Thursday, September 16, 2010
We Are Still Very Much Alive & Kicking ~ ~ ~ ~
The very weak threats of a lawsuit did not shut us down or stop us. We are still going very strong and have had a very long 24 hours since the end of the meeting last night. We know the issues and questions we had hoped to draw to didn't get near the attention we had hoped for but it seemed that with the bus issue being such a major focus, it wasn't the time. Good things come to those who wait.....We apologize for the silence today but hopefully our day was well spent and will have many positive implications.
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So does this mean: That you(someone from this site) was there last night? That you will be coming clean about who you are?
ReplyDeleteI can only discuss, possibly join and maybe help you if I know who you are. My loyalty is ultimatley to my kids and the school and not to individuals. So what now? Doowop is not far and the invitation is still open:-)
So can we assume that from your new post, that your group was at the meeting??? Will you be posting your views about what took place? We've heard from parents who still believe that there are no issues, so what was your take on how the meeting went? Does the school know who your group is? I am assuming that they do since you mentioned that you were threatened with very weak threats of a lawsuit.
ReplyDeleteThe school does not know who we are(as far as we know), the reference to the law suit was as a result of the meeting/meeting agenda. We had a few people at the meeting and are working on putting together a post about it. As mentioned above, we've also been involved in some other things that have consumed our time and energy.
ReplyDeleteRead the article and see what happens when friends and family members get hired over qualified people? It catches up with you in the end. Time for the school to re-avaluate all of their reliatives and friends who were given jobs:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2010/09/17/lawmaker_must_face_questioning_on_hirings/
Breaking news: City solicitor says Malden park deal is void.
ReplyDeleteIn a major victory for a citizens' group that opposed the deal, an agreement between the City of Malden and the Mystic Valley Regional Charter School for use of Roosevelt Park does not comply with the city charter and is void.
http://www.boston.com/yourtown/news/malden/2010/09/by_matt_byrne_globe_correspond.html
Great job guys! Again this is a slap in the face to Our kids. That is if the people behind this blog actually have kids in the school. Keep up the good work!
ReplyDeleteMV- Just so you know I was sitting behind you not in front of you Wednesday night. Please stop suggesting I'm Neil Kinnon. It makes you look foolish.
ReplyDeleteAndy -
ReplyDeleteWait, let me see if I get this right....a deal that was done illegally was canned and it's the fault of the creators of this blog? Love the logic behind that one....Kind of like a man drinking and driving but blaming Absolute (the company) for his passing out behind the wheel. IF THE DEAL WAS DONE LEGALLY, OUT IN THE OPEN AND ACCORDING TO THE LAWS, IT WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN CANNED. You and your little friends got caught with your hands in the cookie jar and are ultimately to blame for the impact it will have on the kids. That my friend, makes those involved look foolish (be it you or one of the other merry bandits).
Oh, and BTW, see the article above at http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2010/09/17/lawmaker_must_face_questioning_on_hirings/, unfortunately that will be the next headline that MVRCS has to look forward to be attached to thanks to the dictator.
ReplyDeleteBTW, how do you know where I was sitting or standing for that matter?
Funny how you're not screaming about inside deals now. The councilor and solicitor are sisters? Where's your outrage?
ReplyDeleteBTW why were you not firing your questions at the meeting? If you consider that a win I'd hate to be on your team. It's much more difficult to smear people when they are sitting in the room with you. You must have ate all your popcorn before you got there. Or maybe you were choking on it!
No one was standing. When I walked in I was shocked. If that's all the people you can muster up this blog will end up with two people arguing. You and me. It was pretty obvious who you were.
ReplyDeleteAndy -
ReplyDeleteWhat, it's only fair when its you and your merry band? Boy, Malden just is an incestuous little city now isn't it? Doesn't anyone ever leave or move on to other towns or cities?
As for the firing of questions, thought that with all the hoopla going on with the transportation issues, it wasn't a good night to start yet another uproar. Isn't it so much more fun when everyone is on the same subject? As for being more difficult to smear those in the room, if I wasn't so concerned about identifying myself (and the repercussions), I would have no problem in a room with anyone. The fact that I'm not ready to reveal my identity, makes it a bit harder. Not to worry, working on something REALLY special for the next one!
Oh, and I decided to forgo the popcorn and got myself a DD coffee. And you?
Boy, didn't realize how much I missed bantering with you!!! Bring it on!
I DON'T HAVE A MERRY BAND. I don't know these people nor do I care to . The time I've spent at the school never once did I see Neil Kinnon roaming the halls. If you have paid attention you would know I have no love for this city and most of the people in it. I'll also tell you I don't tell half truths to enhance my arguments. Can you say the same?
ReplyDeleteWhen are we going to get your view on what happened at the meeting?
BTW I left the meeting quietly through the side door and ran into you and your friends practically in a fist fight with another parent. What was up with that?
ReplyDeleteAndy -
ReplyDeleteYou have mistaken me for someone else. I don't fist fight and I didn't argue with anyone the other night. You are confused, you poor sole.
Oh, one other thought on the park, I'd rather see money put into figuring out how to give the kids a park or playground during school than worry about what the kids do after school.
ReplyDeleteListen, some others made it very clear that its a parents responsibility to transport their kids, so why not find another park and use that for the athletic program. Or, what if the 380,000 was used to buy buses, I'm sure a Kinnon is in need of a job and could drive the kids to a different field...? No?
Wait a minute. You have me as the head of the board of directors and I'm confused? If you missed that argument you weren't at the meeting.
ReplyDeleteAre you Neil Kinnon's Ex or something? What is your obsession with this guy?
ReplyDeleteNo, not obsessed with him....you had said one time you were him and many times your arguments are things I could very much hear him saying. AND, let's not forget how upset you get over the things I say that would upset him.
ReplyDeleteService keeps bugging out....dang verizon....comcast, help me!
Ex? What does that mean? Am I missing something?
ReplyDeleteYou should go back and read the post. It's actually the only one of mine on this blog(which I asked to have taken down but of course was not). I admitted to being a "board follower" (your accusation) then signed of as "the dictator"(also your accusation) in a two sentence post. It's called sarcasm.
ReplyDeleteIf the park deal goes before the council and is approved you'll be behind it 100% I assume. And don't kid yourself about how they'll vote. Have you ever seen a politician pass up 380,000 dollars when their city is starving for money?
ReplyDeleteI'll end tonight by saying if the people behind this blog hold true to form you being Neil Kinnon's ex will be an absolute fact in need of a full investigation by tomorrow. For full disclosure I also tried to spread the rumor about AnnieO and the trash bag man. It just didn't stick yet but I'll stay at it.
ReplyDeleteWhy do you keep saying Ex? What does this mean? If you want to make comments, at least let the rest of us in on it? Kind of hard to follow you.
ReplyDeleteOh, I thought my "raging affair" was with JMiller not Bob Miller! Now you have ME confused! While I admit to being a cougar, Bob is way too old for my liking! Nice guy, but over 40...I prefer under 25. Still immature and the beer belly hasn't taken over. LOL
ReplyDeleteAnnie O,
ReplyDeleteYou are too funny! I'm telling Joe! I'm telling Joe! I'm telling Joe!
Two affairs! Go Cougar!
The second apology I have to give to AnnieO. I thought they were the same person. I'll figure out who all these people are. You just have to give me a little time to catch up.
ReplyDeleteNext time I try to spread a rumor about you I'll try to get the names right
ReplyDeletePlease let me know just what it is that you are apologizing for? Is it outing my affair or being confused who it was with? At least when I comment, I know who and what I am commenting about. The "I don't know these people" whine is getting old. Do you know who Neil Kinnon is yet? How about Chris Finn? Dr. McCleary? Rick Villeaux? They gave reports at the board meeting. How about Fran Brown, Janice Bissex, Tom Brennan and Leslie Williams? You might not know your board members as they usually don't speak. Jordan Shapiro is the one who takes the notes although Tom Brennan is the secretary. Get with the program Andy!
ReplyDeleteMy whine. If I have to hear you cry about how mistreated your kids were at a school you CHOSE to send them to I'm going to throw up! Every story written about the school there is old faithful bitching "they wouldn't help me cross the street" or "I can't believe they're spending all that money on sports". Why don't you spend your time building your own school and we'll see how well you make out.
ReplyDeleteBTW I found out what the best job EVAH is and wasn't impressed. Working at the garden is good for teenager not a supposed adult. And while we're talking about you AnnieO Likes "not being in MVRCS anymore". Did you notice you're the only adult on the whole page? Time to grow up and move on! I did wonder if MVinsider was on your friend list.
I will get to know the people you listed above but I thought I should start with the people I dislike the most first.
Like I told you
Andrew: Are you really this ignorant?
ReplyDeleteWhen Neil Kinnon was recruiting "founding parents" like myself, he touted how this was OUR school and we were the CUSTOMERS. How stupid of my to believe him then and I sure don't believe him now. You obviously missed the entire point of the crossing guard example. All I can tell you is to wait until it is YOUR issue and see how well you are responded to regardless of how ardently you are "supportive" of the school now.
Seriously, Andy, for you to look down your nose at someone who is doing honest work at a venue where wonderful events take place is despicable. What do you think of people who do the menial jobs you won't do? Are they sub-human to you? If you only knew how much my job paid me for part-time work, you would understand why some of my co-workers have been there since 1952 and won't give up their jobs! What a dope! Another example of you shooting off your mouth without knowing what you are blabbing about.
My question is, why do you keep using my name in your comments when I have not said anything? Starting rumors about people you mix up? It only makes you look more foolish. You and Neil keep trying to make it about me and not what the real issues of not complying with the law and diverting funds from ALL the students welfare.
If, as a parent, you would prefer a sports complex and an inadequate playing field over better classrooms and equipment, maybe you want to look at a school which is higher than Division 4. By the time they rise above that division, your kid will be graduating college. Slow down on the koolaid, I keep telling you just to sip it, no chugging!
Poor AnnnieO! BooHoo... Don't pick on me... BooHoo. I don't like to mention you but your argument is the most pathetic one out there. And since I've started this every time I turn around there is good old AnnieO still hanging on.
ReplyDeleteI did see that you were at the meeting with Deb Fallon about the park and we all know how that turned out. Her sister shelved the contract. Now start talking to me about inside deals. You're a Hypocrite! Plain and simple.
Andy,
ReplyDeletePolitical tactic: When you can't defeat the argument, attack the person making the argument.
I know I am right when you do this. You have nothing else.
Annie we get it you were there at the beginning. Shut the fuc* up about it. I've only been there a few years, time does not add or take away from your lack of credibility, you have no children in this school, it is time for you to move on. Someone pissed you off years ago and you can't seem to get over it. MOVE ON!! !! !!
ReplyDeleteUm, no. It's starting to get fun. I have no intentions of moving on just because you want me to. Why don't you stop visiting this site if you don't like what you see? Tell your friends to stop bringing up my name in their posts. Time for them to move on as well.
ReplyDeleteNo, Annie O stay! You are just speaking the truth and these people can't stand it. It doesn't matter whether or not you have kids at the school anymore. And to the person above, time does give credibility to what Annie and others have witnessed and been subjected to at the school.
ReplyDeleteOh Annie, don't leave or quiet down, that's just what they want you and all the other parents who challenge them to do! If you no longer have children in the school, this is the opportunity to initiate change and stand up for those parents who are too timid or unsure of their rights to stand up for themselves.
ReplyDeleteI agree with the two above posts. Annie, this is what they want. You of all people know how they operate. Keep on kicking up a storm, oh and Annie, do ya think that you could spare some of those guys for the rest of us cougars?
ReplyDeleteI appreciate the creation of this blog and the goal to share information. I am concerned if there is too much personal banter that it will water down its importance. Did the attendees of the board meeting post any unofficial meetings notes?
ReplyDeleteLet me start by saying upfront that Neil Kinnon is a friend of mine. Yup, I said it. In fact, his family and my family are close. So that no one can accuse me of not being upfront about things, there you go.
ReplyDeleteI've had three kids at the Charter School from day 1. My oldest son will graduate this year, the first class to go from K to graduation. So I've seen how things have progressed, what has worked well, and where things haven't.
I certainly respect the right of anyone to express their opinion regarding how any public entity is doing. We pay for it, we have a right to provide feedback. And I will say that I certainly don't agree with every decision that has been made at MVRCS. The most inappropriate thing to me is the often stated "if you don't like it, leave" response that has been used too much. Hell, I guess that applies to everything in life and every city and state agency could utter the same. But really, the details aren't important. My point is, it would be foolish to think they have gotten everything right. They haven't. That said, my kids have gotten a wonderful education, and have developed a sense of respect and discipline that is very important to my wife and I and will stick with them for the rest of their lives.
I think sometimes people fail appreciate that the administration and the board has an obligation to arrive at decisions and policies that that represent the will of the greatest percent of the student population and respect the schools charter. And that means that you simply cannot give everyone the answer they want, because they can't be reconciled. For example, those parents who have complained about the uniform policy being too strict fail to appreciate the for many many more parents, a large reason we chose the school was for just that reason. In any entity, someone has to play the role of decision maker, and has to reconcile multiple opinions, and its never a popular role.
Perhaps more importantly, whenever I have sat back and thought about all the things I might do differently, I have stopped and recognized that I would never, and could never, put in the time, effort and dedication that the board of directors has in taking the school from a concept to where it is today, faults and all. Sure, I'm sitting in the comfort of my living room typing this, this is easy. Tonight I had a bit more caffeine. However, I have seen first hand as his friend (that's right, I said it again!) how much time Neil Kinnon has put into MVRCS, as have the entire board, past and present. We aren't taking about an hour a month, an occasional meeting here and there. We are talking about 13 years of daily crapola. Ask yourself, would you ever give up parts of your day for 13 years, and endure almost constant criticism over what you could do better from a vocal minority? I couldn't, I'm way too thin skinned! But it doesn't change the dedication that has gone into building this into what it is today, which is a first class educational institution, again, faults and all.
I'm not sure how many people are aware of the fact that the Board of Directors is uncompensated. Not one penny. Malden Public School committee members get 10,000 a year, full health insurance (value approx 25k a year for a family plan), and qualify for pension benefits. I'm not criticizing them, but instead trying to paint the stark contrast. So they clearly aren't in it for the money or benefits. So I'd like to think that each one of them is in it for one reason, to make a difference in providing an educational choice for each one of us.
to be continued.....
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ReplyDeleteOh no you d'int!
ReplyDeleteRon, that was an excellent comment. Thank you for stating clearly my opinion much better than I could have.
ReplyDeleteRichard -
ReplyDeleteI think we all liked it better when individuals respected each other, had empathy for each other, and showed concern for their friends, neighbors, kids in the neighborhood, the elderly, and those unable to care or advocate for themselves.
I hope that MVRCS does right by your child and if nothing else, teaches them respect and the importance getting involved, because they obviously are not going to get it from you.
Ron, well written comment. However, I take it that none of your children have learning disabilities? Lucky you. It is no wonder that you can remain friends with Mr. Kinnon.
ReplyDeleteRon & Above Poster -
ReplyDeleteI thought you (Ron) made some great points, especially regarding the effort that went into and keeping up the school (without formal compensation). I do believe that his initial intentions were honorable yet not totally altruistic but he should be commended for his efforts. That being said, he has now managed to wrangle almost complete control over the school yet has no education, credentials, or experience in school administration. He has also shown his complete disregard and lack of respect for the needs or priorities of others. As for the above posters comment, this is not necessarily true as I believe one of their very dear friends children are at the school and has LD's. They want to believe in the school and that their connection ensures their child(ren) receive an adequate education and services required. Unfortunately, in some ways it has exasperated the situation more than anything else. I also believe (if I remember correctly), that at least one of his kids or relatives that attended the school also required an IEP. Do all children receive the same level of services (from evaluation to accommodations) as that child, I couldn't say for sure but would doubt it. I hope that for Ron's childrens sake, they didn't have a LD but the snow job would be so strong that he'd never know any better.
I'm sure that Mr. Kinnon appreciates your friendship and willingness to step up to the plate for him and I do think that we all need to remember the good and not just focus on the bad. That being said, Thank You Mr. Kinnon for being a part of the founding community members who went through the effort and hassle to initiate and follow through on the charter process. You are to be commended.
Now step down and let the school continue and improve. Thank you.
Sorry, couldn't fit my entire email in one post....
ReplyDeleteSince he seems to be the target of much of this blog, I'll bring up Neil again. I've joked with many a person that, despite our friendship, when it comes right down to it, Neil will side with MVRCS over me every day and twice on Sunday. Does that make him a bit pig headed? Perhaps. But I know he believes so deeply in what they are doing there that he won't be influenced by anything else.
Sorry for the length of this, but had a couple points I felt were important. By all means, be heard. Its your right. But be fair, be respectful, and respect that these people you are writing about have worked tirelessly to bring to us all a choice in education.
To the poster who asked about my kids having learning disabilities.
ReplyDeleteYou are correct, I have not utilized the services of the SPED department at MVRCS. So I am not qualified to speak to the issues, and so, won't even try. And I have to take at their word those who have and have had less than a positive experience, and wish that weren't the case.
I have though had 'issues' with things at the school, have discussed them with folks, and haven't always gotten what I wanted. The purpose of my post was to try to get some to see the bigger picture and perhaps try to balance things just a bit with some recognition and respect for the time and effort that has gone into this school. Honestly, if someone read this blog without knowing anything else, you'd think the school was a complete failure.
Ron -
ReplyDeleteWe really appreciated your insight and you make some valid points. We do appreciate all of Neil Kinnon's efforts, MVRCS wouldn't be MVRCS had it not been for him and the other individuals responsible for its start up. It was no small feat and they should all be commended as, for the sake of our children, we feel very fortunate to be part of the school.
The unfortunate aspect is that you are correct, if you read much of what is written here, you could be under the false impression that it is an awful school. That is a major concern for us as parents as we don't want our childrens school to be sullied as a result of any one persons actions (regardless of how good they may be believe they are acting). The school is not a business and should not be run or managed as such. Nor should business endeavors take priority over academics. The main objective should be to provide the best education to EVERY child in the school equally. This blog aside, Mr. Kinnon (& cohorts) have shown their lack of respect for the laws, the teachers & parents of the school, and many of his community members. That being said, if this blog doesn't draw attention to it, how long do you think it will be before one of the parents sues (and makes it a public suit), one of the teachers mistreated or terminated illegally draws attention to the less than honorable tactics of the school, or one of the shady back room deals (like Roosevelt Park) brings much negative focus and publicity to our school. You can't mistreat so many people without it finally catching up with you , and unfortunately, our school. We hope that you can also appreciate our concern and position just as we did yours.
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ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteAs someone who has attended meetings many times over 10+ years, not the last board meeting however, I appreciate the need to balance each family's unique circumstances with the majority of the school population. Raising a happy safe child is a very emotional topic. Many family's search for an outlet to ensure their individual concerns are heard and addressed. The board uses this emotion to their advantage to deflect real issues affecting the quality of the school and therefore our children.
ReplyDeleteIdentifying when to bring issues to the table is an art as much as it is a right. If you want to be taken seriously you need to pick your battles. Even though the board appeared to be empathetic to the snack issue, they most likely are not.
The school day is long the children are small sanck time is important for even grownups I know. Having said that, as long as they policy is applied consistently and within Mass school guidelines and there is no health issue at hand i.e., doctor documented low sugar or type 1 diabetes. This may not not be an issue that needs focus given all the other challenges that have been documented in the short time your blog has been launched.
I was a parent who disconnected from meetings because family's wanted to have their unique concern dicussed by the entire school.
You must pick your battles, time them right and back them up with hard documented facts, not anctedotes and parent emotion.
To the above post - I agree with you that the snack issue shouldn't be a problem the board should address. It is something that should be handled by the individual teacher. Having said that, the Admin. doesn't allow the teachers to make these "hard" decisions. And we get nowhere with Finn/McCleary (they tell us to bring up the issue at the board meeting) so we have no other choice but to go to the board. Do you see the merry-go-round we are on?
ReplyDelete