Let Us Mirror The National Tide Of Change!

It is Extremely difficult to ascertain which board members stand for what causes, when it comes to voting records, I agree.

Many of the discussions and outright arguments that take place in their closed-door sessions or at someone's home will never be shared with you, me or "us." However, if you have kept track, you know that some have challenged, in public, other board members on issues that directly & indirectly affect the children.

**For instance, do you recall a meeting at which SOME of the "NEWER" teachers were being let go and some individuals spoke? Well, I recall Adbul-Haqq clearly angering several other board members by the very suggestion that Business Administraor, Gary Ottman, look into using "surplus" monies to possibly reverse the decision to let some of the teachers go.

**There was also the recent firing of a staff members without just cause. I believe both voted AGAINST THAT MEASURE!

**The matters we are often kept in the dark about are frightening--and we're taught not to fear the "Boogieman," huh?. It is vital that WE never forget bold moves like this. Yes, it is difficult, but NOT impossible.

I suggest we work toward creating a "GRASS ROOTS EDUCATION ADVOCACY THINK TANK," in order to WATCH what we can, relative to the board members' activities!
(email to: learngreatt@gmail.com) I will commit to getting the ball rolling. Maria Pellum and others (Maybe Bob Darden, etc.) need to CONNECT and continue to advocate without fear of retaliation or hostility in the form of unprofessional/undignified board member jabs!

This crisis, the state of Plainfield education, represents a microcosm of the bigger national picture. Corruption and senseless spending, cronyism, misplaced perspectives, rationalizing, condescending discourse, gangster mentalities, public apathy and complacency, humiliating school performance, suppression of staff morale, and the constant threat of isolation and being shunned for being a dissident/enemy of the state, has created a state of crisis.

Let us look at the local electoral outcomes as it pertains to the city council. Let us, jointly and “unitedly” mirror the sentiment and the message of the people.

Just as folks came out to push that button for ANNIE MCWILLIAMS and for CHANGE, so must WE challenge the business of the PLAINFIELD PUBLIC SCHOOLS, WITH UNFLINCHING DEVOTION TO DEMANDING EQUAL RIGHTS FOR OUR CHILDREN, EDUCATIONALLY! Reparations??? If we tried, we could successfully take care of our OWN right here in Plainfield, NJ!

Email:learngreatt@gmail.com

From The Macro To The Micro

The notion of Immortality is quite a fascinating idea. With this historic election of Mr. Barack Obama to the highest office in the land, we have now ushered in a new era of renewed hope and conceiveably, a raised ceiling of Opportunities for so many of us. There are undoubtedly those among us who not only secretly wished for the failure of Obama's bid for the presidency, but also carry this contempt for true progress in their hearts on a daily basis. But this is to become decreasingly problematic as the story of Plainfield, New Jersey continues to unfold. The "underdog" has often turned the tide of negativity so many times in this town.

The sentiment of unity and the clear elevation of minds on the part of the masses demonstrates, more than ever before, just how attainable true progress has become. Though some remain skeptical as some bicker over logistics, philosophies, strategies, and political methodologies, let us commit to the task of stepping back, adjusting our lenses, rethinking, approaching with "new shoes," and looking our fellow "stakeholders" and neighbors square in the eye. Only then can we act in all sincerity, in such a manner as to assist our children in new ways.

With these new administrations in place on the national as well as state, regional and local levels, how can we fall short of our collective & collaborative goals? We must ask legitimate and critical questions:

*Where is the thrust of effort for securing the grant money that all of our school children deserve to benefit from?

*Where is the true spirit of collaboration that is said to be built into the Plainfield school district?

*What is the true story of the selection process for hiring our new schools Superintendent? What were some of the concerns of parents? Of residents? Of Some board of education members? Of The teacher's Union?

*How can our religious leaders play a more active role in helping change the mindset of many of our students and their families?

*What local and regional resources should be at our disposal to help improve the quality of education?

*Where are the community centers??? They disappeared with the 80's and so did many of the aspects of unity in our community. The "Village raising the child" concept has become so cliche' in so many circles, but that need not be the case.

THE "GRASS ROOTS EDUCATION ADVOCACY THINK TANK" (GREATT) is a movement in progress. Now in it's initial conception state, they seek voluteer "watch dogs" and "BUll DOGS" to help mobilize citizens for comprehensive change. They seek to raise the bar much beyoond those low standards as set by State Monitors!

Contact them: learngreatt@gmail.com

Just as there remain pockets of resistance to a new national mindset and the new national mandate as expressed by the voters, there will be those in Plainfield who refuse to reliquish the "control" they so cherish. So that will undoubtedly become cause for waging war. But just as the north defeated the south many years ago, those in possession of the "slave-master" mentality will succumb to the aspirations of a new mindset in Plainfield Education.

The election of Annie McWilliams and Adrian Mapp to city council spoke volumes, not as much of dissenting opinion, but more of the hope for a better day in Plainfield leadership. Take care Plainfield Board of Education; the are guidelines of decency and ethical behavior that an increasing number of citizens will now take more seriously.

We call upon the city government to speak up about how the goings-on of the school must not negatively impact the value of our homes or the quality of local life in any way, shape, form, or fashion.

What's YOUR Opinion? Come on, take aim at the real problems and Fire away!!! Become a troubleshooter, NOT a "trouble-maker."

weaponof1@gmail.com