Value Of A Nemesis

Whether it’s a matter of being ill-conceived, ill-advised, ill-equipped, ill-mannered, ill-willed, illegitimate, illiterate, illegal, or illicit, neither our school system nor our residents deserve to be faced with the prospect of an ill-fated future crafted by rationalizations for the failure to earnestly, responsibly or honorably lead this district.

And after even ONE single solitary questionable or perceivably clandestine move on the part of our top leadership, folks will inevitably raise the question of exactly when we shall see stories surface of connections to ill-gotten gains! We cannot afford another Gallon-istic spectacle, controversy, embarrassment, fiasco, travesty or whatever else you may want to label it.

Please hear this, Plainfield: Dr. Steve Gallon III’s vital role in the potential reformation phenomenon in Plainfield education may not be clearly understood by many, but he has presented us with a great cause for unified effort.  This “arch nemesis” of so many Plainfielders and even some New Jerseyans arrived at a time when the political landscape and professional backdrop in our town was such that too many of us left the gates unwatched and some willingly invited into our unstable home one now recognized as a blood sucker bent on extracting financial and educational resources without real concern for our well-being.

I question our joint capacity to exercise appropriate discrimination with the blind acceptance and undue embracing of such ego-maniacal individuals. Sadly, they may continue to covertly operate in the shadows cast by their stature, as created and perceived by the naive, gullible and corruptible parties.  

Gallon, without question, brought with him a presentation that was impeccable, if you looked at him in the image for what he is probably best suited… that of a motivational speaker. How many gradually or immediately became hopeful that his stated intent to bring accountability to ALL of PPS was liable to turn mismanagement and corruption on it’s ear?  Unfortunately, he almost immediately set out to launch all out war against ALL that would question his authority, his word, his logic, his manner, or his sense of entitlement as he navigated through our district trampling upon folks rights, in his wake.

Some saw hope in his decisions to exact justice upon those administrators that, for years (or what sometimes just SEEMED like it) were known to rule with cold and callous dictatorship in their appointed or assigned district domains.  Yet, contrarily, he handed down decision after decision that increasingly eroded the trust and faith that some personnel had managed to muster for him, despite his abrasive “style.”

After Gallon's gauntlet lie recklessly thrown upon us, his was to some a promise of correction in the form of a whole new “branding” of the district, by way of his strategic plan.  However, this “plan” as it turned out, resembled just an empty shell of an outline begging to be filled and detailed by the same staff he came to abuse, all the while expecting that this often confusing work be accomplished, in conditions of low morale and during unpaid time. "No way!" said some...but not enough, and not soon enough to save us months of wear and tear and inner conflicts and vying for positions surrounding his majesty's throne.

The missing piece, despite the strong urgings for true collaboration, was…yes, COLLABORATION. Although the very spirit of the current PEA/PBOE Collective Bargaining Agreement called for collaborative respect and consideration, it seems Gallon’s definition was so convoluted (as was much of his communication) that he actually seemed to entirely dismiss the notion of real input from the district’s best and brightest. But again, Dr. Gallon could not have been acting alone in this regard, nor could he be capable of the single-handed crippling of this district for which he has been credited by some.

So beyond this gallon of humiliation and misery we have endured, an ounce of precaution could take us a long way.  With our school system's stability, viability, credibility (and property values) at stake, does it not behoove us to go about the possibly painstaking deliberation that is the sensible precursor to final selection?  In other words, do what GREAT school districts do for their students?!  Otherwise, what is the use in voicing all the outrage, the likes of which one might expect of a consistently vigil and fair citizenry? 

We must adjust, modify, re-examine and improve upon our concepts of and demands for "Prequisite Skills."  We must, in this process, afix a standard that takes into serious account those qualities in Leadership that would prevent, preclude, or at least render unlikely the incidence of mismanagement, abuse, complacency, corruption, conspiracy, detachment, fraud, collusion, cronyism, politicking, or other iresponsible and harmful occurences.

And we must NOT, as it pertains to any of this, compromise our integrity, values or honor;  for to do so possibly compromises--again--the lives of countless numbers pupils.

A Scholastic Time Capsule

The Scholastic Time Capsule

Change is the only constant? Not necessarily. Sometimes, it is that preparation for change that may send forth some rays of hope into those darkest days that are yet to befall us.  Let’s call it a Scholastic Time Capsule Project. Let us, as a group of united “Think Tank” members, sit and ponder best practice, academic standard, district policy, pedagogical, administrative, crisis response planning, overall systemic reform, and social service-oriented measures and fail-safes that will possibly out-survive us as an intellectual, educational or occupational collective.

Some of us dream in abstract shades of immortality, and as catalysts for change, move the masses with vehicles of ingenuity.   Some devise innovative and concrete forms of technological tools that manifest themselves as salvation for those less able.  Some spend their lives dedicated to both.  I, for one, remain fully willing to share my humble opinions, ideas, beliefs, skills, suggestions, philosophical etchings, visionary thoughts, and personal, educational and professional experiences that may assist in the realization of a general school improvement initiative or "movement."

There are, without doubt, those colleagues possessing the wisdom, energy, intuitiveness, theoretical knowledge, concrete and abstract ideas, educational training, backgrounds, qualifications, professional grooming, expertise, competence, and resolve to get this done, collectively, collaboratively, respectfully, and with the humanistic dignity necessary to turn the Plainfield School system around, once and for all—the preliminary housecleaning, notwithstanding.

Ours is a day in time that loudly and often rudely calls upon the truly worthy to bring the specter of sabotage to its knees and finally, jointly exorcise it. The hindrances and obstacles of selfishness, confusion, incompetence, hasty judgment, irrational decision making, and wasteful allocation of the taxpayers’ financial resources must be eradicated, prohibited, banned, and banished, never to rear their ugly heads—or hateful green eyes—ever again. Those that refuse, deny, resist, antagonize, make waves, dissent, or negate, MUST ALSO BE HEARD, if they are not on board with this. Only then can we obliterate the misconceptions, misperceptions, misnomers, misunderstandings, miscues, and mistakes that often preclude those “teachable moments” of which our district is in such dire need. Only then can we dispel, in plain view, their intellectual or philosophical shortcomings, and make corrections.

We need nothing short of a “Grass Roots Educational Advocacy Think Tank” immediately assembled to lead the charge in devising these “Scholastic Time Capsules” that contain exemplary “artifacts” (I’m not crazy about that reference either), sustenance, documentation, roadmaps, spiritual motivators, ethical guidelines, pedagogical research exemplars, reliably tested and universally embraced directives, and other components that would help provide some semblance of normalcy and allow continuity after the explosion and fallout in the event of future top-level administrative nuclear meltdowns, explosions or implosions. Emergency preparedness, contingency planning and ongoing school reform can and must be created, must evolve and must co-exist peacefully and productively.

This should aid any qualified CSA in picking up the pieces, safely orchestrating the move from the shelters, and going about re-populating our academic world with ideas borne of brilliance!

A Little Scrutiny Can Go A Long Way

Thank you for ALL comments. It is this type of discourse and debate that must take place in the "proper" places and at the "proper" times, in order to bring about TRUE "transparency." It is the very reality that individuals, daily, are intimidated and threatened with hostile measures for even raising such valid questions as to qualification, that perpetuates strife and corruption.

We're not just talking qualifications of a Human Resources Director or a Superintendent, but these are the types of politically charged positions, at times, that bring about "How Dare You Question Us," type responses that smack of tyranny and dictatorship --- much like that of Dr. Gallon's widely-noted infamous and disreputable actions.

The fact remains that there has been this element of secrecy mislabeled with the term "confidentiality" that continues to exist in various areas of our school district.  And it's, of course, not really "an issue" or of concern to some until it affects THEM!  This must end and good folks that are dedicated to the true development, improvement and edification of our district leadership principles and standards must stand strong and closely, sit openly and honestly, and be prepared to relinquish their defensiveness of friends and cronies, in order to let the healing REALLY begin.

I love all of my family members, but interference with the hands of truth and justice or enabling any of them in their darkest hours of denial or deceit would not serve ANYONE...even them, in the long run and in their final hours.  So, "Driving Drunk," even if intellectually or morally, will still inevitably lead to tragic circumstances, if we fail to keep the keys away from those sometimes even drunk with POWER!

We have an often philosophically and dogmatically SPLIT BOE from which we all need to urge and even demand diligent truth-seeking and rational, deliberate, sober-minded, intelligent, competent, and TRANSPARENT decision-making.

If questions are raised by our community members regarding the selection of personnel to fill vital district roles, then any attempts to deny the necessity of this process or circumvent is nothing short of suspicious, at best and apparently corrupt to some.

In order to "let the healing begin" as some have urged, we must look at not only the qualifications but also job descriptions of not only the Human Resources Director and other Top Administrators, but EVERY POSITION!  Indeed, how else can we know where the duties of one job ends and the other begins; where they meld and/or merge, and what to reasonably expect from our colleagues and counterparts, in this whole mish-mosh of a school district reform effort???

So, to be fair, the Human Resources/Dr. Bailey's situation is not the only dilemma worthy of CLOSE EXAMINATION AND SCRUTINY.

By the way, "personality" DOES factor into one's ability to lead, when you consider that development of "leadership style" is a vital component in one's earning of advanced degrees that lead to educational leadership and management.  Not one among us goes throughout a professional day without the effects of some personal impact upon our psychological, emotional, social, intellectual or mental state of being that for some is neatly arranged in our schemata. But for some, their personal experiences, interactions, exchanges, etc. prompt them to make VERY PERSONALLY MOTIVATED and even callous decisions about people's professional lives (that affect them in personally harmful ways); none of which are meant, at all to serve our students' interests.

I keep hearing of this "corporate mindset" for leadership and how it is NOT an effective option for our schools, as evidenced by ongoing and recent research.  Yet, it seems that some who defend this position also, curiously, defend that pragmatic, impersonal element that for years has been associated with the cut-throat, dog-eat-dog environment of corporate America.

So the question remains, wouldn't more "kinder, gentler" methodology, demeanor, attitudes, and decision-making procedures serve as more palatable medicine to cure what ails us???

Think about it...talk about it...and let's all BE about it.

Dig Deeper and Awaken Folks

Please, I urge you all; dig deeper.  Find that fruitful and life-altering enlightenment that sends beams of hope out from under the doors of opportunity.  Somehow, some way.  Arise and shine light on the obscured details.  I caution that some accolades may NOT be well-placed. And regarding "personal" motivation, if we excuse "personalities" which permit one to malign, belittle, condescend, berate and retaliate, then how can we blame another (BOE Member) for being "personal," in another breath?  What may present itself to be the hope for "stability" may in fact turn out to be same "stuff"/different day," if history is an accurate barometer.

We must all understand that the QSAC, CAPA, etc., are processes, measurements, and/or procedures set in place that in many respects only provide the loopholes, smoke & mirrors, and window dressing that result in the "PERCEPTION" of great improvement, all-the-while creating other holes in our system that leak hazardous waste and academic--as well as occupational--toxicity.  It's the accountability game.  We've all seen it played and most have either willingly or involuntarily paticipated, to some degree and on one level or another.

Consider, for instance, the "Persistently Dangerous" designation given to PPS one year, then removed the next; yet based upon what criteria???  There was clearly a mis-reporting and underreporting of incidents in our school district that allowed Dr. Gallon to publicly proclaim the problems to be much less severe than in actuality.  The forums, blogs and police reports have referenced and evidenced problems that were not addressed, while the good doctor seemed to convince many that what was represented to the community and the state was true and accurate.  Isn't false reporting ILLEGAL???

I submit that this, under sharper, more powerful microscope, might be consistent with what others may have done, possibly in the personnel department, IT department, accounting, payroll, principals' offices, SIFSS, Early Childhood, and yes, in classrooms too! Not ALL of these, necessarily, but...ENOUGH to warrant rethinking of our conclusions to allow full basis for them.

I have no doubt that there are sometimes unstated motives and/or agenda on the part of many of us, including me and even those in charge of the district.  The greatest distinction is found in the willingness to disclose in the proper forum, these uncertainties, sources of skepticism, demands for answers to clarifying questions, etc., given the opportunity, in a SAFE environment.  Yes, SAFE.  Because, after all, individuals and factions in this district are known for engaging in assasinating it's truthseekers, dissenters, conscientious objectors, child advocates, and those that are caught with shovels in search of buried gems of reality and objects of substantiation for well-founded claims of impropriety.  And it must end.  This is the creed of too few that must become general rally cry!

How will it end?  Remove the masks; open the doors; break bread (in the form of food for thought); remove pompous labels; engage in honest, respectful, well-intentioned and constructive debate over our varying philosophical underpinnings; share and consider purely pragmatic versus humanistic methodological approaches; jointly conceive, develop, refine, revise, clarify, communicate, and implement policies, procedures, protocols, expectations, and evaluative measurement tools, all in an effort to better serve in our respective roles.  Re-examine the budget over and over until the greatest number of jobs are SAVED!!!  And then ensure appropriate and suitable placement of personnel in order to best operationalize the stated mission of this district.

Once the election is done, the public servitude must remain in the forefront of daily action on the part of ALL BOE members, and this division is clearly discouraging to those ready to serve on a higher plane, so we pray that it end.  To persecute any BOE member merely for refusing to engage in rash decision-making that has plagued our district for years is counterproductive; especially without opportunity to for rebuttal. 

We can't demand transparency, then turn around and toss darts for pauses rooted in carefully upholding campaign promises---IF that is what it is.   Bottom line: until it is known, we must respect the rights and obligations of ALL BOE members to respectfully pause for full disclosure and discussion.

This has been NO ATTEMPT TO DEMONIZE, but an appeal to do what is right...TALK IT OVER.   RESEARCH THE PURPORTED FACTS.  INVESTIGATE.  EDUCATE YOURSELVES. CONSIDER OUTSIDE REMEDIES ON THE MERIT OF TRACK RECORDS.  ERADICATE PERSONAL ALLIANCES TIED TO POLITICAL CRONIES, SORORITIES, FRATERNITIES, LODGE BROTHERHOOD/SISTERHOOD, ETC., THAT TAINT OBJECTIVITY AND PRINCIPLED DECISION MAKING.  WEIGH THE OPTIONS.  ALL OF THEM.

www.teachplainfield.blogspot.com

Logical Criteria and Avoiding Mistakes of the Past

It would be absolutely SHAMEFUL if some of our board members were to make or even consider, in haste, any moves regarding the filling of district leadership positions!

They would be wise to slow their collective and perhaps fragmented roll, THINK carefully and cautiously, and do away with any decisions rooted in political gamesmanship.  There is NO WAY our students can afford more corruption after the past several years of mismanagement and embarassing headlines. There needs to be integrity in our selections and in the day to day operations as commanded by our top administrators, and all others!

Bringing back--possibly out of some twisted sympathetic sentimentality (i.e. a Gallon victim, although by some accounts abusive herself prior to his arrival) or promoting without adherence to some comprehensive selection criteria any personnel , would be ludicrous.  Did they HEAR the manner in which certain previous administrator(s) along with former BOE member BR and current BOE member PB, used to belittle, berate and otherwise harshly disrespect members of the public after many of them spoke during board meetings?

The BOE would do well to hold discussions and even conduct interviews of potential--or even returning--district personnel first in order to ascertain the likelihood that our school system would rise to greatness or even adequacy, especially given the "Race To The Top" requirements that may be handed down, soon.  Do we REALLY want that much control over teachers' and students' futures to be in the hands of those that several BOE members refused to vote in or demonstrate confidence in? 

We need principled leadership and tried and true professionals with professional experience, wisdom, integrity, decorum, dignity, and an unwavering dedication to honesty, fairness, truthfulness, and competent command of competent educators!

IF, by some miracle, the individuals now being slated for these high positions are "The Ones," then so be it and we are all for the Miraculous revelation, but we pray the PBOE members will VERY carefully and "TRANSPARENTLY" arrive at the vital decisions, with input from the entire community.

In this "New Day" of Plainfield education, as promised in part by our brand new and re-elected BOE members, all decisions absolutely MUST be preceded by use of some fair and logical criterion.  Anything less would be a slap in the face to those that supported their candidacies and their stated mission(s) as public EDUCATIONAL servants.

We must ALL be welcomed as contributors during the selection process, lest we face the prospect that we shall be doomed to repeat a recent sad page in our district's history. 

We submit that Plainfielders are NOT blind followers of some fraternal sect that eats its young for ritualitic sacrifice...and so we should NOT ACT like it.

Our Plainfield Board of education members are urged to very closely examine our options and call upon all qualified leaders to consider rising to the call to glory, rather than engage in simple ascent up the ladders of personal pursuit.