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.

Solutions-In-A-Box!

As we know, there are viable solutions, and if the BOE members and others will provide the forum for truthful and fruitful discussion, without the need for concern over repercussions, progress will be expedited. One pervasive and persistent challenge is indirectly or implicitly "smearing" some of the "friends" of some of those in "power."

This reminds me of the ever-growing "gang" problem in Plainfield...not just the youth and those on the street, but those grown folk that have placed the "hook-up" for cronies as priority over the "lifting-up" of our students, intellectually, socially, emotionally, and scholastically.

We all have seen corrupt and tainted command at various helms in our schools and many have turn the blind eye, so I must agree with those that allege collusion.

And so the solutions will keep begging, yelling, and jumping up and down like political prisoners in padlocked boxes, unless the district leadership calls upon those of us that will strategize together with them, through some respected and respectable, logical forum and format.

The logistics need to be carefully put in place devoid of the egotistical "I got all the answers to control the situation" type of attitudes on the part of our Board or our administrators.

What seems to be missing is the call to action, and I don't mean just those "town Meetings" that serve as just another venue for the CSA's showcasing or showboating, or layiong out the ingenius plan of saving the galaxy...or "beating the odds." because actually, after those last few big chief administrative harrahs, I just don't think our district could withstand another big circus in this town.

Let's send OUT the clowns and let the ringmaster be certain that there's a time and a place for the big tops...and we should plan for such an event, very cautiously.

For now, our real work requires that we let the sideshows take their places in the annals of PPS halls of Shame, and address the ills that gave rise to the abuse...and still do.

Cleaning Versus Detailing

The continued cleanup of Plainfield Public schools is an ellusive task with evasive players marred by dubious leadership... still.

Some of those lauded now as heroes, did, in fact, initially embrace Gallon's abrasive and egotistical manner, because they could relate, until he got out of control and he turned out to be "Dr. Faustus on steroids!" (see Dr EMC2.org) I am not referring to those that simply wished to give him the benefit of the doubt, but those that sold out scores of Plainfield Public Schools employees prior to the good Dr. ever hitting the ground...running...down innocent civilians, in his war on decency.

Plainfield was ripe for the picking because the pretense of collaboration promised by the previous administration (CSA and admin's alike) gave rise to a BOE that selected the superintendent via a method many of us rejected. But by then, several board members made it clear we would have no say in the selection, just like we had no say in the selection of the last two or three (or more) district software purchases. Some have even suggested "kickbacks" have been the motivation, in some cases.

The pretense of "piloting" and selection committees and even curriculum development groups/teams, as well as the new "leadership cohort initiative" is what perpetuates the division. Those selected are happy, while those who are discriminated against and speak up, are shunned and rendered "enemy of the state."

There have been obvious transgressions that have become commonplace and common knowledge but off limits--taboo--for conversational consideration, when in-district and while on duty. Many would be surprised to learn of some top-level names included here. But, I submit that the true test of integrity and morality lies in those opportunities and circumstances that are cloaked in the shadows of secrecy, often under the guise of "confidentiality."

In the late 1990's, I advocated to BOE members and with community members for an increased focus and improvement in those matters pertaining to social services for our students, given what I knew about theories of empowerment and of needs.  And it came to pass that more and more money was thrown at the problems, but often recklessly and "discriminately."  The funding acquisition and internal controls worked just fine for those that benefitted or received credit for the successes--or perceptions thereof.

While I applaud a number of actions taken to cure ills in our school community, I think they missed the point in several ways. A more self-sustainable, poverty cycle-breaking methodology was what I envisioned, while the order of the day, as in many other aspects of our district, became "hooking people up." Yes...sad, but true.

Regardless of the excuses (as I am certain some will provide), many came to the district as a stepping stone to ambitions elsewhere, and CERTIFICATIONS were too often not in place. Now what, exactly, does that say about the quality and delivery of service to the children and, in turn, to the community of Plainfield? Look around....here we are.  And again, let us ask ourselves, whom do we serve?

There's a great difference between simple spot cleaning and a deep, thorough detailing job when it comes to the task of moving toward a more "sterile" environment for our "babies" in the Plainfield Public Schools.  And while "sterility" may not be applicable, feasible or realistic in certain scholastic endeavors, we owe it to our students and to ourselves to at least provide a clean slate where needed as well as the clean plates from which to digest all this new and--hopefully improved--food for thought, as presented by the current state of affairs in our school community. 

learngreatt@gmail.com  Be heard!  Be accepted,  Be free to work efficaciously and .

More to follow, very soon.

I am concerned that unless and until BOE members sit down, "informally," for that heart-to-heart meeting of the minds and a true cleansing, many will remain slaves to this cyclical dilemma.

Any perception of a dyfunctional governing body is perilous and potentially obliterates the positive effects and hope felt last week by supporters of the new board makeup, and what it proposed to represent, regarding change.

So I will pray. And so I will work. 

The Grand SLAM landslide must not result in a new era of mismanagement or incompetence nor must we fall victim to any "quake" of controversy borne of internal hostilities, as the opposing parties take to separate, possibly shaky, ground. This shift in the terrain, I must admit, can be quite unnerving.  Sadly, it's "par for the course," though, as Plainfield education goes, unfortunately.

Just as well, there are those, I'm confident, that are prepared to stand and demand "corrective action" from our board members, as well.  It may very well turn out that one of Plainfield's most problemmatic features, its diversity of philosophies, may turn out to also be it's saving grace, as residents come to demand sense, sanity, and maybe even peace, once and for all--via a variety of expressions of intolerance.

So, no matter how you slice it, let's hope pressure from both sides will, after all, make for a great sandwich, when it comes to putting the squeeze on corruption...whether it's Dr. Gallon or any one else! 

Pandora's Box...and Hope, of course!

Questions:

What motivation would any rational being have for such actions as Gallon's in his continual effort to circumvent law and expectations of common decency? How about the Jefferson Principal's true motivation for taking the job, despite and amidst the turmoil here in PPS? Could this be a signal that this man is merely a principal devoid of principles??? Could he possibly be both that naive and that arrogant to think that his "style" of reign in that building over the staff will overshadow any of their uncertainties and persude them to "buy in," get onboard, or even shut up and go along?  If so, for how long?  And at what price?

Sounds like the archaic, outdated, antiquated and tyrannical mentality and pursuits of many-a-failed leadership, throughout history, doesn't it? Is it true that either of these two principals is tossing out numerous reprimands--sometimes direct and official, sometime subtle or via staff memo--that smack of the same type of abuse of power that I believe helped get Plainfield Schools in this mess in the first place? Team building has not even the slightest resemblance to "gotcha!" type actions meant to show "who's boss."  

One must wonder what these individuals could possibly think of the educational professionals charged with the task of teaching Plainfield children, given their often outright condescension, and often in plain view.  Belittling fellow educators, regardless of rank or status can't possibly work for the betterment of any school setting and often leads to distrust, resentment and disillusionment among staff members--even those who normally don't see eye-to-eye that often. 

Educators sometimes teach and help children not to fear the dark or the unknown, yet how hypocritical is it that their supervisors are so often the very monsters and shadows of gloom and doom that destroy dreams and deflect rays of hope for so many?  How contradictory their perception that their actions are justifiable?  How unjust their ignorance of the spirit of collaboration built into the language of the very contract by which they are supposedly guided?

The same goes for Gallon's treatment of the public, while the Jefferson principal may possibly be more focused on politically romancing and building a support base, much as he was said to have (unsuccessfully) tried to do in Trenton, prior to being fired for "unorthodoxed" methods. A euphemism for "underhanded?" "double-dealing" "conniving?"

One can only wonder, at this point, and also wonder if he might be strategically and with often coldly calculating smugness, relegating staff members to silence or defensive postures in the wake of attacks--or impending attacks. Trenton adminstration, itself, may have been the "villainous" party in that prior circumstance of his...or not.

Now, are we opening up a can of worms here?  Possibly.  I've been accused of this more times than I can (or care to) recall.  Yet, I prefer that to being the culprit that helped open this Pandora's Box of a crisis that now plagues our district. 

Make no mistake about it: the persistent actions of a select number of "empowered" and conceivably"entitled" individuals did serve to cultivate this political "landscape" into a corrupt "LEARNOCRACY," at least in the minds of scores of GREAT teachers and administrators that ended up heading for the hills, and on to higher ground. After all, adequate levels of self-esteem and sufficient resources will enable any self-respecting individual to get up and leave the abusive relationship, whether personal or professional.

That goes for the Jefferson staff, as well. But could the damaging effects of complacency, apathy, incompetence or confusion have taken their toll and rendered this group unworthy of a resilient comeback, recovery, or any self-help solutions?

The "GROUPTHINK" (Hoffstadter) phenomenon may have operated in this building for years as staff members suffered the turnover of many administrators, leaving them ripe for the picking, by any newcomer with a twisted sense of leadership, as manifested in basic control freak tendencies.  But this, of course is all mere speculation, right?

And so I ask: what motivates individuals like not only Gallon and the Woodland or Jefferson principals to step in appearing to desire to take on the challenges of such a district as Plainfield? 

The lid of the jar of Pandora was gradually twisted, opened and compromised, and behind a menagerie of very annoying demons, out poured a "gallon" of what, to some, APPEARED TO BE "hope."  And so our world was rocked, shaken, stirred and turned upside down, folks screaming bloody murder. And now, amidst the agony, only our cooperative, steady, sober-minded and patient work will help us hear the voices of reason and only that collective eye for detail will enable us to find TRUE hope in the back of that box of challenges.

Plainfield, it's our world...let us embrace hope, respect competence and integrity and together fight for truth, justice, and...a new educational way.  

Yes, PASA is comprised of human beings with hearts, souls, minds, and families (to feed), but so is PEA, as well.    Circumstances dictate the necessity to work to maintain positions of security within the establishment, and thus continue to meet their personal obligations to provide for their families.  For this I can relate and sympathize--more so the former than the latter.  But a coward dies a million deaths, as they say.  A child's education...sometimes just one! 

I thank you.


-Weapon of 1

Swift Action? Not necessarily.

Question:

Do you think it is at all possible that LLL's apparent rush to possibly take action against DSGIII Friday was a move in anticipation of the announcement of the court's criticism of Christie's handling of matters?

Read about it here: http://www.njea.org/pdfs/2010EO7Ruling.pdf 


http://www.njea.org/page.aspx?a=4145

The reason I pose this question is that if in fact Chris is considered our "heavy" (no pun intended, I assure you), and folks are relying upon his brand of justice to strike and deal that critical blow to our "villainous" CSA, then perhaps the logic was to move prior to widespread knowledge about Christie's potentially disempowering slap on the wrist that might render his perceived omnipotent wrath just a flash in the pan-ish, idle threat.

 

And The DOE, with all it's imposed and proposed remedial prescriptions and proscriptions like CAPA and QSAC, has already helped set the stage for our smoke and mirrors and window-dressing routines of not only Gallon, but various prior (and current-and NEW) administrators, as well.

 

Sadly, until all this lying, posturing, politicking, and malfeasance are seen for what they are and immediately eradicated, PPS continues to be faced with this great moral dilemma that precludes any substantial reform efforts in the form of applied competence, consistency, administrative validity, logistic fortitude, establishment and adherence to best practices, or any other critical elements needed for movement toward constructing (or REconstructing?) a viable, sustainable, comprehensive school system.

 

Waiting for or relying upon Christie or DOE/NJ should not be our plan of "action." The road to improvement and long lasting legitimacy as a district absolutely must be paved with bold, courageous and selfless intiative, collaboration and volunteerism on the part of brilliant individuals from all segments of our school and local communities.

 

We must support our BOE's efforts to establish a cohesiveness and the appearance of a unified governing body that represents US, as residents, and that has no conversation that ommits student service and achievement as the main purpose for those discussions. I suggest that the board begin with reviewing the Student Conduct Code, and begin to devise policy meant to ensure adherence and compliance, and then immediately further develop and pledge to follow one of their own!

 

Swift action? Decisive action with lasting and resounding effects are what we all need...and yes, right away. 

A Strong Suggestion for PEA, PASA and the Plainfield BOE

Many years ago, I was a little reluctant to agree with the concept that cowardice was unethical or sinful, holding then to my belief that people are subject to and at the mercy of their fears, in the face of adversity and danger. Well, as I "came into my own" as an advocate of children, I experienced some moments of enlightment that rendered my stance solid and perspective crystal clear.

If we all would just operate with the morally guiding notion that children never ask to be here, but all -- in their own particular ways -- require and deserve our very best effort, the district would likely move in revolutionary ways, finally.

Bravery is often selfless, while refusal to help those less able is NOT the way of honor nor condoned by will of any God, as I understand it.

A "movement," in the form of collaborative, respectful, and sometimes harmonious-sometimes contentious--but generally progressive interaction amongst all advocates, is poised to come about at this moment in time.

The reality of administrative abuses that have run rampant throughout the PPS district for years, leads me to believe some of the silence of PASA members might be borne of GUILT and shame for themselves. If they could get together a few years ago, prior to Gallon's arrival and conspire to MOVE CERTAIN PEA MEMBERS-PARTICULARLY REP'S," (often in retaliatory action) Then some would argue they have gotten what they deserve, as they run and hide and cower in corners, as Gallon seemingly indiscriminately dishes out abuse, himself.

Yet, I applaud Principal Johnson-Tucker, who on Tuesday and on several other occasions has stood strong and spoken up against unscrupulous "back door (or room) deals" and the like. It seems PASA should engage in some meetings of the minds and soul searching and resurface ready to more humanely lead PEA members with a renewed spirit of cooperation and respect--and a pledge of competence.

Meanwhile PEA members should do the same, guided by the notion that professional ethics and performance--not bids for favors from PASA or BOE members--is what truly serves the students' interests. Incompetence cannot be fixed with favoritism or misplaced praise that promotes jealousy, envy or a divisive atmosphere. I think the term "hostile environment" is fitting here, as well. It absolutely does happen. It absolutely MUST END!

I urge PASA and PEA leadership to immediately get together and engage in unifying discussion centered on devising some solid, sound and long-lasting guidelines for collaborative work that will stand the tests of time and tyranny.

Only then can the new BOE more readily sit down with ALL staff leadership and in earnest, accomplish the critical repairs that Plainfield Public School system so desperately needs. Like curriculum, student discipline code, clarification of testing procedures, technology protocols, policy clarifications and improvements, responsible use of available school funds, etc...

If this is that "NEW DAY" for which Gallon's improprieties have helped bring forth public outcry in response to the "SHAMEFUL" media characterization of our district leadership, then we owe it to ourselves to now put down the stones, pick up the tools for reform, and demand that the good doctor find another patient for his practice. For, we require much more "natural" healing methods in our "Queen City."

1.....People

The Plainfield Tsunami Track Club

Dear readers,

Please click on the link below to learn about the plight of the Plainfield Tsunami Club. It appears that another worthy Plainfield organization is having difficulty obtaining the support it so deserves.

Years ago, one may recall, this track team ran the halls of the high schools very intensely training for competition and for perseverance in life. The level of discipline and SELF-DETERMINATION was a sight to behold!

What's more, it seems that this Tsunami Club is part of the PAL (formerly PCAL), an organization that has struggled to gain support for other youth programs, despite successfully touching the lives of thousands of Plainfield youth since at least the 1980's.

The late Sgt. Steve Jordan, along with wife Nancy and the entire PCAL board worked diligently to raise funds for Plainfield youth!

Plainfield, we can DO IT!!! We can make everlasting changes. The Tsunami Club NEEDS to find a solution now. Whatever we can do to ensure the perpetuation of talented adults making positive changes in the lives of our youth through recreational incentives, we need to support and uplift.

Again, please read and come out to support them. Make some "noise" and spread the word...

http://plainfieldsportsnews.com/viewnews.php?newsid=169&id=4

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