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vera charles May 7, 2013 at 04:35 pm
Mary Gilmore hit the nail right on the head. If you don't like the way teachers have to be laid…Read More off, you need to get the State to change the laws. Right now some of the best and brightest are canned, while some of the complacent skate-by teachers are retained. I'll bet that if any teacher knew that he or she needed to stay at the top oh their game, that the general quality of the teaching staff would improve.
mary gilmore May 6, 2013 at 10:15 am
I really wish that the "save the arts" facebook page and it's supporters would stop…Read More misrepresenting the issue. The district is not cutting the arts so there are no art programs to "save." This is merely about students who do not want to lose their teachers. They should be fighting the union--they are the reason that these particular teachers will be excessed.
Pat Morano May 5, 2013 at 10:37 am
I have to agree with most of the comments made here. Of course, there is always 2 sides to a story.…Read More The problem is that the only story or conclusion that always wins is the side of the school administration. I have lived in this town for 40 years, worked in the school district for almost 20 years as a Teacher Aide. My children went through the Northport School system. I have witnessed a change in this district in the past few years and not a good change. I know that this was not entirely Mrs. Lawrence's fault. This child is a child with many challenges. The Teacher aides and Teacher Assistants do their best with the limited amount of training that they have. They are left with the children that they are assigned to and expected to teach, discipline, toilet( if needed) and keep them safe and sometimes watch out for the safety of the other children. It is a fact that a child should not be abused for any reason, but I am sure that her case will not prevail in her favor. How did the parents react act to this arrest? Usually the parents of these children have a relationship with the aide or the assistant. At one time the administrators would value the opinion of their teachers and the staff but I have witnessed so many injustices over the past few years, it is very sad. I hope that this case is resolved, get the parents involved. If Mrs. Lawrence is not vindicated, who would want to do her job? She will always be looking over her shoulder.
Amy Waldhauer May 4, 2013 at 06:45 am
LotsToSay: I am glad your clarified that Mrs. Lawrence is an aide. When my son was in 7th grade at…Read More NMS he was attacked by the same 4 boys every day for a month as he walked from the building to the bus. No one stopped the attacks because there were no aides to do so. I am sure that Mrs. Lawrence was overworked and underpaid.
LotsToSay May 3, 2013 at 06:30 pm
Yes, 2 sides to every story... And it's really nice, Chris, that you have perfect children! I'd love…Read More to have a sip of the water you and your family drink!
In reality, Ms. Lawrence , (isn't she a Teacher Assistant?) is the real victim. The amount of responsibility vs. reward (salary, breaks, etc.) given to the Teacher Assistants and Teacher Aides is horrendous. They're not trained as Special Ed teachers, but must use the training they receive to do the best job they can, all day every day, from the bus arrivals in the morning, until the bus departures in the afternoon. In some cases this includes taking the child to the bathroom, for which they receive an extra stipend at the end of the year. In most cases, it includes socializing, disciplining, organizing, helping with writing,keeping on task, teaching. In some cases, it involves carrying backpacks, helping with coats and clothing, and assisting the child in getting from point "a" to point "b". It's not easy. In most cases the Teaching Assistants and Aides go above and beyond the call of duty. The accountability on the part of the school district is horrendous. Most of the time when a faculty member or other employee sees a special needs child with an aide or TA, they leave the bulk of the responsibility, including teaching, sometimes even talking, to that person. As far as sending kids to the principal, that's a joke! Do you think the principal is sitting around waiting for kids? They are overburdened as well. The day NMS got rid of Tom Fazio's position (after he chose early retirement) as a counselor in the "time out room" was the biggest mistake this district has made as far as cuts. Too many kids with problems, no place to go. What a shame!! NMS used to have such a wonderful reputation, and our kids are falling through the cracks, while the teachers get blamed. So open your eyes, people! Wake up! These are your tax dollars at work. Pay attention, vote, be active, have a say in what goes on in our town. Put the blame where it should be!!
(Also, did the child have any breakfast?)
MrsE April 26, 2013 at 08:21 am
The US has one of the highest drinking ages in the world, and we have one of the worst problems with…Read More binge drinking. Binge drinking is what is studied when looking at the affects of brain development. I think the Middlebury College president emeritus John M. McCardell, who is also a charter member of Presidents Against Drunk Driving, nailed it when he came out in favor of lowering the drinking age to 18 years old in a 2004 New York Times opinion article. Specifically the argument that it drives drinking underground. “Our latter-day prohibitionists have driven drinking behind closed doors and underground,” he wrote. “Colleges should be given the chance to educate students, who in all other respects are adults, in the appropriate use of alcohol, within campus boundaries and out in the open.” We did try to roll back the drinking age over 40 years ago, so many things have changed since then. They can vote, marry, lay down their lives for our country, but they can't have a beer.
Old Fisherman April 25, 2013 at 12:46 pm
Thank you, Mary. You beat me to the punch. They tried lowering it once and it was a disaster…Read More bringing it back to 21.
Mary Silberstein April 25, 2013 at 07:28 am
You won't get slammed for your opinion but you may want to look at the research about brain…Read More development and drinking. You may also want to consider that lowering the age will actually increase use as we know now that the earlier a young person drinks or uses drugs increases addiction. You are correct about prescriptions and that was part of our education Monday night. Properly dispose of it at our disposal box at local police in Northport Village or 2nd Precinct. Do not leave it in your medicine cabinet or throw it in your garbage or down the toilet. And in regard to parents, that was also part of our Program, how to talk to your kids about drugs. To be concerned with what they are doing and where they are going. Drugs are everywhere and a lot of kids and adults are misusing them. The community needs to be aware and learn. It is not just a problem for the school or parents. It is all our problem.
Old Fisherman April 23, 2013 at 05:15 pm
I like the arrangement where you can proceed from story to story without clicking out after each…Read More story and putting up with a pop up each time.
Old Fisherman April 23, 2013 at 05:17 pm
I am awaiting to revisit this story to see the comments by various parents.
ergodic April 23, 2013 at 06:06 pm
Projected total enrollment for 2013-14 is 5833; this represents a decrease of 11% from peak…Read More enrollment (2006-07; 6557). Over the same period, enrollment in elementary grades declined by 23% The total enrollment in 2013-14 is similar to that in 2000-01. (Data based on NYS Report Cards.)
If it has not already been conducted, a demographic study of future enrollment is in order. Note that Smithtown closed an elementary school last year. Reductions in class size can postpone school closings, but probably not avoid it.
An appropriate metric for evaluating relative costs over time might be "spending/pupil" - adjusted for inflation.
vera charles April 18, 2013 at 05:06 pm
A little redundant here, folks.
As to Phil's suggestion of "suspending" Trustee Badanes,…Read More Phil needs to read up on State law pertaining to boards of education and their trustees. It also doesn't allow spanking trustees, nor putting them in the public stocks. Your recourse, absent specified infractions under the law (in which case the State Commissioner of Education would have power to remove a trustee) is to vote that trustee out of office at the expiration of their current term. If obnoxious behavior by trustees was a criteria for suspension, then Northport would have had a lot of suspensions over the years, including some of the folks that you probably like, as well as some that you clearly don't.
Phil M Sr April 18, 2013 at 11:21 am
Mr D'Accordo, You hit the nail on the head. I was also at that meeting and board member Badanes…Read More should be suspended for coming out with a remark like that. Mr Sabia should be the president and let's get rid of the rest of those one sided board members! He seems to be the only one that cares about, our out of control taxes.
Donna McNaughton April 16, 2013 at 10:36 pm
Enrollment is shown on the District's website in the budget presentation. Enrollment is down all…Read More over Long Island. Class size was decreases several years ago by the Sup. Those caps have remained. Today was a hard day for teachers. It is never good for any family to loose their job.
The class size is the smallest in K and increases as you go up . Core classes are suppose to be capped at 25 at the High School. I think the caps are closely followed at the Elementary school and every attempt is made at the upper levels.I have had a student at the NHS since 2001 and the classes are definitely smaller in the last two years.
Allie's Grandpa April 16, 2013 at 10:16 pm
For Momto5, what are the grades for each of your kids? Clearly class size often will and should…Read More differ by the age of the children involved.
If your son was in First Grade, then I would agree with you about 22, but if your daughter was in Twelfth Grade then I would disagree about 20.
karl April 9, 2013 at 02:41 pm
"Greed, for the lack of a better word, is good".......for those that receiveth.
Donna McNaughton April 9, 2013 at 04:54 am
That is where they started not where she was directed and not at the just below 2% that they…Read More adopted at 12:45 this evening.
A Taxpayer April 8, 2013 at 11:01 pm
Donna - Look at page 13 of the most recent budget document posted by Dr. McDermott on the district…Read More website. She projects a 3.07 percent tax rate increase.
vera charles April 16, 2013 at 02:29 am
Gee whiz.
I miss Patch for a few days and realize I was missing a new soap opera, written by…Read More vbug62, starring vbug62, and if you're unlucky, coming to your neighborhood theaters soon.
vbug62 seems to resent being caught in earlier half truths, and maybe un-truths, so she lashes out personally at those who questioned her thought process.
And, no vbug62, I haven't literally read the Core Curriculum, but I have read a lot about it, by numerous think tanks, and what is absolutely clear is that some elements of the extreme right (not conservatives, per se, but the truly radical fringes of the conservative movement) are tying to kill this improvement before it has a chance to flourish.
There also seems to be some blow-back from dinosaur elements of the teaching community; I'm sure that doesn't apply to you, vbug62, but some of your sisters and brothers in teaching don't like change, and often try to kill it.
So, there's a great combination of some radical fringes and some hidebound unionists that would prefer things just as they are. Nothing is wrong, thank you. We like keeping our heads in the sand, and we like doing things our way...and only our way.
Sheesh!
vbug62 April 15, 2013 at 10:25 pm
Well my two neighbors we have something in common. I too want your granddaughter to be able to…Read More intelligently compose and communicate her thoughts. I think that was my original point sir. You got your metaphorical panties in a metaphorical bunch and attacked a concerned teacher.............you got what you gave. Citizen I think you should spend some time in a high school classroom. You would be amazed and enlightened. I think perhaps you might actually understand why things are the way that they are in Corporate. I think you might change your mind too! I'm all for changing to compete within the world, BUT and this is a big BUT.........the changes that are being proposed will not work and it is truly frightening. It is interesting to me that neither one of you has actually answered my question. Have you sat down and read the new core curriculum standards provided by the government? If you haven't, I am wasting my time trying to debate with two people that don't have a clue as to what they are talking about. P.S. One last point...........I left the corporate world in order to teach........it was a calling as one might say.
Allie's Grandpa April 14, 2013 at 06:24 pm
As to your own ad hominem mischaracterization of my effect on my granddaughter’s intellectual…Read More pursuits, she is doing quite well, thank you, and does not lack for either intellectual curiosity or accomplishment.
I try not to interfere with my daughter’s preferences, but my own impact – should it be acceptable – would be to make sure my granddaughter is learning to intelligently compose and communicate her thoughts, which is something that I found seriously wanting, over my decades in business, in American graduates of the past twenty or so years. I would also want to make sure that she understands a global perspective, and is well-read in international periodicals, and would also encourage her to learn Mandarin as well as Spanish.
However, I will not try to criticize members of your own family nor your impact upon them.
robkoz April 16, 2013 at 08:57 pm
I wouldn't have anyone wave the white flag until Smithtown actually votes a budget down.
Concerned Commackian April 16, 2013 at 08:54 pm
Heart, wave the white flag already. I dont think you have a prayer of beating Former on points!!
On…Read More second thought, put that white flag away......im having too much fun reading these exchanges!!!!!
Former Long Islander April 16, 2013 at 08:29 pm
Canon received about $100 million in government aid, including tax breaks from New York State and…Read More Suffolk County, and an extra lane on each of the Long Island Expressway service roads. In return you got not new jobs, but just a relocation of existing jobs from four offices in Lake Success and one in Manhasset.
Canon “hopes” to add 750 more jobs within 10 years. Wait and see if that happens. Bottom line is that you paid Canon $100 million to keep, not add, 1300 jobs, about $80,000 a job. What a good deal.
Wee Little Heart, is that all you got.
chefcristo April 10, 2013 at 05:54 pm
we've said enough is enough in the past, and we're still sitting in the same pile of stuff. enough…Read More is enough means just that: A NO VOTE TO THE UPCOMING COMMACK BUDGET....THEN ENOUGH IS ENOUGH WILL BE A REALITY RATHER THAN A NO-MEANING STATEMENT.
Donna McNaughton April 6, 2013 at 09:43 pm
Denise,The first year of the teachers contact had a real zero no step no raise. The teachers did not…Read More voluntarily take the freeze neither did the custodians. The Sup,Administration, NASA(principals Assistant principals, directors and chairpeople) Clericals, Teacher Aides etc all took a hard freeze no step no raise.It was a great realization of the very real problem education has. It was hard thing to do, it postponed peoples retirement . It may seem small to the private sector but for a Union it was tremendous. It was the right thing for students.
The committee idea as we see in Elwood helped to insure numbers in context-not reduce the budget. They have been able to pass much larger increases with as Dad of Three says" leaving a super majority middle group that understands what could be done or changed and realistic timing for that"Having said that last years budget passed with a large majority and for the first time in over a decade the no vote decreased.
denise April 6, 2013 at 07:20 pm
To D.M.:
As you would agree, the BOE has had a non fiscally conservative majority for at least the…Read More last 30 years. Please do not credit me for the outcome of the previous teachers' contract. I was strongly urged out of any face time negotiations and ultimated voted against the contract (do your homework). A non majority BOE trustee is lucky to get a pencil shapened never mind get any action accompolished. And now, sans the "by the book" Brosnan days (much to his credit) they are lucky to get backup and answers to their questions.
You mentioned that the Superintendent "asked" for a 0% increase from the bargaining units back when the teachers were in negotiations. It was not effectuated. And now, flush with taxpayer funds, she rewards those closest to her (admin) with a contract that in no way reflects the economic climate and spoils the pot for future negotiations with the teachers and any other bargaining unit. How do we reconcile that action? We know that salary and benefits are 79% of the budget. How do we reconcile that - easily, they are not feeling any pain. Please encourage your friends on the BOE to solicit help and input from the community with a budget and finance committe, it really would show good faith. Why were you so against this during your tenure? And do you not agree that it would be beneficial on any number of fronts, going forward?
Nick Folger March 22, 2013 at 06:29 pm
@karen J.
Well maybe it is time for you and others to really put your money where your mouth is...…Read More
How about considering that folks directly pay for an enhanced program beyond some "level" that is offered by the schools? We all love music, but that does not necessarily translate in the distribution of the cost burden to everyone in the community for the minority of kids that may really want to extend their education beyond some "level". Also, as indicated above if it is choice between extended math, science or other core program and extended music offerings, then I agree that the former has the priority. Tough decisions need to be made real soon. And one more thing, there is no need to increase a budget that is already significantly bloated.
Kristen C March 22, 2013 at 03:13 pm
Barbara,
Would you vote for a tax increase to keep all as it is? It might come down to that and I…Read More don't think the community as a whole sees things as you does. I don't and my two daughters were in the band. My oldest still is but really, music over math, science and other core subjects? Time to move on. Don't cut music just cut back. We do have an excess and more work in the core subjects is needed. And please don't tell me how music will help my daughter get a higher score on the SAT. That's smoke and mirrors. Old habits die hard. How much time to Chinese students spend in music lessons? We are falling way behind. Time to choose what's best for ALL the kids.
BOE Participate March 27, 2013 at 01:56 am
I made some comments the other day and do not see them here? what happened to them. I will bring…Read More them up at the next BOE meeting. Hope to see you all there.
Had Enuf! March 26, 2013 at 11:11 am
Get out of NY State before it is too late.
Google .....NY Pension Bomb and see what is headed your…Read More way.
Open your mind to relocation and save tens of thousands every year...
new Hampshire........freestateproject.org
Pennsylvania...........http://www.focuscentralpa.org/. Stay away from Philly and Monroe county(Poconos)
Keep more of what you earn, stop giving it to NY State and local governments to dole out to public employees with bloated salaries, pensions, and healthcare benefits. When will you have had enuf?
Had enuf
Kevin Young March 13, 2013 at 01:05 pm
This could be just rumor but when I heard that Robyn Williams was arrested and cuffed, he could be…Read More overheard saying "nanew nanew"!
Hanna Green March 29, 2013 at 01:08 pm
If you look on Elwood School district website they want to buy the land and put a sports complex…Read More there or combine the 2 lower schools and build a new one.
American Patriot March 16, 2013 at 09:35 pm
Sorry you feel that way, now-non-friend. Peace be with you.
But some free advice, even free for my…Read More non-friends; next time don't go tossing around remarks like "panic button" when there was no panic at all in my posts. That was the final trigger you pulled, after previously distorting what I had posted (hence my comment on your shortcomings regarding comprehension and logic; casus belli).
Moreover, for other people you had used descriptive words like "ridiculous", which would strike many as condescending or insulting.
As you have seen, some are opposed to the proposal, no matter what the facts may turn out to be. But we are far from having the facts, or the protections the community needs.
I just want to protect the kids and the taxpayers of the district. That is prudence, and not panic.
Adios.
School Budget Voting Guide 2013
3 Recommend Leah Bush (Editor)