It is good to see the BOE did the right thing here, regardless of why they did it. The parents and staff are to be commended, they really showed this BOE the way here. I found the excuses for not handling this properly to be quite lame...Reid blamed budget dominating his time, Suter said better safe than sorry and then blamed Edwards for the letter sent...LOL, Talty said it was "assumed" McConnell would fight it so why step up and reverse a bad decision. In reality these people might have just feared this decision just might cost them their seat...but again whatever the motives on their "change", the right decision was made. Next Monday is said to be the same type of hearing for Patrick Dowling...this saga has been on going much longer (3 + years) and has been much more bitter. The stakes are Dowling loses his job all together. This BOE needs to make right decision here as well. Although there are not parents and kids picketing for Dowling, both because high school kids and parents don't do this, but in addition it has not been popular to publically stand up for Dowling, because the Wolf clan has been in attack mode for so long. This said, 9 out of 10 will tell you Dowling is getting screwed here and this is wrong. This BOE should make the right decision here and allow the focus to move from politics and on to the kids. If this BOE does this it may truly show they are turning a page and perhaps making this about kids moving forward.. Stay tuned.....we will see.

Can someone Please explain why teachers get "Tenure". I know that no matter how long I have been in my career, I have No Guarantee. If I don't perform at my business I can be fired, dismissed or let go. Giving Tenure allows people in education to become laxed in their careers and not performing at 110%. If we take away Tenure I bet our education system would be much better. The ones that suffer from this are the children. We don't need people in our system that don't perform. I am sure Allison McConnel has done a fine job and will continue to do so. I am just against "TENURE".

The outpouring of support and love for Ms McConnell was amazing. This entire episode was such an important lesson for the students of Drum Point. Congratulations to the entire Drum Point family: parents, students, staff and especially, Allison McConnell. One of the side benefits of this was that a true family was formed among all those who are associated with the school. Now that Allison can lead without worry, this school will only get stronger and better. Thank you to the BOE for seeing this and acting in the best interests of the students and staff.

Mr. Cuppari nailed this whole debacle. The BOE members that voted no originally have lost credibility. Their reasons were a stretch at best, Being inept is one thing. Fabricating a falsehood(I'm being nice) is unacceptable. You have thousands of kids and parents and hundreds on employees on your watch. I hope the voting public make a sincere effort to watch this hearing when it airs on BTV. As far as judging the BOE members, just listen to their comments.
On Monday, I believe, the other 3 people denied tenure will have their hearing. The same "bloc" will be asked why. I hope they(BOE) can come up with better reasons.

Such BS regarding this alleged letter... contrived and made up.
Smoke and mirrors... excuse!!!

Someone called them on the carpet... they blinked... they want to get re-elected in the fall!!!
Hey... guess what...
If a principal wants to "bully" a teacher because that teacher is "NOT" doing their job.... that is absolutely "OK" by me!!!

But hey... this letter was a fabrication anyway!!

Congrats to Ms. McConnell! It was clear that she had a lot of student and parent support, which in my opinion, ultimately led to her being granted tenure! Drum Point is in good hands!

So now someones' daughter, niece, inlaw , etc, will not get the job as schemed. Who is this board kidding? It never stops. Good for Ms. McConnell.

Joseph Woolston Brick,
I do not accept any of the 3 reasons given by the BOE "no" voters. Look up the definition of "rationalization" as it pertains to psychology. They are no longer trustworthy. Let's see what happens on Monday.

@ Joseph wool, that maybe the case, But neoptism still clearly exist in the BOE, ) & maybe it was started for good intent, But Much like the unions, it protects workers that are not doing a good job and are not worthly of having a job, it allows abuse of funds, and work less get paid more mentality .I have a brother that also is a teacher In NJ but not Brick, He is also part Of the NJ Natl. gaurd, he was deployed 2x once to Iraq & when he came home & went back to teaching the following Sept. he couldnt believe the LAck of Teaching he saw everyday as regular practice, things that the teachers would even have the effort to care about complainng about, His students respect him tremendously that HE MAKES them learn in his class, . While other students that do not put forth the effort ( & he will give every chance) will fail his class.... With then the parents asking him " Why Did HE fail their child" ( this is is a very wealthy area) & the parents then saying how is he/she going to get to college with a failing history score.... he will answer, I Did not fail them, they failed themselves &may want to think twice about college If you cant pass my class. ... Long story, but point being that their are good teachers & ones that take advatange & do not teach( such as the ones getting ready to retire so Put movies on & take a nap then when the kids take a pic to the office to show, the kids get in trouble for having a cell phone & nothing is done about the teacher.....

& BTW having Children in the brick schools (BRICK HS, LRMS & EHYS) There are a hand full of teachers that I can say deserve having such job security & really do a outstanding job, while MORE so have teachers that let alone should not have tenure they should NOT have a JOB with children because they have NO patiences & expect children to sit still for 8 hours & that all children should learn they same & have no room for someone that is not a cookie cutter child. & If they dont force them to be medicated & Label them ADD/ADHD Etc .. & at times have seen teachers be the instigator of the "out cased" or "diffrent" student to bring attition to them to get bullies by the clasmates ... & If you think this doesnt happen go walk he halls un planned OR listen after your children line up in he morning & in your car when they think you cant hear them....

@notalways...there are good and bad teachers. Just like there are good and bad parents. And just because you have three kids, does not mean that you could possibly understand what is involved in being a teacher and responsible for 25 kids education. The vast majority of teachers do their best given all the burden that is placed on them. Remember, most teachers go into their profession for their love of helping children learn.....certainly not for the salary.

@ mary that maybe the reason they start, but not the reason they stay, I have 6 children & one with disablities & 8 nieces & nephews and many friends of my kids & families kids.. I personally could run circles round some of these teacher YES !! there are some wonderful teachers, but just as many or more, that are not deserve to be teaching... just look at the racking of Brick schools. if you disagree... I Know If I had a job where I was NOT showing the results & improving every yr ( let alone decline) I would NOT have a job any longer thats the point, & If they have tenure they dont have to worry .... & BTW yes there saleries may be just on the higher side of average, But how much saving do they get on their car ins, health ins etc... add up those savings they are doing better then you think..

Actually, I am a teacher. I do not get savings on my car insurance. My health benefits have been cut back so far that they are not as great as you think. I do not get "summers off" as a lot of people think....I have to work in the summer just to pay my bills. If you want to talk about scores ....how about talking about the role of parents in their own child's education. A teacher can only do so much....if there is no parental reinforcement at home. I totally agree that there are teachers who should not be teaching, but you are really making a broad generalization. The same can be said of any profession....there are plenty if cops who should not be cops, plenty of investment bankers who do not do the best for their clients and just screw them over....but somehow when it is teachers being discussed, people like to run them into the ground. With all due respect, if you are so angry and dissatisfied with the school system and think you could do a better job, homeschooling is an alternative.

What a bunch of drama queens everywhere. You want tenure than do a good job this year so you have a job next year. That's how it works in the real world.

Those who can't , TEACH.......you slugs better wake up to the vote in Wisconsin, taxpayers are sick and tired of bring screwed by the public takers. Enough is Enough.

Now that the tenure issue is settled for this Principal, maybe someone can get her to answer the question that has been mentioned in several media outlets. Why is Drum Point School apparently the only school in the Brick system that will not allow representatives of the Boy Scouts to circulate literature in the school so that families who are interested in Scouting know where and when the annual sign-up is taking place? Does the Principal have somethng against Scouting?

There are some who have social/political agendas that condemn Scouting because not everyone is allowed to become a Scoutmaster. Is this the position of the Principal, or perhaps the Board?

Chief....as a teacher I'll tell you that I am opposed to tenure as well. It very often screws the new teachers in not being able to get a job because other teachers are sitting comfortably in their tenured jobs. But to say those who can't....teach is such a lame cliche. Maybe years ago there was less involved in teaching, but these days the amount of paperwork, legal issues, ieps, curriculum standards, professional development, inclusion, etc.....I can assure you that those who "can't", certainly cannot teach.

Mary, how many of you REALLY go to the teachers convention In A.C Or just take the day off???

Actually, thousands go to the convention. And equally, many do not. How exactly does that make someone a bad teacher? Most professions have conventions or professional organizations that people can join to better their knowledge...if they do not partake, does that make them bad at their jobs? I am not the one who decided to close schools for the convention....I've always thought it should be during the summer when no school is in session.

MARY, I think it was just a question, I know if my employer had given us a day off & our company closed down for a seminar & we DIDNT go we would no long have jobs... & More times then not On those days the teachers have off I see many at local stores malls etc... some use to extend a vacation.... Why are they doing this during the school year taking away from the kids & their education. Do it during the summer.. on your time NOT the kids...

As I just said, I think it should be in the summer as well. I, too, know teachers who take advantage of those days. But just so you know, it does not take anything away from the school year. Each district has a predetermined number of days for their school year, generally around 180. Regardless of holidays, days off, or snow days....students get the same number of days in session as their district has put forth.

Well said, Michael.

For every one teacher who is not doing a good job, I'll show you three parents who are not doing a good job. All of the issues that arise with children are not solely the fault of teachers....how about the role of the parent? Many parents try their best, but there are plenty who get their mid hone from school and stick them in front if a video game until bedtime. Many do not read to their young children or emphasize the importance of homework. Kids like this are coming to school already at a disadvantage. But the thing is....nobody ever blames the parent. It is as if people pay their taxes toward education, and feel that is the extent to which they need to concern themselves. I can assure you, the most successful students I have had have come from homes where the general attitude was not to attack the teacher but to work with them toward the common goal of success for their child.

@JD
What is wrong with a gym teacher, after 20 years, making more than a calculus teacher teaching 5 years? Don't get the math. You can have a great gym teacher
and a lousy calculus teacher. Maybe you don't see gym as important?
Trying doing some research.
using your calculus today?

JD.. I totally agree with you, but that is not how it is set up. If a student goes from a 225 to a 210 they are still proficient and it that teacher is in good standing, but if a student goes from a 150 to a 190, the student is deemed partially proficient. A growth rate would be a logical idea, but unfortunately the way teachers and test scores are evaluated now is not a true representation of the teaching job. Also, how do you evaluate Home Ec. teachers, Fine Arts teachers, Phys. Ed. teachers? A lot of questions still need to be answered about evaluations and test scores...

By the way, JD.... we are the most obese nation in the world. Kids eating habits are unhealthy. We are in the age of video games, facebook, etc. The average adult male has 20% body fat and females average 25%... pretty sad. However, you state Phys. Ed. teachers are not important. You just lost all of your credibility with that statement... and no I do not teach Phys. Ed.

s

@JD
Here is a site you may enjoy reading. Gym is important. Do you really want the
kids sitting in their seats all day? That's cruel, and leads to low grades and
behavioral problems.
http://www.webmd.com/parenting/raising-fit-kids/move/parents-pe-questions

Are you kidding??? The best teachers are teaching honors classes??? So you are saying that the best teachers are assigned to teach the smarter kids? That is ridiculous. As a matter of fact, some of the best teachers teach special ed. There goes your theory.

This BOE just confirmed they could be bought. They had reasons for the initial decision and now they flipped. That is one reason our taxes are so high. I have never seen such a top heavy school system where administrative positions are more important then education in the classroom. We do not need a principal, with a Phd, and an assistant in a grade 1-5 elementary school. The BOE should get sum guts and on June 13 hand every employee a termination notice and an application for employment when they leave for the day. I have tried several times to get an organization chart for the school system to no avail because they do not want us to know how much waste there is. The Brick school system is a business whose purpose is education and a business of this size always has an organizational chart.

Vote for all new BOE candidates.

JD.. you have some good points, but you also make some ridiculous statements. Elementary teachers have it the hardest because they teach 4 subjects? I am not saying it is easy, but their main issue is classroom management because the kids are so young and immature. They do teach 4 subjects, but is very generalized unlike the Middle School and definitely the High School teachers. Also, to state that teaching 4 classes the same material is EASY, is a disingenuous comment. It is not always about the material. Many classes have students who are abused, neglected, kicked out of their homes, etc. Do you really think those kids care about school and test scores? The objective of a teacher is more than teaching material... It is also to save these kids by building trust and a rapport with them. That is something some kids have NEVER had, even with their own families. Until you understand this, you will never understand what a teacher is... and will continue to make comments about it being EASY!

well case in point about the level of education our children are getting , I asked 3 children btwn the ages 13-17 only one could tell me what D-day was, where it was & why it tool place. the 2 older that are in HS where clueless, scary however the 13 yr old is just PASSing his history class with a D knew the answer, while the other 2 are A-B students in HS , I also over hear a converstion with a 13&14 yr ( dif kids)that when the month turned to June they are so programmed to just see "6" on their cell phones they Didnt know what Month came after May, they just knew it as "6".... also 2 students that get average to high grades........ one more exp. was at shoprite the other day a young girl was helping me... she had to count her draw of money ( looked like older HS age) was unable to do that without her cell phone caculator.... REALLY scary what they use as a benchmark to grade our childrens education, I guess its just all about the "test" scores & NOT actual knowledge. as long as the teachers get the bonuses for the test scores, ( & the school funding) It doesnt actually matter what kind of knowledge you are giving these children to go out into the world .... as far as the MARY's comments, I guess It will be up the the parents to teach our children bcz they are NOT getting a well rounded ed at school.

Reality check page 13 is a generic organizational chart that does not reflect the true top heavy brick school system. Show me one with all employees shown so all the taxpayers can see the truth.

@lifetimeofshore....your examples of children not knowing certain things may be true in your experience, but how exactly is a child who cannot count out her cash register without her cell phone the fault of the school? The teens u claim only know the month if June by the number 6 and don't know the word June because its not on their cell? Who buys them their phones? Not their teacher. If you want children to not be so reliant on their phones....don't let them be attached at the hip to a cell phone at all times. If a kid is trying to figure out some math at home....give them a pencil and paper and take the phone away. They are not being taught via cell phone in class.....that aspect is completely brought on by the parent. I, in no way, defend all teachers....I have see plenty who should not be in the profession. But to use examples of things that are totally beyond the scope of what a teacher can control is quite pointless. We are not in the home reinforcing the curriculum....that is where homework and parents come in.

@ Mary the point is with or without cell phones that has nothing to do with information that Children should know & do NOT ... PPL are graduating from HS NOT knowing simple things NOT having a Idea about US history ( some unable to name the states & captial of our own Country) Children are NOT learning Because ITS NOT BEING TAUGHT TO THEM PERIOD!!! If its not part of the Standard test , Its not taught... DONT you think with our without a cell phone a teenager should KNOW what month "6" is?? Dont you think the young girl spoke of should have been able to count $$ ?? I myself have 4 children 3 still in school & one special ed student.... & I do NOT let them use a caculator at home, Although my youngest IS allowed to use them in LRMS... ( just for a point I asked my 3 that are still in school the exp about D-day... got the same result 1 out 3 .... Just the boy knew .. the girls didnt. & dont get me started with unable to write in script...

All of the anger you all show is very misguided. Do you think that the concept of standardized testing and teaching to the test was created by teachers? In any job, you have to do what your superiors tell you to do. It is not up to teachers as to what they teach. The only input we have is in lesson design, not content. The curriculum is given to us and if we do not follow it to the letter, we will be in trouble. The curriculum itself is not determined by teachers.....it is handed to us. Believe me, there are things in the curriculum that I feel are less valuable than other things I could be teaching, but if I do not teach what is there....the kids will not know it for testing and scores will drop. Then parents will read about how the scores are down and will in turn blame the teachers. We can not win. I think parents need to realize that the changes they desire in education have very little to do with the teachers and more to do with what administration and the government dictates.

@reality check - The principal at Midstreams School has his PhD. His name is Dr. Billen and he is wonderful principal; brought many new ideas to the school, stresses reading and litercy. Has a open door policy with the parents and the kids love him.

@JD....if state/govnt developing the curriculum and testing is a good thing, then what room do parents have in blaming teachers for what us being taught or is not being taught to their kids? Regardless of who decides on the content to be taught, the fact remains that the argument parents make about how kids are not learning some of the basics but are getting decent grades has to do with the people who dictate what is to be taught and tested. I don't know what point you intended to make. Yes, tests matter, that is how our society is set up. People are not judged on their cumulative abilities, they are reduced to a score. Of course I give tests, and grade them .....and EVERY teacher to some extent teaches to the test because if they do not get their kids scores up then their teaching ability will be in question. If it were up to me all kids would be assessed via a portfolio of their work as they show progress throught the semester. I have had very bright kids who do not do well simply because they are not good test takers. The point I was trying to make is that parents who blame teachers for all of the inconsistencies in public ed as far as curriculum/testing need to understand that those decisions are not made by teachers.

There are ineffective, poor employees in every profession.

Mary I really hope you are not a teacher... you SEEM TO KNOW everything & have alot of freetime on your hands.... your annoying just here cant imagine how you would be in a classroom all day& our children have to be subjected to you...

I am a teacher. I make no claim to know everything. I do, however, know my profession. If you read my posts in their entirety, you may learn something about a job that people seem to enjoy degrading. Oh, and "alot" is two words....and the correct "your" in your sentence would be "you're".

@Lorraine - thank you, I was not aware there was a second principal with a doctorate; great to hear this!
@Mary - you make a lot of excellent points!

@be blessed.....to answer your questions....I am a parent. I have four children. I'm not sure why you are arguing the point of how difficult a job it is to be a parent....especially with me. To claim that parents are the real teachers....um... some are, but you you would quickly change your absolute praise for all parents if you taught a class of 25 kids and saw what goes on. How about those who are lazy, uninvolved, and more concerned with their own lives than that of their children. And as a side note, you hope I am not a tenured teacher that you are helping to pay for.....you pay for non-tenured teachers as well. You might want to take a moment to understand how the public school system works before attacking someone simply because they stated that they are a teacher.

Mary Iam a retired Jersey City teacher, I find your comments very unprofessional... If you are telling the truth that you are a teacher How are possible on here making comments all day? Do youself a favor, When you think you got it tough spend a week in Jersey City or Newark, ... For the most part parents are involved as much as they can be with their children, maybe they do not have the advantage of the hours & pay of what YOU are making, But almost evey parent I know wants the best for their children ( yes even the ones that have issues themselves what better for their kids or working crazy hours & making less then 28,000 a yr ) Stop making Judgements !! open your mnd & heart, you feel better & maybe have a better outcome of your students....

& if you what the teachers are like in Brick even more reason why proformance base salaries should exist, it is eveywhere else... why not with our youth?

Did I ever say I was a teacher in Brick? And to attempt to compare inner city schools with the suberbs is pointless....apples and oranges. Performance based salaries should exist...but if you are a teacher, how would you not recognize the flaw in that argument. If you base salaries or raises on performance....how do you plan to evaluate said performance....test scores? The argument many patents have is that teachers teach to the test....that would be magnified if you tied their raise directly to the test scores. I think that better teachers should earn more, nobody would dispute that, but the problem comes in with how to assess a good teacher from a bad one.

Mary, If your a teacher you still have not answered how you spend all say making comments here ?.... I refuse to battle wits with a unarmed man ( or woman) ... I do not know how old you are but it seems as though you forget yourself to learn a simple lesson... When to let it go, If you know your right about something there is no need to debt it... It seems to me you have alot of maturing to do... & God ( oh sorry as a teacher are you alot to even say that?) God help our youth if your what a standard teacher is these days ....

Jane...I only keep responding because people keep addressing me. Please feel free to let me know what portion of any of my remarks would lead you to tell me to mature....if you have read anything I have written. If you are wondering why I am able to comment on here, I am on maternity leave. Are teachers still allowed to take time off to have a baby? Hmmm, that is allowed in other jobs, but I suppose I am somehow cheating your children and stealing your tax money by taking a leave, right? And I am not sure why you would bring the issue of God into a discussion about public education and attempt to imply that as a teacher I have something against the word God. It seems as though you have decided to jump into a discussion without reading what has actually been said previously.

OHHH that explains alot mary, your harmones.... But Still With 4 kids & # 5 on the way, Dont you have anything better to do?.. 1) if your a mature woman with a college education you shouldnt even ague a point that you feel you are right about ( If you have 4 kids & a teacher MAYBE you heard of " pick your battles) 2) NOT all jobs are you allowed to take of matunity leave in fact its a state law now that EVERYONES ( including men) have taxes taken out for that & NO NOT everyone takes off( but I have to give you this one , you planned well ,extended your summer vacation even longer) even though there maybe maternity laws, but many companies find ways around them & if you leave to soon or come back after 6 wks they find ways to get rid of you... YES that is part of tax payers Money even seniors that are still working are putting in there share so you can sit on the computer all day & keep Popping kids out... GOD is not allowed in schools you know that just as well as I do. & If you Deny that your a lie too... If you have Not yet figured out that we are tired of hearing what you have to say WE ARE!! GO take care of all your kids

Res....I find it hilarious that you not only attack me for being a teacher, but for being a parent as well. FYI, a person who is married and has children does not need to be referred to as popping out kids. Your vulgar language is pathetic. You are speaking about maternity leave laws and are incorrect. If any company fires you for taking maternity leave, they can be sued because that is illegal. And just to let you know, teachers who take maternity leave are allowed a certain number of days and if they need more than that it is unpaid. So, you and your senior buddies who you claim work to pay for me to sit on my computer and "pop" out kids...are actually not paying for anything. Unpaid leave clearly does not come from taxpayer money....hence the word UNPAID. You show your ignorance by discussing things you do not understand.

Mary, mary.... mary.... LOL, how unaware you are of the world outside of yours

Ignorance is bliss !! The lack of knowlege to a situation. Usually once the whole truth is revealed you realize you were happier being CLUELESS

Ok, give me an example of what I have said that is ignorant. Oh wait, that would require you to actually read what I have written above....that would be much more strenuous than simply jumping in and attacking someone.

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