Sunday, January 31, 2010

Save The Date!

Community Meeting

"Taking Back Our Schools!"

Monday, February 15, 2010

HIGHLIGHTS: Dinner , Speakers covering important topics such as:  Navigating BOE Meetings, Understanding Robert's Rule of Order, Holding The BOE Accountable, The importance of Public Participation, The Election Process and many more interesting and relevant topics.

Mark YOUR Calendars!
{More Details to Follow}


Saturday, January 30, 2010

What's Up???!!!

STRATAGIZING!

See you on tomorrow...

Friday, January 29, 2010

Another Contact to Reachout To for the Community Forum Coverage

NJN Television (NEWARK)

TELEPHONE 973-648-3630
FAX 973-643-4004

STREET ADDRESS
50 PARK PLACE
NEWARK, NJ 07102

Email:
NJN News
njnnews@njn.org

News Tip Line: 800-JERSEY-1 (537-7391)

A Community Forum In The Making...

I responded to Dan's intimation that I host A Community Forum for the purpose of providing the community with a venue to thoroughly discuss the issues that have been plaguing our school system, but he didn't post my reply...

-- Well folks --
"Let's Do This!"


Who would like to help me with the planning?

I'll need about 5-10 planning team members and I'd like to start on NEXT SATURDAY.

Please send a comment or email expressing your area of interest.

What Day Should we have it?

Look forward to your ASSISTANCE!

Thursday, January 28, 2010

Pertinent Addresses

Copy, Paste, Print -- Email, Mail, Blog, FB, Twitter or Fax the Content Below!  If you FB or Twitter only attached the copy below in this message as all the links from the other Blog post won't work.

Office of the Commissioner
100 River View Plaza
P.O. Box 500
Trenton, NJ 08625

Telephone (609) 292-4450; Fax (609) 777-4099

You can also go to this site and fill in your personal information and paste the message/post and send it to:
https://www.state.nj.us/education/parents/contact.htm

-------------------

Office of the Governor
Chris Christie
PO Box 001
Trenton, NJ 08625
609-292-6000

Chris@ChristieforNJ.com

You can also go to this site and fill in your personal information and paste the message/post and send it to:
https://www.state.nj.us/cgi-bin/governor/govmail/govmail_1c.pl

The Governor has a face book page and I sent him the following message.  If you have a FB account please search for him (Governor Chris Christie) and email him the following message:
*********************************
I, a Plainfield property owner, parent of a student in the Plainfield Public Schools district and a New Jersey taxpayer, wish to exercise my vote of NO CONFIDENCE in the current Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent, and the majority of the Plainfield Board of Education.

Following are various articles which have been published over the past 3 to 4 months concerning our Superintendent, the Assistant Superintendent, two high-ranking administrators and the Board of Education. As you read through these articles (they are posted most recent to the oldest under each category), you will see the undeniable tragedy of this city's circumstances. I am requesting your assistance to bring this to a close in a manner which will serve the interest of the public fairly, openly, and appropriately.

See: http://hopeeternal-peptalk.blogspot.com/2010/01/draft-letter.html
***********************************************
Thanks!

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Dear Governor Christie and Commissioner of Education;

I, a Plainfield property owner, parent of a student in the Plainfield Public Schools district and a New Jersey taxpayer, wish to exercise my vote of NO CONFIDENCE in the current Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent, and the majority of the Plainfield Board of Education.

Following are various articles which have been published over the past 3 to 4 months concerning our Superintendent, the Assistant Superintendent, two high-ranking administrators and the Board of Education. As you read through these articles (they are posted most recent to the oldest under each category), you will see the undeniable tragedy of this city's circumstances. I am requesting your assistance to bring this to a close in a manner which will serve the interest of the public fairly, openly, and appropriately, and not withstanding the absolute and complete removal of the Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent, Misses Borge and Kelly.

Kemp Articles

http://www.mycentraljersey.com/article/20100127/NEWS/1270338/Plainfield+schools+administrator+s+assault+claim+to+return+to+court

http://www.nj.com/news/local/index.ssf/2009/11/principal_charges_plainfield_a.html

http://www.mycentraljersey.com/article/20091120/NEWS/911200337/Plainfield%20schools%20administrator%20alleges%20assault%20at%20the%20hands%20of%20assistant%20superintendent


Superintendent Articles

http://www.mycentraljersey.com/article/20100126/NEWS/1260340/1018/NEWS0401

http://www.mycentraljersey.com/article/20100115/NEWS/1150332/1018/NEWS0401

http://www.mycentraljersey.com/article/20091229/NEWS/912290336/1017/NEWS04

http://www.mycentraljersey.com/assets/pdf/CN1485161214.PDF

http://www.mycentraljersey.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2009910250301

Plainfield Board of Education Articles

http://www.mycentraljersey.com/article/20100125/NEWS/1250352/1018/NEWS0401

http://www.mycentraljersey.com/article/20100121/NEWS/1210362/1018/NEWS0401

http://www.mycentraljersey.com/article/20091222/NEWS/912220348/1017/NEWS04

http://www.mycentraljersey.com/article/20091208/NEWS/91208039/1017/NEWS04

http://www.mycentraljersey.com/assets/pdf/CN148130128.PDF

Borge/Kelly Articles (Cabinet Employees)

http://www.mycentraljersey.com/article/20100110/NEWS/100110005/1017/NEWS04

http://www.mycentraljersey.com/article/20091215/NEWS/91215017/1017/NEWS04

http://www.mycentraljersey.com/article/20091213/NEWS/91212011/1017/NEWS04

Attention Future Kindergartener Parents!

I am posting this on behalf of a concerned parent who forwarded this to me yesterday evening.  I think future kindergartener parents should certainly READ and REACT to this information.  The educational life of your child will depend on YOU.

Work Sampling Petition

We, the Parents of the Plainfield Public Schools, need to take a stand on higher education for our children. With the implementation of the “new” assessment system, we fear that our kindergarteners will suffer academically. The new curriculum is designed to decrease the amount of direct instruction time and to increase “play” time. We, as concerned and involved parents, need to stand up in protest against this new Work Sampling Assessment System. Accepting it will only set our children up for failure in later grades.

When did the bar on kindergarten education decline to the point where the focus changed from teaching and learning to playing and note taking? The reality is that a lot of our children are already are experiencing disadvantages on a day to day basis. With the implementation of the Work Sampling System, how will our children ever compete with the many other school districts that are setting their educational standards high and prepping their students for SUCCESS?

Our children need an extensive amount of guidance, mentoring, and proper training to advance academically. We cannot continue to allow our children’s educations to be experimented with and exploited. Their futures are on the line. They say this new system reflects “developmentally appropriate practices”, but we say they represent nothing more than academic set backs. The education of our children should not be moving in reverse, but forward to create the foundation for their education and Future.

The majority of our parents are not even aware of this new program. If it’s such a great curriculum, why hasn’t it been adopted by any of our surrounding districts?

We are now into the second half of the year and the district is trying to change the way our children are learning. They say it’s a good idea…we say it will negate all of the skills our children have been taught thus far. These are OUR children and we need to invest time to ensure the best decision is made for our children now before it’s too late. WE DO NOT WANT THE WORK SAMPLING SYSTEM TO BE IMPLEMENTED IN OUR SCHOOL SYSTEM.

As a point of reference, I urge you to check the article printed in the Star-Ledger on July 15, 2009, titled “N.J Board of Education adopts tougher standards for 3rd, 4th grades”. Now, if the kindergarten curriculum is going to less rigorous, how are we expecting our children to rise to the expectations in later grades?

LIVE by FAITH and Not by sight

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Hey Mark...

Can the Community of Plainfield get a 3 hour Editorial Board Meeting?  You'd have more than 2-3 quotes and I guarantee it would run for pages.

Let me know.  I'll ask my church to host the location.

We deserve as much if not more.

Desperation Breeds Motivation, Inspiration and Determination!

Good Day Community!

In effort to help us level set the potentially disheartening events we have gone through over the past 2+ months please allow me to offer you my perspective.

There are two guiding principles that I use to rule my life... “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose”; -Romans 8:28 --and-- There is a lesson in every experience – our charge is to embrace learning.”-RAH

As a community our self-worth, unity, and resolve have been challenged, and not necessarily by individuals (they are simply the tools) but by the events and circumstances we’ve faced. This is the mirror we’ve all needed to take a long hard look in for some time now. In order to deal with this effectively we have all had to do some introspection and outreach.

We have operated for FAR TOO LONG in silos of  "teachers" "parents" "community" "clergy" "business owners"  "homeowners" etc., and the lesson here is that WE CAN NOT DO THIS individually. IT TAKES our COLLECTIVE (The Village) EFFORT to not only right this wrong but to reestablish the mainframe of our educational system and to develop a sustainable relationship/ partnership among all stakeholders.

That latter, developing relationships/partnership -- in my humble opinion -- is where Dr. Gallon faltered most and will ultimately cause his demise. He haphazardly and erroneously decided HOW partnerships and relationships would be defined and constructed. There was no "meeting of the minds" to determine the scope, depth and most importantly expectations of each member. It was his way or no way and to that We Have Said NO WAY!

I welcome this catastrophe for this side-effect alone!

Will there be other challenges? Absolutely!

Will we become frustrated? Undoubtedly!

Will we RISE to the occasion to protect what is ours? You BET YOUR BUTT!

Rumor Has It...

  • There is a buyout discussion underway.
  • The findings from OFAC are in and its NOT good for the Home Team!
  • A BOE member may be resigning due to financial improprieties...
  • The Plainfield Community HAS HAD enough!
  • Community to make call complaints to the Governor, NJSBA, OFAC offices.
  • Disgust, discord and disdain for the BOE is at an ALL TIME HIGH...
  • Discussion went from an advertised "employees" to an actual "employee"
  • Saturday's Professional Development Lead-interruptous due to lack of supervisor/principal certification
Truth is most certainly stranger than fiction! 

Click -HERE- for a more pragmatic take on what transpired last night.


Monday, January 25, 2010

Why I Run...

Simply:


She deserves ALL the OPPORTUNITIES Life Has to Offer
--and--
It IS MY JOB to ensure she is AFFORDED THEM!

Eventually ALL of US Run -- Some just choose to Run AWAY!

Excuses vs. Prerogative...

Convenience vs. Calling...

Vitriol vs. Passion – the Truth vs. Fact – there is a difference or is there?

Friend vs. Frienemy!

Optimism vs. Optical Illusion - Huh?

Story line vs. Parable.

Histrionic, Ebonic idioms and cryptography – ooh my.

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart speak more clearly than these judgment calls made by people who don’t even have the common decency to ask me face-to-face.

Yes do watch!

Do learn!
Do get INVOLVED!

At the end of the journey that is really what this whole thing is all about – getting each of us to OWN our part in the success and/or failure of this school district...heck...of this LIFE.

Sunday, January 24, 2010

It's the 7th Day...

And like the LORD I'm resting!

Besides -- my hubby said this is the day the Lord has made and He and I shall rejoice in it.

Sorry folks no phone calls ... Gone Bonding!!!

See you all at the Board Meeting on Monday!

Saturday, January 23, 2010

Way To Go PAAAS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Public Access TV and Public Schools: the Evolution of Education

Locally, a great example of this Evolution is already underway. A place where children can learn to focus their artistic expression and receive the necessary academic instruction to provide the quintessential "back up plan". A place that is reminiscent of the memorable movie "FAME", a story about a New York City Performing Arts School where kids dream of making it to the stage or screen one day. This place is PAAAS; Plainfield Academy for the Arts and Advanced Studies .


Located in the former Emerson School building on the corner of Front Street and Rock Avenue, PAAAS, looks like any regular, newly constructed school building. Once inside,however, the difference becomes evident . Originally established to combat the desire to snatch students out of the district and place them into private or charter schools, Dr. Steve Gallon III and Mrs. Angela Bento have created an aggressive TV Production Arts program that has laid the foundation for the kind of partnership previously mentioned.

Under the instruction of former Tru TV Associate Producer and 2nd Assistant Director of the Maury Povich Show , Jody Lazarski, the students of PAAAS are receiving intensive hands-on and theoretical lessons in Television Production. Mrs. Lazarski challenges the students to use their creativity to produce thematic videos and projects designed to bring out their true interests in the business. Students rotate job titles to gain maximum exposure to the many facets of creating a quality television program. Students recently took a field trip to NBC studios in New York as well as a trip to the theatrical presentation " Three More Divas". PAAAS also boasts classes in dance, music, studio art, theatre and vocal music.

PCTVAB is in the preliminary stages of a partnership with PAAAS that will require students to submit material for airing on PCTV ch-96. We are certainly excited about the possibilities and are poised to champion a partnership between Plainfield Public Access TV Sytem and Painfield Public Schools. Stay tuned for updates!

Excerpt from: Plainfield Public Access Blog (click on link for full story)

Special Board MEETING!

Hello Plainfield -- Try to be THERE!

Monday - January 25th - 6 PM

(click here for details)

Friday, January 22, 2010

And Now YOU know!

Dear All;


I am writing this particular post to clear up a few misgivings about something that took place at Tuesday's meeting. My daughter brought this concern to me last night as part of her own worry and others who have approached her about it. So I want to share this with you all, but I also want you all to remember although my daughter presents herself very mature and intelligent -- she is ONLY 11 and so questions regarding what her mother thinks, or says, should be -- in fact -- I’m requesting that they be directed to me.

Laura and I ARE FRIENDS and although we converge on a lot of points and opinions we DO NOT agree on every issue. We are independent thinkers who have been united by a common cause -- The Children and the Educational System in this city. Her right to have issues beyond my concern is just that -- HER RIGHT.

Be clear I am completely satisfied, confident and pleased with the manner in which Mrs. Bento is running PAAAS. I support her direction for the school, applaud her passion for educational excellence and admire her resolve to ensure OUR CHILDREN get what they need to succeed.

So now you know!

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Out of the Mouths of Babes!

My daughter wrote a letter for this Tuesday's Board meeting because she wanted to talk to Dr. Gallon and the Board. As she sat there and watched the spectacle, she turned to me and said "Mom -- I’m not going to read this because they are not even listening to you all and I’m not going to waste my time". I tried to encourage her to do it anyway but she was adamant, in hindsight -- I would say she was dismayed and rather disheartened by the lack of honor among adults. Adults -- she is made to respect despite their lack of character.

WELL-- and she is going to KILL ME when she reads this in the morning -- YES SHE DOES READ MY BLOG!!! I am going to post her little self entitled: “Milani’s BOE Address”:


So if you want to know what is on the heart of at least one of this city’s children -- read it and be encouraged:

Hi I’m Milani Hernandez , ---------- Plainfield New Jersey.

I would like to say to all of you board members that it is a shame that you have to focus on the wrong things. Do you not realize that you are here to help US and not to have to deal with people strangling other people or people not being certified.

Dr. Gallon I don’t understand why you just couldn’t tell the truth. Honestly you would have been better off because if you haven’t heard one lie is the start of many more. My Aunt always says if you lie you’ll cheat and if you cheat you will steal. Those are not the kind of character traits my peers and I should be expected to follow or even want to.

If you haven’t realized Dr. Gallon a superintendent is suppose to help lead us into solving problems rather then creating them. You have to understand that you have affected us the most. All that money that you spent on non certified people you could have been updating books and other technologies in our schools.

It is truly a shame when you get on Fox 5’s Shame On You when you have kids like what was here tonight performing and doing positive things and it gets overlooked by adults acting stupid. That truly says something.

Honestly we all have the potential to do a job but having the potential and actually being certified is two totally different things. So my question for you tonight is when are you going to start being honest about how you handled this and do the right thing by your employees and the children so you can focus on what we really need to be focused on?

PS: If you don’t know what to focus on it’s as simple as this…we the children.

Just Scandalous!

  • Ok so we've got rumors of PPS employees sending their children to schools in districts were they do not live -- ILLEGAL
  • Criminal charges for choking an employee. - ILLEGAL
  • Lawsuits being brought against folks for not paying their rent. ILLEGAL
  • Recreational program account unpaid. -IMMORAL
  • Under investigation for theft by deception - ILLEGAL
  • Not posting job openings to ensure BEST CANDIDATE selection pool - IMMORAL
  • Hiring uncertified employees - CONTRACTUALLY ILLEGAL and IMMORAL
  • CRONYISM...FAVORITISM...NEPOTISM - CONTRACTUALLY ILLEGAL and IMMORAL
  • Subject of a Shame On You Expose' - A SHAME!

Take ONE guess what the commonality among these things are?

With Permission To Post...

My post (if you can call it "mine") is an EXACT lift from the NJFORUM from an individual that has been figthing with educational battle in Plainfield for just as long as myself and many others. Thanks LS for your diligence, dogma and NEVER SAY DIE spirit!

I was at the board meeting on Tuesday night. I expected it to be a much more heated evening than it was, but there were some vocal people who spoke about what this district needs.

First and foremost, the children did a fabulous job. I know people might disagree with me but I do believe that the board meeting is NOT the place for the children to perform. If we want to showcase the children, then a night should be set aside once a month just for that.

Now, onto the board meeting. It’s started out rather slow, and then we got to privilege of the floor. Many people spoke about Paul Graves. I honestly do not know enough about Mr. Graves to speak about it, but what I do know is that he filed a grievance, won, BOE appealed, he won again…give the man his job back! How much money do we have to spend in legal fees just to give the man his job back in the long run?

I had some tough questions to pose to the board, including but not limited to: “Many members of the community, along with many PPS employees, feel it is time to RICE Dr. Gallon. We would like to call a special meeting to discuss the process and receive counsel on how the board can go about this process, and whether or not Dr. Gallon MUST be present.” This was not my only question, but it definitely was the question that raised the most eyebrows at the table. Renata asked the same question, word for word, so that they knew we weren’t playing. Mr. Campbell then spoke and pleaded with the women on the Board to run this district like they would their homes…sorry Mr. Campbell that I don’t remember your exact words, but they were priceless!


After privilege of floor, Ms. Campbell made the motion to call a special meeting to have Dr. Gallon RICEd along with the two employees in question. This came under attack because the BOE cannot RICE employees, only the CSA. They refused to vote on it. That motion was pulled and another motion was made by Ms. Campbell and seconded by Ms. Logan-Leach to RICE the CSA to be able to discuss future employment. I believe those were the words used, again, forgive me if I’m off and feel free to let me know if I’m wrong. Of course, the Board voted that down. Now people, what does this tell you? The only two people willing to do something to make a change, to right the wrongs, were voted down by the 6 other people on the Board. All the while, DSG looked at me and grinned. Sorry, I had the last laugh.

The meeting came to a close and DSG left the building. What he didn’t know is that he was to be greeted by Arnold Diaz at the bottom of the steps. He ran back into the building like a scared little girl. Sorry, I actually said that to him too! He grabbed the Board attorney and went back outside and was met by Arnold Diaz and cameraman.

My question to anyone reading this: what is it going to take before the people of the community DEMAND that the board do something about this? We know what he has done wrong, we have seen the documentation, and he believes he is above the law. Everyone complains about Plainfield getting bad press…what happens when the bad press isn’t just the Courier News, but instead a full investigative piece on “Shame on You?” What will the Board do then? Will they finally say “enough is enough?”

The reason for contacting Arnold Diaz is because he IS an investigative journalist, he gets the facts with documentation. Many of his investigations have led to arrests, state investigations, etc. That seemed to be the only course to take. DSG needs to know that in Plainfield, when it comes to the kids, we don’t play.

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

In Reply...

In light of last night’s activities, conversation (or lack thereof) votes, motions and revelations I thought it would be most fitting to reply to M. Pellum’s question at this time.
If you were a BOE member and knew this (Kelly/Borge Certification Issue) was going on, would you wait for the county SI to call you, or would you request meetings of reassurance where all it is discussed?

After last’s night meeting I realized that had I been a BOE member I would not have known about the lack of certification of Kelly and Borge because this information was not provided to the members by the CSA. As communicated in board agendas – the Superintendent confirms and affirms that proper certification exist prior to him presenting it as a recommendation to the board. So in essence, the only way I would have or could have been apprised of the situation was to be notified by the county SI.

Apparently the only way to begin having conversations regarding employees is to have them RICE’d. I'll have more on this in the next post.  I also learned last night that the Board does not have the power to RICE anyone other than the CSA. So unless Dr. Gallon is willing to RICE the two young ladies in question the Board in and of itself will have to depend on the County to vet out the truth as they are utterly powerless in this situation. They must sit with folded hands until the pronouncement is shared with them.

The public requested that the Board RICE Dr. Gallon so that a full discussion and disclosure could be obtained regarding what he knew, when he knew etc… would you believe 6 out of the 9 voted that down.

So in conclusion, it appears that WE the COMMUNITY of Plainfield, NJ need a Lawyer. Please if there are any lawyers out there willing to take this on PRO Bono to help out in this worthy cause PLEASE, PLEASE PLEASE send me an email. We need your HELP!

Begin at the beginning and go on till you come to the end: then stop.

I felt like I was in a scene from Alice in Wonderland Land. Watching the sly giggles and smirks of clueless men and the angst and discomfort of disempowered women – as they await the MAD Hatter to tell them HOW to feel and How to respond. Ugghhh-- listening to hypocrisy coming out of the mouths of those people in charge of our school district – what droll dribble! This is nothing more than a fantasy gone rogue.

We’ve called for the investigation of these circumstances as requested by the public? Excuse me!!! YOU DID NOTHING! We the public wrote and requested this investigation. YOU the Board of Education DID ABSOLUTELY NOTHING! And now –as par usual – you want to sit and WAIT for the investigation to bring you results.

Once again – you sit on your arses while others do the work. Isn’t that HOW we got HERE in the first place? Allowing the CSA to bring you the GOOD NEWS instead of vetting it properly for yourselves; You are despicable!

I find it extraordinarily ridiculous that the Board of Education would not be able to perform effectively given the contract (their lawyer) crafted with the CSA. If the CSA chooses NOT to RICE an employee so that the Board can thoroughly assess and access “Fact from Fiction” then how can such a clause be legal? Would this not be considered “undue influence”?

Here's your out BOE MEMBERS...Get your lawyer working on it:
“An innocent party may also seek to have a contract set aside for actual undue influence, where there is no presumption of undue influence, but there is evidence that the power was unbalanced at the time of the signing of the contract.”
Plainfield -- if last night proved nothing else to you all – you certainly should have gained a clear picture of the positions each of the BOE members including counsel play in this farce of an organization.

Reeling and Writhing, of course, to begin with, and then the different branches of arithmetic -- Ambition, Distraction, Uglification, and Derision. -The Mock Turtle-

Monday, January 18, 2010

See You @ The BOE!

As par usual there's a lot of talk on the blogs and forums so I hope that means there will be a lot of folks at the board meeting tomorrow.

I'm really quite, how do I say -- alarmed -- at the lack of presence/outrage/concern by our city council or the mayor's office regarding all that has been in the news of late.  I understand the separation of authority, however YOU all are STILL residents here and THESE ARE the city's children. I guess if you didn't go to these schools, or you don't have children that go here -- it is much easier to check out and turn a blinds eye to what is happening.

I for one have a problem with people who discuss or even THINK they can redesign Plainfield  --economically, socially or otherwise without supporting the educational system that will ultimately create the people who will support any infrastructure the city council and mayor's office were to establish.

Plainfielders -- what will it take for us to SEE the BIG PICTURE.  Our Children are OUR FUTURE...both here and abroad!

I hope Shame ON You -- Shames YOU into action!

Here's A Template

Board of Education Members -- because I am a TEAM PLAYER here's a matrix for you all to work from to gather this very critical and factual information.  Completing this exercise will provide not only you but your public with the TRUTH of the matter at hand.


Click on Image to Enlarge

Please let me know how I may be of further assistance.

Regards,
Renata

Let Us See HOW Truthful They Are Willing To Be...

Following are screenshots of a comment I posted to the PPSBlog regarding the certification process.  If the intent of everyone is to get to the truth then the answer to my question should be forthcoming.  We shall see!


This is the comment I submitted...[Click image to enlarge]



This is the PROOF/Confirmation it was submitted
(See Yellow Highlighted Green Text)
[Click image to enlarge]

And this was the entire comment posted:

If truly the goal of this post is to separate truth from fiction then why not provide us with the necessary timeline and scanned dated proof as to when certification were applied for, number of times denied, reasons for denials, when they were actually issued, the type issued and what each type qualifies the individuals to be employed for... it would seem to me such a matrix would most certainly temper the suspensions and provide the TRUTH in this matter, thus as you say – separate TRUTH from Fiction. Look forward to seeing it.

Note:  If you would like to share your comment submissions here on PEPTALK please forward them to me via email.  Here's how to "capture the moment". 

Type up your comment, but before you submit it take the following steps:

  1. Make sure the box is visible and the blog is in the background.


  2. Holding the control key down, simultaneously hit your "PrtSC"-Print Screen button. (this is usually on of the 1st keys at the upper right corner of your keyboard). You will not get any messaging so it will appear as though you did not do anything - however...


  3. Open up PowerPoint and a new slide and Click your Paste Icon -- the image should appear


  4. Click on the image once so that it is selected and then RIGHT mouse click to get the shortcut menu.


  5. Select the SAVE PICTURE option


  6. Then using the drop down menu select type as JPEG or JPG and name the file


  7. Then go back to the Blog and submit your comment


  8. Repeat these above steps to capture the confirmation note and


  9. Send it to me at rannette439@verizon.net

It's a lot and such a shame that WE have to go through all this -- for the TRUTH -- but let's just get it done once and for all.

Sunday, January 17, 2010

You Will Be Missed - Bill.

Today I said goodbye to a gentleman whom although we've never broke bread, I consider to be a good friend.

His kindness extended to my friends and I in our youth one faithful Summer day will be forever emblazoned on my heart!

Truly his reach into humanity far extends the stretch of his arms.

A gentleman, a scholar and a friend -- Heaven must be tickled pink to have another fine soldier!

Rest Well!

And To Lisa -- It was good to see you once again although the circumstance was less than desirable, but know you too will always be a part of my heart, my childhood, my history and my future. I pray you and your son the peace that surpasses all understanding as you begin new chapters in your lives. Be Well!

Saturday, January 16, 2010

Back Sooner than I Anticipated!!!

Hi -- I just wanted to provide some information to the public about my candidacy and expectations BEFORE all the questions start.

In running for the BOE it is my intention to not only perform my fiduciary responsibilities on behalf of our children and the community, but also to call on and hold the public accountable for doing their part. So, as you ask me questions, or any board member, keep in mind your part in the sum-total accountability equation. I will!

If you think I am going to solve all that ails and confronts our educational system -- THEN YOU ARE WRONG! I am running to help make it possible for YOU to help solve what ails us! I’m joining the fray to begin removing the barriers that hamper and/or interferes with the fundamental purpose of our educational system including overseeing the overseer.

As I prepare to take on this awesome task I pray you will be preparing yourselves to do likewise because I plan on helping to create an environment of inclusive conversation and dialog with all stakeholders, but that will do no good if YOU DON'T SHOW UP!

I will begin sharing with you How POWERFUL or NOT a Board actually is so that we are working from a source of informed empowerment as oppose to working assumptions. I’ve read all too often, and quite honestly assumed myself, what a BOARD could and should do in a given situation only to learn that the very policies and contracts that govern the organization limits its ability to actually perform effectually. What in the WORLD!!!

As a community I would suggest you all start looking into how you can usurp the Boards authority when they do not or in some circumstance cannot --because of policy and regulations-- perform in your best interests.

I think this campaign will be an eye-opening experience and new learning for ALL involved!

Looking forward to the challenge and the opportunity to serve.

I'll Be Back Soon...

Hey Folks -- I have a busy day today...lots to do and blogging isn't one of them.

Stay tuned for the answer to M. Pellum's question:  if you were a BOE member and knew this (Kelly/Borge Certification Issue) was going on, would you wait for the county SI to call you, or would you request meetings of reassurance where all it is discussed?

Note:  Area in parenthesis was provided to clarify the question...

Friday, January 15, 2010

Extra, Extra! Read All About IT!


Hold Me Back!!!

Idiots and Flies I do Despise...
The more I am around Idiots...
The more I like Flies!

And My Next Question is....

Why in the FRIGGIN WORLD would the BOE agree to this clause in DSGIII’s contract:


The members of the Board, individually and collectively, will refer to the Superintendent any and all criticisms, complaints and suggestions concerning the operation and management of the district called to their attention. The Board will not take action on any such criticisms, complaints and/or suggestions until they are discussed by the Board members at a scheduled meeting of the Board and a consensus sought to direct the Superintendent to study, recommend, and/or take action. The Superintendent shall have the right to contact the Board’s General/Labor/Workers Compensation and/or Special Counsel for legal assistance as the need arises in carrying out his duties.
The parties also agree that the Board shall not hold any discussions regarding the Superintendent’s employment, unless the Superintendent is given written notice at least 48 hours in advance, is permitted to be present during such discussions, is given the opportunity to address the Board, and is permitted to have a representative of his choosing speak on his behalf. In addition, the Board shall not hold any discussions with regard to the Superintendent’s performance, or that may adversely affect the Superintendent’s employment, in public session…
How ABSURD!!!!

And finally - - Where and HOW are WE served by this contract. Who wrote this thing? You guys actually voted to approve this verbiage? Ooh My Goodness!!!!!!!!!!!

Hey everybody here is the actual contract. Read it and weep!

Seriously – Is there a PRO BONO Lawyer in the HOUSE willing to represent the Citizenry of Plainfield, NJ?

Call me PLEASE!

What took so long – HuH?

The question is WHY DSGIII didn’t share the following with the other 9 Board Members:

..."Unfortunately, these results on the above staff members indicate that the individuals must be removed as certified staff. At the best, these individuals may be placed in a support position such as administrative clerk or assistant. If you choose to place these individuals in a support position, obviously there is difficulty justifying the current salaries." –C.Centuolo

---Especially AFTER the public’s outcry regarding the salary, under-qualification and non-certification issue surfaced???

And to add further insult these ladies who were deemed no more qualified than to serve as Admins are now Cabinet Members!

There's something rotten in Denmark Plainfield and if the other Board members did in fact know about this – then this is duplicity at its finest hour!

This is about as transparent as the HUDSON and it’s time for the Board of Education members to Act!

Thursday, January 14, 2010

The Time Is Ripe!!!

A Message To The BOE;

Dear Board Of Education Members – I am writing to each of you to ask that you uphold your legal, moral and ethical obligations to this community. You must stop allowing this situation to continue to fester! This is escalating out of control and it is time for you to take the appropriate measures to protect the interest of this community and its citizenry by following through on your fiduciary responsibilities.

Specifically – it is time to STOP staging the conversation and open the floor for true dialog. Hirer a Mediator; whatever or whomever you deem appropriate as long as they are independent and non-biased -- but DO IT!

We the people of this fair city are NOT SATISFIED with the way this situation was and is being handled. It is NOT OK. Cronyism, Favoritism and Nepotism is unethical and according to our Board policies a violation of our governing construct. Not to mention, it is unbecoming a leader in whatever capacity He or She serves and it erodes – at the very CORE – the foundation of a society, this community and our educational system!

President Cathcart – it is now time for you to resume the leadership role of this organization that was so readily and erroneously abdicated to your direct report since his arrival. This is no longer about him running the school system, but rather this is about him RUINING and DESTROYING the fundamental trust and respect that must be inherent and transparent between a school system and the community it serves.

It is no longer a matter of if he is capable, but rather and more poignantly, how he is culpable for this deluge of negatively impacting press that his nonsensical, despotic decision-making has and continues to subject this community to weekly and more recently -- daily.

Newsflash – this is NOT about DSGIII and what he wants. This IS ABOUT the PLAINFIELD COMMUNITY and Our CHILDREN and what We NEED!

What part of this are YOU – Board of Education Members -- not getting? Do you need Chris Christie and Bret Schundler to come in and take over? How utterly ridiculous! It really is a SHAME, SHAME, SHAME – SHAME on YOU!

Signed
Renata A. Hernandez

Your HELP is NEEDED!

1) Text the word "Haiti" to 90999 on your cell phone and $10.00 will go to the U.S. Haitian relief fund set up be the State Department.



2) Text "Yele" to 501501 and $5.00 will be charged to your phone bill and given to relief projects through Wyclef Jean's foundation, Yele Haiti.

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

I Tried To Tell Ya!

Didn't I say -- I Will NOT be Ignored!!!!

Now I can't take full credit...all I'm saying is sometimes it pays to have other people do the OPRA'ing!

I'm only stating the facts -- Jack!

Don't despair Mi Familia -- you have to clean out the festering puss BEFORE you can heal and be made whole!

Stay the course!  The TRUTH will SET US FREE!

P.S.:  Thanks Arnold for hearing the cries of this community, considering this a worthwhile cause and taking a stance against injustice!

Missing Person...PLEASE Be on the lookout!


A'sierra (Cee Cee) has been missing since Sunday.


Call Plainfield Police Station @ 911 -- see full story here.

My Prayers Are With You!

To All My Haitian friends, family of friends and community members; My heartfelt prayers go out to each of you. I pray you love and comfort as you go through this devastating time of uncertainty, disbelief and tragic losses. May the peace that surpasses all understanding be with YOU and YOURS in all ways -- always. In Jesus’ name I pray - AMEN.

At All Cost -- SAVE Your Objectivity!!!

Thanks everyone for your input on my previous post; and I will RESPECT your request to remain anonymous while finding a way to share your points of view. 

I guess this whole thing looks and feels different when you work for pay as oppose to work for play!

Just know PPSD employees I know it isn't right and I'm not going to pretend it is anything other than what it is -- FAVORITISM, CRONYISM and NEPOTISM.

As I said before to all of you who are in it for ALL the right reasons -- your hardwork and dedication is not in vain!

It is my responsibility to keep the TRUTH out there no matter what other bloggers say or don't say...no matter how many names faceless people call me...no matter how many idioms I use or idiots I encounter in pursuit of the RIGHT THING for Plainfield -- I know WHO I am...WHOSE I am and WHY I am!

Keep Your Head UP!

The TRUTH like OUR CHILDREN'S MINDS is a Terrible thing to waste!

Monday, January 11, 2010

PEA ... PASA Help Me with This ONE!

How much could a Resource Teacher expect to receive if they moved from their current position to a Coordinator?

Now remember there are no special certifications required other than what you already have... So please help me understand...

I really want to know how this works.

I'm up for review and I need to have this information ready for my increase discussion.  The heck with the standard 3.3 -4% merit increases and 10% promotional increases -- I'm looking for a ONE Zero Niner!

Dear OPRA-- I'm looking for information on recession size raises in an ABBOTT School District that laid off more than a dozen teachers and administrators and lost about $8 million in federal funding and may very well have to cut about 5% of the workforce this year.  
I'd like to see if a 109% increase is the norm or did I put the decimal place in the wrong spot.  After all Math is not our leader's strong point...who needs to know the square root of a hypotenuse ....
I would appreciate any information you can provide on this.

Sincerely,
The Truth Seeker

Who's Afraid of the Big Bad Truth...

Honesty is such a lonely word.


Everyone is so untrue.

Honesty is hardly ever heard.

And mostly what I need from you. [Billy Joel]
 

Sunday, January 10, 2010

The Answer is...

What is 109%?

Now what is the Question...????

Read the Courier News...figure it out and get back to me. Hint Last Page -- Last Paragraph.

The Truth!

Dear Mr. Spivey...

Mark -- I just want to commend you on your steadfastness to report the news as the record supports, and to not allow those that try to intimidate you muffle your voice.

I appreciate not only your willingness to produce unwelcoming news, but that which showcases people, places and things going well in the Queen City.

It has long been felt that Plainfield rarely gets/got a fair shake in local papers-- so it is a welcoming effort to have you cover the "news" as it is!

Stay the course!

Awe and Amazed!

I’ve just finished reading the latest headlining fiasco of all things Floridian, and here is one response that sums up EXACTLY what I’m thinking:


I'd be interested to see a copy of Ms. Borge's oath of allegiance. This is the document: http://www.state.nj.us/education/educators/license/forms/verify.pdf

Here are the questions of interest:

"Have you ever had a certificate revoked or suspended in this or any state?  If yes, enclose a statement indicating the action taken and provide the pertinent details."

"Have you ever been convicted of a criminal offense in this or any other state or any jurisdiction outside of the United States? If yes, enclose a statement indicating the municipality where this occurred and provide the pertinent details."

Please tell me how Ms. Borge answered the last two questions? If she answered no, then isn't that perjury?

Also, how could Gallon NOT have known about it if she had a letter of reprimand placed in her file in Florida? Dr. Gallon is still trying to sell his snake oil.

1/10/2010 3:15:57 PM
All but the snake oil stuff…

Patience my friend-readers you DONOT need me to disclose this kind of stuff -- the TRUTH cannot be avoided, and AGAIN I don't have a lawyer on staff to make sure I do all this stuff correctly but I can certainly share the facts and that's WHAT I DO! Like it or not!

Just REAL!

I want to address a post on Maria’s Blog – Renata, for the record, is not frustrated; by definition frustration deals with external forces beyond ones control. I pray daily and often and in and about ALL things. I know “from whence my help comes” so one cannot pray and then worry. It is a contradiction in concepts.

I wanted to address this because I want to make sure none of my other readers feel as though I’m frustrated. I assure you – I am not. I am FILLED with HOPE! I am clear about where and how I can effect change and I am determined –through prayer and supplication – to be a positive instrument of change for and in PLAINFIELD, NJ. I’m not perfect but it is a goal of mine!

Now having said that – what I do get ANGRY about is...! And I am prayerfully working on THAT! I HATE Liars, I detest people whose WORD is weak as water, manipulators, disingenuousness, LIARS, people who tell me how I feel or what I feel and ooh yeah – LIARS. I’ve learned long ago that “I” can’t change people with the issues I’ve just mentioned, so I don’t try.

As my comment to Maria's Blog shared, I write to expose the personality and character of people so that each of us knows who we are dealing with from the inside out. I prefer to learn about the inner workings of folks. It is far more accurate and tells of an individual’s value system than listening to them pronounce a 16 syllable word, or reading a post they write with misspellings and poor grammar. What good does it do me if someone responds to my queries readily but the information is falsified or misleading? The act of cooperation is only as real and valuable as the truthful information and effort that is put forth. It is not cooperation if the intent is simply to check off a box and SHUT someone UP/OUT!

I want my readers to be clear about something…this issue is bigger than certifications or proof and evidence. What we have gone through these past months is a fundamental breakdown of TRUST between parties that MUST HAVE TRUST to be of any value to this city’s children.

What I post are facts as they are revealed that either support or not the information the district extends. I am not going to censor it because some may be tired of hearing about it. Tough! Move On! I do not have a need or desire to post who told me what, when, and if  I OPRA'd it or not etc. People who provide me with information and read the information I provide have got to trust that I will manage it with integrity. If the information I put out there IS NOT TRUTHFUL then let the powers that be post what is TRUTHFUL.

In so much that I have always been about empowering my community through information and knowledge sharing I will continue to bring forth information as I receive it and ANALYZE it as I perceive it. I do not have an axe to grind, nor do I have a personal vendetta against anyone, some or all – that is too time consuming and it has nothing to do with the good nature of the God I serve and who showers me with favor and grace daily as I endeavor to turn our school system around. Above and beyond anything – I will do what brings honor to my Father (Heavenly) and Daddy (Earthly).

In the final analysis, what we need is restoration and this will only be achieved by sharing, recognizing and honoring the truth – and the truth shall set us free. Free to be -- a District of HIGH Performers-- from the top down and evident in all our children.

{To think-- I was going to have a post-free day today…}

Saturday, January 9, 2010

Who Would Have Thunk It!

Got this quote from a place you all WOULD NOT believe (but they and some of you know)... Let's analyze it!


"It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought WITHOUT accepting it." -Aristotle
Tell mean what this means to you?

Also --   can someone tell me what is an
"Oath of Allegiance/Verification of Accuracy"

What is it for...Where can it be found... and what type of  information does it contain? 

Friday, January 8, 2010

Certification -- The Quest for Understanding...

On Tuesday I asked the question with regard to the 4 certifications (CE, CEAS, Provisional and Standard) per 18A Statutes,  if the slide they shared indicates that these certifications entitle persons to be employed as a Teacher within public schools -- then why are they being interchanged in our conversation about Supervisor, Administrators, Principals and CSAs (all under the umbrella of SCHOOL LEADERS).

The attorney opted to answer and said that 18A covers Teaching Staff Members and is not necessarily specific to the position of a "Teacher" and the statement on the slide is very likely (not absolutely) a typo.

So can someone explain to me the following Statute and its purpose:

SCHOOL LEADERS’ OVERVIEW

All candidates for certification as School Leaders, except as indicated in N.J.A.C. 6A:9-12.7, must hold a Master's or higher degree from a regionally accredited college or university. The following endorsements are available:


6A:9-12.4 School Administrator
6A:9-12.5 Principal
6A:9-12.6 Supervisor (Standard only)
6A:9-12.7 School Business Administrator


(c) The Supervisor Endorsement is required for both supervisors of instruction and athletic directors who do not hold a standard principal's endorsement. The supervisor is defined as any school officer who is charged with authority and responsibility for the continuing direction and guidance of the work of instructional personnel. This endorsement also authorizes appointment as an assistant superintendent in charge of curriculum and/or instruction.

Would this NOT be the type of certification the young ladies were denied? And if so, then why did we completely skip over this conversation? It would seem to me that if clarity in policy and process is what this Board was after with this meeting, then they would have included information in this area of POLICY.  So, the question that begs to be asked is...who decided what the TOPICS would be and why? The certainly used soft references to the Floridian issue when it benefitted their messaging -- so again why the oversight.

It seems from what I'm gathering that the certification discussion was focused on those persuing "teaching" position which is NOT where this district is having issues.  On the contrary WE need to understand the policies and statutes for SCHOOL LEADER Certification.

Can we have a REDO?  Who should I call?

I'm still crafting my questions to the NJSBA representative who was here on Tuesday as well as the BOE President and CSA...shoot me any questions you'd like me to ask specific to certification and current circumstances without MENTIONING the TWO Floridans Borge and Kelly by name...OK.

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Mr. Abdul Haqq -- You were On TARGET TONIGHT!

The following is an exact quote from a letter dated October 19, 2009 from the STATE of New Jersey Department of Education, issued by Executive County Superintendent of Schools - Carmen M. Centuolo, EdD;

Page 2 - 2nd to the last paragraph:

"In summary, although I acknowledge the professional and competent work of Ms. Kelly and Ms. Borge, I must direct you to remove them immediately from their current positions.  Their contracts must appear on the next Plainfield Board of Education agenda as contracts to rescind..."
So -- The Lawyer owes you an apology and an answer to your question because in fact THE BOARD did receive 'in writing' a directive to rescind these contracts. Which in short means your question had merit and deserves to be properly addressed.

I know you all are probably saying --- didn't you just say you would leave the certification issue up to the State -- and you would be right-- I sure did, but this is not about the certificates in so much that it is about getting at the truth.  The certificate is simply the tool for getting to the TRUTH.

Let me be plain -- My goal for Plainfield Public Schools is to have it designated as a Blue Ribbon School by 2015.  If that means I have to get in the face of Board Members or the Lawyer to get at the truth, and get  US to do the RIGHT thing by this city's children then I'm willing to do that often and always.

I'm going to give this gentleman the benefit of the doubt and simply say he (the Board Attorney) misspoke, but how he resolves this will be the true measure of his intent.

[Ooh yeah -- and my Professional Associates call me The Pitt Bull.  Imagine that!]

The Policy Meeting RESULTS...

Gotta say I thought the policy meeting was one of the best BOE meetings I've attended todate.  Why?  It's Not because there was an overwhelming amount of clarity provided.  It's POLICIES what do you expect!  You need a Lawyer, A Doctor, A Best Friend and the patience of JOB!!!  My 9-5 is regulatory in nature -- so the LAST thing I want to do is go though policy, but I bit the bullet and besides I have a natural knack for "finding" stuff.  My friends do call me the INSPECTOR and they ain't nevah lied!

Anywho -- what I enjoyed was the ACTUAL DIALOG that occurred.  Like I told you all before I HATE being talked to...involvement, partnership --cooperation means there is an exchange of ideas!  So -- to the Board I say continue to provide this type of venue and you will continue to get participation across the board (no pun intended) and not just when YOU'VE GOT ISSUES like you all intimated!

Now about the certification stuff...this is about as complicated as traveling through time!  As I said before let the State and Reporters deal with it. After all they have the budgets, access to records, when they were applied for, received, qualilfied --- blah, blah, blah!

The only thing I'm saying is don't come this way again New Name (I heard Ya!) I have good ears too! LOL!

Night Yall A Sistah is Tired!

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Worthwhile Morning Read...



CLICK Title Below for Full Article



Let's Talk About S.O.P.s -- Let's Talk about YOU and ME...

Let's Talk About All the Good things and the Bad things that can be -- Let's Talk about IT...

Tonight -- 7 PM -- The Board Office

Come ready to CREATIVELY discuss what rules our roost.

Standard Operating Procedures VS. Policies -- What's the difference?

Does Plainfield have SOPs? Hmmm

Should Plainfield have SOPs? Hmmm

Let's discuss!

See YOU in a Few!

FYI


A standard operating procedure consists of a set of instructions having the force of a directive, and covering those features of operations that lend themselves to a definite or standardized procedure without loss of effectiveness. Standard Operating Procedures can act as effective catalysts to drive performance-improvement and improve organizational results. Every good quality system is based on its standard operating procedures (SOPs). [Reference]

Sunday, January 3, 2010

You Put Your "RIGHT" Foot IN!

I am gearing up for this AWESOME responsibility I am about to embark upon. My postings will be “light” over the next few months because I’ll have to save something to say at the forums and debates – right?!

I will, however be more than happy to answer any “REAL” question(s) you may have about the current state of the school district, or my vision for the district or anything else “SPECIFIC” to school issues.

You can expect to read and/or received my positioning statement and platform message in the next weeks. Most will be broadcast here simultaneously with public mailings and/or releases.

I look forward to a challenging 3 months, an awesome and enlightening campaign and a SUCCESSFUL Bid for the Plainfield Board of Education.

Chat w/you all soon.

Be Well,
Renata

Friday, January 1, 2010

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