The Plainfield school board and district have finally accepted that settlements need to be adopted in public. It has taken weeks, if not months, to finally get settlements and public contracts out of Executive Sessions and into the public school board agenda. Thanks to OPRA, settlements adopted by mostly the current school board, are finally being posted at this Tuesday's school board agenda (37038). Over $700,000 were settled away from the public and taxpayers. Why? I believe the Plainfield community deserves an explanation.
"Taking back our school district" is an empty promise if is not supported by facts and backed up with action that will, or at least attempt, to correct a much dysfunctional school district such as ours here in Plainfield.
Our community's children, their families, the community in general and each one of us that live with hope that things will get better in Plainfield deserve meaningful information and accountable elected and appointed officials.
7 comments:
I thank you for your tireless work on behalf of our kids. One question, as a positive thinker I always like to star with what works. As a close follower of school matters, what do you think is going well in the district right now. And how can we build on these successes? I support all your work on the tough matters and more accountability, but we can also start asking what schools, departments, and things are going well and how do we build on that.
10:11,
Thanks for your question. It would be great if the same question is posted at the district's website and it's given to parents at each school, leave this question at the library, you most likely will get answers. As for some of the things that I think are working:
--Tomorrow's agenda has one good item from Clinton school, it involves parents. The workshop could be offered to all active PTOs, I am sure they will appreciate it.
--Jefferson's Unified Plan is pretty good and comprehensive. All schools should be able to offer the same. Post them at the school's website, they are public documents!
--Twitter accounts for the few principals are generating good attention, get principals a guide on how to use social media to reach out to students, parents and community. We are watching and listening.
--Hubbard's street flags are quite nice, all schools should display the same pride.
--The adoption of recognized titles was also a good sign and while the process seems to have had its faults, just the fact that the district is moving into recognized titles is a good sign.
--Listening to what the community, bloggers, have to say is also a good sign, but can the district please listen, and answer, the first time around? It will make things easier for all.
I hope the above answers your question. Thanks.
Thanks, Maria. You're doing a great job. Keep it up and their feet to the fire.
Bob Bolmer
How many school books would $700,000+ buy? Keep up the good work.
Maria, I applaud your efforts. How and what can be done to get more parents involved, and let them know that sports is not the answer. A Nobel Laureate proved that the way out of poverty is through education. I think we should not be an Abbott district, and people should have to pay for the education with taxes. Maybe then they will pay attention. Or, I think Plainfield High School should be disbanded, and our children sent to surrounding schools with better reputation.
Plainfield High is ranked 307 out of 322 (with one being the highest). Close it down. What are we doing to our kids?
In addition to broadcasting Plainfield Board of Education meetings on cable AND hopefully the Internet, Plainfield Cable Television Advisory Board should get Maria Pellum to host a PCTV show that allows discussions relating to Plainfield Board of Education issues and OPRA. The show should be available on Cable(Plainfield Community Television), Youtube and the Plainfield Community Television website...Now THAT would be a community service!!!
Pat and Bob,
Thanks!
12:36,
I actually think Sports are a great way to get more parents interested on schools, it just hasn't happened that way so far. You have to understand that PPSD has created a "black hole" of information so parents, and community, are not full aware of what is going on. Thanks!
9:47,
And I could do the show both in English and Spanish! Thanks!:-)
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