Change: From The Inside Out!

Too often we refer to the BOE as though it is one entity but in reality there are 10 members; 9 elected and 1 for-pay (non-voting). I get that they must work as a cohesive unit, but what I don't get is why they have traded in their independent thinking for misguided, haughty, Mussolini-like decision making. They vote in a block and we all know it; and – they know we know it. There are always two (2) that stand on the truth and merit of the situation, while the others kowtow to what equates to the music man.

They remind me of an ill-fated couple who tries to hide the dissension between them from the children, meanwhile one is never home, and when they are home they are rarely in the same room together -- as if the children would never notice.

I say enough with the pretense! Enough with the carnival like atmosphere! Enough with the polished words and duplicitous intentions! Enough with forgetting who IS the focus of our efforts! Enough, ENOUGH, ENOUGH!

I spent the last 4 years trying to work the other side of the room. Hoping and praying I could get somewhere with the Board of Education members. I’ve sent them letters directly, which they ignored, spoke to some individually much to no avail, addressed them publically yet 20 ears managed to discount the cries of a citizen in search of a better education for their child.

Well folks the time has come for Renata Annette Hernandez to do what she tried to do from the outside…make the move to the inside!

That’s right – you heard it here first folks -- I’m running for the Plainfield Board of Education!

Vote Renata in for 2010

~Change: From the Inside ---> Out!~

Prep It Up Yall!

So-- I've just finished reading the policies in scope for this coming Tuesday’s meeting. Policies are really a peculiar thing. One would expect that they would be concise, specific and very directive in meaning, structure and application. Right?

Just do me and yourself a favor and read the policies; see Maria’s posting from last week – she provides links to all the policies. Make sure to take note of the various entities that have responsibility for the specific regulations within the document.

For example, one policy actually states it is the Business Administrator’s responsibilities to ensure receipt and accuracy of employee certification records. Now – that’s a new factoid!

Given the most recent CN headline, I do expect that the “conversation” with regard to policies will be very “funneled” so please do not come expecting for the BOE to relate said policies with anything that has recently occurred in the district, nor allow you and/or I to do so either. But then again – I would nevVah think of such a thing; imagine mapping behavior to policy or policy to expectations and outcomes. What do you think this is?!!

I’m not a lawyer, but I have it on good advice that they (the BOE) will tread very carefully when it comes to any association with said policies versus recent actions by the CSA’s employment exploits. And “Exploits” is a MOST APPROPRIATE term here my friends.

Do come though…may haps we will get the Board to agree to establish a policy committee where members of the public can help craft, draft, review and implement sound regulatory guidance documents.

Hey it’s the season for hopeful thinking --Ain't It!!!

The Group That Keeps on Giving...

We cannot (or at least should not) be at all surprised about the most recent headlines. And, unlike Ms. Centuolo – neither am I surprised at the intensity by which this community has objected to this latest display of self-indulging, self-serving dictates.

Had she (Centuolo) been listening over the past year she would have not only anticipated this trifling fiasco, but she would have addressed it last year when the issue first came across her desk. So how many letters does it take to "MOVE" the consciousness of our county and state educational watchdogs?

You cannot, that is to say YOU CAN NOT continue to disrespect, marginalize or disenfranchise a group of PROFESSIONALS without their being a colossal revolt. That is psychology and human nature 101!

And so now you have what we have -- An Investigation!

SOW and REAP!

Next...

I need a few points of clarity as regards this latest CN article. According to it the ladies now have “Supervisory” certificates as advised by PPS Administration (note who’s telling whom), however according to DSGIII on 11/17 and his disclosure of “the process” they would only qualify for a STANDARD certificate per the current certification process. Thus, they are qualified to TEACH in a CLASSROOM or take on a position in which supervisory certification was not required (i.e. their current modified positions). So – which is it? Somebody help a sister get all the facts here?

… you spin a web…you get all tangled up in it…and the wider you cast it the more you have to CONTROL the players, but really the web become more vulnerable to the winds of consciousness conjured up by the outcry of a people done unjustly and eventually one will turn and then another and another and another…

SOW and REAP!

And Finally...

So let’s fast forward to Jan. 5th’s meeting where the conversation will be about our HR Policy, and that’s nice, but I don’t want to be talked to [at] anymore. I want to have a true conversation. I want to be able to say, whoa wait – please explain what is meant by the following; for example in Policy #4211, Section B, specifically – “All candidates must have training and/or actual work experience in the vacant position, and an acceptable level of proficiency.” Please clarify “ACTUAL WORK EXPERIENCE and ACCEPTABLE LEVEL". (NOTE TO READERS –this policy is NOT listed for discussion, but I read it and I have some questions that directly relate to the most recent appointments. Now how in the world did this get left off of the list for discussion? Hmmm!) However, this may fall under the “…and any other policies that may be deemed necessary for review.” Point of personal privilege – this public would like to ask that HR Policy #4211 be added to the agenda for discussion.

For this meeting to really mean something I will need to be able to get a point by point explanation of what certain policy language means. After all – these are the rules of engagement that govern our elected and for-pay leadership right?

Let’s not do this half mast - -Okay—just to say “well we’ve reached out to the people.” I want an intellectually stimulating conversation with some solid answers and understanding so that when I leave there…I either understand clearly what these policies mean or we have scheduled another session to further explore and explain these policies. In fact, I would venture a guess that there is NO WAY one session could possibly resolve all and/or clarify the policies in scope, but we shall see.

The S&R Principle...

As I looked through my Blog postings over this past year, the initial excitement of a new year, in this particular instance, the installation of the first African American President, pervaded this blogger’s heart as well as millions of other proud Americans. The momentum continued as our President laid out his plans for his first year in office, and at the top of his list was re-engineering the educational system in this country.

Now how would I spend my 365 days in 2009 to support this lofty, yet worthwhile initiative?

Sowing and Reaping!

I do believe in the biblical principle of sow and reap. I have seen the manifestations in my own little world to doubt its truths. It is more than just an intention to do well or rightly; it is the actual act of putting forth, planting, reaching forward to create and/or change both the circumstance and outcome of a situation.

I have spent the last 10 months nurturing and mentoring a group of lady princesses (PPS Students I might add) for whom I am now having the honor of watching them grow in their sisterhood. Sow – Reap!

I have spent countless days, weeks, months and years instilling in my daughter the value of education, hard work, and preparation and I am privileged to see her take a firm hold of her voice to speak out and speak up for what she believes in. I have had the pleasure of being consumed by the joy and wonderment of answering her hard put questions about the nature of man, the discord in our school district and the humanitarian causes of charity and unity and sisterhood. Sow – Reap!

I have watched a district open the doors to a school focused on the “whole” child and I continue to be amazed at the energy and enthusiasm by which the staff, students and administrator greet each day as the hope of new beginnings and promise fills their hearts. Sow – Reap!

I’ve watched a district’s positive momentum unravel in the last few months as it became bogged down and mired in the muck of untruths, questionable practices, disrespectful treatment and unconscionable acts of arrogance, ignorance and self-centered dictates. This is not just a wound, but rather a scar that will be worn throughout the entire reign of the current administration. Sow – Reap!

The most astonishing thing about the Sow and Reap principle is that you don’t have to “believe” in it or even consciously practice it…for it to take effect. It is what it is and does what it does! You can’t negate it, shake it, duck it, or counteract it. The best any of us can do is sow well and reap greatly!

You will soon be granted 365 days of opportunity to make a difference in this city "WE" call home -- So what will you Sow...and leave for the reaping?

Nothing Left BUT The REAPING!

As I prepare to enter a new year with new hopes, new ideas and new energy I was wondering how many Plainfielders believe in the principle of Sow and Reap. Or how about Karma; you get out of the universe what you put in.  Every Dog Has Their Day.  Payback is a B****.

How do you reflect on your year's accomplishments, defeats, lessons and loses? 

I'll tell you my thoughts on this tomorrow, but I would really like to hear how some of you prepare for a new year or NOT.

Send me a note or two...looking forward to reading it.

Ciao for now!

**Tootles**

Well My Reader-Friend -- I'm signing off for Christmas! I'm going to spend the next 3 days with those folks over there on the right of this blog, as well as my lovey and my hubby.  These are the people who keep me sane, grounded and full of life.

I wish you all your heart's desire for this Christmas plus one added surprise.

May your days be sunny & bright -- and may All YOUR Christmases be BRIGHT!

Feliz Navidad!

Fondly,
Renata

Are You Excited?

I am excited about the prospect of this upcoming meeting in the NEW YEAR. 

Plainfield --please make sure you checkout the HR policies that will be reviewed AND take note of the ones that will NOT be discussed, but you feel is relevant to the topic. 

Remember --our job is to do our OWN homework and come to the table PREPARED -- otherwise they will run amok!

Maria, as usual, has provided some outstanding links to the policies in scope for your convenience -- please avail yourselves of this one stop shop.  Additionally, make sure to pull the BOE agenda which list the policies to be discussed.

We've got work to do!

Ciao!

And in Conclusion.

And so the story goes…


There was never an “ending” to this parable as is the case with our District. There are simply “understandings”that we come away with when all is said and done.

The Victim in this story represents the students, parents, teachers, and community – running out of time and facing the uncertainty of a sound future.

The Officer is the consciousness of the community/stakeholders – wanting to do the right thing, willing to do the right thing and asking questions in search of the truth.

The Perp – Our District Administration/BOE – staying within the letter of the law but carelessly and callously disregarding the well-being of the ENTIRE community as they make and take decisions with a myopic view and understanding of the impact it will have on the WHOLE.

The Witnesses are those members of this community who continue to sit on the sidelines, get feed information third and fourth hand and despite their lack of involvement will not and cannot escape the emotional and economic cost of the current state of our school district.

And finally – the birthday cake represents all the issues and problems our school community currently faces. All dressed up it is easily admired, but expose the inner workings and you’ve got a mess on your hands!

The emotional ebb and flow you experienced in reading this story is exactly what I and many others experience day-to-day, week-to-week, month-to-month and year-to-year while navigating, engaging and trying to improve this school district.

Expecting answers or any semblance of rationale at any point along this journey is just not practical because at every turn there will be introduced new facts, new figures, new people and yes NEW rules for which it is virtually impossible to “conclude” anything.

The best we can hope for is an “UNDERSTANDING”, not even agreement. And with that -- it is up to the individual to decide the next move and it will take WISDOM and COURAGE.

So as we continue this discourse of educational reengineering in the city of Plainfield – know that we don’t have to settle because we are afraid of what might happen, or we are ashamed at what has happen, nor do we need to be pacified by a few good deeds. The expectation should be for intellectual, moral and ethical GREATEST from the top down – across – sideways and walking up to the graduation podium!

To My Secret Admirer...

You keep reading though...LOL.. Muah!

I know who you are and in your words... ICK!

LMBO.

Sorry my reader-friends --but I keep getting these nasty grams (that I will NOT post) but I got to let them know who is the BOSS on this BLOG...  They keep complaining but yet they keep reading.

My Blog -- the New CRACK... but without the side effects!!!!!!

LMBOooooooooooooooooooooffffffffffffffff!!!

And Continued...

Please indulge me as I continue my foray into histrionic-dom and silliness...(that was especially for my secret admirer ;-) LMBO!!! After all this is MY BLOG and you all are voluntarily opting in, or are you? Wah...ha..ha..Ha (Villian-like laugh)...

I promise my reader-friends I will post the conclusion and correlation of this story BEFORE Christmas!

For now I want you to experience all the emotions this passage has conjured up from the beginning up until this point.  Just take note of it.  Plant your feet firm on the floor inhale thoroughly, and now exhale completely.  Now read on...

*************************************************************************
The officer writes down the birthday cake driver’s information and walks over to the gentleman driver. “You Sir, have no idea what you’ve done here.” The gentleman driver looks up at the officer puzzled. “Officer, I honestly did not see that car, it’s dark, the car is dark and when I looked before making the right I did not see anything coming.” “I get the story Sir, but that cake you caused to be ruined was not just ANY CAKE!” Confused the gentleman driver said, I’m sorry – I don’t understand.”

By now a few bystanders have begun to gather around the scene. The officer walks over to the independent witness who he had taken a statement from earlier and relays the story of the cake to her. Her eyes begin to tear and she finds herself becoming angry at the perceived insensitivity of the gentleman driver because she overheard him yell out of window that “it was just a cake”.

The onlookers, having overheard the story of the cake, also became disturb by the callousness of the gentleman driver.

The relative witness driver of the gentleman driver overhears all the hubbub and goes over to the car and recants the story to him. The immediate reaction of the gentleman driver was to become defensive. "How would I have known that fact? For goodness sake! It was an accident and I didn’t break any law here it was an honest oversight. This is ridiculous! It was an accident!"
...

Continued...

The birthday cake driver gets out of the car and walks over to the police officer and the gentleman (right-on-red) driver, angrily asks what was the gentleman driver thinking and begins demanding that he (the gentlman driver) pay for the cake he ruined.

The officer, in an effort to keep the situation under control, asks the birthday cake driver to calm down and return to the vehicle. Initial the birthday cake driver refused and standing on principle said I did nothing wrong here. This gentleman ran the light and caused me to slam on my breaks and now look at this mess in my car. My daughter's cake is ruined!

The gentleman driver says out of his window – it’s just a cake calm down. I didn’t do it on purpose and I didn’t run the light, there is a right on red at this corner.

I know what you are thinking ---Ooh snap! The birthday cake driver is about to go off! It’s NOT just a cake you insensitive A--. It is very likely the last cake his daughter will ever see!

But now remember – you’ve got more facts than the gentleman driver does…

The officer, seeing the possibility of escalating anger, walks the birthday cake driver to the car. And because it is customary he asks for the driver’s license and registration. The birthday cake driver hands over the information and begins to break down and tells the officer the story. The officer, speechless – reaches into his pocket and gives the birthday cake driver $30. “Here – please replace the cake and buy her a balloon for me.”

Ok…Renata – where are we going with this???!!! What does this have to do with what is going on in our DISTRICT???!!! You guys have been reading my writing for quite some time; you should know by now I’m rounding the corner…it will make sense when it is all said and done.

An O & G and 3 D's Continued...

This seems like a pretty simple cut and dry case –right? Right is right and that’s just it.


Now let’s add a few more factoids:

The officer pulls over the driver who made the legal red turn and will give him a citation. The options are failure to stop at a red light ($250; 3 points) failure to yield to the right away traffic ($180, 2 points), reckless driving ($300; 3 points) or a warning.

One of the other witnesses is a family member of the driver who made the legal right on red.

The other witness knows none of the parties and offers the officer their accounting of the event. “Officer, the gentleman who made the right turn did slow down before making the turn but I guess they just didn’t see the other car coming. I think it was an accident, not really the man being reckless or anything, but you should make him replace that driver’s cake because they are very upset. That’s just my opinion.”

The birthday cake driver is visibly shaken and upset, borderline hysterical. You see it turns out that the birthday cake was for this driver’s little girl who happens to be in the hospital dying of cancer. It will more than likely be her last birthday.

So – now knowing this – how would you respond to the 3 questions posed earlier? Does it change your original feeling(s)?

Stay tuned...

An Officer and A Gentleman...and 3 Other Drivers.

A gentleman makes a legal right turn on red. In doing so he failed to yield to the oncoming traffic that in fact had the green light, causing the other driver to stop abruptly. The violent and sudden stop caused the birthday cake in back seat to slam forward and smash against the dash board –totally destroying the cake.

A cop and two other drivers witness this entire event.

Read how this plays out in a later post.

But --- in the meantime and in between time – send me your commentary on how you think this should play out.

1. What behaviors do you expect to be exhibited by each of the players?
2. What outcomes do you anticipate?
3. What outcomes would be ‘socially’ acceptable? What outcome would you accept?

Who's Afraid of The Big Bad Wolf...???!!!

Mr. Cooke's article coupled with Old Docs commentary -- really does sum this up!  I however don't think we will need to "oust" Gallon -- I think he'll leave on his own accord, but I was HOPING neither would be required.

Damn -- I'm tired of starting over!!!!

If I move out of district -- I'll be starting over.  If I stay in district with the current administration -- I'll STILL be starting over.  Add a new administration -- and once again-- I'm STARTING OVER.

The question is HOW do WE sustain forward perpetual motion in this school district?

Like the heroine or (SHEro as I like to say) in the title of this post -- with WISDOM and COURAGE!

[2 Timothy 1:7:  For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.]

Only Those SERIOUS About Plainfield Public Schools - Need Apply.

Ok Plainfield -- If you were afforded the opportunity to speak freely and openly in an exchange of dialog as oppose to the current and only means of redress offered by the BOE would you come out and participate?

Who would you like to have at the conversation table and why?

Let's say we have this 2-hr roundtable session -- what would be the key take-aways?  And -- do you think it would move us any closer to an "ideal" collaborative environment? Why or Why not?

Who would you recommend act as a moderator(s)?

I want to make this happen for our community but I first want to make sure OUR COMMUNITY is interested in seeing this "THING" come to an amenable conclusion.  This will be an opportunity for ALL Stakeholders to come together and share what they feel is working and what is not, what insights they have that others may learn from; a time to level-set our expectations in terms of student achievement, teacher compensation and effectiveness, administrative and elected official responsibilities to the community and vice versa.

Your input (relevant and real PLEASE) is most appreciated!

Wink, Wink, Nod...NOT!

Ladies and Gentlmen -- our Word for today:

Main Entry: vit·ri·ol


Pronunciation: \ˈvi-trē-əl\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French vitriole, from Medieval Latin vitriolum, alteration of Late Latin vitreolum, neuter of vitreolus glassy, from Latin vitreus vitreous

Date: 14th century

1 a : a sulfate of any of various metals (as copper, iron, or zinc); especially : a glassy hydrate of such a sulfate b : oil of vitriol

2 : something felt to resemble vitriol especially in caustic quality; especially : virulence of feeling or of speech

In a sentence:  Renata -- your vitriol manner of speaking really lets people know where you stand, and given today's envirnoment where double-speak and hidden agendas are the norm, we really appreciate your straight forwardness.

Maria -- and I do mean Maria...

Maria -- I said DON'T BE Stupid -- I didn't say YOU ARE STUPID.

Listen I don't mince words.

If I wanted to call you a name I would have. 

You simply misread my post and made an assumption that was absolutely off base.  Why is it no one else came to that conclusion?

So you can call me whatever you'd like...It doesn't change who I am or who I am not.

PAZ!

And P.S.  This is YOUR COMMUNITY Too...but since I was talking about me I referred to it as MY COMMUNITY.  I do think you are being overly sensitive about this.

Stand Up or Shut UP!

In reading some of the commentary on a few of my fellow blogger's sites; specifically comments to their postings -- I have to ask -- where are ALL these people who support DSGIII?

Certainly, they can't be worried about publically showing up!

They have so much to say [behind closed doors] yet they won't make a public appearance on behalf of their friend, pal, confidante.  That sucks!

The Board Meetings need not have only those opposed to the current directives and issues of our CSA and BOE, but they should also showcase THOSE who support THIS District's administration.

You wouldn't want other towns thinking we are all discombobulated and one-sided -- would you?

I think it's time to have a PUBLIC DEBATE.  Let's not only air our dirty laundry but let's hose it down, purify it and let it dry!

Who's in for a good old fashion debate?  League of Women Voters -- would you be interested in sponsoring such an event?  Clergy?  Municipality?

Why wait until an election...The TIME IS NOW!

It's time we start talking, even if it gets a little loud!

You in?

In Reply

A commenter on  Maria's blog asked me a question so I'd like to respond more thoroughly and publically on my own blog...not answering it because it doesn't warrant an answer -- but yes RESPONDING!

So hopefully you can follow this since you had difficulty understanding my question to DSGIII last Tuesday (by the way you are the only one) so you may want to take a couple of psych classes -- I hear they are reasonably priced at Union County College, but you already have a degree --  SCARY!

Can we or Do we agree that a person's personal philosphy -- that being their moral and ethical value system with which they govern their behavior -- manifest in the day-to-day interaction of that individual?  Example -- if you believe women are less than equal to men --- than chances are you would not place women in high ranking positions were, in fact, they would be overseeing the duties and responsibilities of men. Right?

Does what we think and believe dictate how we manage life's events; be it managing people, circumstances or an organization?

So if what GROUNDS an individual is questionable...and you lead an ENTIRE organization that will ultimately mold future societies -- does it not stand to reason that this individual would be questioned or made aware of their personal stance and the conflict it poses to the people they serve?

I can't believe I had to explain this...but charity begins at home!  And Hey You -- unless you are willing to put your name -- don't bother commenting as it will not get posted.

What's Next Folks...

We are certainly at the point in our Continuous Improvement Model (CIM) to begin assessing current direction, evaluating and reevaluating not only results but the very goals themselves, redirecting false starts and miscues and then, of course, contingency planning.

My question to the Board of Education is...what will we do if DSGIII packs up and leaves?  What's your plan?  You nine do know you need to have a plan amongst yourselves exclusive of DSGIII, right?

Bright Spots In The Queen City...

Nothing like the smile of a child or a hug shared among kindred souls to help bring us back to what living is all about. 

Considering all the less then positive reading materials we've had this week -- give this article a gander:  Plainfield middle school students sing Christmas carols for seniors

Kudos to you Ms. Nagel-Smiley for continuing this worthwhile cause that will help to instill a spirit of community among our yougsters!

Yeah -- HUBBARD MIDDLE SCHOOL -- You ROCK!

Back Attacha!!!

M E M O R A N D U M

TO: Stevie & The BLIPs

FROM: Renata A. Hernandez

SUBJECT: DISTRICT EMPLOYEE and ELECTED OFFICALS CONDUCT

DATE: December 17, 2009



Please be informed that the purpose of this memorandum is to inform our employee (Dr. Steve Gallon, III) and OUR elected Board of Education Members of the expectations regarding standards of conduct pursuant to the Education Commission of the States document entitled: The Roles and Responsibilities of School Boards and Superintendents, A State Policy Framework, September 2002.

I call your attention to the entire content of this publication and admonish you to read through it and begin to examine your own behaviors against the standards outlined therein.

The current headlines, issues and potential violations not only against state law, but the laws of good corporate citizenship, fair play and sound effective leadership is egregious and unacceptable.

The Plainfield PUBLIC will protect the rights of its children, its citizens and its community to speak freely and express themselves as permitted and POTECTED by Federal Law. We hereby serve notice to the LOT of YOU that we not only expect, but DEMAND your adherence to high standards for conduct and behavior.

Unbecoming conduct and that which does not reflect positively on the District, its schools, its EMPLOYEES or our CHILDREN is PROHIBITED and will be met with continued HEADLINES, PICKETING, SPEAKING OUT, SHOWING UP, and TELLING YOU LIKE IT IS until YOU do the RIGHT THING by US ALL!

If you have any questions and/or concerns, please feel free to call me directly.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

RAH:rah

So PROUD to Be A PLAINFIELDER!!!

I am so PROUD of all of YOU that showed up and stuck it out tonight.

P.O.P. (Peoples Organization for Progress) --->You all DID THE DARN THING!!!

Lisa -- glad to have you back!!!

Rashid -- It was good seeing  you and I'm looking forward to your running in April!

And Miss Wilma -- You Da'WOMAN -- Phenomenal Woman -- THAT's YOU!

Ms. Tucker, Ms. Corbett, Mr.Brown, Ms. Cardona and the Young Lady with the child at Cook -- it is teachers, educators and professionals like yourselves that inspire generation after generation.  Keep it UP!

Laura, Connie, Debbie and Lindsay -- Profound and PERFECT!!!

And to all the others that came to the MIC -- Hold your head up, Stay the course ...

And finally

PLAINFIELD FAMILY

 -- KEEP COMING BACK --

IT WORKS if WE WORK IT!

Nighty-Nite!

And one last comment:  Last night was a tough crowd with emotions running high and no shortage of passion or ire from the public and I want to commend the new BOE President Lenny for managing through the evening's privilege of the floor session with diplomacy and professionalism.  Thanks Lenny!

Now on a Serious Note...

My Plainfield Family -- don't you dare get embarrassed by this turn of events. These eye-opening proceedings have been in the makings for years. This is simply an unraveling of circumstances in which we all have played a confounded role in from start to finish. You must first uncover the stench and rotting wound before you can heal, restore and move on!

Dr. Gallon, III has just brought it to a head but it is by NO MEANS all HIS doing. It's just unfortunate that He was not able to take the high road on this. And I say that confidently because I truly believe had Gallon had an honest conversation with the public about everything that has since GONE public this could have been squashed. I alluded to the Tylenol handling a few weeks ago as a guide on HOW TO manage through a crisis, and for all intent and purpose this is a crisis. Instead however, he chose to stick and stay behind legalese suggestions of impropriety and the need to respect confidential information as if people were asking for "protected" information to be released. Everything that has since been discovered was already a matter of public record and his non-disclosure of these matters only made this thing worse.

He insisted on playing a high stakes game of cat and mouse to the point ad nauseum. Deflecting disclosures and transparency with insults to public inquiries – legitimate public inquiries I might add, and then further befuddling matters with his self-serving diatribes that brought no value to the issue at hand, but only further served to frustrate the people – ME for sure – making us dig a little further until we were granted an audience or uncovered something else.

Dr. Gallon I told you a year ago to stop listening to what other people say "we" are and start experiencing "who we" are based on our actual interactions with one another.  You have underestimated this Plainfield community too often and now you have come face to face with your own undoing brought on by your need to control and direct when you should have been reaching out and embracing.

Now we find ourselves, or at least I find myself, unable to believe anything YOU say. This is so very disappointing because I wanted to believe YOU could move this district forward and would do so with dignity. I take people as they are – and You have shown me that YOUR intentions are NOT HONORABLE, but rather they are duplicitous at best.

But I am not without hope as you are simply one dude and a few dudettes and not the totality of our district.
I truly do believe with all my heart and soul; “…that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” [Romans 8:28]

All I know is the next crew that decides to hang their hats in our district had better come correct, because as long as I'm here -- I'm going to demand they do the right thing! And that they change their license plate to this state and if they have kids they better register them in OUR Schools.

Renata's Gone ROGUE!

Ooootay Steeeee---Vie; (Said like Stymie [of The Little Rascals] and Goliath [from the Davey and Goliath Cartoon])

This is a doosie. 

What we gonna tell the people now Jefe?

I'm with you bruh!

Just keep walking straight and act like you don't see them.

How many performances we got scheduled tonight?  Call all the schools -- It's Christmas time for petesakes they've got to have something in their repitoires.  We don't have to have it on the agenda by golly-- all we have to do is INVITE the people and keep the door unlocked. The rest is up to ME ....I mean US!

Get'er Done!

For you young heads here's a picture of the cartoons I referenced:

Close YOUR MOUTH!!!

December 15, 2009
Courier News Headline:
Plainfield schools administrator at center of credentialing issue also denied Florida certificate over alleged theft.


Now this is REDUNKULOUS!


All I'm saying is... and this qualifies her because in the words of Our Spin Thrift CSA:  "Where we had identified essential work and persons with proven capacity to get it done, it was my duty to, within regulations and law, to align the two … the work and the people … to get things done."

What in the FRICK-FRACK is this.  Something tells me we need to start taking hair samples -- cause this ain't normal!!!

Man -- OOO--man ----- you can NOT make this STUFF UP!

Dear Blog Commenter...

Good Morning -- thanks for your note -- I wish you would have emailed me so that I would not have had to respond to you in this format.  So please understand I am responding in this manner to acknowledge YOU and your concern.

I hope that everyone who is now currently employed by this district and are in positions that by state mandate, statute and law require specific certification and/or qualification are NOW certified, qualified and legally employed.  It's time we do things -- ALL things -- in decency and order.  I'm making my request for the audit because I DO NOT EVER WANT to go through this again.

I shouldn't have to worry if the people running, working in and managing the day-to-day of our schools are qualified to be doing their JOBS.  That's what the CSA does and the BOE affirms!

As I said in my post to "Stevie" -- I'm going to sit back and wait on the Office of Accountability to wade through the 8 count issue now public. But what I want is an official nod from each and every board member that as of today -- December 15, 2009 at 9:08 AM ALL  district employees (as in EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THEM) are legitimately and legally employed by us.

You all have been dealing with Mrs. Hernandez these past few years, but Renata is coming to the meeting and keeping it PLAINfield!

See you tonight!

No More Non-Sense!

OK Plainfield People and School District Employees -- the GIG is up...if you are NOT certified and are currently in a job that requires certification I would suggest YOU immediately start pursuing WHAT EVER  is required to become compliant.

This contest/expose/discovery of the Floridians has served to spotlight not only their shortcomings, the CSA's personal and professional mission but also that WE the COMMUNITY of Plainfield find it ABSOLUTELY UNACCEPTABLE for ANYONE to be serving in our schools either non-qualified or underqualified.

If we are going to become a premiere DISTRICT than it's time WE ALL STEP UP and BE COUNTED!

I'm going to write a letter to the Board of Education requesting that they conduct a full audit on the certification of EACH and EVERY PERSON now employed within the Plainfield Public Schools who require certification to be in the jobs they are currently being paid to do, and that they ARE IN FACT legally certified or provisioned as required by the Department of Education.

I'm not playing with this anymore.  I want it on the record by every Board member that they affirm the LAWFUL employment of all district employees.  We've always ASSUMED this was the case.  Now we KNOW it is not. So now as the Public, Parents, Taxpayers and Citizens -- it is our responsibility to MAKE SURE our business is handled!  No more fly-by-night ...get-a-good-laugh-at-our-kids-expense...bafoonery going on!

ENOUGH!

You are TOO Funny!

Hey Stevie -- got your letter. Thanks!

No need to go into detail about the certs or not -- it really is of no consequence as I unfortunately would not be able to believe what you say at this point. If the State takes up the cause I'll follow their findings -- if they don't -- I'll consider this matter "handled".

I appreciate your resolve to stay focused on the "priorities" required to move this district forward.  I'm with ya bruh  -- no more wallowing -- full steam ahead!
I'll see you tomorrow.

BOE Meeting Tomorrow!!!

Come out tomorrow evening if not to hear the responses from the BOE, President L. Cathcart and CSA, Dr. Gallon, III regarding the handling of job assignments and reassignments of Borge & Kelly... Come pay tribute to Mrs. Tiffany Corbett -- just to say hello and let her know she's had an impact on your life!

Either event is worth your time!

Hope to see you there!

Great NEWS!

On The BRIGHT side -- This Tuesday a lifelong educator dedicated to her students and their causes will be honored for 40 Years of service to THIS community.

This wonderful woman has imparted practical wisdom and instilled self-confidence in 100's if not 1,000's of Plainfield High School Students.  Although I did not have the pleasure of having her as a teacher, my fellow classmates often shared stories about her tough classroom practices and lesson plan antics that she delivered with both warmth and humor.  Her love for US and for her craft always exuded from her physical presence!

She served as the illustrious class of 1984's class advisor and to this day continues to encourage our classmates and attend our reunions to show her love and support, share her stories and as only she can do -- tell us to GET INVOLVED!

We LOVE YOU Mrs. Tiffany Corbett and PHS Class of 1984 (The Class with CLASS) congratulates you on this highest honor of professional achievement:  The gift to TEACH, To Be Taught, To Learn and To Learn To Love To Learn!

We HONOR YOU for this well deserved recognition.

&

We pray you 40 MORE YEARS of touching lives!

What's My Motive?

Dear Arsewipe Conspiracy Theorists;

Get a grip and then read the Courier News Article.  It clearly reports that these ladies were DENIED NJ certification in August (Kelly) and November (Borge) -- they've been in jobs here in the district for over a year in positions that required Certs. You should be alarmed about that -- not the fact that someone found out about it!

If the great news is that these ladies have since obtained the credits they need for the cerification than Oooh GOODIE see what $20K will buy you; especially when there were already QUALIFIED personnel on staff.  That $20K could have be used to buy the MISSING BOOKS, or are we making that up too.

To all us noisemakers I say keep it up!  They call us names and question our motives but all they really have to do to shut us down is SHOW US and TELL US THE TRUTH.

That's all I've asked for since day one and I won't stop until I have it.  And I won't apologize for wanting it, going after it or demanding it.

Why do I care, you ask?  Because it speaks to the heart of this district's leadership.  The very integrity of the system is compromised where there is a lack of moral and ethical fortitude.  At a very basic level -- If you lie you cheat and if you cheat you'll steal.  I do not want any lying, cheating, thieving people in charge of the system that by design is suppose to impart good moral character to my child or this city's children.  How can you teach, nurture and grow what you don't value?  You can't!

So Mr. and Mrs. Arsewipe Conspiracy Theorist -- get us the truth and this goes away -- POOF!

It's NOT Personal -- It's PERSONNEL!

Dear Steve;

I for one am pretty darn tired of you trying to deduce this issue to the equivalent of a highschool melee inwhich "people" are just out to get your friends.  Grow up before I throw up! When I was in highschool 99.9% of the time those being pursued were usually guilty of being some type of public annoyance.

As I said weeks ago HAD you taken the initial complaints of YOUR staff with regard to mal/mistreatment by all three of these young ladies with even an ounce of deference then mayhaps you would have kept this garbage and its stink from landing in my yard!

Besides Kemp, I wouldn't know either of these girls in a line-up (no pun intended).  My point is -- its not PERSONAL for me because I don't know them, don't work for them or with them or around them. BUT I do contribute to their salaries ergo why it is PERSONNEL!

I'll tell you what -- you really want this over then let's all meet and discuss how best to handle this.  Let's list all possible options, risks and benefits and then lets choose the best one for the STUDENTS. Yes --that's it let what is BEST for the STUDENTS DRIVE the final decision.  Now there's a novel idea! I know, I know it's personnel matters and therefore should be handled with diplomacy, privacy and modesty.  Well that's exactly right under normal circumstances, but this no longer qualifies as normal.

It is time to stop piling on the rhetoric and start having some real conversation with some real disclosures and some real solutions.  I know YOU and the BOE think you've already achieved that, but I don't think you have.  And please spare me the "in purview" "out of purview" legalese and let's have some "REAL" talk.

This PILE is just getting bigger and smellier!  You've been here over a year so now  it's time to treat you like family -- take out the trash -- it's your turn!

Wow...Curiouser and Curiouser!!!

Since no one else is willing to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth -- I'm going to weave this story together all by my lonesome for you all... The blue type is the ARTICLE from the Courier printed today, The highlighted sections are exact quotes from the CSA.   And the black typeface is yours truly.

Let's see how this play out...

Know that this Board raised intense, appropriate inquiry to understand the nuances of the varied personnel actions recommended to them on November 17.

The two Plainfield Public Schools employees around whom a recent credentialing controversy has arisen were denied certification by the New Jersey Department of Education a combined four times during the past 15 months, and at least one worked an entire school year under a title she was never certified to hold, according to state personnel records.

Oooh REALLY!  So what you are saying is that our BOE was OK with unqualified persons filling positions illegally at the tune of over $200K?

How many times are our students given the HSPA to qualify for graduation?

How many folks do you know gets a job and then applies for the qualifications?

Hey Now I AM ALL About the HOOK-Up...But A Cover-UP--NOT!

Gallon last week launched a vigorous defense of the district's handling of the recent personnel moves involving Kelly and Borge, public reaction to which he repeatedly has labeled "an albatross around the neck of the district.''

Where we had identified essential work and persons with proven capacity to get it done, it was my duty to, within regulations and law, to align the two … the work and the people … to get things done.

You said that "we had identified" can you please share with us who else from the District was involved with the resume assessments, interviewing, vetting and final offers regarding these two positions?  Exactly, how many people applied for these positions?

Any organization that makes an investment in its people, should reasonably expect a return.

Would it be fair to say that INVESTORS in said organization should also and reasonably expect a return on their investment?

Finally, the recent news indicate that our thoughtful, pragmatic approach to resolving these matters was the "right' one. Right for the district, right for the work, right for professionals affected and potentially targeted, and right for our students.

What part of this is right?  You've mentioned at least twice that some professionals may have been targeted; suggesting that there may be personal reasons for the public's outcry in the situation. Can you expound on that a little more.  How exactly would these individuals who lacked the appropriate certification (fact); who were denied said certification from the State of NJ (fact) and who were in fact doing jobs for which they were not LEGALLY qualified to do (fact) -- targeted?

Do you believe in FAIRIES?

So how many licks does it take to get to the center of a tootsie roll pop?  I guess just like getting to the truth of this matter -- the world will never KNOW!

 
“Oh what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive!”- SCOTT IN “MARMION, CANTO VI, STANZA 17”

Great News...Huh? Where?...I'll settle for "GOOD" news!

I read the CSA's article this morning and I'm sorry but either the article got cut off or our definition of Great News are world's apart.  Check it out for yourself and please tell me which part is even GOOD News.

He doesn't say a cotton pickin thing about what "results" he obtained but rather goes on to insult those of us who dare question the inappropriate nature of his and The BOE's decisions.  It is this type of gobbled responses that keeps those of us constantly vetting for answers. 

GET this SGIII -- whenever, wherever and whatever I wish to know --I plan to ask whether it be in an email to the BOE, my blog or in person.  AND I am not going to ask it HOW you want me to, IF you want me to, or WHERE you want me to, but rather WHEN I am available to...  As a few of my favorite scriptures say -- "...You have not because you ASK NOT..." ...." For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth..."

So Sir -- I have learned a few thing "meself" and sometimes you've got to get MEDIEVAL when folks with "THE" answer act like it is only for them to know and for OTHERS to find out.  You will be surprised at what one finds out when searching for answers.  Stay tuned to the Courier...

And please...you can have editorial liberty with whomever you want BUT Don't go SPINNING the Word of God...The partial quote you pulled you left off a very important and KEY provisioning of that scripture.  Allow me to reprint it for your public:  And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, and who have been called according to HIS purpose.

And my dear public -- Please PLEASE PLEASE stop referring to Dr. Gallon as the Messiah of anything... "MESSIAH" is a blessed name reserved for only ONE Worthy LORD--Jesus-- it is sacrilege to betow it upon any one who is and will never be anything more than just a man.

Ciao For Now!

Here Let Me Help You With That...

See Pg 5 of the following agenda for the 1st instance of job description in question:  May 5, 2008

See Pg 11 : Sect K of the following agenda --2nd instance of job description in question:  May 20, 2008

So it appears the change was DULY voted on and Passed!

The next question is why was there a need for the Principal's Cert qualification to be removed when the job responsibilities did not change.  Now mistakes can definitely happen -- could have been a simple over zealous cut and paste job. Who knows?

So I'm posting the two instances here for your viewing pleasure.  Help me with this -- are there any other changes you all notice?

Click on the IMAGES to Enlarge... [LS ;-)]

It appears this job was left unfilled for over a year?

Additionally, I'd like to know exactly how many applicants applied for this job based on the 1st set of criteria and how many met that specific criterion removed versus how many applied for this job based on the 2nd instance and of that number how many did in fact hold a principal's cert.

This thing just gets curiouser and curiouser...

I'd like to offer this recommendation to the Board to avoid any future "look" of non-compliance. When you are reviewing "JOB DESCRIPTIONS" attach what was actually reviewed to the agenda so that there is a public and permanent record.  This having to go back, check, look up, find -- just doesn't bode well for an organization who promises and touts transparency in their process. Besides this way -- should an update to a date get overlooked ... the record will stand on its own merit.

Fact Finding Yields "Puzzling" Results...

I hope you have had a chance to read Maria's posting and the subsequent comments regarding job description discrepancies.

The job description that was used to reassign Ms. Borge (originally crafted and Board approved in May 2008) was edited to eliminate the requirement for a principal certification.  The problem is the 'edited' version still has the original date of May 2008. 

So -- did the Board unknowingly approve this hirer without being privy to the slight modification to the job description?

I don't know about you all but I have a problem with this...

I'll bet my last expired nicotine patch that there will be a mind blowing explanation for this.

Stay tuned... or better yet come see/hear at the next Business Meeting -- TUESDAY 12/15!

Saved the Best for Last...The Last 15 minutes that is!

I enjoyed being in my daughter's alma mater Cedarbrook and seeing familiar faces as well as Mr. Asante and Mrs. Salinas holding it down! What was NOT so encouraging was the "light" attendance (~50 people) with about half representing District staff. Mr. Spivey of the Courier News was also present and I am looking forward to reading his version of the evening's event.

There was nothing new in terms of information presented if you attended the last district address held a few months ago.  That was a  bit frustrating but it was billed as an 08-09 update on the strategic plan and that's exactly what it was; as the saying goes -- there's nothing new under the sun. 

There were very few questions asked, in fact just two and one received a genuine thank you from the Superintendent and the other --well -- touched upon the front page article that appeared in the Courier from the PEA President. The reply should not surprise any of us as Dr. Gallon was well prepared to hit on all "8" points or areas of complaint in his usual syncopated fact-laced, but biased retort to the allegations, often calling them false and/or lacking substance perhaps bordering on moral turpitude.  I was glad it was brief as I was NOT in the mood to be flimflammed -- I mean finessed.

The highlight for me, because I'm a "gett'er done" kind of gal, was the last 15 minutes of the meeting were we broke off into groups to provide suggestions to two areas as provided by the district (I'm paraphrasing here):

• What can the district do to support student's academic achievement / improvement?
• How can the district increase community partnership / involvement?

The majority of my "team" were parents and we came up with about 6-8 suggestions for improving student performance and engaging parents -- again paraphrasing -- this list look something like this:

• Create tool(s) that assist parents with helping their children with homework
• Install and Utilize State-of-The Art Technology i.e. Net Meeting/ Live Meeting were parents can network with one another to ask for or offer homework help
• Develop a peer-to-peer mentoring program; high-achieving HS students conduct tutoring sessions for elementary/middle school level students
• Reinstitute a competitive classroom environment where individual student achievement creates healthy competion among one another
• Create an online resource where homework assignments can be found

These were a few I could remember.  Good Stuff -- RIGHT!

There were two other teams as well but I have no idea what ideas they came up with, but given that there was a very highlevel of engagement by those in attendance-- I suspect that the yield was fruitful.  My hope is that this information will be used!  Better yet, my suggestion is that they (the district) take these lists, and using the sign-in sheet they collected, hold another EVENING working session, inviting ALL those who participated in this exercise, to help flesh out an actionable plan based on the input from the various teams.

Now that would be progress! As well as creating more opportunities for Community Engagement/Involvement...
As always I look forward to the district's forward motion.

*Tootles*

See You @ The Show!

Well ladies and gentlmen -- I'm off for another day of professional development.

I look forward to seeing all you incognito commenters, "fraidy" cat NJForum posters and you other brave souls who believe in your children far more than your NEED to hide out and just make noise!  And please no rude comments...you know to whom this is addressed.

So -- If it AIN'T your flavor than don't LIKE IT! OKay!

See you all TOMORROW!
*Tootles*

Mediation is WHAT's UP...at least Next.

Well folks I presume you've read Mr. Spivey's account of the court proceedings with regard to Williamson vs. Kemp. Or perhaps, some of you had time enough to go see what actually transpired. My guess is that there was about ½ million dollars worth of SCHOOL Funds sitting in the pews…

Ding, Ding Round 2!

I have to make light of this because it is just too friggin unreal to wrap my brain around this.

What really disturbs me is Dr. Gallon's pull quote that was republished as if reading it again would make it less surreal. I refuse to reprint it a 3rd time --you'll have to click the link to the article for it.

A distraction!

No Fooling!!!

As my Mom would say; "What in the WORLD??!!"

Not even a mother in all her protective idiosyncrasies would fail to admonish her child for even the speculation of inappropriate behavior. That is to say, a GOOD Mother!

With such honed elocutionist skills I would have expected at least a statement such as; “I find these accusations most disconcerting given the current state of our district and the strides being pursued at this very juncture. We can ill afford to have a single member of this administration, or this district for that matter, behave in any way that would cause us to deviate from our planned course. Let the discourse be had and this proclamation be heard from the outer banks of Rock Avenue to the Bridge on Terrill Road --we will not tarry, nor be mired by the centrifugal forces of Naysayers, Confuciusnists, Neardowellers or Cacophonic Pfunkers - - NO Sirree -- NOT on my watch.”

“And furthermore, dang blame it – she may not be the Assistant Superintendent of Whatchamacallit that you want to have…and she may not be the Assistant Superintendent of Whoyamallcallit that we are paying to have…but FoShoEnough – she’s the Superintendent of Whatchamajigit I handpicked that will whip (no pun intended) this district into shape.”

Had that been the conversation/pull quote -- I would know it was time to click my heels three times and say “There’s No Place Like Home!”

Week's Highlights

Mark YOUR CALENDAR: WEDNESDAY
Town Hall Meeting -- 7PM (Cedarbrook School)

Piggy-back Posting #3

And finally let's take a look at the word INTEGRITY. From the previous definition we see that integrity is in fact synonymous with honor. Furthermore and according to Wikipedia Intergrity is defined as follows:

• Integrity as a concept has to do with perceived consistency of actions, values, methods, measures, principles, expectations and outcome. A value system
• Some people[1] see integrity as the quality of having a sense of honesty and truthfulness in regard to the motivations for one's actions. (seen as a virtue).
• The etymology of the word "integrity" can suggest insight into its use and meaning. It stems from the Latin adjective integer (whole, complete).[2] In this context, integrity may comprise the personal inner sense of "wholeness" deriving from (say) honesty and consistency of character. As such, one may judge that others "have integrity" to the extent that one judges whether they behave according to the values, beliefs and principles they claim to hold.<----- How Profound is this! I could no have found a more perfectly applicable support statement affirming the very purpose of this last series of postings -- except had I written it myself!

Piggy-back Posting #2

According to Dictionary.com the word HONOR has over 24 different meanings in its variant form of verb, noun, adjective and idioms; for our purpose let's look at the first 5 under the category of noun that best fits the use of the word in our potable quotable...

1. honesty, fairness, or integrity in one's beliefs and actions: a man of honor.
2. a source of credit or distinction: to be an honor to one's family.
3. high respect, as for worth, merit, or rank: to be held in honor.
4. such respect manifested: a memorial in honor of the dead.
5. high public esteem; fame; glory: He has earned his position of honor.
   

In looking at these definitions -- do you all feel honored but the actions being taken before us?

Piggy-back Posting

So now that I called out the words Truth, Honor and Integrity -- Let's define what each of these mean.

According to Webster Truth is defined as follows:

• sincerity in action, character, and utterance
• the state of being the case
• fact
• the body of real things, events, and facts
• actuality
• often capitalized : a transcendent fundamental or spiritual reality
• a judgment, proposition, or idea that is true or accepted as true <---- Now that's interesting!
• the body of true statements and propositions
• the property (as of a statement) of being in accord with fact or reality
• true
• fidelity to an original or to a standard

My Dad says -- there are always TWO TRUTHS -- The one that IS and the one YOU choose to believe.

Potable Quotables...

It is said that our words create our reality...mightier than a sword...has the power of life and death or simply becomes public record.

I couldn't help but hone in on this particular sentence from this month's "public address"-- emphasis added given recent events...

The journey toward this “better place” requires one to travel heavily armed and equipped with courage, truth, dignity, honor, integrity, professionalism, and faith.

[Dr. S.G. III, PPSD-CSA]