Things that make you go...hmmmmmm

Listed on the Wynantskill Website - 07/25/13

You may be thinking "oh this is just another Board of Education meeting", and you would be wrong. Please note the location: Questar Boces Conference Room and the time: 2:00pm. They are gathering off site, during the day, and are not stating why.

WHY?

The agenda for today, June 25, states the reason: 1.3 Grievance Hearing-Peter Mesh // Grievance Hearing-Karin Carmody.

The agenda for June 29, states the reason: 2.1 Appoint Independent Consultant for Human Resources and Special Education.

• Why the secrecy? We as a community have made it very clear that being as transparent as possible is essential right now.
• Is it possible this has something to do with the part-time communications service provided by BOCES, which officially started Monday July 22? If that is the case why is that not listed as the item topic?
• Could it be possible that our voices are finally being heard?
• Is it possible that Dr. Lisa Henkel will be put on paid leave? (Say it ain't so!) That is what many could be lead to believe because it does not identify the topic for the executive session.
• When will we, as the concerned citizens, teachers and parents, finally know the results and/or topic of the meeting?

Thoughts? Comments? Remember these posts are anonymous. Let’s converse. Let’s share our thoughts and ideas with each other. Eye on the prize, this is for our children! 

Original Blog: See Click Fix

This was the original online posting place for the community’s comments when this all came to a head. Since then it was shut down by the hosting site. The comments are still viewable. If you're new to this situation taking a look at this will give you the backstory. Start from the initial post and work your way down.

 
Title: School Board Screw Up
Issue ID: 176537
Neighborhood: Wynantskill
Reported: on 2012-04-20

Description: "I cannot believe this was the best the Board could come up with for your Superintendent, this lady is a fraud. She ruined one school 6 years ago she will ruin this one. She is a parents nightmare. Wake up, just as she did here in the North Colonie she will due there is a matter of time. She is a very ignorant and arrogant person who actually is not as strong or knowledgeable as she appears. If things get too tough and screwed up she will walk away. Watch her every move and decision or you will get sued!"

Original Blog: http://www.seeclickfix.com/issues/176537

(This blog has since been shut down for additional comments by the hosting site, as well as some of the content removed, however it is still accessible to be viewed.)

Board of Education: Statements Posted 07/18/13

(1)BOE Considers Outside Consultants to Review District Concerns

The Wynantskill Board of Education has begun exploring retaining consultants to look into the many concerns expressed by community residents at the Thursday, July 11 Board of Education meeting.

"The Board is considering ways to effectively answer the many questions asked at the last board meeting. We want to be objective and focus only on the facts," said Board President Andrea Paone.

Mrs. Paone said one option would be to hire outside consultants to carry out the work.

"The findings of someone within our district, even us as board members, might not appear impartial. We want this process to be completely aboveboard and unbiased."

She added that choosing consultants with strong backgrounds in Human Resources and education would give board members a clear picture of the district's personnel and education issues. There will obviously be a cost for these services, but the cost could be worth the getting expert, unbiased advice she said.

The Board of Education cannot formally act on this option until its next public meeting. Posted 7/18/13

(2)District Contracts with BOCES to Help Improve Communications

Responding to community requests for improved communications, the Wynantskill Board of Education has contracted with Questar BOCES for part-time communications service. "Our residents deserve to know what is happening in our school district. We learned at our board meeting on July 11, that we have to do a better job reaching out to our community," said Board Vice President Ann Marsh. The board decision reflects the members' belief that communications cannot be a secondary function. The communication person will work two days each week beginning Monday, July 22. His duties will include managing the district website, school newsletters, e-mail communications with parents and writing stories about student successes and district challenges. Posted 7/18/13

*copied from http://www.wynantskillufsd.org/index.php

Board of Education: Statement Posted 07/17/13

Board of Education schedules second meeting with teachers:

Representatives of the Wynantskill Board of Education will meet with members of the Wynantskill Teachers Association for a second time on Thursday, July 18. Board members Ann Marsh and Matt Hug met with WTA President Matt Lutz, former president Lisa Hancock, and teachers Jean Marie Steffek and Kate Cronin on Monday, July 8 in an attempt to resolve the issues currently challenging the school. Mrs. Marsh and Mr. Hug both described the meeting as candid and productive, but cautioned it was only a first step. They expect this Thursday to be the second in a long series of board and faculty communication.

*copied from http://www.wynantskillufsd.org/index.php