SOME concessions. Things are just not the norm. Stamford teachers have frozen their salaries to accommodate their schools. Back to "cuts." Parents, like the one who wrote this convoluting letter, think the city is making cuts. The way I understand it, the city gave an increase to the Board over last year's amount. That amount is to be divided BY THE BOARD OF EDUCATION according to how they feel it should be. They are the one who would CUT anything. If they need to shift things around, so be it. You can't tell me there's not some waste there within the structure. Wait... you have done that, Lisa. You do understand. So.. how do you educate the mob that everything may work out in the end with money so that programs are not cut, but they have burned those bridges with inappropriate posts and scathing letters? Some of theposts on Facebook are astounding, and worse... they are linked to schools' homepages with inappropriate name-calling at the other end.
A reduction in the rate of increase is NOT a CUT. Must be the "new math".
ReplyDeleteClear out the do-nothings on the third floor of the Central Orifice. There's $$$ MILLIONS of WASTE there.
10:03, you point out that the recession had been going on for several years and wonder how city employees have gone unscathed...I'd like to direct you and others to the BET minutes from Nov. 4, 2009, look them up on the city's website. itrm number 6 "update on the Board of Ed.abor Contract Negotiations" you can read the entire section on your own but some of the highligts are... "the contract is revenue neutral and is for 3 years" "...after much hard work by both Mr. Hamilton and Mr. Tom Konan, the lawyer for the BOE, the results were excellent for both the BET and the BOE. The switch from the PPO to the HSA will take effect in Jan.It will save $2M a year for each of the three years of the contract...
ReplyDeleteIt was then moved to approve the contract with a recommendation from the BET "because it is revenue-neutral, protects the taxpayers and allows the BOE to go forward with its objectives without being hindered by budget problems...
as noted the change in insurance began in Jan.2010, prior to the start of the new contract
the new contract was claimed to be a win for the city and the BOE...how soon they all forget
everyone is pointing out that city employees opened their contract and took a pay freeze, but I just read the PTOC Facebook page and it says that they took a pay freeze this year but the budget for next year included 3-5% raises,
ReplyDeleteCentral Office cuts are ignored. Why are other parents not willing to take a stand on this?
ReplyDeleteI just contacted an inside source to get information. Nasa and various other unions (this does not include the teacher's union) took a 0% percent increase to get us thhrough this crunch. Also, 28 positions have been eliminated, which explains why the head of the DPW was defending his snowplowing since he was down manpower.
ReplyDelete0% this year but they make up for it next year? Do you really think the "crunch" will be over next year?
ReplyDeleteWell...that's the crux of this matter, really, 8:45. You are so right. As Lisa said previously, dialogue needs to happen between city and eduation - meaningful dialogue - to work with projectory figures and realistic needs. The PTOC should be involved, as well. No one should be doing this alone and that is what I find faulty with the PTOC hysteria. We need to work together. No one, not even Mr. Kydes, I would believe, wants to shortchange the children in Norwalk. We need to stop the name-calling and bad blood. It is not the city's fault that numbers need crunching. It is not the Board's fault that they are trying to get more money from the city. It is not the teacher's fault or the parent's fault for being involved in this stalemate. However, it's everyone's fault that we lose sight of our propriety and stoop to blaming each other. Budget hysteria continues year after year and we know it will happen each year like projected clockwork. We need to stop the senseless name-calling and finger pointing, share in the responsibility, and get real.
ReplyDeleteThank you 9:08. Calm heads prevail.
ReplyDeleteNick Kydes doesn't care about the education system. He sends his kids to private school.
ReplyDeletePretty nice that someone on here can get "inside" info from NASA union and nobody bothers to consult or to speak with its membership before NASA throws a deal on the table. Norwalk is unbelievable. Must be nice to be a king like the NASA pres is on my dollar.
ReplyDelete11:50 that information may be incorrect. If you aren't aware of it and you are a member, it most likely is incorrect. I heard the name Nasa when I asked for information re: city employees and freezes, but the individual may have meant the Municipal union and not NASA. I'm not sure what that name is. So sorry. And to think I detest the misinformation that is circulating! Again...my sincere apologies!
ReplyDeleteTeachers must take a lesson from Wisconsin if this keeps up. Anyone feel the flu coming on?
ReplyDelete11:50 and 12:24 - There is the union for school administrators that is called NASA, but there is a municipal union that is also called NASA. The earlier poster must not have known the coincidence.
ReplyDelete11:39 - I don't like what legislators are doing in Wisconsin either, but I am very sorry that you chose to suggest a sick-out in Norwalk.
11:39 - A sick-out? Like 3:39, I am astounded you would suggest this. What point would be made and who would suffer? Everyone needs to take the high road here. Again, let's not say or do something to discredit the profession or ourselves in the interim; I have faith that the city will try to manipulate funding someway...somehow... to give children the programs they should have. Keep in mind that it is irresponsible and unwise to go against Hamilton's budget. Try to understand that for all of Norwalk (if you live in this city). Funding programs, I would think, is the most important thing that could happen in light of what is happening in CT and our country right now.
ReplyDelete1139: I presume you are a teacher. I presume you are threatened by the WI gov attempt to lessen the power of collective bargaining for the benefit of the state, which is broke. But a sick out is a terrible way to treat the children you supposedly care for and from whom you make your living. I hope all the lawyers who are in fairfield county take any dr that writes a bogus note to task, you should be ashamed of yourself for suggesting it. Don't we have enough schedule disruption this year?
ReplyDeleteHas anyone read Lisa Thomson's letter in the Hour today? I would like to commend her for a brilliant commentary on the state of Norwalk's education. Bravo, Lisa!
ReplyDeleteI do ot condone 66% x 0.4 = 26.4% of MY TAXES given to ADMINISTRATORS...26.4 x $8329 = $2199...DISGUSTING !!!!
ReplyDeleteLisa Thomson, I just read your letter. I like your style.
ReplyDeleteFrom: 6:14
You people just aren't getting it. Unfortunately this dog and pony show goes on each and every year. No one not even the Republican's as some would have you believe want a single program or anything directly affecting "THE KID" cut. Not one teacher needs to be cut, all that is being asked is that a wage freeze be implimented this year in order to cover the costs of what rightly belongs in the classrooms! Apparently you do not know many of the Common Council members well, but I can assure you most if not all would go to the ends of the earth to assure the children come out the winners on this. I think if people understand the challenges facing all norwalk citizens some will have a better outlook on what the city is trying to pull out of a hat. None of us know what tomorrow will bring and with all the new taxes and cut programs being bantered around at the state level, it doesn't look like Norwalk will be the recipient of any windfalls. That also goes for the federal level. The perception is that the common council is cutting programs, so far from the truth it unbelievable! The common council is voting on the overall operating budget for the entire city. How individual board distribute the funds is within their very own voting members. Most Norwalk citizens cannot aford astrnomical tax increases.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I have seen posts about PTOC on facebook but cannot find it. I'd like to see the input by everyone.
Wake up everyone, This is about the kids, not about the salaries of the admin. Take a look at the salaries of some of these people who are due for raises and then try to look at this more clearly.
having attended most, if not all these hearings including the council meeting on Tuesday, I did not see one council person who was not truly concerned about educating our children, keeping the money in the classrooms and keeping the programs ie. sports, music etc. Lets stop making this a polital discussion about who gets voted off the island in November and start looking at the big picture. Norwalk needs to tighten its proverbial belt and at some point we have to understand that those in position to make the hard decisions are doing just that. Making the hard decisions whether we agree or not.
For those who are confused about the budget process go online and pull up the recommendations. By the way, we are talking about the Operating Budget, not the Capital budget. And for those who would demean Dr. Mark's being at that conference. She paid for it herself, the reservations were already in place and the Finance cCommittee had not scheduled the public hearing when she signed up for the conference. This women is doing a hell of a job and should be commended for all her hard work.
OMG, 7:48... I had to wonder if I wrote your letter and forgot I did! I totally agree with you!!! You said it all. I know these council members and it is totally unreal that they have been targeted for doing their job. The Facebook page is definitely worth a look because there are inappropriate postings there. Do a search on PTOC+budget crisis. It will come right up on Google. This page will show you how out of control this hysteria is. Where was it last year with a zero percent increase? We survived as usual. Now we have an increase of 2.5, for goodness' sakes! I was at the meeting and heard various speakers call these council members outrageous things. Sorry, but I can't help but feel most of these speakers are absolutely ignorant of the big picture, as you said, but parents are overreacting to what they believe to be a just cause. Psychologists call this grouping behavior, and frankly, as we've seen down through history, it is a very scary thing. Most teachers are laid back because they are used to doing a tremendous job no matter what. There have been no perks in the classroom for several years. In fact... wow... with a zero percent increase last year, there were many Smartboards put into the classrooms. Makes you wonder. I think we really need to calm down. Anyway, thanks for your post!
ReplyDeleteMove money from the administrative budget into the CLASSROOM.
ReplyDeleteNPS Administraors 2009
EXCLUDING pension/health benefits
Asst Super $180,000
Central Office Directors $130,000
Asst Principas/ Housemasters $120,000
The Asst Super and HR Director did not reply to a simple email a few months ago, but Susan Marks responded in a very timely manner.
Who is Kelly Giordono and what motivates her to write a letter like the one posted in yesterday's HOUR where she is personally ashamed of Norwalk's government?
ReplyDelete