Poll

Who will you vote for on April 20, 2004?

Walter H. Carroll, Francis W. Albolino (incumbents) and Jorge E. Meneses
5 (35.7%)
Junemarie Ramp, Jenny Marin, and Rhonda Williams-Bembry (challengers)
6 (42.9%)
Undecided
3 (21.4%)
Don't vote in School Board Elections
0 (0%)

Total Members Voted: 13

Author Topic: 2004 School Board Election (Topic closed).  (Read 43977 times)

Offline Editor

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Re:School Board Election Poll (Participate!)
« Reply #15 on: April 08, 2004, 02:38:59 PM »
There is a school board meeting on April 12, 2004 at 7:30 p.m. at 355 State Street.

This may be the last opportunity to hear some debate.  

I reiterate my prior complaint that the public has largely been left out of any meaningful participation in a debate of the issues.  

I'm told that out of approximately 17,000 registered voters, less than 4,000 vote in school board elections in Hackensack.  I'm surprised the numbers are that high.


Offline wetochwink

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Re:School Board Election Poll (Participate!)
« Reply #16 on: April 12, 2004, 10:53:05 AM »
Well over the weekend, election posters, or polictical litter as I like to call it has been posted all over.  

If there was a way to insure which ever team would clean up ALL posters in the city after the election - that team would get my vote.

Anyone running for office should be held responsible for cleaning up all election posters, signs, etc after an election.

At the same time, the city should send out fines to home owners that still have Christmas decorations up. How does one person but an inflatable Easter bunny on the front lawn without taking down the Christmas wreath from the 2nd story of their house?   ::)

Offline Editor

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Candidates Debate - Results, summary, photo.
« Reply #17 on: April 12, 2004, 10:49:22 PM »
I went to what was supposed to be a School Board Meeting Monday night at 7:30 at 355 State Street and find out it was postponed until tomorrow night at 7:30.

I find out through a posting on "Save Hackensack" that there was a debate scheduled for 4/12/04 (same night) at Nellie K. Parker.  I get there an hour late and  the debate is in progress.  Apparently, it was two hours long , moderated with questions, with a 2 minute summary for each candidate.  

I asked people how they knew about the meeting and they said someone simply told them. As far as I know, there was NO PUBLIC NOTIFICATION of the debate.  Someone please correct me if I am wrong.  Moreover, THERE WAS NO OPPORTUNITY TO QUESTION THE CANDIDATES.  

Below is a summary of the questions and answers I had an opportunity to hear.  I did my best to "get the gist" of the question and answer.  

I WOULD ENCOURAGE PEOPLE TO CORRECT AND AMEND MY INTERPRETATIONS.


Topic:    Out of town children attending Hackensack Schools and what to do about it:

Walter H. Carroll:    Three pieces of proof are required for registration, currently.  Over 100 illegal students were discovered this year.  Parents were charged tuition, so the taxpayers get some of that back.

Francis W. Albolino:   Hackensack Youth Police currently try to discovery illegal students and wait outside the registered home to see if students come out for school.  This should continue.

Jorge E. Meneses:    All children should be registered.  (with better system of proof?)
 
Rhonda Williams-Bembry: Incumbents are not doing a good enough to combat illegal students from coming to Hackensack Schools.  An outside agency should be used to combat illegal students.

Junemarie Ramp:    Incumbents are not doing a good enough to combat illegal students from coming to Hackensack Schools.

Jenny Marin:      Incumbents are not doing a good enough to combat illegal students from coming to Hackensack Schools.  An outside agency should be used to combat illegal students.

Topic:    Student Achievement: How to improve it.

Walter H. Carroll:    Parents and teachers should communicate more with their children.

Francis W. Albolino:   Parents need to be more involved.

Jorge E. Meneses:    Listen to the experiences of the student.
 
Rhonda Williams-Bembry: Extra-curricular activities need to be increased.

Junemarie Ramp:    Students need to feel like they are part of the programs designed to help them.

Jenny Marin:      Students should be challenged and rewarded.

Topic:    Why is a "D" a passing grade.  Should children with straight D’s be passed.

Walter H. Carroll:    Something about "no child left behind".  This was not clear to me.

Francis W. Albolino:   This should be explored and can always be changed (I think).

Jorge E. Meneses:    Response was  not clear to me
 
Rhonda Williams-Bembry:  When children reach a certain point in failing to turn in homework, teachers need to call parents sooner, rather than later.

Junemarie Ramp:    Something about social promotion being wrong. ??

Jenny Marin:      Passing D’s should be changed.

Topic:    Failing Test Scores and how to correct the problem

Walter H. Carroll:    Before and after school programs should be employed.  One hour extra can do a lot to improve test scores.

Francis W. Albolino:   Test scores are increasing city-wide.  Middle school remains a problem, but "we’re working on it".    We need to start at the bottom (elementary and middle) before we try to improve high school test scores.

Jorge E. Meneses:    A better curriculum may be needed.  
 
Rhonda Williams-Bembry: Incumbents are not doing a good enough job to improve test scores.  No adequate progress, according to prior reports (from State?).

Junemarie Ramp:    Teachers need to work on improving test scores in September, not 7 weeks before the state/fed tests are administered.

Jenny Marin:      A better curriculum may be needed.

Topic:    Laptops, computers, books and supplies in school.

Walter H. Carroll:    We have them in schools already.  We have a complex budget.  Special Education is great in Hackensack and accounts for 25% of budget.  

Francis W. Albolino:   We don’t have laptops yet, but plenty of computers.  Each lasts 3-5 years. Mr. Albolino asked people to see the computers for themselves.  Teachers are getting the books and supplies they need.

Jorge E. Meneses:    I missed the response (Sorry).  
 
Rhonda Williams-Bembry: She reviewed budget and was angered for having to pay for a copy of it ($27).  She was unable to reconcile certain expenditures and promised to "find our money".  

Junemarie Ramp:     I missed the response (Sorry).

Jenny Marin:      More computers are needed.

Topic:    Goals of School Board: What should they be?

Walter H. Carroll:    School board devises and implements policy.    

Francis W. Albolino:   School board devises and implements policy and should not "micro-manage" teachers and classrooms.

Jorge E. Meneses:    The School Board should provide a better education for the children.    
 
Rhonda Williams-Bembry: The School Board should provide a better education, more efficiently.

Junemarie Ramp:    The School Board should stabilize taxes and hire teachers based on qualifications, not political connections. The School Board should provide the best possible education.

Jenny Marin:      The School Board should stabilize taxes and hire teaches based on qualifications, not political connections. The School Board should provide the best possible education.

Topic:    Students opportunity for college.

Walter H. Carroll:    We should not pressure students to go to college, but the opportunity should be there.      

Francis W. Albolino:   Many students should be commended for military services, trade schools, etc.  But, the opportunity for college should be available.  

Jorge E. Meneses:    85% of students go on to college.  This is good.  
 
Rhonda Williams-Bembry: 100% of students should be going to college (or at least have opportunity).

Junemarie Ramp:    100% of students should be going to college (or at least have opportunity).  

Jenny Marin:      100% of students should be going to college (or at least have opportunity).

Summaries

Walter H. Carroll:    As far as hiring practices go, some students eventually want to be teachers.  Board hires people it knows because it understands the background of the applicant (I think).  

Francis W. Albolino:   As far as test scores go, tests should not dictate all policy.  We must "do right by the student".  When we do, we do right for the taxpayer as well.  

Jorge E. Meneses:    We should provide students with the necessary programs and technology to do well in school.    
 
Rhonda Williams-Bembry: When you consider the economic costs and the children, the "Better Education Team" is the better choice.

Junemarie Ramp:    It is unacceptable that education has become so political and that politics dictates the job market in Hackensack Schools. High taxes for property owners are not fair

Jenny Marin:   Tired of negative comments.  Wants to focus on what can be done.  
« Last Edit: April 12, 2004, 11:04:23 PM by Editor »

Offline wetochwink

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Re:School Board Election Poll (Participate!)
« Reply #18 on: April 13, 2004, 08:23:23 AM »
Quote
I went to what was supposed to be a School Board Meeting Monday night at 7:30 at 355 State Street and find out it was postponed until tomorrow night at 7:30.

Well if one checks the BOE web site for meeting notices, there isn't a meeting at all this week.  
http://halley.hackensackhigh.org/hbe/hpsdates.html

With all the complaining by city officials and BOE officials about low voter turnout - gee I wonder why. In this day and age of advance communitcation (email, web sites, etc.) we still have officials operating in the dark ages. Does the city not support its public schools - where is the assistance to get the message out about school board elections. Where was the PTA to help promote this meeting?

Just because the BOE meetings normally do not get a large resident turnout, does that mean you continue plan a meeting as normal for something such as the debate?  Please.

If the BOE continues to only inform its inner circle - then perhaps the inner circle of supporters should only have to pay the school taxes.

Quote
Walter H. Carroll:    Three pieces of proof are required for registration, currently.  Over 100 illegal students were discovered this year.  Parents were charged tuition, so the taxpayers get some of that back.
???

Mr. Carroll - if you comments are accurate, I dare you to prove to the residents of Hackensack how we "got some of that back". I have been a homeowner for five years now and not once has my school taxes gone down. Perhaps you meant to say that the annual tax increase could have been higher.
« Last Edit: April 13, 2004, 08:24:17 AM by wetochwink »

Marie

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Re:School Board Election Poll (Participate!)
« Reply #19 on: April 13, 2004, 09:51:25 AM »
I first want to start out by saying that the debate finally happened  it was not to satisfying to me. Most of the answers that were given either beated around the bush or were premeditated. When either group made comments you could see that they were very similar as the other.

I have always been a firm believer that learning must start from home first. The teachers in the schools can guide our children but they can not make them do anything, that is where the parents need to be involved. This does not happen to often with our children.

The teachers are not the ones to blame with low test scores. They should take a small part of the blame but Dr. Riley the Dr. in charge of setting The Hackensack School curriculum: she should take the most blame, then the school board. (one of the worst hires by H BOE).

Many children do not do well on school/state testing. If you ever took the time to research the reasons why this happens you will see nerves play a big part, then some things are so far fetched, and also students need to be taught Academics that they will use in life. A lot of the subjects on the test will never be used in life so why test the students on them. Not all of them will need them for college. Take Algebra for one when in the world will you need this? Either you are to be a teacher/Prof or a scientist. With knowing this why put so much pressure subjects of such. Or some of the words the kids are asked on these tests Prof in college do not use nor know all of them so how do you ask the students to know them.

The biggest problem with the Darn State Testing is that there is so much put on scoring our children. Not all children are equal or on the same level some mature faster while others bloom later. The other main problem why so much pressure is placed on these test is for MONEY. O yes that is right the scores dictate how much money schools are to receive. The schools would be better if the States just budgeted schools monies on the amount of students in the schools. Not where the school is located or the  scores.

There must be a better way of getting our children to learn and get higher scores if these test are a must.

One negative thing about the state testing is that if so much pressure is placed on these scores is that then you have teachers teach so children will score high on these test. The problem is then they do not learn anything else……….

If the BOE was to understand the students and want to help them become more Educated then they could think of a better curriculum to be taught. Also here is a suggestion: why not provide a teacher a point system or a bonus if their students score a certain score or higher on the test. (ex.   If Mrs. ____ 5th grade class all score a 85 % and better on the State Test she will receive either a extra $500(for number sake) or additional person day to be used later here is my best choice those teachers who do so are chosen to work the summer program so them this allows them extra money and it will not be based on politics.

As far as those who made the comment that 100% of the students should go to college this is so far fetched. Yes all students should be given the chance to go but college is not for everyone.  Some students will not care to attend school beyond High School or there are those who might be better at doing a trade skilled job. So let’s be real on this issue. Plus the raising prices for college are out of control since Federal monies have been lessened. There are no scholar ships for all races, nationalities, or backgrounds.

The Schools are trying to rid themselves of the entire out of Towner’s who attend the schools of Hackensack but this is very hard. They say they have found 100 and Mr. Carroll stated that they are having the parents pay the schools back for this. I would love to see this happen but all I see is my taxes continue to rise and it’s not fair. There are still plenty of kids in the Hackensack school system but some are allowed because people look the other way due to knowing the families, or having some type of involvement in the schools.

When a child is caught in the Hackensack School System then the parent should have to face federal charges. They know they are breaking a law and continue to do so with the knowing that they can be caught.

Hate to think about it when my kids get to the college age what high sky rocket prices I will be faced with in order of sending my kids off to college. The grants, aides, and scholarships are not fair for all children.

I am glad that this debate happened but I wish it was open more and the candidates would all had their own answers. They should have been put on the spot………

Just an additional note the Town needs to get more involved in this election and in getting the Children of Hackensack involved in more actives. The prices of the rec programs are too much and the Town does not help them out. Yes I know the soccer field but let’s look at another item…………

When is the next debate or is this the last time we will see them together until the election.

Offline Ruffio

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Re:School Board Election Poll (Participate!)
« Reply #20 on: April 13, 2004, 01:24:08 PM »
     For anyone present at the School Board debate last evening, the most obvious evaluation was the professionalism exhibited by the team represented by Albolino, Carroll, and Meneses.
   It was evident to me , that these individuals have a clear knowledge of both successes and areas needing improvement within our school system, and meaningful, well-thoughtout methods of solving existing problems.
   Board of Education members clearly must be individuals with a vision of the future, with the children's academic interest always the number one priority. Without question, I'll be supporting Albolino, Carrol, and Meneses.

Offline wetochwink

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Re:School Board Election Poll (Participate!)
« Reply #21 on: April 15, 2004, 04:57:29 PM »
Just got the school sample ballot in the mail.

Regarding the Proposition:

$50,649,382 for increase in general funds for what?  How much per average household?  >:(

I also want an outline as to what warrants ANOTHER TAX INCREASE by the BOE. Oh I know the our Superindendant will get on the school CABLE channel and defend the increase - yeah, that's really reaching out to all the residents.

Why doesn't the sample ballot provide more information - such as who the incubant BOE members are?

I can't wait: when the proposition passes (as it usually does), all the residents - mostly who won't vote will complain about their taxes going up again.

Offline Editor

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Re:School Board Debate
« Reply #22 on: April 16, 2004, 09:57:35 AM »
The following comments appeared in the April 16, 2004 edition of The Record.

At the April 12 Hackensack school election debate, I was shocked by some words of hostility made against teachers and administrators. Poor test scores were being blamed on teachers and principals.

I know measurable test scores are part of the new initiative to evaluate how schools are performing. However, just focusing on test scores is not a barometer to measure a good school.

As a volunteer with a literacy program, I meet with two students once a week at the Fairmount School. I am impressed with the school's teachers and office administrators. There seems to be a genuine concern for the children. Secretaries put themselves out every morning handling various emergencies. Reading specialists and teachers are easy to talk to and concerned with children's progress.

Roselyn Altman

Hackensack, April 13


Offline wetochwink

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Re:School Board Election Poll (Participate!)
« Reply #23 on: April 16, 2004, 01:38:27 PM »
http://www.savehackensack.org/datafiles/news%20archive/Bd%20of%20Ed%20Budget%2004.pdf

Link above is a break down of the budget increase.  

Ok - so on average the residents tax increase will be $130 (give or take).  Now most would say "That's not too bad" and vote to approve the increase.

BUT - the increase each year prior has been $150 or less. For every year where one thinks - "That's not too bad", this adds up over time! Believe me - I don't think our teachers and students are given enough credit or resources to work with, but how much more can this continue to be the residents responsibility?

Will there ever be a year without school tax increases? Sheesh!

Don't forget the County is also planning to increase its budget / spending this year - so expect another tax increase there as well.  The city has been too quiet about any future increase too.
« Last Edit: April 16, 2004, 01:40:54 PM by wetochwink »

Eric Martindale

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School Challengers must be defeated on principle
« Reply #24 on: April 17, 2004, 12:26:36 AM »
[Note by Editor:  This message was merged into the "School Board Election" topic for the sake of continuity.  After the election, it can be an independent topic for further discussion.]

:'(I was strongly considering voting for two of the challengers because their resumes appeared stronger than two of the incumbents. Then I got their campaign literature publicly degrading our school system based on the myth that our test scores indicate that we have substandard education in Hackensack.

Test scores comparing towns in Bergen County are mostly a SOCIOECONOMIC BEAUTY CONTEST. It's 90% socioeconomics and 10% a measure of actual quality.

There are some families that live in poverty and/or have limited use of the English language who push their kids to succeed and they excel. These parents are heroes, God bless them. But let's never lose sight that they are THE EXCEPTION, NOT THE RULE.

Compared to northern Bergen County, Hackensack has a higher percent of students who (1) have limited use of the English language, (2) come from stressed single-parent households, or (3) come from economically disadvantaged families. This is what's holding back test scores, not the actual quality of the system itself. I'm sorry to say that anyone who doesn't see this simply doesn't understand Hackensack or the problems facing our community.

THE ONLY MESSAGE THAT SHOULD BE SENT IS THAT OUR SCHOOL SYSTEM IS OF COMPARABLE EXCELLENCE TO ANY TOWN IN NORTHERN BERGEN COUNTY, AND ANY FAMILY THAT WANTS TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS EXCELLENCE CAN ENROLL THEIR CHILDREN HERE, ENCOURAGE THEIR CHILDREN TO SUCCEED, AND REAP THE BENEFITS OF A WELL-ROUNDED EDUCATION.

As far as I'm concerned, everyone who loves and cares about Hackensack and the future of our community should be familiar enough with this message so that you can tell this story to anyone with an ear, especially parents of preschoolers.

A school system could truly be excellent, but the test scores don't reflect it due to socioeconomic factors as I have explained. This is exactly the case in Hackensack. I state this EMPHATICALLY, both as the parent of a fourth-grader in the public school system, and as an informed citizen of the community who has been extremely active in public affairs for nearly 20 years.

The goal of SCHOOL ADVOCACY in Hackensack must be to attract and maintain stable families in the school system, particularly middle or middle-upper class two-parent families (or any ethnic or racial background). We must explain the socioeconomic story and promote our high-quality integrated schools. We don't need school board members who are not school advocates.

Anything contrary is adverse to the goals of school advocacy. Anyone telling an opposing story must be branded as an enemy of progress in Hackensack and an adversary of public education. Unfortunately this includes the challengers because they allowed their political advisors to convince them to put their names of literature condemning and degrading our schools. Bad move.

The challenger's campaign piece mailed to every resident in the city has done incalculable damage to the school system by DISCOURAGING the best and brightest families from enrolling their children here. This angers me, and I'm definitely voting against them, simply on the principle of what they've done to my city. How many newlyweds or parents of 3 and 4 year olds read that campaign piece, and are now thinking that they should move out so their kids can have a "better" education? The result is that we'll have an even lower AVERAGE INCOME of families using the school system. The challengers are making the socioeconomic situation worse.

And these challengers want my VOTE after pulling a stunt like that? ha, not a chance. The challengers have greatly harmed our public school system and the entire City of Hackensack. There is simply no way I will even consider voting for them. It's nothing less than a matter or principle.
« Last Edit: April 18, 2004, 11:42:23 AM by Editor »

Offline tuscany

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Re:School Challengers must be defeated on principle
« Reply #25 on: April 18, 2004, 12:17:21 AM »
eric, you make a great point and your opinion
is usually correct.The biggest problem I see is
the roles are reversed in the BOE. It seems the
elected board is allowing "business as usual
to continue". The majority of teachers are doing
an incredible job. I think most principals are doing a great job also. Remember " The fish
doesn't rot from the tail". Let's get some strong
& fair leadership at the top & get rid of all the dead wood.I mention no names or even initials
as that seems to anger some using this message board. We need some new blood & ideas on the board. !

marie

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Re:School Challengers must be defeated on principle
« Reply #26 on: April 18, 2004, 10:16:33 AM »
Eric you have touched on some strong facts about our children and their teachers. I do agree with you about not voting the newbie’s in. If you are to run for office and make all those negative comments then it proves you are ignorant.

As always I place my strong support for the regaining Board holders.
Mr. Albolino, Mr. Carroll, and Mr. Meneses as always they have our children best interest first.

Those of you who do not like a certain person on the regaining campaign state fact reasonable facts why rather than attack them.

I know all 6 candidates who are running and I truly believe that the 3 I stated will run circles around the other 3 if they were to be elected. Remember the grass always looks greener on the other side until you get there and they it dies. I believe that is what would happen if the challengers would win.

No name calling but one is a racist has no clue of running a school board nor does she even have a clue on life.

Another is a teacher who was hired by the Hackensack School System and failed to perform her duties as a teacher and then she was let go. She also was to coach the Middle School Girls Softball team and she only did it for the money and was hardly around leaving the team to be coached by another person. Lost in another world.

And the last person was dragged along for the support of the His-Spanish community.

The challengers who are running are doing so, out of angry and nastiness of hatred of trying to get power. Revenge is not the answer here. The Children of Hackensack are what we care about!

Since this election heated up, all you hear is Al is never around who is he, what has he done for the kids. Well for those of you who forget that there are meeting weekly, budgets to be looked at and work on to improve our schools for the children.
I have hear and seen fliers about C being a drunk or having no clue about kids or he is a better coach then BOE member well it has to start somewhere and as they have said yes he has coached so that is a starting point to see how he cares about the children. Ever since I have known him I have seen that anyone could approach him and discuss just about anything with him and he has always held the children first. So let’s leave out all the non-sense about the drinking it is a mood point. And them M has been involved with the schools, sporting events the recreation actives and he has also shown the same care and desire for the Children of Hackensack.

On Tuesday I will vote for Mr. Albolino, Mr. Carroll and Mr. Meneses and I will also encourage everyone who has kids, who cares about the Hackensack Schools and the Board of Education to vote for the following three candidates.

See you at the polls

Offline wetochwink

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Re:School Board Election Poll (Participate!)
« Reply #27 on: April 19, 2004, 07:55:52 AM »
After hearing the lack of plan the new candidates will bring to the BOE I too cannot vote for a leadership change without the confindence of knowing what their tasks will be to do.

I recently had an email conversation with our Superindendent.  The budget increase is not $50 million, but  $1.8 million. I pointed out how poorly the sample ballot was written.  I also stated that as small of increase as it is, its poorly promoted to get a winning vote by the residents.

Also if BOE expects any resident support, communication throughout the city has to improve. Calling for candidate debate thru the PTA and only informing the parents, is wrong. Over the weekend on the school cable channel Mr. Montesano was on again explaining the budget. I pointed out to him that a vast majority of residents no longer have cable (satellite or local tv only), so his projected audience via cable is smaller than before.  

As a past student of the school system when Mr. Montesano was a teacher, I expected and got a rapid response, repecting my opinion, I think as one being a resident and not having children in the school system yet, I hope I brought another view to this growing problem.

« Last Edit: April 19, 2004, 10:06:53 AM by wetochwink »

tony

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Re:School Board Election Poll (Participate!)
« Reply #28 on: April 19, 2004, 07:58:28 AM »
Eric, you say that, “Hackensack has a higher percent of students who (1) have limited use of the English language, (2) come from stressed single-parent households, or (3) come from economically disadvantaged families.”  

You say that for these reasons, the test scores are low and they shouldn’t count when looking at the overall excellence of the school system.  Stop making excuses!!!

When fourth graders fail basic skills tests, how can you say it’s because these kids come from economically disadvantaged families?  If these kids haven’t mastered basic skills by fourth grade, even you have to admit there’s a problem.  As for those with a limited use of the English language, a multiplication problem like 50 x 50=? is the same in English, Spanish or any other language.  

I think your comments are insulting to many of the kids.  Why can’t a kid, whose parents are Spanish, learn enough in school to pass these tests?  Why can’t a kid who lives with only one parent or a grandparent pass a basic test?   Why can’t a kid who doesn’t have two parents read or add well enough to pass a basic test?

Because the BOE and the schools are failing that child, not the “SOCIOECONOMIC BEAUTY CONTEST” you call a test that is measuring how much these kids are NOT LEARNING.

Change is needed.  If your hang-up with the testing is that it’s not accurate in adequately evaluating the quality of a school system, maybe you should petition the state to change the way it tests.

Until the state changes it’s test, how else can you measure the success of a school?

You say “THE ONLY MESSAGE THAT SHOULD BE SENT IS THAT OUR SCHOOL SYSTEM IS OF COMPARABLE EXCELLENCE TO ANY TOWN IN NORTHERN BERGEN COUNTY, AND ANY FAMILY THAT WANTS TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS EXCELLENCE CAN ENROLL THEIR CHILDREN HERE, ENCOURAGE THEIR CHILDREN TO SUCCEED, AND REAP THE BENEFITS OF A WELL-ROUNDED EDUCATION.”

What’s your definition of excellence?  If the kids can’t add or read what’s so excellent about the job the current BOE is doing?

You also say, “The challenger's campaign piece mailed to every resident in the city has done incalculable damage to the school system by DISCOURAGING the best and brightest families from enrolling their children here.”

How many Hackensack children presently attend private or parochial schools?  Why?  It seems to me that these families (mine included) have already been discouraged by a BOE and a school system that isn’t getting the job done.  

Stop making excuses, it’s time for a change!

marie

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Re:School Board Election Poll (Participate!)
« Reply #29 on: April 19, 2004, 09:50:31 AM »
Hey Tony

   A change is needed but the wrong people are challenging the BOE.

The Gramma Schools in Hackensack are excellent.
The High School is Good
But the Middle School/ 5/6 is a disaster. They should have one Adminstion running both schools. They are wasting money paying two groups of Admin and Principles.

The challengers are the wrong three people running for a seat on the BOE.  

There is also way to much pressure placed on State Testing because that is the way money is distributed throughout schools.

Hey Tony would you rather have teachers who teach their students just to pass State Testing. So that would mean common sense is gone and our kids would be treated like robots......... ::)