The Sky Is Falling...

I’ve let the misinformation go on long enough!

The current steamroller effect of the Barack Obama Academy situation is exactly why Plainfield stalls more often than not. The first question is who released it to the public? The Board had not even had this conversation … not on an agenda or executive session.

Again – who released the information and WHY?

The transferring of personnel has been on-going for months so to draw conclusions as to the "PLAN" for Barack Obama Academy is just irresponsible.

Look at the absolute unnecessary commentary ensuing. The CSA has not even been given the courtesy of putting together a plan to present to the public and OPINIONS are running amuck – as par PLAINFIELD.

I feel most concern about the youth served by Barack Obama Academy who were so heart wrenching bothered by the RUMORS.  That adults would feed this to those kids is so counterproductive and counter to what we as adults and especially educators should be doing. It’s appalling!

Misinformation is more dangerous than MALICIOUS LIES!

So can we agree that Lincoln School was not EVER appropriate for those students? The ironic thing is that some of the very same people who came to the MIC Tuesday came to the MIC months ago complaining about the gym size, asbestos, non-compliance with building codes, lack of services e.g. electives etc…and NOW they argue to leave them there. That is the argument right? Because again the CSA has not even been given the opportunity to present a full plan to the public and further as some have commented WITH community input.

As my fellow Board Member, Mr. Abdul-Haqq remarked – along with him, I will not allow these kids to be marginalized and ignored. I am confident our CSA will provide us with a well fettered plan that will enhance the high school experience of these students, but most importantly ensure they receive the necessary skills to be productive citizens. That IS what this is about -- RIGHT!

I just hope that when the plan is made public, and the students of Barack Obama Academy continue to succeed, that all those negative gossip mongers will give the CSA the credit and kudos.

Community cooperation is NOT a one way street.  This should be about respecting the people put in place to make the plan and allowing that to happen.

If You Say So Lovey...

I’m going to go with the energy my daughter has put forth on her blog although I’m not exactly in that space. I’ll take it out of the mouth of my babe and trust that she “feels” a different energy in our presence or she is prophesying.

Either way – the positive energy is much needed not only in our BOE meetings by citywide!

Speak the thing as though it is Lovey and so it shall be!

Wonder Twin Powers REACTIVATE...

Form of a SNOW BALL Machine!

No wait...form of a Mind Reader...

        








Ummm No Wait, Wait ...form of a Lawyer,

No a Teacher,

                             









No wait I know...Form of A Hypnotist....

or maybe a Genie Fairy Godmother Business Professional...

Or best of All -- How about Me Just being Me!

(Only those over 40 Super Heros will get this!)
[I stand corrected -- a 30-something advised me that she knows all about the wonder twins!!!]

Everything ain't for EVERYBODY!

Anywho --- I needed a light hearted moment.

Ciao for Now!

And Justice For All..

This buzz word has been thrown around so much in the past 2 years I just couldn't take it anymore.  If you are going to use it, and assess people by it, at a minimum make sure you understand fully what it means and most importantly understand that it is a reciprocated process -- not a one way, have it your way kind of "cooperative" behavior.

The fact of the matter is Transparency, as used in the humanities and in a social context more generally, implies openness, communication, and accountability. It is a metaphorical extension of the meaning a "transparent" object is one that can be seen through. Transparent procedures include open meetings, financial disclosure statements, freedom of information legislation, budgetary review, audits, etc.

[ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transparency_(humanities ]

It does not mean that the Board can tell you every thing that is going on i.e. Executive Session conversations, pending law suits or those things specifically restricted.  What is OPRA'able to the public does not translate into the "ETHICAL" and/or "LEGAL" right of the Board to discuss with the public.

Let's take these cases being talked about of late.  How can the Board discuss a pending suit?  In what part of the world does that make sense?  Who would jeopardize their legal standing by publically discussing an active case? Are we familiar with the term SEQUESTERED? Is this really about TRANSPARENCY or is it more about being IRRESPONSIBLE?

Come on people...your WANT to know does not equate to your RIGHT to know and what you have a RIGHT to know is OPRA'able!

Check out the restrictions on School Board Members (NJSBA.org) regarding the releasing of confidential information, or information that can cause harm to the public school system they serve. 

After the Board Retreat in a few weeks I'll have a little more information on "what" kind of information can be provided to the public DIRECTLY from members of the Board, ONLY from the Board President and so on, but until then keep watching, reading and coming out!

What an Inspiration!

I just had one of these most wonderful email exchanges with a young man who is committed not only to HIS education but to the education of his peers, and the future generation of PPS Students.

Here's his blog: http://pstudentsprospective.blogspot.com/

Out of the mouth of babes!

I'll be meeting with this young man very soon to figure out how as the liaison for Jefferson, A Parent, A Member of this community and finally a Board Member, I can help him in his quest to create future leaders from today's students.

We need MORE Vashons!!!