BOE to change budget vote rules?
The Board of Education is considering elaborating on the rules regarding their annual operating budget vote - the pre-Council, not post-Council, vote.
Tim White
Thursday, March 18, 2010
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48 comments:
I still find it unbelievable that the majority of the Board of Education voted against the best interests of the schools by making such a drastic cut from the Superintendant's request!
Finally! Someone does something smart! How a BOE can have an issue like this one year and then do nothing to clarify the rules, and then the following year end up in the exact same position is unbelievable! How do you not fix this the first time it happens? They should be embarassed, especially since they didn't even bother to figure out what the procedure actually said until the second time. While they are revising budget policy perhaps they should include giving the TC some ideas of where cuts would come from and actual data that shows the impact of future cuts they may decide to consider? Wouldn't that be the fiscally wise way to approach a budget? This blind numbers business is insane.
I also agree with the posters below too. I find it unbelievable that the majority of the board continually votes agains the best interests of students. How any of them can support increasing class sizes by cutting teachers is also insane. Neither the BOE or the TC seems to do what the public wants.
I think the 4:13 poster is referring to David not George Schrumm. But David Schrumm clearly has an agenda all his own. For some reasons he has a vendetta against the school system and teachers. He seems hell bent on destroying our schools, one of the few bright spots that bring people to Cheshire. This town can't afford to have its schools destroyed by a wacko with a grudge. I'm so sick of hearing from him and others about the union not giving up anything. If you read the Herald its become abundately clear what happened and why. The union did try and the TC/BOE just weren't intrested in what they had to offer. How can you expect teachers to trust the TC or BOE when they attack them every chance they get? Lately, it seems even the BOE and TC don't trust each other based on the events of the last week. I'm glad Brittingham finally got some truths out there about what cuts actually mean.
I hope people get informed about whats happening and attend the meetings in the next few weeks and show Schrumm and the TC that he doesn't speak for the majority.
Voice your opinions to the council to help the children whose voices are never heard.
So let me get this straight. The boe wants to change the rules so that if the vote on the super's proposed budget is a tie or a majority of members vote against the budget, it automatically passes to the TC?? How crazy is that? So no matter what the super proposes, it is going over to the council "as is." If that's the case, the boe can skip their review of the budget all together b/c it won't matter. Guess that will make their job real simple, huh. Just pass the buck!
Early report card
Schrumm needs to stop blaming everyting on education and maybe get a job
Slocum it is sad to see a grown man be controlled by Schrumm and not have enough backbone to run his own meeting-hard to trust him as he has a problem with telling the truth
Giddings look at how smart I am!! stop trying to look like you are asking intelligent questions and grandstanding
Flavey-tries to play to the education crowd but he is Schrumm Jr. After RJ comments the cats out of the bag
Sima-stop asking questions that have already been answered and try keeping an open mind to something-don't decide something before the evidence is in
White-good god man-stop blaming the town manager for everything
Needs to mature and stop acting like a little spoiled kid
I guess 12:04 & 6:07 aren't regulars at the budget meetings.
and 8:47 sounds like a disgruntled democrat who can't get over the loss of their party majority and can't work cooperatively with the current council.
12:04 PM
The vast majority of BOE recognized the increase was to cover teacher salary increase...is that your only interest?
4:13 PM Schrumm is working for us, the taxpayer...days and nights. How's your job going...100% "Obama F'in the taxpayer world"?
6:07 PM You are a child abuser...using them as a tool instead of seriously examining a few significant facts..teacher salery increases are not a direct enhancement to your child's education and you're being duped (or you're a teacher) if you continue to accept that reality. Government for the unions is hardly government by the people.
Early report card...you have named the four you cannot stop...the tide has turned and there are 3 more on the council that also have accepted that reality...the can has hit the curb in Cheshire and the R's on that council know it.
Your old recyled arguements are now falling on a public that is simply unable to subsidze the largesse of union goons that have lost focus on their real charge as public employees committed to public service. They should be ashamed of themselves.
10:32. wake in the morning feeling like P Diddy. Is it wrong that I like this song?
gee how is that fact finder workin for ya dave
Too bad you can't bull your way out of that one
You paid for a consulting firm that gave ya nothing
And keep blaming the teachers Dave it will be another one term and out
05 all over again
Nov 2011 can't come soon enough
Out ya go Dave
Then ya gonna have to get a job instead of living off others
no it goes like this: Wake up in the morning feeling like P Diddy, Put my glasses, I'm out the door, I'm gonna hit the city. Before I leave, brush my teeth with a bottle of jack. When I leave for the night I ain't comin back. I'm talking pedicure on my toes toes, trying on all my clothes clothes, boys blowing up our phone phone, drop topping, playing our favorite CD's pulling up to the party, tryin to get a little bit tipsy. Don't stop make it pop. DJ blow my speakers up tonite Imma fight till I see the sunlight. Tick Tock on the clock. The party don't stop TILL I WALK IN WOOOAAAAA!!
Yes Scurmm is a bitter negative man who must have some issues he never really dealt with
It will eventually comsume him and he will fail
Give him time he will burn himself out
He is no match for the truth
Does he have a job?
March 19, 2010 11:08 PM -
Agreed. Its just a shame we have to wait it out and let him destroy things in the process. Or do we? Does the charter allow for impeachment and if so what will it take? The town can't afford him.
March 19, 2010 10:40 PM - First of all, learn to spell before you criticize. Second, the child abusers are the ones who want to condemn our students to overcrowded classrooms. Not the teachers. The BOE and TC are the ones making that decision, not the union, no matter how often Schrumm wants to throw it back at their feet. As a town we have the money were just to cheap to use it to live up to our promises. I'm sick of hearing that its so bad. If its so bad we have a rainy day fund. People seem to keep saying its pouring but nobody wants to touch it.
Also, perhaps you didn't you go to the board meeting where the actual student spoke about what it was like when he was in a class of 40. He learned squat. Is that what you want for your kids?
Schrumm isn't working for anyone but himself and I'm glad people might finally be starting wake up to it. If history is any indication he surely won't listen to tax payers when they get their chance to speak out at the open forum. It would be nice to see councilors actually interested in what the public has to say that night unlike their usual behavior. Oh and how's your job goin?
March 19, 2010 8:47 PM - RIGHT ON!
Who says that you must be employed to be elected to the TC? He got elected and is working hard for the taxpayers. Without the taxpayers you would have no budget to complain about. It's tough out in the real world and everyone should face reality. If we All sacrifice a little maybe we can survive this. Thanks to all the TC and BOE members for volunteering their time.
When little Johnny or Mary go to college 40 students in a classs is going to be unusual. How about 100 or more. He/she is getting a jump on college life. This will help them.
"6:07 PM You are a child abuser...using them as a tool instead of seriously examining a few significant facts..teacher salery increases are not a direct enhancement to your child's education and you're being duped (or you're a teacher) if you continue to accept that reality. Government for the unions is hardly government by the people."
First, what are these significant facts you seem to know? Teacher salaries may not directly enhance student learning but the number of teachers left in system the certainly does. Fewer teachers and possible school closings will result in crowded classrooms and research shows a direct coralation between class size and student achievement. I suggest you do some research on the topic.
March 19, 2010 11:48 PM -
18-21 year olds are not learning the basics that they will need as a foundation for the rest of their education. They are also more mature and able to work independently. So don't compare elementary, middle school, and high school students with college students. There is no comparison. They are entirely different creatures.
Besides, even in most public colleges class are kept small because the college has also recognized the enhanced learning possible in a small setting.
Cheshire Public Schools are a clever ruse. The only cater to the elite student or those who are challenged. The majority "middle of the road" students are left on thier own. The schools are centered around the CAPT testing. The teachers, while I respect the profession, have gotten by on thier laurels for years and do NOT for the most part want to do any more than the bare minimum thier contracts require. My child has asked for extra help and was put off. I asked on behalf of my child, was promised extra, and the teacher cancelled two weeks in a row. No school in Cheshire is closing. I cant believe a painter who was voted into office is making such waves. How on earth does he think he is qualified to make such decisions. Not that the retired cop is much better on the same board.
It is interesting that the school system was fine for years before the influx of people who "moved here for the school system". Now that thier kids may have to forego swim teams, band, and freshman sports there needs to be change. Education is guarenteed, not extra curriculars. Cut all of it. Make mommy and daddy pay for juniors hobbies.
Anonymous March 20, 2010 12:40 AM said..."I cant believe a painter who was voted into office is making such waves. How on earth does he think he is qualified to make such decisions. Not that the retired cop is much better on the same board."
You can blame the Town's apathetic voters for the fix we're in relative to the quality of candidates elected. The R's think they currently are pretty wonderful with majorities on the Council, School Board and P&Z Commission. But, the sad thing is that less than half the qualified voters turned out on election day and this is what we get. Citizens need to have long memories and do their civic duty each and every election day or you get left with a situation such as this.
7:54 AM
Does Schrumm have a job?
How is that relevant?
You obviously think it is an incredibally inciteful question that bears consideration. Tell us why it matters. If Schrumm is employed he will want to pay higher taxes?
For the few of you armchair liberals, spend everything the other folks have that some how think less than half the qualified voters came out and it will be so different different next time try listening to comments from Peter Massey and Justin Adinolfi on the latest democrat "spotlight on Cheshire" show. They're not spouting that things are rosey and they have a distinctly clearer impression of how to do things. They do say they may do things different but everyone seems to get it that we are faced with serious problems and the ability for the public to pay as we go without scrutiny and discipline is out of the question.
The teachers are getting over 13% in raises for 3 years. All the parents who are up in arms over the loss of teachers should ask said teachers why they are so willing to throw their peers under a bus. Teachers in other school systems in CT are taking furlough days and forgoing raises to save the positions of their fellow teachers, what makes Cheshire different? This whole business of the loss of teachers and class sizes could be put to rest if the union would give a little. Apparently they would rather have teachers lose their jobs first. Also, the reason that the current majority on the BOE and TC were elected is because the taxpayers of Cheshire have had enough.
The above personal attacks on town council members show the immaturity of some Democrats and their inability to debate the substance of issues. It also shows their obsessively bitter anger that the voters turned them out of office. They still don’t get it.
6:07, actually it seems that the elected officials are doing what the public wants...not necessarily what you want. Get over it.
Gotta love diversion tactics. It's apparent that there are a number of CEF union members trying to stir things up in anticipation of their meeting with parents Monday night to explain their side of the story. Problem is that blaming Schrumm doesn't really work as a diversion tactic for hiding the 14.4% increase in salaries & benefits let alone not coming to the table with actual cost savings. Looking forward to the dancing Monday night...should be plenty of it. I doubt they're get more than the 4 parents that showed up the BOE meeting Thurs night to protest the potential closing of Chapman.
Dance away.
The Educrats shoved through their 14% pay raise over the objection of most taxpayers or our ability to pay. Now they won't even agree to minor cuts or concessions to help offset their obscene Madoff-like robbery.
Well, cut away council and BOE. The voters have spoken. The Educrats can cry me a river, but they have nothing but their own greed to blame.
What is wrong with the Chair of the BOE stating some of the possibilities going forward based on the level of funding they receive. At least give the guy credit for making public what could happen. No decision was made yet on anything. People need to listen before they get up in arms.
5:11
Schrumm is a teacher...you are a D student.
5:11
Schrumm was elected...that's all it takes. Try it sometime...see if anybody thinks you are qualified to decide.
5:11
What do you care about with the private sector? All your hectoring seems to be about maintaining employment in the public sector.
5:11
3 answers...hookniz...good enough? I know....reprint the list or just pound sand.
"...The Board of Education is hoping to clarify what happens when it cannot get the necessary votes to approve a budget and send it to the Town Manager.
Policy committee member Todd Dixon, a Republican, said the board is considering an addition to the board policies which would forward the superintendent's recommended budget to the Town Manager if a budget was not passed. ...."
One more crock from a seriously challenged political process brought to us by the long term continuing efforts of the Connecticut brotherhood of the Democrats joined with big labor unions organizing the minions of the little people, i.e. teachers and other overpaid municipal workers.
If the school board and the school superintendent are having trouble agreeing to a budget for starters maybe replacing the superintendent should be tried. How about if the board doesn't want to remove the superintendent they just all resign.
Presently the system in place seems to only be capable of spending more and more each and every year irrespective of quality and quantity issues.
Neither the unelected Super nor TM should break this apparent BOE tie. If the elected BOE can't decide on a budget to recommend, let them send two versions of proposed Ed budgets to the Council, and let the elected Council decide. We need to keep this in the hands of elected officials for full transparency.
Regarding Councilman Schrumm, please stop the personal attacks. In other words, speak to policy views.
"Presently the system in place seems to only be capable of spending more and more each and every year irrespective of quality and quantity issues."
Agreed and policy won't solve a poorly performing superintendent. When a BOE, as a whole, can't agree on a budget it's because they don't believe in the Super. Florio's days as Super in Cheshire are numbered. He's already begun interviewing.
This is a difficult situation and all of us with children in the system of course have strong feelings about it. As the parent of an intellectually gifted 1st grader I am SHOCKED at what the town considers enrichment for these children; and yet I am not crying out for funding to be added in this economic climate. (To the earlier poster, we have a legal obligation to educate special-needs children at the lower-performance end of the scale, so we cannot hope to save money here. However it is proven that gifted children also have special learning needs which our school system--even in its current state--does not begin to meet.) That said, the town's 10-week G&T program is hardly enriching to these kids and should be on the chopping block if the budget is that tight.
With regard to the athletically gifted, it seems that our town and school system caters to this group: the pool for the swim team, the likelihood of turf at CHS (a financial sink-hole waiting to happen), etc. Yes, all children should be exposed to sports, but how can we prioritize budgeting of sports extra-curriculars at the expense of intellectual/academic extra-curriculars (AP classes, the arts, etc.)? There are many options for personally-funded venues in town to deliver these enrichment services to our kids. I agree with the person who suggested we cut all after-school athletics...let's focus on what's important: small class sizes, top teachers who MUST continue professional development, and safe schools.
Let me also suggest that, with regard to busing at CHS, students who commit to driving to school should WAIVE their right to a bus or pay the cost of their busing as a parking fee. I am sick of seeing empty buses running to CHS.
Wow.... a 14% increase. Could have sworn the papers reported it at the time as 10% lower then that, A 4% increase and that included the steps. Actually about a 2.9% increase. Tim, can you clarify? 14%? I must have missed something!
4.4% over three years. Not 14% but close.
Some of the union perks:
- A teacher that has been laid off must be given preference if a position becomes available within 18 months after being laid off.
- A work year for teachers is 186 days (MAX). If the school year is increased, Cheshire must pay a fee schedule based on the number of days increased. Not sure what it is but its probably prorated based on salary.
- Length of the work day is 7.2 hrs which includes 2 hours per day for prep time. Actual work (classroom time) is less than 5 hrs per day.
- Entitled to 15 paid sick days per school year (186 days). Up to 200 sick days can be accumulated.
The average annual increase from 2009 - 2012 is 4.4% per year (186 days). It somehow works out to 14.4% when its all said and done. This increase is only salary and doesn't include benefits increases, stipends, etc. Also doesn't include fully paid professional days, paid overtime, paid training & certification, paid training expenses, free life insurance, etc.
Someone asked what the incentive was for teachers to volunteer concessions...I think the answer speaks for itself.
4.4% per year ... It somehow works out to 14.4% when its all said and done.
Because the 4.4% per year is compounded each additional year.
thanks 9:51 i mean dave schurmm for more misinformation or is it lies
no teacher get two hours prep it is one period more like one hour prep
but that is a work period so forget your 5 hours
most work beyond the 7 volunteer so that is not true
mOre of your true personal feelings
why are you so angry dave
what happened to you?
11:25pm if you were indeed a teacher then you'd know the following is true:
"The length of a teacher's workday, which includes instructional and non-instructional duties, shall be seven hours and twenty minutes for the duration of this Agreement."
This also includes a lunch period and details 8 specific topics area (for grades 9-12) included in the 7.2 hours.
Stop spreading lies, you're doing the union membership more harm than good.
The myth that our kids need smaller class sizes is a theme propagated by the teachers union to grow jobs, not intellect. Some of us can remember the 50's, 60's and 70's when class sizes were 30, sometimes approaching 40-and those kids did just fine-probably ready to face college where classes of 100-200 are normal in many subjects. It would be interesting to see how much more one-on-one time a teacher exercises in a class of 20 verses 25. I haven't heard that its gone up as class sizes decreased. In fact,the United States rankingin education has dropped from about 5th to 25th as the unions have taken over our education system-and another thing-why five times as many vice and assistant principals and department heads than 30 years ago-just more positions for teachers to fill.
hello, what does a football player or baseball player or hockey player make. they don't work all year either and yes taxpayer money pays their salaries. the difference? they are all men.
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