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NORWALK, Conn. – A public apology is owed, according to the chairman of Norwalk's Board of Education. He plans to ask for it at Tuesday night's meeting.
Bruce Mellion, president of the Norwalk Federation of Teachers, says he was 95 percent of the way toward a deal that would have saved the Board of Education millions of dollars and made this year's reconciliation much less painful.
"Rubbish," says school board Chairman Jack Chiaramonte. "Quite frankly Mr. Mellion not only owes apology to me (and) the negotiating team, he also owes an apology to the city and his teachers for blatantly lying. I'm going to tell him right in front of everybody."
Mellion says he worked his "way through a back channel" in response to a request to compromise from Mayor Richard Moccia. "We were 95 percent of the way there," Mellion said. "I was prepared to go to my executive committee and the teachers for a vote, absolutely. That's a fact.
"It would have saved the Board of Ed millions of dollars. Millions of dollars. But Jack insisted on a hard freeze, and I told him from the beginning, the only answer I have is no hard freeze. But we were clearly 95 percent of the way there, that's a fact."
By "there," he means "a framework for something for me to take to the executive committee and to the teachers for a vote, for real." Mellion says he's confident the teachers would have voted for the deal and it would have "taken the morale sting out of it."
"We never had a deal with Mr. Mellion, much less 95 percent done. I'd like to know from Mr. Mellion why he felt the need to lie," Chiaramonte said. "Was he being pressured by the public and his teachers, as he should have been? I find it despicable that a man who does not live in this city, wields so much power over our kids' education. ... He has no integrity whatsoever."
Comments (50)
It is a shame a poster here disrespects the name of Witherspoon, a highly respected former president of Princeton college,Presbyterian clergyman, and congressman, memorialized in many ways on the campus and nearby. I am guessing this poster, who KNOWS he is much smarter than the rest of us, is signalling that he is a member of the Witherspoon society or a subscriber/supporter of the Witherspoon Institute. I assume he does not want his name attached to his posts, anymore than the rest of us that choose to use pen-names.
I find the language used by Mr Chiramonte distressing and ironic; if he is to lead the negotiating team, then calling the opposition a "liar" and flinging his position as being an "out of towner" serves no purpose; it's grandstanding at best and an indication of a lack of self control at worse.
I see no reason to send this man to the Connecticut senate, we have enough "entertainment" coming from Washington, DC these days, we need not emulate the circus barkers there.
One more note I'll add, I had the pleasure of hearing both Mr. Chriramonte and Dr Marks speak at the McMahon graduation ceremony in 2011: I found BOTH of them woefully lacking in ability to speak publically; I wondered how these two could be leaders when even the most benign and forgiving of forums., a graduation ceremony, could be such a herculean effort for them.
In order to communicate, one must be able to present a cogent and objective argument; the words I read here, fall very short of that mark.
While entertaining to some, to me, it's disappointing that individuals who are supposidly able to steward the landscape of education, are in their own words, unable to proceed in an responsible fashion.
Let us not forget the shekel comment by Mr Chiramonte
It's really not a problem created by te union. It is a problem created by the administration for going over budget. The union and te city have a contract. The city has tried several times to back out of a signed agreement. It is like buying a car and you show up at te car dealership after you have bought a car and they try to give you one without the options you paid for and they don't want to refund you any of the money they charged for those options. The whole point of a contract is so that both parties know what they will receive through the life of the contract. It was agreed upon by both sides.
Has anyone else noticed all these problems have occurred since the republicans have been in power
The answer is simple if Moccia would agree to a forensic audit we could find the missing millions..However for some strange reason Moccia doesn't want to know the answer.
Bruce said he was working on a compromise, requested by the mayor. Both Bruce and the mayor have a lot more experience solving problems than Chairamonte. I have no problem believing the mayor asked, and Bruce tried, and Chairamonte took a hard line that made compromise impossible. Chairamonte is not a good listener and has taken a "my way or the highway" approach before when compromise would have gotten better results.
Anybody ask the mayor ?
The union IS the problem from the taxpayers point of view. Of course he will toot his own horn.
I am even more impressed with Mr. Chiaramonte these days. Through all of this turmoil and stress, he really keeps at it and solves problems. Mr. Mellion is obviously out for his own good...what should we expect from a union president? Mr Chiaramonte is intelligent and works well under pressure. He isnt just showing up for a photo op and doing nothing. He fights for Norwalk. God bless him.
Oh yeah how about the shekel comment by Mr Chiramonte
It is obvious that some if these posts have no idea the amount of years and hard work as been put in to get teachers decent benefits and salary.Bruce works for the teachers.Always has.You all need a history lesson.!!!!
Clearly a lot of work has been put into raising teacher salaries and benefits. Ironically, we the taxpayers are paying Mellion's salary so he can do this work to take more out of our pockets. Here in Norwalk our teachers get the second highest salaries in the state of CT, next to Greenwich, and are at or near the top nationwide. That's part of the problem and that's why taxpayers, and our elected officials, are saying ENOUGH.
On the other hand, what has Bruce Mellion accomplished for the 15 teachers who got pink slips because Mellion wouldn't allow the Union to vote on whether or not to accept a wage freeze?
Ah finally proof of what was always expected. What does witherspoon value in all this. It was obvious you don't have children and certainly aren't
an employee of the schools. You're an angry tax payer that feels the teachers are overpaid because having no children of you're own you don't benefit from them.
A sad sad day when teachers getting "decent" pay is considered a problem.
It also explains your obsession with accusing every other poster of being a teacher. You hate they're paid more than your monthly allowance so anyone who thinks it's a good idea for a teacher to be paid well simply MUST be a teacher themselves. Pathetic.
you can just ignore Spooner as we all have come to know him as a paid stoooge for the administration
As usual, your facts are completely wrong. You are the only person I have ever suggested is a teacher rather than a "fed up parent." The reason is that you made harsh personal attacks - which probably rose to the level of libel - against a teacher who suggested that he and other teachers sacrifice a small pay hike to save teacher jobs and improve schools.
If you are truly a parent, you should join me in standing up and applauding that teacher for doing something that will benefit the "kids" which you claim to have. Why would a parent be against teachers making a small sacrifice to improve schools? You still haven't answered that question.
While you're at it, you can also explain how it's "indecent" to suggest that teachers be paid the same amount of money next year as they were paid this year. It's a sad, sad day when teachers feel so entitled that they view going one year without a pay raise as "indecent".
Who ever said it was indecent for teachers to get paid the same next year. It seems you are the one getting things wrong.
You said teachers in norwalk are over paid and thats part of the problem. So my response was its sad to suggest that teachers getting decent pay is a problem. Those comments from both you and I have nothing to do with pay freezes or raises.
It was a clear statement you made. Teachers salaries are too high and thats a problem. You didn't say if teachers get a raise next year they're overpaid. You're stating they are currently overpaid as it is.
Why would I applaud something I don't think is an appropriate answer to a problem? First off I know that "teacher" (i use that term loosely when referring to him) on a more personal level than you just listening to what he spews at a meeting. I can assure you his intentions are not to benefit the schools or kids.
The union came up with an alternate plan. It would cut less jobs and take more from certain activities like sports and band without completely destroying them. Why not go with that plan? Or at least combine ideas from both plans to save more jobs and meet in the middle.
You like the idea of a freeze because you're an angry tax payer that feels teachers are paid too much.
I liked the alternate reconciliation plan that was suggested over a freeze because I would like the district to keep attracting quality teachers to the schools my children attend. Does that make sense? Probably not to a non parent.
From what I've heard the district has already begun to lose some teachers, teachers that weren't at risk of being cut but just wanted out of all the craziness. So yes, as a parent that bothers me. I don't want the district to be left with lesser qualified teachers who failed to get jobs in "better off" districts.
FedUpTeacher,
Sorry but you're wrong again. If you've paid attention over the past several months, you'll notice that not once have I ever said that teachers are overpaid. My opinion, incidentally, is that teachers are paid well enough right now. Therefore, it's entirely reasonable that teachers consider a wage freeze to save teaching jobs and improve schools. The guaranteed raises are what have led to teacher salaries in Norwalk being the second highest in the state of CT, and the guaranteed raises are "the problem" referred to in my comment. I've been saying this for months.
Your logic above is seriously deficient. Since Norwalk teachers already have the second highest pay in CT, how exactly will a one-year wage freeze significantly affect Norwalk's ability to attract quality teachers to the schools your "children" attend?
Why as a "parent" would you advocate a plan to cut from sports and band when no cuts whatsoever would be required if teachers simply agreed to be paid the same amount next year as they were paid this year? Is it really your position that teachers will be drastically underpaid if they go just one year without a raise?
I think it's funny that you and, coincidentally, the Union, feel cutting sports and band to fund raises for teachers is a good idea. That's taking directly from programs that create well-rounded students in order to put more money in your own pockets. What other highly beneficial student programs should we cut in order to fund teacher raises? How about the free and reduced breakfast and lunch programs? Maybe we can get a waiver from the federal government to spend that money on teacher salaries. The kids will go hungry, but hey it's all necessary in the name of attracting "quality teachers" to the schools that your "children" attend.
I also think it's interesting that after all this time you STILL have not denied that you are a teacher.
Iwitherspoon
I am sure the teachers would happily accept a wage freeze if they could rely on a corresponding expense freeze. The cost of utilities and food and housing and taxes and user fees and getting around would also have to be frozen.
By the way, have you and Chairimonte committed to accepting a wage freeze, or are you still trying for just a little bit more this year, to keep up with your cost of living ?
How much for this post
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
Your wrong (almost everytime you post) about teachers salaries vs the rest of the state and you think teachers are overpaid? Especially in this town with the problems they face related to the kids and families and violence in this town! I fell like I have to work overtime everyday just to keep the Norwalk influence away from my Bridgeport New Haven and Hartford are the only towns I can think of that face as many problems as Norwalk does. And before you say it, I would move if I thought I could sell my house. Problems is too many shootings and people in charge acting like children to get a buyer.
Boy you hit the nail on the head on everything in your post
Bruce Mellion himself bragged in an internal newsletter to Norwalk Teachers that salaries were the best in the state. Since then Greenwich made a new contract which is higher. Mellion also said that benefits and coverages were tops relative to the rest of the state and nation.
The highest paid teachers in Connecticut are employed in Southbury,
Rest assured, that our wonderful teachers, are not being "overpaid".
You are wrong once again
http://www.teacherportal.com/teacher-salaries-by-state/
Did you actually look at that before posting the link? CT teacher salaries are the highest in the country after CA, so your link actually proved what I said. Thanks Timmy!
Coincidentally, California also has lots of cities and towns going bankrupt, and the entire state is in really bad shape financially. Having seen the results, I do not believe it's prudent for Norwalk, and the state of CT, to follow the same path.
Genius
now you are going to outright lie I see...
The facts are right there, if you'll just take the time to click on the link that you yourself posted:
1. California $59,825
2. Connecticut $59,304
Thanks again Timmy!
More like
Connecticut $39,259
Thanks again Spooner!
FYI...Part of Bruce's salary is paid directly from the BOE!! How pathetic is that?
The real not so funny thing here is that if you ask anyone on the board to verify Bruce's story about the 95% there isn't one person who would agree with him. So, I am very curious since the board in public a few meeting ago agreed with Jack that there was not a deal in place where he gets his information from. Bruce?!?!? Care to respond???? We are waiting...
Very nice living ?
Do you suppose he does better than Iwitherspoon ?
Bruce Mellion makes a very nice living off of Norwalk taxpayers. It's all about him and his union. Norwalk public-school students, and the concept of education in general, come last.
Given that Mr Mellion demonstrates zero transparency to the parents, taxpayers or even majority of teachers in this city, he has zero credibility in his savings claims.
When will another leader emerge to speak for the dedicated NPS teaching staff?
Good grief, as if this mess could get worse now they are bickering like children. It doesn't matter. It's clear the Norwalk education system is broken and until everyone can move past the petty bickering and jabs we will never be able to work on fixing it.
Sounds like political posturing by Teachers Union President Bruce Mellion, who needs everyone in his Union to believe that he really did try to save the jobs of those who got pink slips. He also wants to make it politically painful for any elected official with the guts to say no to the neverending requests from the Teachers Union for higher salaries and benefits, paid for by you the taxpayer.
All of the recent job losses are due to Mellion's undemocratic refusal to let the Union have a vote on accepting a wage freeze. Maybe he thought the City would cave, as it has too many times in the past. I for one applaud our elected officials who have the courage to stand up and say NO MORE - we have reached into taxpayers' pockets far too much already, it's time to get costs under control. The main cost is wages and benefits for municipal workers, and the first step to getting them under control is to end the absurd practice of awarding multi-year contracts with guaranteed raises that the City may not be able to afford without raising taxes.
What makes Mellion's fairytale so hard to believe is the sketchy nature of what he's saying. We're supposed to just take his word for it that he was 95% of the way to an agreement, yet he won't offer any proof or even tell us any level of detail beyond "It would have saved the Board of Ed millions of dollars. Millions of dollars." How much do you want to bet that the "savings" would have required the BoE to commit to a multi-year contract with guaranteed raises in the out years? Yeah right, nice try. Anyone who believes Mr. Mellion might also want to visit Brooklyn, I hear there's a bridge for sale there at an excellent price.
It might be fun to play make believe, but it's simply not fair to the teachers who lost their jobs and not fair to the members of the BoE who are volunteers doing a thankless job. Jack Chiaramonte may not be the most eloquent speaker, and he may not have a fancy education, but I applaud him for his willingness to stand up to Bruce Mellion and the Teachers Union. We need more elected officials willing to do the same thing with ALL municipal employee unions.
Iwitherspooon
Political posturing ?
Wait until Chairamonte has been re-elected as often as Mellion before you pick sides on this issue. Jack should know better than than to pick fights he has no chance of winning. If he would stop acting as if he thought he was the smartest guy in the room, maybe he and Bruce could get something done, once in a while.
I agree with this, these two should act like adults, the quotes in this article lead me to believe that Mr Chairamonte should continue to run his jewelry business and stay away from city and state politics, I find his manner brusque and rude, and as a manner of speaking, he cannot, so the irony is that we have an individual interested in preserving the sanctity of the Norwalk educational system who cannot string more than three or four words in a sentence, I find that deplorable.
And insofar as calling others "liars" I would argue that Mr. Chairamonte take a course in public speaking; his inability to relay an argument in an objective manner really speaks volumes about the level of excellence we exhibit to our children in their pursuit of an education, in other words, if the man can't communicate, he isn't the best role model for our youth, they have enough trouble communicating, they don't need to emulate the mannerisms and speech of this individual.
Boy are you very right about shekel Chairamonte
Thanks but I don't wait to see how many times someone gets re-elected before "picking sides" on an issue. I don't think you do either, otherwise you'd be voting Moccia in 2013.
The bottom line for me is that as a taxpayer, I want my elected officials to be tough on spending, so that they don't take more out of my pocket every year. Municipal Employee Unions exist to wring a little bit more out of taxpayers every year, and judging by the results they're very skilled at doing so.
It's usually easier for politicians to give the Unions what they want rather than saying no, but the side effect of that is that everybody's taxes go up. So I'm GLAD to see an elected official standing up to Municipal Employee Unions - that's MY tax money they're protecting by doing so. We need more elected officials who will do the same.
Dear Iwitherspoon, I will not be voting for Mr. Moccia come 2013, I find his actions in managing the city to be less than stellar, Let's start with the construction projects, that eye sore left behind on West Avenue, is the complete brainchild of Dick Moccia and developers, now left to flounder endlessly, This is not a creative mayor, Sites like that bring more problems than imaginable to places like South Norwalk,
How about the institution of paid attendance at Veternan's Park. Do you know why that Park was created? Mr. Bondi, came up with the brilliant idea to start charging for use of that park, And who suffers? those that wish to use a beautiful open area for sports, fishing, just walking, Where does the authority come from to make changes like this?
How about the crime rate in South Norwalk? I moved back to South Norwalk in '96, born and raised on Ely Avenue and very proud of it.
The crime rate has gotten to the point where you now see police cruisers parked twenty four hours a day on Woodward and Sheridan. Am I complaining? no, I am disconcerted; I don't know why actions weren't taken sooner, except to say, that my Republican husband has some very harsh words for this mayor and his former police chief.
I know every young person in this area, I ran an afterschool program at my house for kids from '96 till 2005, Prior to this, home owners in my neighborhood viewed these youths with suspicion and concern, I forced them,. both sides to shake hands and introduce themselves, What was a state of distrust, turned into "hey, let's organize these kids and see if they want to make some money, landscaping, snow shoveling etc".
Every year at Christmas, I put up a Christmas tree in my backyard, those kids made ornaments and decorated and we had a "tree lighting ceremony", Got to the point that Harbor View decided to put up their own and compete with us. I always laughed at the "trash talking" these kids would do when they saw THAT tree!
You see, South Norwalk is a great community, great people, eccentrics, and hard working people, retirees, and artists,
I have been proud to see these kids grow up, I've been proud to see them go onto college, and marriage, and now, ever once in a while, I get a call on a Saturday night, to watch a little one, (Sigh, what makes young people think us older ones REALLY want a two year old jumping on their stomach, while they recite their ABC's? :-)
You see I've been blessed to know South Norwalk, in good and bad times, she's a great place to live. But this Mayor has treated South Norwalk like resource, for business deals, and spent precious little time helping her heal.
Now at the end, we see the Law Enforcement EMT's trying to resucsitate the community, too little, too late.
I say a prayer for those policemen every night, and for the youth of this little area also.
Regards
NL
Moccia in 2013 ?
Is he running ?
A lot of people, generally better informed than I, believe he is going to retire before then. There are persistent rumors about a retirement home being built in another state. He will be 70 by then, and qualifies for retirement benefits.
It will be interesting to see who becomes heir apparent.
My understanding is that he is not even a property owner in Norwalk..If this is true this may explain a lot .
It is time for Moccia to retire, he has done next to nothing for Norwalk in my opinion
Well at least nothing positive
"We were 95 percent of the way there," Mellion said. "I was prepared to go to my executive committee and the teachers for a vote, absolutely. That's a fact.
"It would have saved the Board of Ed millions of dollars. Millions of dollars.
"Coulda, woulda, shoulda", Bruce. Regardless of how close you were, you didn't. Almost only counts in horseshoes.
Millions of dollars. Your own words. I'm sure that the teachers who get pink slips will thank you for that.
What are you talking about troll
This is all a big misunderstanding. He was quoted as saying millions of dollars, but what he actually said was "Mellions" of dollars.
A "Mellion" dollars sounds like a lot of money, but in reality it's 1) imaginary and 2) like its namesake, it's utterly worthless.
it's utterly worthless
Kind of like your paid posts
Troll alert!
Yes you are thanks for admitting this.