Port Jervis Pride Blog

A little bird tweeted in my ear

2013-06-19T14:32:00.001-04:00

Oh boy, here we go again...
A little bird just told me that the School District and their Attorney were looking over the site, in particular the 'for sale' stuff. The last time this happened, they went to court to silence me. [ see here ]

I wonder how long I'll be able to sell this stuff? Better get one before they make me take it down.

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Defining Education Coffee Mug by PJPride

Recliner Mug by PJPride

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Uh-Oh, Guess what day it is!

2013-06-19T06:11:00.000-04:00

Love it!

Restaurant Impossible: The Pinehurst Country Lodge

2013-06-17T12:01:00.000-04:00

Another local Pennsylvania business gets a TV makeover:

Robert Irvine of the Food Network's "Restaurant Impossible" intends to transform the money-losing Pinehurst Country Lodge, located at 108 Greeley Lake Road in Greeley, PA into a popular and profitable business when he swoops into town next week. ...read more here...

Watch the episode:

PJ Pride Store

2013-06-14T08:19:00.000-04:00

PJPride.com bestsellers...
Show your 'pride' with a tongue-in-cheek gift for yourself or someone you ~~love~~ kinda like. Life is short, have fun!

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Defining Education Coffee Mug by PJPride
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Recliner Mug by PJPride
Shop for PJPride Mugs online at Zazzle.com

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Browse PJPride Mousepads

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Bestseller!

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Rumor has it... (updated)

2013-06-14T08:00:00.000-04:00

Keep in mind, these are just rumors, but in the coming weeks school district will...

Promote Cynthia Benedict to the position of Assistant Superintendent of Instruction. (haven't middle school test scores dropped sharply under her watch? how many won't they interview this time to promote one of their favorites?)

Promote Brett Cancredi to principal of the middle school. (he's only been the principal of a.s.k. for a year and they're gonna put him with the toughest age group... yep, that seems *cough* 'smart')
-- or --
Promote Heidi Nyland to principal of the middle school. (why do we do this? what is wrong with hiring a seasoned, experienced middle school principal from outside the district? what's wrong with hiring someone who can actually deal with that age group?)

and speaking of inexperience...
The Science Curriculum Coordinator will be filled by an individual with less experience than others from that department.

Move Jean Lain from interim asst. principal at the middle school to asst. principal of the A.S.K. or worse: hire her as a permanent member of the middle school administration. (wasn't she fired from her last job?)

HIRE CYNTHIA BENEDICT'S DAUGHTER to become the asst. principal of the middle school (why interview when we can just hire family?) this plan may have been scrapped, but still, everything listed is just a parade of favorites by those who treat our district like their private little playground.

Also...
The new Superintendent, and avid recliner enthusiast, is seeking reimbursement for a hotel stay that has nothing to do with any school function (because he didn't want to drive forty minutes home after a meeting)
and...
A board member is seeking reimbursement for equipment supplied for the graduation ceremony. (this is unethical, possibly illegal and, not to mention... uninsured)

A board member once said the reason for hiring from within is that they like to hire 'someone who knows how we do things in Port Jervis'. Well, Port Jervis is failing to educate our kids, consistently ranking next to dead last when compared with other schools. In my opinion, hiring from within only continues this circle of failure. 'How we do things' isn't working. We need new people with fresh ideas. New perspectives to shake up our system and our way of doing things.

But those who have our district in a strangle hold of favoritism are afraid of that. They are afraid that new people will highlight their own inadequacies and inexperience. So they promote their friends and the ass-kissers into positions for which they are ill-equipped to perform. Until this cycle of favoritism and failure is broken, and until the people in this community wake up, take a hard look, and demand better, I have no hope that education in Port Jervis will ever improve.

If any of these rumors turn out to be real and true, it will only serve to prove everything I've just said in these few paragraphs. Most of our key administration jobs will be filled by individuals who have no experience in those positions, and worse still, those above them are just as inexperienced. The blind leading the blind, the untrained instructing the untrained. As a result, for many years to come, this district will be struggling.

If you see or hear something you feel the public has a right to know about, email: comments@pjpride.com or use the anonymous feedback form

The Dangers of Censorship

2013-06-07T08:00:00.000-04:00

In an effort to protect themselves from the exposure of their unethical and improper executive session conduct, your school board went to court to censor this website.

For a week I have displayed a lone blog post with the simple headline: They Won. If your school officials continue to be allowed unmonitored oversight, this dangerous extreme could become a reality.

But why is it dangerous?
Well..

- Your board of education and school administrators have hidden themselves behind walls of secrecy. Both figuratively and quite literally - They are actually in the process of trying to soundproof the superintendents office using $7000+ of your money. Is this really how you want your tax bill spent?
- They have allowed test scores to slide: [see here], while graduation rates are among the lowest in the county: [see here]. Neither of these are mentioned in their press releases and newspaper articles. This is known as censorship by omission and it is practiced earnestly by your school district.
And while demanding that you and I obey the rules, they themselves are not above breaking them for the favor a select few: [see here]
They are indifferent and oblivious to the very real bullying taking place in the higher grades and have a disturbing influence over the local PJPD Juvenile Officer: [see here]
They have also allowed their business acquaintances illegal use of school resources: [see here]
Lastly, The censorship of this website, [see here], signals disturbing and overreaching authority by the school district of public information and opinion that is beyond the control of their public relations officer.

Behind the curtain of smiles and feel-good reporting, your school district is very ugly and broken. The danger is that you would never get a peek behind that curtain if they succeed in silencing this website, and others like it. You would continue to be fooled by the illusion that education in Port Jervis is doing well. You would never see that your school officials act more in greedy self-interest and less for the betterment of education. I knew of no better way to demonstrate all of this than to show, for a week at least, how it would look if they win.

Ask yourself this question whenever you read or hear about how great our schools are... Thomas Bongiovi and his wife are both employed by the Port Jervis School District, if our schools really are doing well, and deserving of our Pride, why don't their children go to school here?

If you see or hear something you feel the public has a right to know about, email: comments@pjpride.com or use the anonymous feedback form

They Won.

2013-06-01T14:59:00.001-04:00

We do, however, have plans to turn the blog into the sickest,
most depraved internet porn site you have ever laid eyes on.
CLICK HERE FOR A PREVIEW!

Breaking Policy to Favor a Few

2013-05-27T14:01:00.001-04:00

When the school district and Board of Education wanted to silence me ( see here ) and ( here ) they cited that I had violated board policy. Apparently violating board policy is only wrong and unethical if you're not part of the select group who seem all to eager to use this district as their personal playground.

During the organizational meeting in July of last year, the school board violated two standing policies in order to appoint Cathy Sadaghiani to the office of Board President.

Policy number 1410 ( see here ) clearly states:

"The adoption of a written policy shall occur only after the proposal has been moved, discussed and voted on affirmatively at two separate meetings of the Board of Education (i.e., the "first reading" and the "second reading"). The policy draft may be amended at the second meeting. By a majority vote, the Board may waive the "second reading" and complete the adoption of the proposed policy at its "first reading."

Cathy wanted to be board president, but knew she wouldn't be able to attend the organizational meeting. So a policy change and first reading was introduced to policy number 1320 ( see here ) by the policy committee under her direction, at the meeting prior to the organizational meeting.

The new policy would eliminate the key line:

"They will take their oath as officers at this meeting along with newly elected members."

and replace it with:

"They will (if available) take their oath as officers at this meeting along with the newly elected members. If the elected Board officers are not available at the Annual Organization Meeting, then they will take their oaths within the time period specified under law."

Now, both versions of 1320 are acceptable and legal. It is entirely the discretion of the board as to which they will follow.

The problem here arises from the simple fact that the board did not complete the adoption at the first reading and the new policy did not yet have a second reading and vote at the time the Board of Education appointed Sadaghiani to the office of President. They were still under the guidance of the original policy ( see here ).

According the NYSSBA (New York State School Board Association) attorney I spoke with prior the organizational meeting, the board must follow the policy on the books at the time the appointments happen. Even if the second reading occurs during the same meeting, but after the appointments are made.

The error by the board is that the appointments occurred before the policy change. They followed a new policy before it was legal and binding. In essence, they violated two of their own rules, #1410 and #1320, to elect their officers at the July 2012 meeting.

What does this mean?
Well, it could mean that every business dealing, employee contract, or grievance that was presided over and signed by Sadaghiani during the 2012/2013 year could be challenged. Possibly costing the district thousands in legal fees and throwing the entire educational process into chaos.

But it also means that this school board is not above breaking its own rules for the favor of a few, while demanding all others follow them unbendingly and without question.

Hypocritical, irresponsible, disgraceful, shameful - pick one.

Have a question/comment, email: comments@pjpride.com. Or use the anonymous web form.

OMG

2013-05-23T20:33:00.003-04:00

I'm watching the school board meeting. If these people are getting confused over the year-end purchase of replacement desks, chairs, and other classroom furniture, what hope does education have in this town? Friggin' half hour, so far, on desks and chairs...

Wouldn't it be nice if they spent even half that time grilling the Superintendent over the shitty test scores, poor attendance and why more than a third of our senior students fail to graduate? ...and not accept the same old tired excuse about the lack of parental involvement. Because, quite simply, there are other school districts in New York state with our same socioeconomic climate, same curriculum, same stresses, same drug and crime problems. And yet, they manage to out perform us year after year. Blaming parents and students is a sad cop out.

2013 School Budget Results

2013-05-21T21:50:00.001-04:00

Budget: $62.2 million
Yes: 734 - Passed (no surprise, it always passes.)
No: 388

School board: (three seats, three-year terms)
*Richard McElroy: 482
Tammy Myers: 523 - elected
William Onofry: 564 - elected
Earl Walker, Jr.: 395
Robert Witherow: 679 - elected
Michael Zappolo: 521

Business as usual... the status quo has been maintained. Since the new Superintendent thinks Port Jervis is doing well, I wonder if he will start sending his kids here?

Have a question/comment, email: comments@pjpride.com. Or use the anonymous web form.

Two competing ads

2013-05-18T11:40:00.001-04:00

I take a look and offer my thoughts...

The Witherow, McElroy, Zappolo Ad:

Their ad states 'Special Treatment will not be supported, especially to those in influential positions...'
Really? One of these candidates received special treatment in 2003/2004 - ( see here ) Do as I say, not I do? Business as usual, I suppose.

The ad talks about reserve funds.
This is a red herring, a trick to distract you and make you angry. Reserve accounts have been set up over the years by numerous school boards. They are designed to address a specific need. It is illegal to use them for any other purpose. To suggest to the public that it is possible to do so is irresponsible and, in my opinion, negligent. I've tried to explain reserve funds and accounts here the past, contact me if you don't understand.

The ad also states they are committed to safety.
Of course they are committed to safety! Who isn't? That's just feel-good talk. Everyone is invested in the safety of the kids, not just these guys. Geez, I'm not falling for it again.

The Onofry, Walker ad:

They talk about unsustainable spending.
Could they mean, among other things, the $7,000 soundproof door? Possibly. Two of the other candidates running for re-election thought that was a wise use of your money, they both voted for it. A $7,000 soundproof door! Really?

The ad states the new superintendent was hired without any other interviews being conducted.
That's true. 37 individuals applied, ZERO were interviewed. Two of the other candidates running for re-election thought that was wise. What would have been the harm to just take a look?

The ad states that ten C-Tech vocation training slots were cut.
That's true. MOST of the increase in this budget is for teacher salary and benefits. Screw the struggling student, six-figure salaried teachers wanted a signing bonus.

The ad states that 60% of our teachers live outside the district. What does that mean?
In terms of numbers, it means that last year Port Jervis and Deerpark residents surrendered 18 million of their dollars to support the tax base of other towns. We don't get that back. It goes away. And we are about to do it again this year.

I've said my peace, the decision is yours, I pray you choose wisely.

Have a question/comment, email: comments@pjpride.com. Or use the anonymous web form.

Censored

2013-05-14T16:17:00.001-04:00

If they can't control it, they'll silence it. The Port Jervis School District has successfully petitioned the court ( see here ). I will immediately begin removing access to the *specific* content they found offensive.

The Port Jervis School District has a history of intimidating those with whom they disagree.
My experience is just a small part of that history.
Links to the Censored Posts:
Reader Feedback
Retribution and Retaliation at the Port Jervis School District, part 2
Port Jervis School Superintendent to Retire, I have Predictions - CALLED ALL THREE!
Important advice for Port Jervis parents

Have a question/comment, email: comments@pjpride.com. Or use the anonymous web form.

Port Jervis School District to Seek Injunction

2013-05-13T09:32:00.003-04:00

I have just been informed by the district's attorney that the school will be going to court today to seek a preliminary injunction against this blog. Boy, I must have really struck a nerve.

If they can't control it, they'll silence it.

Have a question/comment, email: comments@pjpride.com. Or use the anonymous web form.

[Censored Content] Reader Feedback

2013-05-12T09:08:00.003-04:00

A selection of reader email:

reader feedback: If certain people in this town truly cared about this town then they would address the concerns that have been brought up concerning the school district. Here's a news flash the state of the district is easy to find out. All a parent has to do is to go to the numerous websites like schooldigger etc.. There a parent can find out the most recent NYS and Regents test scores. Parents can even compare tests score against 3-4 school districts. Sorry to inform the school district but they cannot fool anyone. The information is out there and trying to threaten you with legal action will not stop a person who wants this information from getting it. Hey I know maybe the people with their head in the sand can blame the creation of the Internet for their failures.

No wonder Montague is desperately trying to send their children anywhere but Port. I personally know at least 3 families who live in Port that send their children to other districts. It speaks volumes when people have to do this because they feel that they have no choice. Your being harassed because what you are doing is finally waking people up in town. Keep it up. It's only libel or slander if you are not telling the truth!

[ When shopping around for a new home to raise a family, that's one of the things people do, they compare school districts. Ours always comes up lacking. Why do you think enrollment is dropping year after year? Who wants to raise their kids in a school district that ranks *consistently* on the bottom?

Thank you for the kind words. It's not so much libel or slander, but their perception I broke a municipal law by posting certain information. It's interesting to note, if they pursue the fines and possible jail time associated with those allegations, just how far they will go to cover up their own misconduct.

I should thank them for sending that letter (see here). In one fell swoop they have legitimized *everything* I have been saying and have driven more visitors to this website than it has ever seen in its history. ]

reader feedback: Is there any proof that the district spent thousands to get rid of Case? Documentation?

[ None that I can get my hands on, yet. They are writing up employees who are fulfilling FOIL requests without the Superintendent's OK.

That said, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to make a decent estimate. I know of several phone calls, a letter and at least one all day interview of district employees. At $550/hr, I can low ball the total at around $3,000 - $5,000 ]

THE PORT JERVIS SCHOOL DISTRICT WENT TO COURT
TO KEEP THIS INFORMATION FROM YOU.

reader feedback: My prediction. Pat Witherow asst. supt Business, Benedict or Cancredi asst Supt. Bongiovi stated in Gazette that he wanted someone with experience in Elem and secondary as asst supt Kahmar filling which ever moves up. they want him as a Principal

[ The name that's getting floated most for ASI is Cancredi. But yeah, your prediction is dead on. Expect a half-assed search for candidates, if they even bother. As we know from the first ASI search and the recent Superintendent search, apparently there are no qualified people out there. At least that's what they tell us. ]

reader feedback: you call this Port Pride.com ??? wow and then all you do is bash the school district! Where is YOUR Pride? stop looking for problems and publish the positive! Really, a recliner chair bothers you that much? Suck it up, it was NOt bought with school funds and personally it is none of your buss. Do we bash what furniture is in your work place?

[ I am very proud of Port Jervis and want it to be the best it can be. But it will *never* be a great town with a failing school. No young, family-minded couple will move into an area with high taxes and a poor school. Your kind of ignorant, head-in-sand mentality holds us back. We have a failing school system in Port Jervis, yet people like you would rather live in a happy-time, feel-good, lollipop and unicorn world. Grow up and face reality. *Nothing* will improve if you choose ignorance. And yes, a recliner in your office is ridiculous. ]

Have a question/comment, email: comments@pjpride.com. Or use the anonymous web form.

So It begins...

2013-05-10T09:35:00.001-04:00

If they can't control it, they'll silence it.

They've just proven all my points about Retribution and Retaliation.
This is no surprise to me. The people running the district trade in secrecy and paranoia.
Why else would they purchase a $7,000 soundproof door for the Superintendents office?
Oddly enough, the purchase was approved 6-3 wtf?.
$7,000 for a soundproof door. 6 members of the school board thought this was a wise use of our money.
Unreal.

Don't let fear and intimidation be the rule, use the anonymous feedback form.

This Just In...

2013-05-08T09:19:00.003-04:00

A little bird has just informed me that the school district's attorney is reviewing this website...

Some early feedback from our readers...

reader 1: Why is the Port Jervis community not up in arms about this? It seems to me the Superintendent and the board are doing whatever they want and being allowed to do so. Who are they answering to? No one else has a problem with whats going on in this district? The Port Jervis community needs to be heard......your children deserve better! Say something!
reader 2: I have not been permitted to speak up at Board meetings due to the fear of retaliation to my wife who is a teacher at Port Schools
reader 3: I watched the School Board meeting that made Bongiovi the new superintendent. The whole thing was a farce. I totally agree with the 2 board members that was against his appointment. He is not qualified for the position! The fix was in way before Xanthis retired. This is an injustice to the town and the children of Port Jervis. Our school district deserves better.
Do not let anyone stop you from writing your blog. You and a few others are the few sane and decent people left in this town. At some point other people in this town will revolt and not allow themselves to be intimidated anymore. By staying silent things have only gotten worst not better. Thank you for being a true patriot.
reader 4: oh to believe that anything in this dystopia is anonymous would be bliss. i have since heard that miss case was heavily involved with this "cabal" and has sinced formed her own and is doing rather well in the power grab department with the help of recruited minions. perhaps with some public relations help she can straighten this mess out.
[ Actually, it is quite anonymous. I don't even see your IP address in the email I receive from the form host. Further, I don't blame Ms. Case for trying to protect herself. Before Bongiovi was promoted, the district had spent thousands of dollars in legal fees in an attempt to remove her from her position. From what I understand, even the school attorney said it was a fools errand.]
Thousands of dollars. How many text books could that have purchased?

Don't let fear and intimidation be the rule, use the anonymous feedback form.

[Censored Content] Retribution and Retaliation at the Port Jervis School District, part 2

2013-05-07T17:06:00.002-04:00

THE PORT JERVIS SCHOOL DISTRICT WENT TO COURT
TO KEEP THIS INFORMATION FROM YOU.

Don't let fear and intimidation be the rule, use the anonymous feedback form.

Retribution and Retaliation at the Port Jervis School District, part 1

2013-05-01T11:54:00.001-04:00

Below is an email exchange I had with a reader:

Reader: Good idea this anonymous feedback...
Me: People are still skittish about sending information. There is a very real fear of retribution.
Reader: Yes, It's like they have internalized the fear... it has become a reflex...

Indeed it has. I have had numerous employees and parents thank me for this blog. I have been told I am posting things that they want to say, but are afraid to.

Consequently, I would say that a large amount of the trouble I am having with my youngest child and the school district may be the direct result of petty retribution by the private clique, or cabal, that runs our school.

Someday I will outline in great detail the nightmare we have been subjected to, but not until our attorney has reviewed it and any possible state action we may undertake has concluded.

Further, it may be no coincidence that the majority of the troubles began with this posting:

Important advice for Port Jervis parents

They took me into Xanthis's office and tried to convince me that I was violating nine district policies and several federal and state education laws (see here). I refused to remove the post and simply censored the offending sections, leaving the gist intact. Since they couldn't get to me, they began to find excuses to antagonize my youngest child.

The difficulties between the district and my middle school aged child were heightened with this series of posts:

Port Jervis Among Highest in Per-Pupil Spending
PJTA Ad Number Four
PJTA Ad Number Three
PJTA Ad Number Two
PJTA Ad Number One

Given that some of the instructors were Port Jervis Teachers Association members and one a former PJTA president, it was no surprise my child was having difficulty with these individuals. It has since escalated with each subsequent post and my unwillingness to play the game their way.

Since the top administrators and board president are in bed with the PJTA, no relief from the persecution of my child is forthcoming.

It is no wonder education is failing here. It is no wonder our graduation rate and test scores make us the laughing stock of Orange County and have contributed to the collapse of relations with the Montague School District (see here). Parents and employees are terrorized by the retribution of a select few. They refuse to speak out. They are intimated by the possibility of losing their jobs and of having their children become the subject of retaliation.

Retribution and Retaliation seem to be common practice at the Port Jervis School District if you dare to speak your mind, ask questions, and reveal truths.

Don't let fear and intimidation be the rule, use the anonymous feedback form.

An open invitation to all applicants

2013-05-01T08:02:00.001-04:00

In a recent article of the Pike County Dispatch, Port Jervis Board of Education president Cathy Sadaghiani was quoted as saying "...it was scary to see who felt qualified to be superintendent in Port Jervis"

I would like to invite every applicant to send me a copy of their resume. I would like to post them here, alongside Mr. Bongiovi's, and let the public decide.

I feel it's almost criminally negligent to the community, students and taxpayers that 37 people applied for the job, ZERO were interviewed and only TWO board members thought it was wrong.

Shameful.

If you are comfortable doing so, send an exact copy of the resume you supplied to the Port Jervis School District to: sjdoss@pjpride.com

I will redact your name and contact information before posting them on this website.

[Censored Content] Port Jervis School Superintendent to Retire, I have Predictions - CALLED ALL THREE!

2013-04-17T07:57:00.001-04:00

L eaving behind a legacy of low graduation rates and poor test scores, Tuesday, March 5th, John Xanthis will present his retirement letter to the Board of Education, effective for August 31, 2013.

I have three predictions...

One: The Board will accept Xanthis's retirement.

Called It! That was an easy one. If it's on the agenda, it gets passed.

Not because of his years of overseeing a failing district, or his soft touch with the teachers union, or that, under his watch, a century of parntership with the Montague school district fell apart. But simply because it's on the agenda. As with previous school boards, mine included, they rubber stamp anything on the agenda.

Two: Sometime before August, they will promote Thomas Bongiovi to Superintendent.

Called It! During an untelevised 'secret' evening meeting on Tuesday 4/16 at the district offices on Thompson Street, the board has promoted Tom Bongiovi to Superintendent. (they'll formally announce it soon.) I'm not surprised. He was the handpicked favorite. From what I understand, they never interviewed all those who were interested in the job. Further proof that our district is the private playground of a select few.

Not because he earned it, but because he is the hand-picked favorite of John Xanthis and Cathy Sadagihani.

How can I say that?

When hired as the Assistant Superintendent for Instruction he was one of only two candidates. No others were ever considered. John Xanthis, Cathy Sadagihani and their willing associates on the board, never looked outside the district. They flat out refused to even consider the idea and this leads to my third prediction...

Three: If there is a search for a new superintendent, it will be a half-assed search.

Called It! In today's Gazette (see here), it was mentioned that the board... "came to no agreement about whether to hire from within the district or bring in someone from outside." Looking outside increases the pool of candidtates you can pick from, thereby increasing the chance you'll find someone comparable or better. If they are waffling about that this early in the game with only six months to search, yeah, it's already a half-assed attempt. Xanthis and Sadagihani have already picked their guy. All else is a formaility. What's best for the district be damned.

How can I say that? Four reasons...

First: John Xanthis is retiring in six months. Ideally you should take a full year to perform a proper search when filling the top seat.

Second: See the above hiring practice for the Assistant Superintendent for Instruction. Xanthis and Sadagihani did nearly the same thing when replacing the High School principal. They told us they interviewed other candidates but it felt rushed and we never saw a single resume. They had already hand-picked their guy and damn anyone else. Tom is their guy, he'll get the job.

THE PORT JERVIS SCHOOL DISTRICT WENT TO COURT
TO KEEP THIS INFORMATION FROM YOU.

Fourth: they already moved Bongiovi into Xanthis's office! And I’ve heard it comes compete with a recliner (no shit, a recliner!). Rumor says a building principal also has one. Unreal.

(The actual recliner in Bongiovi's new office... lol.)

So before the interview process to replace Xanthis even begins, I would like to welcome Thomas Bongiovi as the new Superintendent of the Port Jervis school district. I am positive he will continue Xanthis's legacy and carry on in the same tradition we have come to expect.

What a scam/shame/mockery (pick one).

Have a question/comment, email: comments@pjpride.com. Or use the anonymous web form.

Ladder Truck Referendum - May 7th

2013-04-13T18:57:00.001-04:00

May 7, 2013
12noon - 9:00pm
Engine 2 Fire Station

Mark your calendars...
Call 248-1622 if you need a ride

The Port Jervis Fire Department would like your support in the upcoming referendum on May 7th.

The City of Port Jervis is in need of a new ladder truck for our fire department. The present truck is 23 years old and the City can no longer sustain the repairs necessary for this piece of equipment.

The city will be retiring debt in 2013 of $89,000 per year and in 2014 of $90,000 per year. The debt incurred by the new ladder truck would be approximately $64,750 per year. The city can afford a new ladder truck without increasing the property taxes.

The referendum will be held on May 7th from 12 noon to 9 P.M. at Delaware Engine Co. #2.

So please get out and vote in favor of the ladder truck. This new ladder truck has been recommended by our paid consultant EVR.

Your Port Jervis School Budget

2013-02-28T06:49:00.003-05:00

Montague to Leave Port Jervis

2013-02-24T13:55:00.002-05:00

Under the neglectful/incompetent/indifferent (pick one) oversight of Superintendent John Xanthis and School Board President Cathy Sadaghiani, nearly 100 years of cooperation between the two districts is ending. Montague is leaving.

According to a plan submitted by the Montague School District to the Port Jervis School District, by 2018 Montague students will no longer be attending Port Jervis schools.

The plan calls for no change in the 2013-2014 school year
a 50% reduction in 2014-2015
25% in 2015-2016
25% in 2016-2017
2018 Montague will have no students in the Port Jervis school district

Why are they leaving?

It's a combination of money and the lackluster performance of Port Jervis schools. They are under the same 2% tax cap constraints we are and they want the best value for their money. They want the best education for their kids that their money can buy and Port Jervis no longer provides that.

Port Jervis consistently performs low in both graduation rate and test scores. Montague plans to place their children in High Point and Frankford school districts. Both of which outperform Port Jervis to the point of embarrassment.

While we are forced to pay top dollar for an underperforming school district they have a choice, they can leave and they are. After almost a century of partnership we are being told our schools are no longer adequate for Montague children.

It should become a red flag for us, a warning we need to change, but will it? Somehow, I truly doubt it will. We have a Board of Education who is more interested in being buddies with school administration and less interested in requiring top performance for the top dollar we pay.

Have a question or comment... email: comments@pjpride.com. Or use the anonymous feedback form.

Bus Accident - UPDATED 4/12

2013-02-14T15:48:00.002-05:00

from News 12:

UPDATE 3: 4-12-2013: Based on the investigation by the New York State Police, RAILO was arrested by troopers and charged with vehicular assault in the first degree, a felony, as well as endangering the welfare of a child and driving while ability impaired by drugs, both misdemeanors.

UPDATE 1: (jump to UPDATE 2) This whole incident has the stench of incompetence - from the inane way the district notified parents, to the failure of both the school district and bus company to investigate complaints. Now we learn the driver of the bus may have been involved in a 2005 hit and run accident!

According to this article from Mid-Hudson news, in 2005 the bus driver, Caitlin Railo. left the scene of an auto accident to avoid being arrested for violating her probation.

The school district and Board of Education seem all too happy to fiddle while the district burns.

Creepy doublespeak. A terrible bus accident today on RTE 209 was classified by the school district as 'a traffic backup'.

from the Times Herald-Record and YNN:
A Goddefroy teen was seriously injured Thursday afternoon when a school bus driver failed to yield the right of way to his vehicle, smashing into the front end, police say.

Justin Maher, 19, was flown by helicopter to Westchester Medical Center in Valhalla after having to be extricated from his green, 1995 Honda Del Sol by Huguenot Fire Company firefighters, said state police Capt. Joe Tripodo.

At about 2:45 p.m. the 2003 Quality Bus Service bus from Sparrowbush was going north on Route 209 when the operator, 32-year-old Caitlin Railo of Port Jervis, failed to yield the right of way to Maher while she was trying to take a left onto Peenpack Trail, Tripodo said.

A 12-year-old girl, the only student on the bus, was uninjured, said Tripodo. read more...

from News12 Long Island

School district was warned about possible improprieties at the bus company, but failed to act:

Case in point: Former Mayoral candidate Stanley Cohen makes a public comment regarding his concern that students are standing and carrying on while school buses are in motion. The district contacts the bus company, the bus company replies with Mr. Cohen’s ‘colorful’ work history.
It is my opinion that regardless of Mr. Cohen’s difficulties at the bus company, the claim should have been investigated. Better to err on the side of safety, correct? No. The district and board chose otherwise. The bus company chose to impugn Mr. Cohen and his claim, the district and school board chose to accept it. Why investigate when it’s easier to ignore it as the ramblings of a disgruntled employee?*

UPDATE 2: Click here to see the memo. Please note, I have redacted contact information and the information about Mr. Cohen's employment difficulties. This memo is where the matter ended for the bus company, the board of education and the school district and it proves all three considered Mr. Cohen's warnings as nothing more than the ramblings of a disgruntled employee.

The failure to even consider Mr. Cohen's claims has resulted in the serious injury of a teenager and may have exposed both the bus company and the school district to a lawsuit.

The district heard from Mr. Cohen last year during the November 13th meeting. It is not impossible to consider that if they had properly investigated the claim, they might have uncovered deficiencies in certain drivers which could have resulted, at the very least, in refresher training of NYS driving laws. It may have prevented this horrible accident and this behavior observed by one our readers:

From a reader:the school should the investigate the rest of the bus driver's. I personally have clocked different buses driving 30 mph in a school zone when it's posted 20 mph from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm and doing 50 mph on rt 209 when the speed limit is 40 mph, also puling out of lakewood estate's when there is barely enough room I have had this done and had to be on the brake's. good thing that I pay attention to what I am doing .

But we'll never know because it didn't happen.

Perhaps the administration and school board need to spend more energy and attention on the basic fundamentals of running a school district and less energy trying to convince the public of the need for a shiny new school building. It's starting to become dangerous.

It is interesting to note that five days later, during the first board meeting after this accident, not one board member offered a single word of condolence to the injured teenager. Port Pride indeed.

Have a question or comment... email: comments@pjpride.com. Or use the anonymous feedback form.

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