According to Patch, hundreds of Shallop supporter packed the BOE meeting and overflowed into the corridors of Middletown High School North to protest the demotion and lend their support of the very popular Doctor Shallop.
In the end it didn't matter, the BOE demoted Principle Shallop over the concerns of everyone who were there to show support.
I have been hearing from many residents and a few former school employees who feel that this current BOE is dysfunctional and a joke, they feel that the quality of education in Middletown is suffering for it.
It seems that all this BOE is worried about is pulling the rug out from the many administrators that work for the school system. Since September of last year the school system has gone through 2 superintendents, a few assistant superintendents, a business administrator and any number of professional Principles and Vice-Principles, Para-Professionals, Guidance Counselors and many teachers through out the district.
No wonder why people feel that the current crop of "volunteers" that make up the BOE are dysfunctional and don't know what they are doing.
104 comments:
Someone please tell the powers at be in Middletown that we are done with Pat Hueston. His shipped sailed a long time ago but they drag him out of retirement to do their dirty work.
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, but had a problem with last nights move. That is a hippocrit. 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.
WE HAVE GERARD SCHARFENBERGER AND HIS COMRADES ON THE MIDDLETOWN TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE TO THANK FOR THIS OUTRAGEOUS NONSENSE !!!
Sports jocks and comics who are politically connected ARE NOT the best candidates for public office that involves the education of our children.
Yhese people are SUPPOSED to serve with integrity and without political agendas. Can't say the current BOE president fits the bill of without a political agenda and with integrity either .
Are all the dysfunctional residents in Middletown serving on the BOE or the TC ?????
Thanks Mike, for once again demonstrating why I rarely read your blog. Maybe a phone call and a firsthand account might be in order once in a while.
The auditorium at North was filled maybe to one third capacity, perhaps a little more. There was no overflow into the hallways.
The principal in question had his wife contact old students of his and started a Facebook page to garner support. Many showed up and some spoke and outright lied at the podium.
The support from the people in his building was conspicuous by their absence.
The previous shuffling around of personnel was the direct result of the massive budget cuts in Middletown.
As usual Mike, you remain unencumbered by the facts.
Anon 10:34
You're right I wasn't there, I read about it on Middletown patch and provided a link.
Regardless, I have heard and read enough from others to know that this BOE is dysfunctional.
If you have another opinion or no otherwise I welcome your input. Send me a letter and I will post it to the blog.
Know thanks.
@Anon 10:13am
I'd like to respectfully disagree with most of your account of the meeting. In fact, I have to wonder if we attended the same meeting.
You're right, the auditorium was not filled to capacity. "Overflow" into the hallways was due to the fact that it was about 85 degrees in the auditorium.
However, let's take a look at the circumstances: it's the middle of summer vacation, many families are out of town, students are working or preparing to leave for college. You're not going to get an overflowing crowd at a meeting like this unless it was in the middle of the school year, but for the circumstances presented, it was a good crowd.
Doc's wife did not contact students - students and parents took it upon themselves to create facebook events and forums to discuss the details surrounding this troubling news. I'm sorry, are you in these groups or did you hear from someone who heard from someone? Leave her out of this - facebook is an open forum.
Some spoke and outright lied? No one would put themself out there like that while the person in question was sitting two rows away. Few of the students who spoke had anything to gain - many were alumni. Unless you know all 50+ people who spoke personally, on what information are you basing this opinion?
The support from the people in his building was conspicuous by their absence? Plenty of teachers were there - at least ones who live close by. Not every South teacher lives in Middletown and could get to this meeting easily. Many have families and small children. Are you human?
"The previous shuffling around of personnel was the direct result of the massive budget cuts in Middletown." Oh boohoo. Every district had budget cuts. I had 3 principals at South (early to mid 2000's) when no drastic cuts were made. Mr. Lane had anger issues, I can't remember the guy who took over after him (doesn't that tell you something?), Mr. Kelly had the personality of a goldfish and made no attempt to know any students, unless they were football players. Some other guy came in for a few months before Doc took over and according to the accounts on Wednesday night, was a breath of fresh air from the revolving door of principals. Doesn't South deserve a chance to pick up the pieces?
It speaks volumes when the entire PTA, ex-board members, North principal, teachers, members of the principal selection committee, and alumni speak in support of him. The Board of Ed would rather talk down to us ("if you knew what we discussed behind closed doors, you'd agree with our decision"), than reconsider or at least table the decision. Last time I checked, we were all adults capable of forming our own decisions, who don't see things in black and white. I hope the momentum keeps going until election time.
Anon 10:13 is well known to many on this blog and her triumphant sounding post lends more than a little credibility to the rumors as to who may be behind the removal of this principal. How sad that other students won't have the benefits that yours enjoyed before graduating- enjoy your happy dance while the music is still playing.
Anonymous 10:13,
Bet money that you are the current BOE president marching to the TC directions and your first concern is not the children in this community but yourself and your political connections.
God,please help our kids and save them from this current crop of fools on the BOE.
Someone clue in Money Magazine,PLEASE !
The only people who really know why Dr. Shallop was terminated are the board and the superintedent and Dr. Shallop. The board and the administrators are forbidden by law to disclose personnel issues publicly.
You are probably right that his wife did not start the Facebook page but she contributed many times to it even giving updates and letting people when they would be arriving.
I believe Vinnie Brand when he said that what they heard in the closed session from Dr. Shallop would convince the protestors to terminate him also.
I do not believe that Dr. Shallop does not know why he was terminated, as The Facebook page suggested.
Dr Shallop could end this and tell us what the board's reasons were for terminating him. But he prefers to let people, like you, believe that he did nothing wrong. Nine out of the ten people who made the decision disagree with him.
Of course if he were to mistate the facts he might have more trouble on his hands. If he is being terminated without cause, as he says, why didn't he have a lawyer save his job for him instead relying on friends to save the day.
There were about 10 teachers at the meeting to support him, out of how many at South? Over 100? Mostly the teachers from the department he came from. There were clearly teachers there that did not support him.
Dr. Shallop should take his case to the courts.
The jokers now serving on this BOE leave plenty of room for the clear heads of judges in a court of law to review this situation.
Time the TC realized there are legal standards and civil rights laws that they and the BOE are required to adhere to. The time is overdue for that to happen. Long overdue!
From what I saw posted on nj.com it seems our boe president never finished high school. This person doesnt have a high school diploma. This is what happens when people don't vote. A fool now leads the educational system of middletown.
What the h**l is wrong with this TC and the administrator in this community. Do any of them use good sense abot anything. Time to get the state into this community to get our educational system back on track.
No wonder we lost three great BOE members in November,also an excellent Superintendent of Schools,.a Business Administrator and on and on. Nobody with credentials,integrity and talent wants to work in this dysfunctional climate.in the Middletow school district.
The "BAM" group was the start of this asinine situation in this town,now led by a woman who poodles after the female on the current TC. Political nitwits that march to the incompetent drumbeat of Sharfey & Co. and are all lacking in ethical behavior.No wonder Ms. Brightbill is not seeking re-election.
State law requires a "thorough and efficient" education of all our youth ! Do you really think this BOE and the current TC members give a damn.
DON"T THINK THEY GIVE A S**T !
Must have been quite a wrongdoing if he is still allowed to teach. For people who rarely read Mike's blog, you folks certainly found it quick enough to spread your lies and innuendos.
To the person that asked where we were when four principals were being removed, we had no care for these administrators because they were not extraordinary. Also, the reason for Dr. Shallop's termination could not be that severe due to him now being a teacher. The fact that the meeting was finally over a bit past 1am was ridiculous and was an obvious attempt to get supporters to leave. Shallop cannot tell us the reasons due to some form of red tape, and vinnie is trying to get him to spill the beans so they can terminate him. We need transparency, not closed door goings on.
@ Anonymous 4:52PM
There seems to be a very powerful rumour going around at the moment as to why Shallop was terminated as Principal. At the BOE meeting, they gave us a glimpse as to what may have started this whole situation. They said that the reason behind his termination began in May and continued into June. It is common knowledge at South as to what this occurence was, but it involves students, who are protected by privacy laws. If Shallop were to say something, without being certain he was not breaking any of these said laws, he could break one, and subsequently lose his tenured teaching position. So basically the BOE has trapped him.
The reason behind Shallop's termination involves students. If he speaks about it and violates privacy laws, he could lose his teaching position. BOE has him trapped. If people knew the situation, then they would most likely have made the same move as Shallop. But then again, he may not want to reveal his reason for termination because it could cause quite a large rift in the upcoming Senior Class, something he most certainly does NOT want to happen...
Some people here point out that only some teachers arrived to speak for Dr. Shallop, not all; I think, to the contrary, that the fact that any arrived at all spoke volumes. And, even more than that, is the sheer quantity of students, past and present, who spoke on his behalf. How many other principals could garner such loyalty that even alumni would take time (and I can vouch that the life of a college student is busy) to speak on their behalf, even when the administration of their high school no longer concerns them?
I think that the amount of teachers that supported him does not mean that the others did not support him. I myself support him wholeheartedly but simply could not attend the meeting; there could be any number of explanations for why more people did not come. (For example, it's summer and many South teachers do not live in Middletown.) And many who supported him did not come from the Science department. Also, Dr. Shallop and his wife would not accept the support of students if he had done something legitimately unethical, and his being offered his teaching post again shows this.
Two points.
"the reason for Dr. Shallop's termination could not be that severe due to him now being a teacher."
You are half right. Apparently Dr. Shallop was a science teacher, and from what I understand a good one, for about ten years. He is tenured as a teacher in the district. He is not tenured as an administrator in the district. So when he was terminated as an administrator the district must return him to a teaching position because he is tenured in that position.
So you are correct that his offence must not have been so severe that it warranted expulsion from the district.
"Shallop cannot tell us the reasons due to some form of red tape"
I don't believe that Dr. Shallop is prohibited by any red tape or law from letting the world know the reason he was given for his termination. So why hasn't he shouted it from the highest mountain? Why is he letting people say that he is being let go without cause? Why doesn't he set the record straight if he believes he was treated so unfairly? He has a union lawyer at his disposal. Why was this lawyer unable to save his job? Why did he prefer to try the case in the court of public opinion?
If you are a friend of his, ask him what reason he was given for his termination. If he tells you he has no idea or he is prohibited from telling you, I would suggest he doesn't want you, or anyone, to know.
Sounds like the conduct of this current BOE is sorely lacking in intelligence,integrity,and ethics and if rumors are true the BOE is now led by someone surely lacking in basic credentials that should include a high school diploma at the very least.
What has Middletown become anyway ?
THE BOE is responsible for managing the finances of our education system and that is the major portion of our tax dollars. That requires education,integrity and ethical behavior !
Politics does not belong in our education system and aren't there laws about this behavior ?
Anon 8:21 says "i don't BELIEVE" Dr. Shallop is prohibited... Don't you mean, you don't really KNOW, but would prefer a man risk losing his livelihood than a Board member risk losing a non paying job that many of them will not seek next year anyway? You reveal alot about the factions behind this move with your logic.
I agree that the board leadership needs to be replaced!!! Look at the track record of the board and quality of Middletown education. We have great people (teachers) but the leadership is lacking. There is too many changes, and I know too many good administrators that will not come here because of this leadership. I don't agree how they appointed the new board member and how they conduct business. Someone needs to step up and be a true leader!! I will never hide from my comments or feelings, that’s why i am disclosing my info and can be contact for discussion at any time, and if people want to spin this that I'm bitter about my election so be...I won't run again. But the way these people are conducting business and portrays our school system reflects all of us, and it affects my kids future and the town I love. If anyone is interested in running next year drop me a line and if you have the principles that we need to be the best. I will support you in every way possible. Enough with the games someone needs to step up and take charge, if the job was done right in the first place we would not have to keep making changes.
My god what is with all this "Anonymous" bs. I'm Bob Hughes and not afraid to say who I am. Actually it the auditoriun was almost 3/4 filled until about 10:30 pm when many students had to leave because they have a driving law that needs to be followed. Think that was part of Lardass Minniues plan as to playing games with the meeting. Quite disgraceful but the BOE showed the kids some of real life . Middletown Crookedness at it's best.. I don't have a problem with the Superintendent or BOE moving people around as in the past to fill needs as long as its for the betterment of students. Tony Shallop is now not Principal and we need to move on. We need to insure the whole community that this doesn't happen again. There are Board members that need to be voted out. I don't know if anyone can trust these clowns. Houston has to be the first out. We need to put an election committee together made up of students, parents and educators and find a fit for Middletown. We need to educate ourselves and the community of candidates running for the BOE. The other night proved this. Speaking of the other night, I believe we are still in the dark over the matter at hand. The rumors are going wild and speculations are being made but we really don't know and maybe will never know. Lets move on and build a better Middletown for everyone especially our students. We can't ever lose a guy like Tony Shallop ever,ever again.
The question still remains- Was the removal of Dr. Shallop the result of a complaint from a politically connected parent of a South student? If one minor rule infraction can be blown out of proportion to satisfy the whims of someone connected to our local politicians, then truly no teacher or administrator is safe as long as that nexus exists.
The fact remains that over a thousand high school students have been impacted by this action. The only possible good that could come from this matter is the realization that a few politically connected individuals are being allowed to successfully manipulate situations for personal benefit. Just moving on will not change things- on the contrary that is precisely what these individuals would have us do.
I rarely get involved with such nonsense however I must firmly disagree with a remark made about Mark Kelly previously on this page. Mr. Kelly was and will remain to be the model of a suburban principal in my eyes. He didn't meddle, let people do their thing and was an overall pleasant man to be around
How can any of you Anonymous people be credible ? You're not
Pat Houston is a spineless punk-how about throwing his daughter out of the guidance dept. at South. I'd love to b-slap that punk.
To say that the situation has anything to do with South Football is so wrong. Get your facts straight before you post.
"There were about 10 teachers at the meeting to support him, out of how many at South? Over 100? Mostly the teachers from the department he came from. There were clearly teachers there that did not support him."
This posting begs the question: were you actually at the meeting? You are so obviously incorrect in the comment about a show of only Dr. Shallop's department. There were math teachers, English teachers, foreign language teachers--all of whom spoke in support of Dr. Shallop. If there truly were teachers that were there who were _not_ in support of him, why didn't they speak up? The fact that exactly 0 of them did leads me to believe there aren't any, and if there were, they didn't care enough to have their thoughts voiced.
10% (by your measure) teacher attendance at a board of ed meeting in the middle of the summer when many are away on vacation is outstanding, by the way, and truly speaks to the community support Dr. Shallop has. The diversity of departments from which they came further enhances the quality of the comments.
Mike should repost his Anyone But Cody article from the time that man was running for BOE. It would educate the uninformed about what he is capable of. Of course it doesn't hurt when your sister is a vocal supporter of local Republicans on the TC whose antics have been rewarded with a patronage position by Chris Christie. Now, a good and decent man and the entire South student body have been tossed aside for what are now obvious motivations.
To the poster who commented this: "Many showed up and some spoke and outright lied at the podium." ... You are not only wrong, I believe you are a bit jealous since you couldn't fill a table of 4 to say such nice things about you. The downfall of many men is their outright jealousy of others. Poor you. I feel so sad for people like you.
Unfortunately if Annon. 4:16 comment is accurate, it could well be the cause of this injustice. I wish our school system would do more for the classroom than the playing field.
bigbluegiant: what is that about houston throwing his daughter out of the guidance dept.? I never heard about that.
Here's the post from 2009 in case Mike is too modest...
http://middletownmike.blogspot.com/2009/04/middletown-school-board-election-anyone.html
annon 4:46
Monmouth County Board of Taxation
Nominate for appointment Kathleen Cody Bjelka (Lincroft, Monmouth)
Looks like CC and the middletown power brokers are taking care of her. Where will she tirn up next?
Meant he should also throw his daughter out also seeing he's such a punk.
Why don't you grow a pair?? Anonymous
Mr Cody and his sister have very vocal against many on the BOE and never held back demeaning many BOE members. Believe much of that is political BS.
Being an ethical human being and a man of science, Dr. Shallop didn't realize that this is Middletown- where the cream never rises to the top- at least not for long.
Several very astute and influential Democrats and also astute Republicans with ethical standards serve on the Monmouth County Board of Taxation. KC Bjelka best behave herself and control her vicious tongue or she won't serve long on that board.
Political vendettas have no place in that arena . Nor do they have a place in the affairs of education of our young people in any community ,least of all in Middletown. Seems a couple of citizens have become too big for their britches or think they are ! Dangerous,that's what this conduct is !
Anon 7:31, political vendettas have no place anywhere.
Pray tell, Anon 10:13 am, what lies were told at the podium? Stories about his dedication? His long hours? How he inspired students not only in the sciences but in life in general? Who told the lies? The students or the alumni? Dr. Cartier? The math teacher? The english teacher? Was it Mr Foulks, a third generation Middletown alumni and current teacher who made a 400 mile round trip in the middle of his vacation to speak for Doc? If you are going to say people lied, tell us who and how they lied. Otherwise go back to whatever dark hole you crawled out of.
The bottom line in my opinion is that, it was done at this time because many people could not attend, Dr. Schallop said NO to the wrong parent. All you need to do is upset one politically connected parent and you are done for especially if you are non tenured. Rumors and lies spread and before you know it you are boxed in.
People with children in the Middletown School System should not be allowed to run for the BOE.It is sad to say I do not know which is worse arrogance or ignorance, when you put both together you do not have anything good. People when running for office most of the time have their own agendas and to hell with everyone else.
"If there truly were teachers that were there who were _not_ in support of him, why didn't they speak up?'
Ah, maybe because he was their boss at the time, and if he was not terminated it could have been,let's just say, a little uncomfortable for them.
There were teachers in the back and one in front who did not stand and cheer when the rest did.
Regardless of how many supporters or critics attended, teh fact is they don't know why he was being terminated.
It's nice for people to show support but it doesn't change anything. He srewed up twice. First doing whatever he did to get fired and then by not resigning and thinking his friends could save his job.
I have been told the next administrators targeted for removal by Joan and Pat are the school principal's of both Lincroft Elementary and Thompson Middle School. The reason you might ask?Both were hired by Karen. The above are systematically cleansing the system of anyone hired by Karen. Will these removals be the straw that finally breaks the camels back and wakes up the good people of Middletown. More later
to anon 9:35
There is no black mark on Doc's character or professional reputation because he did not resign. The entire tri-state area knows that Middletown is nuts when it comes to education. Being terminated from Middletown by a former gym teacher and a high school drop out is hardly indicative of anything negative. I predict Doc will land on his feet in another district that will appreciate him. And you will be still sitting with your thumb tucked somewhere dark, wondering why South continues to drop in the state rankings.
Screwed up twice? You mean he treated the child of a politically connected individual the same as every other student and then refused to resign when the morally corrupt administrators found it easier to bend to the self important and vindictive parent?
Maybe the Republican protection racket in this town will continue to get re-elected year after year, but I rather be a political loser than be associated with people who will stop at nothing for self aggrandizement.
Justin.
You are absolutely right but tell that to the persons mentioned here that are responsible for the attacks on Dr. Shallop.
Politics in Middletown has become a BLOOD SPORT and these people are in the thick of it. They use character assassination and defamation to get their way. Don't care who they hurt or HOW !!!
I don't normally read nor respond to blogs...here's my concern; in this age of accountability and "highly qualified" regarding teachers and administrators, I find it highly impalpable that members of Boards of Education, who are responsible for make ultimate decisions regarding education and our children, need only to meet three criteria: 1) be literate, 2) be a resident of the district, and 3) be a registered voter. They need no experience/knowledge in education or business. Sooo, less than "highly qualified" citizens are supposeldy making "sound, informed" decisions. Middletown has lost many "highly qualified" adminstrators/central office personnel, starting with the loss of the Business Adminstrator, Superintendent, Assisstant Superintendent, District directors, etc. In my experience, people don't choose to leave postions if they like what they are doing, feel as though they are making a difference, are respected, and can work effectively with all stakeholders. Obviously, this was not the case with the people who have chosen to leave. Has anyone given any thought to this? The distirct is running with a skeleton crew. Wake up Middletown. We need educated people who can work for the good of the community/education and support the work of highly qualifed educators!I am concerned for the education of my own children, our home values, and the reputation of Middletown Schools. Quality leadership is needed at all levels, including the Board of Education. Stop the nonsense!
Doc will be fine. Doc doesn't need Middletown, Middletown needed him. What a sad situation for our kids.
The person that said teachers secretly were against Shallop just too afraid to speak about their boss is so wrong. The BOE is the boss of very teacher that spoke and they all said there were against the BOE's decision. Thats why their stance against the BOE shows the respect that Shallop had. There were teachers of all disciplines I would know because I had the teachers you did not and just made stuff up.
On the Cody thing he was at the meeting laying low, but stay after all the Shallop supporters left. I wish I stay and saw if he said anything to the BOE.
If Cody was there you know he had something to do with it, why would he be bothered to go to a meeting in the middle of the summer. I think we all know what is going on. Or maybe not we are all stupid and we do not know whats going on. It's been going on for a long time. Parents run the school, if you do not get what you want, you keep all the good people fired until you find someone that you can stick their hand up their butt and work him or her like a puppet. That's why there will never, ever be a long term principal at high school south.
http://independent.gmnews.com/
news/2008-07-02/front_page/006.html
According to this old article in The Independent, Ms. Caminiti, either out of exasperation or for other reasons, proposed to this individual that he be hired as a consultant while she served on the BOE. Given her prior dealings with this person, should she not have recused herself from this matter?
As angry as I am at these board members, we need to make sure we don't inadvertently assist an even worse group of folk riding in on a wave of anger- look back at some of the past candidates and you'll understand.
http://independent.gmnews.com/news/2008-09-25/front_page/020.html
Minnuies apparently had past dealings with him too in yet another matter where "things suddenly changed" to the benefit of this person when the Board got involved. How many more instances constitute a pattern?
Should she not have recused herself in the Shallop matter too? This reminds me of a loose gorilla getting out in the zoo- just toss the bananas and run.
If he is the cause of this do not patronize his jewelry store.
Reminds one of the back to basic shenanigans and how low the BOE sunk in those days and how the kids in Middletown were short changed. Just more of that same nonsense.
Never believe those people are not behind the politics involved in this current situation. Some are capable of anything to gain power and authority. Just read the newspapers,one TC member wants to pay for education with the sales tax. Education of the children in this community is not important to that man but power is ! Speaks like and acts like a despot if ever there was one.
The gullible voters in this community had better wake up because this bullshit is destroying the quality of education and the school system in Middletown.
Boards of education are required to be apolitical...not happening in this town. All the administration of Middletown wanrs to do is control the money. To hell with education! It ain't happening here!
The jokers serving in this town should be tarred and feathered on the lawn at town hall.
Integrity,honesty,ethics and morality are virtues that seem to escape most of the individuals involved in this mess.
Wow! This issue has folks really riled up!
I can't remember if the DHB supported the former School Superintendent or not. After all, she kept on raising taxes in a biiiig way, so they must have wanted her gone, right?
Then they voted against last year's school budget and voted in the new school board.
But now - all of a sudden - they are against the BOE they wanted?
Now they are in favor of administrators and their salaries?
Funny, that.
My understanding is that the former South Principal failed to get his proper certification, and thus, was not able to stay.
In any event, the new Superintendent has the right to make appointments as he wishes, right?
Let the man do his job. You will get a chance next April to make changes you see fit to make - if you can muster up the votes...
Vinny Brand said legal reasons prevented the board from saying what the personnel issue is. For the sake of the community Doc Shallop should clear the air himself. Not sure of union/legal rules and how they affect the situation (anyone know?)...but we have been through enough in this town. Schools would benefit if that many people showed up to every BOE meeting.
For years budgets passed and the previous BOE's had money flowing in from property taxes and a little from the state. Yet, our district allegedly had a high number of cases for special needs kids going to mediation and elementary schools needed repairs. Have heard many say...where is all that money going? The schools that have the most perks got them through their own fundraising. Now, with budget cutbacks and last years failed budget this BOE is making improvements and trying to fix schools and support technology plan. The board and admin (at least under Pagano) finally seemed to be heading in the right direction. May not want to vote this board out just yet.
The Cody that owns the jewelry store is not the subject discussed here,the jewelry store is owned by Jim's brother,a far different persona.
Looks like the victory party just broke up at the Lincroft Inn- did you enjoy the family special?
Wonder where Legion's understanding of the facts comes from? One has to wonder why he was renewed a few months ago if he didn't have the proper certification and what would have prompted the Board to go back and revisit the issue?
Isn't Legion non other than Cody's sister,widely known as Sharfey's cheerleader ? That should answer your question anonymous 6:18 p.m..
Vicious seems to be synonymous with the Cody name.
Always remember "those who laugh last,laugh loudest". This ain't over till it's over as Yoggie said many times.
Pat Hueston is an "interim Appointee". THANK GOD he's not permanent !!
Four Boe members are to be elected next year and one of those positions currently belongs to Joan Minnuies.......need I say anymore ?
This woman has to GO !
TWO THIRDS OF YOUR TAX DOLLARS ARE BEING MANAGED BY THESE INEPT CHARACTERS.
ARE YOU SATISFIED MIDDLETOWN PARENTS AND TAXPAYERS ??
GOD HELP US ALL !!!
Just to be clear...
Again, you have no idea who I am, except as Legion, that is...
Y'all should pick some names just so we know who the various "Anon's" are.
Makes things more fun.
Legion,
Don't want to know you....know enough to know that for sure !!!
Replying to Legion...heard it was a certification issue too. I guess previous admin was ok with it, but the new people want the certification.
It was NOT a certification issue. It came down to he didn't have tenure. When you don't have tenure, your employment is the choice of the super and BOE. How do I know it wasn't certification? Because it would have been illegal for him to be principal without the proper certification. The state would have been all over it as well as the unions (both teacher and administration). Simple as that.
The wackos and lunatics in this community are running government into the ground. Taxpayers and parents wake up and start paying attention. It's your children who will suffer from the actions of these inept characters in every facet of government today in Middletown and especially on this BOE.This is reminiscent of the "Back to Basics" era and we all know where that led. Firmly believe some of those same characters and their politician friends are alive,well,and responsible for this fiasco.
You get what you pay for and this gang of wingnuts are trying to destroy all the efforts of the last six years or so of a BOE that acted responsibly,with integrity and intelligence. The cost here is the quality of your child's education and that impacts on your child's future !
Damn glad my own kids are adults and not subject to the asinine behavior of this current BOE that appears to be solely for political purposes. The BOE president should be given a one way ticket out of Middletown and the carpetbaggers and wingnuts in government should leave with her.
All you parents who voted party lines.....are you happy now ???
Agreed, it definitely was not a certification issue. The district would never hire anyone, teacher or administrator that was not certified for the position they were filling, it is illegal.
It’s time to do the math.
Mr. Kelly retired from south. Why did the board hire an interim principal for an entire year? In a year they couldn’t find a replacement? Why didn’t they look?
Speaking of certifications, what teacher obtained his administrator’s certification during that year?
Why is that that after a year, out of all the qualified applicants from within the district and from outside the district, the board thought the best person to head one of the largest and one of the most important schools in the district would be someone who brought zero administrative experience to the table?
Have you ever heard of a teacher being promoted to head a large high school without having any prior experience in administration? Most principals are brought up through the system. They start out as teachers, gain some experience, move on to a low level administrative position, gain some experience, eventually land a principal position in a grammar or middle school and eventually, maybe, they get a shot at one of the most important administrative positions, principal of a high school.
Now jump ahead two and a half years. There is a change of the guard on the BOE and this principal is in trouble. He decides that rather than use the union lawyer at his disposal for free he will rally the troops and try to save his job in the court of public opinion. Why is it that he will not say why he was fired? Why was he so convinced that he had the political clout to make the board change their minds?
Why is it that three ex-board members who have not attended a board meeting since they left show up last Wednesday night and are compelled to fight for this guy’s job? And who on the current board was in the minority opinion?
I would suggest that when you can answer all of these questions, it will become crystal clear why Dr. Shallop is now an ex-administrator who will return to the classroom. And in the process I think you will also understand why Middletown has recently lost no less than its top five administrators with more to follow.
Hopefully the new superintendent will recognize the crisis situation created by this and past BOE’s in Middletown and demand that they obey the code of ethics that they swear to abide by.
I was at the meeting. Dr. Shallop did have his union lawyer. What are you talking about that he didn't use his union lawyer?
Is there any doubt as to the man's achievements in his short time? The fact that he didn't come up through the system was exactly what made him an excellent leader. No, instead you will get administrators who haven't taught in years. THAT'S much better. The current system is broken. Cronyism runs rampant. And the kids suffer.
Anonymous 10:59,
It is crystal clear that intelligent,talented and ethical administrators with integrity do not want to work in this town . They do not want to risk the bizarre behavior of this insane asylum that is currently Middletown's BOE.
Good talented administrators can work anywhere and they do not need to subject their professional and personal lives to the whims of the lunacy that reigns on the Middletown BOE today.
I can well understand Legion trying to focus on certification or some other pretext for what occurred. After all, how do people live in a community where so many are now aware that the educational interests of their children have been sacrificed to appease the whims of one loud and persistent complainer? It was bad enough when this focused on football fields, but now this outside influence has been allowed to impact what occurs within the classrooms.
Legion, just because you post one thing under your name and another under anonymous does not mean your posts are not recognized. No doubt the board bears its share of responsibility, but it is pretty apparent from your posts and past actions that much of your PR is designed to inflame public opinion against the Board to the point they will vote in any group of TC approved hacks to replace them. No doubt this weighed heavily in everything that transpired-manipulating events for political gain is nothing new in your world.
After reading 10:59, we can rest easy that the Township Committee has finally handed out the script. Trouble is, too many of us were there to believe it this time.
Legion is just one of the many lunatics,politically connected (or she thinks so) who doesn't give a damn who she hurts or how ! Has one of most dysfunctional personalities in this town!
"The fact that he didn't come up through the system was exactly what made him an excellent leader."
Great idea! I think we should make lack of experience a requirement for all future hires!!!
Want a job?
The fact that the union lawyer was present at the board meeting does not mean he represented Dr. Shallop in talks with the BOE. In fact I understand that Dr. Shallop chose not to use the union lawyer, or any lawyer for that matter.
I know he DID use the union lawyer because when Ed Begley, I mean the BOE attorney, called Doc into closed session, the first thing both Doc and the board attorney did was to call over the union attorney who was sitting in the back of the room to join them. Then the union attorney met with Doc before they returned to the auditorium. The union attorney was from either the NJASA or the NJPSA, I think.
Well that was an unscheduled meeting with the board. At a previous meeting Dr. Shallop declined representation.
Regarldless, the fact that there was a lawyer involved to some degree indicates that the board must have had reasonable cause to dismiss him, wouldn't you agree? He is after all a public employee and therefore has certain rights.
All I know is that South really could have done some special things next year. As a future senior next year, Doc seemed like he was doing best to restore South failing academic status. He worked with the NHS while he was one vacation, something he clearly did not have to do. He was a judge in the science fair, another thing he did not have to do. From what I understand this is routed from a certain students locker being searched, which I had heard of during the year. Obviously I never thought that could possibly lead to Doc being terminated as principle. If rumours are true, then the student who caused all of this should be ashamed.
What I fail to understand here, is how people cannot put two and two together to understand why Doc cannot speak. If this issue really does involve a student, he or she is protected by privacy laws. If Doc breaks them, he could be terminated as teacher. The BOE has him trapped.
The BOE needs to not just keep the parents informed, but the students as well. To those of you who will surely come up with the easy solution by saying "go to every meeting" that is far easier said than done. Students have sports, work, and countless other activities that take up pretty much most of their time after school. I believe that the BOE should report to say, the student councils, of both South and North, of each meetings occurence behind closed doors. We do ahve a right to know after all.
Obviously work needs to be done here. Students at South are not happy, and the BOE will here from them again.
1.) The Board of Education accepts bribes....
2.) Dr Shallop deserves his Job?
3.) The ruling was unjust with out probable cause.
4.) He was doing a wonderful job although it appears no one really knows him directly.
5.) The school system is corrupt
This seems to be like late nights top ten list...
6.) Dr Shallop had no experience as an Admin
7.) Never made any commitments to be involved in budgetary actions.
8.) Studied the periodic table of elements but was not taught how to be diplomatic as an Official of the BOE and follow procedures and guidelines...
9.) He is a Doctor yet his bed side manners do not reflect that he has any skills in communication.
10.) He admits he was not qualified for the position as principal and was happy to go back to his science class...
Many qualifications like Barack Obama.
No, don't believe there is JUST cause
for this action and the only reason is lack of tenure and the fact that the arrogance of Scharfenberger & Fiore and Co.on the TC are leading this fiasco. They are capable of anything....ANYTHING to control the money that is the BOE's to manage.
That's what this is about!
Who are they going to intimidate next and what are they going to lie about next? The BOE president is just one more of the patsies they use who are too stupid to know any better.
Y'all can keep guessing that you know who I am, but it just makes you look silly.
The changeover on the BOE was at the behest of the taxpayers. The citizens of the township voted the new BOE in place.
I KNOW some of y'all don't much like democracy because you can't win an election, but I would hope that all of us would respect the fact that the voters have spoken.
I know very little about school board issues because my attention is elsewhere, but to imply that this new BOE is incompetent just because they aren't doing the same things that the booted out BOE did just kind of confirms that your moaning is all about sour grapes because you lost the election.
I never heard a good thing about the former superintendent and the BOE that left with her.
Legion, if your little "friend" who is posting party line nonsense here and on Facebook isn't silly I don't know what is. Keep trying.
Four spots on the BOE up for grabs in April 2012.....do you think the parents and voters in Middletown can be as stupid and gullible as they were in 2010 ?
This is not about politics,it's about the education of our kids or lack thereof. That is what a democracy does,it educates it's young,but of course the Republican dictators in Middletown haven't gotten that message yet.
Legion, you are retarded. Democracy doesn't work because not everyone is an educated voter, and not everyone votes. We all realize that these crooks were allowed to be elected due to inaction, and now we are taking action. Sometimes the vocal mass does not speak for the right thing.
It appears the dysfunction is the entire speculation taken place.
My question would be to Dr. Shallop, how long have you been aware of the board meeting???
If there was no wrong doing why didn't Doc make it public knowledge sooner???
Why are there so many statements being made that would not validate the demotion of Doctor Shallop???
Let's get past the conspiracy theories and someone please tell us the facts...
Many supporters were there according to the statements being made; does anyone know what they were supporting Dr. Shallop for???
Alcohol, Drugs, students or teachers, what are the facts???
Please share the facts and the cause for demotion...
Got to love that quote "Anon at 11:05"
"We all know democracy doesn't work..."
What a sad commentary.
How about it Mike - is that your view too?
What about it DHB?
Legion.
If you are going to quote someone...do it accurately. Not your version.the actual quote "Democracy doesn't work because no everyone is an educated voter and not everyone votes".There's plenty of truth in that statement !
Everyone who disagrees with you is a DHB.....who in hell are you referring to anyway ? There are plenty of people who do not agree with you in this township. PLENTY !!
I'm sure that democracy comment was written by a Middletown student. Of course their opinion is understandable - as kids under age 18 growing up in this Republican hack factory, they probably have never seen uncorrupted democracy at work in their lifetime.
Nonsense.
The important part of that sentence was "democracy doesn't work," it wasn't "democracy works better if voters are educated (which I agree with, btw) or "democracy seems not to work if voters aren't educated..."
The poster said "democracy does not work..." That is partisan BS.
If people voted blindly your way you wouldn't much care whether they were educated or not, would you?
But because the voters of Middletown don't vote the way you want, "democracy doesn't work..."
That's pathetic and scary to think that some people would believe that, would be that partisan, to seriously consider replacing our democracy with... what? An oligarchy? A theocracy?
Do tell. Since, in your minds, "democracy doesn't work," what would you replace it with?
And Mike, I'd STILL like to see you speak up for democracy on your own blog, especially you seem to be a Democrat...
Legion, perhaps you are tired, but that remark was not made by Middletown Mike. But readers do have to wonder why you spend so much time trying to distract attention from the issue at hand. Context matters- but not to someone whose stock and trade is distorting facts for political gain.
Mike's blog speaks for itself- the mere fact that he gives an open forum to everyone- students, parents, democrats, independents, republicans- yes, even republican hacks, shows his commitment to democracy. You have only to read Mike's "about me" part of the blog, in which he invokes JFK's famous words about liberalism, to understand his commitment to democratic principles. But it's quite different than yours madam -it actually extends to other people.
Look, as already posted, people are getting away from the basis of what's wrong here. Yes, Doc got fired, but he wasn't tenured, and the BOE had the right to remove him and replace him, ableit perhaps a foolhardy decision.
To all of the parents, taxpayer, and Legion, one things needs to be clear. Almost every student at that BOE meeting left it very dissapointed and dissatisfied. Many were irked about the BOE decision to remove Doc. What really set them off however, was the fact that they made us wait until 11PM to speak, even though our opinions clearly had no effect on the situation. We were basically looked down upon the entire meeting, and many of us were displeased.
Something that everyone needs to realize is there are some very intelligent students currently at South, who are willing to speak with BOE members, and anyone else who is in charge of making the decisions that affect our school. We deserve a voice in all of this too.
Anon at 7:03
Nice words in defense of Mike, but how about in defense of democracy?
I am a liberal Democrat, although I am more moderate when it comes to taxes and financial issues. The idea that some who profess to being Democrats would make statements like "democracy doesn't work" is astonishing to me.
I would expect that posters would decry such statements rather than support them.
That shows the true colors of the people who submit to this blog regularly, no?
Legion. We already have a dictatorship in Middletown run by five despots and overseen by your "king". Get your head out of your backside for a change and see the light !
You are wrong if you think everyone in Middletown is either republican or a democrat. The majority are Independents and vote that way and remember school boards are supposed to be apolitical.
Legion,
YOU ARE A FRIGGING REPUBLICAN.Every time you open your mouth you insert your foot in it. WHO DO YOU REALLY THINK YOU'RE KIDDING ?????
To anonymous 7:43...totally respect having everyone's voices heard. The previous board and Karen Bilbao would have chewed up and spit out every student, teacher and parent in line. Mrs. Bilbao never answered questions whether in person at meetings or via email. Sure she had a reply but it NEVER answered any questions asked. It is a relief to have regime change. Be careful what we wish for.
Legion,
One family does not constitute the 'behest of the taxpayers " .
Conspicuous how your arrogance and ignorance has clearly gone to your head. Ever hear of the "peter principal" and rising to a level of incompetence?
Many good people in this town are waiting to see that family finally held responsible in a court of law for their attacks on others for political and personal reasons. That time will come !
anon 5:04 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.
Anon 7:21PM
It really is sad what is going on here. Take the argument with Legion and many of the posters on here. They are so quick to deviate from the most important issues and shift them to there own political agendas, thinking that people will follow suite and not notice.
I may still be a student, but that doesn't mean I am not smart enough to see right through political games. The BOE needs to realize that many of the most intelligent people are driven out of Middletown Public Schools to private institutions such as CBA and RBC for this very reason. So quick was everyone to jump from how the students were completely mistreated and ignored to the issue of the political vendettas and divisions of Middletown.
I just want to make it clear that there are many students who understand what is going on, and are going to do their very best to try and change things for their benefit.
After all, it is our education.
Anonymous 10:10,
You are going to need the help of your parents and the people in Middletown who care about your education and our school system and our town . That is going to take involvement in fixing the sick politics in this town.
It is going to take time to fix what this current BOE has broken clearly for political reasons.To think
otherwise is only an exercise in frustration and only serves to deceive oneself. That is the truth of the matter.
Had I known what a politically-motivated, one-sided group of individuals resided in and ran this town, I never would have moved here and put children through this school district. Disgraceful, lacking any sincerity and two-faced phonies abound! Residents - take a real close line-by-line look at the budgets and you'll be amazed! When you vote yes for the budget, you really don't know what you are voting for! If you do not belong to the "clique", you are on the outside and forever remain. I'd rather be on the outside than within the inner circle of morons that permeate this municipality! Stand-up comedians abound and not just a BOE member!! Who knew?
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