Showing posts with label Harmony School. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Harmony School. Show all posts
Thursday, October 23, 2014
Sunday, November 3, 2013
Let's Not Forget, There Are School Board Elections On Tuesday Also
As most of you know by now, Tuesday is Election Day and along with voting for who you'd like to be the next Governor of NJ or who will represent Middletown on its Township Committee, we will also be voting for 3 people to serve on the Middletown Board of Education(BOE). It's important that voters educate themselves about the ten individuals who are seeking seats on the BOE this year. Of the 10 people running this year 3 are incumbents and it's questionable in my mind as to whether or not they should be reelected.
Back on October 23rd, I attended the "Meet the BOE Candidates" night sponsored by the Harmony School PTO. I've been meaning to post about it since but was waiting to until after the second candidate night that I had heard was coming up but didn't know the date. As it turns out the second candidates night was held over in Lincroft last week and I missed it, oh well.
That being said, its been nearly two weeks since I attended that candidates night at Harmony School so a lot isn't fresh in my mind as to what was discussed, however, Middletown Patch posted a column on the night a couple of days later. The one flaw that I have with the article though is that it dwelt on a very small portion of the meeting, which was whether or not the school board should have given Middletown Superintendent of Schools, Dr. William George, merit pay. The night's event touched on much more than just Dr. George's pay, people were interested in a number of different issues ranging from redistricting and class size to properly preparing our kids for the future and turf fields. Nevertheless, I recommend you read it and the comments that follow the article to see what people where saying afterwards about the night and the candidates.
Another good source on this year's BOE election is this weeks article in the Independent, "Board of Education candidates focus on taxes, curriculum" . The Independent sent a couple of questions to the candidates via email and posted the responses from 9 of the 10 candidates ( Bob Banta being the only candidate not to respond).
Finally, another source for information (opinion) on the Middletown Board of Education and this week's election is the Middletown Reader Forum on NJ.com. Read the posts dated from October 20th through today. The comments are impassioned and enlightening in both positive and negative aspects of the BOE and those seeking election this year.
Before anyone asks, if you are wondering who will be the 3 people I'll be voting for the BOE this year, I'll tell you right now, I'm not telling.
I'm not telling, not because I'm worried who will know who I'm voting for and support and therefore endorse. I'm not telling simply because I'm not sure yet who I'll be voting for. There are pros and cons with each candidate that I still need to weigh.
However, I can tell you who I will not be voting for and why. I will not be voting for Chris Aveta or John Bennet.
Aveta is more worried about cutting costs in order to establish some "street cred:" with district taxpayer for a future run for Township Committee, than he is with the welfare of the districts school kids. John Bennet is barely out of high school, lives home with his parents and has never paid 1 nickel in property taxes in his life. Hell, he probably spends more time playing his XBox or PS4 than he does working or going to school himself. How can you possibly have a "kid" like Bennet making important decisions that involve the future of our children.
Also, Aveta and Bennet have each failed to properly support Superintendent George and his personal decisions. Aveta and Bennet were 2 of the group of 5, that voted against Dr. George's recommendation to hire school principal, Eric Paulson permanently at Harmony School. It took an overwhelming. outpouring of public support from members of the Harmony School community, teachers and colleagues to make them change their mind and re-vote in Paulson's favor.
So remember, Tuesday you'll also be voting for members to represent the community on the Middletown Board of Education. Take the time to learn about the candidates and the issues (as you should with all candidates seeking office) before pulling the leaver on Tuesday. For the kids sake, Middletown's children deserve an informed decision.
Back on October 23rd, I attended the "Meet the BOE Candidates" night sponsored by the Harmony School PTO. I've been meaning to post about it since but was waiting to until after the second candidate night that I had heard was coming up but didn't know the date. As it turns out the second candidates night was held over in Lincroft last week and I missed it, oh well.
That being said, its been nearly two weeks since I attended that candidates night at Harmony School so a lot isn't fresh in my mind as to what was discussed, however, Middletown Patch posted a column on the night a couple of days later. The one flaw that I have with the article though is that it dwelt on a very small portion of the meeting, which was whether or not the school board should have given Middletown Superintendent of Schools, Dr. William George, merit pay. The night's event touched on much more than just Dr. George's pay, people were interested in a number of different issues ranging from redistricting and class size to properly preparing our kids for the future and turf fields. Nevertheless, I recommend you read it and the comments that follow the article to see what people where saying afterwards about the night and the candidates.Another good source on this year's BOE election is this weeks article in the Independent, "Board of Education candidates focus on taxes, curriculum" . The Independent sent a couple of questions to the candidates via email and posted the responses from 9 of the 10 candidates ( Bob Banta being the only candidate not to respond).
Finally, another source for information (opinion) on the Middletown Board of Education and this week's election is the Middletown Reader Forum on NJ.com. Read the posts dated from October 20th through today. The comments are impassioned and enlightening in both positive and negative aspects of the BOE and those seeking election this year.
Before anyone asks, if you are wondering who will be the 3 people I'll be voting for the BOE this year, I'll tell you right now, I'm not telling.
I'm not telling, not because I'm worried who will know who I'm voting for and support and therefore endorse. I'm not telling simply because I'm not sure yet who I'll be voting for. There are pros and cons with each candidate that I still need to weigh.
However, I can tell you who I will not be voting for and why. I will not be voting for Chris Aveta or John Bennet.
Aveta is more worried about cutting costs in order to establish some "street cred:" with district taxpayer for a future run for Township Committee, than he is with the welfare of the districts school kids. John Bennet is barely out of high school, lives home with his parents and has never paid 1 nickel in property taxes in his life. Hell, he probably spends more time playing his XBox or PS4 than he does working or going to school himself. How can you possibly have a "kid" like Bennet making important decisions that involve the future of our children.
Also, Aveta and Bennet have each failed to properly support Superintendent George and his personal decisions. Aveta and Bennet were 2 of the group of 5, that voted against Dr. George's recommendation to hire school principal, Eric Paulson permanently at Harmony School. It took an overwhelming. outpouring of public support from members of the Harmony School community, teachers and colleagues to make them change their mind and re-vote in Paulson's favor.
So remember, Tuesday you'll also be voting for members to represent the community on the Middletown Board of Education. Take the time to learn about the candidates and the issues (as you should with all candidates seeking office) before pulling the leaver on Tuesday. For the kids sake, Middletown's children deserve an informed decision.
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
Meet Middletown's Board of Education Candidates Tonight
My wife was told about this last week but she couldn't confirm it for me and I could not find any announcements anywhere until this morning on Patch. I think I'll be there to check these guys out!
From Middletown Patch:
Want to learn more about the 10 candidates running for three Middletown Board of Education seats?
Here's your chance—a candidates night will be held from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday in the Harmony School’s all-purpose room, 100 Murphy Rd.
Sponsored by the Harmony School's PTO and the League of Women Voters of Greater Red Bank Area, residents will have the opportunity to meet and question the candidates up for a three-year board term.
The candidates are: Christopher J. Aveta, Bob Banta, John Bennett, Jr., Vincent S. Brand, Richard G. Campbell, Michael Craig, Rocco DelGuercio, Michael Donlon, Anastasia Millicker, and Michael J. Ostrander Jr.
From Middletown Patch:
Candidates night kicks off 7 p.m. at Harmony School
Want to learn more about the 10 candidates running for three Middletown Board of Education seats?
Here's your chance—a candidates night will be held from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday in the Harmony School’s all-purpose room, 100 Murphy Rd.
Sponsored by the Harmony School's PTO and the League of Women Voters of Greater Red Bank Area, residents will have the opportunity to meet and question the candidates up for a three-year board term.
The candidates are: Christopher J. Aveta, Bob Banta, John Bennett, Jr., Vincent S. Brand, Richard G. Campbell, Michael Craig, Rocco DelGuercio, Michael Donlon, Anastasia Millicker, and Michael J. Ostrander Jr.
Tuesday, June 4, 2013
Video: Middletown BOE Rehires Harmony Principal 5/21/13
This is old news but I promised to post video from the May 21st meeting of the Middletown Board of Education. It was at this meeting that the board made the unprecedented decision to reverse its prior decision to not rehire Harmony School principal Mr. Erik Paulson.
The BOE's earlier, unexplainable decision not to rehire Mr. Paulson against a stellar job performance review by School Superintendent Dr. William George, sparked anger and a major backlash against the BOE from the parents of Harmony School and its PTO.
This first video is of the public comments portion of the meeting where several people spoke on Mr. Paulson's behalf (but not before similar pleas were made to rehire district special education teacher Mr. Dilworth). Interestingly, in anticipation of those comments board president Chris Aveta, addressed those in attendance, compelled I suppose, to discuss Paulson's previous rehirings. Dr. George also spoke a few words about Mr. Paulson's situation before the floor was opened.
Mid-way through the comments, board member Jim Cody interrupted the proceedings and asked his fellow BOE members for a vote to enter into Executive Session to discuss the situation. Surprisingly, after the board was locked 4-4, board president Aveta broke from his colleagues who had initially voted against Paulson's rehiring and voted in favor of entering into Executive Session.
After being in Executive Session for over an hour, the second video shows BOE Attorney Mr. Parton addressed the audience to discuss what had happened in session, stating that new information concerning Mr. Paulson was brought to the attention of board members and because of the this new information the board would vote again on whether or not to rehire Mr. Paulson. The BOE then voted unanimously to do so. The floor was then opened back up to finished the public comments portion of the meeting that had been interrupted earlier
At the 9:05 mark of the second video a Mrs. Gyher (not sure of the spelling), who I believe was a district faculty member, scolded board president Aveta for his wrong and misleading remarks on school tenure (which many believe was behind the decision not to rehire Mr. Paulson). Mrs Gyher pointed out that it was not impossible to fire a teacher today and tenure was not for life as stated. Aveta backtracked slightly stating that it has been or would be to expensive or cost prohibitive for the district to fire a teacher so essentially tenure was for life (or something close to that effect).
The BOE's earlier, unexplainable decision not to rehire Mr. Paulson against a stellar job performance review by School Superintendent Dr. William George, sparked anger and a major backlash against the BOE from the parents of Harmony School and its PTO.
This first video is of the public comments portion of the meeting where several people spoke on Mr. Paulson's behalf (but not before similar pleas were made to rehire district special education teacher Mr. Dilworth). Interestingly, in anticipation of those comments board president Chris Aveta, addressed those in attendance, compelled I suppose, to discuss Paulson's previous rehirings. Dr. George also spoke a few words about Mr. Paulson's situation before the floor was opened.
Mid-way through the comments, board member Jim Cody interrupted the proceedings and asked his fellow BOE members for a vote to enter into Executive Session to discuss the situation. Surprisingly, after the board was locked 4-4, board president Aveta broke from his colleagues who had initially voted against Paulson's rehiring and voted in favor of entering into Executive Session.
After being in Executive Session for over an hour, the second video shows BOE Attorney Mr. Parton addressed the audience to discuss what had happened in session, stating that new information concerning Mr. Paulson was brought to the attention of board members and because of the this new information the board would vote again on whether or not to rehire Mr. Paulson. The BOE then voted unanimously to do so. The floor was then opened back up to finished the public comments portion of the meeting that had been interrupted earlier
At the 9:05 mark of the second video a Mrs. Gyher (not sure of the spelling), who I believe was a district faculty member, scolded board president Aveta for his wrong and misleading remarks on school tenure (which many believe was behind the decision not to rehire Mr. Paulson). Mrs Gyher pointed out that it was not impossible to fire a teacher today and tenure was not for life as stated. Aveta backtracked slightly stating that it has been or would be to expensive or cost prohibitive for the district to fire a teacher so essentially tenure was for life (or something close to that effect).
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
They're Singing In Harmony, Middletown BOE Changes Its Tune And Re-Hires Principal Paulson
It's been a long night! I just returned from tonight's exceptually long Middletown Board of Education meeting and I'm please to announce that Harmony School principal Erick Paulson, has been granted tenure and will remain as the school principal for many more years to come.
All the credit for his rehiring as principal of Harmony School goes to the many parents, teachers and fellow administrators who stood up, spoke out and showed their support for him over the past week and at tonight's meeting. Without the astounding show of support from all involved the Middletown Board of Education would not have been moved to change its mind.
There's an awful lot to talk about but at this time I'm a bit tired. I'm going to reflect on tonight's meeting a little and have video to post later.
But real quick though, here is what happened after the BOE came out of a special executive session to discuss whether or not to rehire (grant tenure) to Mr. Paulson.
The BOE came out of executive session @ ~ 11:45. Mr. Parton, the BOE's attorney, made a statement saying that there was some new information brought fourth during the session (but didn't say what it was). He made a statement that School Superintendent Dr. William George would like to amend his evaluation of Mr. Paulson to stated that he highly recommends his re-hire. After a motion was made to to amend the report and seconded, Mr. Parton didn't make it clear that they were voting to rehire Mr. Paulson, instead it seemed that they were voting on whether to have a vote or not. After all board members voted yes, Mr. Parton said Mr. Paulson was rehired.
Parton's statement had many confused at first but when those in the audience realized what had actually just happened - the BOE had voted unanimously to rehire Mr. Paulson - the crowd exploded with delight.
Tonight was totally out of character for the BOE, changing its position on something like this doesn't normally happen, but I'm glad it did! They got this one right.
Congratulations Mr. Paulson!
Middletown Patch has a brief article on tonight's meeting as well if you would like to check it out.
All the credit for his rehiring as principal of Harmony School goes to the many parents, teachers and fellow administrators who stood up, spoke out and showed their support for him over the past week and at tonight's meeting. Without the astounding show of support from all involved the Middletown Board of Education would not have been moved to change its mind.
There's an awful lot to talk about but at this time I'm a bit tired. I'm going to reflect on tonight's meeting a little and have video to post later.
But real quick though, here is what happened after the BOE came out of a special executive session to discuss whether or not to rehire (grant tenure) to Mr. Paulson.
The BOE came out of executive session @ ~ 11:45. Mr. Parton, the BOE's attorney, made a statement saying that there was some new information brought fourth during the session (but didn't say what it was). He made a statement that School Superintendent Dr. William George would like to amend his evaluation of Mr. Paulson to stated that he highly recommends his re-hire. After a motion was made to to amend the report and seconded, Mr. Parton didn't make it clear that they were voting to rehire Mr. Paulson, instead it seemed that they were voting on whether to have a vote or not. After all board members voted yes, Mr. Parton said Mr. Paulson was rehired.
Parton's statement had many confused at first but when those in the audience realized what had actually just happened - the BOE had voted unanimously to rehire Mr. Paulson - the crowd exploded with delight.
Tonight was totally out of character for the BOE, changing its position on something like this doesn't normally happen, but I'm glad it did! They got this one right.
Congratulations Mr. Paulson!
Middletown Patch has a brief article on tonight's meeting as well if you would like to check it out.
Monday, April 11, 2011
Meet And Greet Middletown School Board Candidates at Upcoming Candidate Forums
It's just 17 days before theApril 27th school board election is to be held and candidate signs are begining to sprout up around jug handles and shopping center all over the place.
This year, the field of candidates seeking a position on the Middletown Board of Education is extremely large, four positions are open and need to be filled due to three incumbants not seeking re-election and one resignation earlier this year.
There will be six candidates running for 3 three-year terms and three candidates running for one open seat for a one-year term. The six candidates seeking three- year terms are: Gerry Wexelberg, Bob Banta,John Macrae,Richard Morrill, Bob Superti and Barry Allan Travis.
While the three candidates looking to fill the one-year term will be: Leonora Caminiti, Ernest Donnelly,and Allan Burns. The winner of this seat will need to run again next year in order to gain a full three-year terms on the board.
There will be four Candidate Forums held before the April 27th school board election that give give voters an opportunity to meet and greet candidates starting tomorrow when two forums will be taking place, below is a list:
April 12th:
Sponsored by - Middletown Mornings
Place - Middletown Township Public Library @ 9:30 a.m.
Sponsored by - Lincroft PTA
Place - Lincroft Elementary School’s All Purpose Room @ 7:45 p.m.
April 14th:
Sponsored by -Harmony Elementary School PTO
Place - Harmony Elementary School’s All Purpose Room @7 p.m.
April 19th:
Sponsored by - Republican Club of Middletown and Executive Committee
Place - Lincroft Inn @ 7 p.m.
If you are unfamiliar with the candidate running this year and want a head start getting to know a few of them and their positions on school issue, there are some websites up and running that may help. Bob Banta and Gerry Wexelberg, Barry Allen Travis and John Macrae all have websites that introduce themsleves and let you know where they stand on school issues
I would also like to extend an invitation to all the candidate running for the Middletown Board of Education this year, to send an introduction letter with your thoughts and ideas of how you would make the Middletown school system and the education of our children better.
Send the letters to mikeinmiddletown@gmail.com and I will post them to the blog as they come in.
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