Comments on: Guest View: How to put school board’s fiscal house in order

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 13:51:50 +0000

#17: I don’t know enough to judge the former finance director, but do you think that we are better off now? If the former director deserved to have his job eliminated, what does the current chief operating officer deserve?

By: BOE Anon

BOE Anon — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 11:00:59 +0000

The former finance director for the BOE was not “let go”, the position was eliminated. Often, when someone has an employee who is not performing to someones expectations, they cut the position as opposed to dealing with the real issue. In this particular case it was the person, not the position. While I believe that a finance director for the BOE is essential, the former director deserved what he got!

By: anon432

anon432 — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 03:49:27 +0000

#14 I agree with you. He was professional, helpful and direct. He and Emma were terrific and thoughtful- if a teacher needed anything they found a way for that item to get purchased. They truly were in it for the good of the children.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 00:11:39 +0000

West Rocks Middle School

http://www.yourct.com/newzee/2007/11/25/norwalk-new-boe-post/

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 23:01:46 +0000

Mr. Quinn’s job was eliminated in a budget reconciliation several years ago. He was stunned to lose his job; it was definitely not his choice to leave. Mr. Quinn was meticulous, a very thorough professional. The Norwalk Public Schools were far better off when he was here.

By: United Arab Emirates

United Arab Emirates — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 22:56:42 +0000

He left in a Civic.

By: Norwalker

Norwalker — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 22:03:28 +0000

I don’t think John Quinn left on his own accorda.

By: anon432

anon432 — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 21:40:48 +0000

Did Mr. Quinn retire or was he pushed out by Corda and company? Why are people in charge of such an enormous budget who have NO financial experience?

By: Watchdog

Watchdog — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 22:03:02 +0000

Please. Bruce Kimmel is well aware of the controversy surrounding the BOE right now and his is hardly a glamorous spot to be in. Give the man credit. He has seen the board from both sides and understands how crucial communication is between the city and board. It is true that many may not be aware of the legalities and mandates imposed by the state upon education. If we are to address this public outcry for transparency, surely we would benefit from the whole picture.

Thanks, Bruce.

By: Vet Park Junkie

Vet Park Junkie — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 20:56:45 +0000

Bruce, you are on target with your proposals. I have a process question for you. When I look at the school budget requests on-line I see three years of budgets presented: 2 year ago Actual Expenses, Prior Year Budget request, & current year budget request. Two things seem to be missing that would make the decisions more accurate. First, for the budgets that are two years old, both budgeted and actual would help you understand how close the budget process is to actual. Second, the actual expenses for the prior year should be provided. I expect that there are issues around “closing” the prior year budgets and that these issues are used to delay presentation of actual/budget expenses. If you are only given the -2 year actual, -1 year budget, current budget; then you have very little to evaluate if the budget estimates are good. Is this really the case or do you get more accurate reports?

These issues have been resolved by most everyone and a Finance Director will be able to provide on-going budget-to-actual reports as the year progresses.