What really was accomplished this summer????

[John Gazire]

I spent the summer reading these essays by BOE members and residents and on the last day before the return to school I'm wondering what really happened? Huge raises and bubble bonuses are still due. I still don't think any furloughs were announced. They say Administrators were cut but then no one can say who was cut and that all the positions are necessary. All the attention was shifted to cuts in courtesy busing and usage fees which all they did was anger residents and then we find out the cuts never would've happened but they where just simple jabs back at the residents for voting no on the budget. 
I see that there was a giveback to pay 1.5% of the benefits package but then there was debate on what that really meant. We did manage to get sports and clubs back but all the programs have been outsourced to the PAL with big fees making what was always a rite of passage for middle schools now out of reach except for the hardcore. I have nothing against the PAL but I always looked at this as a volunteer group getting the local police involved with the youth while it is now turning into a local corporation.

OK I wasn't able to attend BOE meetings but working, raising 2 kids, and doing other volunteer stuff who can attend every township meeting. I'm just looking for some real feedback and not BS banter. Was there really hardcore cuts made? Was "the students first" the #1 priority? Are we in a position to move forward? Are we going to be in worse shape next year?

[Rob_Nicastro]

John, Great observation and well said. You just defined the definition of the metaphor "smoke and mirrors".

[Gene_Tanala]

John and Rob:

I respectfully disagree with what you stated. Rob, there are no smoke and mirrors. You attended the meeting where the president clarifyed this misinformation, and you were right that 2 wrongs don't make a right. If I am correct. I respect your input and attendance, and you as a person.
You have no agenda, just to do things proper. And you are a waychdog for the residents. I thank you for this.

John:
The BOE did not cut courtesy busing and sports out of spite, etc, you need to address the township for thier misinformation. These items were cut long before the budget went to the rsidens for a vote.


The BOE also tryed to work with the township and teachers union.The vote by the township was 3-2............

There is lots of work, meetings etc, to work out reinstatuing courtesy busing, and the sports programs, clubs, etc.  takes time to get the RFP's out (that is the law) ......review such, also meet with the township several times.

In the ledger, several school districts eliminated sports altogether and have script busing, no more courtesy busing. I posted the article in the other posts. As a BOE Howell did very well compared to other districts.

Labor has been meeting with the Union, and policys for non-profit were accomplished..........layoffs required a entire restructuring of where some staff has to report, and in a school district I will ask you, how do you furlough? the BOE closed Fridays and went to a longer day in the Summer to save money, that is like a furlough. When school is in, the BOE is back to 5 days.

This is just my opinion as a resident

Gene Tanala

[Al_Miller]

Gene
Personally I lost a lot of respect for the BOE President this Summer. She was very rude and disrepectful to the residents of this township. Respect and Trust is something that needs to be earned and she definitely doesn't earn mine but that is a diiferent topic for a different time. I do however respect and trust you very much. I think you as well as other BOE Members are honest to the residents. In regards to the Sports & Co-Curricular Activities I do have to disagree with you a little. The programs were put back into the budget when it went for Public Vote but then removed when the budget failed.

[Phil_Sanfilippo]

Al,Bob,Gene, and John,
                  Games will always be played so I won't go down that road. I have seen it from both governing bodies. The reason I greed to get back involved was because I believe that with some of the new faces on the board many good things can happen. I am glad that Gene is still on and had he not been on the BOE I may not have got back involved. Gene has allot  of history and experience on the board and for many years was the odd person out. Al, no volunteer should be ignored and treated unfairly. You have allot to offer the community and I value your input on the facilities committee. I believe if we work together this year and not cow down to the status quo we may be able to make a difference. Bob Nicastro is taking a big leap by running for the council. I have high hopes for him having seen first hand the division between the BOE and council. I believe if he is elected he will be the one to bring the two governing bodies together. One thing I have learned from my past involvement serving on these committees and that is not to take things personal. I have no agenda other than provide input and make difference. On thing I have alway been serious about was excessive waste and spending. The future doe not look good however if we all keep our eye on the ball perhaps some costs can be reduced and we won't have to sell our houses.
                      my opinion
                      Phil 

[Tim OBrien]

John,
The meetings are recorded and available on demand online.   I suggest you review them and see what has been going on for yourself. 
Regards,
Tim O. 

[John Gazire]

Tim I'm just making a summary from what I've seen and read over the summer. Actually out of the BOE members there are only two I could pick out of a crowd. You being one and everyone knows and loves Dave Flaherty. I've had 2 dealing with you about Pinelanders issues when you were a board member and you handled both and I was impressed. I've also seen you at Howell Day and Movies in the Park. That being said I have no personal motives or vendettas against any past or present members just opinions as a regular Howell taxpayer. I'm not a lawyer or professional that has the knowledge of the contracts or behind the scene stuff but I've read the papers and posts and can say I have been involved in about dozen serious discussions with small groups about BOE/Township cut/budget issues.
I guess I'm disappointed the more serious issues were covered up and not addressed with the taxpayers and children in mind while the busing, fees, and sports programs were turned into a dog and pony show.   

[James_Obrien]

Wow!! Cover up's, Dog and Pony shows. And this from a guy that get's his info from chat boards.

[Tim OBrien]

John,
No sweat.  I understand your frustration.  There are a lot of issues that we have to deal with in this difficult economic climate.  This is a very crucial year for our district.  The current school year's budget is in place.  Between upcoming negotiations with the HTEA and the challenge of potential further declines in State Aid, this board has it's hands full.  I am optimistic that we will rise to the challenge. 
Keep on checking in on us.  It is important to get feedback from the community and I know we can always benefit from constructive criticism.   
Regards,
Tim O.