Comments on: Norwalk: Tonight The Operating Budget Opera

By: ME

ME — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 11:05:17 +0000

Tax revenues are going to go down if they don’t stop screwing around paying these huge sums of money to idiots at the BoE who do nothing. People are starting to ask why they should skrimp to pay these ridiculous taxes while driving around on unpaved roads with loose cannons running the school system.
High taxes are supposed to bring a high quality of life.

By: Aunt Bertha

Aunt Bertha — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 01:12:06 +0000

Well, Anonymous, you asked how many had most of these qualities. Had you asked how many are doing a good job as they are learning to be an administrator I would add some more to the list. I know of some who were really good people who are no longer in the system, retired. I think you are right when it comes down to the people who select the new administrators, they are not in the buildings and working with their choice many times. The serious problem is the wrong hires who are never dealt with in a timely fashion. One knows when someone is not working out look at WRMS and other schools that have had an abnormal amount of teacher transfers a tell-tale sign something is not right. that to me is the serious problem, the buck stops nowhere.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 01:04:59 +0000

Aunt Bertha,

If you are telling me that you have known only two administrators past and present who have met meet your criteria, we have a very serious problem. We also have a serious problem with the people who select new administrators.

By: Aunt Bertha

Aunt Bertha — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 00:48:06 +0000

That is a tough question. I think the most important quality one must have to be an administrator is the ability to hear and then act on facts with honesty and a concern for the students in the system as their number one concern. I like to work for those who work as hard as I do and spend time getting to know their staff. Oh, I have know two administrators to have these qualities here in Norwalk one was Ralph Sloan. Ralph knew all of us, he was in our schools, he acted on problems and was cut off at the knees when the BOE did not back him. I think there are some people who are learning to be good administrators in the system, however, the calm soul that can think and act with wisdom is always an appealing quality. I have been around for a long time and have seen some people in the classroom who would be great but they are often overlooked when it comes to getting the admin jobs. It is sad that Norwalk does not take a leap of faith in hiring these teachers because they fear that their replacement in the classroom will not be that successful.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 23:38:56 +0000

Aunt Bertha, what are the qualities you consider most important in an administrator? How many administrators have you known who have had most of these qualities?

By: Aunt Bertha

Aunt Bertha — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 23:27:39 +0000

Anne your are right. Great suggestion. Get more people like John Kehoe down town. I do like Tony D. now that he has seen what goes on in the schools, he is much more reseptive to teachers and their needs and I have seen him in our school more times in one year than the king and Queen since they arrived here in Norwalk.

By: Anne Sullivan

Anne Sullivan — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 22:44:53 +0000

Combine Karen Lang’s position and Hugh McKiernan’s position as a good start!