Joan Gaylord, former education reporter at The Hour, wrote a story for The Daily Norwalk about Stacy Lore's arrest. Gaylord reported on this story extensively, and in fact, uncovered many critical facts.
For those of you who don't know, Stacy Lore, the owner of Spectrum Kids LLC, posed as a certified behavior therapist for autistic pre-school children and billed the Norwalk schools almost $160K. Turns out, she was a fraud, falsifying her credentials.
Ms. Gaylord highlights several important issues in her story, including the ineffectiveness and lack of accountability in our district regarding this terrible incident.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Smartboards
I wrote a story about Smartboards for the TheDailyNorwalk.com. It was the first time I saw one in action in a classroom, and I was amazed and just a wee bit envious. My kids don't have smartboards in their classroom, and I couldn't help wondering what they are missing out on. I make the point in my article that with shrinking budgets, it is not likely that we will see smartboards in every classroom in Norwalk for a while.
I'd love to hear from teachers about the value or possible value of a smartboard in your classroom. Parents, do you think kids who have smartboards have a richer learning experience?
I'd love to hear from teachers about the value or possible value of a smartboard in your classroom. Parents, do you think kids who have smartboards have a richer learning experience?
Monday, March 29, 2010
CT Students Do Well on National Reading Test But Don't Excel
Results from the The National Assessment of Educational Progress, dubbed the "Nation's Report Card", show that Connecticut students are doing better in Reading and Math than most other students in the country.
However the results also show that more than half of Connecticut's children have only a basic or below basic understanding of the subject matter in Reading. In addition while gains have been made in the past 20 years at closing the achievement gap between white and minority students, in recent years there has been no change. (You can get see the break down of state comparisons here.)
“All the progress in reading is being made at the bottom,” said Tom Loveless, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution told the New York Times in an article. “Our worst readers are getting better, but our best readers are staying about the same.”
The tests are given every two years to 338,000 randomly chosen fourth and eighth grade students around the country. The Reading scores were released last week while the Math scores were released earlier in the year.
In the 2009 Reading test CT fourth graders scored 229 on a 500 point scale. Only one state, Massachusetts scored statistically higher. When the testing began in 1990 Connecticut students scored 222 so students have improved, but in the past decade CT fourth graders scored 230 and they have remained unchanged since then. So essentially the early gains have been unsustainable.
At the eight grade level CT students scored 272. Only students in Massachusetts and New Jersey scored higher. However once again the long term results show that the improvements were made in the early years. When testing began in 1990 CT eighth grade students scored 222. This years score is up since the score in 2007 when students scored 267, but earlier in the decade students had scored 272.
A closer look at the Reading scores among CT students shows that while they did very well in comparison to their peers around the country, their actual performance leaves much to be desired.
At the fourth grade level in CT 24% of test takers were below basic level, 33% were a at basic level, 31% were proficient, and 11% were advanced. At the eighth grade level in CT 19% were below basic, 39% were at a basic, 38% were profficient, and 4% were at an advanced level.
When the scores are analyzed with regards to race and poverty the good news is that the gap between Whites and others in CT is narrower than it was 20 years ago, but it's still striking. The average White fourth grader in Connecticut scored 238, while the average Black fourth grader scored 209 -- a difference of 29 points. Two decades ago the gap was 34 points. Similarly the gap between Whites and Hispanics this year was 33 points. It was 43 points 21 years ago.
The statistics released show that the gap between students eligible for free or reduced lunch was 30 points this year compared to 35 points when testing began.
Tom Murphy spokesperson for the State Department of Education had this to say to the Harford Courrant about the gap: ""This is Connecticut's story. We can't seem to address this issue adequately," Murphy said. "We know we are dealing with students coming in from other countries and we are dealing with poverty and people who have language barriers. They come in from elsewhere, receive an education, do better and then move out to the suburbs. Then a new group of people moves in to the cities and we start over."
Personally I would have liked to see a breakdown of the scores comparing White students who were eligible for free lunch to those White students who were not eligible. A similar breakdown for Black and Hispanic students would also have been helpful. These numbers could better highlight whether the gap is caused by poverty, language barriers. That's not to say that the causes can't be mixed, but a better understanding of the driving factors within a particular group might lead to a better solution and more improvement across the board.
Also the fact that the gap has narrowed is certainly a laudable achievement. However at the same time it does concern me that for all the effort we are putting in in lifting our struggling students, we are leaving our best students unchallenged.
However the results also show that more than half of Connecticut's children have only a basic or below basic understanding of the subject matter in Reading. In addition while gains have been made in the past 20 years at closing the achievement gap between white and minority students, in recent years there has been no change. (You can get see the break down of state comparisons here.)
“All the progress in reading is being made at the bottom,” said Tom Loveless, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution told the New York Times in an article. “Our worst readers are getting better, but our best readers are staying about the same.”
The tests are given every two years to 338,000 randomly chosen fourth and eighth grade students around the country. The Reading scores were released last week while the Math scores were released earlier in the year.
In the 2009 Reading test CT fourth graders scored 229 on a 500 point scale. Only one state, Massachusetts scored statistically higher. When the testing began in 1990 Connecticut students scored 222 so students have improved, but in the past decade CT fourth graders scored 230 and they have remained unchanged since then. So essentially the early gains have been unsustainable.
At the eight grade level CT students scored 272. Only students in Massachusetts and New Jersey scored higher. However once again the long term results show that the improvements were made in the early years. When testing began in 1990 CT eighth grade students scored 222. This years score is up since the score in 2007 when students scored 267, but earlier in the decade students had scored 272.
A closer look at the Reading scores among CT students shows that while they did very well in comparison to their peers around the country, their actual performance leaves much to be desired.
At the fourth grade level in CT 24% of test takers were below basic level, 33% were a at basic level, 31% were proficient, and 11% were advanced. At the eighth grade level in CT 19% were below basic, 39% were at a basic, 38% were profficient, and 4% were at an advanced level.
When the scores are analyzed with regards to race and poverty the good news is that the gap between Whites and others in CT is narrower than it was 20 years ago, but it's still striking. The average White fourth grader in Connecticut scored 238, while the average Black fourth grader scored 209 -- a difference of 29 points. Two decades ago the gap was 34 points. Similarly the gap between Whites and Hispanics this year was 33 points. It was 43 points 21 years ago.
The statistics released show that the gap between students eligible for free or reduced lunch was 30 points this year compared to 35 points when testing began.
Tom Murphy spokesperson for the State Department of Education had this to say to the Harford Courrant about the gap: ""This is Connecticut's story. We can't seem to address this issue adequately," Murphy said. "We know we are dealing with students coming in from other countries and we are dealing with poverty and people who have language barriers. They come in from elsewhere, receive an education, do better and then move out to the suburbs. Then a new group of people moves in to the cities and we start over."
Personally I would have liked to see a breakdown of the scores comparing White students who were eligible for free lunch to those White students who were not eligible. A similar breakdown for Black and Hispanic students would also have been helpful. These numbers could better highlight whether the gap is caused by poverty, language barriers. That's not to say that the causes can't be mixed, but a better understanding of the driving factors within a particular group might lead to a better solution and more improvement across the board.
Also the fact that the gap has narrowed is certainly a laudable achievement. However at the same time it does concern me that for all the effort we are putting in in lifting our struggling students, we are leaving our best students unchallenged.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Updated: Sup Site Visit & Budget Meetings
Here are my stories from The Daily Norwalk--
Group Travels to Maryland for Sup Site Visit
I spoke with Susan Hamilton who is leading the group yesterday. They were supposed to have met with union heads Wed. evening and have a jam packed agenda on Thursday. They head home Thursday evening.
Parents Share Budget Concern with Nast
School Budget Dominates Public Hearing.
Did you go? What did you think?
Group Travels to Maryland for Sup Site Visit
I spoke with Susan Hamilton who is leading the group yesterday. They were supposed to have met with union heads Wed. evening and have a jam packed agenda on Thursday. They head home Thursday evening.
Parents Share Budget Concern with Nast
School Budget Dominates Public Hearing.
Did you go? What did you think?
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Teachers' Union Will Not Renegotiate
I wrote an article today for The Daily Norwalk, "Teachers' Union Will Not Renegotiate Contract." I interviewed Bruce Mellion, president of the Norwalk Federation of Teachers, for the story who is unequivocal about not reopening the contract. Our photographer took a good photo of Mr. Mellion. You can see the resolve in his eyes. Check it out.
I am curious, though. Do all teachers feel the way that Mr. Mellion does? What do you think of Mr. Mellion's line in the sand stance?
I am curious, though. Do all teachers feel the way that Mr. Mellion does? What do you think of Mr. Mellion's line in the sand stance?
Monday, March 22, 2010
Increasing Class Sizes- Proposal from Central Office
At last week's BOE meeting, Interim Superintendent Nast brought up the possibility of increasing class sizes as a possible way to save money. At the meeting, Dan Cook said that Norwalk has the lowest student teacher ratio in the area. Below is a memo from Dan Cook to the BOE with two documents. First, an analysis of the potential cost savings from increasing the ratio at elementary schools. Second, a comparison at student teacher ratio at neighboring towns and cities.
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Waiver Unlikely, The Daily Norwalk is Online
As some of you know, I am working for a new local online newspaper, www.thedailynorwalk.com. The site launched today! I am responsible for the schools section. Some of the stories might seem familiar to you, since I write about them here. However, there are a bunch of other stories that I haven't posted on the blog which might interest you. I'll be cross-posting, pointing from this blog to TDN (The Daily Norwalk) and from TDN back to the blog. Let me know what you think. I'm very open to suggestions. norwalknet@gmail.com
*****
Norwalk students will most likely be in school until the end of June and have to make up days missed last week due to the storm. "The likelihood of a waiver is remote", says Tom Murphy, spokesperson for the State Commissioner of Education.
Mayor Richard Moccia sent a letter to Commissioner Mark McQuillan last Friday requesting that the Commissioner waive the requirement that Norwalk children have to be in school for 181 days. As of Friday, Superintendant Nast was also planning to send a letter. Murphy says only the State Board of Education has the authority to grant a waiver on the number of days of school required. “There is misinformation out there about who makes the call. It is not the Governor or the Commissioner,” he said.
A waiver would only be granted “under extreme circumstances" and if a district could not reach the 181 day mark by June 30, says Murphy. This includes taking days away from April vacation. Murphy adds that a particular district does not “merely request a waiver”, but it must petition the State Board of Education with a comprehensive plan that shows how the missed days will be made up the following year. As of now, Norwalk has to make up six days – 2 snow days and the 5 days missed this week (minus 1 because we already had an extra day of school scheduled). This means the last day of school would be June 29. April break is not going to be shortened.
Murphy said that several district have called him informally about reducing the number of make-up days at the end of the year . In past years, Brookfield had a shortened year because of asbestos and Danbury's school year was curtailed because of construction problems.
*****
Norwalk students will most likely be in school until the end of June and have to make up days missed last week due to the storm. "The likelihood of a waiver is remote", says Tom Murphy, spokesperson for the State Commissioner of Education.
Mayor Richard Moccia sent a letter to Commissioner Mark McQuillan last Friday requesting that the Commissioner waive the requirement that Norwalk children have to be in school for 181 days. As of Friday, Superintendant Nast was also planning to send a letter. Murphy says only the State Board of Education has the authority to grant a waiver on the number of days of school required. “There is misinformation out there about who makes the call. It is not the Governor or the Commissioner,” he said.
A waiver would only be granted “under extreme circumstances" and if a district could not reach the 181 day mark by June 30, says Murphy. This includes taking days away from April vacation. Murphy adds that a particular district does not “merely request a waiver”, but it must petition the State Board of Education with a comprehensive plan that shows how the missed days will be made up the following year. As of now, Norwalk has to make up six days – 2 snow days and the 5 days missed this week (minus 1 because we already had an extra day of school scheduled). This means the last day of school would be June 29. April break is not going to be shortened.
Murphy said that several district have called him informally about reducing the number of make-up days at the end of the year . In past years, Brookfield had a shortened year because of asbestos and Danbury's school year was curtailed because of construction problems.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Sup Search Update and Site Visits
This is a message from Board Chairman Glenn Iannacone. In a separate email to me, he gave the names of the site visit committee members: 2 board members, Erin Halsey & Sue Hamilton, 1 Principal, Ivette Ellis, 1 Teacher, Susan Daignault & 1 parent, Catherine Williams. They will leave Wed. the 24th and return Thursday the 25th.
Mr. Iannacone said the Board interviewed eight candidates, in total.
Superintendent Search Update
The Norwalk Board of Education hosted a two-day visit with Dr. Susan Marks, finalist for the position of Superintendent of Schools. The Board would like to extend its appreciation to parents, staff and members of the community who met with our candidate and provided their input.
Our next step in the process will be to send a delegation to Dr. Mark’s school district to conduct a site visit. The delegation will consist of two Board members, an administrator, teacher and parent. The site visit will take place on March 25. The Board hopes to make a final decision and act on Dr. Mark’s candidacy following the site visit.
Dr. Marks is currently the associate superintendent for the Office of Human Resources for the Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) in Rockville, Maryland. In her current role, Dr. Marks ensures the compliance and implementation of all personnel processes including recruiting, selecting, and evaluating teachers, administrators and support professionals. She has worked in public education for over 30 years, most of her experience has been in the Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS), and however she has worked in two other public school systems and on the college level. With 200 schools, MCPS is the 16th largest and one of the most successful school system’s in the United States.
Dr. Marks entered the field of education as a speech and language pathologist and received her certification as a special education teacher. For over 15 years, she was school based as a teacher, assistant principal and principal. As a principal, she led two elementary schools and implemented innovative and successful instructional programs.
As the interim Chief Information Officer she led the development of the technology plan that included both the vision for instructional technology and business and operations systems. She also has successful experience in sound fiscal practices and management of district resources. As a community superintendent, Dr. Marks led an area comprised of 30 schools serving over 26,000 students. She was responsible for supervising all principals and monitoring the instructional programs and ensuring academic results.
I would like to thank everyone that completed the input forms made available after they met with Dr. Marks. The Board is in the process of reviewing them.
Mr. Iannacone said the Board interviewed eight candidates, in total.
Superintendent Search Update
The Norwalk Board of Education hosted a two-day visit with Dr. Susan Marks, finalist for the position of Superintendent of Schools. The Board would like to extend its appreciation to parents, staff and members of the community who met with our candidate and provided their input.
Our next step in the process will be to send a delegation to Dr. Mark’s school district to conduct a site visit. The delegation will consist of two Board members, an administrator, teacher and parent. The site visit will take place on March 25. The Board hopes to make a final decision and act on Dr. Mark’s candidacy following the site visit.
Dr. Marks is currently the associate superintendent for the Office of Human Resources for the Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) in Rockville, Maryland. In her current role, Dr. Marks ensures the compliance and implementation of all personnel processes including recruiting, selecting, and evaluating teachers, administrators and support professionals. She has worked in public education for over 30 years, most of her experience has been in the Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS), and however she has worked in two other public school systems and on the college level. With 200 schools, MCPS is the 16th largest and one of the most successful school system’s in the United States.
Dr. Marks entered the field of education as a speech and language pathologist and received her certification as a special education teacher. For over 15 years, she was school based as a teacher, assistant principal and principal. As a principal, she led two elementary schools and implemented innovative and successful instructional programs.
As the interim Chief Information Officer she led the development of the technology plan that included both the vision for instructional technology and business and operations systems. She also has successful experience in sound fiscal practices and management of district resources. As a community superintendent, Dr. Marks led an area comprised of 30 schools serving over 26,000 students. She was responsible for supervising all principals and monitoring the instructional programs and ensuring academic results.
I would like to thank everyone that completed the input forms made available after they met with Dr. Marks. The Board is in the process of reviewing them.
Get Involved in Budget Process says New Parent Group, Red Apples of Norwalk
Red Apples of Norwalk is a newly formed grassroots non-partisan community coalition organized around improving Norwalk Public Schools. The founders are Emily Aguilar, Lisa Thompson and Kerry O'Neill. Here is their first letter to the editor.
Letter to the Editor
Currently, the Board of Estimate and Taxation (BET) and the Board of Education (BOE) are in discussions over Norwalk’s 2010-11Education Budget. Due to the severe economic climate that has impacted cities across the country, Fred Wilms and the BET have asked Mike Nast and the BOE to cut its proposed 2010-11 school district budget by approximately $5M.
In January, the BOE voted 7-2 in favor of forwarding the original ‘bare bones budget’ to the City without a great deal of deliberation. Unfortunately, it doesn’t appear that it was bare bones. Since then, the district has been working feverishly to re-examine the budget. We are fortunate to now have Mike Nast, (if only temporarily) at the helm. He and his team have thus far come up with approximately $3M in cuts through a variety of measures…but unfortunately still have further to go. We now find ourselves faced with how to deal with the additional $2M gap if they are to meet the BET’s request.
Norwalk, like every other city in America is facing severe economic challenges. Kansas City, MO for example, is closing half their schools. It’s bad, it’s painful. It’s real. The unfortunate reality is that Norwalk, again like other urban school districts across America is facing real reform challenges in terms of driving up its student achievement, through more effective leadership and adult accountability. Norwalk’s unique circumstances unfortunately point to a BOE that is still ‘storming’ post election and while getting close, still has no permanent superintendent and strong leadership. However, despite having hit bottom with our scores, things ARE actually improving in many Norwalk schools and the achievement gap is starting to close, though there is still much work to be done.
There are a series of meetings taking place this coming week that we encourage you to attend:
Mon. March 22nd, PTO Council Meeting at Marvin Elementary @ 7pm BET Meeting to review BOE Budget at City Hall Room 231 @ 7.30
Tues. March 23rd, Parent Budget Forum with Michael Nast, City Hall Room A 330, 7:30 pm
Wed. March 24th, BET Public Hearing on the City Operating Budget, City Hall Concert Hall @ 7pm
We still don’t know how the numbers are going to fall out and what may or may not get cut and how it will impact our children. But parents and taxpayers - you do have a say. If you can’t make it to one of the meetings, you can still let your voices be heard. We are conducting a survey and asking for your opinions. Please visit www.redapplesnorwalk.org and take the Red Apples of Norwalk School Budget survey. You can also find a link to the Board of Education meetings on our site. Let us know what you think and we will share the results of this survey via our website and the local media.
Thank you for your participation.
Red Apples of Norwalk
www.redapplesnorwalk.org
Red Apples of Norwalk is a grassroots non-partisan community coalition organized around improving Norwalk’s public schools. We are dedicated to politely, publicly and persistently communicating balanced key education issues and initiatives to parents, the BOE, City Leaders, school district staff, businesses and citizens. Visit their website at www.redapplesnorwalk.org to learn more.
Letter to the Editor
Currently, the Board of Estimate and Taxation (BET) and the Board of Education (BOE) are in discussions over Norwalk’s 2010-11Education Budget. Due to the severe economic climate that has impacted cities across the country, Fred Wilms and the BET have asked Mike Nast and the BOE to cut its proposed 2010-11 school district budget by approximately $5M.
In January, the BOE voted 7-2 in favor of forwarding the original ‘bare bones budget’ to the City without a great deal of deliberation. Unfortunately, it doesn’t appear that it was bare bones. Since then, the district has been working feverishly to re-examine the budget. We are fortunate to now have Mike Nast, (if only temporarily) at the helm. He and his team have thus far come up with approximately $3M in cuts through a variety of measures…but unfortunately still have further to go. We now find ourselves faced with how to deal with the additional $2M gap if they are to meet the BET’s request.
Norwalk, like every other city in America is facing severe economic challenges. Kansas City, MO for example, is closing half their schools. It’s bad, it’s painful. It’s real. The unfortunate reality is that Norwalk, again like other urban school districts across America is facing real reform challenges in terms of driving up its student achievement, through more effective leadership and adult accountability. Norwalk’s unique circumstances unfortunately point to a BOE that is still ‘storming’ post election and while getting close, still has no permanent superintendent and strong leadership. However, despite having hit bottom with our scores, things ARE actually improving in many Norwalk schools and the achievement gap is starting to close, though there is still much work to be done.
There are a series of meetings taking place this coming week that we encourage you to attend:
Mon. March 22nd, PTO Council Meeting at Marvin Elementary @ 7pm BET Meeting to review BOE Budget at City Hall Room 231 @ 7.30
Tues. March 23rd, Parent Budget Forum with Michael Nast, City Hall Room A 330, 7:30 pm
Wed. March 24th, BET Public Hearing on the City Operating Budget, City Hall Concert Hall @ 7pm
We still don’t know how the numbers are going to fall out and what may or may not get cut and how it will impact our children. But parents and taxpayers - you do have a say. If you can’t make it to one of the meetings, you can still let your voices be heard. We are conducting a survey and asking for your opinions. Please visit www.redapplesnorwalk.org and take the Red Apples of Norwalk School Budget survey. You can also find a link to the Board of Education meetings on our site. Let us know what you think and we will share the results of this survey via our website and the local media.
Thank you for your participation.
Red Apples of Norwalk
www.redapplesnorwalk.org
Red Apples of Norwalk is a grassroots non-partisan community coalition organized around improving Norwalk’s public schools. We are dedicated to politely, publicly and persistently communicating balanced key education issues and initiatives to parents, the BOE, City Leaders, school district staff, businesses and citizens. Visit their website at www.redapplesnorwalk.org to learn more.
Friday, March 19, 2010
Mayor Moccia Writes Letter to Ed Commissioner.
Mayor Richard Moccia says that he took it upon himself to ask the State Education Commissioner to waive the requirement that Norwalk has to have 181 days of school. Mr. Moccia says that he sent the letter today.
As of now, Norwalk would have to make up six days – 2 snow days and the 5 days missed this week (minus 1 because we already had an extra day of school scheduled). This means the last day of school would be June 29.
Mayor Moccia said that he wrote the letter after speaking to Gov. Jodi Rell. “She told me that she didn’t have the authority that I had to write to the Commissioner directly.”
Mayor Moccia said that extending the school year into late June was problematic because many parents and teachers had already made summer plans. “By the last week of school there’s no teaching going on. All the educational work has been done. All of the testing has been done. It would interfere with graduation ceremonies.”
Parents however are divided as comments on this blog indicate. Some agree that students would find it too hot to be in classrooms and not much goes on in schools during the last week. Other parents have said that children in Norwalk need as much instruction time as possible.
Mayor Moccia said that he ran the idea by with some parents. He also consulted with Michael Nast, the interim Superintendent of Norwalk Schools and BOE Chair Glenn Iannacone.
“I’m the Mayor. I made a decision.” said Mayor Moccia in a telephone interview. “I don’t apologize.”
It’s unclear if it is the Mayor's role to send the letter. According to interim Superintendent Michael Nast it’s the Superintendent under the direction of the BOE who appeals to the Commissioner for a waiver.
Nevertheless, Dr. Nast also thinks a waiver would be appropriate. “I don’t see them as productive days,” said Dr. Nast referring to the possibility that school would be extended into late June. Dr. Nast says that he is also planning to write to the Commissioner after he speaks with all of the BOE members over the weekend.
Neither Mr. Moccia nor Dr. Nast know if any of the other towns affected by last week’s storm are going to apply for a waiver. Some towns like Westport only missed three days while Stamford and Greenwich missed the whole week like Norwalk.
Mayor Moccia does not know whether a waiver has ever been granted to Norwalk before. “When was the last time we had a storm like this in the last 50 years,” he said.
As of now, Norwalk would have to make up six days – 2 snow days and the 5 days missed this week (minus 1 because we already had an extra day of school scheduled). This means the last day of school would be June 29.
Mayor Moccia said that he wrote the letter after speaking to Gov. Jodi Rell. “She told me that she didn’t have the authority that I had to write to the Commissioner directly.”
Mayor Moccia said that extending the school year into late June was problematic because many parents and teachers had already made summer plans. “By the last week of school there’s no teaching going on. All the educational work has been done. All of the testing has been done. It would interfere with graduation ceremonies.”
Parents however are divided as comments on this blog indicate. Some agree that students would find it too hot to be in classrooms and not much goes on in schools during the last week. Other parents have said that children in Norwalk need as much instruction time as possible.
Mayor Moccia said that he ran the idea by with some parents. He also consulted with Michael Nast, the interim Superintendent of Norwalk Schools and BOE Chair Glenn Iannacone.
“I’m the Mayor. I made a decision.” said Mayor Moccia in a telephone interview. “I don’t apologize.”
It’s unclear if it is the Mayor's role to send the letter. According to interim Superintendent Michael Nast it’s the Superintendent under the direction of the BOE who appeals to the Commissioner for a waiver.
Nevertheless, Dr. Nast also thinks a waiver would be appropriate. “I don’t see them as productive days,” said Dr. Nast referring to the possibility that school would be extended into late June. Dr. Nast says that he is also planning to write to the Commissioner after he speaks with all of the BOE members over the weekend.
Neither Mr. Moccia nor Dr. Nast know if any of the other towns affected by last week’s storm are going to apply for a waiver. Some towns like Westport only missed three days while Stamford and Greenwich missed the whole week like Norwalk.
Mayor Moccia does not know whether a waiver has ever been granted to Norwalk before. “When was the last time we had a storm like this in the last 50 years,” he said.
School on 3/26; PD day cancelled
I just received an email from Steve Colarossi and confirmed by phone with Superintendent Nast that we will have school on Friday, March 26th. If you are like me, you forgot that there even was a professional development day scheduled for teachers (day off for kids) next Friday. The Superintendent has decided to cancel the PD day and have a regular school day. He said they he made this decision in collaboration with the board and unions.
Sup Letter about School Closing
This letter from Interim Superintendent Michael Nast has been posted on the Norwalk Public School website.
March 19, 2010
Dear Parents,
I want to share with you my response to the questions I have been asked regarding why school is closed today, Friday March 19, 2010.
The number one reason and prime consideration is the safety of all students.
The questions I have been asked are:
Q. What is the process you used in deciding if school should be canceled?
A. Collection of information regarding the status of wires down, tree removal, debris in the streets and ability of the school buses to pick up children. On Thursday I had discussions with
* Mayor Moccia (on-going throughout the day)
* Hal Alvord, Director of Public Works
* Mark Gorian, NPS Director of Facilities
* Superintendents in Stamford and New Canaan
* Harry Rilling, police chief
* Dennis McCarthy, fire chief
* CL&P representative, Walter Szymanski
* Glenn Iannaccone, Board of Education chairman
* Johanna Garcia, Transportation coordinator
* First Student bus drivers
* Assistant Superintendent Tony Daddona
* Chief Operating Officer Dan Cook
Q. Who makes the final call?
A. The interim Superintendent of Schools
Q. Why was there a delay in the decision?
A. The decision was made at approximately 6:45 p.m. Between 5:00 and 6:30 the Fire Department was doing onsite review of various locations identified by the Transportation Department as being unsafe. Their report was received at about 6:45 p.m. indicating that the identified streets were still not passable. Conversations with CL&P representatives at 6:30 p.m. indicated that there were 75 troubling areas where wires could be live which could be potentially unsafe for children, especially for those that walk to school.
Q. Do these days have to be made up?
A. The state requires that students attend school 180 days, however, an appeal can and will be made to the Commissioner of Education.
Q. Will the students have their April vacation?
A. Yes. If days have to be made up it will be in June.
Q. What are the make up dates for CMT Science tests for grades 5 & 8
A. Students will take this test on Tuesday, March 23.
With the approval of the Board of Education, Friday March 26, 2010 will be a school day for students. It is currently scheduled as a Professional Development day for teachers; however, under the circumstances it is more important to have the students in school. Elementary conference days will be extended April 5-9.
Sincerely,
The signature of Michael Nast
Michael R. Nast
March 19, 2010
Dear Parents,
I want to share with you my response to the questions I have been asked regarding why school is closed today, Friday March 19, 2010.
The number one reason and prime consideration is the safety of all students.
The questions I have been asked are:
Q. What is the process you used in deciding if school should be canceled?
A. Collection of information regarding the status of wires down, tree removal, debris in the streets and ability of the school buses to pick up children. On Thursday I had discussions with
* Mayor Moccia (on-going throughout the day)
* Hal Alvord, Director of Public Works
* Mark Gorian, NPS Director of Facilities
* Superintendents in Stamford and New Canaan
* Harry Rilling, police chief
* Dennis McCarthy, fire chief
* CL&P representative, Walter Szymanski
* Glenn Iannaccone, Board of Education chairman
* Johanna Garcia, Transportation coordinator
* First Student bus drivers
* Assistant Superintendent Tony Daddona
* Chief Operating Officer Dan Cook
Q. Who makes the final call?
A. The interim Superintendent of Schools
Q. Why was there a delay in the decision?
A. The decision was made at approximately 6:45 p.m. Between 5:00 and 6:30 the Fire Department was doing onsite review of various locations identified by the Transportation Department as being unsafe. Their report was received at about 6:45 p.m. indicating that the identified streets were still not passable. Conversations with CL&P representatives at 6:30 p.m. indicated that there were 75 troubling areas where wires could be live which could be potentially unsafe for children, especially for those that walk to school.
Q. Do these days have to be made up?
A. The state requires that students attend school 180 days, however, an appeal can and will be made to the Commissioner of Education.
Q. Will the students have their April vacation?
A. Yes. If days have to be made up it will be in June.
Q. What are the make up dates for CMT Science tests for grades 5 & 8
A. Students will take this test on Tuesday, March 23.
With the approval of the Board of Education, Friday March 26, 2010 will be a school day for students. It is currently scheduled as a Professional Development day for teachers; however, under the circumstances it is more important to have the students in school. Elementary conference days will be extended April 5-9.
Sincerely,
The signature of Michael Nast
Michael R. Nast
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Norwalk Schools Remain Closed Friday
Norwalk schools will be closed on Friday (March 19) for the fifth consecutive day in a row. Officials said that there were still many power lines down and trees blocking roads making it unsafe for walking students and school buses.
Throughout the week State Senator Bob Duff who represents Norwalk has been up dating his Facebook page with updates on CL&P's efforts to restore power and the status of Norwalk's schools.
In the comments section of his page several Norwalk residents have commended Sen. Duff for his conscientious efforts in keeping constituents informed.
At the same time there have been grumblings as to why it takes NPS so long to decide whether schools will be open or closed. Tonight, for example the cancellation call came in at 8pm, yesterday it was 6pm.
You can check out Bob's Facebook page. You might even want to "friend" him.
Throughout the week State Senator Bob Duff who represents Norwalk has been up dating his Facebook page with updates on CL&P's efforts to restore power and the status of Norwalk's schools.
In the comments section of his page several Norwalk residents have commended Sen. Duff for his conscientious efforts in keeping constituents informed.
At the same time there have been grumblings as to why it takes NPS so long to decide whether schools will be open or closed. Tonight, for example the cancellation call came in at 8pm, yesterday it was 6pm.
You can check out Bob's Facebook page. You might even want to "friend" him.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Nast Presents Initial Budget Reductions
At the Board of Education meeting Tuesday night, interim Superintendent Michael Nast made his first proposals for reduction. The Norwalk Board of Estimation and Taxation and City Council have asked the BOE to cut its budget by $5 million. So far, Nast thinks he can find $3 million. “Let me stress that these are suggestions that my staff and I have come up with. We are trying to make this a collaborative process,” Nast. “I am always open for suggestions.”
Changes, consolidation and reduction of teaching staff make up the bulk of savings. For example, 43 teachers are projected to retire. New teachers cost less to hire so this will result in considerable savings. In addition, Nast proposed the reduction of three teachers at the Alternative Middle School at Briggs who currently teach only four students.
More controversial is the proposed reduction of five high school teachers and four middle school teachers. To achieve this, Assistant Superintendent Tony Daddona will review course selections and enrollments along with principals. “Every program needs to be audited,” said Nast. Daddona will also review the pros and cons of the current eight-period day versus a seven-period day in the high schools. “This will all be done with the discretion of the principal. We’ll need to have a committee to work on this,” he said. “We won’t move without concrete data.”
Rowayton and Naramake are not likely to get modular classrooms next year. The lunch program is running a surplus since there are more kids signed up for free and reduced lunch this year. The surplus will go towards paying a portion of the cafeteria staff’s health benefits. The purchasing department is ordering fewer printing supplies next year. Nast is proposing an immediate “spending freeze". The savings from this year will carry over to next year.
Nast said he is talking to the two biggest unions—the teachers and administrators—about possible givebacks. The Norwalk Federation of Teachers, who negotiated a 1% raise for next year, say they netted the district considerable savings by switching health plans. “Their position is ‘We don’t renegotiate contracts,’” said Nast. The Norwalk Association of School Administrators, however, has not shut out the possibility of givebacks. They have said that they want the BOE to exhaust all other savings possibilities first, according to Nast.
Nast expressed concern last night about where to find the other two million dollars. “We need to convince the BET that we can’t go lower than this, beyond this we really impact programming” said Nast. “But we also need to plan for the worst case scenario.”
Nast said that several items are on the table: assistant principal positions, house master positions, changing class sizes and a return to half-day kindergarten. Those did not sit well with the board. The district should be expanding pre-school, not taking away full day kindergarten, said several board members upon hearing Nast’s dire options.
Nast also recommended reevaluating class size in certain situations. However, this would also require opening up the teachers' contract. According to Dan Cook, Chief Financial Officer, Norwalk has the lowest student teacher ratio in the area.
A couple of board members were not happy with the teacher’s union non-renegotiating stance. “It is nasty out there. The teacher’s should be damn thankful they have a job,” said Board Member Jack Chiaramonte. “If we all give a little bit, we will all survive.”
Board Member Erin Halsey said that she lost her job ten months ago. “In the real world you don’t have choices. A lot of people have taken a hit.” Lisa Thomson, a parent who spoke during public comments, called the union’s position “un-American.”
Board Member Steve Colarossi tried to temper the strong emotions. “We shouldn’t fall into the trap of finger pointing. We negotiated the contract in the same recession as the one we are in now. There must be room for compromise.”
The BET’s public hearing on the draft budget will take place on March 24th at 7:30pm in the Community Room at City Hall. Parents can comment on the budget at this meeting.
Changes, consolidation and reduction of teaching staff make up the bulk of savings. For example, 43 teachers are projected to retire. New teachers cost less to hire so this will result in considerable savings. In addition, Nast proposed the reduction of three teachers at the Alternative Middle School at Briggs who currently teach only four students.
More controversial is the proposed reduction of five high school teachers and four middle school teachers. To achieve this, Assistant Superintendent Tony Daddona will review course selections and enrollments along with principals. “Every program needs to be audited,” said Nast. Daddona will also review the pros and cons of the current eight-period day versus a seven-period day in the high schools. “This will all be done with the discretion of the principal. We’ll need to have a committee to work on this,” he said. “We won’t move without concrete data.”
Rowayton and Naramake are not likely to get modular classrooms next year. The lunch program is running a surplus since there are more kids signed up for free and reduced lunch this year. The surplus will go towards paying a portion of the cafeteria staff’s health benefits. The purchasing department is ordering fewer printing supplies next year. Nast is proposing an immediate “spending freeze". The savings from this year will carry over to next year.
Nast said he is talking to the two biggest unions—the teachers and administrators—about possible givebacks. The Norwalk Federation of Teachers, who negotiated a 1% raise for next year, say they netted the district considerable savings by switching health plans. “Their position is ‘We don’t renegotiate contracts,’” said Nast. The Norwalk Association of School Administrators, however, has not shut out the possibility of givebacks. They have said that they want the BOE to exhaust all other savings possibilities first, according to Nast.
Nast expressed concern last night about where to find the other two million dollars. “We need to convince the BET that we can’t go lower than this, beyond this we really impact programming” said Nast. “But we also need to plan for the worst case scenario.”
Nast said that several items are on the table: assistant principal positions, house master positions, changing class sizes and a return to half-day kindergarten. Those did not sit well with the board. The district should be expanding pre-school, not taking away full day kindergarten, said several board members upon hearing Nast’s dire options.
Nast also recommended reevaluating class size in certain situations. However, this would also require opening up the teachers' contract. According to Dan Cook, Chief Financial Officer, Norwalk has the lowest student teacher ratio in the area.
A couple of board members were not happy with the teacher’s union non-renegotiating stance. “It is nasty out there. The teacher’s should be damn thankful they have a job,” said Board Member Jack Chiaramonte. “If we all give a little bit, we will all survive.”
Board Member Erin Halsey said that she lost her job ten months ago. “In the real world you don’t have choices. A lot of people have taken a hit.” Lisa Thomson, a parent who spoke during public comments, called the union’s position “un-American.”
Board Member Steve Colarossi tried to temper the strong emotions. “We shouldn’t fall into the trap of finger pointing. We negotiated the contract in the same recession as the one we are in now. There must be room for compromise.”
The BET’s public hearing on the draft budget will take place on March 24th at 7:30pm in the Community Room at City Hall. Parents can comment on the budget at this meeting.
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