It's official, MVRCS is back in session and summer vacation is over. Yes, back to good ol MVRCS where nothing ever changes. Chris Finn, during his Orientation speech last week, very proudly stated this to incoming Kindergarten parents. To be exact, what he said was that MVRCS is still doing today what they did when they first opened their doors (except of course teacher turnover, which has changed drastically over the years). While the Administration may think that this is a positive thing, we find it disappointing and a bit sad, especially considering that they think this is a good thing. It makes it overly apparent to us just how uneducated the Administration and Board are in regards to best practices in education. Constant research is being done on what our children require to learn, child development, and various educational theories and practices. The fact that MVRCS is totally out of the loop and unwilling to explore what experts in the education field have found, should not be an embarrassment NOT something they brag about. Yes, direct instruction (i.e. rote and repetition) are no longer seen as highly effective or a best practice as that methodology fails to meet the educational and learning needs of ALL students. Of course since none of the Administration has ever worked in any other educational setting and/or do not truly have the credentials that our district schools would require, it should come as no surprise that the school refuses to employ varying approaches in education. Unfortunately, we do not feel as though this is something Chris Finn should be eager to brag about to incoming parents but apparently the school feels that educating the students that can learn through this method is sufficient and, for those students that don't, adios.
This brings us to his next, totally inappropriate but typical, MVRCS standard comment "This is how we do it here and if you don't like it, you can leave" attitude. First off, imagine a Superintendent, Principal or School Committee member making such a statement? They would probably be ousted faster than you could say Winn Dixie yet Chris Finn states it as though it were scripture. Yes, many parents chose MVRCS because they value their childs education BUT if they have any varying views, opinions, or thoughts as to the actual education their child receives, they have mistakenly thought that Kinnon would value their input. No, parents at MVRCS get to decide if their child enters the lottery and subsequently enroll there but the buck stops there! Parents are not given any say or input into how things are done. A parent has a concern about the group level their child is placed in for Reading or Math instruction, good luck getting insight as to how the determination was made or trying to get it changed. Kinnon and his following Administration make all the decisions and parents do not have any input. Again, no room for improvements or possibility of improving things, as remember, NOTHING CHANGES at MVRCS (yes, that includes the Board of Trustees who have all outlived their usefulness - especially Kinnon). Note to new incoming families, be very careful what you say to the Administration as you should know that they do not welcome varying opinions, input, suggestions, or parents standing up for their children. You have enrolled your child in the school and you must check your parental involvement/concern at the door and entrust your child into the hands of an Administration and Board that have questionable (if any) credentials/experience within child centered, innovative, and professionally appropriate educational settings.
We also found Chris Finns orientation speech to be filled with an incredible amount of propaganda while lacking the focus on the emotional needs incoming Kindergarten students. No talk of how parents can best help their child adjust to their first exposure to school (never mind the very structured environment), what children may go through, how the school can and is willing to assist parents through this milestone, or any other discussion regarding their child's development and adjustment to Kindergarten. This should come as no surprise seeing as the school chose not only to move the Kindergarteners to the Athletic facility but to do so after the start of the school year as it isn't finished yet. Heaven forbid they put off plans of relocating students until the facility is complete and has been up and running long enough to work out any issues or problems. Not only did they not take the emotional implications of relocating Kindergarteners to yet ANOTHER new environment, but they increased the number of classrooms for both K and 1st graders. Of course, the school was already bursting at the seems trying to accomodate the students they had yet the Board added 2 additional classrooms before ensuring the Athletic facility was going to be complete. We have to wonder what the law requires a classroom size be for a group of 25 or 30 children. We know that one of the Kindergarten classrooms is obviously too small a space for such a group (the one near the 'kitchen' area of the fishbowl building) yet MVRCS is using it for one class. The parents of incoming children had better hope that the the school does not run in to any further issues that may postpone the completion of the Athletic facility as the current facility is clearly no adequate to accomodate the number of students currently being housed there.
The reoccurring theme we see time and time again with the management of MVRCS is the constant disorganization and poor planning of the Board and Administration. Too often it is overly apparent that they are not all on the same page and/or do not fully understand or choose to ignore the laws and regulations that govern them. The transportation fee fiasco of last year is a clear indicator that they lack a clear understanding of their obligations and effective, professional, well-verse, informed leadership. After charging families for transportation (we won't even get into the linear v driven mileage issue or the use of a hub), they were informed that per their initial charter, they were not permitted to charge for transportation. Of course the jury is still out on whether they knew they couldn't charge and chose to ignore yet another inconvenient law or if they were just clueless as to the implications of their charter contract. In either case, just another example of poor leadership, ignorance, and mismanagement of our children's education. But hey, they require you to leave your child's education in their hands and trust them.
Showing posts with label SchoolConditions. Show all posts
Showing posts with label SchoolConditions. Show all posts
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Kindergartners at the New Athletic Facility? So We Hear....
A number of parents have written to us recently to share with us the news of MVRCS decision to put the incoming Kindergartner classrooms (for the school year 2011-2012) in the new athletic complex. We're not even sure where to start on this issue except to state our disbelief.
Our first concern is that we thought we had heard when the athletic facility was first announced that one major issue the school had to address before purchasing it was that of an environmental or safety issue of the land itself. If we remember our information correctly, the concern was that due to the nature of the businesses of the previous tenants, the school had to have the land checked to see if it would be safe for a school building (or occupancy?). We thought we had heard that the reason the school chose not to use the land for the building of a new school facility (of which many thought would be more prudent and in alignment with the mission of the school) was that the land was not approved for such a facility. Of course given that a group of students are still using the building (5 times a week for 2.5 hours) that has been deemed unusable for Malden Firefighters, this should come as no surprise to anyone. Furthermore, the fact that a 2006 report by the state called into question the effectiveness of the HVAC system and the importance of keeping windows open for air flow (yet the library has no windows that can be opened), AND YET nothing has been done about such system. Why would we think that the school would feel any need to pay attention to safety issues when dealing with our children?
The other issues we have with this decision is in regards to the logistical implications of having a single grade at yet ANOTHER facility. One concern many parents of older children have is the pick-up and drop-off issue for parents. Specifically how parents can be at two different facilities at the same time. Of course the school could implement a shuttle service for the kindergartners as they have done for the HS students but are they going to then also implement a charge for that service? Let's not forget that this year when they began charging for the bus how the school tried to break the rules of the Department of Education regarding transportation. First with the linear v. driven miles issue where they tried to implement a policy that only provided transportation to those who were 2 LINEAR miles or more from the school (the DOE requires DRIVEN miles). Then they tried to make the Lebanon street a 'hub' and even if a student lived more than 2 driven miles from the HS but not the lower school they were (and may still be) charging a transportation fee (the DOE requires that it be from the facility the student attends not a 'hub' facility). Additionally, any time required for transportation would cut into the learning day of the Kindergartners who have always had the same amount of learning time as the lower facility students. Of course we'd like to believe that the school would be honest and do as is required by them but then again, we're talking about Neil Kinnon the man who doesn't believe laws and rules apply to him.
Besides the transportation issue we can't imagine the logistical issues regarding specialists, medical needs, lunch needs, and the other general needs of the students and teachers. A prime example would be that regarding instruct time. As it stands currently the students are grouped by ability, at times requiring students in one grade to attend reading/math lessons within a different grade. Kindergartners have been known to go to higher grade classrooms for reading instruction and likewise, some 1st have received reading/math instruction within the Kindergarten classes. This move would make that impossible and makes us question how the school will handle such situations. Additionally will the specialists (such as special education, art, music, PE, etc.) all be required to travel between schools? What about library? While the current location of the library and the manner in which library is conducted is less than ideal, is it going to become even more convoluted? What about behavior issues where children are sent to Chris Finn's office (we've heard that Dr. McCleary is going to have his office in this facility and is going to handle such issues). According to our sources the facility is going to have it's own nurse and receptionist and house many of the Administration. We're sure this will all turn into even more opportunity for Neil Kinnon to employ his friends and family members (and those other folks who have become unemployable like his good friend Gately).
We also have to question if this is the schools way of attempting to increase the number of students they currently have. We recall that classless recruitment ad that MVRCS public relations put out disrespecting Malden that was regarding increasing the cap currently in place. We question if as a result of the huge expense they are incurring to build the athletic facility they are not looking to increase income. Let us also not forget the current situation regarding the loss of income (and ability to extort field space) from the City of Malden. While the school may be hoping to tear down the Maplewood station to eventually allow the facility to accommodate additional students, we've heard that the building may be protected as a historical monument which would prevent any such plan. Of course while Kinnon has truly made a horses a** out of himself regarding the Firestation fiasco, it is worth mentioning that his argument in support of keeping the firefighters there is that Deb Fallon faked the mold reports. The ironic part is that his argument FOR being able to tear down a potential historical building is that it is infested with mold. Which is it Mr. 'The Truth Is Of Little Consequence' Kinnon?
Regardless of all of our reasons for finding this move less than brilliant, we find ourselves questioning how much thought and/or the ulterior motives of MVRCS in making this decision. While most would agree that the lower facility is less than adequate in housing the number of students they currently have there, this does not seem like the best solution. It is no secret that Neil Kinnon has been quoted as saying that he refuses to build a new lower school facility until they are eligible for the same funding as are the public schools. So if we understand him correctly, he'll build an athletic facility and create havoc to the children by having it house some of the students but he won't put the funds into building a much needed lower school facility out of spite (even though it would be much more in alignment with the schools Mission and Charter)? It would appear as though he is a very spiteful man as we have also heard that in his true anti-union stance he has stated that he would close the school down if the teachers unionized (umm, isn't that illegal?). What a fine, fine man he is.....
Our first concern is that we thought we had heard when the athletic facility was first announced that one major issue the school had to address before purchasing it was that of an environmental or safety issue of the land itself. If we remember our information correctly, the concern was that due to the nature of the businesses of the previous tenants, the school had to have the land checked to see if it would be safe for a school building (or occupancy?). We thought we had heard that the reason the school chose not to use the land for the building of a new school facility (of which many thought would be more prudent and in alignment with the mission of the school) was that the land was not approved for such a facility. Of course given that a group of students are still using the building (5 times a week for 2.5 hours) that has been deemed unusable for Malden Firefighters, this should come as no surprise to anyone. Furthermore, the fact that a 2006 report by the state called into question the effectiveness of the HVAC system and the importance of keeping windows open for air flow (yet the library has no windows that can be opened), AND YET nothing has been done about such system. Why would we think that the school would feel any need to pay attention to safety issues when dealing with our children?
The other issues we have with this decision is in regards to the logistical implications of having a single grade at yet ANOTHER facility. One concern many parents of older children have is the pick-up and drop-off issue for parents. Specifically how parents can be at two different facilities at the same time. Of course the school could implement a shuttle service for the kindergartners as they have done for the HS students but are they going to then also implement a charge for that service? Let's not forget that this year when they began charging for the bus how the school tried to break the rules of the Department of Education regarding transportation. First with the linear v. driven miles issue where they tried to implement a policy that only provided transportation to those who were 2 LINEAR miles or more from the school (the DOE requires DRIVEN miles). Then they tried to make the Lebanon street a 'hub' and even if a student lived more than 2 driven miles from the HS but not the lower school they were (and may still be) charging a transportation fee (the DOE requires that it be from the facility the student attends not a 'hub' facility). Additionally, any time required for transportation would cut into the learning day of the Kindergartners who have always had the same amount of learning time as the lower facility students. Of course we'd like to believe that the school would be honest and do as is required by them but then again, we're talking about Neil Kinnon the man who doesn't believe laws and rules apply to him.
Besides the transportation issue we can't imagine the logistical issues regarding specialists, medical needs, lunch needs, and the other general needs of the students and teachers. A prime example would be that regarding instruct time. As it stands currently the students are grouped by ability, at times requiring students in one grade to attend reading/math lessons within a different grade. Kindergartners have been known to go to higher grade classrooms for reading instruction and likewise, some 1st have received reading/math instruction within the Kindergarten classes. This move would make that impossible and makes us question how the school will handle such situations. Additionally will the specialists (such as special education, art, music, PE, etc.) all be required to travel between schools? What about library? While the current location of the library and the manner in which library is conducted is less than ideal, is it going to become even more convoluted? What about behavior issues where children are sent to Chris Finn's office (we've heard that Dr. McCleary is going to have his office in this facility and is going to handle such issues). According to our sources the facility is going to have it's own nurse and receptionist and house many of the Administration. We're sure this will all turn into even more opportunity for Neil Kinnon to employ his friends and family members (and those other folks who have become unemployable like his good friend Gately).
We also have to question if this is the schools way of attempting to increase the number of students they currently have. We recall that classless recruitment ad that MVRCS public relations put out disrespecting Malden that was regarding increasing the cap currently in place. We question if as a result of the huge expense they are incurring to build the athletic facility they are not looking to increase income. Let us also not forget the current situation regarding the loss of income (and ability to extort field space) from the City of Malden. While the school may be hoping to tear down the Maplewood station to eventually allow the facility to accommodate additional students, we've heard that the building may be protected as a historical monument which would prevent any such plan. Of course while Kinnon has truly made a horses a** out of himself regarding the Firestation fiasco, it is worth mentioning that his argument in support of keeping the firefighters there is that Deb Fallon faked the mold reports. The ironic part is that his argument FOR being able to tear down a potential historical building is that it is infested with mold. Which is it Mr. 'The Truth Is Of Little Consequence' Kinnon?
Regardless of all of our reasons for finding this move less than brilliant, we find ourselves questioning how much thought and/or the ulterior motives of MVRCS in making this decision. While most would agree that the lower facility is less than adequate in housing the number of students they currently have there, this does not seem like the best solution. It is no secret that Neil Kinnon has been quoted as saying that he refuses to build a new lower school facility until they are eligible for the same funding as are the public schools. So if we understand him correctly, he'll build an athletic facility and create havoc to the children by having it house some of the students but he won't put the funds into building a much needed lower school facility out of spite (even though it would be much more in alignment with the schools Mission and Charter)? It would appear as though he is a very spiteful man as we have also heard that in his true anti-union stance he has stated that he would close the school down if the teachers unionized (umm, isn't that illegal?). What a fine, fine man he is.....
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Um Neil, Your True Colors Are Showing.....
With the closing of the Maplewood Fire Station, Neil Kinnon and MVRCS has lost the 'hold' they've had over the City of Malden in 'negotiating' the backroom deals for field time. Kinnon showed his true colors at a City Meeting last night where he was blatantly disrespectful and condescending to not only the Fire Chief and Deputy Fire Chief, but to other council members and the residents who were in attendance. In typical Kinnon fashion he attempted to bully and intimidate those that opposed him, at one point threatening to have people removed. It was apparent from the other councilors who were in attendance, that they were not in agreement with not only his tone but with his challenging of the closing of the fire station itself. If Neil Kinnon thought that he would embarrass the chief by asking questions in a verbally abusive manner and to which he (Kinnon) already knew the answers to, he was surely mistaken as he is the one who showed his true self.
For a man who has shown a blatant disregard for the laws that should govern him (in any of his roles or positions), it was comical on a number of issues for him to state that the Chief "failed to properly report and document deteriorating conditions at the station before the decision was made to close it; broke procedure by closing the station without notifying the council or citizens; and did not account for increases in response times to the eastern half of the city." (Rancor Erupts As Kinnon Grills Malden Fire Chief).
In regards to not documenting deteriorating conditions, it seems that the Firemen had been in negotiations with the City for some time. It would seem overly apparent that if the firehouse is over 100 years old and no major work has been done on it, then it would be in less than adequate condition. Additionally a report was done in 2006 regarding the conditions of the building. The issue wasn't that the Chief did not follow procedure but that the City of Malden and MVRCS were in disagreement as to who was responsible for the condition of the building.
In regards to the allegation that the station was closed "without notifying the council or citizens" seems even more absurd after the councilors, Health Inspector, and Inspectional Services individuals who toured the facility as a group were quoted as saying the building was of great concern. Of course Kinnon and Nestor tried to place the blame on the firemen who they accused of neglecting the facility yet of great concern were the structural issues that plagued the building. These issues would have little to do with the housekeeping skills of the firemen.
Even more comical was Kinnon's concern regarding response times to different parts of the city as a result of the move to the Overlook Station. Interesting how he is concerned about the citizens safety now but felt that it was ok to have less than the adequate number of firefighters when 10 firefighters were laid off last year. Furthermore, if he was truly concerned about the residents of his ward, he would addressed the issue of the buildings condition BEFORE it came to this. His actions are very reactionary when he should have been much more proactive in maintaining and ensuring that his backroom deal stayed viable.
One could surmise that it must have come as a total surprise to Kinnon that not only did the Fire Chief close the station, but did so with backing from Mayor Howard as he has been quoted as saying “I believe the City Council members and the Fire Department administration officials made an appropriate decision to vacate the premises at 11 Laurel Street for available facilities at Overlook Ridge,” Howard wrote (Rancor Erupts as Kinnon Grills Malden Fire Chief).
Last nights performance made it clear that Kinnon is incredibly self-absorbed and egotistical. It is obvious that he is unwilling to admit that the fire house is in deplorable condition regardless of the opinion of those more qualified than he. Additionally, we would surmise that if the air quality is unfit for adult men, then it certainly is unfit for young children (yes, students are still receiving lessons within the building).He demonstrated much of the attitude and behavior that he demonstrates at Board Meetings. Unfortunately for MVRCS, unlike his position as City Councilor where he is elected, the parents of MVRCS have no such opportunity to 'vote' him out. And, once again Neil Kinnon has managed to drag MVRCS name into the mud. Well done Councilor, oops Chairman.
Read more at Rancor Erupts as Kinnon Grills Malden Fire Chief and be sure to check out the reader comments regarding Neil Kinnon's deplorable behavior.
For a man who has shown a blatant disregard for the laws that should govern him (in any of his roles or positions), it was comical on a number of issues for him to state that the Chief "failed to properly report and document deteriorating conditions at the station before the decision was made to close it; broke procedure by closing the station without notifying the council or citizens; and did not account for increases in response times to the eastern half of the city." (Rancor Erupts As Kinnon Grills Malden Fire Chief).
In regards to not documenting deteriorating conditions, it seems that the Firemen had been in negotiations with the City for some time. It would seem overly apparent that if the firehouse is over 100 years old and no major work has been done on it, then it would be in less than adequate condition. Additionally a report was done in 2006 regarding the conditions of the building. The issue wasn't that the Chief did not follow procedure but that the City of Malden and MVRCS were in disagreement as to who was responsible for the condition of the building.
In regards to the allegation that the station was closed "without notifying the council or citizens" seems even more absurd after the councilors, Health Inspector, and Inspectional Services individuals who toured the facility as a group were quoted as saying the building was of great concern. Of course Kinnon and Nestor tried to place the blame on the firemen who they accused of neglecting the facility yet of great concern were the structural issues that plagued the building. These issues would have little to do with the housekeeping skills of the firemen.
Even more comical was Kinnon's concern regarding response times to different parts of the city as a result of the move to the Overlook Station. Interesting how he is concerned about the citizens safety now but felt that it was ok to have less than the adequate number of firefighters when 10 firefighters were laid off last year. Furthermore, if he was truly concerned about the residents of his ward, he would addressed the issue of the buildings condition BEFORE it came to this. His actions are very reactionary when he should have been much more proactive in maintaining and ensuring that his backroom deal stayed viable.
One could surmise that it must have come as a total surprise to Kinnon that not only did the Fire Chief close the station, but did so with backing from Mayor Howard as he has been quoted as saying “I believe the City Council members and the Fire Department administration officials made an appropriate decision to vacate the premises at 11 Laurel Street for available facilities at Overlook Ridge,” Howard wrote (Rancor Erupts as Kinnon Grills Malden Fire Chief).
Last nights performance made it clear that Kinnon is incredibly self-absorbed and egotistical. It is obvious that he is unwilling to admit that the fire house is in deplorable condition regardless of the opinion of those more qualified than he. Additionally, we would surmise that if the air quality is unfit for adult men, then it certainly is unfit for young children (yes, students are still receiving lessons within the building).He demonstrated much of the attitude and behavior that he demonstrates at Board Meetings. Unfortunately for MVRCS, unlike his position as City Councilor where he is elected, the parents of MVRCS have no such opportunity to 'vote' him out. And, once again Neil Kinnon has managed to drag MVRCS name into the mud. Well done Councilor, oops Chairman.
Read more at Rancor Erupts as Kinnon Grills Malden Fire Chief and be sure to check out the reader comments regarding Neil Kinnon's deplorable behavior.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
We're Back, The Fire Fighters Are Gone But The Students...
Yes, the students are still being schooled within a building that has recently been deemed unhealthy for the firefighters. The schools library is attached to the firehouse and while separated to some degree, they do share the HVAC system and structure. A report from 2006 done by the state found issues within the building (Mass Department of Health Report) and little has been done to address these issues. A group of 3rd graders are in that building for approximately 3 hours each day for their reading and math lessons (but the lower school doesn't need a new building, an athletic facility is of much more importance!). How the building can be deemed unhealthy for adults yet adequate for young students is beyond comprehension.
Over the past week or so as the Malden City Council, the Board of Health, and Inspectional Services toured the fire house and found sufficient cause to close it. The article from the Boston Globe can be found here Malden Closes Rotting Maplewood Fire Station but begins "Citing uninhabitable conditions after years of mold, rot, and neglect, Malden Fire Chief Michael J. Murphy announced today the Maplewood Fire Station was closing after years of discussion over the decaying structure’s future." The decision to close the station came as a result of the tour and the fact the lease expires at the end of May. While MVRCS was willing (and hoping) to extend the lease, the City and school have been in discussions over the upkeep of the building. In another classic Kinnon underhanded, ethically questionable manner, it seems that the officials at MVRCS had hoped to use the City's use of this building as a way of extracting field time from the City of Malden (from Fire Commanders Make Plea for Decrepit Maplewood Station):
As a charter school MVRCS is permitted to determine the per student expenditure (what it costs per student to run the school) which they then collect from each sending district and/or the government. While district schools are limited in their per student expenditures by their city or town budget, charter schools do not have such restrictions placed upon them. If MVRCS had been charging market rate rent and/or held the City of Malden to the lease agreement, it is very possible that their per student expenditure would have been less. It could therefore be argued that MVRCS padded their books in order to provide the City of Malden with the 'sweetheart deal' that they have been bragging about, at the expense of the sending districts. More about the terms of the deal and history can be found here Fire Commanders Make Plea for Decrepit Maplewood Station (be sure to read all of the comments for additional insight).
In true Kinnon fashion, Neil Kinnon has deemed himself to be of a higher authority and more knowledgeable than the other City Councilors, the Fire Chief, the Board of Health, and State Inspectional Services as he publicly disagrees with the decision (Malden Councilor Questions Conditions at Maplewood Fire Station). Of course this is after he has had his brother, Greg Kinnon, working around the clock to remove all of the schools belongings (see pictures Another Proud Kinnon Decision) and do some fixing up/repairs. Unfortunately, the effort was not put towards the mold, structural, or air issues that the building faces. And in what we find to be the most upsetting aspect of this fiasco is that at the very least, a group of 3rd grade students are still taught in that building for 3 hours a day without any regard to the air quality and/or their well-being.Yes, another proud Kinnon moment. So glad we have him running MVRCS!
Over the past week or so as the Malden City Council, the Board of Health, and Inspectional Services toured the fire house and found sufficient cause to close it. The article from the Boston Globe can be found here Malden Closes Rotting Maplewood Fire Station but begins "Citing uninhabitable conditions after years of mold, rot, and neglect, Malden Fire Chief Michael J. Murphy announced today the Maplewood Fire Station was closing after years of discussion over the decaying structure’s future." The decision to close the station came as a result of the tour and the fact the lease expires at the end of May. While MVRCS was willing (and hoping) to extend the lease, the City and school have been in discussions over the upkeep of the building. In another classic Kinnon underhanded, ethically questionable manner, it seems that the officials at MVRCS had hoped to use the City's use of this building as a way of extracting field time from the City of Malden (from Fire Commanders Make Plea for Decrepit Maplewood Station):
In what would appear to most to be a clear conflict of interest, not only is Neil Kinnon involved in this as the Chairman of the Board of Trustees for MVRCS, he also happens to be the City Councilor for the residents that now face increases in home owner insurance and the possibility of longer emergency response times. Neil Kinnon (who at the time was not a City Councilor but did act as Mayor Howard's campaign manager) was also involved in the negotiations back in 2003 between MVRCS and the City of Malden to not only purchase the building but in renting the building back to the city. In hearing the details of this lease agreement, one must question who Neil Kinnon's loyalties were with, with the City of Malden or MVRCS. Apparently the lease agreement allowed for below market rate rent (we have heard 3.00 per square foot) if not free rent for several years and forgiveness of a penalty for not vacating the building as agreed upon. It would seem that Neil Kinnon used his position as Chairman of the Board of Trustees to benefit the City of Malden."Are you staying or not? And if you are, what can we do to help each other out," Veilleux told the councilors and fire commanders. "We're looking for field space."
But that conversation seemed to be plan B for the charter school, which in a March 14 letter from Veilleux to Howard, attempted to acquire exclusive use of playing fields at three city parks.
The offer would have the city pay the school $800,000 to buy back the station, which the school said represents the value of the structure separate from the adjacent school that was a part of the sale in 2003.
According to the Mystic Valley offer, the city would then enter into a 20-year agreement for the field time at three locations with the charter school, which MV officials valued at about $800,000.
As a charter school MVRCS is permitted to determine the per student expenditure (what it costs per student to run the school) which they then collect from each sending district and/or the government. While district schools are limited in their per student expenditures by their city or town budget, charter schools do not have such restrictions placed upon them. If MVRCS had been charging market rate rent and/or held the City of Malden to the lease agreement, it is very possible that their per student expenditure would have been less. It could therefore be argued that MVRCS padded their books in order to provide the City of Malden with the 'sweetheart deal' that they have been bragging about, at the expense of the sending districts. More about the terms of the deal and history can be found here Fire Commanders Make Plea for Decrepit Maplewood Station (be sure to read all of the comments for additional insight).
In true Kinnon fashion, Neil Kinnon has deemed himself to be of a higher authority and more knowledgeable than the other City Councilors, the Fire Chief, the Board of Health, and State Inspectional Services as he publicly disagrees with the decision (Malden Councilor Questions Conditions at Maplewood Fire Station). Of course this is after he has had his brother, Greg Kinnon, working around the clock to remove all of the schools belongings (see pictures Another Proud Kinnon Decision) and do some fixing up/repairs. Unfortunately, the effort was not put towards the mold, structural, or air issues that the building faces. And in what we find to be the most upsetting aspect of this fiasco is that at the very least, a group of 3rd grade students are still taught in that building for 3 hours a day without any regard to the air quality and/or their well-being.Yes, another proud Kinnon moment. So glad we have him running MVRCS!
Friday, April 1, 2011
Another Proud Kinnon Decision....
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Malden-Fire-Department-Local-902/139891709386974
Check out the pictures from the link above. They are of the Firehouse that MVRCS owns and leases to the City of Malden. Not only are the conditions deplorable for the firemen that spend their working days there BUT even more alarming is that the children of MVRCS spend time in those facilities! Pictures of mold, rodent droppings, unclean filters and outdated HVAC equipment. One grade has their reading and math lessons held in that building 5 days a week for at least 2 1/2 hours. While OSHA would have a field day and probably shut this building down, the oversight would fall upon the City of Malden Health Department. Either they are not doing their job by approving this building or are turning a blind eye at the request of certain individuals. We wrote previously about the battle between then Fire Commissioner Neil Kinnon/Mayor Howard and the Malden Firefighters (http://unofficialmvrcs.blogspot.com/2010/10/kinnons-efforts-to-control-us.html) so we know the relationship is nothing short of adversarial. It is this type of lack of action and deplorable attitude that brings negative attitudes towards the MVRCS community and specifically, Neil Kinnon. It is even more disturbing that Neil Kinnon and the Board of Trustees knowingly chose to keep the children within these deplorable, unhealthy conditions and instead focus funds and efforts towards the building of a new athletic facility. MVRCS and Neil Kinnon owe both the firefighters and students of MVRCS better conditions that this! So much for staying true to their Charter and Mission. They should be ashamed of themselves.
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Check out the pictures from the link above. They are of the Firehouse that MVRCS owns and leases to the City of Malden. Not only are the conditions deplorable for the firemen that spend their working days there BUT even more alarming is that the children of MVRCS spend time in those facilities! Pictures of mold, rodent droppings, unclean filters and outdated HVAC equipment. One grade has their reading and math lessons held in that building 5 days a week for at least 2 1/2 hours. While OSHA would have a field day and probably shut this building down, the oversight would fall upon the City of Malden Health Department. Either they are not doing their job by approving this building or are turning a blind eye at the request of certain individuals. We wrote previously about the battle between then Fire Commissioner Neil Kinnon/Mayor Howard and the Malden Firefighters (http://unofficialmvrcs.blogspot.com/2010/10/kinnons-efforts-to-control-us.html) so we know the relationship is nothing short of adversarial. It is this type of lack of action and deplorable attitude that brings negative attitudes towards the MVRCS community and specifically, Neil Kinnon. It is even more disturbing that Neil Kinnon and the Board of Trustees knowingly chose to keep the children within these deplorable, unhealthy conditions and instead focus funds and efforts towards the building of a new athletic facility. MVRCS and Neil Kinnon owe both the firefighters and students of MVRCS better conditions that this! So much for staying true to their Charter and Mission. They should be ashamed of themselves.
From the Firefighters page:
"One of the bathrooms is so bad with Mold that it has been sealed shut. Officials tested the air quality in 2006 and said that it has to be dramatically improved but their was no funding for that at the time. It has been over 5 yrs and the Mold has spread. Still no-one comes to clean or test and we are forced to work here while we have a brand new fire station that the city closed. The other scary thing here is that the Mystic Valley Charter School knows about this yet holds class in this same building!!!!
"MVRCS storage area is a violation in itself due to the massive Fire load from paper and boxes stored from floor to ceiling surrounded by gasoline filled snowblowers . This room is attched to the school behind boarded up windows. Garage door does not seal."
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