Hackensack, NJ Community Message Boards

General Category => Hackensack Discussion => Topic started by: Editor on March 13, 2004, 02:38:13 AM

Title: 2004 School Board Election (Topic closed).
Post by: Editor on March 13, 2004, 02:38:13 AM: School Board Election Poll.

You will have to register with an email address in order to participate. It's easy: go to button on top that says "register". You'll get Hackensack Now's periodic e-newsletter.

The following is a Record Article about the upcoming School Board Election:

Click:School board challengers look to build on success (http://www.northjersey.com/page.php?qstr=eXJpcnk3ZjcxN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXkyJmZnYmVsN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXk2NDk5NTU0)

Aside from new computers and an after-school program, what are the other issues? Which candidates would like to see property taxes raised? Which candidates will look for creative ways to find money for these needed programs? What other programs should be started? Eliminated?

Lets start a discussion thread here on this election and get people involved.
Title: School Board Election
Post by: "wetochwink" on March 17, 2004, 01:30:45 AM: For once I want to see someone address the ANNUAL tax increases we as residents continue to get from the BOE. Its completely unacceptable and irresponible of city, county, state, federal officials and the BOE.

No one has ever addressed the "one time" tax increase a few years ago to build the 5/6 school. For a one time tax increase, I never saw my taxes go down the following year or there after.

With the lack of funding from the state and the planned tax increase from the county, this year's tax increase should be interesting.
Title: Where are the candidates?
Post by: shazams5 on March 17, 2004, 01:57:47 PM: There is only one month until the election and I don't know the issues or the candidates.

I had hoped that the candidates would post their platforms and positions in this message board.

I never know what's happening in school board elections which is why I almost never vote.
Title: Re:School Board Election Poll (Participate!)
Post by: bee bee 28 on March 18, 2004, 01:45:47 PM: I would like to know what the candidates plan to do about the hundreds of ilegal students in the school system. these illegally registered students are costing taxpayers big bucks in the form of higher school taxes. had something been done a few years ago, there would have been no need at all for the 5-6 school to be built. Bergenfield had the right idea a few years ago, and they removed a couple of hundred students that did not live-and legitimately live-in their district. just because grandma or an uncle live in Hackensack doesnt mean you have the right to send your out of town kids here!
Title: Re:School Board Election Poll (Participate!)
Post by: Anderson on March 20, 2004, 10:10:21 PM: Very Good Point! Something must be done about out of town kids attending school in town.
Title: Re:School Board Election Poll (Participate!)
Post by: tuscany on March 22, 2004, 07:40:50 AM: it is time for [personal attack deleted by editor]to go.he is a rubber stampman who comes to the meetings half in the bag.he is better suited for coaching the kids beforehappy hour. he can not add 2 plus 2 let alone understand the complexity of a school budget. it is time for the elected school board to run the schools and not the city council & a retired maywood educator. can our highly paid board
employees handle the job ?
Title: Re:School Board Election Poll (Participate!)
Post by: hackensack on March 22, 2004, 03:02:36 PM: How could a person who made racist comments want to run for the school board
no names being called but they know who they are

also a teacher who was let go from the hackensack school district

I agree the school system does need to be over hauled and the teachers need contracts but do we have the right people running to make these changes. A town this size and the teachers have to be scared about losing their bennifits this is nuts. If you are trying to save money lets start with getting rid of some of the over paid people in the board.

Dr Riely should be the first gone since she is over paid and then brings her people in to work in the system and she over pays them.

Also why have two principles at the middle school/5 / 6 school it would make alot more sense of having one principle and add another asst. this would allow the system to save money plus makes alot of common sense of having one set of rules for the students to follow and it would free up money. Right now you have two people in charge with different sets of rules and they continue to disagree.

why does the 5/6 school need so many people in the office and apart of the admin. Look at the position made up for Mr. Miran(spelling)

Then there are many many students who do not live in town and the board know who many of them are. Recently there was a student who was brought up about not living in town and using his grandparents address and the board has looked the other way. This is not fair to us tax payers

Hackensack School board needs to stricking the standards but I am not sure they have the right people running to make changes,
Title: Re:School Board Election Poll (Participate!)
Post by: upsetparent on March 22, 2004, 03:09:20 PM: How could the school allow a team with out of towners use the High School Fieds at the tax payers expense. The BOE has allow this team the use of the field with kids from out of town and coaches who were removed from their feeder program(hackensack baseball)

The board has made many mistakes in / out side of the schools and this is just one more major problem.

Then they move the high school team to Foschini park and the kikds who are scheduled to play on the field have to suffer.
Title: How am I supposed to vote?
Post by: Editor on March 30, 2004, 12:21:53 PM: I emailed representatives of both slates running in this election, informing them of this poll. I have also announced the poll on the homepage and approximately 400 people have viewed the post.

I invited each slate to announce their platforms and address the concerns raised in the message boards. I can only assume the candidates are aware of the public's desire to learn their positions.

To date, no candidates have come forward to explain their respective positions. Have I missed something? Was there a meeting, a debate, a news article?

How can anyone make an educated decision in this election without knowing the positions of the candidates? Without more information, I would expect that the only way to vote is for the status quo.

Is that what the incumbents are hoping for?

I would ask that both slates make more of an effort to explain why they are deserving to hold public office and be placed in charge of educating the city's children.
Title: Re:School Board Election Poll (Participate!)
Post by: hackensack on April 01, 2004, 07:52:41 PM: zzzzzzzzzzzzz
Title: Re:School Board Election Poll (Participate!)
Post by: hackensack on April 01, 2004, 08:02:24 PM: zZZZZZZZzzzzz is how I feel hearing all the BS that the new candidates are ranting. They are being very nasty and nieve.

How come one of the candidates husband was totally a pain in the butt and shooted out so much he was asked to remain quite or leave. the issues he was trying to discuss were totally incorrect and unmoral to a man who has served his time and always has put the children of Hackensack first.......

They are slandering the current board and stating so many things that are untrue.

I am at a lost on how this people think they can run a Education Board.

What will they teach the kids and what will they require the the students to learn. How to be nasty and make horrible comments about others or maybe just how to use yoru race as a crutch.

one of there classes to be taught in school will be
How to step on others at all cost.

People please look at the future and see these people running against the board are total ________s and should not be involved with our children.
Title: Re:School Board Election Poll (Participate!)
Post by: Editor on April 01, 2004, 08:42:16 PM: See page two of this topic for a synopsis of the last debate of the candidates.

Vote Today!!!
Title: Re:School Board Election Poll (Participate!)
Post by: hackensack on April 01, 2004, 09:22:52 PM: Ok if you call all those nasty and horrible remarks as a debate then go for it.

I much would rather hear them dicussing how to control the budget without raising the taxes and getting better test scores. The chidren are the ones suffering.

I do not believe from the bottom of my hearth that the candidates running have the kids best interest.

Lets see is any of them will step up and post were they stand on issues.

Racist comments are not needed as I heard last night at the meeting.

I was standing around at the end and heard a comment that was not polical correct. This is not the first time I have heard comments like this from that person.

My question is do we want a person like this repersenting our kids

[personal attacks deleted by editor]

What about the cameras in the 5/ 6

Why do we need to have 2 separte adminastsation for the 5/6 and the Middle school? We could save so much money if there was one Admin.. and one set of rules.

Where do the candates stand on having public school buses for the children who attend the 5/6, Middle, and High School. Thsi will void the hassel of the double parked cars and kids hanging out getting in trouble. With all the taxes we should have buses

Ok lets see where this goes and then we could discuss others topics
Title: Re:School Board Election Poll (Participate!)
Post by: tuscany on April 01, 2004, 11:40:25 PM: you are correct. however you fail to mention the
biggest screwball of them all.

[personal attack deleted by editor]

The BOE office makes city hall
look efficient. get rid of the dead beats and give
our dedicated teachers a proper & fair raise.

[personal attack deleted by editor]
Title: Re:School Board Election Poll (Participate!)
Post by: marie on April 02, 2004, 10:21:46 AM: The Board of Education has tried to do the right things for teh children, but some of the personal choices have not been the best..

Dr _ is a good man and soes care about teh Teachers, Staff and most importantly the CHILDREN.

Mr _ shoudl not be there a waste of tax payers money why not bring in a new face and someone full time.

Dr _ is one of teh worst choices that teh BOE has made she really needs to be gone.

Mr _ seems to be running things in teh Boards Office he is trying

[above initials omitted by editor]

Hackensack Board of Education lets think of the children first rather than a business or a way of getting your buddy/family jobs
Title: Re:School Board Election Poll (Participate!)
Post by: Editor 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.
Title: Re:School Board Election Poll (Participate!)
Post by: wetochwink 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? ::)
Title: Candidates Debate - Results, summary, photo.
Post by: Editor 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.

(http://www.hackensacknow.com/images/debate.JPG)

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.
Title: Re:School Board Election Poll (Participate!)
Post by: wetochwink 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 (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.
Title: Re:School Board Election Poll (Participate!)
Post by: Marie 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.
Title: Re:School Board Election Poll (Participate!)
Post by: Ruffio 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.
Title: Re:School Board Election Poll (Participate!)
Post by: wetochwink 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.
Title: Re:School Board Debate
Post by: Editor on April 16, 2004, 09:57:35 AM: The following comments appeared in the April 16, 2004 edition of The Record (http://www.northjersey.com/page.php?qstr=eXJpcnk3ZjcxN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXkxNCZmZ2JlbDdmN3ZxZWVFRXl5NjUxNTE1Nw==).

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
Title: Re:School Board Election Poll (Participate!)
Post by: wetochwink on April 16, 2004, 01:38:27 PM: http://www.savehackensack.org/datafiles/news%20archive/Bd%20of%20Ed%20Budget%2004.pdf (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.
Title: School Challengers must be defeated on principle
Post by: Eric Martindale 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.
Title: Re:School Challengers must be defeated on principle
Post by: tuscany 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. !
Title: Re:School Challengers must be defeated on principle
Post by: marie 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
Title: Re:School Board Election Poll (Participate!)
Post by: wetochwink 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.
Title: Re:School Board Election Poll (Participate!)
Post by: tony 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!
Title: Re:School Board Election Poll (Participate!)
Post by: marie 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......... ::)
Title: Re:School Board Election Poll (Participate!)
Post by: lab94 on April 19, 2004, 01:23:24 PM: I have a child in second grade at Hillers school and I'm pleased with their curriculum. Everyone is quick to pass the blame on test scores and everything else. Look, it's time some of the parents take some of the blame. I am on the PTA and on back to school night I had parents saying that their child is in third grade and they didnt know what teacher they had. I was upset that after three weeks of school they didnt know that. Or I like when the parents say they send the kids to school to learn so why should they do stuff at home with them. We have great teachers but , they can't do it alone. We as parents should be helping. The kids go to school six hrs a day and only 180 days a year. We are responsable for the rest of the time. Maybe instead of buying the kids $100 sneakers or $80 name brand jeans the money could of bought some flash cards. The parents need to be more involved with thier children(myself included).It's easy to blame it on race or the income. I don't think it has anything to do with it. Dr. Montesano was at our school on 4/7 to go over the budget for us and answer any questions. The school notified all 500 + students, and I was able to count on two hands how many parents showed up.The BOE is doing a good job, I think to vote for the challengers would be wrong.
Title: Re:School Board Election Poll (Participate!)
Post by: tony on April 19, 2004, 07:25:26 PM: Hey Marie

I don’t think the teachers should teach only what’s necessary to pass the state tests. The kids should have a well rounded education that encourages both learning and personal growth.

Maybe you’re missing something here. The state tests are only basic skills. BASIC SKILLS!!! During the course of the day, these kids should have learned enough to pass a basic skills test. If not, there’s a serious problem that has to be addressed.

You say, “The challengers are the wrong three people running for a seat on the BOE.” How can you say this if they’ve never had the chance? The incumbents presently in office haven’t been getting the job done. It’s time for a change.

You seem to have a lot of answers Marie. Streamlining the administration in the 5/6 school isn’t going to make the kids smarter. What will Marie? Also, why would I want to send my kids to a 5/6 school that you say is a “disaster” or a high school that is only “good?” How can you say the grammar schools are excellent? Do you have kids in each one of them?

Make all the excuses you want Marie. If the kids can’t pass these tests now, how do you think they’ll do on the SATs when they apply to college? It’s a very competitive world out there and if these kids aren’t given the best opportunities to learn now, they’re going to fail in life.
Title: Re:School Board Election Poll (Participate!)
Post by: marie on April 19, 2004, 08:23:05 PM: Quote from: lab94 on April 19, 2004, 01:23:24 PM
I have a child in second grade at Hillers school and I'm pleased with their curriculum. Everyone is quick to pass the blame on test scores and everything else. Look, it's time some of the parents take some of the blame. I am on the PTA and on back to school night I had parents saying that their child is in third grade and they didnt know what teacher they had. I was upset that after three weeks of school they didnt know that. Or I like when the parents say they send the kids to school to learn so why should they do stuff at home with them. We have great teachers but , they can't do it alone. We as parents should be helping. The kids go to school six hrs a day and only 180 days a year. We are responsable for the rest of the time. Maybe instead of buying the kids $100 sneakers or $80 name brand jeans the money could of bought some flash cards. The parents need to be more involved with thier children(myself included).It's easy to blame it on race or the income. I don't think it has anything to do with it. Dr. Montesano was at our school on 4/7 to go over the budget for us and answer any questions. The school notified all 500 + students, and I was able to count on two hands how many parents showed up.The BOE is doing a good job, I think to vote for the challengers would be wrong.

So very true now someone who understands and I could agree with!!!!
Title: Re:School Board Election Poll (Participate!)
Post by: marie on April 19, 2004, 08:36:35 PM: Hey Tony

Yes I have kids in the Hackensack School system,
One is in the 4th grade the other is in the 5th and I must say How the school is a disaster. and then I have one in Pre-k.
I went thru the Hackensack School System and I turned out good.

The Administration we have is on the right track.

Plus I heard the best news yet about the BOE Dr Riley is finally leaving. Wish her the best of luck but glad to see her leaving.

Tony you misunderstood me. I do not think any teacher should teach the kids just to pass the State testing. But that is what the challengers believe should happen.

They should be well round classes so the students learn academics and life situtations.

I am for a BOE who will provide my child and all the other Hackensack Children with the best Education possible. I honestly and truely do not believe that those running will be able to hold the members on the boards dirty underwear..........Plan and simply
Title: More on the Socioeconomic Beauty Contest
Post by: Eric Martindale on April 20, 2004, 08:05:55 AM: Response to Tony. The socioeconomic factors are only averages. Even in the wealthiest towns there are 2-parent families, both college educated, that don't push their kids to learn. And even in the poorest towns, there are families that instill in their children the greatest desire to learn. Some of those parents barely even speak English, and their kids wind up in the best colleges. However, it's the averages that count. If 65 out of 100 inner city families really want their kids to learn, and 90 out of 100 wealthy suburban families really want their kids to learn, that difference is going to reflected in the AVERAGE testing score of the schools. I'm literally pulling those numbers out of the hat just to make the point.

A town like Elmwood Park or Lodi will NEVER have test scores to match the "top" schools in Northern Bergen County, simply for socioeconomic reasons. And Paterson and Passaic will NEVER match Lodi. Even a small number of stragglers will always reduce the average. Northern Bergen County is what sociologists refer to as "Seccession of the Wealthy", in which all people of the highest econonomic means leave behind the average or below-average areas that they or their parents were originally from, and move to towns where there is virtually no poverty. (And then they sneer back at the cities and blame the cities for not "carrying their own weight"). It's utterly ridiculouus to expect any urban community to match the test scores of exclusively upscale communities. Do we have kids in Hackensack that drag down the test scores - absolutely. In no way is that an indictment of any ethnic group.

I resent you're suggestion that my discription of the SOCIOECONOMIC BEAUTY CONTEST is in some way an insult against Spanish-speaking people. If there was some way to analyze the test scores for JUST the students of Hispanic or Latino background, there's no doubt in my mind that (1) kids of two-parent families would, ON AVERAGE, outscore the kids of one-parent families (2) kids of parents who speak English (which is most of them) would outscore kids of parents who don't speak English, and (3) kids of parents in owner-occupied homes would outscore kids of parents living in apartments on public assistance. Again, that's a description of the variation of test scores WITHIN the Latino population. You can say the same for white, black, and asian. Tony, if you don't understand that, I think YOU are the one who is insulting the Hispanic and Latino population of Hackensack.
Title: Re:School Board Election Poll (Participate!)
Post by: marie on April 20, 2004, 08:09:27 AM: Off to the polls this morning to place my vote for the 3 best people on the ballet.

I am voting for Albolino, Carroll, and Meneses

Those of you votes who care about your children and the children of Hackensack vote for teh 3 above they have your child best interest.......
Title: Re:School Board Election Poll (Participate!)
Post by: wetochwink on April 20, 2004, 08:34:11 AM: Marie, you have a long wait. Polls don't open till 2pm.
Title: Re:School Board Election Poll (Participate!)
Post by: marie on April 20, 2004, 11:13:51 AM: I found that out I thought the polls opened at 9am. I will be there this afternoon.
Title: Re:School Board Election Poll (Participate!)
Post by: tony on April 20, 2004, 01:47:58 PM: Eric, what you said in the post I responded to was, “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.”

You didn’t mention anything about averages; you specifically said the students who have limited use of the English language is what’s holding back test scores. I feel that it’s insulting to the kids to blame them or their families or their socioeconomic situation in life. Not just the Spanish speaking kids, but all of the kids. The blame lies with the BOE and the leaders that run the entire school system. These are the people with the masters degrees and doctorates hanging on their office walls.

With all of the education and knowledge this board and the leaders of the school system has, can’t they do better educating these kids? Where’s the innovation? Where’s the dedication? The kids won’t be robots, as Marie says, if they’re learning enough skills in the classroom to pass basic tests for the state.

I understand the different scenarios you’ve presented but the challenge to the BOE and the entire administration should be to overcome these obstacles no matter what. I realize that the test scores will never be perfect, but don’t make excuses for why they probably won’t get much better.
Title: Re:School Board Election Poll (Participate!)
Post by: Editor on April 20, 2004, 09:28:28 PM: For the record:

I removed an earlier post because I received an email, purportedly from the individual who posted it, saying he (or she) had second thoughts.

It was not an editorial decision.
Title: Re:School Board Election Poll (Participate!)
Post by: Editor on April 20, 2004, 09:51:25 PM: Who won?

News 12 NJ hasn't posted the results as of 9:50 pm, but you can check results HERE (http://www.news12.com/NJ/topstories/article?id=105772).
Title: Re:School Board Election Poll (Participate!)
Post by: marie on April 21, 2004, 01:07:05 AM: Ok I can finally go to bed and sleep with a safe and secure peace of mind knowing that my kids have the right people in charge of the BOE in Hackensack.

No need to call names but now we can take out the trash and know its not coming back to haunt us.

HACKENSACK PEOPLE WHO VOTED THANKS FOR MAKING THE RIGHT CJOICE!!!

I am not apart the the people elected just believe in them
Title: Winners are our Children in Hackensack
Post by: marie on April 21, 2004, 01:14:33 AM: The winners of the Hackensack Board of Education...

Albolino,Carroll (the most vote getter)and Meneses

The people of Hackensack know and will see that they chosed the right group of people to guide the Education in Hackensack and provide our Children with the best Education.>>>>>>>>

One person I was praying did not get elected was William/Bembry and Ramp was not far behind.

Ok I can finally go to bed and sleep with a safe and secure peace of mind knowing that my kids have the right people in charge of the BOE in Hackensack.

No need to call names but now we can take out the trash and know its not coming back to haunt us.

HACKENSACK PEOPLE WHO VOTED THANKS FOR MAKING THE RIGHT CJOICE!!!

I am not apart the the people elected just believe in them
Title: Re:School Board Election Poll (Participate!)
Post by: wetochwink on April 21, 2004, 07:45:44 AM: According to today's Record:

HACKENSACK
Board of Education - three seats
Walter H. Carroll * 1156
Junemarie Ramp 646
Rhonda Williams-Bembry 787
Jorge E. Meneses 927
Francis W. Albolino * 993
Jenny Marin 652

"Tax levy - $50,649,382"
Yes 856
No 541

There should be not one resident that should question why their taxes are going up next quarter! Buckle up - the county tax increase will be next...

I HOPE BOTH TEAMS WILL NOW GO AROUND TOWN AND REMOVE THEIR RESPECTIVE POSTERS (now deemed Political Litter).
Title: Re:School Board Election Poll (Participate!)
Post by: marie on April 21, 2004, 08:37:14 AM: The article in todays Bergen Record

HACKENSACK

Incumbents Walter H. Carroll and Francis W. Albolino and newcomer Jorge E. Meneses fended off a strong challenge to win election to the Board of Education.

They defeated newcomers Junemarie Ramp, Jenny Marin, and Rhonda Williams-Bembry to take the three three-year terms.

Voters also approved, by an 856-541 vote, the district's $62.6 million budget for 2004-05. It represents a nearly 4.4 percent increase over the current plan.

Under the budget, the school tax rate will increase 8 cents per $100 of assessed property value, a 3.9 percent increase. The school tax bill for a house assessed at $157,000, the city's average, will increase $130.

Carroll, Albolino, and Meneses received 1,176, 1,006, and 946 votes, respectively, and Williams-Bembry, Marin, and Ramp received 811, 677, and 667 votes, respectively.

Of the city's 16,707 registered voters, 1,396, or 8.3 percent, voted Tuesday.

Before the election, the candidates debated how to address the district's poor performance on state standardized tests. Albolino and Carroll said the district has established programs - including balanced literacy - that have reversed the trend. Ramp, however, said the students' test scores would improve if the district established higher standards for its personnel staff.

Albolino and Carroll were also proud that city voters had passed nine consecutive budgets.

Ramp noted that some administrators receive a lot of money for their work, and she called for an audit of the district's budget records.

By Tom Davis
_________________________

Ok enough said over this issue. Time for me to get to work. When reading the last statement by Ramp you see why I did not vote for her. Take defeat and live with it, try next time. Hopefully not in Hackensack stay in N.A. where you teach.

I heard that a house next to me on Prospect ave. will now be up for sale(after the results from the election). Now we will have peace and quite. You knwo who you are time to get out while you can....
Title: NJ Voters and School Board Elections
Post by: wetochwink on April 21, 2004, 08:45:02 AM: This annual election has only been implemented in the last 10 or so years. From its inception, critics claimed there would never be a large voter turnout - how right they are!

From today's Record:
http://www.northjersey.com/page.php?qstr=eXJpcnk3ZjczN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXk0NSZmZ2JlbDdmN3ZxZWVFRXl5NjUxNzY0NyZ5cmlyeTdmNzE3Zjd2cWVlRUV5eTM= (http://www.northjersey.com/page.php?qstr=eXJpcnk3ZjczN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXk0NSZmZ2JlbDdmN3ZxZWVFRXl5NjUxNzY0NyZ5cmlyeTdmNzE3Zjd2cWVlRUV5eTM=)

Quote
Traditionally, most New Jersey voters skip school elections. In last year's school elections, 15.2 percent of voters turned out, slightly higher than the 14.2 percent in 2002. Between 1983 and last year, the highest voter turnout was 18.6 percent, in 1991.

If the PTA continues to only inform parents within the school system about School Board Elections and Budget propositions - its no wonder that incubents and budge increases continue to get passed.

Perhaps the "conspiracy theory" (if you will) is just that. Not keeping all residents informed about elections and not fully explaining potential tax increases will keep the voter turnout low and in favor of what the BOE wants passed.

Believe me, I have a tough time deciding to vote in approval for a budget increase ever year. The last thing I want to do is prevent a good educational experience for the children. But at the same time, with annual tax increases I (as do you) have to worry about providing for my family (shelter, food, clothing, etc). If only the state/federal government would provide more...
Title: Re:School Board Election Poll (Participate!)
Post by: Editor on April 21, 2004, 01:13:19 PM: Well, that's over.

Some observations...

1. Not one candidate contributed anything to the online discussion, although all of them knew it existed. One candidate told me he would not contribute to the discussion because he did not want to participate in a "negative campaign". With one exception, I think the posts were constructive, and did not amount to electronic "mud-slinging".

One would think the candidates would have taken advantage of the cheapest, most convenient, effective and far-reaching campaign tool available, - the internet. None did.

2. Since no questions were allowed at the live debate at Nellie K. Parker (which was not widely publicized), I thought this would have been a great way to get some questions answered. I wonder if more participation by the candidates in this forum would have changed the result. After all, the highest vote getter for the "Better Education Team" only lost by 141 votes. Could the "Better Education Team" have changed the minds of some of the 1000+ voters who visited Hackensack Now? Enough to make a difference?

3. The poll results were wrong. Although, from the extremely limited participation, I doubted the sample results could have provided any useful information. I had hoped to predict the election. Maybe the poll in the Freeholder election or City Council race in 2005 will be more accurate.

4. Only 8.3 percent of the voting population voted. Due to the limited campaigning and lack of effort to get the public involved, I'm surprised voter turn-out was that high. Voters without children in school were never even notified of the live debate.

5. There was more participation in this topic than any other topic on Hackensack Now, by far. More than 1400 views, and about 45 posts! People seemed genuinely interested in the discussion and the debate was organized and civil (with a few exceptions). This, to me, is very encouraging. Thank you all for your participation.
Title: Re:School Board Election Poll (Participate!)
Post by: Editor on April 23, 2004, 01:19:03 PM: This topic is now closed since the election is over. Please feel free to start new, related topics.

Editor.