Tuesday, November 27, 2012

I may be wrong about the school board decision


After receiving a couple phone calls from Chester Upland school board members who voted No, I have a better understanding why they believe that's the best way to fight Mr. Recovery.

Apparently, there was a lot more included in the document they voted on that has not been reveled in the newspaper articles. I was given an opportunity to read the actual document but I'm not in a position to receive it right now.

What I was told is that by voting Yes, the board forfeits any opportunity to challenge Mr. Recovery's decision, despite comments that the board's input would be considered. 

Therefore, the No vote gives the board some leverage to challenge Mr. Recovery's plans using outside influence since working directly with him has proved fruitless.

My hope is that all nine board members can agree on a plan of action and work together quickly and intelligently to challenge the proposed plans, some of which seems quite unreasonable. 

I must share that both callers were disappointed with the lack of parental presence at all school related meetings - PTO, Board, Recovery, etc.

It looks like at least a few folks on the the school board aren't going down without a fight. If we could get a hundred parents to fight with them there's a chance that the recovery process may become a lot more reasonable. 

22 comments:

  1. I understand the comment regarding parental support but in all fairness some parents did not know when the meetings were held. I myself would be told the day of by my children and I work. I was able to attend 2 meetings and remember seeing 1 of the 5 at the community meeting. If you were there you knew who was upset about the plan. If they had concern, it could have been voiced at the meetings and maybe the community would understand. To me it looks like politics as usual.

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    1. I wasn't there.

      My hope is that they broadcast board meetings on the free Comcast channel like they do in most of the other districts in the county. Chester people love their Comcast and would watch.

      Delete
  2. I GUESS YOU ARE ONE OF WANDA THIRTY FRIENDS WHO AGREE WITH HER DECISION..THE PEOPLE WHO WERE AT THE MEETING WILL UNDERSTAND THIS COMMENT AND IF I AM NOT MISTAKEN DIDN'T YOU SUPPORT THE REPUBLICANS SO WE ARE NOT SURPRISED ABOUT YOU CHANGING SIDES..SOMETIMES YOU HAVE TO DEAL WITH THE HAND YOU ARE DEALT WITH..

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    1. Just sharing the info others refuse to share with you readers. Don't hate the messenger. Thank me for bringing it to your attention.

      You're welcome.

      Delete
  3. The no vote gives them some leverage? Bullshit. What leverage will they have when the state takes over the school district.....not a bit! And believe it, the state is going to take over with no input whatsoever from any of the stakeholders including the school board.

    No matter how they try and justify their no vote, they failed the children of the district.

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    1. I believe they intend to take it to the courts too make some adjustments to the plan. Had they voted yes, they would have been prohibited from sueing.

      That's the leverage they are referring to as I understand it.

      Delete
  4. the no votes are just 100,000 bonus to Leo Hackett...the Republicans on the School Board are paying for his grands and great grands future.

    I bet u they will lose the case

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  5. what are their outside influence

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  6. Stefan, I am talking about a lack of communication and you jokingly talk about Chester folk and Comcast? You were not at the meetings and neither were 4 of the 5. How could the community know how they feel about the recovery plan if they don't show their presence.

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    1. I wasn't joking. Comcast gives the school district a free channel. Other communities repeat the school board mtgs so everyone can watch if they cant attend. People can voice their opinion by phone, fax, email, snail mail, or in person

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  7. IF YOU HAD ATTENDED ANY OF THE MEETING YOU WOULD KNOW HOW THE MAJORITY OF THE COMMUNITY WANTED THE OUTCOME TO BE AND I DON'T NEED YOU TO BRING ANYTHING TO MY ATTENTION THANK-YOU...THE COMMUNITY SPOKE LOUD AND CLEAR MONDAY NOVEMBER 26 TO THE SCHOOL BOARD..JUST ASK MR. SHELTON

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    1. Oh.

      That's what all the newspapers said. I didn't have to be there to learn that.

      But thanks for sharing.

      Delete
    2. The majority of the community could not fit in that room. The majority in the room of Rep. Kirkland supporters who spoke supported the plan. People who chose not to be taunted and disrespected for voicing their opinion, may have used other means of communicating with the board which is their right. The majority never coes out.

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    3. If this blog is any indication of how folks prefer to voice their opinions, unless you can remain Anonymous, most folks will remain silent. Showing your face at a board meeting or City Council meeting and sharing an opinion is not common practice around here. I respect politicians because they can't be Anonymous. They are held responsible for everything they say or do.

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  8. When is the next school board meeting and what are community based meetings are important for stakeholders to attend. Please email me at seifuddin.simpson@gmail.com or call me with the information at 484-441-6069

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    1. Www.chesteruplandsd.org
      Www.msbcusd.blogspot.com

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    2. Oops...msbeecusd.blogspot.com

      I think she still covers just Chester school issues.

      Delete
    3. I've read and I feel the anger. We all wish that this matter was resolved better. However, this has been talk for over 15 years. That's since I was in school.That CUSD is closing.

      During those time parents we're active. Since then parents have gotten younger and let's just face it. Things have just changed. In the previous article names were listed of those higher up . All republican. Again...

      Let's face we know in most places of employment here in Chester. You need to be republican to obtain employment. Then to mention Thad.Kirkland. All I can do is Laugh my butt off. He's all talk with no REAL ACTION. I personally am Sadden especially since in recent years GREAT change has been made. With much greatness to come. AGAIN IT'S UNFORTUNATE and I'm hopeful that whatever comes from it will benefit the Children. Because in the end.... That's what its all about. THE CHILDREN. Us as adults and community need continue to do whatever is in our ability to do to shape and mold the young minds.

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  9. they need to close the school district,that is the only way to insure our children a good education,is to break our school district up into the three surrounding districts,chichester,strath heaven and ridley if its all about the children like you say.YOU KNOW LIKE I KNOW THAT IS THE BEST THING FOR OUR KIDS,IT WOULD BE FOR THEM TO BE IN A OVERALL BETTER SCHOOL DISTRICT.IF THE POWERS THAT BE REALLY CARED CHESTER UPLAND SCHOOL DISTRICT WOULD BE DISOLVED.

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    1. As a home owner, I don't want to pay school taxes to Chichester, Strath Haven, or Ridley. I'd rather see a bunch of charters schools before I send my money outside of my community.

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  10. mr roots there is no lawsult no vote means sec. ed takes schoolboard to court for a court rec,

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