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NORWALK, Conn. – Norwalk teachers union President Bruce Mellion denied charges he lied when he said he had nearly wrapped up a deal that would have saved Norwalk schools millions.
The head of the Board of Education had accused Mellion of fabricating the facts. Mellion also said Jack Chiaramonte, the school board chair, killed that deal.
Last week, Chiaramonte accused Mellion of lying about the deal and said it was "despicable" that Mellion wielded so much power in Norwalk.
"I told the truth," Mellion said in a telephone interview. "If I say to the Norwalk public and the Norwalk Federation of Teachers members that we were 95 percent of the way to an agreement, that's absolutely a true and factual piece of information.
"I know that because I was involved with it directly," he went on. "Jack may be tangential to that, I don't really know his role. ... I think when you start calling people liars, you've got one problem, and then when you go to another language and start calling somebody despicable, I really think you've gone over the top. And I think that's really unfortunate.
"Jack, as the chairman of board of education, should provide for decorum and civility that I think really is overdue," Mellion said.
Comments (75)
The Republicans should be ashamed of themselves.
Funny how many of us have figured Iwitherspoon has some close connection with the administration and he not only denies, but acts offended and says we are trying to damage his reputation. Others would be flattered.
Mellion did not need to go to the membership for a vote on this matter. He was elected president of the union to make those decisions on behalf of the membership. The union had already voted to approve te existing contract. The citizens elect the President of the USA and expect him to make decisions for us. Many don't agree with those decisions but he does not come back to us to vote on higher taxes or health care issues. E makes a decision and then every 4 years we vote again to see if we agree with his policy. The president of a union is much the same way. They elected him to make decisions and vote on him again to decide if his decisions were correct. Let's not forget that it was not the union in this case that created the crisis. It was mismanagement by administrators that created te shortfall.
Why do any of us care about a feud between an elected public official and a union leader elected by his membership? It is obviously personal.
If the two of them let their personal dispute louse up teacher contract negotiations, both will be accountable to the people who elected them.
There is something to be said for back channel negotiations, especially when the topic is sensitive. If Mellion talked to the Mayor, that's great- good leadership by Hizzoner, if you ask me (and another reason why I'd vote for him if he runs for re-election). I don't know if I'd say the same thing about the Board of Education members on this alleged "negotiations" committee.
WOW Jack has a perfect 100 percent records as he has made himself look like an ass in each and every of his posts. Hopefully everyone will remember this come election day
@ Tim: Wow! I never thought I would be saying this in public but you are right. We need to remind everyone that they should be voting for Jack on election day.You will not find anyone who will fight not only for our children and schools but for this great city! He will lead the charge for ECS money that is way, way overdue for our children. He will actually speak up and fight for us instead of being a lap dog for Danny Boy. He may not be the most polite, PC speaker or person but many, many have tried that approach and have goten us no where. Maybe its time for someone to stand up with a pair and take on Hartford and get us the recognition this city needs and deserves.
Drew
"WOW Jack has a perfect 100 percent records as he has made himself look like an ass in each and every of his posts"..
If that is what you feel we should vote for then knock yourself out.
Has anyone else noticed that all these issues have happened since the Republicans have been in charge?
Is there anyway we can award Jack and Bruce a time-out from everything for awhile? This article and comments however displays classic hubris-- and for extra points Norwalk teachers, please incorporate into a modern retelling of any greek tragedy. Antigone?
That would seem very sweet Jackie to take a "time out" as you say. However, I keep reading this nonsense put out by Mellion. And when people like Mellion lie, I respond. That simple
@Jack Chiaramonte, sweetness has nothing to do with it. This issue is counterproductive and does not move the Norwalk Public Schools forward from a policy perspective, nor a budget perspective. Take a time out, reassess what your board mission is and get to work.
There's a reason we have time-outs in sporting contests, both planned, and infraction-based.
Oldtimer, the Mayor is not part of the negotiations committee. The Mayor does not negotiate with the union. ALL dialog has to come through the negotiations committee which consists of Mike Lyons, Sue Haynie, Rosa Murray and I. Bruce ran around talking to everybody else, anyone who would listen EXCEPT the people he was supposed to talk to, the Negotiation Committee. He tried talking to Doug Hempstead, Jerry Petrini and a host of others, maybe even the Mayor. But NONE of these people are on the negotiations committee are they? Bruce ran around like a spoiled little kid when he's told "no" by one parent and then tries to run to other parent for approval. Funny how you talk out of both sides of your mouth Old Timer. You get upset at the board if they talk directly to the teachers about the contact, and you scream "union violation"! Yet you don't seem to have a problem with Bruce talking to everyone else, including the Mayor, who are not on the Negotiations Committee, about the contract, do you.?
Quite frankly OldTimer, I've seen your responses before and they as ridiculous as your above conspiracist comment. First of all, you and others here don't have the stones to print your name and resort to hide behind monikers. Your constant pro-union stance is sickening in this day and age. Answer this old timer, " Why didn't Mellion take a vote of the teachers he represents? He asks them stupid questions like "Which school calandar do you like best? ", but something as important as saving jobs, he won't ask. Real nice.
You need to wake and smell the coffee OldTimer., there are cities going bankrupt all over the country, world for that matter, because of unions buying politicians and getting crazy benefits and pensions in return for union campaign money, even though these cities can't afford it. Just like your guy, Bob Duff. He gave us the biggest tax increase last year and gave his union pals a four year no-layoff clause to boot...in this economy!!! What's he going to do this year when we have a bigger decifict? More taxes and bigger prizes for his union pals at the taxpayers expense.
I don't particularly care if people out there don't like my style. I have my strengths and weaknesses like every one else. I don't see myself as a politician. I see myself as a fighter. I don't fall for political jargon double talk and people always know where I stand and I'd have it no other way.
I've spent the past 5 years fighting for our children's best interests, not by always doing what was most popular, but by what I though was right.
You and others on these blogs are fair to question and criticize what public officials do, but when you resort to insults and hide behind a moniker, that's just nasty, rude and absolutely Cowardly! If you simply questioned officials for their actions and left out the insults, you'd probably get responses in return more often
Jack you are on a mission. I appreciate that, but Board of Ed should not be a contentious position but one that tries to find common ground and works towards a common ground of helping children. Your comments sound like you are running for a higher position, and if you want; run, but right now you are embarrassing the City. Do you really think calling the head of the union names--even if true---will help you towards the goal of improving the Norwalk School system? It may score you points or make you feel better, but your termperment is ill-suited for Board of Education chairman. Run for Duff's seat, or Bluimenthal's or Malloy's, but please allow those people with the personal leadership qualities necessary for Board of Ed. chairman to sit in those roles. Your combatative temperment will cause more and more people who can move to other districts to do so!
Wow surprised you didn't call him a shekel...
You also take time here to attack Bob Duff, I find this to be part of your campaign Mr. Chriramonte, stop attacking others and then, maybe you, yourself will not be subjected to such harsh criticism,
You also state you did was you thought was right, fair enough, what about consensus and what "others" might think that is right? have you considered that? We have a democracy based on advise and consent Mr.Chriaramonte, not a dictatorship. Your efforts to do the best for all of Norwalk's children are to be commended clearly, but I would advise that you keep that goal in mind, and not turn this into a facebook profile about your style.
Regards
NL
NL, I don't attack anyone without being attacked to begin with. Maybe you should read the posts I respond to before insinuating I do.
Let's talk about democracy NL. Not just I, but the board, would like to know why Mellion didn't ask for a vote of his teachers. I know many teachers would of gladly taken a freeze to save other teaching positions. That's because they care about our school system and the children they teach. Mellion knows they would of done so too. So he refuses to put it to a vote and silences the teachers he represents. Who's the dictator here NL?
As for Bob Duff, I will go after his record, here or anywhere else. I hope you will listen to both sides with an open mind and decide for yourself in the coming months. And by the way, where do you get that I am "attacking" Duff. It's a fact, he voted for the largest tax increase last year and gave his union pals a 4 year no-layoff clause in this economy while the taxpayers of this state struggle to make ends meet. To think of this blog as a publicity hub for campaigning is far from accurate
I do thank you NL for acknowledging my best efforts for all our children, truly. That's why I do it. It's certainly not for some of the vicious posts levied against me or other board members on these blogs. The inequity of ECS funding to our city and the repercussions it inflicts on our children is why I choose to run. It's all about the kids.
Thank you again,
Jack
Dear Mr. Chriaramonte: I find your words a little disconcerting, you have accused Mr. Melliion of running a dictatorship; please take umbrage with your own words, What I wish to illuminate here is both sides could use a cooling off, this is serving no purpose except to feed the most basic of human desire; a wish to see misery in others. I am sure that both you and Mr. Mellion do not wish to negotiate in an atmosphere of misery. I understand why Mr. Duff voted for a tax increase, a lot better than you give credit for.
Connecticut has been under diress since the 1970's since the semi industry moved out of Massachusetts, the 128 corridor fed a lot of small businesses and industry in Connecticut. With that moving out to Silicon Valley and the eventual migration to the Pacific Rim, that motivation for good economic growth was gone forever.
This state enjoys both the benefits of being a bed room community and the receipent of those employed in the financial district, of course there are small businesses and not one of us wants to see them suffer under the tax burden the state sees right now. But Mr. Chriaramonte, being an old time Norwalker and understanding the town politics a little better than you are giving me credit for, I would speculate to say that it's time to bring in some new blood, and stop the "tammany hall" type machinations. Bob Duff didn't give his union plans a 4 year lay off clause; he kept those that worked off of an already stressed and burdened unemployment program.
These posts are neither vicious nor are they meant to personally insult you, they are meant to illuminate to you how words and communication can either destroy or create a productive relationship.
Take the higher ground Mr. Chriaramonte, invite your best adversary, Mr. Mellion to dinner, and appeal to his higher angels, This public "sausage making" does one thing only, it causes those who view to push that plate of sausage away,
On another note, I'd lilke to talk to you about your ire concerning the amount of aid the state gives to each Norwalk student, I am not as familiar with that as I should be. I will study it for myself, however, I have one question, while other towns seem to get more subsidy, is there a reason for that calculus? in other words, what is the financial motivation for the difference in subsidy? you ask that I view with an open mind, you will not no mind more open; however, I will not respond well to soundbites, hand waving, nor foot stomping. It's entertaining, but highly ineffective. Keep your good works at the forefront Mr. Chriaramonte, but let me leave you with the words of George Washington, Washington called the Congress a hot cup of scalding coffee, while the Senate was a well brewed, warm, not boiling cup of tea. I have always liked President Washington's analogy for the Congressional branch of our government. There is a place and time for passionate, "Elmer Gantry" like bully pulpit speeches and rhetoric, this isn't the time.
I just read one of our good administrators from Silvermine has left Norwalk, of course that is a personal perogative. I know Silvermine school, it has a great record, in fact, all of our schools are really outstanding, I would challenge others to dispute this, but when you see good people "leave" not get laid off, you must reflect on what environments, atmospheres and inner workings that might cause that. If you find that the environment is so poisonous, and this one is, then it must be changed,
I'll also state one more thing, anyone who thinks that a change in the communication would be a "failure", or a sign of weakness, I"ll be more than happy to debate that person for you; you see, I find openess, honesty, and straight talk to be the most effective tool, with one other element, never leave the other person thinking that they are worthless, without merit, or at the extreme end, so dishonest, it's not worth the time to engage them. So for all those who believe that the best way to communicate is to "add hot water and stir" again, I'll be more than glad to talk them down.
And finally, in your negotiations, I would harken to the story of Ben Franklin and Silas Deane, They were commissioned to travel to France to secure funds for the war of independence; they couldn't stand each other, our good Mr. Silas Deane, was a Connecticut Yankee blue stocking, puritanical and rightly to be perfectly honest, and ole Ben? well, given that Ben Franklin tried to get his future wife to live with him, until her mother stepped in and stopped that, only to find when she married and subsequently became a widow, Ole Ben did INDEED get her to move in with him first, and then they married. We know our Ben Franklin and we know his love for wine and women, yes? Well Silas Deane and Ben couldn't stomach the sight of each other, BUT, they went to France and presented such a wall of solidarity in their arguments and persausions, that the French, (who of course would have done anything to stop the British) were swayed mightly,
After that trip Ben gave birth to one of his most famous quotes "Do not point that finger at me, it has a dirty nail at the end of it".
I wish you well
Regards
NL
,Jack
"The mayor is not part of the negotiations committee"
No he isn't, but he has to sign the contracts, and you sound like you think it would be wrong for him to have a conversation with anyone with the intent of calming down the conversation and helping to move it ahead. I remind you he is the mayor and that makes him ex-officio head of your board. Nobody is questioning your motives, but you could get more done if your approach was more reasonable and less angry.
It doesn't matter to taxpayers how much you get angry and call names, we want results, and you defeat your own cause sometimes and make political enemies you don't need, when a more reasoned approach would work better, for you and for us..
I'm amazed Old Timer. Your above comment is not degrading or insulting. You state your position and criticism in a non-confronting manner. However, I've seen your other posts that are totally opposite. You have taken swipes at me others that have been far from gratuitous . You have taken shots at my integrity in many of your posts. And now,after I've asked you some questions, I get a civil response. How is it when you say reckless things about others, you're immune from your own advise? You and other nameless folks on this blog reap what you sow. Go back and read what has prompted me to reply the way I do.
I recall you making a big to do about us (the Board members) talking to the teachers. You called it a "union violation". So why is OK for Mellion to go and discuss the contract with others outside of the negotiations committee? It doesn't matter if the Mayor "signs the contract", he is not part of the negotiation committee. I sign many papers that I have to sign as the chairman that I did not part take in. And you ignor that Mellion tried to talk to councilmen who have nothing to do with negotiations at all. Not a peep from you. Don't you think this is biased on your part? Look, I respect that you are a "union man". However, our children's educations are on the table here. There is only so much money. Everyone else has contributed to save education and jobs, Mellion hasn't. I ask you again, if Mellion represents the teachers, why didn't he take a vote? This is democracy?
I thank you for you last civil comment OldTimer. I will reply to anyone in the same fashion as I am addressed, good or bad.
Jack
Bruce Mellion is not union president for life with unlimited power. He, like you, is elected to his union job by a group of well educated people who hold him accountable for performance. A union is a democratic organization where any member is heard and a sufficient number can get anything done. Bruce doesn't run the union, he works for it. There was no vote because an overwhelming majority of the teachers did not want such a vote, no matter how good an idea you thought it was. Think about it, would you, if you were a teacher, want such a vote ?
Anytime you let me, or anybody push your buttons and elicit an angry response you give away more than you get. There are laws against BOE chairman going direct to teachers to negotiate as if there was no union and the BOE agrees in the contract to abide by them. There is a process in the law for dealing with violations.
There is no law against anybody talking to elected representatives regardless of the agenda. In short, as the BOE chair, you are restricted to negotiating only with union officials, Bruce can talk to anybody he wants.
Conversation between you and Bruce deteriorated to the point where it made sense for somebody like the mayor to intervene. Calling names is never conducive to getting agreements. If Bruce talked to enough elected officials to be convinced a compromise was close, he is entitled to that opinion and entitled to talk about it. Calling him a liar serves no purpose. You forget you are not the only fighter in the world and he keeps getting re-elected, like him or not, because he is good at his job, a fighter for the teachers.
If you have any real ambition for other elected office, you need to temper your fighter instincts with a certain respect for your percieved opponents. That does not mean stop fighting, it means control the anger and fight smarter, not louder. Learn from successful fighters who don't need to call names and always seem to be very reasonable without ever losing sight of the goal.
Keep in mind, you don't run the school system, you work for it, just as the mayor works for the city and Bruce works for the teachers.
You are mistaken that Bruce works for the teachers. It is unfortunate but the teachers in fact fear him and this is why he is not challenged. I know many teachers that would have welcomed a vote because a freeze was worth it to them to keep down class sizes and save the jobs of friends and collegues. However, none were willing to say so publicly. The teachers need no representation and if Norwalk is going to continue to pay half their salary it should require the position be filled by a Norwalk resident.
Old Timer,
What are the rules about commenting regarding ongoing labor negotiations? I remember you sharing some thoughts on this in the past and I'm curious how they enter into the picture here.
Iwitherspoon
Good question. Contracts are finite with fixed expiration dates. Generally, contracts have a section that calls for negotiations to begin well before a contract expires, with the goal of having a new agreement approved by the union membership and the council and signed, sealed, and delivered before the expring contract runs out.
That said, if both sides agree, it is sometimes (rarely) possible to modify contracts before the previously agreed time for negotiations. In this case, the idea of a "wage freeze" was proposed before time for negotiations and possible changes in the teacher's contract. The proponents of a wage freeze pushed the idea and reached out directly to the teachers, as if there was no union. The teachers did not jump to accept the proposal and order their union representatives to make it happen.
Bruce has been the union local president for a long time and was understandably offended when certain politicians tried to blame him for the fact the teachers did not choose do take a vote on a wage freeze, or
even to start negotiations before they were scheduled.
Some of what was said, here and elsewhere, was not conducive to making an offer to break the existing contract or commence negotiations for any change.
Now, for some reason, Bruce has revealed that there were discussions that seemed to be moving very close to some kind of compromise until Jack Chairamonte made it clear he would not support any change that did not include a wage freeze, and even those discussions broke down.
I do not know who was involved in these discussions, but I had heard that the mayor played some role, seeking, apparently, to calm down some of the rhetoric, and progress was being made. There were conversations between Bruce and the mayor, I understand, but I do not have proof of them. It sounds like these conversations fell far short of official negotiations, but it wouldn't be the first time such conversation resulted in agreement that eventually became part of a contract.
If the mayor chose, he could settle this discussion very quickly. He could make a statement that there were discussions that seemed to be making progress, but never made it close enough to agreement to bring the result to the BOE or the union executive board. Both Mellion and Chairamonte would be able to save face and possibly move on to a next step. If the mayor chose. He could also deny there were discussions and take his chances no evidence would surface to prove who was the real liar. If he chose.
he could but he won't and this little "comedy" will continue, too bad it's the kids that suffer,
Regards
NL
I cannot believe these two jokes (I've got better words I should use) are in charge of so much. Jack and Bruce, you two are both part of the problem and neither one of you are part of a solution. The way I see it, you both need to get voted out. All you both did is help make my child's school system worse and lower the value of my house and make the city that 2 of 3 of us live in look worse. Pathetic
@NRWKParent the one thing you really don't get here is that Jack is a huge advocate of our schools and our children. He has gone up to Hartford and worked huge amounts of hours for our schools and children. He tried to work with the unions at the start of the budget and the unions chose not to work with him or the negotiation committee. And for the record he was re-elected because he is a fighter and fights for what he believes in and wants what is right for our schools and kids. He is open, honest and hard working and not your typical politician. He is a business owner and lives and works in this great city. He is trying which is a lot more I could say then some others. He is not responsible for the house values there's a national housing problem in case you missed the memo. YES, there is so much more we could do in the schools but the reality is we need the money! We do not need to be gutting $5.9 million from our children and laying off staff. We need to be adding programs and hiring more teachers. But we need our fair share from Hartford period. If you recall West Hartford gets over $2000 per student we get $965..That stat alone should make you furious! This is where the fight belongs.
It all make me furious as does the fact that nobody has been held resposible for the shortfalls. see my response below
And I find you patheic! This board tried to save as much as we could for your children and mine, except Bruce was unwilling to give like every other group has given. And THAT is the reason there is less in our schools this year. Where did you expect us to get more money NRWKparent? You seem to have all the answers with your brazen talk. So tell us please, tell us all how we could save school positions! And don't tell us " raise our taxes". We are taxed enough already.
Your pathetic actions lay in the way you act and the way you speak. You're supposed to be a dignified leader and member of the community. Instead you act like and type like a raging fool. You lower yourself to Mellion's level and thus you look like just as much a fool. Sorry that you can't see that. I don't expect you to come up with more money, I expect you to either take responsibility for the shortfalls or hold those resposible for it accountable. Mellion is not responsible for that althought he has not helped the problem or the reputation of the educators in this town either.
Somehow you miss the point. Nowhere did I blame you for a money issue. When leader act as those in Norwalk have then nothing gets done. everything has been adversarial. Also, Bruce is not "the reason there is less in our schools this year." He made things worse but he is not the reason. You want to yell at people at least have it straight. BTW, where do I claim to have all the answers? I didn't run for the BOE cause I don't have them but I also don't lay blame on everyone else accept myself.
How would I save our system? I would make sure we get a very good superintedent and do a better job than was done with Marks. I would look at the people running the system and make sure they are doing a good job like in the HR dept. (there was a lot of questions about the Norwalk hire via the board) Dadonna (how is he not resposible for may of the problems rather than the new superintedent ) the financial department (millions of dollars lost) and people like Lynn Moore who also represent our city in a poor manner. I would also find out why we lose so many teachers and administrators each year? We have seen 4 assistant principals and I know Norwalk had at least two head principals leave this year.
Raise taxes is an answer whether you like it or not. I can't afford it but I can't afford my house value dropping further more. But I also know that doesn't solve the problem which is long terms and nobpody has seen anyone's long term plan. Brazen enough?
Bottom line is you need to act better than the other guy. Thats why we voted you in in the first place. Be that guy and people won't think your actions are pathetic.
Sadly still waiting for a response. Jack? Thoughts?
How dare you come onto this site and attack people like this!, it's untoward, and it's immature!, if your approach to problems is as you state, then I would challenge you to read your words, and imagine that they are directed at you. You have no right nor do you have any invitation to attack individuals here. Save your vitriol for City Mr. Chiaramonte, it would appear that "circus" is better equipped to showcase your talent!
Jack, as I've said many times in the past here, I respect your passion and all the work you do for the schools, in what is a thankless job.
I am thrilled that you are trying your best to make our tax dollars go as far as possible, rather than simply giving in to whatever the Union demands. But some friendly advice... you might want to dial it down just a notch. There are ways to make your point, and make it strongly, without calling someone 'pathetic' or 'despicable'. In fact your statements would be much more powerful without those words.
my point from above. You want to beat someone you need to be better than them. Let them look like the bad guy or the fool. don't lower yourself there then the perception is that there is no difference between Jack and Bruce. Its all white noise and static.
Ill say it again "Bruce Mellion is a Liar!". Plain and simple. He is a man of no integrity whatsoever. He NEVER had any 95% deal. Mellion says he doesn't know my role?? Really Bruce? Let me explain it to you Bruce since you seem to be clueless & inept. There are 4 board members on the Negotiation Committee, Mike Lyons, Sue Haynie, Rosa Murray and me. That means you negotiate with us, not whomever you feel you want to talk to. I dare anyone to ask any of the above members if we ever had a 95% deal done. They will all tell you we never had a deal, much less 95%. Which makes Mellion exactly what I stated he is , a liar. Mellion tried to talk to anyone, even rep's on the common council, except the negotiations committee, who he should of addressed. There are less people working in he school system today because Mellion refused to ask his own teachers if they would take a freeze. Isn't Mellion supposed to represent his teachers? So why didn't he ask them if they would take a freeze? This is a democratic leader?? Not! More like a dictator. Mellion knew the Norwalk teachers would of contributed to the ecomonic shortfall to save jobs. That's because our teachers are compassionate, caring human beings. Something I can't say about Mellion. Had Mellion listened to his teachers, more of them would be working and we'd have more librarians, security personnel, etc back at their schools, instead of the unemployment line. Way to go Bruce!
Yes you have said it many times now, it is even less impressive, the second and third time. Your style and inability to cogently present your position, and yes, maybe your passion is getting in the way of your intent.
I speak my mind also Mr. Chriaramonte, but in a less vitrolic and combative style than you exhibit here.
Regards
NL
I wish we had one of those experts on body language. He simply looks like he's lying. This an archive photo ! He looks like he's been lying for a long time !
That's not 5 o'clock shaddow either.
I just have one question: When they asked members of the BOE if there was ever a possible deal in place how come none of them can say "yes there was" and Jack killed it? You know why because THERE NEVER WAS ANY SORT OF DEAL PERIOD! They were trying and there were "discussions" going on but no deal. And the board, made it VERY CLEAR take the freeze and save UNION MEMBERS JOBS! It was that simple. If Bruce has any sort of evidence like emails, text messages internal documents then let him produce them NOW and put this to bed. However, I'm guessing since he couldn't even call for a vote from his members he doesn't have anything! Jack and the BOE was right to hold their ground here. And trust me when I tell you the BOE and especially Jack really wants everything for our children and will continue to fight for them. And trust me he hates making the cuts that they have to make. It totally eats him up, but the facts and the monies are what they are. The budget is done the year is about the start, our efforts in our community must now be lobbying Hartford and Malloy to re-do the ECS formula and get Norwalk the fair share we & our children DESERVE! The time for this great city and children getting a royal screwing from Hartford are over!!
Children children...the board should had gone with a retirement incentive that would have saved the jobs of the young enthusiastic teachers and gotten rid of some high paid dead wood.now all older teachers are dead wood but some I'm sorry to say are just collecting a pay check.This isn't in the elementary schools as much as the middle and high schools.
Bingo !
I will take Mr. Mellon at his words, what is not obvious to most is if he hadn't been negotiating an agreement, the ire from those he represents would have been a lot more vitrolic and distressing than any comments from the head of the board of education.
That being said, precious time is wasted by these sidebar discussions which are born of personal fancied slights, and ego; we have a great need for an agreement in Norwalk, while we whittle away and volley at the net, Kids are watching. And the very elements of youth which we find to be disconcerting and time wasteful, we are ourselves exhibiting.
I am not concerned about Mr. Chriaramonte's ego, which is evident in his words, nor am I interested in hearing Mr. Mellon deflect the impunity and defend his integrity.
I'd rather these two individuals drop their egos at the door and negotiate the best possible agreement given all the adverse conditions, and objectively try to reach an agreement that is beneficial to both our valued teachers and their students.
To all those who find this great sport, I'll use a Celtic admonishment "Fie!" for shame, you speak of those who hold our children's futures in their capable hands, do not admonish them for ensuring their gainful employment. None of us would allow ourselves, individually to be subjected to that. And if the parents are indeed concerned about their child's education and the development of an amazing organ called the human mind, I would recommend one moment when they share with their child some literature, doesn't matter what it is, or a little known fact, and how they came to know it, This is "education", this the most precious gift we give to anyone else; our intelligence, our experience, our learning, our own fascination with the world.
Everyone has some interest, everyone has something to offer, I would encourage that if we find education to be such an important subject, and it is, then we treat it accordingly.
I am less interested in the ruffled feathers of a board head and the head of the teacher's negotiation team, and more interest in the results.
Results matter, I taught for a few years, I retired from a fairly successful career to teach, I found that there were many students who were unbelieveable whizs at math, it was sad for me to find kids whose parents didn't make enough for something like proper dental care. I remember one student, absolutely brilliant at alegbra, who came in for a test, with a unbearable tooth ache. How is a child expected to concentrate on their education when they are in such pain? I am not concerned in how this happened, I am more concerned that it happens at all. So I was able to persaude a local dentist to take this child pro bono; that's what responsible adults do. His parents did not react badly, in fact, they thanked me, of course the school system was hesitant and concerned that I would get involved.
Let me be clear, I am a human being first, everything else is secondary, And if I adhere to the true definition of humanity, then I would argue my actions were right, and timely.
I'd like to see Mr. Chriaramonte and Mr Mellon BOTH, drop the swords and act like responsible adults, who happen to be human, therefore using their talents to hammer own a fair and equitable agreement.
If they cannot, then I would argue, "no one is indispensable".
After all, this is keeping with free market principles in it's purest form.
Regards
NL
The board of Ed shoul never have been trying to back out of the contract with the union in the first place. Both parties negotiated it and both signed it. Once it expires they can go back and start negotiations again. The whole purpose of a contract is to lock in the conditions on both parties for the duration of the contract.
Dear M. Murray,
you are correct, however, where true professionals are involved, there are "addendums" to contract, and in this sense, they are renegotiated, however, without the vitriol and immaturity that is being exhibited here.
In principle, you are absolutely spot on, but you must admit, given changing environments, agreements (that's a very ironic word here) are renegotiated,
I do not think the Board of Education has acted responsibly, in fact, i would venture to say that this position has been a spring board for Mr. Chiaramonte, As I view now, I see he is campaigning for a state senate seat.
In my view, you do not reward individuals for their less than adequate performance. In other words, just because an individual is aggressive and is very vocal about their abilities, doesn't mean they actually have those abilities.
Afterall, it's an interesting point, that the children that are the foundation of Mr. Chiaramonte's current position, are held to much higher standards than he is.
Regards
NL
Chiarmonte is way too immature and crude to act as Board of Ed chair. I know its a hard job, and unpaid, but as a figurehead of the school community his language and actions have been an embarrassment. Board of Ed. politics isn't the World Wrestling Entertainment corporation. If Chiarmonte is the tip of the iceberg and largely representative of the Norwalk community's educational system I will seriously consider taking my children out of it. It's with a heavy heart that I say this because I know the work of the Board is overwhelming but he's the wrong guy for the job
Dear So no resident:
I've worked with the excellent teaching community in Norwalk; let me reassure you, that we have some outstanding teachers, we have teachers who do care. We have teachers who have taken the testing media and made it palateable for our children. I've seen teachers walk students thru the most rudimentary of studies and I've seen teachers find very creative ways to engage students.
One teacher I worked with, best her soul, had to teach about the dust bowl of 1935; she was very creative, she came in with a bag of fruit, oranges, bananas, etc, She asked her students if they found anything unusual abou that fruit. of course, being the jaded and sophisticated worldly individuals (weren't we all at that age!) they shrugged. Until she explained typically life in 1935, it did not dawn on them what they passed by on a daily basis was not part of normal life in the thirties, In the Midwest, you didn't see these 'exotics" in the grocery, such a small world we have evolved from! no? The result of this little exercise was the entire class was in the right "frame of mind" to study the Dust bowl of 1935.
Now, I know there are many who are reading this, and saying who cares about the Dust Bowl? I would point to 95% of our own foodbasket right now, it has the potential to be another dust bowl,
Please do not let this individual's manners and lack of gravitas lead you to believe that our teachers are of the same cloth; they are not, please talk to them, they are wonderful people. You will find some with your personal sensibilities, and you will find some that are direct opposites, but rest assured, they went into this profession because they were starry eyed, and really believed they could expand that amazing organ called the human brain.
Regards
NL
Apparently, it was more important to stand firm on the no freeze plank than it was to have pink slips.
@ Paige,
no freeze plank, is that a euphemism for water board? you're always confusing me.
This is no time to be such a fashion freak :-)
There's an easy way to solve this, Bruce. Show us your evidence that it's "absolutely true and factual." Chiaramonte will have massive egg on his face and won't be re-elected, which is after all what you want, right? So you've got a HUGE incentive to show us your evidence. We're eagerly waiting...
This same old same old from Iwitherspoon...Show the evidence..This is what he posts time after time when facts come out that he doesn't like...Then when he is shown the evidence he ignores it and says again show the evidence...Also this is coming from Iwitherspoon who never once has shown any factual evidence.
DONT PLAY HIS GAME
WHAT A STOOGE
Your game is getting old. any game is better than the duplicity game, banjo.
So timmi-0 show us your evidence!