Keeping It REAL – Always in All WAYS!

I have to express my disappointment PUBLICALLY with my so-called friends, associates and support.

What all do you expect from me?

Three days into the position I was faced with a potentially illegal situation and I made the choice based on the information I had available. The things said, implied and suggested were disgusting! But more alarming was the many and I do mean many hooded looks, sideways glances and comments from those I thought understand who I am and what I stand for and cared-- that was simply hurtful.

My timing is Not good Enough for you?

Well guess what -- you can expect to have more of the same. I’m not here to people please, kowtow and make quick and stupid moves because YOU who have minimal facts or an axe to grind expect me to.

I don't have the authority to GIVE you a job, TAKE your job, Create You a Job or anything of the kind.  What I do have the authority to do and WILL DO is make sure that things are done fairly and equitably, legally and in ORDER!

I’m thinking this through! I am reading, asking questions and becoming informed BEFORE I make my decision and/or cast my vote. I get that this may be a NEW concept here in Plainfield -- so now -- you have 3 years to get use to it – because that’s what I’m bringing.

Where, when and how did I give folks the impression that my VOTE is up for the highest Bidder!!!!!!!!!!!

When, Where and How did I give the impression that I would allow you to say what you want about me or what I do or think and NOT expect me to respond.

Well -- if I’ve given any of you that impression – let me clear it up right now, once and for all – It ain’t, I’m not and You Shouldn’t!

• When I smile -- know it’s genuine.
• If I grimace -- know I feel.
• If I'm laughing -- know I find it funny.
• If I yell -- know I plan to be heard.
• When I’m present know I’m here to do MY JOB – whatever that may be.
• And When I’m gone – let it be said – She WAS REAL!

Yep!

As a Matter of FACT!

Please read the OFAC report and SOMEONE show me EXACTLY WHERE this document says anything about the HR DEPARTMENT being at fault and that the events as reported in the report rest with HR.

[Here are direct lifts from the OFAC Report.  Note this was converted using OCR software so there may be some misspellings or the insertion of awkward symbols, but the thrust of the information is captured and the actual report can be found by clicking the link above.]

As a result of the OFAC review, investigators confirmed irregularities in the employment process that should be addressed by district personnel with the assistance and supervision of the Office of the Executive County Superintendent of Schools. Information concerning the investigation conducted and the determinations arrived at by the OFAC investigators, as well as actions taken by district staff to correct previously identified deficiencies are detailed in the remainder of this report. As a result t of the findings, the district is required to submit to the OFAC a corrective action plan (CAP) indicating the action it has or will initiate to correct deficiencies and ensure future compliance to applicable statute, code and district policies.

NOTE: Reread the highlighted section.  It say irregularities in the employment process NOT the HR Department.  It doesn't say POLICIES or STRUCTURE, but PROCESS.  Let's define process -- A series of actions, changes, or functions bringing about a result...

HR personnel requested that the individuals submit various documents to serve as proof of education and experience.

NOTE:  The report states that THIS WAS NOT DONE and further...

Members of the HR staff were questioned regarding the lack of signatures and they stated to
investigators that they were unaware of the appointment recommendations until after they were approved by the board.

NOTE:  Why do you suppose the HR Staff would not be aware of incoming employees...

The examination revealed that although the district has established a practice that requires staff members to sign in and out on a daily log; entries for Mss. Kemp. Borge and Kelly rarely appear in the log books.

Irregularities in the employment process permitted Mss: Kelly and Borge to be hired by the district although Ms. Kelly did not possess a masters degree as required as per the job description and Ms. Borge did not possess the certification identified as required for the position.

Plainfield Board of Education Policy on Recruitment, Selection, and Hiring (File Code 4111) states: The Chief School Administrator shall take steps to verify the academic credentials of any potential candidate for employment and ensure any degrees cited academic coursework or credits completed. or titles claimed by an individual have been granted by an accredited institution of higher education.

NOTE: With whom the ultimate responsibility rested.

The district is directed to prepare a Corrective Action Plan (CAP) indicating the steps that have or will be taken to ensure compliance with the applicable statutes, administrative code and the district policy on hiring .

NOTE: Clearly OFAC advises that policies for hiring EXIST in this district but were NOT followed.

Please show me SPECIFIC, FACTUAL information about the mismanagement of the HR department that directly relates to Dr. Bailey's charge.  If you really want to help this Board Member make a wise choice then give me the facts because THAT's what moves me!  I can think for myself -- so I'm not interested in what you think.

Rationalizing the Rancor...One Truth at a Time.

The asinine assertion of political wrangling and back door deals is derisory. Please somebody tell me what political gain I would garner by supporting the recommendation of the CSA to hire Dr. Bailey as the interim Director of HR. Seriously, I would have much more respect if you simply said you didn’t like me or her, then to create some Aesop fable storyline.

The truth of the matter is that our HR department is in shambles. I don’t care if it’s 3, 5 or 9 employees! This is a VITAL department in any organization and right now our district is susceptible to law suits and a whole host of employment issues. WE MUST STOP the bleeding BEFORE we can even BEGIN TO HEAL!

We need someone who knows Human Resources, the laws governing school districts, employment law, contract law and YES PLAINFIELD and its current situation. The OFAC Report CLEARLY stated that there were HR PROCESSES in PLACE that were ignored and/or circumvented on more accounts than not! Additionally, the QSAC report indicates huge gains in this area. To assess blame to Dr. Bailey for an area that has improved dramatically from the time she started until she resigned – is absolutely off base.

The personal attacks are beyond rational civil behavior and have NOTHING to do with moving this district forward. Is she perfect --NOT at all – Is she perfect for this time, place, space and circumstance –in my opinion – ABSOLUTELY! Those who worked in her department last year when I was the President of PEP know full well that she and I have had issues and lots of disagreements. I have not always liked the way she handled my concerns or the matters regarding PEP, but that doesn’t, or at least I won’t allow it to prejudice my ability to support the CSA’s recommendation for the best, qualified person for the job.

Take a breath and a take a look at what is actually occurring here and stop feeding into the hype, hyperboles and scare tactics. The three positions that I have supported to date are INTERIM and this district is primed to have what it has NEVER HAD – posted job opportunities for all those qualified to apply to do so! BUT for NOW we need people in place to get us moving along at the least possible cost to the district.

And that’s the TRUTH.

The real question for you is -- Is this PERSONAL or PERSONNEL?!

P.S. I expect you all will have questions and I will attempt to answer them regarding MY POSITION but I will not discuss others’ viewpoints or the position of the board…so keep it specific to me or don’t bother.

The Silent Screams are Deafening

My hope was to forge a blog supported by the Plainfield Board of Education that would act as a vehicle for informing the public with regard to the inner workings (within the limits of the law of course) of the BOE. 

Perhaps this is still a possibility...

In fairness to my colleagues, let me be clear that the conversation was never broached given the myriad of issues we have had to deal with since my appointment to the office of Board Member. And as time and issues – and community misinformation would have it – I cannot stand silent while folks (bloggers, journalists, employees, citizens and so forth) blatantly miss educate this public. So – I’m writing my own blog, on my own time and concerning MY OWN position on school-based issues. Any position taken by the Board (the body) will need to be sought from our Board President who is the ONLY person who speaks on behalf of the official standings of the Board of Education.

Here is my position and the consideration for the writings of this Blog:

1. I’m going to provide you with the Truth.
2. I’m going to provide you with MY reasons for voting this way or that...
3. To the extent that there will be information that is off limit – YOU will just have to respect that position. “It is what it is”. But -- if you are a citizen who is interested in doing things right and in decency and in order -- then I would expect you to understand the need for me to maintain confidences for which I am legally obligated to do.
4. I will allow comments that add to the value of the conversation, but if you wish to be rude and/or disrespectful you’ll have to take that elsewhere – there are places for comments like that – but this won’t be the platform.

Now, CONTRARY to popular belief I really am legally restricted in what and how I convey my decisions as a Board Member.  Please bear with me as I navigate through legally sensitive conversation and discourse to ensure what I do is not only ethical but legal -- and sometimes these two are diametrically opposed -- Sad but TRUE.

Nevertheless you have my commitment that I will share what I can when I can and that it will be the truth as I understand it.  You won't always agree or even understand, but to the extent that  you have elected me in this position (for those of you who have) I'm asking you to trust that I will as I have always done -- I will continue to be open and honest.  Please don't make it impossible for me to be either of the two.