FoxInpurnropy
1/22/2009 5:42:56 PM
Hmm .. I think the author is fundamentally wrong

Paisley
9/4/2008 9:47:23 PM
I just read in the Sentinel tonight that the MSTA recently filed as a non-profit. Hmmm. I've served on non profit boards and I believe this means that their records, meeting minutes and financial records, are now a matter of public record. These records must be made available at a public place during normal business hours. So how about it MSTA, please disclose the location of these records, I'd like to excercise my rights as a taxpayer to examine your records.

For the Kids
9/4/2008 8:05:31 AM
More scare tactics from MTA. A mailing from them still talks about issues that are no longer a part of the contract. Early retirement and the evergreen clause are NOT in the contract.

Who do you trust??

Those who back the contract (School Board, Budget Committee, Kids First Monadnock) or MTA with it's gross exaggerations and scare tactics?

Remember, there are members of MTA who are anti-public school on a national level. These individuals are using the scare tactic of grossly exaggerated tax increases to further their own agenda. Seriously folks, this is the time to cripple the MTA and it's narrow minded followers and vote YES for all those whose only choice for education is a public one.

Got your number
9/2/2008 5:19:28 PM
Don't let "Paisley" fool you. "She" is pretending to be pro-MRSD. Check out some of "her" comments on other blogs and you will learn where "Paisley's" allegiance lies. Beware of snakes slithering in our area!!!!

Pete Majoy
8/30/2008 7:26:31 PM
Dear Voters:
Call what follows “A PLEA FOR SANITY.” On September 9, 2008, you have a major vote before you, the “Proposed Teacher Contract” for the teachers in the Monadnock Regional School System. Please vote for the contract and secure for the Monadnock Region some modicum of sanity and common sense we so desperately need these days.

The estimated effect on the property tax rates per $100,000 of assessed valuation for the first year beginning with the November tax bill is as follows: Troy @ $77; Swanzey @ $68; Sullivan @ $64; Richmond @ $58; Gilsum @ $57; Fitzwilliam @ $46; and Roxbury @ $43. As an example, take a property assessed valuation of $250,000 in Richmond. That would be $58 x 2.5 = $145 tax increase for the whole year or $12/month. Take Fitzwilliam: a property there assessed at $ 250,000 would have its tax increased by $115 for the year or $9.58/month. By any fiscal measure, this is a very moderate increase. Note that for the three remaining years of the contract, the tax increase lessens.

Compare this moderate increase in our taxes with the fact that teachers have been without a new contract for too long and the effect of non-support on morale and the desirability of teaching in the Monadnock system has been a sad commentary on the region as a whole.

You are faced with a simple decision which will have far reaching cultural and economic effects for the surrounding towns. Voting for this contract means you are: (1) supporting and preserving public education in southwestern New Hampshire; (2) supporting a necessary link to improving our local economy; (3) supporting the educational needs of all children Pre-K through 12 in our towns; (4) supporting families whose children and teens attend our public schools; and, (5) supporting reasonableness, common sense, and the overwhelming need our region has to renew itself in a positive way.

Anonymous
8/28/2008 5:13:56 PM
I was fortunate to be at Monadnock High School Thursday to hear Principal Pickering rally the students. “Monadnock High School on the rise” in spite of little Dick Bauries and the rest of that coffee clutch.

Burtha
8/20/2008 7:23:14 AM
you people are pathetic. Every posting on this site is geared towards blaming someone for the failures of Monadnock. Monadnock is badly broken. You are the armpit of NH, And based on this forum its likely to stay that way. If supposedly 3 or 4 people have caused this problem, then your community lacks true leadership. Stop bitching and do something about it!

Elaine Moriarty
8/18/2008 12:53:25 PM
To Save our kids, I did not post on this website on 4/05/08. You should never falsely accuse someone. I do not attend any school meetings including the deliberative session. I always sign my name when I write something because I accept responsibility for my actions and the words I may write. I am a registered nurse who specialized in pediatrics and have also devoted numerous volunteer hours to the children's programming at the Richmond Public Library. I am a caring, compassionate person and am insulted by your insinuations about me, you do not know me. Elaine Moriarty

Save our kids
8/15/2008 11:20:00 AM
Check out Cornelius' wife's posting on 4/5/08. It appears she has been asleep for many years. Does she not hear her husband at meetings? Does she not get that he intimidates? Does she not hear the arrogance in his voice each and every time he speaks in public?
Mrs. Moriarty, you want to play nice but it is impossible when your husband is concerned. You just want everyone to get along. Can't happen. Won't happen. Never will happen until the day Parker, Tomilla, Carnie, Baurie, and Moriarty have finished what they set out to do many years ago-to ruin the school system.

Mondadnock Taxpayer: You post about the average income in NH. Your point is? Teachers should be payed a fair wage for the type of job they do. They educate our young people, many of whom would not even know about hygiene if it was not for their teachers. These people deal with individual psyches, some of which are very fragile. Teachers are responsible for helping build a decent future for all. A factory worker is a hard worker but they deal with inanimate objects-parts and pieces. Chefs are hard workers but they deal with meat, potatoes, and veggies. A road crew works hard but they deal with sand, salt and tar. Comparing other jobs with that of educators is like comparing apples and oranges.

And also to Monadnock Taxpayer: In another posting you mention retired teachers with good pensions. I smell a huge load of jealousy coming from you. Perhaps you just were never well educated enough, didn't make enough in your job without that good education, and now you are angry at everyone else who you think is an elitist. Jealousy is not a good defense for your arguments.

As to anonymous who posted last, isn't it the truth? The nicer you are, the deeper their teeth sink in. I call that school boy bullying.

Pro Public Ed.
8/13/2008 11:15:10 AM
I think Mama K is correct. There is a tremendous amount of apathy among those who are elligable to vote.
What bothers me so much is the "good ole boys" who have methodically and selfishly ruined MRSD. They only care about their own pocketbooks and have no desire to assist in improving the quality of education. Their mission is to destroy it. While they may pretend they are pro-student, they are not. Their motto should be "It's all about ME."

Maybe instead of bickering and finger pointing among yourselves, you should try a kinder, gentler approach. Civility gets you a good deal further than intimidation, grousing, and yelling. Try working with each other rather than in opposition. Take the high road and stop the personal attacks toward your own board members. Just because you don't agree does not mean you should go for the jugular.

It has always been my belief that a school board should be comprised of adults who want to work toward the best possible school system-to produce incredible students who will move forward with pride in their education, their facility, their teachers, and their families. Instead, we've got a board with some adolescent-like men who care nothing about the future because they will be six feet under in a few years and it will not impact them at all. They care nothing about the re-sale value of homes. They aren't moving anywhere. They don't want families with young children moving in to the area (except for the Saint Benedicts) because these kids equal money for education.

It is time for the State of NH to get involved and lower the property taxes and add a small sales tax. This would mean that renters would contribute. This would mean that vacationers would contribute. The burden would not be 100% in the hands of the property owner. If the state would allocate these types of funds and reduce property taxes, maybe we would all be less burdened and we could move on to educating our kids as only they deserve.

i would like the anti-ed members of the boards to think about this. If you went to work every day and you knew there were 100s maybe 1000s of people who thought you were doing a lousy job----if you went to work every day and you looked at the building you worked in and it was not in very good condition---if you went to work every day knowing that there were people out there who did not want you to ever get a raise----if you went to work every day trying to produce a product that you would be proud of but you were not given the tools to produce that product---if you went to work every day knowing that you took work home with you each night and on weekends and everyone thought you were a slacker because you get summers off (which many Europeans get, by the way)----how would you feel? Would you feel like getting up in the morning? Would you be excited to go to work? Would you feel good about yourself? Would you be upset, perhaps angry at times? Yes you would. No one can work under these types of conditions for a long time without getting pretty down. Think about this when you see a teacher or a student at MRSD. I wonder if your heart will ache or if you will be snickering inside.

another alum
7/31/2008 3:54:45 PM
Well the Sentinel tonight tells us that the little angry man from Swanzey, Dick Bauries is at it again.Thanks Dick and the rest of the MTA.This is the guy that was quoted as saying "we OWN the voters". Maybe he's right.

Monadnock taxpayer
7/21/2008 11:26:54 PM
Dear wakeup;
Well, it seems Mr. P from Richmond is still a hater, after all Jim and Mary Carnie did for him. Tell the readers of this blog of all the meals the Center provided you after your dog went crazy and injured you so badly. Almost lost your thumb I heard. Tell the readers about the certificates that Mrs. Carnie donated to the Methodist Church auction. And how many certificates she donated to the phony Rural Preservation Committee fund raiser. You and your hateful group are the cause for all the problems. Should the Store refuse to hang the Fire Department banner also? Should Brian stay up all night manning a generator to keep the pumps running and the store open during a severe storm/power outage? What deli supplied the sandwiches and soda etc during your last anti- RBBFF demonstration? You are no brighter than you were before your dog attacked you. Your last post had nothing to do with the schools, nor does it add to the discussion. It is just your vile hatred spewing out over the internet. It’s the anger and frustration of an aging old man. See "Is the Internet dumbing down Americans?". It sure hasn’t made you any brighter. You are accusing the Center and the Store of things you cannot even spell (Semitism, Semite)

Suggestion, don’t donate to the Rural Preservation Committee. The group that has now cost the Town of Richmond upwards of 65,000 dollars in their hate filled attack on the Catholic Church. Who are they you ask? Well they are current and retired teachers with fat paychecks and pensions to waste, (none from Monadnock) dentists and construction company owners. Sounds ok right? Fair you might say, but who are they really funded by? They are funded by the Southern Poverty Law Center, a deep pockets money grubbing hate group in and of themselves. See http://www.discoverthenetworks.org/groupProfile.asp?grpid=6989 and http://www.discoverthenetworks.org/Articles/Southern%20Poverty%20Law%20Center%20Pushes.html .You and your group care about nothing but yourselves and the contaminating of our society. Leave the Town of Richmond alone. Leave the citizens that are your neighbors, and that have served the Town and the School District well (for many years I might add) until you and your kind moved here, alone. Never forget that your ‘golden boys’ lost by a far greater margin than that of the Center voters.

If the MTA published their list of members/supporters it would blow you away. Why, you might find that they were sincere hard working taxpayers quite unlike your group. Maybe if you approached the MTA with a deal to disclose all of RPC’s funding and monies spent they would show you their members list. Oh, did you notice that the MTA is legally registered with the State? Is the RPC?? Why aren’t they I wonder?

Please leave Richmond, MRSD and this Blog alone until you can offer something constructive, not your usual fare of nonsense and hatred.

wake up!
7/16/2008 2:54:06 PM
Stop supporting those who don't support our public schools. Don't pick Richmond Blueberries because they are owned by JC. Don't hire DC to do chimney work for you. Don't buy food at Blueberry Fields because they sponsor the Blueberry Fiddle Festival that supports the anti-semite group in Richmond called the Saint Benedict Center. Don't donate to the "nuns" who beg for money because your money will support them and they vote down ANYTHING that does not benefit them directly. Don't go to the 4 Corners store in Richmond because they don't think there is a problem hanging the Blueberry Festival banner in the front of the store. Obviously they don't know the meaning of anti-semitism, anti- public education, or Holocaust denial.BEWARE of all those who turn a blind eye to these groups. (oh but maybe they are afraid to lose their business-I guess that is more important than the moral value of fighting against those who are trying to ruin our schools and re-write history) Their children and their businesses WILL suffer one day as a result. Don't remain ignorant. Go to meetings, read your local papers, do your homework. Organize. Be a voice for the kids. Stop supporting those who don't support our children. Make an impact before it is too late. Ignorance is not acceptable.

Anonymous
7/2/2008 10:09:26 AM
These people make me sick! The MTA will not publish a list of the membership, but want you to trust what they say as gospel …”you can trust me I’m not like the others” or “I’m passionate about education I’m just against waste”. If they would just say “I don’t want my taxes to go up” I would have some respect for them. Carnie and Moriarity are pseudo intellectuals who never had a problem with unions, benefits or retirement when it related to them. Property values are dropping like a stone and it would appear the voters just don’t care.

thanks!!
6/19/2008 9:04:52 AM
A great huge thank you to the MTA for making such a mess. My taxes are going to be huge because of you. The entire board, and administration need to step down! This is BS for my children and for my taxes!

This is what happens when you get your own pockets lined! You cannot adaquately take care of our district...

Former Resident
6/18/2008 3:38:38 PM
To the prospective resident "Sad Situation":
It is perhaps one of the greatest travesties in the area, and teachers are currently working (again) without a contract and justifiably walking away. Property taxes are prohibitively high and just don't allow a regular family to get ahead, and they want more from residents.

Best case scenario: The trailer park that is currently MRHS is minimally maintained, stays overcrowded and taxes still get higher.

Worst case: A new school run by and paid for by the same people who can't fix this ancient problem.

To Sue: There isn't a tour on the planet that could make MRHS look like a viable taxpayer burden... I recommend you take the tour yourself.

This debacle (tax/school) is the primary reason we moved from the area and we almost didn't sell because of this very issue...

I recommend you move to Keene. Excellent academics and athletics, similar tax burdens, and good leadership on the SAU level.

anonymous
6/18/2008 12:31:29 PM
Today's paper-new schools will cost $50 million plus
look at this year's tax bill and double it
if they had built it years ago instead of constantly putting band aids on it it would have probably been half
Thank you Mondadnock Taxpayers Association

Sue
6/17/2008 11:49:01 PM
This is to "Sad Situation". I don't think that moving to the Monadnock area is a bad thing. There are a lot of great things happening. I find it amazing that people are constantly talking about the negatives but not taking the time to find out or listen about the good things. I don't see many residents at the School Board meeetings. These meetings are an opportunity to ask questions and find out what is going on. Do they run on and on - yes they do sometimes; however, there are two public comments times available. Please stop by your local schools. Ask for a tour, hear about what is needed or what are some of the fantastic things going on. Volunteer at your local school. I know that the principals would be happy to share their goals and visions for each of their schools. There are great programs at the high school. Mr. Pickering the new principal is doing a lot of great steps on moving the high school in the right direction. It is also interesting about what the realtor said when I have run into people who moved to the Monadnock Regional School district because they don't want their children to go to Keene. So you are going to get both responses. Visit the schools, ask questions and then decide if you made the right decision to move into the Monadnock School District.

Sad Situation
6/16/2008 3:00:40 PM
I am in the process of moving to the Monadnock region and asked a local realtor if Swanzey would be a good town to purchase a home. I was told "It's a good town to move to if you don't have children going to the public schools. The education system is suffering due to lack of funds" I don't have children to be educated but it makes me wonder why the kids are being failed by their teachers, town, and parents! I'm second guessing my move.

Parent of Graduating Senior
6/14/2008 8:26:13 AM
We have a senior graduating today and we can only hope graduation does not turn into a political statement for the teachers it is not the time or the place. Congratulations to all the seniors. Good luck and to the teachers communication, not demonstration.

MRHS Student
5/31/2008 2:10:04 PM
To Everyone:

How about instead of just making claims such as:

"The TV's were paid for by a grant"
or
"The TV's were paid for by the taxpayers money"

YOU provide the data to back it up, such as finding the exact date that Joe Smith went to the school board and asked for permission, and then putting a link to the minutes.

WE need to stop just making accusations and claims, things such as:

"Do away with the MTA"
or
"Do away with Kids first"

WE need to focus on the larger issue. If WE don't start doing that and continue to bicker between ourselves nothing will happen except tempers flaring. What we need is a discussion not an argument. So I urge you that if you are just going to post something such as what I have mentioned above than you should stop because those won't solve anything. We need to solve these problems not add to them the way we are right now.

Dave

The Outsider
5/28/2008 2:19:53 PM
I thought that the "big dig" in Boston was deep, expensive and filled with peril. Well, it was all of that and more, but now we have our own big dig occurring right here in Cheshire County. Our local hole regards the future of the Monadnock Regional High School facility, the impending loss of the district's accreditation, its disappearing teaching staff and the money being wasted in the name of saving money. All of those issues combined will inevitably drag the value of land and homes in those towns that comprise the MRHS district into a financial abyss. Please step in the door and push the down button. Well, perhaps you don't have to, somebody has already pushed it for you.

another alum
5/27/2008 12:04:18 PM
Hey... One more victory for the tax payers
association....another science teaches has found a better place to work....

Swanzey Taxpayer
5/19/2008 3:35:18 PM
Well, sounds like Joe Smith is the answer to all of the problems - if he can get the school board to approve TVs, then maybe, just maybe he can get this school, teachers, committees, etc. all fixed and back on track again - MAYBE even make the building look like an actual school instead of a piece of crap! Oh yeah - just how is it that money goes to an architectual firm in CONNECTICUT and not our own state - just how does this happen?????

hereiam
5/16/2008 12:05:58 PM
Here I am, paying taxes in swanzey, and my tax money is getting spent very unwisely. Televisions? you got to be shitting me? You would rather have 4 or 5 large screen tv's placed in the cafe, but have the rest of the place looking like a damn dump. Shame on you!
Shame, Shame, Shame on you.

An outsider's view
5/15/2008 1:45:26 PM
As someone from outside the SAU 38 school district, I don't have a dog in this fight, so allow me to draw an analogy regarding my opinion of the ongoing debate in this forum and elsewhere. Without knowing who is right or wrong, but suspecting that the reality lies somewhere in the middle, as it regards the assertions being made, what is evident to me is the fact that your "Rome is burning" and all that the voters in the district seem capable of doing is to chastise the school board, the taxpayers group and individuals who have and share differing opinions than yours. In other words, you are "fiddling around" and wasting time and money while you do nothing.

Swanzey Taxpayer
5/14/2008 3:54:01 PM
To Truth: Who approves such spending??

not finding
4/18/2008 10:10:53 AM
Do away with the MTA!

Taxpayer
4/17/2008 12:56:40 PM
To Anonymous
4/17/2008

AMEN.

Anonymous
4/17/2008 12:20:39 AM
Some things to think about:

Say what you will about the MTA's tactics - Green sheets that distort district issues and costs, Questions and bluster at school district and board meetings that seek to erode the public's faith in the administration's proposals and credibility...

Yet they consistently out-organize those who would like to move the district forward. The current stalemates are unlikely to change until the KidsFirst crowd and the administration can give the disgusted and ambivalent voters who would like to see the school move forward but fear waste some real transparency and honest frame of reference for decision making. We've seen some honest efforts at that over the years to be sure, but I think it's going to take some superior leadership to build an honest frame of reference, much less a consensus in this community. I'm curious to see what some third parties at the Sentinel, Keene State, or Antioch could do to help us out in that regard.

Somehow the MTA has convinced a lot of voters around here that teachers should be content to work for salaries and benefit packages that are significantly inferior to what teachers can earn if they drive 30-60 minutes to the South, East, or West. They frame this as though it's the union and the administration's moral duty. But is this realistic? We have some families in the region that are in pretty dire straits, yet remain determined to raise a family on a single-parent, $22K income without asking for help. Can we account for them and still move a school forward?

I like the idea of some public forums - In some ways that's what the Sentinel is trying to provide here. But as I see it a lot of what our community is longing for is to see some leadership/moderation in place to vet the accuracy of the information being presented and called into question on the green sheets and at meetings. More facts, less debate. I'd love to see the Sentinel dig in and call some of the distortions floating out there to the carpet - rather than simply running opposing blurbs from the Board and their opponents.

Without this kind of moderation, folks fall all too quickly into the kind of negative insinuations we saw earlier on this page about whether our supposedly less than trustworthy school administration may have absconded with funds raised for the gym floor.

Swanzey Taxpayer
4/16/2008 4:58:38 PM
I agree with Elaine Moriarty to have an open forum. It should be at the High School so we can all get a good look!

Sage
4/16/2008 4:11:38 PM
We hold our principals, teachers, and administrators to a higher standard. We have zero tolerance for students, in our schools, for cheating, bullying, and lying yet these same people have no problem in cheating and working the system to their advantage. What is the message that they are sending our children? What is the message that they are sending the good folks who pay their taxes and send their kids to these schools? What is the message that they are sending the honest,hardworking administrators and teachers who play by the rules? We all look like fools and its clear that the rules apply to some and not to others.

Kathryn Schnyer
4/16/2008 10:44:08 AM
As a MRSD resident, taxpayer, parent, and employee of NH SAU#38, I am going to watch NHPTV on Wed. 4/16, 9pm for the airing of "Communities and Consequences", "a provocative new documentary about New Hampshire's aging demographic. In a series of interviews conducted in communities across the state, demographer Peter Francese explores the effects of local decision-making on the NH Economy. The out-migration of young people and in-migration of older adults is one of the consequences of these decisions."

Perhaps by watching this, we all can learn more about the mindset of different groups of people in our region and state, why they vote and think the way they do, and what needs to be done to encourage people to think about the long-term consequences of their decisions and the effect on their own communities and schools.

give me a break
4/16/2008 9:31:09 AM
To Elaine Moriarty: You do have an excellent idea and I applaud it. BUT, the first person who needs to read and re-read your comment is your husband. He is the epitome of disrespectful in a public forum. He finger points and is a bully. He needs to treat people who disagree with him with maturity without being arrogant and condescending. Maybe you have blinders on, Mrs. Moriarty. Have you been to any meetings where your husband speaks? If not, you need to start attending these meetings. You will want to crawl in a hole with embarrassment.

taxpayer
4/15/2008 9:12:29 PM
Mr. Schmidt;
Thank you for your input. I must correct you on your first two points. First I didn’t accuse Mr. Hale of being drunk; I merely asked him what he meant by his direct quote taken from his Blog, www.morecoffeeplease.com. It was admittedly confusing to the lay man out in the public. As for his theft of services from his employer; see Mr. Hales Blog, March 21st, 2008, and I quote, “Well, it’s Friday, and it’s my birthday, and I’m stuck at job #2 when I ought to be at Good Friday services, so a blog seems to be in order. But what to say, what to say?” He said he was Blogging from work not me. You are right, as an employer, I would fire him or anyone else that spent their (my) time Blogging and playing on my computer on my dime. I also notice that you neither corrected nor even made comment about anything regarding the dishonest pillaging of the retirement fund. Remember that fund is also the same State Retirement Fund that the State Employees draw from. (Except State Police)
I am not sure what anyone’s extracurricular affiliations have to do with this discussion. How many groups do you and Mr. Hale belong to? Are you willing to disclose any and all affiliations that you have? Are they relevant? I am a member of the VFW and a former member of the National Hot Rod Assoc. Does that affect my credibility in discussions regarding education of my, and the districts children? What in your post added anything to the debate other than ridiculing me, whom by your own admission, you don’t even know? As for your comment, “If you have the wisdom to see that it CAN be done, shouldn't you also share your wisdom of how it SHOULD be done?”
How do you know that I don’t actively participate? Do you and Mr. Hale attend Board meetings? Since you are a good friend of his perhaps you can answer this, how could a teacher at mc2 be so privy to the numbers at MRHS. Shouldn’t the voters be told this, not by rumor or innuendo but, by the School Board? Good communication is a two way street.
I assume, based on previous posts and your quote, you agree that “Everything stated about how the MTA and its supporters are poisoning the public debate is, of course, opinion” means that it was character assassination and not constructive criticism.
As for publishing my name I think I will wait, as did Mr. Hale, for a while until you, he and the gentleman from Richmond start working positively and not denouncing, demeaning and criticizing the people that chose not to ‘go along’ with the School Board and voted other than your wishes.
I sincerely hope we can now “start discussing what we, as a community, can do to improve the education our children...” I am hoping that you and others will now start being positive. Constructive input and debate does not include bad mouthing the voters of the district or printing innuendo. Remember Mr. Hales comment about working toward a solution and presenting facts not character assassinations against groups or individuals.

Two ideas that would save money and assure a better education for our children, one; hire a couple of security guards, one male and one female, to monitor the halls and restrooms. I suggest that would be cheaper than constantly replacing the fixtures in the facility. It would perhaps cut down on the destruction of the ceiling tiles removed so the students can hide contraband. Two; have random drive by’s by police to prevent students from leaving school grounds during the day and wandering up to the store.
Thanks again.

Elaine Moriarty
4/15/2008 4:46:10 PM
A possible solution to address the Monadnock Regional School District problems is to hold an open forum for all the taxpayers and teachers. A reasonable discussion with no finger pointing and the ability to compromise, so as to strike a balance, with all sides listened to and treated with respect.

encouraged
4/14/2008 8:15:49 PM
Thank you Gym Floor,
Finally, someone that actually wants to do something positive for a change! As I understand it the money is already available for both the floor and the roof. Maybe the floor boards could be sold off to provide additional monies for basketball equipment and new uniforms. Everyone knows the team deserves something for their performance this year. Maybe the proceeds could be used for other sports equipment or a little extra care of the new floor.
Blaming the MTA for something they brought to the administrations attention two years ago is not productive. Had the administration acted when they were first made aware of the issue we wouldn't be talking about it today.
As Mr., Hale stated, he doesn’t want to blame he wants to work to fix things. Quite unlike the gentleman from Richmond that wants to ‘do away’ with the MTA. I say 'do away' with people that have his attitude!

Nathan Schmidt
4/14/2008 5:56:53 PM
Taxpayer:

Thank you for encouraging others to participate in the process of finding solutions to the situation at MRHS! I'm slightly confused about an approach that starts by accusing a teacher of being drunk and fighting a hangover during the school day - he had the flu - and theft of his employer's time at a second job. I am encouraged to know you have already passed judgment and would have no hesitation about firing him. Clearly, you are a wonderful example of someone who likes to work with "facts" to make the community a better place. Thank you for showing us how that can be done in a public forum without resorting to such low tactics as character assassination.

Oh, and the "fact" referred to about the MTA, which you seem to have forgotten in this thread, was Dan Connell's undisclosed membership in the Alliance for the Separation of School and State. Would you explain why an affiliation with a group that supports ending public education should not be a concern to parents with children in the public school
system?

As far as the MTA is concerned: I admit, the idea of a few mavericks working to improve the quality of education makes a good story, but can you point to how that's being done specifically? You know, beyond just saying "No - you can provide an adequate education for less money than that." If you have the wisdom to see that it CAN be done, shouldn't you also share your wisdom of how it SHOULD be done?

Everything stated about how the MTA and its supporters are poisoning the public debate is, of course, opinion. Fortunately, by adding your voice here, members of the Monadnock community can decide for themselves whether that opinion is justified.

I would also like to encourage you to publish under your own name! Rob Hale has been courageous in publishing opinions that challenge not only the MTA's conclusions, but also rusty concepts within our current system of public education. Anyone who thinks teachers are not dedicated to improving public education needs to spend a few minutes (or longer) reading his blog. He has been a strong voice for school change. If he has the guts to put his name to his convictions, shouldn't you do the same?

Now, can we start discussing what we, as a community, can do to improve the education our children need to compete in a global, high-tech economy - and a fair price to pay for that education? And leave the boxing gloves at home, please!

Full disclosure: I'm a friend of Rob Hale's, work in the technology field, and provide server space for his blog, http://www.morecoffeeplease.com .

do away
4/14/2008 12:25:07 PM
DO AWAY WITH THE MTA!!!

Feel bad for residents
4/13/2008 6:09:14 PM
"If you don't know that the Keene is not part of the Monadnock School District, you should move from the area"

I am well aware, however my point is the whole friggin place is terrible with money.. Particularly Keene... The whole region has a sort of "welfare theme" to it, and aside from the cities over zelous attempt to make this look like a charming NE town all you have to do is go past main street to see how run down and poor the town appears... That theme's fingers are far stretching throughout the region

to Mrs Kuhn
4/11/2008 1:12:05 PM
The school really doesn't "need" a new gym floor, does it? It looks more like it's just dirty, rather than in bad shape. Your a teacher that teaches there, so what are your thoughts on the condition of the school? The auditorium is starting to look "ghetto like" chairs missing, the stage falling apart, and some of the bathrooms are in dispair. Who funded all of the large screen lcds? I hope that the students raised that money. Anyhow, I hope you get your contracts, because as a parent of a student who goes to monadnock, it's a shame to see no one really stepping up and supporting the repairs, and or a new school. It's all about money. So sad...what are we really teaching our children. Good luck to you and Gerald.

Swanzey Taxpayer
4/11/2008 11:26:19 AM
To Mama K - Thank you very much for the update. I am sorry for the position you and your husband are in at this time. I truly hope this all works out. I myself have not had a raise in almost 3 years, but I really like my job and the people I work with, so I have chosen to stay where I am. Sure is nice to get a pat on the back now and then, so I hear you!

even sadder from richmond
4/10/2008 5:27:22 PM
To Step up;
Remember Russ, the Swanzey School District is the collective of the voters. (Democracy not Theocracy). The voters guide the district, at least which is the way it is supposed to be. The shame is not that the MTA exists; it exists because there is a need for it. When it is no longer needed it will slowly go away. The shame is that there are a few people that refuse to accept things as they are and work to change them. Instead of working together you want to “Boycott the Four Corners Store, the Richmond Blueberry Festival, Richmond Blueberries and Chimney Cricket Sweep.” How does that help the teachers, the children or the district? Perhaps a notable quote from ‘Jiminy Cricket’ is in order here; “If you can’t say something good about someone, don’t say anything at all.”
God Bless.

even sadder
4/9/2008 8:15:16 PM
To Anonymous,
4/9/2008
don't forget Dan (Chimney Cricket) Connell.
3/30/2008
Dan Connell of Richmond is a charter member of the MTA and is also a member of the Alliance for the Seperation (Separation) of School and State www.schoolandstate.org
Platform:
1. If you have children in public schools remove them and employee (employ) some form of independent schooling
2. (H)help someone else remove a child from public education
3. (H)help spread the message of "freedom" in education
(Y)you can see from this site that their main goal is to do away with public education
3/28/2008
Do you support the Monadnock Taxpayers Association?
If you patrontize (patronize) the following you do:
Jim Carney of Richmond owns Richmond Blueberries a pick your own blueberry farm in Richmond
Dan Connell of Richmond owns the Chimney Cricket Sweep
3/26/2008
Great news! For the 5th, yes 5th, year in a row New Hampshire has been voted the MOST LIVABLE STATE IN THE COUNTY. The sad news, (, not necessary) is the members of the Monadnock Taxpayers Association still think that we are overtaxed and the public schools should be eliminated.

Come on Mr. P. Stop with your sad lament. Give it a rest. It is the same old saw. With the vote tally almost 2 – 1 in favor of Mr.’s Carney and Moriarty’s elections you’re just preaching hate and discontent yet again. You malign your next door neighbor and other good people that happen to believe that better education can be arrived at through better spending not more spending. It is obvious that this blog has near run its course because people like you are into character assassination instead of a genuine solution. I am sorry your candidates lost, move on. Try again in three years. In the meantime, attend School Board meetings and participate in the process. Please stop crying and running down good honest people that have the courage and conviction to run for office and the people that voted for them. Maybe we won the Most Livable State because of people like Neil, Jim, Dan and others in the region. Don’t forget that; “The rankings are based on 44 factors including... taxes ... and education.” They must be doing something right.

Former Swanzey Resident
4/8/2008 8:52:10 PM
My son has been out of MRHS for almost ten years now. I remember when he worked at MRHS as a janitor for a few summers.He came home one of those summers and told us that he had spent the day "hiding" items in a room. When we asked why it was to be hidden, he told us, "because the budget committee is coming to the school and the administration doesn't want them to know what they spent the money on".

Also, I remember two incidences during his time there where teachers had lectured the kids in class about the issues being voted on. Another time, he had been called to the gym to listen to a lecture about the issues and the "right" way to vote.

After living there for 20 years, we moved out-of-state. The school and town politics got tiring and the property taxes were outrageous.

RJH
4/7/2008 6:52:20 PM
Thanks "anonymous"! I'll send a copy to the Richmond Rooster as well. I'd be interested to see if they publish it. The letter was actually a repost of a piece on my blog: www.morecoffeeplease.com

The real hope is people will start showing up and making their voice heard. The problem in the district is not insurmountable, but it's mirrored on this discussion forum. Has anyone noticed that one person is responsible for about 25% of negative comments?

A loud, vocal minority can do a whole lot of harm if the majority is not on careful watch.

fixit
4/4/2008 11:01:45 PM
fix the school, it is in horrible shape. when I went there, it wasn't anything like it is now. Something smells funny in the district and it's more than just the mold that is probably growing in the ceiling tiles due to the water leaking from the roof. What a shame. The school is not safe.

Swanzey Taxpayer
4/3/2008 2:31:40 PM
I have just come across this website today. Is it true that money was approved for repairing the school's roof and gym floor and it has not been done? If so, why? I see a number of people ask about it, but no one is offering an answer. So, I ask the same???
Also, what happens if nothing is done as far as teacher contracts, school repairs, facing issues and resolving them - what happens??? Does the school close down? Do the students all get divided and sent to other districts for their education?? Who pays the tuition??? Taxpayers?? Does it cost just as much (maybe more) then what we pay now??
These are my questions because it really seems like this is going nowhere.

Sue
4/2/2008 10:25:29 AM
This is in reference to the posting concerning Surry. The School Board did not support the withdraw either way. There was a committee (made up of 1 selectman and 1 School Board member from each town in the Monadnock Region School District and a couple of other people who were voted on)formed concerning the withdraw of Surry. That committee was 50/50 on voting on the plan submitted by the Town of Surry. 8 people were for the plan of Surry withdrawing and 8 people were against the plan. There was information posted as well as Town Selectmen being kept in the loop that everyone's taxes would raise because of this withdraw. If I remember correctly there was even an article in the Keene Sentinel about taxes raising. The voters are the ones that voted to let Surry withdraw. The voters were only of the Monadnock Region School District. The towns of Winchester and Hinsdale did not have any kind of say with Surry withdrawing. However, those towns do have to "pay the price" because the SAU 38 now covers 4 School Districts instead of 3.

feel bad for nh residents
3/31/2008 2:33:57 PM
I dunno what this town is doing with ANY of the tax payers money.. Not only are your schools suffering terribly the roads are in horrid condition, I can't tell you how many times I had to call the city to request some plowing be done just to drive around to which they informed me they had ONE plow out .. ONE??? Where is the money for the plows? Is it a big surprise that is snows in NH or something? We were not prepared to suddenly see the white stuff flying..

The police are terribly out of date with everything and seem to want to spend more money on one charger(which btw most cities thats a standard issue car along with mustangs yet they seem to think they are soo up to date with one car) you dont' get highspeed chases here so why get the charger? Its a waste of your money, where's money for tasers they claim they can't afford? Yet can get a car, pay to have it painted in Keene standard colors and drive it around and suck up gas, why aren't they up to date more with fingerprinting, timecards are still paper why? They are so out of date with EVERYTHING I'm surprised they can even function. They're sitting in that HUGE building, thats empty paying all that money to heat it, electricity and upkeep and cry they're broke.

The Fire Dept building is crumbling and there is NO REASON why they didn't move in with the police.. their response time will not be hurt thats a load of crud and a half... I came from Fla where FD'S are a good 20 minutes from some of their calls and still made it there within the 4-8 response time.There is no excuse to build a new building, how big do they really think Keene is? its absolutely TINY.. Itsy bitsy to the point of almost insignificant. The ENTIRE city of Keene would have fit just into my one neighborhood alone.. I'd be peeved if I was a resident of Keene (moving out of here asap as it was a mistake to move here in the first place!!)) Your tax money is seriously going down the drain not only for your schools but everywhere else.. Its a sad sad little place really. You guys really need to step up and do something about it asap!Or you can just keep dishin out the dollars to make main street look pretty so everyone can think what a charming little town this is while your kids futures suffer

anonymous
3/28/2008 8:34:22 PM
Do you support the Monadnock Taxpayers Association?
If you patrontize the following you do:

Jim Carney of Richmond owns Richmond Blueberries a pick your own blueberry farm in Richmond
Dan Connell of Richmond owns the Chimney Cricket Sweep

sad reality
3/28/2008 1:28:55 PM
yes, it is the monadnock taxpayers association that has helped in the demise of the mrsd. these people, some of whom are actually on the boards, have been trained to do the things they do. they know just how to pose a question, coin a phrase, make a statement that results in a loss for the district and a win for them. they know how to stall at meetings, to nit pick about everything to the point that nothing can get accomplished. they have spent lots of our money in litigation over the years and recently and yet they don't want to give a dime more to the teachers who have our futures in their hands.
this is the very sad reality.
if you are board member who is a member of the mta, you are working, not for the children, but for your own pocket books. you cry poverty on your fixed incomes. well, when i am on a fixed income here in the monadnock region, i just hope there are doctors to care for me, firemen to fight fires, teachers to teach my grankids, auto mechanics to fix my vehicle. i'm worried we will have little left when the school goes to heck in a handbasket becaus you cannot see beyond your next meal.

dump
3/27/2008 9:16:49 PM
the school is a dump. buckets with hoses coming out of the ceiling to catch the water from the leaky roofs. ceiling tiles broke and covered with plastic, bathrooms are in dispair. Unbeleivable. You want your children going there? Swanzey? Someone? Is anybody out there? You can put 5 Big screen lcd tv's in the Cafeteria, but you can't put that money somewhere necessary? Someone isn't doing their job. Something smells funny. Somebody's probably putting money in their own pockets. Screw the school. It's a sad world we live in. Monadnock is a Dump.

thinker
3/26/2008 7:14:19 PM
Some students and their folks most likely feel the same way about Teacher's Wife/Student's Mom's husband's skills in the classroom. The thing is that it is so very difficult to know. Each student responds differently to different instruction. Don't think for a second that you might be able to pat your husband's back while smearing another.

Teacher's Wife/Student's Mom
3/25/2008 10:39:54 PM
The insurance buy-out might be good for the district, but if it's a deal breaker, get rid of it. In this day and age doubling up on insurance for your family is preferable as far as I'm concerned.

The "evergreen clause"... If the voters have a problem providing even the most basic security to the teachers fine- take out the no strike clause- one or the other.

Had the contract passed this year my husband, who has worked for you for 8 years, would have received a net gain of $400 next year.

Rumor has it that one of the teacher's in my son's school put in for early retirement. When I heard that the MTPA was opposing the measure because it didn't go far enough I cheered and sent up a prayer that early retirement wouldn't be cancelled until that particular, excessively incompetent teacher got out of our school... Thank you to the voters for answering that prayer!

newgym?
3/24/2008 12:52:49 PM
the money for the floor is probably gone into the pockets of the dishonest...

I'm for the kids, too
3/24/2008 12:23:40 PM
The posting from "I'm for the kids" shows how negativity rules within the district. Blaming the MTPA for all of the the district's problems is a sign of someone who doesn't want to see the truth. The district is to be blamed for their own problems. The Taxpayer's Association just does a really good job of pointing out and publicizing the problems, past mistakes and issues that still exist today. The district needs to face those problems, admit them, and start working on them. I am not a member of the taxpayer's association, but I do remember seeing several of them working side-by-side parent volunteers last fall when the Mt. Caesar playground was built. One of them, Mr. Bauries, helped with food for the volunteers. These people are not anti-education, but they are fiscally conservative and yes, they want to squeeze every last cent from a dollar.
Building the playground last fall showed how a small group of mostly parents, a few teachers and a principal and her hard-working husband were able to fund raise, plan and execute the construction of the playground. This was done all with volunteers. The feelings of cameraderie, good will, and accomplishment were rampant that day. The Middle School Honor Society students and their advisor, Mr. Paone, came over to help with the project and they put their heart and soul in to the job. There were several members of the budget committee there, maybe 1-2 school board members? This wasn't a project left for the maintenance staff to build.
The playground project brought back a sense of community, something that has been missing. Maybe more chances of really bringing people together to work towards a common cause will help the district. Start with small projects, and go from there. I wish I had the answers. The starting point is to take off the blinders.

Huh?
3/24/2008 10:15:59 AM
To Anonymous:

How does the "4 players were homeschooled" fit into this at all? Poor argument.

2nd, federal law will prohibit the privitization of all of the schools in NH. I love it when people who do not know HOW education works, make suggestions for changes in education. If you really want to know where the money pit in education lies, look at your districs special education spending. When you compare the $ spent on special education in comparison to non-special ed, it is at a 2:1 ratio. For every dollar spent on a non-special education student, 2 dollars is spent on a special education student.

The bootom line at Monadnock is the community has not made the school, the teachers, or their kids a priority. If they had, the building would not be in disrepair, you would not be in danger of losing your accredidation, and your teachers would have a contract. But no, you have insisted on not dealing with the issues when you should have.

Parent...
3/22/2008 6:16:35 PM
Pretty self explainitory who is to blame...the School District themselves....they are the ones who need to smarten up..or fire them all and find people that now how to do the job and do it right to take care of our kids futures!!!

Concerned and scared
3/22/2008 7:11:06 AM
I have read through the many comments and I feel this forum is a great opportunity for parents and alums to address issues that they feel strongly about, but have, until now, had no outlet for. There are many, many parents in this district who want to be more involved in their child's education and the educational experience. Unfortunately, holding an impromptu (meaning, less than a week's notice) community meeting at the high school at 2:30pm in the afternoon means the majority of parents are not going to attend. Why? They are at work until 4:30, 5:00, 6:00pm. Only stay-at-home parents, graveyard shift workers, salaried professionals who can make their own schedule and do not need to get backup coverage during their absence and perhaps teachers can attend a meeting at 2:30pm. So let's start with that. Another reason why parents won't show up to that kind of thing is that their children will absolutely die of embarassment if the parent has something less than stellar to say about the staff. If the parent(s) have the gumption to speak their minds, they generally feel the backlash of hostility throughout the school until their child graduates (if they graduate). I have heard parents complaining for the past five years about teachers at MRHS who do not call them back or return e-mails regarding their child. Three calls and no return call until the parent has to go to the principal to complain? This is unacceptable and does not warrant a raise. Yes, teachers have lives. However, they profess to working countless hours at home and before & after school. So why can't phone calls be returned? Oh, could it be work-to-rule? No, because this was happening while there was a contract in place as well. You know, most parents do realize that their child is not perfect. Most parents, making that first call, want to know what they can do at home, or do differently, to help their child succeed. Perhaps the call is to let the teacher know of an issue the student has had in the past, so they are more aware of problems that may crop up. Most parents would like to believe they are part of a team, along with the teachers, in the educational process. This can't happen if there is no communication back and forth. And when the teacher lets it get to that point, they have earned the hostility of the parent(s). I am not speaking for all teachers. I know teachers who should get paid double or triple their salary. But the union has put everyone on an equal playing field where unfortunately for our children, the quality of the teachers is not equal. And too many parents, current students, graduates and drop-outs know it. Ask them if they voted or how they voted. If they have kids in the school, they won't tell you the truth because they will fear for their child's remaining years in the building. Yes, kids and parents do get singled out by staff and administrators. For the most part, the school does not seem to really want parents involved in education, unless it is to volunteer with a club or a team. Sure, come to the games, come to the performances. See the yucky auditorium and the gym floor that is so bad no wonder the boys basketball team won the state championship. But don't really delve into the quality of education. Don't get upset about the NECAP test scores and the school having the lowest results in the region. "Because it's only one test". If it's only one test, what are these other schools teaching their kids that is not getting through to the kids at MRHS? To care? That the test matters? Way too many teachers and administrators have complained about No Child Left Behind. Is it because they are being forced to do something different in their schedules in order to prove that their teaching is competent, so that "proficient" scores can be achieved?
I am glad to see the outpouring of emotion from the students over the contract issue. What the students need to know, though, is that there have been problems building for years. Problems that have been discussed at the principal and superintendent level. Problems that have been swept under the carpet. The majority of the voting public (and perhaps the nonvoters? I cannot speak for them) in our region does not trust the school board or the administration. Perhaps they do not trust the teachers based on their own or their child's educational experience? It's impossible to vote YES on a contract if your child has only really had two teachers in a 12 year experience who have made a difference in his or her life. Maybe it is time for the teachers to dissolve the union or for the union to come up with a pay system based on proven merit?

newteacher
3/22/2008 2:37:52 AM
MRHS Graduate makes many thoughtful points. I would however point out that Monadnock as well as surrounding districts have hosted many fine beginning teachers as well as student teachers. I wonder what they must think when they ask themselves if this is the career they want to dedicate themselves to. Other than a year or two to build some fluff into a resume, you'd have to be a fool to accept a teaching position in a district like that.

MRHS Graduate
3/21/2008 10:31:10 AM
All this blog seems to accomplish is giving a place for people to blame other people, and a place for people to attack others spelling mistakes. If we don’t work to solve the problems, then all the future students and leaders won’t know how to spell at all, let alone make one simple mistake here and there.

As an alumni of Monadnock, I can say that I feel that I received one of the best educations I could get from the people in that building. But if you don’t provide the proper space to work in, then it’s just not going to happen. Think of a flower, if you don’t give it dirt and a pot, it’s not going to grow, it’s going to stay a seed. Do we want our future to stay as seeds for the rest of their lives, and that will only prompt them to not care about their future children’s education

I have watched the building fall apart more and more every year. If you lived in a house that looked like that, no one would want to come over. Some people in the district should go take a walk around the school someday, and see how bad it has become. Almost all the classrooms could be mistaken for research labs, with the elaborate tubing to catch the water from the leaking room.

Would you show up to work every day if you didn’t have a contract? Based on the way we are heading, in the next few years, Monadnock will lose all its good, and experienced teachers. It will become nothing more than a school full of teachers right out of college, who don’t have the experience needed to make the school a better place. Don’t think im saying anything against new teachers but a school needs a balance between new and old teachers, because the new teachers continue to learn from the older ones.

We need to start thinking of more than ourselves. We live in a community, a place where people live together, work together, and support each other. One of the definitions of community is “a fellowship”. We need to learn to work together, and help others. We were all taught the Golden Rule in Kindergarten “Treat other the way you want to be treated” If people don’t begin to treat students the way they want to be treated, then it will reach a point where students will give up on trying, and will decided that their peers, and their elders let them down, and will begin to treat them the same way they feel they were treated, with disrespect.

I applaud the students for finally trying to take action, but I caution them to do it carefully, and be sure that you understand what you are fighting against. Talk to your parents, friends, and teachers, because a person who fights blind, will never win the war.

proed
3/21/2008 8:30:03 AM
A writer to the Sentinel suggested that Swanzey leave the MSD. At first I thought that was a crazy idea, but on second thought maybe it is a great idea. Let's leave, build a new school for our kids. Lets hire the best teachers. Lets give our kids a first class education. Is this a possibility? I would be willing to circulate the petitions. Let Richmond foot the bill for the old school-wonder what that would do for their taxes?

Sales Tax Saves YOU $
3/20/2008 6:57:20 PM
The previous post about a sales tax is correct. IF (and yes it is a big if) the state instituted a 4% or 5% sales tax. I too have a tax bill of over $4000.

I make $63000 per year with a house of 2100 sq ft on 2 acres. With a 4% sales tax I would have to spend $100,000 dollars to pay $4000 in taxes. I stick to a strict budget and spend about $7000 in taxable goods (if we had a sales tax). 4% of 7000 is $280 dollars!!! I would save almost $4000 as my tax bill for 2007 was $4328. PLEASE get a sales tax... Even if I paid half, I could save $2000!

I'm for the kids!!!!!
3/19/2008 6:45:21 PM
There is one organization that is primarily to blame for the problems with the MRSD. That group, headed by 3 arrogant, anti-government, anti-public education individuals from Richmond is the Monadnock Taxpayers Association. The scare tactics used by this group have won over many, including Saint Benedict Center. another group of arrogant, anti-government, anti-public education individuals. Just go back a few years and reflect on the deliberative sessions and you will find a preponderance of the nay sayers were, and still are, from both these groups.
Until the apathetic, the uninformed, the ambivalent, and the uneducated residents of this district find themselves without good physicians, good veterenarians, good store managers, good fire fighters, good retail stores and so forth, there will be no change.
I say the Monadnock Taxpayers Association members are as selfish a bunch as there could ever possibly be. They could care less about our children who deserve an excellent public education. That is because they either homeschool or send their multitudes of children to Saint Benedict Center. They cry poverty, yet pay for private education. They send their nuns all around the region begging for donations for THEIR school. They are not charitable yet want us to be.
Those two groups are the root cause of the problem.

Another Student
3/19/2008 2:33:53 PM
I love how you people are not focusing on the real issue here and are moving on to whos spelling is correct. WE ARE THE ONES SUFFERING. THE STUDENTS. DO YOU THINK YOU PEOPLE WILL BE ABLE TO RETIRE AT 65 if you have a bunch of drop outs and idiots for your future leaders of the world? I THINK NOT. Also 10 to 12 dollars an hour, get real, I am only 16 and I make almost 9 dollars an hour. I think its pathetic how you all are acting like children and we are the ones trying to be heard. I think you all should grow up and really start paying attention, this is why the world is so screwed up. I hate ignorant people.

Emily Lefebvre
3/18/2008 11:08:25 PM
Might i remind everyone below me that this blog was not set up for spelling and grammatical corrections. If anything we should be using it to make monadnock corrections. Can we get back to talking about the school and start takeing this more seriously?

frustrated taxpayer
3/18/2008 6:25:34 PM
To:Reality Check to Taxpayer,
No one is denying that teachers are important individuals and assist parents in raising promising young adults. However it is the mentality of a small portion of teachers that your job as educators is the only job that should be valued or is important enough to be paid a better than fair wage with outstanding benefits which are far superior than most similiarly educated, employed individuals receive. Many of us also work with the public and are exposed to blood born pathogens, viruses, TB, flu, colds and less than ideal air quality on a daily basis. Many of us here in the public also hold jobs that require us to have licenses and be registered to perform our jobs as well as maintaining continuing education hours. Further more why would you spend 80,000 dollars on an education when you should have been fully aware that your average yearly salary would not be able to support that amount of debt. Don't expect the taxpayer to take on the burden for you after all you are as you stated an extremely educated individual as evidence by the degrees you have earned. Like the rest of us learn to live within your means. Again as others on this forum have stated bring us a contract that we can support. Yes, you do deserve modest raises and no one is debating that but you can not gouge the taxpayer. Take on more of the cost of your health insurance sooner. Eliminate the buyout of the health insurance of $2500 and get rid of the evergreen clause. Your contract will then pass. The support staff contract passed with no issue. Take a lesson from them.

SPELL CHECKER
3/18/2008 12:51:20 PM
I am not casting stones on a person's spelling and grammatical ability, but the correct spelling is HYPOCRISY. The definition, according to Webster, is:
"a feigning to be what one is not or to believe what one does not; especially : the false assumption of an appearance of virtue or religion".

Stay In School!
3/17/2008 2:52:13 PM
Quoting unbeleivable
3/16/2008 12:01:40 PM
"After all, You can tell by reading some of these posts here that their parents fought off giving educators a raise as well. Their is so much hipocracy in this forum I will not be a part of it. I am also the one that refused to read what others wrote until I made my first initial mark here, and now I cannot read anymore.
I'm DONE

Hail to our Educators!"

Based on your grammar and ability to spell, I see you were a standout student! I am not a teacher, but I did pass 9th grade English class.

Here is what your post should have looked like:

unbeleivable
3/16/2008 12:01:40 PM
After all, You can tell by reading some of these posts, ("here" does not need to be part of the sentence) that their parents fought off giving educators a raise as well. There (not their) is so much hipocracy in this forum I will not be a part of it. I am also the one that refused to read what others wrote until I made my first (initial is redundant, like a double negative) remark (notmark) here, and now I cannot read anymore.
I'm DONE

Hail to our Educators!

Reality Check to Taxpayer
3/17/2008 10:23:30 AM
To Angry Taxpayer:
3/15/2008 8:31:49 PM
"Then they can get a job in the real world where they make 10.00 to 12.00 per hour and no benefits just like the rest of us, despite their B.S. degrees in Education." Do you have a B.S. in education? If so... why not teach and get the lavish riches you seem to think we get?

"The public and the students deserve teachers that don’t get early retirement buy outs and 100% health benefits." FACT: Teaching is the #1 profession in which physical health is at the greates risk due to contact with 100's of people on a daily basis in a confined area with poor air quality and cold, flu, oh yeah, things like Menengitis... I can't recall the last time I heard of a Menegitis outbreak at an office building!

I am sad to see that you think we should all make 10 or 12 dollars an hour. Don't blame me for 7 years of school to get my B.S. & M.Ed. while going into $80,000 in debt with a $600 mo. student loan payment for the next 22 years in order to provide your kids with an education that you do not value! I pay taxes too! I have a mortgage payment of $1500 mo. plus my utilities, and the $600 per month for my education... I am in the same boat as anyone else... Oh yeah, actually I am not because the State requires I have degree to teach, in which you have to PAY for an education. If you have a degree in education & make $10 per hour, you either stink at teaching which is why you can't get a job, or you are unable to handle the responsibility!

anonymous
3/16/2008 8:27:18 PM
MRSD voters should think about these two issues.

First, New Hampshire's tax structure is solely based on property taxes. We've spent generations crucifying politicians who suggest we take a second look at this formula. Why? Say it costs $100 dollars to run the state, and we only have a property tax, guess how much we're going to pay in property taxes. $100. On the other hand if it costs $100 to run the state and we have other types of taxes in our tax structure, it still costs $100 at the end of the day, but it might be more evenly divided on the shoulders of those that visit, work in, and own property in our State. While our current tax structure may benefit some industries in the State, it clearly puts an extra burden on parts of the population, for example, retired homeowners. Why are we surprised when these same people, who feel like they are carrying such an enormous weight on their shoulders in property taxes, vote a property tax down?

Second, MRSD is made up of many small towns dispersed over a fairly large geographical area. This may lead to a greater amount of the "not my kids" mentality that seems to always weigh against any school funding initiative. It also makes the school district an easy target for the "what are they doing with our money in Swanzey" attitude. The feeling from the small towns that they send their kids "away" to Monadnock highlights a greater problem within the district. The small town taxpayers feel like they are overcharged guests in Swanzey's school district.

Now that I've articulated my opinions on why school budgets in MRSD are so hard to pass, I'd simply add that it's time the voters of the district acknowledge the challenges, stop hiding behind petty excuses, and act like responsible adults. If we act like we don't care, why should we think that our kids will care. We get all excited when we someone talks about giving %110 in a sporting event yet I would bet the kids in our community don't believe that we adults are giving it. Perception means a lot. It's time the adults of MRSD led by example. We should strive to do our best, not what's adequate.

Proud MRHS Alumnus

Student
3/16/2008 3:43:30 PM
We did not skip class, we were sitting in class doing nothing all day. In one of my classes we were throwing cell phones against the wall. You have no idea what goes on in that school, and before you make your ignorant remarks I suggest you educate yourself with the current situation. Before you start pointing fingers, look at the fingers being pointed at you.

another swanzey tax payer
3/16/2008 11:58:50 AM
I am going to make a comment without even reading other comments in the thread. Then, i'll go ahead and read what others have to say, the following posts that proceed this. I pay taxes here in Swanzey, NH. This is something that we all have to pay if we are a resident of swanzey. The taxes cover much necessities that the town of Swanzey needs for improvements, services, welfare, and etc...i'm sure you get the drift. Unfortunately, it's our taxes that have to pay for schoooling and it's teachers. I say it unfortunate, because we are a product of our own environment. If us tax payers don't want to pay for our teachers, then we get what we deserve. If we are not going to pay our educators, then we cannot expect our educators to give quality services to our schools and teachers. The bottom line is that our children suffer, not us adults. So another way of looking at this is that we are basically neglecting the the children. Us adults have already had our education, and by not allowing our great teachers what they should unquestionably be getting, is such a great dis-service to our children. We should be ashamed of ourselves! Our parents did the same thing for us, and i would think we would want better for our children! This is a necessity!!! I feel that it is a TOWN necessity and the town needs to limit other things to put a priority on our children. Now, on the other side, we are getting screwed for fuel and the rising costs of everything else. This is pinching and hurting the middleclass, I know, because I am feeling it. The rich, they can deal with it, and make the appropriate adjustments. Maybe they will have to cut back on the number of times they go out while they are in the Carribean, anyway, they can make it work. The poor, they will just have to rely on our services that us tax payers pay for, the town will help them along.

In the meantime, us middle class, which make up most of our town, will work our asses off with both the mother and father working full-time, working pay check to pay check, trying to get food on the table, keep heat in their homes, paying for two vehicles, borrowing from one bill to pay the next, worrying monthly on making sure their mortgages are going to be paid on time. We have to make great changes in response of the cruch from everything going up in price. It's killing me and my family. I can't afford to have anything more go. My credit has gone sour becaues of borrowing from one bill to make sure my kids have a roof, food, medicine, clothes, and what they need to survive. Boy, I hope I can teach them what's right and I hope they will do better than I. I want better for them. So not to give our educators the necessary tools to do great things for our children is most hipicritcal of all of the parents out their that don't agree with them getting their pay raise. This is our best hope for making our children great and giving them the tools to do better than ourselves. Teachers should be making more than I, the computer engineer. They should be very well reimbursed for giving our young the education that enables the "the sky is the limit" But because most of us seem to be ingorant to the fact that this is the way to go, a sacrifice to better the future, and it's a tax (and burden) on our some of our "uneducated & mostly ignorant" resident base, we as a society will never move forward and allow our children to excel and be top contributing members of our society. This also goes to a large scale, to our state, to our country. That's why Bill Gates, (microsoft) claims that in order for our county to stay a technological contender, we need to hire from outside our country, bring in the foreigners. Because us Americans don't put alot into the education system. We much as rather go and piss on our children and blow us adults up in a no nonsense bull crap war.
It's about time Swanzey and it's residents show that we care about our children and want to give them more tools so they can be what they want to be, whether a doctor, a lawyer, a garbage man, etc, whatever it is, they have the knowledge and power to realize how our education is important, no matter what rat hole of a town they came from, atelast they could know they could change it and not be put on the map like Swanzey and be known of the town that don't care about our children. I'm not a proud Swanzey resident right now, and if I wasn't middle class, didn't ruin my credit just trying to survive, I would probably transfer my children out of the Swanzey school system, but I can't. I'm not wealthy. Let it be known that it is not the teachers by anymeans that have let our children down. IT is EVERY resident of Swanzey that refuses to take that sacrifice for our young.

It's a bunch of crap and the town of Swanzey and the residents should be ashamed of yourselves!

This is coming from a middleclass father of 5, family of 7 that struggle every single waking day, and drying out like a sponge everytime I see something go up in price! I can't stand it at all, and makes me angrier than hell! But, I can make a sacrifice that feels good and vote for the teachers to have a raise. Take some of my money all educators! I know it's going for the best cause of all! It will affect my income into my household. It will take a portion of the food off our table, out of our childrens mouths, but this is teaching my children the very eary lesson of making sacrifices to make yourselves a better person. This is the innocents of sacrifice for a better cause, unfortunately, as we grow older, personal greed looks better than giving, so more and more of us transition to greed, stop giving and sacrificing.
To the people that don't have children and are bitching about why you shouldn't have to pay more because you don't have children in the school system. Don't forget, you don't walk this planet alone, and you two rely on other humans to live. You rely on their services, their expertise to be able to live your quality of life. Them so people you rely on are people that have beat the odds of greed, and through others sacrifices, they have done well for themselves and are returning their debts to society helping people like you. Now you have the gull to bitch and moan about YOUR money, YOUR taxes going up to pay the root of all your success? The educators.

We live in one hell of a turbulent society. It's time Swanzey grows a backbone, stands up and shows that we don't neglect our children, and we take care of our own. Let's not continue to be a rathole of a town that thrives on personal greed. It's our children taking the hit here and I don't want any part of it. I'll stop paying my taxes and write a personal check to a teacher before I continue to contribute to this town and not have some sort of voice on where my money goes. This is sick, and I'm really upset that I had to take TIME off from the table of my children to write this. Money, I can always replace, where time away from my children I cannot.

I'm DONE here. Hail to our educators!

Concerned Teacher
3/16/2008 8:17:07 AM
We hear alot about the taxpayers and that they can''t afford their "rising tax bills". Has anyone stopped to think that the teachers, most of whom live in the area, pay those same taxes! How many other taxpayers have not gotten one raise in 3 years? Teachers haven''t! We still get that same tax bill in July and Decemeber, we pay the same for milk, oil, gas, etc... I hear day in and day out parents of students expecting more and more from teachers. Some teachers need to feed their students breakfast in the morning, some have to make sure their teeth are brushed. Teachers are not only responsible for teaching students but also to take care of their daily needs. These examples are just a few of the jobs teachers do on a daily basis that "taxpayers" don''t see. All they see are the test scores. I have seen a number of students simply fill in the bubbles. Is that a accurate judge of the teaching in the Monadnock District?

A comment was made in Saturdays column about Monadnock having "inexperienced teachers right out of of school". If the teachers and schools continue to not be supported, you can be assured that that is going to continue because no one is going to want to teach in a district, at least for an extented amount of time, if they aren''t supported. Monadnock is going to be a teacher''s stepping stone for bigger and better teaching jobs.

Is that the type of education you want for the future of America? Is that the type of education you want for the person taking care of you in the hospital/nursing home?

John R.
3/16/2008 12:18:14 AM
The "real world"? The "rest of us"? These terms just seem silly.

If you make only 10-12/hr then the problem is you. You don't have any good or service of value to offer anyone. If you did you would make more than 20-24K/year. And if that is all you are making then your tax burden should be minimal unless somehow you own an expensive home on $500/wk. At that level of income you are a member of the working poor.

I live in your so called "real world" yet I make 4 times as much as you with benefits. Why? I offer a service worth more than anything you offer. The demand for my service is high and there is limited supply.

And the point? I am able to offer my service due in large part to the public education I received. Teachers and their union offer a service far more valuable than anything you offer. That's a fact.

If being a teacher is such a good gig where they just rake in the cash, why don't more people go into the profession? Why didn't you? Why is there a shortage of teachers?

Michael Hoefer
3/15/2008 11:02:03 PM
I would encourage all who are interested in supporting education in the MRSD to sign up for the email list at www.kidsfirstmonadnock.com if we organize we can effect change. If Swanzey had 160 more voters it is likely that the Teachers Contract would have passed. If you are extra interested in being involved contact us at info@kidsfirstmonadnock.com.

angry taxpayer
3/15/2008 8:31:49 PM
You are right John, the teachers should use all their sick days, every single one... Then they can get a job in the real world where they make 10.00 to 12.00 per hour and no benefits just like the rest of us, despite their B.S. degrees in Education. They can then whine when they have to pay the ridiculous salaries the whining teachers think they deserve.
The teachers don’t need a better union the taxpayer needs the teachers to be responsible. The public and the students deserve teachers that don’t get early retirement buy outs and 100% health benefits. They need teachers that understand what it means to sacrifice to send the children to school where they act worse then the children they teach. The public deserves teachers that don’t have tenure and are rated on performance, not automatic step raises that do not follow along with their performance.

See what the teachers and their union are really about.
http://www.learn-usa.com/transformation_process/roa018.htm

Ken L
3/15/2008 3:04:33 PM
I am an MRHS graduate, a parent of an MRHS freshman and a taxpayer in Swanzey and I voted in favor of the salary increase for the teachers. It's really pretty simple; teaching is a profession and in today's professional environment the best performers receive the best salaries. What this district has done is convinced the teachers that performance doesn't get them anything in terms of improving their standard of living. NECAP tests are not an accurate gauge of teachers abilities, but the confidence and endorsement of the student body is. The students believe in their faculty and are willing to put forth their best effort for them.
As a reward the voters have once again driven home the point to the bright young teaching staff at Monadnock that they have to move on to ever make teaching a worthwhile career choice. I don't buy into the argument that people can't afford to stay in their homes as it is so they won't vote for school budget increases. As taxpayers living in the community we are responsible for providing our children with the best possible education yet we continue to collectively neglect this responsibility. This is not a private school; it is public education and we are the public.

swanzey taxpayer
3/14/2008 10:12:27 PM
We were very disappointed when we read the comments made by MRHS school board chair Colline Dreyfuss as reported in the Keene Sentinel. Ms. Dreyfuss is out of touch with the people she represents. In our family one of us is currently working without a union contract for last 4 years with no raise of any kind in this period. In that time our health insurance has continued to rise to a current 75/25 split. One of our employers has eliminated the buyout of on our health insurance. We would receive $2000 for not taking health insurance if we could prove that we had health insurance through our spouse. That $2000 would be divided up my the number pay periods. Where I work our insurance has co-pays of $500 if we need to have a nuclear medicine test, or a Cat Scan or a MRI. We pay co-pays on physical therapy visits. I can assure you my office visits are not $5.00 nor are my prescriptions $1.00. My cost of living raise this year was 1.5%. In the past I have gone without a cost of living raise for several years when my employer was struggling. We are all struggling to survive. In my family we have not taken a vacation in 5 years. We have several children in college. We don't rent movies anymore, we don't go out to the movies or out to dinner either. The teachers contract failed due to the evergreen clause, the $2500 insurance buyout, and the time frame for the teachers to accept more of their insurance cost. We do not begrudge the teachers a raise. We did vote yes on the support staff contracts. The teachers who called in sick today should be reprimanded and the union should be sanctioned. The teachers and support staff should not be discussing their contract negotiations in class with the students and from what I have heard from students this had been occuring leading up to the school district voting this past Tuesday and was the hot topic since as well. Politics do not belong in the classroom. Our children have had teachers who went above and beyond and we wish we could give them double or triple their salaries. There are others who don't deserve the salary they make that are there biding their time till retirement. We hope that the district and the teachers union can come up with a contract that the district voters can approve.

Supporter
3/14/2008 9:58:15 PM
Dear "Concerned Parent," it's reprImand, not reprAmand. By the way, it's teacher's, not teacher"s.

John R.
3/14/2008 7:48:04 PM
First to "Concerned Parent" - The irony of you misspelling "reprimanded" when discussing teachers is not lost on me. Thanks for the laugh.

-----

The teachers should continue this practice until they run out of sick days. Half the teachers one day and the other half the next. And I mean every single one in the district. Then they should look for jobs elsewhere and leave. The people who live in your district do not value education. They prefer to be the laughing stock that educates children in trailer homes.

The teachers deserve a better union. The union is weak and fails to utilize the rights they have earned through collective bargaining. When the district pushes them they back down, time and time again. The community no longer deserves your "good faith" actions.

I am not a teacher. I do not live in that district. Neither of those facts are accidents.

Norma Beauregard
3/14/2008 4:55:08 PM
I have a child at MRHS. There is a flu going around that is prevalent at both schools and work places. We are having an unusually high rate of absence where I work due to this. Has anyone considered it could be as simple as that, that people are actually sick? It is a very difficult strain of the flu that pretty much everybody is getting! How many students were sick that day?More than usual?I know of at least one, my child! And I have missed two days of work myself that I had to use 2 of my paid vacation days for to get paid.

Mr. Wonderful
3/14/2008 4:54:21 PM
Good for those teachers!!! I bet that many of all the votes that voted against this contract have recieved AT LEAST one annual raise in the past 3 years. It seems as though people are think that teaching is privilege, they are wrong. It is a job, a critical job of preparing america's future, our children. Like any other job out there, they deserve step increases.

Mimi Rhines
3/14/2008 4:52:08 PM
First off, the students that supported the teachers 5th and 6th period did not skip class. They were supporting the teachers, and we did not get in any trouble for it. It''s ridiculous that our teachers at MRHS don''t have a contract for a third straight year. Living costs are going up, gas prices are going up, and teacher salaries are not going up. Teachers are people also, and they have families to support. All the well-qualified teachers are leaving, if they haven''t already. Just because the building was intact a generation ago doesn''t mean it still is. The "It was good enough for me, it''s good enough for them" attitude is not going to help, because with time comes wearing on MRHS, and sometimes, things just need to be replaced. If we lose our accreditation, property values are going to go down, and you won''t be able to sell your house. The apathetic attitude will continue within our district, and no good will of that.
Myself and my clasmates support the teachers, and we all understand why they weren''t there today. If this happened in any other career there would be striking and alot of anger why is it any different in a job as important as educating the furture. Most districts give their teachers contracts with no questions asked. I am very surprised by the attitude of the voters in this district and upset by their lack of support for their district''s childrens'' education. People need to invest in the future! Although we didn''t really learn much, it was, as our student government president said,"It was a day for the MRHS history books."

Saddened Alum
3/14/2008 4:51:18 PM
As an alum of MRHS, it really saddens me to see how far the school and the district have fallen since the heady days when the school was founded in the early ''60s and everyone was excited to be part of a great new school.

It''s not that there were never disagreements "back in the day", however, it seems that things in the district have devolved into a blood sport of name calling, baseless inuendo, groundless suspicion and character assassination.

There is very little evidence that any of the leadership in the community is looking to find common ground. It''s just an ongoing circular game of gotcha.

The school board cannot be so righteous in its agruments that just spending money is good for education, and the so-called taxpayers group is nothing but a bunch of self-absorbed megalomaniacal obstructionists who have only one arrow in their quiver - "VOTE NO". It might be most helpful if you all took a good look in the mirror, because none of you have changed your tune in years. And in the meantime according to the data neither has the quality of the education that is being delivered in the school district.

Improving educational quality in the MRSD will only happen if everyone, board members, administrators, teachers, self-annoited taxpayer representatives, and community members stop the horse crap and unproductive rhetoric, and decide they want to truly solve the problem - together. There are no silver bullets, and you sure as hell need to start listening to each other, or you''ll all drown in the swill that is now up around your armpits and rising.

Right now to this outsider you all look like a bunch of fools, and the real shame is that the students in your district have got your number.... see some of their comments from today. They seem to understand better than most of you who is doing what to whom.