Food for Thought on the MVRCS Fiasco!

Honestly, while I have my own opinions and thoughts regarding the Hogan/MVRCS fiasco, they are irrelevant as the story is just a symptom of a much bigger issue (in my opinion).


After reading through all the comments, just some thoughts:

1. Was this story leaked to the media out of concern for the students of MVRCS and their contact with the individual or was it leaked out of vengeance to the school administration? Few would argue with the fact that the school administration and board (specifically Kinnon and his clan) have made many enemies and have operated by their own standards for many years. It should not be ignored that the school DID hire Gately, who at the time was a publically disgraced, disbarred attorney and political figure, knowing full well of his (lack of) moral integrity. Whether the school knew or not (and I'm not sure they didn't), how can they justify hiring Gately and not this individual, after all, one actually committed crimes and the other didn't. At the same time, those who are familiar with the happenings of the school know that they have very double standards and expectations for their staff. Hogan may possibly be a victim of the past acts of Kinnon and/or the Board/Administration.

2. Is Kevin Hogan related in any way to Kinnon’s campaign manager and childhood friend Ron Hogan (whose children attend the school BTW)? If so, this would make one question if in fact the school did know about his past when they hired him and were hoping that the fact wouldn’t be discovered.

3. Regardless of Hogans sexual orientation and actions, one has to wonder why an individual who has limited teaching experience was hired as an English Department Chair to begin with. One would expect an individual in this position to have extensive teaching experience within the subject matter. If I remember the information correctly, Hogan had only a few years of sporadic teaching experience which would make his hiring for that position questionable at best. Given the current economy and the number of unemployed individuals located here in Massachusetts (some of whom must have more teaching experience than Hogan), why did the school hire an individual from out of state? Maybe a more appropriate issue for discussion would be the hiring practices of the school.

4. Does anyone else familiar with the ways of MVRCS find it interesting that so many individuals are willing to put their name out there in support of this individual? Those in the know would tend to agree that parents and students typically do not dare speak out publically (or even challenge them) against the school without fear of retribution. Would that indicate that the school has encouraged this and therefore, is in support of Hogan? This would again make us question if, in fact, Hogan is somehow related to Ron Hogan?

5. It is interesting that the school has chosen to put this teacher on paid administrative leave rather than just terminate them (as they are so famous for doing with those who go against them or who do not ‘fit’)? Is it due to the fact that this teacher has gained national attention and the school is finally forced to handle it in an appropriate and legal manner (as opposed to the sleazy and often illegal manner that they have become known for)?

6. While I don’t typically pass judgment on student’s individual abilities, does anyone else find the comment regarding the poor grammar and spelling of their students ironic given that they are supposedly providing a superior education? It should be noted that the ‘awards’ that they have received from ‘Newsweek’ are not based on the academic ability or successes of their students but is based simply on the percentage of their students who sat for the IB tests. It does not take into account their performance on such tests, just how many sat for it. It should also be noted that the school requires all of their students to sit for these exams regardless of their desire, ability, or interest. Additionally, the school paid to be included in the analysis. Sort of takes the air out of the balloon, doesn’t it?
7. MVRCS has been accused of breaking or bending many of the laws that govern them as has the Chairman of the Board, Neil Kinnon. They have repeatedly refused to follow directives that they have received from the DESE (re: transportation issues, changing of the board members, questionable lottery practices and re-entry of certain individuals, SPED dealings, open meeting/executive session requirements of publishing minutes, etc) and have done as they please for far too long. While their actions have been overlooked or ignored in the past, could this possibly be the incident that begins to process of holding them accountable?

Links to some interesting discussions:
http://www.boston.com/yourtown/news/malden/2011/12/mystic_valley_teachers_contrac.html

http://malden.patch.com/articles/students-parents-fox-comment-on-hogan-suspension

http://bostonherald.com/news/columnists/view/2011_1201naked_truth_porn_teachers_dont_mix

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/12/01/kevin-hogan-high-school-e_n_1123398.html

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/11/30/kevin-hogan-high-school-t_n_1121376.html

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/11/30/kevin-hogan-english-teacher-gay-porn-_n_1121554.html

Gotta Love It! So MVRCS -like!

We came across the following article on Boston.com regarding the current scandal over at MVRCS (http://www.boston.com/yourtown/news/malden/2011/12/mystic_valley_teachers_contrac.html).

Had to love a few key points that we'll highlight here. We're sure most of you will know why these points stood out to us, but just in case:


Letter sheds some light on Mystic Valley teacher's contract

Posted by Matt Byrne  December 7, 2011 06:10 PM 

By Matt Byrne, Town Correspondent

...The three-page agreement, obtained by the Globe from Mystic Valley's attorney, John Hanify, after a public records request, lists conditions that could be cited as grounds to terminate Hogan: Noncompliance with school rules and personnel policies; dishonesty or misconduct that affects nearly anyone connected to or doing business with the charter, and a final clause that indicates a reason the school could use: "In the event that, in its reasonable judgment, your performance or conduct is incompatible with the educational principles or policies established by the Board or the Director."


Wonder how long it the Globe to obtain a copy of that contract?? Oh, it was probably easier than trying to get a copy of meeting minutes or responses to complaints because Kinnon and his shoe-shiners probably think that releasing a copy of the contract will justify any and all of their actions. We especially love the line "in its reasonable judgment" - nothing reasonable about any of Kinnons judgment, just justification and bullying to do what he wants. Then, what about "your performance or conduct is incompatible with the educational principles or policies..." - translation, you can be as sleazy, unethical, and immoral as we you want as long as we are sleazier, less ethical and more immoral than you OR it doesn't offend us. Lets not forget how many sleazy dealings Sir Little Man Kinnon has had over the years, or the despicable actions of his, ummmm, 'PR Director' Gatley. Let us not forget that by conduct, they are also referring to ones sexual orientation because Sir Little Man Kinnon is homophobic, we've heard stories of teachers being told they weren't 'a good fit' for MVRC due to their sexual orientation. Oh, how Sir Little Man yearns to rule the world! Oh to be King!

The article continues as follows:

"The contract also contains passages that seem to codify the school's reluctance to discuss the matter publicly, including language that prevents Hogan, except with express permission, from writing about the school in any way for five years after he leaves.
Hogan also agreed to strict rules against affiliating himself with, doing work for, or consulting Malden Public Schools and five surrounding public districts in Everett, Medford, Melrose, Stoneham, and Wakefield.
"If you choose to breach this agreement ... you may be liable for damages to the Board," the contract said."

We LOVE that the teachers contract now tries to restrict individuals from writing about the school for five years. We wonder if our lovely blog has anything to do with this restriction. In other words, unless you are going to write only good things about the school, you are not permitted to write anything. That usually (and as in their case) means that they have so much to be ashamed or fearful of being exposed that they feel the need to place this restriction on their employees. Funny, they do this frequently with parents who sue them also.

So scared their dirt will get out and they won't have control over it.

Isn't it also interesting that former employees are not permitted to work for the sending districts of the school. We're sure that is because they don't want the districts that  they pull their funding from to know exactly what is going on at good ol MVRCS. Scared all of their funding would dry up and they wouldn't be able to build athletic facilities, buy up real estate, and funnel money into hidden pockets instead of spending the money they receive on educating the kids. We have to even wonder if all of this is even legal and/or would hold up in a court of law...?

Oh, does anyone else find it humorous that with good ol sticky fingers Gately as their PR person that Eric Rubin has been acting as mouth piece for this and other issues lately? For those who think Eric is just 'another involved parent' - don't kid yourself, he is a long-time friend of Kinnon's and his wife 'works' at the school. Oh, and yes somehow, miracles of miracles, his son got in through the 'lottery'. Yet another staff member who had a child selected. So amazing!

Oh, good ol MVRCS, may you continue in your crooked, despicably, sleazy manner until Sir Kinnon Sleazy Pants manages to destroy his own empire!

Typical MVRCS -Avoidance and Intimidation Tactics!

 REQUESTS: We are seeking to make contact with an individual from the Malden school that the students in question attended (teacher, aid, staff, or parent) who can confirm that the students in question actually attended their school. We can assure you that your identity will NOT be revealed under any circumstances. While we have individuals and materials available from MVRCS to confirm that the students were enrolled, removed, and re-enrolled there, we would like someone from the Malden schools to confirm they were students there.
Should you (or someone you know) be able to provide any information regarding this situation, please contact us at UnOfficialMVRCS@gmail.com. Information and Contact Found - Thank you for the responses!

The following complaint was filed first with MVRCS Board of Trustees (filed March 14, 2011) and then, per DESE procedure, with Mitchell Chester (filed April 15, 2011), who is the Commissioner of Education at the DESE. Finally, on June 23, 2011 we heard back from Rick Veilleux (the Business Manager of MVRCS) regarding our complaint. As in the past when we have requested copies of the Board Meeting Minutes (both the open portion and Executive Session), the school resorted to intimidation and avoidance tactics by requiring us to either come into their office to review the material or provide a mailing address and funds to have it mailed to us. While the copies of the minutes were requested under the Freedom of Information Act and are therefore subject to such conditions, the formal complaint we filed is not. The complaint was filed electronically and as such, should be responded to in like form. Furthermore, as we're sure the complaint is already in electronic form, emailing a copy would be entirely appropriate and easily done. Of course we know that this is just MVRCS way of trying to determine our identity. In either case, any individual who is interested in obtaining a copy of the response from MVRCS's Board of Trustees may either drop into the office to view their response or request one be sent through the postal service (but the school will charge for photocopying and postage).
On June 23, 2011 we sent the following email was sent to Rick Veilleux and other various individuals who SHOULD be concerned and willing to further address this issue. Since then we have been working with a number of reporters and media outlets regarding the confirmation of our allegations. While we do want this issue addressed and the school to be held accountable, we are attempting to ensure that the identities of the students in question are not published as we feel this would not be in their or their immediate families best interest. In the meantime, we thought we would share with our readers our current efforts and this issue.




Subject: Complaint Response
To: rveilleux@mvrcs.org
Cc: JMcCleary@mvrcs.org, BBarnett@doe.mass.edu, JWulfson@doe.mass.edu, ago@state.ma.us, legal@eth.state.ma.us, KarenNober@eth.state.ma.us, cccompliance@doe.mass.edu, boe@doe.mass.edu, media@doe.mass.edu, CharterSchools@doe.mass.edu, www@doe.mass.edu, Gov.Webmail@state.ma.us
Date: Monday, July 11, 2011, 4:33 PM

Mr. Veilleux:

I am writing in response to your email dated June 23, 2011 regarding the formal complaint filed with Mystic Valley Regional Charter School (dated March 14, 2011) and the subsequent complaint filed with the Commissioner Mitchell Chester of the DESE (dated  April 15, 2011). I find your response to my complaint unacceptable and an attempt to circumvent addressing the issue at hand. Out of respect for Christopher Finn, a substantial amount of time to has been permitted to pass without further action being taken. As a direct result of your unwillingness to adequately respond in like form to the manner in which the complaint was filed,  I feel it is necessary to seek the assistance of the media and reporters. Therefore if an adequate and acceptable response is not received through electronic email by July 20, 2011, a copy of the complaint in full (along with contact information for all involved parties) will be forwarded to reporters and media outlets along with a request for assistance. I look forwarding to hearing from you.

March 14, 2011

To The Board of Trustees:

As required by Massachusetts Law 603 CMR 1.00, specifically section 1.10 regarding the Complaint Procedure please accept this letter as a formal complaint. It is our belief that MVRCS has violated section 1.06 ‘Charter School Enrollment and Recruitment’. Specifically section 5 of the law which states:

(5) …No student entering an enrollment process may be admitted ahead of other eligible students who were previously placed on a waiting list during a prior enrollment process, except in cases described in to 603 CMR 1.06(4)(e).

 It is our understanding that this law has been violated on numerous occasions but most recently in the re-admission of Chris Finn’s (Assistant Director) two xxxxxx, xxxxxx and xxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxx. It has come to our attention that during the 2007-2008 school year their mother transferred them out of the school. The following year these same two xxxxxxxx were re-admitted mid-year and are now currently enrolled in the school (xxxxxxx is in 3rd grade and xxxxx 5th). It is also our understanding that this is in direction violation of the above mentioned law as well as Massachusetts State Ethics laws pertaining to Conflicts of Interests and Codes of Conduct.

April 15, 2011

Commissioner Chester:
The following complaint was filed with the MVRCS Board of Trustees on March 14th, 2011 to which they have failed to respond to. In accordance with the law, I am now filing this complaint directly with the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

To The Board of Trustees:

As required by Massachusetts Law 603 CMR 1.00, specifically section 1.10 regarding the Complaint Procedure please accept this letter as a formal complaint. It is our belief that MVRCS has violated section 1.06 ‘Charter School Enrollment and Recruitment’. Specifically section 5 of the law which states:

(5) …No student entering an enrollment process may be admitted ahead of other eligible students who were previously placed on a waiting list during a prior enrollment process, except in cases described in to 603 CMR 1.06(4)(e).

 It is our understanding that this law has been violated on numerous occasions but most recently in the re-admission of Chris Finn’s (Assistant Director) two xxxxxx, xxxxxx and xxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxi. It has come to our attention that during the 2007-2008 school year their mother transferred them out of the school. The following year these same two xxxxxxxxxx were re-admitted mid-year and are now currently enrolled in the school (xxxxxxx is in 3rd grade and xxxxxx 5th). It is also our understanding that this is in direction violation of the above mentioned law as well as Massachusetts State Ethics laws pertaining to Conflicts of Interests and Codes of Conduct.

June 23, 2011

In regards to your complaint about the school’s enrollment policy, I have been asked by Mr. Brennan, our Board Secretary, to make arrangements with you to obtain or view his response.  As per our prior communications regarding various other matters, you may come into the Business Office located at 671 Salem Street to either view a copy of the response or pay for a copy of the response to take with you.  If you cannot come into the office, you can send me a check for the copy and cost of postage and the response will be mailed to you.  If you choose this option, please provide me with your mailing address and I will provide you with the cost and once a check is received, I will drop it in the mail.

Rick Veilleux

School Business Manager

Mystic Valley Regional Charter School

Kinnon & the Malden News - - Disappointed in Boston.com - Update!

Update
As the comments below will show, Chris, the new editor at the Patch, reinstated the deleted posts and admitted they were deleted in error as they did not violate the terms of use. Funny enough we then posted the same exact comments on Boston.com (again in response to the same piece submitted to Boston.com) and they have continually removed it. We've read the terms of use and don't feel that it is in violation but apparently Kinnon must have a good Konnection there. Kudos to the Patch for not censoring opinions and comments and boo-hoo to Boston.com for their one-sided censorship. Furthermore, MVRCParent aka Marty Gately is posting campaign advertisements and attacking users yet his comments have not been deleted after being reported. Check out our poll in the discussion section of Boston.com.


Kinnon recently submitted an 'ad' on the Malden Patch regarding his run for re-election for City Councilor in Malden. Of course, in true politician practice he was focusing only on some of his contribution and accomplishments. We posted a few comments and were disappointed to see that the Malden Patch removed them (not just once, but twice). Although the comments were not favorable to Kinnon, they were accurate. Since the comments have been repeatedly deleted (leading us to believe that the Patch is in Kinnon's pocket), we have decided to repost them here - where they can not be deleted!

Funny he doesn't mention all of his backroom deals or the conflict of interest between his position as Councilor and Chairman of the Board at MVRCS. No mention of him trying to use the Maplewood fire station to secure field space for 'his' school, his attempt to block the Broadway park funding (cause MC will get field space, not MV), or the creation of the Tafton dog park with HUD funds without following their requirements. He also fails to mention his rude and condescending tone that he has become known for at Council meetings. Why leave out what he is best known for!

 In response to another readers comments:

Think Roosevelt Park deal, the firehouse purchase and lease (which no one was able to obtain a copy of) - negotiations that were not done in public or with public approval that Kinnon attempted to push through. AND, let us not forget that as a Board member and Councilor he should have recused himself from any and all negotiations to avoid a conflict of interest.
As for Executive Sessions - although the meetings are permitted under very limited circumstances (and the law is very specific), the minutes are only protected as long as the issue is still ongoing. Once the matter has been resolved or deal completed, those minutes should become public.
The bottom line is that Kinnon does not feel that the rules and laws apply to him. He has demonstrated on numerous occasions that he will do whatever it takes to get what he wants - regardless of, and despite, the laws that he is bound by.

Bylaw Criteria for Charter Schools - Interesting....

We came across the criteria for the creation of bylaws for Massachusetts Charter Schools. This information is located at http://www.doe.mass.edu/charter/governance/bylaws.pdf. We would be very interested in seeing MVRCS's Bylaws but we're pretty sure access to those are prohibited!

As usual, our comments are in red.

CHARTER SCHOOL NAME: ______________________________________________

Please use the following checklist to guide the creation of your charter school bylaws. Please record in the left column the section or page number of each of the required elements within your draft bylaws document.

	1.      State the name and purpose of the school and that the school is a public school.	M.G.L. Chapter 71,  Section 89(c)
	2.      State that the name of the school must include the words 'charter school' as part of its name.	M.G.L. Chapter 71,  Section 89(k)(1)
	3.      Cite M.G.L. Chapter 71, Section 89. This can be found in its entirety at http://www.doe.mass.edu/boe/docs/0510/item6a_ch71s89.pdf MGL Chapter 71, Section 89
	4.      State that the board of trustees holds the charter granted by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.	M.G.L. Chapter 71,  Section 89(c)
	5.      State that the board of trustees of a charter school is a public entity, which operates independently of a school committee.	M.G.L. Chapter 71,  Section 89(c)
	6.      Remember that the bylaws should not refer to the school as a non-profit corporation, a charitable organization, a 501(c) (3), or use descriptions indicating that the school is anything other than a public entity.
	7.      State that the individual board members are considered special state employees.	M.G.L. Chapter 71,  Section 89(c)
	8.      State that the board is a public employer for the purposes of tort liability (M.G.L. Chapter 258) and for collective bargaining purposes (M.G.L. Chapter 150E).  'Collective Bargaining' - unionizing? Even though Neil Kinnon would PERSONALLY close the school if the teachers sought out the union? He probably has NOTHING to worry about as the teachers leave faster than a union could get in there!	M.G.L. Chapter 71,  Section 89(y)
	9.      In Horace Mann charter schools, state that the school committee is the public employer for collective bargaining purposes under M.G.L. Chapter 150E.	M.G.L. Chapter 71,  Section 89(y)
	10.  State that the board of trustees may not discriminate against potential members on the basis of race, color, national origin, creed, ancestry, ethnicity, age, gender identity, religion, martial status, sexual orientation, or non-disqualifying handicap or mental condition. What new members exactly? Oh, that's right at other charter schools the board members come and go (and the school survives) but NOT at MVRCS!	M.G.L. Chapter 71, Section 89(f)
	11.  Specify that public notice be given of the date, time and location of all meetings in accordance with the law pertaining to the open meetings of governmental bodies.	M.G.L. Chapter 30A, Sections 18-25
	12.  Specify that detailed, accurate records of every meeting be adopted and kept in accordance with the law pertaining to the open meetings of governmental bodies.  Has anyone ever seen any of these 'detailed, accurate records of every meeting'? Do they include Kinnon's threats and berating of parents? What about those 'Executive Session' minutes?	M.G.L. Chapter 30A, Sections 18-25
	13.  Stipulate the situations under which an executive session may take place.  Oh, that's right, they can't just go into Executive Session whenever they want - ONLY UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES. Plus, although these minutes are limited to release, they are only limited so long as what was being discussed is still in the works. So that would probably mean that the minutes from 2003, 2004, 2005, etc should be open for review.....Yeah, not likely.	M.G.L. Chapter 30A, Section 21(a)
	14.  State that trustee participation occurs in person for the purpose of a quorum or vote.
	15.  Specify the minimum and maximum number of trustees required on the board.
	16.  Specify that action by the board requires a majority vote of a quorum of seated trustees and, to the degree required, specify the situations for which approval may require a special majority.
	17.  Define the number of years that shall constitute a board member’s term.  You mean a term is not lifelong?
	18.  Set a specific, reasonable, limit on successive or total terms that a member may serve.  Hmmm, a 'specific, reasonable, limit on successive or total terms that a member may serve'......I would be very interested in seeing MVRCS response to THIS ONE!
	19.  State that a formal vote of the board of trustees is required to accept all new members.
	20.  Expressly require a voting employee representative in the board’s composition if the school intends to have any paid employee member(s) serve on the board.  Allow one of the 'monkey' teachers on the Board? Only if they are a Kinnon Friends & Family Club Member!
	21.  Specify the number and titles of officers (e.g., chair, vice-chair, secretary, and treasurer).
	22.  Describe the responsibilities of each officer.  Chairman is the Dictator and everyone must follow his demands. Does that explain it?
	23.  Describe a process for electing officers.  'Electing' - aren't they just appointed by the Dictator himself? Others have a say? Not likely!
	24.  State that the board complies with the state conflict of interest law, M.G.L. Chapter 268A.  This is our favorite....how in the world can this board state they they are in compliance with state conflict of interest laws??? We want to see this one!	M.G.L. Chapter 71, Section 89(u)
	25.  State that board members must disclose any financial interest or business transactions that they (or any immediate family member) have in any charter school in Massachusetts or elsewhere with the state ethics commission, the Department and the city or town clerk within 30 days of joining the board and by September 1 annually, including the year after service is completed (unless service is less than 30 days in that year). 'Financial Interest or Business Transactions' - love the 'or any immediate family members'.....priceless!	M.G.L. Chapter 71,  Section 89(u)
	26.  State that the board of trustees shall request the appointment of a trustee to the board only where the board has no reason to know that the trustee has a financial interest under M.G.L. c. 268A which may preclude a majority of the board from participating in deliberations or voting on certain matters that are expected to come before the board. The board must exercise due diligence prior to determining that a proposed trustee does not have such a financial interest.  City Councilor? Renting property to the city? Using connections and backroom deals to gain privileges for the school? The City Councilor position is paid correct?
	27.  Specify that the school’s fiscal year begins on July 1 (and ends on June 30 of the following calendar year).
	28.  Specify a process for making amendments to the bylaws, subject to the approval of the board of trustees and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (additionally, school committee and teacher's union if a Horace Mann charter school).	603 CMR 1.11(2)
	29.  Describe the procedure for responding to any complaints filed with the board of trustees.  Complaints filed with the Board? Nope, not at MVRCS because they don't respond (nicely) to complaints. Never mind the repercussions to the kids! Don't they just ignore any complaints filed? Didn't Neil Kinnon state that he didn't have to hold Open Meetings or allow discussions/Q&A's? Yeah, that would be the schools fearless leader!	M.G.L. Chapter 71, Section 89(ll) 603 CMR 1.10 M.G.L. Chapter 30A, Section 23
	30.  Prohibit the board of trustees from exercising managerial powers over the day-to-day operations of the school. Not allow the Board (or specifically Kinnon) to determine what happens in the school every day? We all know that Dr. McCleary has no say in much of anything and the others follow the barking orders of the Dictator!
	31.  State the ability of the board of trustees to select, appoint, evaluate, and/or remove only the school director(s).
	32.  Specify the process through which a trustee may resign and/or be removed from the board.  Only as a result of Kinnon - he has all the say and power regarding the board!!
	33.  Require that the board of trustees meet at least quarterly.
	34.  Require an annual meeting of the board of trustees.
	35.  Describe the process for the formation of committees and/or task forces.