Mayor Sullivan looks to tie hands of new Mayor to bring real change to schools
Mayor Sullivan announced this week that he is forming a committee to select a new School Superintendent by January 2010 when he leaves office. Traditionally, school officials who retire leave at the end of the school year; therefore, if the new Superintendent is starts prior to Mr. Carballo's departure, our cash strapped school dept. will be forced to pay two salaries during the interim.
I am also disappointed that Mayor Sullivan is seeking to make this major appointment on his way out the door and tie the hands of the new mayor from determing the head of the schools. It is the new mayor who will have to work side by side with this new person to turn the schools around.
Let us not forget that it was Mayor Sullivan that brought Mr. Carballo to lead the schools and the new Mayor should have the opportunity to bring real change to the school's leadership. After his recent pay raise, Mr. Carballo is now receiving the highest pay ever paid a Superintendent at $151,000 per year while the schools are suffering their greatest financial crisis in a generation.
The new mayor should not have to be tied to the Sullivan-Carballo approach to education. So why would we, as a city, want a lame-duck mayor picking the Superintendent and then having him or her trained by Mr. Carballo? That is not a new approach: that is same old, same old.
The Republican had a recent article on this issue, here it is below if you have not seen it already:
Holyoke school chief to retire in 2010
By JEANETTE DeFORGE jdeforge@repub.com HOLYOKE - Superintendent Eduardo B. Carballo has announced he will be retiring in 2010, mostly to give the School Committee plenty of time to fine his replacement. Carballo has told committee members on several occasions he plans to retire in about 18 months. This week he repeated his plans to officials from the State Department of Elementary and Secondary Education who were visiting the city. At that time he will be 62 and will be ready to give up his job, which pays about $151,000 a year.
Carballo took over as Holyoke superintendent in 2002, he said. Carballo said he announced his retirement so far in advance to give city officials plenty of time to find a replacement to head up the challenging school district, which is underperforming and one of the poorest in the state.
"The mayor has already put together a working committee, I told him I will be there and help in any way I can," Carballo said. A committee of School Committee members, teachers and the City Council president has already started meeting to talk about ways to find a new superintendent, said Mayor Michael J. Sullivan, who serves as School Committee chairman.
He said it is important to begin the process now because he would like to have a new superintendent selected by January 2010 so the new candidate can work with Carballo before taking over. "I appointed an ad-hoc committee to create a succession plan," he said.
The committee, which includes teachers, parents and politicians, was asked to develop ideas on how Holyoke can best find a superintendent. It may write a search plan proposal, but it was not a requirement, Sullivan said.
"I can say there was a lot of public input in the last process, I hope any committee is open to input from all facets of the community," he said. The School Committee will make the final decision on who is hired as the next superintendent, but it can also name search committees that can include teachers, parents and other residents, Sullivan said.
Officials from the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education said they are also interested in participating, Sullivan said. "I think that is fair because they are so heavily invested in the city of Holyoke," he said. Since the schools were declared underperforming the state has spent about $4.5 million on efforts to improve student scores.
Re-Elect Holyoke's Fiscal Watchdog!
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Lowe's Poll Results Final
In an overwhelming response to the question of whether a Lowe's should be located on Whiting Farms Road, the results are finally in:
Over 600 Blog Visitors cast a vote and by a thin margin, voters stated that they did not want a Lowes located on Whiting Farms Road.
Here's how you voted:
53% Voted NO
47% Voted YES
Thank you all for participating in this important poll.
Over 600 Blog Visitors cast a vote and by a thin margin, voters stated that they did not want a Lowes located on Whiting Farms Road.
Here's how you voted:
53% Voted NO
47% Voted YES
Thank you all for participating in this important poll.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Holyoke Education Turnaround Plan Criticized
The Republican
By JEANETTE DeFORGE jdeforge@repub.com HOLYOKE - The State Board of Education Monday evening questioned if an investment of $4.5 million and hiring a private firm has really helped the city's underperforming schools improve. Superintendent Eduardo B. Carballo met with the state board and representatives from a America's Choice Inc., the company, to discuss efforts made to improve schools since Holyoke became the first city district to be named underperforming in the state in 2004.
The review is part of a larger discussion the state board and the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education is having about assessing districts, holding them accountable and offering assistance as the number of failing schools across the state is growing, said Education Commissioner Mitchell D. Chester.
"We thought it would be useful to look at Holyoke in particular," since the state has been working with the district for four years and invested $4.5 million in the effort, Chester said.
Holyoke was one of two school systems to be declared underperforming in November 2004 because of its low Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment Systems scores. Following the decision, officials for city schools and the state Department of Education developed a plan to improve performance.
A main part of the plan was to hire America's Choice on the state's recommendation. The company mainly introduced a specialized reading and writing program to the district, had a representative work full-time in the city for at least a year, trained teachers and purchased materials, Carballo said.
Smaller amounts of the money also went to provide specialized training for administrators one year and created a program for transient students, which was cut back this year because of budget cuts.
But during the presentation from the company, a Board of Education member pointed to a chart showing the English scores and questioned if hiring a private company worked.
"The ELA (English) chart is flat for '02 to '08," said Jeff Howard, a board member and president of The Efficacy Institute, of Waltham. "What should we expect to see on this chart for '09 and 2010 given the investment and the lives of the students?"
Representatives from America's Choice acknowledged that scores have remained flat and said they would have changed some things, such as concentrating more on students learning English sooner.
In his presentation, Carballo talked about constant budget cuts, which this year forced the city to close three schools and lay off dozens of teachers.
He also said the number of students who do not speak English continues to increase and transient students range from 35 percent to 45 percent in most schools. But he said many changes, including bringing in America's Choice, has been positive.
Redistricting so most students attend a school in their neighborhood and converting schools to kindergarten to grade eight has also helped. "Some things that happened in the district (were) a little bit disjointed and crazy," he said.
By JEANETTE DeFORGE jdeforge@repub.com HOLYOKE - The State Board of Education Monday evening questioned if an investment of $4.5 million and hiring a private firm has really helped the city's underperforming schools improve. Superintendent Eduardo B. Carballo met with the state board and representatives from a America's Choice Inc., the company, to discuss efforts made to improve schools since Holyoke became the first city district to be named underperforming in the state in 2004.
The review is part of a larger discussion the state board and the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education is having about assessing districts, holding them accountable and offering assistance as the number of failing schools across the state is growing, said Education Commissioner Mitchell D. Chester.
"We thought it would be useful to look at Holyoke in particular," since the state has been working with the district for four years and invested $4.5 million in the effort, Chester said.
Holyoke was one of two school systems to be declared underperforming in November 2004 because of its low Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment Systems scores. Following the decision, officials for city schools and the state Department of Education developed a plan to improve performance.
A main part of the plan was to hire America's Choice on the state's recommendation. The company mainly introduced a specialized reading and writing program to the district, had a representative work full-time in the city for at least a year, trained teachers and purchased materials, Carballo said.
Smaller amounts of the money also went to provide specialized training for administrators one year and created a program for transient students, which was cut back this year because of budget cuts.
But during the presentation from the company, a Board of Education member pointed to a chart showing the English scores and questioned if hiring a private company worked.
"The ELA (English) chart is flat for '02 to '08," said Jeff Howard, a board member and president of The Efficacy Institute, of Waltham. "What should we expect to see on this chart for '09 and 2010 given the investment and the lives of the students?"
Representatives from America's Choice acknowledged that scores have remained flat and said they would have changed some things, such as concentrating more on students learning English sooner.
In his presentation, Carballo talked about constant budget cuts, which this year forced the city to close three schools and lay off dozens of teachers.
He also said the number of students who do not speak English continues to increase and transient students range from 35 percent to 45 percent in most schools. But he said many changes, including bringing in America's Choice, has been positive.
Redistricting so most students attend a school in their neighborhood and converting schools to kindergarten to grade eight has also helped. "Some things that happened in the district (were) a little bit disjointed and crazy," he said.
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Video Up Link Feature Added!
Friends, it is my pleasure to add a great new feature to Holyoke First and that is a new video uplink that will permanently be located on my blog. I will feature important and educational video works worthy of your time and thought.
Thank you again for taking the time to visit my website which is my commitment to you to keep you fully informed of my work as your elected representative, as well as, the inner workings of your city government!
Thank you again for taking the time to visit my website which is my commitment to you to keep you fully informed of my work as your elected representative, as well as, the inner workings of your city government!
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Councilor Jourdain files 2 orders related to Sewer Rate Issues
These 2 Orders Filed for October 7, 2008 Meeting.
ORDER 1:
Ordered, That the following changes in Sec 90-90 be adopted:
Sec. 90-90. Sewer use charge.
(a) Generally. The City Council (board of public works) shall establish a sewer use charge by ordinance; any change in such charge shall come after a public hearing held by the City Council (board of public works), to provide the funds necessary to provide and maintain sewage treatment and sewage works, pay the debt service thereon, and maintain a reasonable reserve as determined by the City Council (board of public works), but which will not exceed 25 percent of the annual budget. The sewer use charge shall be assessed against the owner of every property connected to the municipal sewage works. The charge shall be billed to property owners on a quarterly basis at the rate determined by the City Council (board of public works), multiplied by the number of gallons of metered water charged to the property owner. The board of public works shall collect all monies due the city as a result of the sewer use charge established by this section.
(b) Rate; payment. The rate shall be $4.66 per 1,000 gallons of water metered with a minimum quarterly rate of $5.00. Said rate shall be in effect until such time as the City Council shall approve a change in rate. (board of public works requests a change in rate and such change in rate receives city council approval.) All charges or bills shall be due and payable 30 days after issue and charges or bills remaining unpaid after such due date shall be charged interest thereon at a rate of 14 percent per year as provided in M.G.L.A. c. 40, § 21E.
ORDER 2:
Ordered, That the Law Department render a legal opinion if DPW has the authority to charge certain select commercial or industrial ratepayers a rate different than all other sewer ratepayers when the ordinance Sec 90-90 clearly establishes one rate for all ratepayers and further states, “The sewer use charge shall be assessed against the owner of every property connected to the municipal sewage works.”
ORDER 1:
Ordered, That the following changes in Sec 90-90 be adopted:
Sec. 90-90. Sewer use charge.
(a) Generally. The City Council (board of public works) shall establish a sewer use charge by ordinance; any change in such charge shall come after a public hearing held by the City Council (board of public works), to provide the funds necessary to provide and maintain sewage treatment and sewage works, pay the debt service thereon, and maintain a reasonable reserve as determined by the City Council (board of public works), but which will not exceed 25 percent of the annual budget. The sewer use charge shall be assessed against the owner of every property connected to the municipal sewage works. The charge shall be billed to property owners on a quarterly basis at the rate determined by the City Council (board of public works), multiplied by the number of gallons of metered water charged to the property owner. The board of public works shall collect all monies due the city as a result of the sewer use charge established by this section.
(b) Rate; payment. The rate shall be $4.66 per 1,000 gallons of water metered with a minimum quarterly rate of $5.00. Said rate shall be in effect until such time as the City Council shall approve a change in rate. (board of public works requests a change in rate and such change in rate receives city council approval.) All charges or bills shall be due and payable 30 days after issue and charges or bills remaining unpaid after such due date shall be charged interest thereon at a rate of 14 percent per year as provided in M.G.L.A. c. 40, § 21E.
ORDER 2:
Ordered, That the Law Department render a legal opinion if DPW has the authority to charge certain select commercial or industrial ratepayers a rate different than all other sewer ratepayers when the ordinance Sec 90-90 clearly establishes one rate for all ratepayers and further states, “The sewer use charge shall be assessed against the owner of every property connected to the municipal sewage works.”
Councilor Jourdain files 3 orders related to the Holyoke Retirement System
On September 2, 2008, Councilor Jourdain filed 3 orders related to the Holyoke Retirement System. Included is the current Status of these orders. Updates to follow.
JOURDAIN Ordered, that a Representative of the Governor’s office and/or PERAC be invited before the Finance Committee for an informational session to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the city joining our retirement system with the state.---> Received and referred to the Finance Committee.
JOURDAIN Ordered, that the Holyoke Housing Authority and Retirement Board please provide copies to the City Council as soon as possible of all memorandum, email, minutes, legal opinions, letters, correspondence, votes, or other documents related to the elimination of John Counter’s position at the Housing Authority, his apparent “termination” and his request for an enhanced pension as a result of the elimination of his position. Please also provide the name of his former title. If any documents are being held back as not “public documents”, please indicate which documents and on what basis the document(s) is being withheld. This request is made under Section 48 of the City Charter. That this order be sent to HHA & Retirement Board with a copy to the Public Service Committee.---> Received and referred to the Finance Committee.
JOURDAIN Ordered, that pursuant to Section 48 of the Charter that Dan Owens of the Retirement Board or his designee please provide a financial analysis for the City Council illustrating what John Counter’s pension would have been based upon: (1) a normal superannuation retirement payable now based on his age, years of service and his pay rate versus (2) the pension he will be receiving now under Ch 32, § 10 (2) (a) as a result of his position being abolished by the Housing Authority. Please give an annual breakdown as well as a lifetime payout analysis assuming benefit ends at age 85 under both scenarios. That this order be sent to the Retirement Board with a copy to the Public Service Committee.---> Received and referred to the Finance Committee.
JOURDAIN Ordered, that a Representative of the Governor’s office and/or PERAC be invited before the Finance Committee for an informational session to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the city joining our retirement system with the state.---> Received and referred to the Finance Committee.
JOURDAIN Ordered, that the Holyoke Housing Authority and Retirement Board please provide copies to the City Council as soon as possible of all memorandum, email, minutes, legal opinions, letters, correspondence, votes, or other documents related to the elimination of John Counter’s position at the Housing Authority, his apparent “termination” and his request for an enhanced pension as a result of the elimination of his position. Please also provide the name of his former title. If any documents are being held back as not “public documents”, please indicate which documents and on what basis the document(s) is being withheld. This request is made under Section 48 of the City Charter. That this order be sent to HHA & Retirement Board with a copy to the Public Service Committee.---> Received and referred to the Finance Committee.
JOURDAIN Ordered, that pursuant to Section 48 of the Charter that Dan Owens of the Retirement Board or his designee please provide a financial analysis for the City Council illustrating what John Counter’s pension would have been based upon: (1) a normal superannuation retirement payable now based on his age, years of service and his pay rate versus (2) the pension he will be receiving now under Ch 32, § 10 (2) (a) as a result of his position being abolished by the Housing Authority. Please give an annual breakdown as well as a lifetime payout analysis assuming benefit ends at age 85 under both scenarios. That this order be sent to the Retirement Board with a copy to the Public Service Committee.---> Received and referred to the Finance Committee.
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