Hebron Dollars & Sense

Those who were at the meeting need to add/correct any of my statements. Initially the press meeting gave justification for ADK. By the time Ms. Dube finished someone in the audience questioned .. the ADK is required by State Law? - so then we had further discussion about "No, ADK" is not required but the needs of the special ed kids are and Ms Dube explained the peer role model set up.

The presentation was basically a public stated support for administration and the need to have so many individuals with titles. They even presented slides with a listing of "specific" duties for the positions. The audience was polite and listened carefully through this entire presentation.

Once, the session was opened to public comment there was a lot of audience reaction to "how" the cuts were made and "why" positions were filled. One individual stated ... first it was ADK, now it is the administration ... can you explain more, perhaps that will help voters to support the budget.

At the beginning there was clapping for the teachers (spontaneous and heartfelt). The one "chuckle" was also spontaneous. Someone stood to ask the three individuals heading the press-meeting this following paraphrased question -- did you ever consider not filling the curriculum director position in this economy. I believe Ms Dube said (without thinking obviously) "Absolutely not!" The person asking the question actually guffawed aloud and others in the audience laughed too. The individual apologized and stated she meant no disrespect -- but the response from the leaders of the press conference was truthful and everyone was amazed it would even be stated aloud. Absolutely not was quite definitive and demonstrated their mindset.

I loved the individual who got up to state publicly that the student population in Hebron was different than other areas implying that a reasonable salary would attract highly qualified individuals. Our kids are well behaved with minimal behavior problems and support from home. This was a follow-up to when the board members were trying to discuss justification for salaries. We also heard for the first time last night that no other candidates were interviewed for the Curriculum Directors position. This 100K salary could have easily have been used to support the C&E position and purchased classroom supplies. BUT THEN AGAIN ... cuts, appointments, whatever were always made in the best interest of the students!!

I recall Ms. Cruz stating “We don’t have enough information tonight”. Excuse me – Two referendums later not enough time. What in the dickens does Ms. Cruz do all day? With the large highly paid staff doing the grunt work what is she doing in her leadership role?
The same evening of the no vote the BOF decided on budget cuts. Town Manager Bonnie Therrien produced a long list immediately after the referendum defeat. The BOS quickly expedited discussion and decision on what and where to cut. Bravo to Town Manager Bonnie for amplifying good leadership! The BOS did not fumble around like another board we know well now for its indecisiveness.
The only apparent decision by the BOE was made within and prior to the meeting to decide not to decide during that hour’s long marathon May 27th. Can’t fool the alert taxpayers. Ho Hum
Hopefully a member of the BOS or Bonnie will click into this blog and give Ms. Cruz and BOF Chair Dube a wake up call and share that list as an example of true leadership.

Remember the tune sung by Marines in a movie. This seems true for the way the BOE is going.

Who's the leader of the club, that's made for you and me?
M-I-C K-E-Y M-O-U-S-E

Didja see Ms. Cruz' little blurb in today's Hebron Bulletin? Again with the Blue Ribbon Award. She alludes to the fact that we might not receive the coveted award (gasp!) if our special ed. kids don't meet AYP. Another plug for ADK?

What in the dickens does Ms. Cruz do all day? With the large highly paid staff doing the grunt work what is she doing in her leadership role?

This is the $64,000 dollar question, is it not? Just what does this woman do? Apparently she's not working hard on her PhD, as she doesn't have it yet. Apparently she isn't working on curriculum, as she has a director for that. Not dealing with special ed. issues--director for that as well. Same with technology. Not financial issues--we have a director of finance for the schools. She has principals and assistant principals overseeing the teaching staff at the two schools. So just what DOES she do to earn her $150,000 (give or take, including allowances, stipends, bennies, what have you) per year? She seems to have manipulated herself into a very nice position where she is EXTREMELY well-paid, and has other very nicely paid administrators to do the bulk of the work.

I see the anti-town people are calling to vote down the budget due to not enough funds. It really is laughable, but it won't be if this budget fails. They'll put unneeded monies back into the budget, and cost us yet more money in referendums.

Well Paul - It would be a travesty if the BOF did a turn around and added money back. After all, this budget season began with a target of zero based budgeting by the BOS and BOF. They are intelligent enough to realize there is plenty of cash floating around the BOE budget to secure the requested cuts. At last nights meeting the administrative cost came up several times. It does seem strange that our well paid administrators could not come up with total admin costs. Hopefully a yes vote will prevail. If a no, I am concerned that the worst will happen – a long drawn battle. The exit poll clearly stated the BOE was to High!
Is that clear enough?