How Equal is Equal at MVRCS?

In past posts we've done a pretty thorough job discussing and documenting the differences in expectations and compensation between those 'Kinnected' or 'Konnected' staff members versus other staff members. We've also touched upon the manner in which the admissions lottery has historically been handled (although the Administration must have realized that by announcing the names, they gave away too much information so instead chose to assign numbers. Pretty sneaky we must say). One area we haven't touched upon is how differently students can be treated. Honestly, we don't like to bring the students into our concerns and issues with the school as we feel that it is unfair. That being said we will be trying to NOT mention or identify any students as we discuss the manner in which some students are treated.
It has recently come to our attention that Neil Kinnon's neighbor has been hired to handle the construction of the new Athletic facility.Our first thought as we read that the contract was negotiated, but the amount NOT published, was what the interview, application, or screening process for this position entailed. We have been able to confirm that the individual was involved with Big Dig (although we're not sure if that is a good thing or bad thing) and graduated from Northeastern University with an Engineering degree. We just found it awfully convenient that Neil Kinnon was able to hire yet another friend, family member and/or associate at the expense of MVRCS (and ultimately the taxpayers of the sending districts). But we digress as this the intent of this post is to discuss how different students may or may not be treated. The school policy states that 3 dismissals and/or tardies equal an absence and that 20 absences is an automatic retention. It has come to our attention that some students have had a tendency in the past to experience a tardy issue. If we understand the policy correctly, if a student had 100% attendance and was not dismissed, they could be tardy no more than 60 times. Hmmm, we wonder if this policy has been uniformly enforced to all students or if some students may be held to different standards and expectations just as some staff members are. Isn't it so sad that Neil Kinnon doesn't even make the ATTEMPT at seeking the best individuals for various positions but rather just hires his friends, family, and associates.

We recently heard from a former staff member who recalled a troubling situation regarding differences in academic ability and retention. While we have been unable to confirm this information, the former staff member did provide us with some credible information and materials. It seems that one student (student A) demonstrated superior academic abilities than another student (student B) who was several grade levels higher than student A. Sadly, student A had been retained and was being considered for retention once again while student B had never been retained (although should have been). While the staff member initially believed the difference in treatment was as a result of race (student A was African-American and student B Caucasian) but later realized that student B had a 'Konnection' to Neil Kinnon. We must say that we were provided with work examples from both students and had to agree that Student A's work was superior (even though their was a number of grade levels between them and just to clarify, Student A was in the lower grade). Yes, other factors are typically taken into consideration but the problem with this situation is that while both students were on IEP's, student A's included a behavior component and we believe (although have not had the opportunity to verify) that students can not be retained as a result of a behavior issue, especially if diagnosed.

Our final example (and we truly do have many) includes the child of an Administrative team member who has been known to act up during class. Apparently (and according to our sources) this child has grown up with Chris Finn and has a very friendly relationship with him. As such, the child does as they please and when they end up in the office, are handled with the most gentlest of kid gloves. While children who are guilty of their same infractions are often given detention, suspended, and/or sent home, this child is not. To make matters worse, the Administrative team member (i.e.parent) who at first griped about this situation (that Chris Finn refused to handle the situation appropriately) became incensed when Chris Finn held the child to the same standards as other students. Interesting how that works. As a side note, another employee had written in regarding this same Administrative team member/parent who was confronted with having to discipline a child one day when Chris Finn was out of the building. Apparently, the PDC was less than professional with the child and spoke to the child in manner that was not becoming of a school administrator. Further, it appears that the student in question was being disciplined regarding an ongoing issue of threatening others with firearms. Yeah, the DESE might just have regulations regarding how the situation SHOULD HAVE been handled. We do wonder if that student was possibly a child of someone who is 'Kinnected' or 'Konnected' individual. But don't worry, we hear this individual is only still there at the insistence of Neil Kinnon, she too must know too much and could probably do some real damage to the school if not treated in the manner she feels is appropriate. Now if only she could learn to do a better job of either interviewing and hiring individuals or at the very least provide guidance, mentoring, or coaching. Actually, communication lessons might go far with this PDC.