Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Letters To The Independent Expressing Outrage Over The Demotion Of Dr. Shallop Have BOE Members Defending Reassignment of Principal

According to the this weeks edition of the Independent (already posted online), many residents had sent letters to the publisher this past week, expressing outrage over the action taken by the members of the Middletown Board of Education that lead to the demotion of the very popular Principal of Middletown High School South, Dr. Anthony Shallop.

So many letters in fact that the Independent felt compelled to follow-up on these letters of support by contacting BOE members for a response, all of whom defended their decision to reassign Dr Shallop to his previously tenured position as a teacher at High School South via email.
...Board Member Vincent Brand said in an email that his decision was based on the facts relevant to the issue, which by law cannot be discussed in public because the issue remains personal and confidential.

“It would have been easy to vote the popular vote last night, but that would have been, for me, unethical to do so.”

According to Brand and board Vice President Christopher Aveta, the board gave Shallop a chance to address the issues prior to the vote.

“I fought hard for Dr. Shallop to get into executive session so that he would have every opportunity to impact the vote and so that he could hear directly from the board the specific issues at hand,” Brand said.

“He was given that chance and could not positively affect the outcome.”

Board member Michael Donlon was the only board member to vote against the reassignment.

“I had not been totally convinced the decision was correct, therefore I could not go along with it,” he said in an email.

“Granting tenure to someone is not a decision that is taken lightly,” board President Joan Minnuies said in an email.

Minnuies said that the decision was three months in the making and involved discussions with the district’s central office and Shallop.

“I feel that the information provided to the board by both the central office and Dr. Shallop himself has convinced the board that the decision we ended up making was the correct one,” she said....

This vague reasoning by BOE members is a little hard to swallow based on some of their comments. It seem as if the decision to reassign Shallop was made long in advance and no matter what he would have said to the Board in Executive session, his words would not have been convincing enough to change their minds and will remain a mystery until someone decides to break the silence and explain what really went on between Dr. Shallop and the BOE that lead to his reassignment.

Comments left on my previous post on this subject are full of speculation, name calling and innuendo as to the real reason why Anthony Shallop was stripped of his duties as Principal of High School South and reassigned back to his original teaching position that he had held before becoming principal a couple of years prior.

Some of the comments seem to have merit while others are a little farfetched, you can read them and decided for yourself which ones seem legitimate and which ones are bogus. The bottom line however, is that when the truth comes out someone will have egg on their face and will have some explaining to do.

The Independent posted online two letters that were sent them supporting Dr. Shallop in his fight to retain his position. The letter sent by Patricia Wood,Resident heartbroken over Board of Ed. action, was referred to in the article posted by the Independent, while the other written by Judy Krivitzky, Parent urges Mid’twn BOE to reconsider principal’s removal (An open letter to the Middletown Board of Education and Interim Superintendent Patrick Houston), collaborates and supports much of what is contained in Patricia Wood's letter.

They are both worth reading, as is the article about the BOE defending Shallop's reassignment. Somewhere in between the three, the truth lies.

74 comments:

Anonymous said...

And you can be sure it will not be told by this crew and their motivators the TC . Time will tell if more school administrators are attached without just and valid reason......

Politics in Middletown IS a BLOOD SPORT now affecting our education system and IT SHOULD NOT BE !!!!

Anonymous said...

I fully understand the response of the students and parents defending Dr. Shallop and their loyalty is to be commended. However, the open letter to the board and Mike’s comments both contain assumptions and statements based on two things, the desire to believe them and the silence of Dr. Shallop.
First Mike’s comment:
“It seem as if the decision to reassign Shallop was made long in advance and no matter what he would have said to the Board in Executive session, his words would not have been convincing enough to change their minds”

How do you know this Mike? What possible evidence could you have to support that opinion? What makes you say that the decision was made long in advance? Were you present at any of the meetings prior to his termination? Did Dr. Shallop convey to you the reasons that the board gave him for their action?

And to Judy of Lincroft.
(the board’s)” explanation strains credibility” Their explanation is that they cannot discuss it, that seems credible to me.
(Dr. Shallop)“by all accounts, has done an outstanding job” By all accounts? I can name nine out of ten board members, possessing of all the facts who disagree with you.

“ I, along with many other concerned members of the South community, am questioning the legitimacy and wisdom of this decision.”

I don’t blame you; you should be questioning the decision. As a member of the community, if you believe that something improper has occurred that affects the education of your children, you have every right to be concerned. And you deserve some answers from the only person who can provide them,Dr. Shallop.

Perhaps your open letter should have been addressed to Dr. Shallop and the first question should have been what happened and why won’t you tell us? Why do you, Dr. Shallop, believe the board did not want you to gain tenure as an administrator? What reasons, if any, did they give you in the meeting?

I cannot believe that an intelligent man like Dr. Shallop does not know why he was terminated. His supporters are like a jury that is passing judgment based on half the evidence.

There is plenty to criticize this BOE and the administration for but in this particular instance, until I hear otherwise, I will take Vinnie Brand at his word when he said that if we had all the facts that the board possesses we would agree with the board’s decision.

Anonymous said...

Has anyone asked Dr. Shallop what reasons he was given? If they are bogus, we can't blame him for not repeating them. That wouldn't shed light on the matter, it would just fuel the BOE's plan. And to beat a dead horse, if he really did something wrong, he wouldn't be kept on as a teacher, would he.

Anonymous said...

Yes he would be kept as a teacher. He is tenured as a teacher in the district. The administration must find a place for him as a teacher.

But you are probably correct. Whatever he did, or did not do, apparently did not rise to the level of removing him entirely from the district. From what I heard he was a good teacher, that doesn't mean that he was a good administrator. Although at nearly $140,000 for a first year or second year administrator someone apparently thought very highly of him.

MiddletownMike said...

Anon 9:14,

I based my opinion on the following comment by board member Vinnie Brand:


“I fought hard for Dr. Shallop to get into executive session so that he would have every opportunity to impact the vote and so that he could hear directly from the board the specific issues at hand,” Brand said.

“He was given that chance and could not positively affect the outcome.”



That statement, particularly the "could not positively affect the outcome" part, give the impression that no matter what Shallop would've said to the board it wasn't going to be good enough, it gives the impression that minds were made up already and board members were just going through the motions to make it seem as if they were giving Shallop a fair shake.

But as I stated, no one other than the BOE and Shallop, really knows what happened at this point. Until someone speaks openly about it the mystery and conspiracy theories will remain alive.

In the end someone will have egg on their face, whether it is BOE, Dr. Shallop or his supporters.

Anonymous said...

“He was given that chance and could not positively affect the outcome.”

Funny, when I read that I hear that he was given every chance to defend himself but ws unable to change their minds.

But when you read it you hear that they had already made up their minds, and he had no chance to change them.

It is interesting how two people read the same thing, one thinks it means what is says and the other thinks it means the opposite of what it says.

Anonymous said...

If the distict and board members feel that overall Dr. Shallop's administrative skills are not sufficient to the task, than that can certainly be stated without citing specific instances such as the one involving the loud mouthed parent. They did not do that and in fact renewed his contract then waited till the dead of summer to do what they were planning to do for months. He was chosen by a prior administrator and as such, any weakness or small mistakes will be blown out of proportion to establish a pattern as a pretext for their actions. I'm sure other good educators will be getting the shiv and may go more quietly than Dr. Shallop.

MiddletownMike said...

Anon 11:20,

Amazing, isn't it?

Anonymous said...

The president of the BOE said that the action was taken as a result of events that took place after his contract was renewed in May.

Why won't Dr. Shallop tell us what happened?

Whatever, it is water under the bridge. Apparently Dr. Shallop does not want the truth to be known, so it never will be. Obviously he prefers to have people speculate rather than know what really happened.

What district in their right mind would hire this guy as an administrator given the circus he allowed to take place last week? If you are going to burn a bridge it's a good idea not to be standing on it.

BTW, that statement by Vinnie seems like it was crafted by a lawyer, which it probably was.

Anonymous said...

If Vinnie Brand and the board are telling the truth that only they and Dr. Shallop "know" what happened- what "inside" knowledge does anon 11:44 possess? Given the rant, sounds like someone who has an interest in ruining the reputation of Dr. Shallop- I wonder who?

Dr. Shallop didn't burn the bridge he is standing on- it was pulled out from under him and those that did it now want him to explain how the bridge disappeared. Maybe part of the venom directed by anon 11:44 stems from the fact that information was made available to the voters of
Middletown BEFORE an action was taken, thus giving them that oh so inconvenient opportunity to voice their opinion.

I'm sure those involved would have preferred for this action to be a done deal by August so that we could all "google it" if we wanted to know anything in September.

Anonymous said...

If Vinnie Brand and the board are telling the truth that only they and Dr. Shallop "know" what happened- what "inside" knowledge could anon 11:44 possess? Given the rant, sounds like someone who has an interest in ruining the reputation of Dr. Shallop- I wonder who?

Dr. Shallop didn't burn the bridge he is standing on- it was pulled out from under him and those that did it now want him to explain how the bridge disappeared. Maybe part of the venom directed by 11:44 stems from the fact that information was made available to the voters of Middletown BEFORE an action was taken, thus giving them that oh so inconvenient opportunity to voice their opinions.

I'm sure those involved would have preferred for this to be a done deal by August so that we could all "google it" if we wanted to know anything in September.

Anonymous said...

Could it be Dr. Shallop may be choosing not to provide more detail to the public in public because a third party may be involved -- a third party as in a student(s)-- who was disciplined for rules violation and Dad didn't like the way it was handled?

Anonymous said...

Anonymous 11:44 sounds like the sister of the rumored loud mouth parent who could not get Dr. Shallop to cave to his demands. The people in this township will all be better off is Dr. Shallop takes his case to the courts for resolution of any injustice done to him. It's about time sick politics ended in this township once and for all for all of the residents in Middletown.

No one has the right to affect all of us with the defamation and lying and character assassination that has taken place to influence elections in this town and other controversial situations as well.

The time has come for honest and decent people to oppose the sick politics and unethical behavior of those involved in the vicious slander,intimidation and whatever you want to call the actions of the poor excuse we have for government in Middletown today, whether referring to the BOE or the TC.

whenwillulearn said...

The current and hopefully one term Pres. Joan Minuies is an evil, vindictive power hungry individual who hated Karen Bilboa. She now wants to reverse every decision made by the past administration and BOE.
She obviously has a prejudice towards High School South with her attempt to force events such as post prom on the South students who don't want to participate.
We have 2 high schools in this town. They are each unique, and what might work for one may not necessarily work for the other.
Stop trying to make them the same.

We've lost really good people and now look at the mess we've in. No one wants to work here.
Pat Houston is a waste of space now and was at Thompson.
The ignorance and stupidity in this town makes me sick.

Anonymous said...

Lincroft Elementary Schools Principal resigned yesterday for a new position in a nearby town for a raise of $20,000!!! The brain drain continues. Another big one is coming soon unless BOE realizes that you have to pay people a competitive salary to stay in Middletown.

Anonymous said...

Looks like the very people who criticized the teachers, unions, and administration for making too much money are getting what they asked for. A MASS EXIT OUT OF MIDDLETOWN.
Why would anyone want to work here?
The stupidity of the residents and leaders is astounding.
You all listened to Christie and voted these knuckleheads in.
Maybe a little education is needed before people vote.
The best part is: your taxes will still go up!

Anonymous said...

If all it took was one resident who didn't like the way his precious daughter was punished for an offense to influence this demotion, than shame on that person and the BOE.
This town is full of people who only care about what happens to themselves and not the whole community.
Something is wrong when parents indulge their children with ridiculous, inappropriate gifts and set poor examples of proper conduct.
I not only feel sorry for those children, but worry about what we are teaching them.
Fortunately there are many kids who have more sense than some of the parents out there.

Anonymous said...

Maybe the BOE president better rethink this whole messy shenanigan. Before September there won't be an administrator worth their salt left in this god forsaken political hell hole called Middletown !

Anonymous said...

The fact that Dr. Shallop was rehired as the Principal early this year by the acting Superintendent and now demoted shows that the reasons are completely BS.
Someone made a stink, and the BOE
responded.
Well, the stink is going to get a lot worse now.
Joan Minuies and her band of incompetents are going to destroy the quality of education in this town.

Anonymous said...

AND THEY ARE GOING TO GET SUED !!!

BE PREPARED FOR HIGHER TAXES TO PAY LEGAL BILLS !!!!!!!!!!

Legion said...

I wish y'all would decide if public employees make too much or too little.

And, are there too many administrators or not? LOL

The fact is that the Bilbao budget was swept away last year, followed by that era's BOE.

This BOE was elected to correct the mistakes the former Superintendent made as approved by her BOE.

I am inclined to believe that the people of the Township will give them a chance.

Let's see if "Doc" sues. People sue in this state everyday when they have no case at all. If he doesn't then we can draw the conclusion that he not only has no case, but that he was wrong to begin with...

Anonymous said...

"reasons are completely BS"

"THEY ARE GOING TO GET SUED"

"it took was one resident who didn't like the way his precious daughter was punished"

"parent who could not get Dr. Shallop to cave to his demands"

"third party as in a student(s)-- who was disciplined for rules violation"

"waited till the dead of summer to do what they were planning to do for months"

"no matter what Shallop would've said to the board it wasn't going to be good enough" (by Mike himself)

"if he really did something wrong, he wouldn't be kept on as a teacher"

“It seem as if the decision to reassign Shallop was made long in advance"

"by all accounts, has done an outstanding job"

Step right up to the microphone!!!

Welcome to Mike's Rumor Mill!!!

Did you hear something from somebody who knows someone? You are in the right place. You didn't hear anything? No worries, make it up. This is the preeminent place in Middletown for airing your completely unsubstantiated version of events. Just follow Mike's lead. You say you don't know what happened? You are worried that you might be spreading a rumor that might have a negative effect on someone's life? Come on, you only live once, throw caution to the wind. That's what they invented "Anonymous" for. Go for it, jump to a conclusion already, trust me, it's fun here at Mike's Rumor Mill!!

If I may paraphrase the great Winston Churchill:

Never before has so much been said by so many who knew so little.

Anonymous said...

Every post by Legion and her "twin" anonymous poster lends credence to the rumors about an angry parent. No one believes that he alone was responsible, but when the township hacks have the knives out for you, a parent whose interests coincide with yours comes in mighty handy.

You and your cronies certainly have an interest in debunking Mike's blog and no doubt it is upsetting to see the town's dirty laundry hung out to dry in public before you choose to display it

If you think this blog is a rumor mill, you can certainly take your dubious views to the APP or MoreMonmouthMusings where your lies and multiple personalities are more appreciated.

Anonymous said...

We all know Legion knows the inside scoop because it involves a relative or two or three of HERS !

Anonymous said...

Anonymous 7:57- I think a more appropriate paraphrase of Churchill might be:

"Never before have so many, been affected by so few, for so little".

Anonymous said...

Or perhaps.........

"The best argument against democracy is a five-minute conversation with the average voter."

Winston Churchill

Anonymous said...

..

I posted this on the previous article and felt it applies here as well.
It's refreshing to hear from a student who sounds more intelligent than some of the adults who just like to rant and rave on this blog.
I encourage you to get more of your fellow students involved, so you can be part of the decision process. After all this is about you and your education.
It's very sad to hear the venom and hatred in some of these posters. The community is divided and we're paying the price.
It remains to be seen if the current board and its' leadership will ultimately act in the best interests of the students and not their own personal agendas.
They have a lot to prove to me and the community, and I don't think they've gotten off to a very good start. Losing effective, competent people is the first sign of ship sinking.
Cleaning house because you don't like the appointments made by the previous administration and BOE leadership shows a retaliation NOT sound business or practical decisions.
This situation was handled very poorly which adds suspicion and
only makes the BOE look bad.
We are a divided town. We've had poor leadership politically and now that has effected our educational system.
The people in this town have been manipulated and responded to the hysteria by voting all the competent people out. Thankfully we have elections. I hope the people posting on this blog see what happens when they vote with their emotions and not their heads. Don't let yourself be manipulated again and know who and why your voting for a candidate.

Anonymous said...

I don't understand why anyone is surprised that Doc would fight for his job. It is well known around the school that he is a family man. He has a bunch of little kids (I think one has a disability) so of course he would fight for his job, especially if he felt he did nothing wrong. In this economy, who wouldn't fight for their job?

And as far as the idea that if he doesn't sue, it means he has no case and the BOE is right - you are right and you are wrong. First, it is not FREE to sue people. And the sole supporter of a young family is hardly swimming in cash to give some lawyer a hefty retainer. And there is the fact that as a nontenured employee, the BOE could have fired him for no reason whatsoever. So yeah, the BOE was completely within its rights (if not its mind) to fire the man.

It will be interesting to see if the acting principal will pursue the position permanently and what other personnel changes may be coming in the future.

Legion said...

Anon at 3:28

I too applaud young people who get involved and use their God given intelligence towards important ends.

However, "Anonymous" on a political blog is no place to do that.

Blogs are for fun, entertainment. They are for razzing the opposition, maybe even razzing people who believe as you do... In any event, no one should take any of this seriously.

I do kind of feel sorry for the real people who get dragged through this, but the majority of them are public figures and need to ignore blogs where they are mentioned.

I've said before that a blog is like a political conversation in a bar, but it's worse because no one can see who it is that's BS'ing.

So, please, let's not ascribe great intentions to those who post on a blog, no issue is going to get settled here, no votes are going to be won or lost, no decisions are going to be made.

It's just electronic masturbation, pleasing yourself, and anyone who says anything different is just pleasing themselves as well.

(Oh, and I am NOT who you think I am...)

Anonymous said...

Why not the same comments from May of 2010 when 4 principals were either moved or demoted? Past members on the board had no problem removing them. Ask Rose Stallmeyer why she voted to move 4 Pricipals last year, but this is mistake. Where were all these people last year when 4 Pricipals were being moved & non-tenured. One Principal was non-tenuerd and outright let go. Another was at a school for many years and was moved for no good reason.

Anonymous said...

PLEASE DO NOT VOTE FOR JOAN MINUIES! Just like Diane Swaim needed to go after so many years, so does she!! We need a strong, INTELLIGENT, EDUCATED president and superintendent NOW!!

Anonymous said...

Legion, if posting on political blogs is your version of "electronic masturbation" you deserve some credit for doing it two handed. But it's time to give it a rest and have a little dignity.

Anonymous said...

Legion,

You are "drunk" with your own perceived importance. Join AAA!

Anonymous said...

Are you telling us you are playing with yourself too,Legion ?

Legion said...

Anon at 8:30

Everyone who posts political smack talk on blogs or message boards is doing just that - me included!

If anyone takes this stuff seriously or believes that they are going to "change the world" by posting online needs to reexamine their thought processes.

Anonymous said...

Anon 3:28

As on the previous post, I appreciate at leas tone level headed adult on this situation. Thank you for listening.

To all of those who keep asking for Doc to give hte reasons, he cannot. I will say this again, I know that this almost certaintly started with a certain incident at South, which involved a student. Doc is a tenured teach, if he were to give the true reasons for his firing, he would break privacy laws that would allow the BOE to remove him despite his tenure as a teach, not just a principle.

It is amusing to see people unable to put together something so simple, and argue over things that are irrevelvant. It is also amusing to see the BOE try to trick a man who is extremely intelligent.

Once again, to Anon 3:28, I agree with you assumption that Middletown is divided. The smartest people are leaving for greener pastures in neighboring towns, and its sad to see a place I grew up in gonig into decline.

But I digress, let me return to the point I made on Mike's earlier blog entry. Many students of the currnet class of 2012 understand that the BOE was completely within their rights to terminate Doc.

What we adamantly won't stand for, however, is the blatant disregard for students. There are plenty of intelligent students in my grade, and grade before and after us. Why then, do we have no say in the "closed sessions" as well as the "open" ones? It is clear that most of the decision making goes on in there anyways.

This is our education that is being affected, not the plethora of political personas of this town. Students deserve a bigger say, plain and simple.

Anonymous said...

"Why then, do we have no say in the "closed sessions"

Because it is a closed session. The things discussed in closed session are things like whether or not to rehire or terminate an employee. The employee has the right of privacy, but he may waive this right.

Teachers and administrators whose future employment is going to be discussed by the board have the right to have the discussion held in an open session. The employee receives what is called a Rice notice advising them when the meeting will take place.

Dr. Shallop had the opportunity for you and the public to learn exactly why his future employment was in question. Obviously he decided to exercise his right of privacy.

Anonymous said...

replying to anony 4:44 regarding district salaries... The district pays salaries that are comparable to other districts in state. You can visit school report card to see. Some years Middletown has paid more than other districts. Since the budget failed last year and state aid decreased, I can understand why salaries may fluctuate. Pagano may have posted new hire salaries lower than outgoing for admin due to budget. Laugelli is amazing, creative and resourceful. http://education.state.nj.us/rc/rc10/dataselect.php?datasection[3]=staff&datasection[4]=financial&c=25&d=3160&s=120&lt=L&st=E

Anonymous said...

"You are "drunk" with your own perceived importance. Join AAA!"

Are you suggesting he drink and drive by joining the American Automobile Association?

"Electronic masturbation?"

I think mental masturbation better describes it. Not to mention it saves on batteries.

Anonymous said...

"AAA" interperted as ALL AH's Anonymous....Ha Ha Ha !!!

Anonymous said...

“Pagano may have posted new hire salaries lower than outgoing for admin’

The super does not “post” salaries for administrators. Job descriptions and requirements are posted. Salaries for new administrators are negotiated on a case by case basis after the interview process has concluded and a candidate has been chosen. It then must be approved by the BOE whose president is clearly anti administration and the three fellows BAM who ran on a platform of reducing the number and the salaries of the administrators. The superintendent negotiates salary knowing full well what the board is likely to approve.

There is a reason that at least 10 administrators including the top five have left this district in the last eight months. Who would you blame for the current administrative crisis in town?


I think if I was running a company and all of my top employees left to work for the competition. I would look in the mirror.

Legion said...

A couple of things...

Anon at 12:01 - "What we adamantly won't stand for, however, is the blatant disregard for students."

Just what are you going to do sweetie, since you "won't stand for" the actions of the BOE? Hold your breath until you turn blue? Threaten to run away from home until they stop being mean?

When you're 18 you get one vote like everyone else, and you have the right to go to BOE meetings and speak your mind, but that's it. You're in no position to "not stand" for anything.

And Anon at 12:07

If you were running a company and were overpaying for administration, you'd be glad that people left so that you could replace them with lower cost, competent replacements, maybe even reassign some of their duties to save even more money.

You've got to know that reducing administrative costs is EXACTLY what the current BOE was elected to do.

But, I guessing you're NOT running a company, am I right?

Anonymous said...

This BOE and the TC are too egotistical,too integrity challenged and too ignorant to ever assume the responsibility or blame for this God forsaken mess that the Township of Middletown has become under their leadership (or lack thereof) in recent years under those currently serving. Administration in Middletown IS A DISGRACE !

Anonymous said...

Legion, you said

"A couple of things...

Anon at 12:01 - "What we adamantly won't stand for, however, is the blatant disregard for students."

Just what are you going to do sweetie, since you "won't stand for" the actions of the BOE? Hold your breath until you turn blue? Threaten to run away from home until they stop being mean?

When you're 18 you get one vote like everyone else, and you have the right to go to BOE meetings and speak your mind, but that's it. You're in no position to "not stand" for anything."

First of all, I am not "sweetie". I will not "hold my breath until I am blue". I will not "threaten to run away from home until they stop being mean". Stop making attempts to rile me into an disrespectful argument. They will not work and are somewhat pathetic. Please use some respect.

I am under 18, good job on getting at least one fact straight.

I am in fact in a position to stand for things. This is my education that is affected here, not yours. I should be able to do more that just speak my mind while the BOE twiddles their tumbs and refuses to listen.

I also find you manners quite vulgar. I have done absolutely nothing to recieve such a response from you, yet you treat me with such hostility none the less. I would image that an "adult" who has the right to vote on my education would be somewhat more level headed and use better judgement.

Mark Twain once said

“The most interesting information comes from children, for they tell all they know and then stop”

There are alot of kids who stil have alot to say to the BOE. Just because we are "sweeties" and under 18 does NOT give you the right to tell us to run off and go home. We are intelligent and can help fix this situation for the better. So stop ignoring us.

Listen.

Legion said...

Anon at 1:36

Yeah, Middletown is such a "disgrace" that we're one of the best places to live in the country.

Our tax burden is reasonable compared to other municipalities, we have great restaurants, retail and entertainment, river and beachfront, parks and bike trails... Sure, its "disgraceful." LOL

Anon at 5:28

You type emails to your mother with that keyboard?

Oh, I am cut to the quick by your razor sharp retort, I may never be able to bring myself to post here again...

Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!

Legion said...

Anon at 5:46

Nice theory that you've got there.

You DO have control over your own education. You can go to class, do your homework, study hard, and get good grades, and then go off to a good college or trade school.

But unless you successfully run for the Board of Education, you get no vote in what they do, you have the same "rights" as any other citizen - the right to attempt to persuade them to do things the way you want. Maybe they'll listen to you, maybe they won't, but you have no "right" to expect them to.

As far as "respect," anonymous posters on the internet neither deserve nor should expect respect, me included.

This is all fun and games kiddo, if you don't like it, go be anonymous somewhere else...

Anonymous said...

Legion,

You are correct, I do have control over my education. Whatever happens at South I intened to make the best of it and head off the college.

I do, however disagree with your opinion on a students influence in the BOE. Correct as you, the current situation is flawed. There is a foolish division in the politics of Middletown, and just like the US as a whole, its causing nothing but ill-will and degeneration of a great town. There is a reason founding father like JOhn Adams abhored the party system and called it the greatest enemy of the future of the US after all.

I'd also would rather see less vulgar and stupid words being said on this blog by "anonymous" users as well.

I choose to remain anonymous because this is the internet, and I prefer to have my identity remain unknown for satefy purposes. But then again, you go by Legion, yet I have no idea who you are. So technically, are we not both anonymous here.

Once again I would just like you to know you are right. The BOE are elected officials and can choose to do what they want to. Maybe they will listen to us next time.

I know one thing, this whole situation, and you yourself Legion, make me want to get more involed in my town, and I can say the same for many other students.

Time will tell how this all works out, but I am gonig to do my best to see that it works out for the best.

Quite a childhood fairytale dream isn't it?

Anonymous said...

Legion,

Doesn't the Monmouth County Tax Board have enough appeals this year to keep you busy taking care of your recent appointment.

Wonder if CC knows what a dysfuntional individual he selected to serve on that board or if he is aware of your vicious tongue that shows respect to no one ! Wonder if you have any self respect? You demonstrate NONE !

Anonymous said...

Maybe the kids that are boozing it up should go to "trade school" so the kids who are actually interested in learning and excelling don't lose their administrators.

Legion said...

Anon at 6:17

Good for you kid, maybe you can make a difference!

Anonymous said...

Legion, I've read your comments on this blog before. One minute you're saying your a Dem., the next you're spewing the same old rhetoric that Mr. Scharfenberger is famous for.
And just like him your intent is not for honest conversation, but to deceive and distort.
Your lack of credibility is quite obvious, and you seem have a sick desire to rattle and push buttons.
The best way to deal with people like you is to ignore.
You are not worth the time and effort to respond.

Anonymous said...

This chick makes a "career" out of talking to herself when everyone ignores her or it suits her purpose as a republican lap dog!

Got more aliases than Carter makes pills !

Legion said...

Anon at 8:22

And yet, you do.

Anonymous said...

I agree with legion we have to cut and cut deep. We should get rid of these rich fat cat administrators and outsource them maybe from China or India. Think about it cheap, smart and tech savvy, Now that is a great idea! We need more all American republican ideas like this. Didn't our blessed Ed commissioner say certifications are optional in charter schools? Thats another great way of cutting costs. We could have the bus driver on his breaks teach trig and the Chinese principal teach Asian studies and Cantonese. SHARED SERVICES that rocks

Anonymous said...

Amen 8:56- we can have our tax commissioners teach a civics course in their spare time- keep those idle hands from becoming the devil's workshop.

Not Fooled said...

Wonder if one tax commissioner would even retain the position if the Governor was aware of her favorite pastime......her asinine,vicious tongueon all the blogs under more aliases then one can count. That certainly sheds light on her lack of integrity....BIG TIME !

Legion said...

You guys are so funny!

You make yourselves look so foolish by pretending to know who I am.

I almost feel sorry for the woman who you claim I am - except that she's getting credit (at least in your narrow minds) for my insightful and thoroughly admired posts here.

But I got news for y'all: I'm a guy...

Why not try really debating instead of making feeble attempts at insults?

Oh yeah, you can't because you've got nothing...

LOL

Anonymous said...

8:29 a.m. poster,

You are so full of yourself and so full of BS it runs out your ears !

Legion said...

Anon at 7:21

Great comeback... Did it take you long to write it?

Not Fooled said...

Legion,

Everyone should take seriously the valid points made on this.Mike's, blog because it is a source of information that the current administration and the current BOE would stand on their heads to SUPPRESS!!!

Peter Carton and HIS TC and Joan Minnuies and HER BOE "fairly"represent very few people in this community today. They represent the CONNECTED FEW and ignore everyone else in this town until they are threatened by the current clamor for change.Then all of them hide and make excuses and point fingers at someone or anything else. It's never their fault about anything and taking responsibility is an unknown factor for these inept individuals.

The nonsense that is destroying this town's school system is directly related to the actions of this TC during the last two school board election cycles. The TC and the ilk of certain TC members are guilty of political activity in the election of the BOE,that is supposed to be,by law, an apolitical board. Why??

TO CONTROL THE MONEY !!!!!!!!!

MAKE NO MISTAKE ABOUT IT......

TO CONTROL THE MONEY!!!!!

Not Fooled said...

Legion @ 5:47.

The restaurants, variety and proximity to retail (two major malls in Eatontown and Freehold also ) ,entertainment (proximity to NYC),the beaches and two rivers,both Raritan and Navesink, county parks (our own are not properly maintained) and bike trails (?) Henry Hudson Bike Trail is county owned and maintained,all lend to "quality of life" but just what did the current gang of inept TC or it's administration contribute to any of that anyway????

Absolutely nothing....ZILCH!!

That's exactly what this TC has lent to quality of life in this community. ZILCH!!!

The political polarization of this community and the untruthful,vicious rhetoric used to deceive and retain control of government IS A DISGRACE !!!!

There are no ethical,intelligent campaigns in this community during election campaigns. It's all about character assassinatiom,lying,cheating or any tactic except discussing the true campaign issues. The gutter politics of the Middletown Republicans in these last six or seven years ARE DISGUSTING ! Middletown has become the gutter and the sewer of republican politics in Monmouth County.

Dr. Shallop demotion is just one of the events that clearly shows how damaging this political climate can be!!

Anonymous said...

Poster 8:29,

To quote....
"I am a guy"................

Y'all have got to be kidding us. When is the needed transition going to take place ?

Legion said...

Not Fooled -

You accurately describe the "Concerned Citizens of Middletown..."

But I thought you supported them?

Not Fooled said...

Poster 11:29 p.m.

What is your IQ,in the 50's....?

The transition referred to has to do with you not the Concerned Citizens of Middletown. You are not the GUY you claim to be !

Don't know who the CC of M are and it doesn't matter who comprises that group.They have valid concerns. The issue is the quality of life in Middletown Township.

What does matter is the actions of some of the lousy,low life that populates the Middletown republican political scene and has destroyed the sense of community in this town and now has embarked on destroying it's school system.

Legion said...

The "sense of community" has been "destroyed" by those who can't live with the clear will of the people as expressed by election after election.

Civility would reign if y'all would stop insulting people...

Not Fooled said...

Civility would reign if you would come to realize that your bigoted,biased tongue should be SILENT!! You insult the intelligence of every resident in this township who does not agree with you. Your acrid,acid tongue is like gasoline on the fire and flames of discontent!!!!!!

We don't want to live under the republican machine dictatorship that rules in Middletown today !! There was a time we could respect government here but that is not the case today.

It has not been for a long time
since that was possible because of the likes of you,Legion,and the the others just like you.....the republican lapdogs in this town,overcome with your self designated own "self importance".

This is a free country and WE ALL are entitled to our own opinions. Don't like it....TOO BAD !!!

Legion said...

Fooled -

If you don't want to live in Middletown - don't. If you are unhappy with the will of the people, try to change their minds.

You don't respect government in Middletown? Tough! The voters get to choose - not you alone! You get one vote, use it wisely.

I have no problem with people speaking their minds and posting whatever they want here, heck, I do that! You're the one who decried the "incivility," not me. Have at it, I can take it, and dish it out.

You? Well, let's just say your track record is a bit spotty...

Not Fooled said...

Never used the word "civility" YOU DID AH and it's people like you and your vicious mouth ready to attack everyone and everything that disagrees with your viewpoint that I don't like. Your ranting clearly identifies you....have heard that "song" before ! Have seen your rants on the APP also!!

Not party affiliated,disgusted with government in Middletown and make no bones about it.....the politics in this town of some of the lousy,stoop to anything, lowlife that populates the republican party of today in this town is enough to make anyone want to PUKE....and you are clearly part of that gang !

AS FOR MY TRACK RECORD....what the hell would you know about it anyway ????

So full of yourself!!!!!

Know what you are really full of,huh.guess ,miserable specimen of humanity ......

Not Fooled said...

Correction....never used the word,"incivility"....that's your word.

Tired of the lack of respect shown by these characters that forget who they were elected to serve !!!!! The whole "kit and kaboodle" of them including that loud mouth lawyer .

Legion said...

Fooled, you are the one who spends your time hurling insults, not me.

You can feel free to ignore me if you want, but I am going to keep posting the truth here, to hold you, Mike and the DHB accountable for the partisan nonsense that gets posted here.

If you want to debate the issues - I'm here.

If you want to engage in name calling - forget it.

Anonymous said...

Legion,

You would not recognize the truth if it fell on you !

Legion said...

Anon at 6:26

That's a matter of opinion.

Anonymous said...

http://www.app.com/article/20110804/NJNEWS/308040061/A-game-musical-chairs-Middletown-schools-superintendent-position

Anonymous said...

Mike, start a new topic with that last post. I'm sure someone will shed some light on the current crisis.