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Nanette Fryxell June 19, 2013 at 09:05 pm
Tim is this it?
Tim Curtis commented on the article "Windsor's Equity, Excellence Study Draws…Read More Attention from NAACP" you commented on in Schools:
Leonard Cohen's song Hallelujah, sung by k.d. lang. Beautiful song I heard at one of the memorials to those who died at Sandy Hook elementary school. My recommendation is that all of you who have been commenting should stop and take a deep breath, and listen to what the NAACP representatives have to say at the press conference. There are certain points that you should consider: First, the strong majority of the commenters are white; no diversity there. Second, Patch land is still a small-knit group of people who themselves could be construed as driving a wedge. Third, when it is decided to drop an equity study in a town with an achievement gap, and there is no study to immediately replace it, that's a red flag that the community is not serious about dealing with the problem. Fourth, with your comments, it shows thatmany of you have had little or no connection with the NAACP. And finally, if there is a lawsuit, many of your comments will be used against you.
james walsh June 19, 2013 at 10:07 pm
Al Simon is a perfect example why people are frustrated. As a local realtor it’s not in my…Read More best interest to run for TC or BOE, but hope in speaking out on occasion I can engage others with a common sense nonpolitical approach to run. Al Simon loves to play politics its clear he is more interested in politics than the future of Windsor. Anyone with common sense looking at where the town’s reputation of its school system is and the cost of it to its citizens while Simon has held office would not be reelecting this guy again. The frustration is simple year after year Simon and the BOE spend millions and ask for more millions each budget season. Simon is always in agreement to the BOE budget because these people vote him in. The state record shows for itself. Those especially in the majority party of the TC and BOE hold this record. They admit poor judgment in contracting a study with no credibility yet fight to continue it. Where’s the common sense in this. VOTE NO June 25th which will send Simon and the BOE back to make real downward adjustments to the BOE budget.
George Slate June 15, 2013 at 06:35 pm
CatherineDennis - A little while ago I gave you the name of the shall business owner. Please let us…Read More know how the conversation goes.
George Slate June 15, 2013 at 09:28 pm
The full notification of cancellation from MJLU is item 5d on the agenda, see the 6-13-13…Read More communication at: http://meeting.cabe.org/public/Meeting.aspx?PublicAgencyID=41&PublicMeetingID=1966&AgencyTypeID=1
CatherineDennis June 15, 2013 at 10:39 pm
@George -we will get the info to a Bd of Ed person and ask if they can help. Thank you
Agent 86 June 2, 2013 at 08:09 pm
I am just curious what the State is doing or recommending, if anything? Am I correct to think that…Read More this "gap" exists in the State in aggregate? I would think some of the same factors are consistent across towns. And maybe the research to address it should be consistent too.
lhhs June 2, 2013 at 08:11 pm
I know Mrs. Richardson says that the study will not be a factor in this budget, but I don't believe…Read More the budget will pass until the study is terminated. I also believe one of the problems in Windsor is that by adding full day kindergarten, I believed it would give the children more social time, but I was sadly mistaken. All they do now is cram academics down these poor kids throats, and this is why we have so many behavioral problems. These children do not know how to interact with others, because they are not given the time to forge social skills and friendships. These children are still babies and should be allowed to play and be children. When they have to even work through snack time, there is a problem. There is plenty of time for academics, but only so much time to teach our children social skills, and until this is accomplished, we will continue to have the behavioral problems that the schools are having now. No amount of money is going to solve this problem. We need to get past test scores and help these children learn how to handle life experiences around them and get along with each other. We also need to find more ways to get parents involved in their children's lives and for them to start taking more responsibility with what is required of their children during their school day.
R Eleveld June 3, 2013 at 10:00 am
@lhhs, the belief the budget is the place to argue the EER is incorrect. The EER is a part of the…Read More budget. It must be approved by the BoE and that makes it part of "the budget" or a budget. I am not interested in debating as my blog post "The Achievement Gap Study:http://windsor.patch.com/groups/r-elevelds-blog/p/bp--the-achievement-gap-study indicates my position.
............................................................................ NEW PARAGRAPH ............................................................................
The majority will not at this point pull back from the EER and the reasons are several. Look at how this went down, how Dr. James advertised the study before a contract was in hand, read the contract, look at the evidence that has piled up. We need an EER to learn why we have an achievement gap, but not this study and scope. ............................................................................ NEW PARAGRAPH ............................................................................ If you want to get rid of the EER, then I suggest you vote out the Democratic majority in November. That does not guarantee the study will die, but it is far more likely that could happen than with the current majority............................................................................. NEW PARAGRAPH ............................................................................
The budget should be voted against only if you believe they can do more in respect to cutting spending. You will also have to send an email to all BoE members and the TC members telling them why you voted the way you voted. Otherwise it will be whatever they think it needs to be with no public input.
George Slate June 3, 2013 at 10:09 am
Steve Pincott - Regarding, "If the focus of the EER was on all non-achieving students, I would…Read More be in favor, and I think the study would show that the factors causing non-achievement would be the same regardless of the ethnicity of the non-achieving student.", this is the ONLY reason that I got involved in this matter over seven months ago. Over 23 years ago I first got involved in Town matters because of the racial imbalance situation. In somehow being permitted to go to two Sheff v. O'Neill litigants meetings, it was clearly explained that the main cause of underachievement is socioeconomic. They used the white students in Willimantic as the example. When the Democrats blamed the color of Windsor's students skin as the cause of their underachievement I was compelled to come out of retirement from dealing with BOE issues. This kind of thinking is not only wrong, it is dangerous. And the disunity that it has caused is all too easy to see.
George Slate June 3, 2013 at 10:19 am
Steve Pincott - Since you wrote so well above, I will go contrary to this one of my comments posted…Read More above: "In spending two hours wandering the halls at the CT Department of Education, I/we learned a lot. Especially about the Sheff magnet schools. Reports on what we learned will come out once a budget has passed." Someone at the CT Department of Education, who teaches multicultural education classes at three colleges in CT, noted that all too many multicultural education college classes are taught from the oppression perspective. His classes do not. When I took a class in Asian American cultural history at UMASS in the 1970s (yes, I am that old), it was easy to tell who could not get past the oppression mode. And this is the major problem with Dr. James doing the EER, he is mired in the oppression mentality, and cannot get past it.
WR June 3, 2013 at 06:10 pm
@Slate, It is interesting you said that. "Oppression Perspective" If you think something…Read More is there you will find anything that might seem to say yes we are being oppressed. If you do not think it is there you will not register it and presume other reasons as the cause.
R Eleveld May 30, 2013 at 12:08 pm
I was able to attend this program with my daughter yesterday. Some of the work was amazing and…Read More inventive. The paper crane installation was unique. Some of the jewelry pieces were very creative. Congratulations to the winners, and more so, to all the students, and of course the staff who assist in guiding their talents to such creative fruition.
George Slate May 31, 2013 at 09:10 am
The seedings for the state open can be found here: http://content.ciacsports.com/ot13o.shtml
George Slate May 31, 2013 at 02:43 pm
The State Open meet if Monday, June 3 at Willowbrook Park in New Britain beginning at 1:30 p.m.…Read More Here is the order of events:
12.1
Order of Events
–
Combined State Championships
Boys 4 x 800
..............................................
Final
Girls 4 x 800 .................................................
Final
Boys 4 x 100m Relay .......................................
Final
Girls
4 x 100m Relay .......................................
Final
Boys 110m Hurdle ..........................................
Semi
Girls 100m Hurdle ..........................................
Semi
Boys 100m Dash ............................................
Semi
Girls 100m Dash ............................................
Semi
Boys 1600m Run ...........................................
Final
Girls 1600m Run ............................................
Final
Girls 100m Hurdle ..........................................
Final
Boys 110m Hurdle ..........................................
Final
Girls 100m Dash .............................................
Final
Boys 100m Dash .............................................
Final
Boys 400m Dash .............................................
Final
Girls 400m Dash .............................................
Final
Boys 300m Hurdle ..................
.........................
Final
Girls 300m Hurdle ...........................................
Final
Boys 800m Run ..............................................
Final
Girls 800m Run ..............................................
Final
Boys 200m Dash .............................................
Final
Girls 200m Dash .............................................
Final
Boys 3200m Run .............................................
Final
Girls 3200m
Run .............................................
Final
Boys 4 x 400m Relay ........................................
Final
Girls 4 x 400m Relay ........................................
Final
George Slate May 29, 2013 at 08:01 pm
Now there are two questions: First, where were the non Alliance Grant initiatives in the 2012-2013…Read More budget (included in what line items, and for what amounts). Second, where are the non Alliance Grant initiatives in the 2013-2014 budget (included in what line items, and for what amounts). I don't understand why Dr. Villar has hidden from the first question for over six months. We all deserve answers to the second question as soon as possible. Before the June 4 referendum would be nice.
Malvi Lennon May 29, 2013 at 08:49 pm
Thank you Julian and Kristin for trying to answer my question. However, it seems to me that no one…Read More knows for sure all the ins/outs and costs associated with the James study. Frankly, I do not see how a racial study, which will not offer any solutions, is going to close the gap. Personally, I would not object to spending the money if this were a worthwhile project with a history of turning around troubled districts. It is the taxpayer’s money and the President of the BOE needs to be open to different proposals.
Avon Lady May 30, 2013 at 07:26 pm
Doreen is not interested in other options because her personal friend is benefiting from the grant…Read More money - there was a study done already so why do we need this study when Windsor actually graduates a higher percentage than other schools? Simply because her personal friend told her a way to get money into his pockets that doesn't cost her any money & appears to be legal. There are plenty of Local CT Options to help improve the grades of the students which will work directly with the students but she is not interested in that at all when I spoke to her on the phone for an hour before the last vote - Vote NO!
R Eleveld May 24, 2013 at 03:29 pm
Sage Park en masse is to be congratulated. The Principal Mr. Cavaliere is to be commended for the…Read More leadership he has provided. Money can buy good leadership, however it is much better when it is 'home grown'. The Principal sets the tone of the organization to accomplish those expectations. Mr. Cavaliere worked with his staff and parents and students to complete the application interview process. It sounded from the presentations that is was a long process and kudos to all stakeholders at Sage Park.
................................................. New Paragraph ................................................. If we could move the VeePs with the kids to the high school the results might continue upward. It is management and leadership that leads the way. Mr. Cavaliere it would seem is such a manager/leader. Can we clone him?
james walsh May 26, 2013 at 12:36 pm
Another NO vote on June 4th is in order. The idea the council and BoE get it is ridiculous. Only the…Read More new Independent party seems to get it. There was this partisan banter and hoopla at the last meeting rather comical to watch. The idea that the NO vote resulted from unhappy residents over controversial approvals to new development shows how far out of touch they are. If you want to get the real message elected officials it is “tax payers are tired of increases that don’t yield positive results in the school district”. Sage Park should be more than congratulated for its award it’s truly amazing considering they are in the 26th worst school district in the state. If your management in a poorly rated school system shouldn’t you have a written published goal of what the school systems rating will improve to if you’re getting a salary of ~$200k and asking tax payers to further fund a massive increase of spending per student that hasn’t yielded any improvement over the last 10 years? That’s the problem town council and BoE. The BoE shouldn’t spend any time arguing about how to adjust for the $500k. Tax payers are going to send the message again “NO increase to the budget for the BoE”. Also in this message the council should do its job by reducing increases in other departments looking for more tax payer’s money. With another NO vote on June 4TH perhaps the elected members of our town will actually get it this time.
james walsh May 27, 2013 at 12:41 pm
Another NO vote on June 4th is in order. The idea the council and BoE get it is ridiculous. Only the…Read More new Independent party seems to get it. There was this partisan banter and hoopla at the last meeting rather comical to watch. The idea that the NO vote resulted from unhappy residents over controversial approvals to new development shows how far out of touch they are. If you want to get the real message elected officials it is “tax payers are tired of increases that don’t yield positive results in the school district”. Sage Park should be more than congratulated for its award it’s truly amazing considering they are in the 26th worst school district in the state. If your management in a poorly rated school system shouldn’t you have a written published goal of what the school systems rating will improve to if you’re getting a salary of ~$200k and asking tax payers to further fund a massive increase of spending per student that hasn’t yielded any improvement over the last 10 years? That’s the problem town council and BoE. The BoE shouldn’t spend any time arguing about how to adjust for the $500k. Tax payers are going to send the message again “NO increase to the budget for the BoE”. Also in this message the council should do its job by reducing increases in other departments looking for more tax payer’s money. With another NO vote on June 4TH perhaps the elected members of our town will actually get it this time.
George Slate May 24, 2013 at 11:32 am
I remember when the Ken Starr report came out regarding Bill Clinton, how many people printed it and…Read More downloaded it. This coming August or September, just think how many people in Windsor will read Marlon James' report (as written by his students). Every word of it will be examined by hundreds of pairs of eyes. It will not be beach reading, but it will be late summer reading. If I remember, or someone else can put out the reminder, I will remind people to read (reread) the MJLU contract in early August, so we all remember the basis of the James Report. But one cautionary comment, if the report is helpful, we will need to admit it.
james walsh May 26, 2013 at 12:36 pm
Another NO vote on June 4th is in order. The idea the council and BoE get it is ridiculous. Only the…Read More new Independent party seems to get it. There was this partisan banter and hoopla at the last meeting rather comical to watch. The idea that the NO vote resulted from unhappy residents over controversial approvals to new development shows how far out of touch they are. If you want to get the real message elected officials it is “tax payers are tired of increases that don’t yield positive results in the school district”. Sage Park should be more than congratulated for its award it’s truly amazing considering they are in the 26th worst school district in the state. If your management in a poorly rated school system shouldn’t you have a written published goal of what the school systems rating will improve to if you’re getting a salary of ~$200k and asking tax payers to further fund a massive increase of spending per student that hasn’t yielded any improvement over the last 10 years? That’s the problem town council and BoE. The BoE shouldn’t spend any time arguing about how to adjust for the $500k. Tax payers are going to send the message again “NO increase to the budget for the BoE”. Also in this message the council should do its job by reducing increases in other departments looking for more tax payer’s money. With another NO vote on June 4TH perhaps the elected members of our town will actually get it this time.
james walsh May 26, 2013 at 12:38 pm
Another NO vote on June 4th is in order. The idea the council and BoE get it is ridiculous. Only the…Read More new Independent party seems to get it. There was this partisan banter and hoopla at the last meeting rather comical to watch. The idea that the NO vote resulted from unhappy residents over controversial approvals to new development shows how far out of touch they are. If you want to get the real message elected officials it is “tax payers are tired of increases that don’t yield positive results in the school district”. Sage Park should be more than congratulated for its award it’s truly amazing considering they are in the 26th worst school district in the state. If your management in a poorly rated school system shouldn’t you have a written published goal of what the school systems rating will improve to if you’re getting a salary of ~$200k and asking tax payers to further fund a massive increase of spending per student that hasn’t yielded any improvement over the last 10 years? That’s the problem town council and BoE. The BoE shouldn’t spend any time arguing about how to adjust for the $500k. Tax payers are going to send the message again “NO increase to the budget for the BoE”. Also in this message the council should do its job by reducing increases in other departments looking for more tax payer’s money. With another NO vote on June 4TH perhaps the elected members of our town will actually get it this time.
Malvi Lennon May 21, 2013 at 10:58 am
Be still my heart, for once I agree with Al's vote (if for different reasons). Jepson's motion for a…Read More 500k cut to the BOE budget is simply splitting the baby in half, but the result is the same, baby dies. NO INCREASE!! For the BOE or for the TOWN. Taxpayers CAN NOT afford higher taxes.
james walsh May 26, 2013 at 12:34 pm
Another NO vote on June 4th is in order. The idea the council and BoE get it is ridiculous. Only the…Read More new Independent party seems to get it. There was this partisan banter and hoopla at the last meeting rather comical to watch. The idea that the NO vote resulted from unhappy residents over controversial approvals to new development shows how far out of touch they are. If you want to get the real message elected officials it is “tax payers are tired of increases that don’t yield positive results in the school district”. Sage Park should be more than congratulated for its award it’s truly amazing considering they are in the 26th worst school district in the state. If your management in a poorly rated school system shouldn’t you have a written published goal of what the school systems rating will improve to if you’re getting a salary of ~$200k and asking tax payers to further fund a massive increase of spending per student that hasn’t yielded any improvement over the last 10 years? That’s the problem town council and BoE. The BoE shouldn’t spend any time arguing about how to adjust for the $500k. Tax payers are going to send the message again “NO increase to the budget for the BoE”. Also in this message the council should do its job by reducing increases in other departments looking for more tax payer’s money. With another NO vote on June 4TH perhaps the elected members of our town will actually get it this time.
james walsh May 26, 2013 at 12:37 pm
Another NO vote on June 4th is in order. The idea the council and BoE get it is ridiculous. Only the…Read More new Independent party seems to get it. There was this partisan banter and hoopla at the last meeting rather comical to watch. The idea that the NO vote resulted from unhappy residents over controversial approvals to new development shows how far out of touch they are. If you want to get the real message elected officials it is “tax payers are tired of increases that don’t yield positive results in the school district”. Sage Park should be more than congratulated for its award it’s truly amazing considering they are in the 26th worst school district in the state. If your management in a poorly rated school system shouldn’t you have a written published goal of what the school systems rating will improve to if you’re getting a salary of ~$200k and asking tax payers to further fund a massive increase of spending per student that hasn’t yielded any improvement over the last 10 years? That’s the problem town council and BoE. The BoE shouldn’t spend any time arguing about how to adjust for the $500k. Tax payers are going to send the message again “NO increase to the budget for the BoE”. Also in this message the council should do its job by reducing increases in other departments looking for more tax payer’s money. With another NO vote on June 4TH perhaps the elected members of our town will actually get it this time.
james walsh May 26, 2013 at 12:35 pm
Another NO vote on June 4th is in order. The idea the council and BoE get it is ridiculous. Only the…Read More new Independent party seems to get it. There was this partisan banter and hoopla at the last meeting rather comical to watch. The idea that the NO vote resulted from unhappy residents over controversial approvals to new development shows how far out of touch they are. If you want to get the real message elected officials it is “tax payers are tired of increases that don’t yield positive results in the school district”. Sage Park should be more than congratulated for its award it’s truly amazing considering they are in the 26th worst school district in the state. If your management in a poorly rated school system shouldn’t you have a written published goal of what the school systems rating will improve to if you’re getting a salary of ~$200k and asking tax payers to further fund a massive increase of spending per student that hasn’t yielded any improvement over the last 10 years? That’s the problem town council and BoE. The BoE shouldn’t spend any time arguing about how to adjust for the $500k. Tax payers are going to send the message again “NO increase to the budget for the BoE”. Also in this message the council should do its job by reducing increases in other departments looking for more tax payer’s money. With another NO vote on June 4TH perhaps the elected members of our town will actually get it this time.
CatherineDennis May 21, 2013 at 08:38 pm
A suggestion for both BoE and Town Council. Watch yourselves on meetings over the last year, year…Read More and a half. Watch the arrogance, insensitivity, rudeness to one another and to the public- then wonder what the children see. It is nothing less than shameful. Twisting words of opponents or their intentions, stating that those with opposing views are negative because they do not agree with 'you' that too is wrong. You want to be leaders then act like it!
Tim Curtis May 22, 2013 at 12:30 pm
Truth be told, that same level of "arrogance, insensitivity, rudeness to one another" can…Read More be seen in some of the Patch commenters as well. Points can be made strongly without resorting to personal attacks.
Susan Accetura May 24, 2013 at 04:11 pm
Dear Ms. Santos: Thank you for taking a stand....inevitably this will lead to some awkward moments…Read More and repercussions, but you had the courage to speak up. Local governments need more people like you! Neighboring towns are suffering similar issues, and it is refreshing to hear someone speak out. Thank you!
George Slate May 20, 2013 at 06:18 pm
For James Walsh, and everyone else trying to comprehend the increase in BOE spending, coupled with…Read More the decline in the number of students, here are the students numbers for the Town of Windsor Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, June 30, 2012, see page 110 (http://www.townofwindsorct.com/finance/): 2003 - 4,462 2004 - 4,394 2005 - 4,354 2006 - 4,240 2007 - 4,150 2008 - 4,098 2009 - 3,966 2010 - 3,759 2011 - 3,627 and 2012 - 3,504
jberky May 21, 2013 at 07:50 am
I must admit, some of what I am hearing about this Loyola University study is very disturbing. The…Read More fact that many of the interviews are being conducted by untrained students would make anyone wonder about the value of its recommendations. This whole study seems to have been misconceived and it should be an immediate target for any budget cutting. A study would be worthwhile, but it should be focused on earlier grades and one with a more professional approach.
Avon Lady May 27, 2013 at 06:47 am
Since there are other schools that are able to give quality educations at $5000 per student (one…Read More right here in Windsor)
it's time for the public school system to start running like the private schools that are such successes - they expect the students to do their work & the parents to be involved - they do not waste money on useless studies to line the pockets of personal friends nor on extra admin positions that do not teach & they do not promote an atmosphere that lacks discipline but instead promote both self-discipline & achievement in their students & an honor code so that the students take pride in themselves & their work but Windsor BoE seems to want to keep throwing money away to enrich personal friends rather than focusing upon the needs of the students & the tax payers of the town
R Eleveld May 17, 2013 at 01:31 pm
In all fairness Lisa was not the only no vote. Michael McDonald also voted NO. [New…Read More Paragraph]-----------------------------------------------------
The budget that was sent to the voters contained a 1.84% reduction in town side spending(ToW), and a 0.16% reduction in Board of Education(BoE) spending. That is $687,770 in ToW spending, and $100,000 in BoE spending and a total $787,770. [New Paragraph]-----------------------------------------------------
I think the solution is simple. Reduce the BoE budget by the same percentage as the town side of the budget 1.68% (1.84%-0.16%) or $1,073,434. That maybe considered drastic, however it is fair as it accounts for the same percentage reduction of the budget amounts, respectively. [New Paragraph]-----------------------------------------------------
The other option is to reduce spending by $787,770, the same amount as the 1st adjustment, but take it in the reverse, meaning reduce the ToW side by $100,000 and the BoE side by $687,770. This works out to a 1.08% BoE reduction and a 0.27% ToW reduction. [New Paragraph]-----------------------------------------------------
These are ideas worth consideration. To go to the zero would be the next round. The cost of an election is relatively small next to the savings I am offering for consideration. [New Paragraph]-----------------------------------------------------
The bigger issue that the voters must realize is that in an election year the majority may decide to “punish” voters by making cuts that are ‘visible’ instead of finding ways to make less noticeable adjustments. Please remember to inform your councilors of your opinions before the Town Council or Board of Education meetings. You can also do so by email from the Town website using a singular address available at: http://www.townofwindsorct.com/towncouncil/ or the Board of Education, however those need to be sent individually and can be found at website: http://www.windsorct.org/pages/Windsor_Public_Schools/District/Board_of_Education/Board_of_Education_Members
CatherineDennis May 18, 2013 at 11:18 am
$0 increase to Bd of Ed. On the Town side we need to look at spending such as $90,000 for horse…Read More shoes. Town employees presenting one budget request for updating fields only to come back later for the other half and get that approved. Maybe we need someone that knows how to write an estimate? Granting 1/2 price fees to Fortune 500 companies-losing hundreds of thousands in revenue and raising the same fees on Town Residents. Do we need to sweep streets in Spring when we are no longer using sand in the winter? Paying Town Employees for months to work on repaving roads only to hire Glasso to come in to do the job correctly to include re-grading properly, paving, curbs and road striping and getting it done in only 2 days. There is much waste. We need to look at fiscal responsibility vs. threatening that we will not get services. Town Council needs to review and question all expense vs. just voting through what the Town Employees and Town Manager put up. The police and fire should always have the most updated equipment for their safety, they are the ones we can truly count on.
Walter Szepanski May 21, 2013 at 08:32 am
Mayor, I also like you. However, why is it whenever cuts are needed the one that affects the most…Read More gets cut first? Education!!!
This is a very important item in the budget. Don't cut it!!
I read in the Journal yesterday that the grand list has gone up.
How is that divided between commercial and residential?
I find it had to understand how the grand list has gone up, when the price of homes has dropped so much.
Liz Yetman May 17, 2013 at 03:08 pm
Way to go ladies! So many students at Windsor High School are doing really good things. Let's keep…Read More hearing about them here on Patch.
Residents Express Need for Excellence, Equity Review
29 Comment Recommend Julian McKinley (Editor)