March 24, 2010 7:15 am

Norwalk News Round Up

Last night’s Common Council meeting was a rarity, they passed everything on consent. But read all the details of what was passed over at The Daily Norwalk.

The hot story is what is happening with the BOE budget. The appalling thing, and how how else could you really describe it, was that Dan Cook and Fay Ruotulo apparently couldn’t provide any detail to the Mayor or the BOE finance committee about budget numbers. As in, did they include a 1.5% budget contingency increase to accommodate pay� raises of administrators? That’s right administrators.

If education was really all about the children, you would think naturally, that administrators would want to save teaching positions instead of cutting them by forgoing a slight raise. I say slight, because most of the other city unions� are only forgoing a one year planned raise. But the savings add up. The Daily Norwalk has the story on the teacher’s union featuring Bruce Mellion’s No Way Jose line about the teacher’s union. I have the details about what the givebacks from the other unions have been to date.

Not touched upon will be what the Fire and Police unions do. That will be really interesting, because the Police union has managed over the years to tie up City options for reducing costs via contract. I speak of police cars being used on private contracting jobs with no city reimbursement, no security patrols in the parks other than police officers– all at the top of the heap.

If you’ve been hankering for some local sports action, well now, you can get a feel for all things sports in Norwalk, is you haven’t checked out, erm, The Daily Norwalk. But not to leave our friends at The Hour out of the referrals, they’ve got a story up today about the mysterious disappearance of Wholesale Autos that’s worth a read.

Tonight though is the big BET/BOE budget meeting. Will Fred Wilms and Mayor Moccia budge on the budget? Can anyone on the staff level actually report on what the aggregate budget line items are? The Mayor says, “what’s up with the mileage reimbursement numbers?” No one could answer him, even though a reasonable explanation might be had if the BOE finance dude broke out teacher miles, support services like health peeps’ miles from administrative miles? Is anyone wondering if Bruce Morris is double dipping on mileage reimbursements to and from Hartford? I am.

jillcooks

whadyamean, they can’t explain an item on the budget? That is, how much exactly is this dude getting paid? What are his qualifications? CPA? Internal Auditor? what the hey dude? If you went to a class this unprepared I think you might get a 0 for the day. When you saw this meeting on your calender, didnt you think they might actually ask you some questions about the budget?
You get paid (no doubt generously) to have the answers,..you may want to spiff up your resumes

NorwalkSpectator

I’ve heard Dr. Cook give several financial presentations and overviews in the last year or so. He gives a financial update to the BOE Finance Committee every quarter. When I read the comment about him not being prepared to answer a question, I was surprised. He’s always been thorough, clear and informative.

Let me say that no matter how unprepared, let me repeat that – no matter how unprepared – he was, Dr. Cook is light years, simply light years, ahead of the former administrator. He has work aggressively with Mr. Giannitti to reduce the school lunch debt from around $140,000 down to $9,000. He’s worked on combining services with the City through the BOE/BET Joint Study Committee to reduce costs further, and he’s working on bids for new copiers that should significantly reduce the cost for the schools. And there’s a RFP going out for legal services, which hasn’t been done in oh, let’s say….twenty years or so.

We should be glad he’s here in Norwalk. Just the school lunch debt reduction is worth $131,000 over the two year period. I know that’s chump change in terms of the over all budget. True, it isn’t revenue, but the District isn’t hemorrhaging red in that area now, either. Wonder how many jobs that saved?

yikes

The only problem is a 22 year old straight out of college could do the same thing and more for half the salary.

NorwalkSpectator

I’m sorry, I disagree. A twenty two year old straight out of college does not know how to navigate the administrative maze or have the negotiation skills necessary to deal with the responsibilities that are associated with 150 million dollar business. AND, just in case there is some whiz kid out there who could and Donald Trump hasn’t fired him yet, or she’s already proven herself — trust me, we wouldn’t be able to met those salary requirements.

Crackerjack

Not only that, but a 22-year-old fresh out of college has no WORK ETHIC either.

It’s been my experience that most people under 30 don’t even know what “work ethic” means. And they don’t care to find out, because that means they will actually have to “WORK”.

Kurm Udgeon

Will anyone on the BOE or the BET or perhaps the Mayor ever grow a pair? Being unable to answer these fundamental questions is essential to the process, and if they cannot be answered, heads should roll. Perhaps the red queen was right; ” OFF WITH THEIR HEADS”!!!!!

NorwalkSpectator

Education 101 — Neither the Mayor nor the BET has the right to fire any school district employee. The City only can give the District a lump sum of money. The City administration has NO SAY in who is hired, fired or anything else in between.

Nice try.

Joe Norwalk

Norwalk schools has one of the highest per student spending in the state of CT. We should take the average amount spent in the state per student times the number of students enrolled and that becomes the budget. Should save us almost HALF of the BOE Budget. Then we’d be talking about a REDUCTION in property taxes of about 30 percent! So we throw in a few million extra for special ed and english as a second language and we are still talking about a huge REDUCTION in taxes! We spend the most in the state now for second rate, mediocre schools – so bad that the state has had to get involved in trying to fix our schools! I hope the BET and the Council remembers the unions lack of participation in helping resolve our budget crisis in a couple of years when their contract is up. We should be looking at major reductions to the contracts! They haven’t performed, our test scores are bad and they didn’t help when the citizens needed help.
OLD TIMER

Any budget item they can’t explain should be eliminated.
BOE is the only City agency that has the ability to put dummy items in their budget and then use the money for something else. There may be some legitimate mileage reimbursements, but, if they can’t show where that money went last year, or for the last five years, it is clearly a dummy item to get some wiggle room in what they are claiming is a bare bones budget.

NorwalkSpectator

As I understand it, technically, the City has nothing to say about how the money is spent by the District. It’s Federal law, I believe, but I can’t quote the statute number. The City just gets to hand over the money and the District can do as it pleases.

Joe Norwalk

Yes, but the City decides how much it hands over. The City could cut the BOE budget in half if it wanted to.

NorwalkSpectator

I can’t quote the CGS reference, but according to Tom Hamilton, the State does not allow the municipalities to give the BOE a “negative” percentage. So, we wouldn’t be able to give a reduction of funding, we’re stuck at 150 million.

Joe Norwalk

Then we should leave it at $150m for the next 50 years! Get Duff and Cafero to change the state law – fat chance of that happening!
NorwalkSpectator

In reply to Joe’s comment #12 about there being no chance of having Bob and Larry change the State law – I’m not too sure about that, Joe. Here’s why:

For the last few years, and possibly as much as the last decade, The State has been consistently handing down “unfunded mandates”, as has the the Federal government. These mandates aren’t simple things like you will run off all your official transcript on mint green paper, or all school flags will be lowered to half mast on such and such a day. Many of them have to do with services provided to the students and having literacy or math specialists in the classrooms. There’s a hefty price tag attached to them.

Under the No Child Left Behind, which was designed to bring lagging schools up to speed, the educational bar is consistently being raised and the District is REQUIRED to push forward by the State.

These two factor mean that no matter what Norwalk, Hartford, Stamford, Bridgeport, Waterbury, New Haven, Danbury or any other fairly large municipality does, they will never come up to grade, because once any of them attain a goal, the goal moves. The hard, uncomfortable fact is that not every child wants to go to college, not every child or parent cares about education.

And that, to my mind brings up a very interesting question. People keep saying over and over and over again, we must give our kids a top of the line education so they can compete. This makes me wonder about adults over the age of thirty. How did we manage to get an education without iPods, without computers, without smart boards, without Bank Street or other innovative teaching methods? And I’m not talking the average garage mechanic (though a good and honest mechanic is literally worth his weight in gold), but people like…oh, Senator Brien McMahon, Dr. William Tracey (and the rest of his family, too), and Dr. Edward Kendall, a Nobel Prize winner (http://www.msthalloffame.org/edward_kendall.htm) manage to come from Norwalk and achieve a margin of success? One wonders.

And last but not least, Kansas City recently closed half…that’s right…half…. of the schools in the city because they simply could not afford to run them. Taxpayers only earn so much. If the government in the form of the City, the State or the IRS takes too much away of their earned income away, it doesn’t result in an increase of revenue for the government, but a loss of revenue because the individuals so affect end up on either unemployment, homeless or welfare.

So, yes, I think that the State is going to have to take a good long hard look at what they are mandating schools to do, what they are mandating municipalities to give their schools and maybe, just maybe, change the laws. Because the way it is now, it’s a no win situation.

Fleeced

A budget that includes a plethora of six-figure do-nothing administrators is not a “bare-bones” budget.
Age of Aquarius

Heard on the radio this morning that both NY and NJ teachers are prepared to take no pay raise this year in order to avoid lay-offs.
Frustrated

I’m a teacher. Personally, I’d have NO PROBLEM with forgoing a pay raise this year if it meant that my TEACHER and/or PARAPRO colleagues would still have a job. HOWEVER, after hearing the new plans down in Central Office for Blackberries for administrators (of all things!!), one really has to take a GOOD look at what’s going on and ask themselves if CO is for real. Why are we supposed to open up our contract when there’s money is being spent on technology that these administrators and higher ups don’t need. They ALL have cell phone-walkie talkies. It would be one thing if it was for the kids, but BLACKBERRIES?! We need to take a look here. Help the teachers. Cut the administrators – especially APs who barely have contact with kids (except at recess) and spend a majority of their time in their office on the computer.
Heads UP Caution Hour Infected

Just a heads up to everyone, The Hours web site was infected, wed march 25,
with a trojan virus. Called “Trojan.AV” if your not updated just clicking on The Hours site will download the phising virus. onto your computer and pop ups will begin to prompt you to udate your antivirus by clickng in the pop up to update your status. The Hour is a bit shorthanded but a tech guy needs to be toned out , immediately Reilly.
ENW

Yep! I got it on my other computer, yesterday. Are those popups part of the virus? They look bogus. What’s the best way to get rid of this?

tech geek

Yes, do NOT click on any pop ups.

Google trojan.AV for instructions on how to remove.

norwalkmom

Hi there,
I got it myself and must say that I was unable to google anything – the virus would not let me start any programs including Internet Explorer.

Here’s what I did -
1 – Restarted my computer in “Safe Mode.” (About 5 seconds after turning on, tap the F8 button a few times to get to Safe Mode). This will turn on only the critical systems on your computer and turns off all internet connections so you can move around with no popups.

2 – I then ran a virus/malware scan and thankfully my Symantec software was able to take care of it.
ENW

Thank you, TG and NW. I got nowhere the first time around, but am going to give a shot later on.

Infected Computer?

Wonder how many computers got hit before the virus was removed this am. The site was infected for three days. Class suit against The Hour anyone?

Secondhand Rose

This is a perfect example of why I do not ever post at The Hour. Too many things like this happen too often.
ENW

After several failed attempts to get rid of the trojan, virus or whatever, I got lucky with a free program called SmitFraudFix I found on the “Geeks to Go” website. Yay Geeks!

why oh why . . .

Like lots of parents, I kept hoping for some ray of sunshine at the BET meeting. Still no explanation to the questions Turfie has asked– still no chance (IMHO) the BET will find it in their hearts to give a few more sheckles to the BOE.
Is anyone else still as angry as I am that the old interim and his flunkies (forgive me if the “finance” guy is a kindly gentleman but the guy doesn’t know his numbers) didn’t squeeze the budget better???????
Hanging my head in shame

Is it really true that the head bean counter couldn’t explain the assumptions he used in the budget he devised?
It is possible that the HR director wouldn’t or couldn’t say what contracts expired and when and who got what for mileage under their contracts?
I’d say that these folks couldn’t catch a cold in the private sector– but I don’t mean to disparage the hardworking rhinovirus.

NorwalkSpectator

Two quick points to consider:

1. Dr. Papallo assembled the final budget for the District, it’s called the Superintendent’s budget. Dr. Cook may or may not have been present when any particular section was done. Also, some parts of the budget may be from previously years, i.e. “we’ve always given .42� a mile”, which is precedent and not necessarily written down somewhere or mentioned during discussions.

2. Personally, I would not want to quote anything from any union contract without the document being directly in front of me simply because if one is off by .01� or one day, a grievance can be filed. Right now, the unions’ feathers are ruffled enough and the NFT took several direct hits from parents during the BET meeting, so while I never thought I would say this, for the record, I don’t blame Fay on this issue.

Those are strictly my opinions, but may shed some light on what was said and why.

tech geek

Dear teacher, you may or may not be aware that we have a new boy wonder tech guy who is pulling us kicking and screaming into the moderen era.

Blueberries issued by and the property of the district has many advantages and can be an excellent tool to improve productivity and communication.

But while on the topic; my grandfather used to tell me ‘when faced with an formidable obstacle take stock of what tools and equipment on hand and go around, climb over, dig under and if all else falls, just barrle through”.

Every kid has an ipod, nearly all have access to the net from some device.

Can we use technology to enhance learning by intergrating exposure of focused curriculum material using mediums in every students pockets?
So call me a Troglodyte

Building-based administrators are by definition in a freakin’ building all day. They have their computers– why do they need instant access to their email?
If there’s an emergency, they can be paged by their secretaries.
What’s going to be next, Life Alert, just in case they’ve fallen and they can’t get up?
Frustrated

Techgeek,

While I understand and appreciate the need for new technology – believe me I would LOVE a SmartBoard in my classroom to enhance learning – at a time when we have a huge budget issue, I don’t think that Blackberries should be an investment, especially when they have no direct access to students’ learning. Like I said, I am a huge fan of new technology and would love to bring more of it into my classroom (virtual field trips anyone?!), but I just don’t agree with this decision because it does not impact students positively. If anything, it impacts them negatively because of the potential cuts that need to be made. Can’t we reinvest the thousands of dollars that this “Blackberries-For-Administrators” would cost into something for the kids (like keeping teachers, keeping class sizes low so students get more one-on-one attention, or even saving additional other programs that may end up on the chopping block)?? When the economy and the budget improves, then get the blackberries! What message is being sent here?
It’s For the Kids

Here we go again. Apparently, we are being taken for the usual financial ride by the BOE. It is difficult to trust the need when money is pre-planned to be used for things like administrative blackberries. If we’re truly focusing on the kids, then they could each use a laptop. Too much? Let’s shoot for washable markers, then. Homework folders, maybe. Pens that really write. Notebooks for journal writing. Prizes for incentives. Snacks for those children whose parents don’t get paid until Friday. Tissues for the sniffles. Colored oaktag for that special project. Sneakers for that student with last year’s pair. Paper plates, cups, and napkins. Boardgames to build sportmanship. Alcohol free wipes for desks. Paper towel for spills. Books to read. Books to love. Books to keep. Lots and lots of books. Books of all genres. Books of all levels. Books to read when books are read. Dear Frustrated Teacher, your point is very well taken.
jillcooks

Dear Frustrated Teacher,
We are sorry, but you must learn to do with less, these very very important people in the “main office” are much more important than you or the students…your posts however have been noted and you can expect alot more attention from your Corda chosen principal….they will be watching.
Sincerely,
The Admin.
BLARNEY

Doesn’t anyone use anti virus and firewall programs? They will quarantine that virus immediately.

Here is an excellent FREE one that has been around for years, and works like a charm.

http://free.avg.com/us-en/homepage

Secondhand Rose

According to the City’s IT techs, this was a virus that was so new it doesn’t even have a name yet, so a lot of anti-virus software doesn’t even recognize it in order to protect from it. Apparently there were over a dozen users at the City who managed to download the virus.

Blarney Fan Club

Blarney,
From “Stripes”–”I like the way you think.”
Thanks!
It’s For the Kids

This is exactly what Norwalk needs to develop weak areas from within:

http://fcpswcs.org/reports/

J. Olsen

Trying to follow you here, “for kids”.
Can you expand on your thoughts?
Are you indicating that there should be surveys of teachers?

concerned

Turffie, one of the reasons you have a loyal audience is because you’re interesting. I’ve tried your new site and while there are nice pictures I’m still left with dissapointment. You are missing over there. You’re quirky music videos, your no punches pulled comments… they make you, you. If I want bland I can read the Hour.

turfgrrl

concerned: We’re just getting our sea legs, so stay tuned over on The Daily Norwalk. Thanks for reading!

Frustrated

I think that survey is absolutely amazing!! That school district has concrete data about what works and what doesn’t. How can their BOE or Supt. turn their backs when they see the responses?? I’m sure those teachers feel like their voice is being heard and the powers that be are trying to do something positive about it.

I could only imagine what that would be like if Norwalk did something like that. Unfortunately, I don’t see it happening. If they did do something like this, they would have the data that would force them to look and make changes – that right there just isn’t Central Office’s style. Their motto I’ve decided is “Ignorance is bliss…”
OLD TIMER

TG:
Daily Norwalk is OK. I miss the ability to comment, but it is mostly good writing and the pictures are excellent. Some HOUR type mistakes sneak in once in a while. The Ford dealer in Norwalk in 1941 was Mott Motors and the story called them Martin Motors.
It’s For the Kids

Hi there, Olsen. I’m referring to surveys of schools and how they are run. Businesses hand these out to their employees to get a handle on internal workings. Staff should have honest input without fear of retribution. There is no other way to get a clear barometer on what is going on inside a specific school building and how to develop those weak areas.

PDQ

- For the kids.

Yes surveys are an important tool and should be an integral part of data.

This suggestion has been presented both here on this forum and at BOE meetings.

In response surveys have been conducted in ad hoc committees and forums.

There are a couple of surveys floating around currently regarding the budget. It’s a beginning.

It has been suggested that anonymous online surveys be conducted from students, teachers and parents.

To date, surveys have been passed out and collected in paper form at meetings only, that limits, dramatically, the pool of available information.

Once Poselli gets himself assimilated and cranked up, elbow nudge here, perhaps he can tackle some of the logistics of implementing online surveys, anonymously. Without fear of repercussion it will be difficult if not impossible to get accurate reflections.

The questions that should be examined is who does the construction of surveys?

The board, students, parents, local blogs, yes, – administrators perhaps not.

Surveys, polls are important tools.

Many secondary and a growing number of primary public and private learning institutions are in step and have teacher/professor online surveys and ratings system for students.

Instructors value the immediate input so they can get an instant feel of how each student and the classes as a whole are digesting the material and can fine tune the material presentations to help students.

It seems, just like the “parent trigger” that is circling the halls of Hartford, there is significant push back from some and are not in favor of student and parent evaluations of instructors.

Why not?

If your a passionate instructor and are aware that learning is a lifelong experience, why would you not want to get feed back?

If your doing something wrong or can find ways to improve why would you not?

Thank you – “For the kids” for your input, suggestion and your participation.

It will get better if w all get involved.

Tax Me Less

Surveys are just a snapshot of feelings. They are useless.
It’s For the Kids

I so disagree, Tax Me Less. Our Norwalk school system is a business in dire need of accountability, and since we are presently data-driven, what better way to assess our schools holistically? This is a positive approach to tweaking our schools. Again, check out this site:
http://fcpswcs.org/reports/

As one teacher attests:
�I feel it is important it is to take the time to reflect and discuss the outcomes of the survey within the school leadership team. I think the survey, if used effectively, can make necessary improvements in the working conditions of a school. I think it is very beneficial for the survey to act as the foundation for these discussions and the data is only as good as the discussions. It can be the beginning of honest, possibly difficult, conversations about the climate of a school. The data can also provide positive reinforcement for successfully implemented procedures and a positive school climate.�

Christie Hall, Teacher, Halley Elementary School
VIRUS VICTIM

RE:HOUR VIRUS

Spoke to Hour circulation this A.M. and they are in complete denial about this virus… “never happened” … “all our computers were on all day, no problem”. Could it be it only infected those who officially logged in to E-Edition? I had two different rounds with my security company, the Hour suggested your site might have been the problem. Actually, I checked your site at night, long after my two ‘infections.’

Turfgrrl, could you provide us a venue for documenting this virus impact? The Hour is in complete denial…. “didn’t get any calls”???? Maybe too busy trying to shake the problem… when I called on March 25 no one answered.

Here’s hoping you’ll create a posting opportunity that the Hour can’t ignore. Guess they really did leave town.

AIN’T NO TECHIE HERE!!!!

Taking responsibilty matters

No it wasn’t nessecary to login, just landing on the site downloaded the trojan phisher and it was, the Hours network, not Jackie’s, although that doesn’t mean the attack was from in house. More than likely it came through a server. Its no surprise they deny everything, they dont know anything. Having all their computers on all day means nothing. In house network. Think of the internet as a giant plumbing system, all along the way there are filter and pumping stations (servers). The Hour site may bounce to virginia chicago la back to virginia than new york ct etc etc. At any one of those points attacks are made constantly. So, in all fairness its very plausable that anyone answering a phone would not be aware of any of this nor could we expect a prompt responsible reponse like a prepared statement to callers seeking help, from Chet and John. It did take three days and loyal eyes found one more reason to look elsewhere for the news they can use and need in a responsible timely fashion.
Taking responsibility, explaining to loyal readers how to extricate the virus and maybe even a series on internet safety is certainly in order.
You know, Chet, The Hour doesn’t have to crash and burn.
You guys can save this important historic, iconic , slice of americana.
Just need some talent. Plenty out here. But that would take bold courage,
Chet, wake up, stand tall, act bold, stiffen that back, realize the value of what you have and start hiring some firecrackers. Shake it up, or close up shop and go sit on the porch.
Apathetic Voter

Um, D’UH!! Didn’t anybody ever tell you not to open ANY unidentifiable, unsolicited matter on your computer??? That goes for pop-ups and virus warnings also, my friend. Maybe you need to educate yourself on how to avoid becoming a malware or virus victim before you start pointing fingers at anybody else.

Besides, this virus problem at The Hour was taken care of by last Thursday (March 25), so trying to discuss it with them yesterday would have been pointless to start with.

There are only 3 guys who work in the computer department at The Hour, and none of them have half a clue about how to run a network, so it’s up to the USER (as it should be all the time anyway, goes without saying) to protect themselves from instances such as this.

I saw the pop-ups on my computer too. But unlike those who got the virus, I ignored them and didn’t open them, and thus have no virus on my system.

Of course it also helps to have some decent anti-virus software installed, but that should have been a no-brainer from the beginning……

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