Took a break from cleaning up the yard and one of SIX gardens today - thank the good Lord for friends who decide to drop by to lend hand-working hands - (if only to share the experience of going crazy with black fly attacks!) and drove up to Clewley's Restaurant for lunch. Seems Bob read yesterday's blog and thought it was a great time to rib me about not being able to spell the drink (course he couldn't either until he went and got the new Bar Drinks Menu) which is why I can now spell Strawberry or Banana Frozen Daiquiri (yummy).
In fact, Hawaiian Night's specialty drinks included Bahama Mama (Pineapple juice, rum, coconut rum, orange juice & grenadine); Lava Flow (rum, coconut rum, strawberries, banana & pineapple juice); Frozen Rum Runner (dark rum, Bacardi light & blackberry brandy); Pina Colada; Mudslide; Hurricana (light & dark rum, Amaretto & grenadine); and then those daiquiris. The Bar alone would have made the night light up even without Dola!
There is a fixed menu for evenings with stuff I've talked about in the past but they've now added pulled pork with BBQ sauce (I'm drooling). And the homemade bread pudding is great but I'm going to have to try the house made lemon meringue pie.
Today, though, I noticed the sign saying they're open for Breakfast and Lunch. (At least the restaurant uses their sign - take a hint Town Office. Good thing the Fire Dept. is around to make it worthwhile.)
There is a brand new lunch menu at the restaurant complete with a wide array of sandwiches, soups, salads, pasta, full dinner entrees as well as daily specials. And the prices are better than reasonable.
Tuesday's special is meatloaf which should fit me find before going off to that SAD63 Citizen's advisory meeting tomorrow afternoon at 3pm over at Holbrook Middle School. I sure would like to see a lot of people there listening and asking questions. You can believe I will be.
The eagles fly. Yesterday morning - about 6:15 - as I sat in bed with a cuppa trying to convince myself that I could find enough energy to get out of bed to accomplish something, I was watching the pond through the shoreline trees when flying well below treetop level was a single adult eagle. I knew it was an adult because I could see the totally white head as clear as could be. Beautiful sight. He was almost gliding - maybe a single flap of his wings the entire length of my line of vision from which is close to 80 feet left to right or more. The water was calm - almost like a mirror. God's blessings come as unexpected moments. We just need to stop - watch - listen - and appreciate those moments. Even in reflection they're calming to a troubled heart.
Monday, May 4, 2009
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Questions/Issues Re: SAD63 Financial Budget
Over the past few days I have been provided with several documents relating to the status of the current SAD63 budget (2008-09) and drafts and expanations for/re: the projected 2009-10 budget. It's not so much that I don't understand what I'm reading - not like "It's in a foreign language" more like I have to ask why it's formatted the way it is and why we, as taxpayers and voters and parents haven't asked certain questions before - or taken the time (regardless of how long it takes) to get some reasonable/responsible answers.
I know we can't change what is in the current budget. It was voted and approved last year (but not by that many considering how many registered voters there are in the towns that constitute SAD63), but what election ever is (other than last year's Presidental election.)? And President Obama or our Senators/Representative to Congress are MUCH further away from impacting our daily lives than a School Budget/Board member or a local Selectman/woman.
To start, let's look at two really important pieces of news right here from our Legislature and Governor that happened in the last two days. Because those pieces of news ARE going to effect our school budgets and therefore our property taxes by 2011.
1. Governor Baldacci is proposing to cut state assistance to schools in 2011 by an additional $69 million. If we thought this year has been difficult (because the state either hasn't paid its share on time - or - hasn't told the districts how much it was going to be giving them in 2009-10 (when the state plans to use the federal stimulus money to pay the state's share to the school and the state doesn't know when it's going to get the money it can use for this purpose), wait until 2011 when there won't be any stimulus money AND the state plans to cut $69 million more than it paid out in 2008-09!
2. There is a proposal currently in the Legislature addressing the reduced tax revenue from businesses statewide which will subsequently reduce the allocation from the state back to the counties, cities/towns. The consequence of that action will mean that towns like Eddington, Holden, Clifton, etc. will have to increase the mill rate to offset the reduction of income from the state resulting in an overall increase in property taxes for home owners just to pay for town government expenses - and that's before we start paying for school budgets. (So while Governor says he doesn't intend to raise taxes - he's just passing that job down the line to the towns.) BTW - the Legislature is also reporting to be considering reducing the amount it will offset for Homestead exemptions (which will also have the added effect of increasing property taxes in addition to the foregoing information).
So this proposed 2009-10 SAD63 budget should be looking for (and enacting) ways to be reducing the existing budget - not increasing it, regardless of teacher contracts or the legal costs of the current lawsuit. "It is what it is and it ain't what it ain't." Stop wasting time over stuff that can't be changed. Learn from it and moooove on. Especially if anyone expects people to be voting on a budget by June 9.
So these are my issues, questions, and proposals/suggestions. (And you'll have to excuse my expectations in some of these areas, but my experience has taught me to believe nothing I can't see with my own eyes and can't add with my own printed out calculator tape.)
THEN, those division budgets, once approved by the voters, would be turned over to the school principals to manage. The principals know best what their priorities are and how best to squeeze their budget dollars to get the most out of them. Teaching contracts are pretty much set and those salaries have to be paid. Benefits are set by the contracts. The greatest areas of flexibility are those in OE&E. Let the principals work out the details with their teachers and staff. I'll bet they can do a better job with the tight dollars than anyone else. It's their schools and their students.
For those services that are shared between the schools, the paperwork can be managed by the Administrative division. The contracts for those services, i.e., special education and speech pathology are also pretty much defined as to the individual student's or school's need.
It would be much more effective to see how the individual divisions operated and what their needs were if they had separate budgets managed by the parties most directly interested in how the money was utilized.
There are so many people I've talked to in Eddington who are of the mistaken belief that the parents pick up the John Bapst differential. That is not true. The parents do pay any extra fees for the sports programs there, but SAD63 taxpayers pay the basic tuition for all students attending whatever high school selected AND we taxpayers also pay that $1574.00 per student attending John Bapst. That's $157,400. dollars thats written into the school budget for 100 students to attend a private school. Now I've no problem if that's where the parents/students want to go. I'm told they get an excellent education there. BUT, I think the paents should be picking up that extra $1574. As it is, SAD63 provides the transportation to and from J.B., just as it does to the other high schools - but let's get real. Can we afford this? I don't think so.
5. Now this last area is a touchy one - but it still has to be looked at because it has a price tag of over One Million Dollars - and that is the cost in SAD63 for Special Education. State law and human decency requires we provide the opportunity for special needs children to have access to the public school system and to have the tools that will help them achieve their potentials. But we do not have to set ourselves in the position of offering a Cadillac program when the law requires only a Fiat program. Somewhere there must be a middle ground. As an example, there is a child who must be transported every day to Ellsworth for services of some sort. The Special Ed's Director's salary was previously paid with grant money but now must be paid from the general fund. Summer school tutor wages and benefits total $4,000.
One million dollars is a lot of money. And the state plans to cut funding for special needs and special education right along with regular education. So how much of this One Million $$$ will we have to be picking up that the state may have been helping with but will be backing out of?
Somewhere we better be cutting some money in 2009-2010, too, because the stimulus money is supposed to be used to find ways to generate funds or reduce costs for 2011. The state certainly isn't planning to generate money for SAD63 in 2011 so we better be preparing right now for a leaner budget than we've been operating on.
Oh-BTW, the word is that communities are going to be required to pay up front the penalties assessed by the state for voting down consolidation (which we all did quite soundly) before we get any of the 2010 stimulus money (when Augusta figures out how much that will be). AND that while we were told the penalty for Eddington, Clifton and Holden was going to be $157,000 - the state changed its mind. Said it had miscalculated. State says now the penalty is $163,000 divided by the three communities. I don't have the breakdown by towns but your town manager probably does.
I know the scuttlebutt that there's pending legislation to defer payment of the penalties - but I'll bet that deferment (it it does happen) will only be until after the people vote on the state ballot re: school consolidation. If the vote doesn't overturn the Legislature, I'd expect penalty bills to go out the next day. The state wants/needs the money.
I realize there's a lot of information here - lots of ideas. You have to think these things out. Good way to start is to attend School Board meetings and Budget & Finance Committe (BFC) meetings. Do some intense listening - ask questions. Keep asking until you understand the answers. Don't let the Business Manager or anyone else take you off track. Tell them - if you don't understand or don't agree - You Will Vote the Budget Down and you'll tell your friends to do the same.
The one thing you must understand is this - just because you don't have children in the schools doesn't mean you can ignore the school budget issues. You are going to pay for the school system here whether you have children in it or not. Get involved. Get informed. Get your neighbors involved and Vote. The tax bill will come whether you vote or not. Better find out what you're going to be paying for.
******
Hawaiian Night last Night at Clewley Farm Restaurant. Frozen strawberry dacquaries (I know I spelled it wrong but can't find it in the dictionary - oh well), bananbamas (Bob's creation) flowed, decorations were all over the place, Lonnie looked great in a blue print shirt (he should wear that shirt often it looked so good on him - true). He outshined Bob, for sure. Lots of people for a good time - but not me. I pooped out after the Derby race. What a race! Love the sheer joy of that jockey - and what a story behind that horse ($9,500. purchase price) - 50 to 1 odds - and an owner with pins in his leg from a motorcycle crash who drove that horse (Mine the Bird) for 21 hours in a van behind a truck from New Mexico to run in that race. Talk about Hope and Sheer belief in your animal! And the favorite - Phanton on the Nile cost $3.7 million and he came in fourth (I think). Ahh, give me a horse with a good story and a jockey with a big heart.
Clewley's will be closed next Saturday. And the following Saturday will be the Preakness!
I know we can't change what is in the current budget. It was voted and approved last year (but not by that many considering how many registered voters there are in the towns that constitute SAD63), but what election ever is (other than last year's Presidental election.)? And President Obama or our Senators/Representative to Congress are MUCH further away from impacting our daily lives than a School Budget/Board member or a local Selectman/woman.
To start, let's look at two really important pieces of news right here from our Legislature and Governor that happened in the last two days. Because those pieces of news ARE going to effect our school budgets and therefore our property taxes by 2011.
1. Governor Baldacci is proposing to cut state assistance to schools in 2011 by an additional $69 million. If we thought this year has been difficult (because the state either hasn't paid its share on time - or - hasn't told the districts how much it was going to be giving them in 2009-10 (when the state plans to use the federal stimulus money to pay the state's share to the school and the state doesn't know when it's going to get the money it can use for this purpose), wait until 2011 when there won't be any stimulus money AND the state plans to cut $69 million more than it paid out in 2008-09!
2. There is a proposal currently in the Legislature addressing the reduced tax revenue from businesses statewide which will subsequently reduce the allocation from the state back to the counties, cities/towns. The consequence of that action will mean that towns like Eddington, Holden, Clifton, etc. will have to increase the mill rate to offset the reduction of income from the state resulting in an overall increase in property taxes for home owners just to pay for town government expenses - and that's before we start paying for school budgets. (So while Governor says he doesn't intend to raise taxes - he's just passing that job down the line to the towns.) BTW - the Legislature is also reporting to be considering reducing the amount it will offset for Homestead exemptions (which will also have the added effect of increasing property taxes in addition to the foregoing information).
So this proposed 2009-10 SAD63 budget should be looking for (and enacting) ways to be reducing the existing budget - not increasing it, regardless of teacher contracts or the legal costs of the current lawsuit. "It is what it is and it ain't what it ain't." Stop wasting time over stuff that can't be changed. Learn from it and moooove on. Especially if anyone expects people to be voting on a budget by June 9.
So these are my issues, questions, and proposals/suggestions. (And you'll have to excuse my expectations in some of these areas, but my experience has taught me to believe nothing I can't see with my own eyes and can't add with my own printed out calculator tape.)
- Generally speaking, why isn't this budget treated like a four-division fiscal plan?
- By this I mean, each school is a division (that's 3 divisions) and Administration is a division. [Shared-services, such as transportation, can be placed under the Administrative division.]
- All positions in each division should have a position number with an identification as to pay grade. That position's retirement and benefits costs would also be identified utilizing that position number with an appropriate code for retirement or benefit, etc.)
- Anything having to do with personnel costs (pay, retirement allocation, benefits costs, etc.) should be shown "above the line" in the division's budget in that section identified as Personnel Costs - for the division (i.e., Eddington School, Holbrook Middle School, Holden School)
- "Below the Line" is for Operating Expenses and Equipment (OE&E) for that division. OE&E items include leases for copiers, teacher/student supplies, minor capital outlay (meaning maintenance costs under a certain specified dollar amount - perhaps $10,000.) for the schools only.
THEN, those division budgets, once approved by the voters, would be turned over to the school principals to manage. The principals know best what their priorities are and how best to squeeze their budget dollars to get the most out of them. Teaching contracts are pretty much set and those salaries have to be paid. Benefits are set by the contracts. The greatest areas of flexibility are those in OE&E. Let the principals work out the details with their teachers and staff. I'll bet they can do a better job with the tight dollars than anyone else. It's their schools and their students.
For those services that are shared between the schools, the paperwork can be managed by the Administrative division. The contracts for those services, i.e., special education and speech pathology are also pretty much defined as to the individual student's or school's need.
It would be much more effective to see how the individual divisions operated and what their needs were if they had separate budgets managed by the parties most directly interested in how the money was utilized.
2. Which brings me to another couple of points re: the current presentation.
- The current financial reports, as well as the proposed budgets, act as though there are both custodial staff and maintenance staff. The referenced documents clearly show Custodial wages, benefits and retirement and also show Maintenance wages, benefits and retirement. BUT - the same people are doing both custodial and maintenance. In theory, these individuals are custodial during the school year and maintenance staff during the summer months. But even that's not really true. They shovel snow during the winter - respond to school alarms whenever they go off, they fix stuff whenever stuff needs fixing, mow lawns, etc. - and this goes on year-round.
Some work the day shift while others work the night shift; some are full-time and others have had their hours cut back to less than half time. But they all do both custodial and maintenance. In reality, I expect their Duty Statements say "and other duties as assigned" or words to that effect to cover the switch over. But, there is no reason why the budget should act as though there are difference classes. There may be custodial suppies and maintenance supplies - but things like this make me suspect of the credibility of the document as a whole.
3. Did you know that in recent years, since the former superintendent came on board, the district contracts out to have the payroll done for employees. Perhaps that is the "Purchased Professional Services" on the financial report with the annual cost of $2,500.00. BUT - the district is reported to have purchased a pricey computer program a while back that includes the ability to do the payroll - and to calculate and add in all the factors required for social security contributions, benefits, etc. once staff enter the specifics. So why are we (in essence) paying double for the payrolling process? The previous administrative assistant in the superintendent's office, before Ms. Regan, did all of the payroll - at a lower salary than the current business manager, who doesn't do the payroll.
4. And then there are the high school tuitions. The projections show 100 students going to John Bapst High School, 192 students going to Brewer High School, 20 students going to other unspecified high schools in the areas. While the current high school enrollment is 302, the projection is for 312. Except that I recently read that tuition for John Bapst, a private high school, is something like $1574.00 higher than the state-based tuition for the other schools our students can elect to attend because of the choice option. And SAD63 pays the full amount of the John Bapst tuition including the $1574.00.There are so many people I've talked to in Eddington who are of the mistaken belief that the parents pick up the John Bapst differential. That is not true. The parents do pay any extra fees for the sports programs there, but SAD63 taxpayers pay the basic tuition for all students attending whatever high school selected AND we taxpayers also pay that $1574.00 per student attending John Bapst. That's $157,400. dollars thats written into the school budget for 100 students to attend a private school. Now I've no problem if that's where the parents/students want to go. I'm told they get an excellent education there. BUT, I think the paents should be picking up that extra $1574. As it is, SAD63 provides the transportation to and from J.B., just as it does to the other high schools - but let's get real. Can we afford this? I don't think so.
5. Now this last area is a touchy one - but it still has to be looked at because it has a price tag of over One Million Dollars - and that is the cost in SAD63 for Special Education. State law and human decency requires we provide the opportunity for special needs children to have access to the public school system and to have the tools that will help them achieve their potentials. But we do not have to set ourselves in the position of offering a Cadillac program when the law requires only a Fiat program. Somewhere there must be a middle ground. As an example, there is a child who must be transported every day to Ellsworth for services of some sort. The Special Ed's Director's salary was previously paid with grant money but now must be paid from the general fund. Summer school tutor wages and benefits total $4,000.
One million dollars is a lot of money. And the state plans to cut funding for special needs and special education right along with regular education. So how much of this One Million $$$ will we have to be picking up that the state may have been helping with but will be backing out of?
Somewhere we better be cutting some money in 2009-2010, too, because the stimulus money is supposed to be used to find ways to generate funds or reduce costs for 2011. The state certainly isn't planning to generate money for SAD63 in 2011 so we better be preparing right now for a leaner budget than we've been operating on.
Oh-BTW, the word is that communities are going to be required to pay up front the penalties assessed by the state for voting down consolidation (which we all did quite soundly) before we get any of the 2010 stimulus money (when Augusta figures out how much that will be). AND that while we were told the penalty for Eddington, Clifton and Holden was going to be $157,000 - the state changed its mind. Said it had miscalculated. State says now the penalty is $163,000 divided by the three communities. I don't have the breakdown by towns but your town manager probably does.
I know the scuttlebutt that there's pending legislation to defer payment of the penalties - but I'll bet that deferment (it it does happen) will only be until after the people vote on the state ballot re: school consolidation. If the vote doesn't overturn the Legislature, I'd expect penalty bills to go out the next day. The state wants/needs the money.
I realize there's a lot of information here - lots of ideas. You have to think these things out. Good way to start is to attend School Board meetings and Budget & Finance Committe (BFC) meetings. Do some intense listening - ask questions. Keep asking until you understand the answers. Don't let the Business Manager or anyone else take you off track. Tell them - if you don't understand or don't agree - You Will Vote the Budget Down and you'll tell your friends to do the same.
The one thing you must understand is this - just because you don't have children in the schools doesn't mean you can ignore the school budget issues. You are going to pay for the school system here whether you have children in it or not. Get involved. Get informed. Get your neighbors involved and Vote. The tax bill will come whether you vote or not. Better find out what you're going to be paying for.
******
Hawaiian Night last Night at Clewley Farm Restaurant. Frozen strawberry dacquaries (I know I spelled it wrong but can't find it in the dictionary - oh well), bananbamas (Bob's creation) flowed, decorations were all over the place, Lonnie looked great in a blue print shirt (he should wear that shirt often it looked so good on him - true). He outshined Bob, for sure. Lots of people for a good time - but not me. I pooped out after the Derby race. What a race! Love the sheer joy of that jockey - and what a story behind that horse ($9,500. purchase price) - 50 to 1 odds - and an owner with pins in his leg from a motorcycle crash who drove that horse (Mine the Bird) for 21 hours in a van behind a truck from New Mexico to run in that race. Talk about Hope and Sheer belief in your animal! And the favorite - Phanton on the Nile cost $3.7 million and he came in fourth (I think). Ahh, give me a horse with a good story and a jockey with a big heart.
Clewley's will be closed next Saturday. And the following Saturday will be the Preakness!
Friday, May 1, 2009
Important Eddington & SAD63 Dates
Next Eddington Selectmen's Meeting - Tuesday, May 5 @ 6pm - Eddington Town Office
SAD63 Citizens' Advisory Meeting (Anyone can attend - give your input to the upcoming 2009-10 school budget) - Tuesday, May 5 @ 3pm - Holbrook School - Conference Room
SAD63 Budget & Finance Committee Meeting - Wednesday, May 6 @ 4:45pm- Holbrook School (probably the Conference Room). Public can attend (and should). You can ask questions.
Eddington Planning Board - Workshop Session for Shoreland Zoning Map - Tuesday, May 12 @ 6:30pm (This meeting is important to insure the map being developed - which will be forwarded to the State as a future frame of reference - is accurate according to US.)
SAD63 Public Hearing on Proposed 2009-10 School Budget - Wednesday, May 13 @ 7pm - Holbrook School
SAD63 Annual Budget Meeting - Thursday, June 4, @ 7pm - Holbrook School
SAD63 School Budget Validation Referendum - Tuesday, June 9,- 8am-8pm at Eddington Town Office; 8am-8pm at Clifton Town Office; and 7am-8pm at Holden Town Office
The SAD63 budget must pass at BOTH the Annual Budget Meeting on June 4th and the Validation Referendum on June 9 in order for the budget to be validated.
Because of the current litigation in progress and the questionable status of state funding for education, it is particularly important that taxpayers (as well as parents and teachers) attend the Public Hearing on the proposed budget where questions are asked and budget issues can be raised. Your vote can only be informed IF you have relevant FACTS - not rumors.
SAD63 Citizens' Advisory Meeting (Anyone can attend - give your input to the upcoming 2009-10 school budget) - Tuesday, May 5 @ 3pm - Holbrook School - Conference Room
SAD63 Budget & Finance Committee Meeting - Wednesday, May 6 @ 4:45pm- Holbrook School (probably the Conference Room). Public can attend (and should). You can ask questions.
Eddington Planning Board - Workshop Session for Shoreland Zoning Map - Tuesday, May 12 @ 6:30pm (This meeting is important to insure the map being developed - which will be forwarded to the State as a future frame of reference - is accurate according to US.)
SAD63 Public Hearing on Proposed 2009-10 School Budget - Wednesday, May 13 @ 7pm - Holbrook School
SAD63 Annual Budget Meeting - Thursday, June 4, @ 7pm - Holbrook School
SAD63 School Budget Validation Referendum - Tuesday, June 9,- 8am-8pm at Eddington Town Office; 8am-8pm at Clifton Town Office; and 7am-8pm at Holden Town Office
The SAD63 budget must pass at BOTH the Annual Budget Meeting on June 4th and the Validation Referendum on June 9 in order for the budget to be validated.
Because of the current litigation in progress and the questionable status of state funding for education, it is particularly important that taxpayers (as well as parents and teachers) attend the Public Hearing on the proposed budget where questions are asked and budget issues can be raised. Your vote can only be informed IF you have relevant FACTS - not rumors.
SAD63 Financial Reports and "stuff"
As children, did you ever play 'tug of war' with another team that pulled really hard against your team and then - at the last moment - appeared to ease up so your team won and then the other team acted as though it was their intent all along to let you win? If so, you will understand last night's meeting of the SAD63 Budget and Finance Committee (BFC) meeting where two of us public folks who'd also been at Monday night's School Board meeting were in attendance. (If you don't have the background, check the earlier blog re: that meeting. I'm not going to repeat the back story here.)
Lots of people were present at the committee table including some who were not at Monday's meeting, i.e., Sylvia Ellis, a member of the School Board as well as the BFC. Others included three people from the Citizens Advisory Committee, two of whom had been at Monday's meeting, and the third was a Clifton Selectwomen. Mr. Hart, interim superintendent, and Don Varnum, School Board Chairman, were present along with Therese Anderson, newly re-elected School Board member from Eddington and new BFC member, and temporarily outgoing BFC Chair, Mario Teisel. As usual, the SAD63 Business Manager was present. In all, it was a very full head table.
In the "public" audience was myself, Karen Clark, School Board member and Policy Committee Chair member, Richard Oravetz, private citizen from Holden, and another School Board member (middle-aged male, probably from Holden) whose name I didn't get. Sorry about that.
Almost as soon as the meeting convened, Mr. Orovetz asked the one direct question all of us in the audience had on our collective mind - were we going to get the Financial Reports? And then the song-and-dance routine began. Now, before you get your knickers in a twist, I'll tell you that, in the end, we did. More about that later - but before that, I want to tell you about the dance routine we were put through first - Because this appears to relate to the former superintendent's management style.
Step 1. Mr. Teisel annouces there is a POLICY that states (I am paraphrasing now) the Financial Report needs to be first approved by the BFC and THEN submitted to the FULL SCHOOL BOARD. Then the Board must approve the Report (to make it official).
Step 2. According to the POLICY, any person who wants a copy of the Board-approved-Report must then submit a WRITTEN REQUEST for a copy of the Report to the Superintendent who then has FIVE days to consider the request before providing (or not?) the requested report.
Excuse me but I think there's a Right of Information Act that would make mandatory such a request. It is a public document after all.
Mr. Russell, one of the members of the Citizens Advisory Committee (and who was at Monday's meeting) asked when this policy was written/became effective. He was told 2005. Mr. Russell stated that prior to 2005 people were able to receive Financial Reports on a monthy basis with no problems. When I inquired as to who wrote this policy, I was told the former superintendent was the individual who wrote the policy. So my question now is, Why did the School Board relinquish such authority to its subordinate? Remember the superintendent reports to our elected School Board (and the Board reports to us, the voters/taxpayers/parents), ergo the Superindentent reports to us - the voters/taxpayers/parents. The Chain of Command begins and ends with US.
So, back to last night's meeting. Here we, the public, are having the policy read to us. In fairness, Mr. Teisel was somewhat apologetic but, as he explained - violating policy is what could get members of the Board in trouble because "policy is law." Other reasons for not handing out the reports (which were stacked right there in plain view on the table in front of him) were (a) they had not as yet been presented to the Full Board for Approval as required by the policy, and (b) Mr. Teisel was concerned that members of the public, seeing the reports, might start inundating the SAD63 Business Manager with questions re: why certain money had been spent for various items and (c) she was really busy trying to put together the projected Budget for 2009-10 that needed to be ready for Public Hearing and Voting (see my next blog with dates and comments).
My thought at that point was if the reports had been made available on a monthly basis, as they should have been, questions could have been addressed in a timely fashion and no one would need to be concerned about the Business Manager being inundated with questions now - even though answering questions is her job and what she is being paid to do (unless, for some reason, she hasn't been collecting a paycheck lo these many months we haven't seen the reports). Doubt that.
About that point, Mr. Varnum started talking about his belief in transparency and "if this report was presented to the full Board with a request to release it to the public..." he would support it because he thinks the taxpayers have a right to see it blah, blah, blah. Now, "C" (and you know who you are), I was really working to be calm and tactful ... ;-) ... when I raised my hand to be recognized by Mr. Teisel (something you have to do at this particular type of meeting before speaking - another challenge for me, folks - although it's not limited to just the beginning and end of the meeting, Thank the Lord). When that happened, I said to Mr. Varnum that, with all good intentions about his belief in Transparency, a person's integrity is only as good as his word and he had clearly stated at Monday's meeting that the Financial Report would be released to us there at the BFC meeting - and - that as Board Chair it was reasonable to expect that he knew (and he certainly should have known) of the policy. So it was a bit too late to try to use it as a reason not to release it to us.
Then Mr. Teisel jumped in and said that he was the one to point out the policy to Mr. Varnum after the Monday meeting but that he (Teisel), too, had assured Mr. Oravetz and me that we would be given the reports at the BFC meeting - even remembering that I had requested an extra copy. SOOOOOOOOooo at this point, after all this rigamarole, Teisel says that if we (meaning the public people will just wait a minute, he has a proposal as to how to overcome the policy problem). We waited with baited breath.
Mr. Teisel's proposal was, if those members of the Board present at the table (which did not include Karen Clark who was in the audience) agreed with their vote to release the report to us as a DRAFT, since it had not been submitted to the Full Board for official approval, he would give us a copy - with the understanding that we would not start calling the Business Manager and inundate her with questions. (Give me a break. Poor Yvonne.) The people at the table appeared to agree - although I couldn't be sure if Sylvia Ellis agreed or deferred. Bottom line - we got the reports! Woo Hoo! And I'm wading through it - feels like a swamp.
But I do have some ideas about these reports - and the drafted proposed 2009-2010 budget (which we also received copies of, with explanations :-O) having had some experience with developing a $72 Million annual budget for a maximum security mens prison in Calif. along with supervising seven departments and 110 employees in my division alone. There were three other divisions for which I was also responsible for developing and managing their budgets as well - so, with some help from a few of my friends I might have a few ideas re: this SAD63 budget when the Citizens Advisory Committee meets next Tuesday, the 5th @ 3pm at the Holbrook School.
Then, because Mr. Teisel will be on leave from May 3 through August 26, an Interim BFC Chairman needed to be elected. Since last night's meeting was Therese Anderson's first BFC meeting, the position of Interim Chair fell to Sylvia Ellis. And this should prove to be intersting because, as a School Board member and, particularly as Interim BFC Chair, Ms. Ellis needs to have a professional - not personal - relationship with the development of the coming school budget. This may not be as easy as it should be since Ms. Ellis is reported to be a very close personal buddy of the Business Manager - socializing about town during both the noontime hours and evenings. One would not want to think items of SAD63 business or School Board business is discussed during such gatherings - since it would be most inappropriate during such litigious times. Perhaps the same caution should be made to any School Board member regarding the former supertendent, even if a personal friendship existed at some point or still does.
There is already a reported nexus between the Business Manager and the former superintendent. What with the current legal situation going on - not to mention policies that appear to shut out the public's right to know how their tax dollars are being spent, and questions regarding the Business Manager's contract (which was written by the former superintendent) that included a $5,000.00 bonus if there was at least a percentage of cost savings at the end of the budget year (in a budget that the Budget Manager developed herself and from which she reportedly controlled funding), an arms' length relationship between all School Board members and subordinates would reduce questions of Conflicts of Interest. (Of course we won't go too far down the road as to why the School Board had approved such contracts - which goes back to the question of abdicating the supervisory role of the School Board over the Superintendent and all hires in the first place.)
My next blog re: the SAD63 2009-10 budget will include Public Hearing dates AND questions of budget issues. Stay tuned for white caps on Davis Pond.
BTW - Saturday at Clewley Farm Restaurant. The lounge and bar will open at 3pm for those of you who want to join me for refreshments, snacks and watching the Kentucky Derby Race (begins at 4pm). Hawaiian Night begins at "Show Time" - 7pm with Dola and Company. Wear something appropriate. Even Lonnie is suggesting Bob may show up in a grass skirt and do the Hula. Swing those hips, baby! He's even turned the lights down (a bit) to make things "more intimate". Anybody got a uke?
Lots of people were present at the committee table including some who were not at Monday's meeting, i.e., Sylvia Ellis, a member of the School Board as well as the BFC. Others included three people from the Citizens Advisory Committee, two of whom had been at Monday's meeting, and the third was a Clifton Selectwomen. Mr. Hart, interim superintendent, and Don Varnum, School Board Chairman, were present along with Therese Anderson, newly re-elected School Board member from Eddington and new BFC member, and temporarily outgoing BFC Chair, Mario Teisel. As usual, the SAD63 Business Manager was present. In all, it was a very full head table.
In the "public" audience was myself, Karen Clark, School Board member and Policy Committee Chair member, Richard Oravetz, private citizen from Holden, and another School Board member (middle-aged male, probably from Holden) whose name I didn't get. Sorry about that.
Almost as soon as the meeting convened, Mr. Orovetz asked the one direct question all of us in the audience had on our collective mind - were we going to get the Financial Reports? And then the song-and-dance routine began. Now, before you get your knickers in a twist, I'll tell you that, in the end, we did. More about that later - but before that, I want to tell you about the dance routine we were put through first - Because this appears to relate to the former superintendent's management style.
Step 1. Mr. Teisel annouces there is a POLICY that states (I am paraphrasing now) the Financial Report needs to be first approved by the BFC and THEN submitted to the FULL SCHOOL BOARD. Then the Board must approve the Report (to make it official).
Step 2. According to the POLICY, any person who wants a copy of the Board-approved-Report must then submit a WRITTEN REQUEST for a copy of the Report to the Superintendent who then has FIVE days to consider the request before providing (or not?) the requested report.
Excuse me but I think there's a Right of Information Act that would make mandatory such a request. It is a public document after all.
Mr. Russell, one of the members of the Citizens Advisory Committee (and who was at Monday's meeting) asked when this policy was written/became effective. He was told 2005. Mr. Russell stated that prior to 2005 people were able to receive Financial Reports on a monthy basis with no problems. When I inquired as to who wrote this policy, I was told the former superintendent was the individual who wrote the policy. So my question now is, Why did the School Board relinquish such authority to its subordinate? Remember the superintendent reports to our elected School Board (and the Board reports to us, the voters/taxpayers/parents), ergo the Superindentent reports to us - the voters/taxpayers/parents. The Chain of Command begins and ends with US.
So, back to last night's meeting. Here we, the public, are having the policy read to us. In fairness, Mr. Teisel was somewhat apologetic but, as he explained - violating policy is what could get members of the Board in trouble because "policy is law." Other reasons for not handing out the reports (which were stacked right there in plain view on the table in front of him) were (a) they had not as yet been presented to the Full Board for Approval as required by the policy, and (b) Mr. Teisel was concerned that members of the public, seeing the reports, might start inundating the SAD63 Business Manager with questions re: why certain money had been spent for various items and (c) she was really busy trying to put together the projected Budget for 2009-10 that needed to be ready for Public Hearing and Voting (see my next blog with dates and comments).
My thought at that point was if the reports had been made available on a monthly basis, as they should have been, questions could have been addressed in a timely fashion and no one would need to be concerned about the Business Manager being inundated with questions now - even though answering questions is her job and what she is being paid to do (unless, for some reason, she hasn't been collecting a paycheck lo these many months we haven't seen the reports). Doubt that.
About that point, Mr. Varnum started talking about his belief in transparency and "if this report was presented to the full Board with a request to release it to the public..." he would support it because he thinks the taxpayers have a right to see it blah, blah, blah. Now, "C" (and you know who you are), I was really working to be calm and tactful ... ;-) ... when I raised my hand to be recognized by Mr. Teisel (something you have to do at this particular type of meeting before speaking - another challenge for me, folks - although it's not limited to just the beginning and end of the meeting, Thank the Lord). When that happened, I said to Mr. Varnum that, with all good intentions about his belief in Transparency, a person's integrity is only as good as his word and he had clearly stated at Monday's meeting that the Financial Report would be released to us there at the BFC meeting - and - that as Board Chair it was reasonable to expect that he knew (and he certainly should have known) of the policy. So it was a bit too late to try to use it as a reason not to release it to us.
Then Mr. Teisel jumped in and said that he was the one to point out the policy to Mr. Varnum after the Monday meeting but that he (Teisel), too, had assured Mr. Oravetz and me that we would be given the reports at the BFC meeting - even remembering that I had requested an extra copy. SOOOOOOOOooo at this point, after all this rigamarole, Teisel says that if we (meaning the public people will just wait a minute, he has a proposal as to how to overcome the policy problem). We waited with baited breath.
Mr. Teisel's proposal was, if those members of the Board present at the table (which did not include Karen Clark who was in the audience) agreed with their vote to release the report to us as a DRAFT, since it had not been submitted to the Full Board for official approval, he would give us a copy - with the understanding that we would not start calling the Business Manager and inundate her with questions. (Give me a break. Poor Yvonne.) The people at the table appeared to agree - although I couldn't be sure if Sylvia Ellis agreed or deferred. Bottom line - we got the reports! Woo Hoo! And I'm wading through it - feels like a swamp.
But I do have some ideas about these reports - and the drafted proposed 2009-2010 budget (which we also received copies of, with explanations :-O) having had some experience with developing a $72 Million annual budget for a maximum security mens prison in Calif. along with supervising seven departments and 110 employees in my division alone. There were three other divisions for which I was also responsible for developing and managing their budgets as well - so, with some help from a few of my friends I might have a few ideas re: this SAD63 budget when the Citizens Advisory Committee meets next Tuesday, the 5th @ 3pm at the Holbrook School.
Then, because Mr. Teisel will be on leave from May 3 through August 26, an Interim BFC Chairman needed to be elected. Since last night's meeting was Therese Anderson's first BFC meeting, the position of Interim Chair fell to Sylvia Ellis. And this should prove to be intersting because, as a School Board member and, particularly as Interim BFC Chair, Ms. Ellis needs to have a professional - not personal - relationship with the development of the coming school budget. This may not be as easy as it should be since Ms. Ellis is reported to be a very close personal buddy of the Business Manager - socializing about town during both the noontime hours and evenings. One would not want to think items of SAD63 business or School Board business is discussed during such gatherings - since it would be most inappropriate during such litigious times. Perhaps the same caution should be made to any School Board member regarding the former supertendent, even if a personal friendship existed at some point or still does.
There is already a reported nexus between the Business Manager and the former superintendent. What with the current legal situation going on - not to mention policies that appear to shut out the public's right to know how their tax dollars are being spent, and questions regarding the Business Manager's contract (which was written by the former superintendent) that included a $5,000.00 bonus if there was at least a percentage of cost savings at the end of the budget year (in a budget that the Budget Manager developed herself and from which she reportedly controlled funding), an arms' length relationship between all School Board members and subordinates would reduce questions of Conflicts of Interest. (Of course we won't go too far down the road as to why the School Board had approved such contracts - which goes back to the question of abdicating the supervisory role of the School Board over the Superintendent and all hires in the first place.)
My next blog re: the SAD63 2009-10 budget will include Public Hearing dates AND questions of budget issues. Stay tuned for white caps on Davis Pond.
BTW - Saturday at Clewley Farm Restaurant. The lounge and bar will open at 3pm for those of you who want to join me for refreshments, snacks and watching the Kentucky Derby Race (begins at 4pm). Hawaiian Night begins at "Show Time" - 7pm with Dola and Company. Wear something appropriate. Even Lonnie is suggesting Bob may show up in a grass skirt and do the Hula. Swing those hips, baby! He's even turned the lights down (a bit) to make things "more intimate". Anybody got a uke?
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Planning Board Meeting - April 28
Interesting Meeting once we got started. Two of the guys on the Board were there by 6:15pm, along with Russell, Denise and Charlie Norburg, the Code Enforcement Officer, along with people scheduled with issues and presentations on the agenda, but we needed to wait until 6:50 before we had a quorum. No complaints here. Thank goodness the other two guys were able to get things organized at home to get to the meeting or there would have been no meeting. Susan had called in earlier that she wouldn't be able to make the meeting so her absence was excused.
It was a short agenda, but interesting. Even better, it was pleasant which is a credit to the people on the Board and those in attendance.
Michael Fornier presented his site plan for a camp setback at 664 Chemo Pond Road. He's taking down the current (old) structure and putting up a new one along with a septic tank. His plans were approved with the condition that he not put a lawn in front of the camp (which he didn't plan to do anyway) and that he replace the three trees that need to be cut for the construction. What was interesting about the tree replacement is that new rules require significantly larger trees (aka more expensive) for replacement than previous rules. Does anyone feel that those who are making these rules are doing their level best to keep anyone from building or developing anything near any of the ponds, lakes, etc. in this state? But try to get any of these same legal entities to clean up any of the disasters government entities create (such as DOT or the Legislature or the PUC) and they have six ways from Sunday to walk away from those issues.
Oh well, back to last night's meeting - Gretchen Heldmann presented a valuable work product (taking about 17 hours of her own time) a state-required Shoreland Zone Map of this area using some state-of-the-art technical resources and input from members present at the last Planning Board meeting as well as last night. It seems that along with passing the Shoreland Ordinance measure, which we did at the 2008 and 2009 Town Meetings, the town is also required to provide (to the state, I guess) a map with a variety of information. Gretchen's work will help make it possible to meet that requirement.
The Board plans to have a work-shop, with Gretchen's assistance, that will take about two hours at the next Planning Board meeting (May 5). The public can, and is urged to attend, and then there will probably be some kind of Public Hearing (which is usually a "done deal" kind of thing for the most part). If you're interested in how this map is going to look - and it shows residential areas, buffer areas near streams, protected wildlife zones, etc. - you might want to attend the May 5 meeting.
I'm sure Gretchen will have a comment to this blog - probably to add info or to clarify anything I've written here. Much appreciated as always. Personally, I hink her work is a great contribution to the Town of Eddington and we should join the Board in its voice of appreciation. BTW, Gretchen is planning on developing a website of Eddington - something we sorely need. Heck, the website might help people get interested in the doings of the the government here.
Two other agenda items were mentioned: A road ordinance and a windmill ordinance, but no action was taken. Interesting comment overheard - As long as there's no windmill ordinance and someone wants one, now is the time to put one in. Now there's a thought. It's like - Before government tells you what you can't do, go do it. I guess the presumption is that what you do before the rules get written gets grandfathered in.
This coming Saturday is a big day. It's Kentucky Derby Day (Big Day - all day - for me) and Hawaiian Night at Clewly Farm Restaurant - with Dola and Company. Wear something appropriate and enjoy the evening. Show starts at 7pm. The race starts at 4pm if you wait 'til the last minute (on NBC) but I'll be watching every race on whatever channel - probably ESPN or CNBC starting a lot earlier.
More from the School Board Meeting: The Board was asked to review the Absentee Policy which it agreed to do. At the same time, the Board removed several policies (without explanation). Nothing indicated they were being updated or being replaced with anything else. Interesting.
The eighth graders have selected a graduation trip to Funtown USA in Sacco for which they have raised the money to pay the expenses. The Board approved the trip - a requirement since the location was more than 100 miles from the district. They're also holding a spagetti supper Friday night as part of their fund-raising efforts.
It was a short agenda, but interesting. Even better, it was pleasant which is a credit to the people on the Board and those in attendance.
Michael Fornier presented his site plan for a camp setback at 664 Chemo Pond Road. He's taking down the current (old) structure and putting up a new one along with a septic tank. His plans were approved with the condition that he not put a lawn in front of the camp (which he didn't plan to do anyway) and that he replace the three trees that need to be cut for the construction. What was interesting about the tree replacement is that new rules require significantly larger trees (aka more expensive) for replacement than previous rules. Does anyone feel that those who are making these rules are doing their level best to keep anyone from building or developing anything near any of the ponds, lakes, etc. in this state? But try to get any of these same legal entities to clean up any of the disasters government entities create (such as DOT or the Legislature or the PUC) and they have six ways from Sunday to walk away from those issues.
Oh well, back to last night's meeting - Gretchen Heldmann presented a valuable work product (taking about 17 hours of her own time) a state-required Shoreland Zone Map of this area using some state-of-the-art technical resources and input from members present at the last Planning Board meeting as well as last night. It seems that along with passing the Shoreland Ordinance measure, which we did at the 2008 and 2009 Town Meetings, the town is also required to provide (to the state, I guess) a map with a variety of information. Gretchen's work will help make it possible to meet that requirement.
The Board plans to have a work-shop, with Gretchen's assistance, that will take about two hours at the next Planning Board meeting (May 5). The public can, and is urged to attend, and then there will probably be some kind of Public Hearing (which is usually a "done deal" kind of thing for the most part). If you're interested in how this map is going to look - and it shows residential areas, buffer areas near streams, protected wildlife zones, etc. - you might want to attend the May 5 meeting.
I'm sure Gretchen will have a comment to this blog - probably to add info or to clarify anything I've written here. Much appreciated as always. Personally, I hink her work is a great contribution to the Town of Eddington and we should join the Board in its voice of appreciation. BTW, Gretchen is planning on developing a website of Eddington - something we sorely need. Heck, the website might help people get interested in the doings of the the government here.
Two other agenda items were mentioned: A road ordinance and a windmill ordinance, but no action was taken. Interesting comment overheard - As long as there's no windmill ordinance and someone wants one, now is the time to put one in. Now there's a thought. It's like - Before government tells you what you can't do, go do it. I guess the presumption is that what you do before the rules get written gets grandfathered in.
This coming Saturday is a big day. It's Kentucky Derby Day (Big Day - all day - for me) and Hawaiian Night at Clewly Farm Restaurant - with Dola and Company. Wear something appropriate and enjoy the evening. Show starts at 7pm. The race starts at 4pm if you wait 'til the last minute (on NBC) but I'll be watching every race on whatever channel - probably ESPN or CNBC starting a lot earlier.
More from the School Board Meeting: The Board was asked to review the Absentee Policy which it agreed to do. At the same time, the Board removed several policies (without explanation). Nothing indicated they were being updated or being replaced with anything else. Interesting.
The eighth graders have selected a graduation trip to Funtown USA in Sacco for which they have raised the money to pay the expenses. The Board approved the trip - a requirement since the location was more than 100 miles from the district. They're also holding a spagetti supper Friday night as part of their fund-raising efforts.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Song and Dance Men Galore
I've been out and about and reporters have been calling. Seems it's Mr. Bojangles time around here and that's not all that good unless you're into hat tricks and shell games.
Working backwards - I went to the SAD63 School Board meeting last night. Quite a few more people there than the last meeting I attended. More than just the three school principals and standard bearers that is. All three Eddington Board members were present along with Chairman Varnum and Superintendent Hart. But there were several interested citizens and taxpayers and an individual who appeared to be one of the attorneys for the never-ending, on-going lawsuit re: the former school superintendent. I sure hope he didn't think attending the meeting constituted "bill-able hours" since, according to information provided last night, the suit has already cost the district $219,750.87 - of which the first insurance policy has paid $61,345.10 (and the board thought the poilicy was only for $50,000.). It is believed there is a second insurance policy but no one seemed to know where it is or how much coverage the policy might provide! It's being "researched".
I asked where the money was coming from to pay these legal costs (attorney costs, filing costs, depositions, etc.), Superintendent Hart stated that some of the money came from the fees for which his position was previously budgeted but that he was not being paid. (He was hired on a part-time basis but the position was budgeted on a full-time basis; however, my understanding was that the previous position was funded at close to $100,000. so that doesn't account for enough money to pick up the difference between the insurance policy and the billed charges to date.)
AND THE END IS NOT NECESSARILY IN SIGHT. It seems that the costs to date are only to have the case in front of a federal district judge with a petition for a Summary Judgement (which mean a request to review the previous superintendent's allegations and to find them to be without merit and therefore to throw them out of court. This would mean the School Board would, in essence, win - not have to defend its actions.) BUT - if the judge does not grant the Summary Judgement, Battle On - and the costs continue - onward and upward. And who do you think is going to be expected to pay for this? You and me, folks. Because even though the individuals on the School Board who are responsible for this mess are not individually (financially) responsible for paying the bill, they assured us at the Public Hearing for the 2008-09 School Budget that the cost of this law suit would be paid for by the insurance policy held by the School Board/District and didn't need to be included in the school budget. If you were there last year you will remember this discussion. Apparently they didn't know what they were talking about. Guess they were assuming.
Maybe that is why there has been no Financial Report provided at the last two School Board meetings. And none was provided last night.
There WILL BE a Budget and Financial Committee Meeting on April 30th at 6pm at the Holbrook School. At that time, we have been assured by Chairman Varnum, a Year-to-Date Financial Report will be issued and anyone present who wants a copy will be provided one. In light of the information above, and the state of the state's fiscal situation, anyone who wants a preview of the 2009-10 SAD63 School Budget might want to attend the April 30th meeting.
Seems to me, individuals elected to a public position and who sit on a budget and financial committee involving millions of taxpayer dollars have a fiduciary responsibility to provide regular public reports and to maintain fiscal accountability. To do less raises questions of MALFEASANCE. And then there are questions as to why the School Board doesn't review all proposed contracts BEFORE they are approved or signed since such contracts involved financial commitments...especially when said contracts involve Bonuses. You haven't heard about Bonuses before. Neither had I - until last night and it wasn't from a School Board member, you can be sure. (And the music plays on.)
*******
Seems our Fireman/Legislator Ben Pratt was quite the hit at the Benefit Concert. Some people thought it pretty impressive to see he could play the guitar AND play the harmonica all at the same time. Too bad there were so few people in attendance. I'm told only about 70 or so folks attended. I'll have to see what the proceeds turned out to be because the music was mighty fine.
More later. There's a Planning Board meeting tonight (as far as I know).
Working backwards - I went to the SAD63 School Board meeting last night. Quite a few more people there than the last meeting I attended. More than just the three school principals and standard bearers that is. All three Eddington Board members were present along with Chairman Varnum and Superintendent Hart. But there were several interested citizens and taxpayers and an individual who appeared to be one of the attorneys for the never-ending, on-going lawsuit re: the former school superintendent. I sure hope he didn't think attending the meeting constituted "bill-able hours" since, according to information provided last night, the suit has already cost the district $219,750.87 - of which the first insurance policy has paid $61,345.10 (and the board thought the poilicy was only for $50,000.). It is believed there is a second insurance policy but no one seemed to know where it is or how much coverage the policy might provide! It's being "researched".
I asked where the money was coming from to pay these legal costs (attorney costs, filing costs, depositions, etc.), Superintendent Hart stated that some of the money came from the fees for which his position was previously budgeted but that he was not being paid. (He was hired on a part-time basis but the position was budgeted on a full-time basis; however, my understanding was that the previous position was funded at close to $100,000. so that doesn't account for enough money to pick up the difference between the insurance policy and the billed charges to date.)
AND THE END IS NOT NECESSARILY IN SIGHT. It seems that the costs to date are only to have the case in front of a federal district judge with a petition for a Summary Judgement (which mean a request to review the previous superintendent's allegations and to find them to be without merit and therefore to throw them out of court. This would mean the School Board would, in essence, win - not have to defend its actions.) BUT - if the judge does not grant the Summary Judgement, Battle On - and the costs continue - onward and upward. And who do you think is going to be expected to pay for this? You and me, folks. Because even though the individuals on the School Board who are responsible for this mess are not individually (financially) responsible for paying the bill, they assured us at the Public Hearing for the 2008-09 School Budget that the cost of this law suit would be paid for by the insurance policy held by the School Board/District and didn't need to be included in the school budget. If you were there last year you will remember this discussion. Apparently they didn't know what they were talking about. Guess they were assuming.
Maybe that is why there has been no Financial Report provided at the last two School Board meetings. And none was provided last night.
There WILL BE a Budget and Financial Committee Meeting on April 30th at 6pm at the Holbrook School. At that time, we have been assured by Chairman Varnum, a Year-to-Date Financial Report will be issued and anyone present who wants a copy will be provided one. In light of the information above, and the state of the state's fiscal situation, anyone who wants a preview of the 2009-10 SAD63 School Budget might want to attend the April 30th meeting.
Seems to me, individuals elected to a public position and who sit on a budget and financial committee involving millions of taxpayer dollars have a fiduciary responsibility to provide regular public reports and to maintain fiscal accountability. To do less raises questions of MALFEASANCE. And then there are questions as to why the School Board doesn't review all proposed contracts BEFORE they are approved or signed since such contracts involved financial commitments...especially when said contracts involve Bonuses. You haven't heard about Bonuses before. Neither had I - until last night and it wasn't from a School Board member, you can be sure. (And the music plays on.)
*******
Seems our Fireman/Legislator Ben Pratt was quite the hit at the Benefit Concert. Some people thought it pretty impressive to see he could play the guitar AND play the harmonica all at the same time. Too bad there were so few people in attendance. I'm told only about 70 or so folks attended. I'll have to see what the proceeds turned out to be because the music was mighty fine.
More later. There's a Planning Board meeting tonight (as far as I know).
Saturday, April 25, 2009
New Deputy in Town
Seems Deputy Daren is out of town on special assignment until mid-July. While he's gone, Patrol Deputy Richard Harburger is holding down the fort.
Also, seems we having some misbehavin' going on. There was a bit of a 'smash and grab' type of home burglary in one of the shoreline residences in the last few days. Probably young folks. Had a dickens of a time breaking through the door. There were sliding locks at both the top and bottom of the door and the "bad guys" smashed the glass in the door but couldn't reach either of the sliding locks. So they pulled (mighty determined) until the pulled the door frame off ther building enough to slide through the door and entered. Took a lot of liquor. Left the wine and makings for martinis - which gives you an idea of the age and "class" level. They must have been on foot and only took what they could carry - leaving behind televisions, DVD, etc. Creeps.
Not only do we all need to keep our doors and windows locked at night and when we're away, it would be a good idea to leave outside lights on at nighttime, too. And let your neighbors know if you're going to be away so they can listen for strange noises around your place. To call the Sheriff's Dispatch: 947-4585
There's a School Board Meeting this Monday night - 6:30pm at the Eddington School. Maybe we'll get some real info on school budget - this current year and the projected one. Can't plan on the state and shouldn't plan of the Federal Stimulus package.
BTW- I tried to send emails to the addresses on recent newsletters received from Ben Pratt and Richard Rosen. Neither any good. Now what kind of government communication is that?
There is an Eddington Planning Board meeting scheduled for this coming Tuesday night - 6:30pm. One of our reporters - Gretchen, who was at the Town meeting - has developed a map that shoud be of interest to Eddington residents. Read her comments in one of the recent blogs. Just click on comments. You'll find her info. You can even post your own comments of questions. She'll see them and answer you.
Also, seems we having some misbehavin' going on. There was a bit of a 'smash and grab' type of home burglary in one of the shoreline residences in the last few days. Probably young folks. Had a dickens of a time breaking through the door. There were sliding locks at both the top and bottom of the door and the "bad guys" smashed the glass in the door but couldn't reach either of the sliding locks. So they pulled (mighty determined) until the pulled the door frame off ther building enough to slide through the door and entered. Took a lot of liquor. Left the wine and makings for martinis - which gives you an idea of the age and "class" level. They must have been on foot and only took what they could carry - leaving behind televisions, DVD, etc. Creeps.
Not only do we all need to keep our doors and windows locked at night and when we're away, it would be a good idea to leave outside lights on at nighttime, too. And let your neighbors know if you're going to be away so they can listen for strange noises around your place. To call the Sheriff's Dispatch: 947-4585
There's a School Board Meeting this Monday night - 6:30pm at the Eddington School. Maybe we'll get some real info on school budget - this current year and the projected one. Can't plan on the state and shouldn't plan of the Federal Stimulus package.
BTW- I tried to send emails to the addresses on recent newsletters received from Ben Pratt and Richard Rosen. Neither any good. Now what kind of government communication is that?
There is an Eddington Planning Board meeting scheduled for this coming Tuesday night - 6:30pm. One of our reporters - Gretchen, who was at the Town meeting - has developed a map that shoud be of interest to Eddington residents. Read her comments in one of the recent blogs. Just click on comments. You'll find her info. You can even post your own comments of questions. She'll see them and answer you.
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