LYNN SCHOOL WATCH

HISTORY HAS A WAY OF REPEATING ITSELF AND LPS HAS A HISTORY OF WASTING MONEY

2013-05-23T18:59:00.000-07:00

Boy, did I learn something crazy tonight. You know how I've been harping about wasteful spending on busing kids. I don't think LPS ought to be spending money when there is a cheaper way. Now we are about to ask the taxpayers to finance 15 to 20 million dollars or so to build a much needed new middle school named after me, a wing anyway (I just threw that last part in). We need to set an example of fiscal responsibility.

ANYWAY.....

So the MUSEUM has set up this third grade curriculum, offered to PAY for busing and only is charging ONE dollar. Do you know you can barely ride my CAMPAIGN BUS for that.

I was asked if I knew if the schools had to raise their own money for field trips. Well they don't show me all the financial documents but I said I;m pretty sure there are ways they could come up with it. After all, we do have a chairperson pretty good at juggling.

"Why do you ask?", I asked myself.

Well I didn't have to wait long for an answer. You see, NO ONE has taken them up on this generous offer. That's right NO ONE. Oh one class said they would come but CANCELLED..

Not only is this an example of LPS not leveraging the community's willingness to maximize our students educational opportunities, but HISTORY is LAST in a CITY OF FIRSTS.

SORRY.....

it's just not on the MCAS. It just doesn't ADD up.

I KNOW, I'M DAMAGED GOODS.

2013-05-23T09:40:00.001-07:00

You know, I've been a candidate for LYNN SCHOOL COMMITTEE for almost two months, gathered a mess of signatures I, I've been to a few fundraisers, YET .....

the MAINSTREAM MEDIA has pretty much IGNORED my candidacy. No stories announcing my campaign. It was mentioned fhat I pulled papers but was included with a list of the incumbents. In that article I was mentioned as an online commentator.. Hello...uh....I have a BLOG!

Maybe it MUST be because I am a poet or MAYBE ......

it is because I am DISABLED, I guess I understand.....

REALLY......

I mean I have had some pretty significant brain damage and I am probably a little slower intellectually and well, just plain not as smart as some of those educated people.

SHIFTING SANDS OF SUPPORT

2013-05-23T04:41:00.000-07:00

You know Math must not be my only weakness, I think I have a hearing problem as well. I swore I heard way back when they had that special meeting for the evaluation of the SUPERINTENDENT our MOST HONORABLE MAYOR proclaimed and pontificated publicly that she did not like the way DR. LATHAM managed the money. Don't take the word of a poet that clearly suffers from brain damage, I am sure the TRUTH will come ALIVE in somebody's video ARCHIVE.

YET......

that same cruncher of numbers backed a recipe for a KINDERGARTEN KLUSTER surely to be a KLUNKER when you consider the cost ($580,000 + $1.4 Million).

HOW YOU GOING TO JUGGLE THAT?

EDITING MY LATEST LETTER TO THE EDITOR

2013-05-22T09:04:00.001-07:00

At a time when Lynn Public Schools ought to be exercising fiscal restraint and concentrating on garnering the necessary support to ensure that a badly needed new middle school, the administration has instead directed attention and precious resources ($580,000) to be diverted from other needy areas to establish a kindergarten center where the administration offices are now.

This will require busing five year olds causing a logistical nightmare and shakily starting educational journeys that we are going to be paying for twelve more years.

Thank goodness some concerned parents circulated a petition forcing a public hearing on such an ill advised vote.

NEW LPS PROGRAM..DISCIPLINE BY DRONES

2013-05-22T06:19:00.003-07:00

Something to think about.....

If the KINDERGARTEN CONSOLIDATION plan comes to fruition, we will be creating a new princiPAL who will be trying to maintain order and dispense discipline at a place foreign to our kids and far removed from the scrutiny of parents.

Hmmm.....

STILL ANOTHER BUSING PLAN PROPOSED?

2013-05-22T04:43:00.001-07:00

Ingalls students christen new outdoor classroom

Angry parents from across the city are up in arms because of the money spent on this new classroom with suspended ceiling. Well there is no ceiling (unless it's cloudy) and if truth be told and it rarely is, there are no walls either.

School officials have stated they have developed a lasseux-faire attitude about having a dirty classroom. Students may be being given bad instruction because there are reports of students being told of rocks being raised in a garden,

All reports are not negative, however.School Committee Candidate Stan Wotring is excited about the possibilities.

"Things could be just like back home in WV. The PTO could have a BEAN SUPPER as a fundraiser. We could have a HORSE-PULL between the rows of desks, and when it rains, we could get some four wheelers and go muddin"

LPS school officials were not available for comment on WOTRING'S proposals and initiatives. In fact, they weren't even asked.

AT WHAT COST? THAT'D BE AT LEAST $1.5 MILLION

2013-05-21T13:24:00.004-07:00

Parents petition officials on kindergarten busing

Well written article examining how an administration came up with an a plan that was a rush to judgement at the taxpayer's expense while risking the most defenseless, children who aren't even old enough to attend first grade.

On the bright side you won't hear the little ones complain......

but.....

we will all see it in the future developmental goals not met.

This is an ill conceived idea on so many levels. Not to mention, such an example of extravagant spending at a time when LPS has to come before the voters to support a BOND that surely means tax increases. Bad timing to go with bad form.

We desperately need a new school and such decisions that put that in jeopardy is not only fiscally irresponsible but also reveal a flaw in someone's educational character.

IS LATHAM ONE OF US NOW?

2013-05-20T20:04:00.002-07:00

Just came from a HIGHLANDS COALITION meeting where a lot of the same old things were discussed, specifically restoring FORD SCHOOL as a polling place. Of course, the politicians there and there were a few, pointed to the fact that the polling place was determined not to be compliant with ADA and that was a reason for not returning it there/

People present questioned how a school could be considered ADA compliant as a school but not as a polling place. As usual politicians stay away from corners lest someone had a paint brush. This has been a ten year battle with NO results and little hope for progress.

BUT NOW......

the people of the HIGHLANDS may have found an unsuspecting ally in......

DR. LATHAM.....

yes, I did not stutter. THIS IS NOT A TYPO. I had an EPIPHANY when talking tonight with COUNCIL PRESIDENT PHELAN.

We were talking about how renovations over a certain dollar amount triggered that the entire building has to be made ADA compliant. Now the scenario I am about to present is pure speculation, I have NO inside info and I am not trying to pass myself as a legal expert. No I am just a poet, a disabled one at that.

You see this summer when they are doing some pretty significant renovation (I did not say anything about ASBESTOS remediation) to the floors. New tiles to SEAL THE DEAL.

ANYWHO....

I bet there is a good chance this work is going to be so costly such that it will trigger mandatory ADA compliance for the whole building.

For this my fellow HICO brethren owe a huge debt of gratitude yo the good doctor. That will be one argument that will be taken away soon.

Thanks CATHE for joining our team!

OPPORTUNITY LOST

2013-05-20T10:59:00.001-07:00

Sometimes it's what you don't say that matters most. Apparently not always, at least that appears to have been what LSC was (or maybe just wasn't) thinking at the last meeting. You see, with all the hoopla surrounding a rousing rendition of the "Star-spangled Banner" (which was not on the agenda) that was so beautifully played by one of the ensembles from the LPS Band that the MOMENT OF SILENCE which was on the agenda was forgotten. I do believe that may have been a technical violation of the OPEN MEETING law.

NO BIG DEAL

although.......

they may have missed an opportunity to PRAY for the passage of the upcoming BOND.

What are you planning to call that WING now?

BOOKS BENEFIT - A FAIR TO REMEMBER

2013-05-20T09:05:00.002-07:00

Just passing through on mt way out from a SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT COUNCIL meeting and look at what I stumbled into in the gym. Reading is the path to success!

MORE CHARGES OF LPS IRREGULARITIES MAY HAVE BEEN BUMP-ED UP

2013-05-20T08:48:00.000-07:00

May Institute, major provider of autism services, overcharged the state, Auditor Bump charges - The.

www.bostonglobe.com

Correct me if I am wrong.

I do believe they run our COACH program,

my question is how much of our money went into these questionable expenditures. HMMM?

MUSIC TO THE EARS

2013-05-20T03:29:00.001-07:00

Lynn teen overcomes autism to find success in music

This story provides an example of some good things that LPS is doing particular the music department. As I have said before and this stoty points out = the middle schools are on the move.

TEACHERS TEACH BEST WHEN GIVEN A CHANCE TO TEAVH

2013-05-18T14:18:00.001-07:00

Classical High biology teacher takes road less traveled

Being a former science geek, I could kind of relate to this story. I said kind of. Chemistry, not biology was my passion. I never cottoned much to biology cause I always felt like after you accepted Darwinism there was nothing left. Call it sibling rivalry.

Anyway, any kind of science is more interesting when you see with your hands/

HOLLYWOOD HITS THE HIGH SCHOOL

2013-05-18T12:37:00.001-07:00

Short films explore cultural differences for English students

Ir's a shame more attention wasn't paid to this. Diversity is what makes us great. Perceived weakness can be turned into strengths with the proper leadership.

OH NO! HERE WE GO AGAIN

2013-05-16T16:05:00.000-07:00

No, I'm NOT talking about another building debacle like when they built CLASSICAL. Besides I kind of like sinking floors. No with the new MARSHALL it's the BOND that's in danger of sinking. People just don't feel like paying more taxes when they see the SUPERINTENDENT making $200,000 and a host of others making six figures. Not many homeowners much less parents work in that neighborhood.

To add insult to injury then they come up with a plan to ship off some poor babies to a refurbished retrofitted warehouse for over half a million dollars. The wheels on the bus go round and round. The SUPER in her leased car goes to the bank, goes to the bank, all year long!

Well some parents got angry, you see and they started this petition and they got 159 certified names in three weeks since the vote approving the plan. It wasn't me honest! Although......to be honest I did help gather a few signatures You see, it's my hobby. If I remember my CITY CHARTER correctly that mandates the SECRETARY OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE schedule a PUBLIC HEARING in 90 days.

Boy that sure is going to be a distraction from the MARSHALL vote. All of this because somebody wanted to ram a baby snatching plan down some poor parents (not to be confused with poor poets) throats. I admit, I was fooled at first. Thank goodness there are parents out there smarter than me. Since I got my learning done back in WV. that probably includes most of you all.

NO TOGA REQUIRED

2013-05-16T08:57:00.000-07:00

Since I got notice yesterday that I have 346 certified signatures from the Board of Elections yesterday, I rushed down to city hall with 60+ sigs. I figured that way I could get this collecting signature thing over with I should be the second candidate to be certified. That MARIA is a machine.

Who was down at the HALL to congratulate me? At least I think so. It was DR. LATHAM and fellow candidate for LSC JOHN FORD. Well they didn't actually speak to me. I am not really surprised, I mean with the blocking of e mails and all.

Then I noticed FINE ARTS DIRECTOR. JOE PICANO/ What a band to? This too much! I am not worthy, (I got this HUMBLE business down.) "Hey Joe, what's up?"

As if I didn't know. He gave some made up cover story about some award presentation and some special premier of some AGGANIS movie. What a rouse just so as to not spoil the surprise. DR. LATHAM kept quiet so she wouldn't break character. She was so good, it was like I wasn't even there.

But you see I will be,

SEE YOU IN SEPTEMBER!

KINDERGARTENS MADE OFF WITH MARSHALL MONEY?

2013-05-15T11:20:00.001-07:00

Marshall land taking to cost Lynn $1.3M

Help me get this right, we are set to pay a little less than half as much to relocate Kindergarten classes from just three elementary schools on a temporary basis as we are allocating to acquire the land we plan to place an entire NEW middle school on for, at the rate LYNN builds, schools for over a HUNDRED years?

SOME RAMS ARE TOAST

2013-05-15T04:55:00.000-07:00

Classical students suspended for prank at Lynn English

SURPRISE! The BULLDOG'S kitchen has cameras. When you try to make omelets there, they see who;s cracking the eggs. While this is not a major transgression, it is one none the less.

I think it also represents a WONDERFUL learning opportunity. COMMUNITY SERVICE is the most appropriate punishment. Maybe some time at MY BROTHER'S TABLE or a food bank would help to reach them not to waste food. Having the toilepaper bandits wipe some of the DAWGS messes would help make them responsible citizens. No pooper scoopers needed.

NET NOTES

2013-05-15T04:17:00.001-07:00

Normally with such a NOTABLE title I would break into a long dialogue about my favorite LYNN CITY COUNCILMAN - HONG NET maybe a poem even but noooooo, I've matured. No really I have. I am now a wanna be public official. I've started my APRIL FOOL'S DAY CAMPAIGN to be one of your next school committee members and as such I want to strike a serious note.

PICKERING, as it so often does. is reaching out to parents. This time with a safety concern:

Pickering Parent Workshop: Internet Safety Today, May 15, 2013
Agenda:
6:00 PM - 6:15 PM Welcome/Introductions
6:15 PM - 6:45 PM School Resource Officer Officer Hogan
6:45 PM - 7:00 PM Think Before you send Presentation "Question & Answers"
Reserve your seat now 781-477-7740 or email rittershausk@lynnschools.org

MARSHALL MAY BE MIRED IN THE MUCK

2013-05-14T20:54:00.001-07:00

Well just back from the LYNN CITY COUNCIL MEETING and I am confused, I am. Gere I thought DR. LATHAM was all for the new MARSHALL. She even testified before the council professing her support for the council's intention to take some property by some kind of DOMAIN thing. There was a transfer of $1.3 Million to take care of business, monkey and other kinds. Yes. even risky business.

So, imagine my surprise that the same DR. LATHAM would push forward with a KINDERGARTEN CONSOLIDATION plan which some parents pre-tell point out seems pretty painful to proceed. You see word has it enough signatures were turned in this same night to force the MAYOR to call a PUBLIC HEARING on the matter.

WHAT'S UP, DOC?

Don't you know that your stubborn insistence on proceeding with such an unpopular plan with parents you proclaim to want their involvement. Well they are involved now and well it's well, it's gonna be problematic. You see this PUBLIC HEARING thing is going to GUM up things. If the signatures are certified that could hold up the approval of next years budget and and the BOND vote. well all of this fuss might just sabotage it.

I am sure she has a plan, I'm just not as smart as her to see it. Oh well, maybe there won't be enough certified signatures and it won't matter/ Then again maybe PIGS CAN FLY. I mean I did see it in a commercial,

WAS THE KINDERGARTEN CONSOLIDATION VOTE EVEN LEGAL?

2013-05-14T05:44:00.003-07:00

Everybody was kind of ambushed at the LSC meeting where the PLAN was conceived. Principals were only informed about the outlines of the plan hours before the meeting of the VOTE and details surrounding the logistics were delivered with a wink and a prayer.

ALL HAIL THE QUEEN!

DON'T BLAME ME, I DIDN'T START IT

2013-05-14T04:41:00.001-07:00

Ford parents: Revisit kindergarten busing plan

Can we tale a closer look at what TRACY princiPAL PATTYE GRIFFIN said, I mean everybody agrees there is an overcrowding problem It is definitely a detriment to learning.

But that posse of supporters MS. GRIFFIN brought to the meeting with her were all benefactors of the move. not participants. Even the parent whose kid will benefit from smaller class sizes (and whose kid wouldn't), I mean her kid wouldn't be the one on the bus. I wonder how she would feel if her 5 year-old's bus had to travel through the HIGHLANDS in the snow.

They've already budgeted $600,000 for this move. But when questioned where that money was coming from, no specific answer was given. You know what that means.

THE COST OF DOING BUSINESS, AGAIN

2013-05-13T17:22:00.002-07:00

For a mere $600,000 we are about set to ease the overcrowding problem, well at least for one year hopefully. And we are set to do it by moving our littlest students who we don;t have to worry about them complaining cause they don't know no better.

They can actually ride on the same bus they sing about. After all, the wheels go round.

It's a good thing we got that waiver because whomever we bus to another location, we are going to lose valuable instructional time. Wait, you mean they still make us take those tests but they don't count for anything right?

Now I'm not as smart as those people who make those decisions but call me crazy (I;m sure some of you have some other words) but what about the idea of renting some space as a temporary measure instead of costly renovations that will have to be re-renovated in a couple of years when our problems are all grown up.

Wouldn't it be smarter to take a year and look at redistricting and utilizing FALLON SCHOOL a little better and then there's that WASHINGTON STEM SCHOOL (I still have to choke a little when I pair kids who don;t even read well yet with mass spectroscopy) is still growing.

You know what they say though, "A fool and his money will soon part". Speaking of oarts who is set to play the part of the fool? Don't worry about money, there's more where this comes from, it;s called PROPERTY TAXES.

I WANNA BE LIKE JOE

2013-05-13T14:20:00.001-07:00

JOE PICANO the FINE ARTS DIRECTOR for LYNN PUBLIC SCHOOLS is so much smarter and smoother than me. He managed to get kisses from 4 women in one night in public and he never even had to say I do or even I will. They came after him,

Some people might say it's all because for the second year in a row under his direction LYNN received a "Best Communities in America for Music Education Award". This actual presentation was delayed a couple of times until the actual plaques were delivered. Ol slick JOE wanted to actually have the hardware in hand to give to the lovely ladies, MAYOR KENNEDY, DR. LATHAM. DR. WARRY and SUE ROWE before having the ceremony.

Silly me, I've always brought wedding rings to my ceremonies. He got off cheaper with his four women than I did.

STAND-INS TREATED LIKE SUCKERS

2013-05-12T18:40:00.003-07:00

Out talking to people today who will soon enough be my constituents, I heard an interesting and troubling statement. I was going wait until my annual budget breakdown but this was too upset to wait. It kind of explains the tendency to see a lot of uncertified long term subs. It seems that subs are paid about 1/3 of what regular teachers are. This presents a lot of interesting dilemmas.

Often you get what you pay for. If you want professionals, you got to pay them like professionals. Being a teacher is hard enough of a profession without being a sub. I am speaking as a kid, we loved to have substitutes. It was like a game to see how much we could get away with and I was a good kid, I was If anything subs ought to get more. Call it hazardous duty pay.