The Falling Out of King Tut - A Year in Passing

For those who have missed the great escapades and shenanigans of King Tut this past year, do not fear as he managed to keep himself embroiled in scandal, controversy, and his ability to show just what an ethical schmuck he truly is. It would seem the King's downfall may have begun when Mayor Christenson took office (who knew?!) as it doesn't appear to have been business as usual this past year. It is worth noting that we forgot just how entertaining it was play arm chair reporter and stay abreast of all the BS. It feels good to be back in the saddle again...

 Of course once he peek our interest again, it didn't take much effort to see that he not only has been up to his typical no good but that his fall seems to be well on its way. The articles pertaining to his Royal Arse all demonstrate just how unethical he is and how stupid he believes everyone else to be. Does he really think everyone doesn't see through his unethical and self-serving (Kinnon Kingdom) his actions are? Malden voters do NOT think for one moment that he has any ward, resident, or community groups best interests priority besides himself and his 'Kinnon Kingdom'. The article that best demonstrated how little regard and concern he has for Malden residents was the one regarding the Malden budget (see full article here (Malden Budget Debate). While he appeared to challenge Christenson's budget feigning to be a financial conservative,  it was interesting where he felt budget cuts should come from....MALDEN PUBLIC SCHOOL....? It would appear that Christenson didn't follow the norm by putting his friends and family members in every any and every cushy position he could find but instead tried to cut expenses by not using his position to benefit a select few but rather the greater good - the community as a whole. How unbelievably un-Kinnon like of him! Of course, Kinnon probably had a slew of F&F members who were in need of a 'Kinnon job' (you know, a paycheck with limited or no actual responsibility).

Most concerning, ironic, or outrageous (whatever you want to call it) is that Kinnon's point of contention was school spending (yes, SOME people in a position of power regarding education our children respect what teachers do and believe that it takes more than a monkey to teach a child). Of course, in Kinnon Kingdom they are not restricted to a budget imposed on them by a city or town, they are permitted to determine their own budget and how much they require each year). While we haven't looked at numbers recently, best recollection from a few years ago was that Malden's expenditure per child was about $7,000.00 and MVRCS's was about $10,000.00 (the state makes up the difference). Very interesting considering they don't have the Special Education, ELL, and the other expenses related to actually meeting the educational needs of ALL children (not just the ones that do well on tests and follow the rules) and providing teachers will valuable Professional Development opportunities (not just the mandatory topics and requirements).

Of course, the residents and parents of Malden should have raised holy hell at his attempt to cut the public school budgets. First he tears them down then he wants to deny them funding?? Is he scared that if they were given the per child expenditure that he gets per child, that the charter school might not look so superior? We'd love to see the charter operate on the budget restrictions and meeting the special education/ell needs of students that district schools do. We doubt they'd have that beautiful facility on Eastern Avenue or be having left over funding to be buying up property as investments. The funds would be spent on the children (as they should be).

A little tidbit to parents to remember in August as they venture out to spend their money on pencils, erasers, scissors, dictionary's (both english and bilingual), paper and the other items contained on that extensive list of theirs, it has come to our attention that schools are not permitted to request or require parents to provide supplies that are instrumental or necessary to their learning. According to the DESE these types of items are to be provided by the school/district. Yes, parents can be asked to contribute things such as disinfectant, paper towels, and tissues but if it is necessary for their learning or instruction, the school or district must provide it as THAT IS PART OF WHAT THE MONEY THEY RECEIVE IS FOR! Of course, just the fiasco with the busing issue many moons ago, they will continue to do as they please regardless of the laws and rules.
And then we have one one of the highlights of the articles we came across, the following of rules and laws. Is that the pot calling the kettle black we hear? From an article way back when (Boston.com - Teen Center Issue) it seems that Kinnon took issue with what he viewed as Christenson not following rules and ordinances' - you mean like the ones the DESE and Labor Laws place on charter schools/employers that you have IGNORED FOR 12 YEARS? Of course the difference here is that Christenson is truly within his legal rights AND benefiting someone other than himself and his own enormous ego. Kinnon goes on to state that "you can't not follow the rules" - you mean like you and your F&F club members have done and continue to do with children who require special education services? Exactly how many years did it take parents to even GET services at MVRCS? How about creating a PAC? What about that pesky Board of Trustees limit? Oh wait, should we talk about the lottery and waitlist and how many of your F&F members should be millionaires by now considering how lucky they were in the school lottery. Leave the school and re-enter a few years later without a sibling enrolling? Only if you have the right connections (Sir Kinnon the Arse himself) and/or your last name happens to be Finn. And how no English Language learners NEVER EVER EVER happen to have that same lottery luck, so incredibly amazing. But yes, we all need to 'follow rules and ordinances' - that is everyone except Sir Kinnon and his minions!

Oh, a long lost bud has alerted us to the party at the Malden Patch....To Be Continued

Neil, Neil, Neil - Is it FINALLY Your Time? Or Liar, Liar, Pants On Fire!

Oh yes, its been a long time since we've provided any updates or insight regarding good old MVRCS but it seems that Neil has FINALLY managed to draw the attention he so rightfully deserves! For those who have taken time out of their lives in the past to bring Neil and MVRCS the much needed at attention of the DESE, it appears that your efforts (nor ours) were not in vain. We know that the DESE receives calls practically DAILY regarding the shenanigans going on over corrupt, law ignoring, 'we are above all reprise' MVRCS, have finally brought them the much deserved attention they deserve. It seems that if Mr. 'I'll Do What I Want' has disregarded the DESE's directives for long enough that his actions have brought the schools charter into jeopardy.

In case you haven't seen the article in the Boston Globe, it can be found  at "School’s expansion request is denied". It would appear that although the charter was approved but with restrictions. Hmmm, could it be that King Kinnon has snubbed his nose at the DESE one too many times?

A quick over of the conditions that have been placed on the charter are highlighted below (although this came directly from the DOE (DOE - Board of Education 2013):

1.     Beginning in March 2013 and until further notice, the Mystic Valley Regional Charter School (MVRCS) will submit to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (Department), at charterschools@doe.mass.edu or 75 Pleasant St., Malden, MA, 02148, board meeting agendas, materials, and minutes prior to each board meeting at the same time these items are sent to MVRCS board members. The Department reserves the right to request additional information, such as quarterly or monthly financial statements, if board materials do not already include this information, and MVRCS must provide such additional information within two business days. (We wonder if that is as a result of good 'ol 'Thieving Gately' is at the helm. Also, let us NOT forget the BS that the Boston Globe went through to get copies of staff salaries AND the inability to view (as required by law) copies of the Board Meetings and Executive Sessions). *See Additional Infomation Regarding Finances Below.

2.     By May 31, 2013, the Board of Trustees of MVRCS shall amend its bylaws to set specific, reasonable limits on successive or total terms that a member may serve on the board of trustees. These limits must apply to all current board members. (Oh, King Kinnon, what ever shall you do???  We're sure this is going to be an area of contention for King Tut, especially as it pertains to his royal arse himself!)

3.     By May 31, 2013, the Board of Trustees of MVRCS will engage in a comprehensive self-evaluation of its own capacity and recruit additional members who have the needed expertise. (i.e. Neil, this does not mean YOU but rather individuals who may have the audacity to disagree or even challenge YOU).

4.     By July 31, 2013, the Board of Trustees of MVRCS will expand the board membership to at least seven members. (And again King Tut, this excludes you! It means that your current practice of you and your 'followers' managing the day to day needs of the school may be no more!).

5.     By September 30, 2013, the Board of Trustees of MVRCS will engage in training, conducted by an external consultant, accepted and approved in advance by the Department, on the roles and responsibilities of a public charter school board of trustees.  (We're thinking that this means that the training cannot be conducted by one of your friends, relatives, or campaign contributors - which is your MO).

This renewal is explicitly conditioned as follows. Failure to meet these conditions may result in the Board placing Mystic Valley Regional Charter School on probation, revoking its charter, or imposing additional conditions on its charter. 

"Citing a “clear record of insularity and opaque decision making,” Mitchell D. Chester last month placed conditions on the school’s charter and denied Mystic Valley’s request to increase student enrollment. -Gotta love this little mention of defiance (and he then claims they  are being singled out...?):

The school, Chester wrote in a Feb. 8 memo to the state Board of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, “has not consistently operated with transparency or been accessible to all stakeholders.” 

We're thinking that all of the kool-aid drinkers, friends and family club members, and campaign contributors had better either boot your butt to the curb OR get ready to enroll their children in their district schools. While we're at it, should we mention to you the possibility of your teachers meeting with union officials these days? Oh, wouldn't that just be the DEATH of you???

No one should really be surprised but the DESE seems to have some concerns regarding the finances of MVRCS. Of course, not their financial viability per se but rather their management, record keeping, and/or use of funding. This was noted in the report submitted by Class Measures and includes the following:

"The first finding noted the procurement policy did not ensure no payments were provided to any vendors disbarred from receiving federal funds. The second noted that expenses charged to the ARRA grant were not discreetly accounted for, separate from non ARRA expenses. The third noted required procedures for charging of employee salary to two federal grants were not followed...The second finding, regarding lack of discrete accounting for ARRA federal grant funds, recurred in FY12 and the finding of noncompliance with ARRA regulations was continued."

Even more amazing to us is that 'Class Measures was able to obtain copies of the Board Meetings AND financial records (of course they were most likely cooked but at least they had SOMETHING) that have been kept from the rest of the school community.

Probably the most humorous and ironic part of the report was that the Board stated that "they thought of themselves as a 'bottom up' organization" - anyone else find that a bit much too swallow? Interestingly enough, teachers and parents characterized the school as a “top down” organization, with the board dictating the direction of the school. Furthermore, parents noted that it was difficult to communicate with the board.  (Really, you don't say??? BTW, we'd LOVE LOVE LOVE to know which friends and family members were 'randomly' chosen to meet with the 'Class Measures' team and we're pretty sure that it was not an open or publicized).

We would LOVE to hear Dr. McCleary's response to the Board being 'prohibited from exercising managerial powers over the day-to-day operations of the school'. You remember Dr. McCleary don't you? You know the name plate that was on the 'Director' door, the 'Director' who was given no say or voice in ANY aspect of the 'day-to-day operations', or the 'Director' who was ignored or treated with clear disrespect at Board Meetings (yes, in a school that embraces the concept of  respect...). Yeah, THAT guy.

Of course also worth mentioning for a good chuckle is that  "89% indicated that they were satisified with their decision to send their children to MVRCS". Now is that because they belong to the MVRCS 'friends and family club' (you know, those families that are related to Kinnon, Finn, or any of the other VIP's in the school), it is better than the alternative (i.e. and they live in Malden or Everett where they are doing great things but face a much more diverse population - both race, language, and special education related), or all the input they have into their childs education and the respect they are shown from Sir Kinnon and his minions? Oh wait, maybe its how inadequately and unequally they are treated and/or rules applied. Of course, the number one answer is probably the fact that any child who isn't doing well or parents that aren't satisfied were not only not included (and were not even considered for enrollment) but were probably ushered out of the school as their child a) didn't speak english, b) had a learning disability that could have been addressed but wasn't being adequately addressed (yes, you know Wicked Witch of SPED herself), or c) the parents DARED challenge Kinnon or one of his minions. It should come as no surprise that the student population still appears to be lacking regards to the (non-existent) ELL and special education students according to the report: "select student subgroup enrollment continues to lag behind the primary sending districts and the state."  One must wonder how when serving such language diverse communities such as Everett, Medford, and Malden, MVRCS still does not have any students who are identified as English Language Learners - especially considering how the state requires them to fully prepared and a program in place (oh, did yet another F and F member need a 'job' that paid exceptionally well yet had minimal duties or expectations cause THAT would make sense).

Kinnons response to the report is classic and makes one wonder if he is delusion, believes his owns lies, or grasping at straws. Enjoy!

"Kinnon took issue with the findings.

“The school’s board of trustees does not believe it violated the Open Meeting Law,” he said. “Our board meetings are all open and we have [had] open sessions at nearly every one for 15 years.” - Is he really saying this? Does he actually believe it because that would be an even scarier thought than him just plain lying!

Kinnon said a recent conversation he had with Cliff W. Chuang, associate commissioner of the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, revealed that Chester’s decision to impose conditions on the school and deny its request to expand was influenced by numerous complaints state education officials claimed to have received about Mystic Valley and its board in writing, by phone, and anonymously. Kinnon said state officials never shared those complaints with Mystic Valley’s board of trustees and claimed such notification is required by law. "- Again, REALLY??? Oh, next thing he'll blame it on McCleary and Finn!

"The only thing ‘opaque’ here is the Department of Education’s explanation on not providing us these complaints they supposedly have, and by law they were supposed to share, so that we could rectify the issues or determine they were baseless and report back to the department,” Kinnon said. “We don’t know if [those complaints] really exist.” - And, as anyone who has ever dealt with him (or any of his F&F employees) knows, he would have addressed any and all issues immediately just as he did with the directive regarding the Board members, special education violations, reporting violations, lottery/admittance violations, the transportation fiasco, the nut allergy, and the list goes on. Please Neil, now you are just plain embarrassing yourself!

“We do not typically contact schools in these instances, which are the vast majority of the complaints that we receive,” Greene said, noting that state education officials are “in the process of compiling the written complaints [about Mystic Valley] on file, at the school’s request.” - Could Ms. Greene borrow the MVRCS truck to transport the enormous stack of complaints the DESE has received over the years? Worth noting is that the DESE has been visiting our site and will make denial on Sir Lie-Alot eer, Kinnon's part near impossible. May we also suggest they contact Dr. McCleary (maybe his buy-off, oops - confidentiality contract has expired...?).*** Given that Ms. Greene is currently compiling written complaints, may we suggest that anyone who questions whether the complaint was adequately filed with the DESE, re-fill any and all complaints.

Not to be missed is outrage and disbelief that ANYONE dared or would THINK of calling the DESE:
We expected that Sir Kinnon  would not only be less than pleased with the findings but that his 'friends' weren't able to fix this for him and his kingdom. One has to wonder how he likes being on the other side and having another individual make decisions and determinations that determine him and his kingdom. Poor Sir Lie-A-Lot, We are surely hoping that the parents and staff that have been subjected to the less that ethical, honorable, or morally correct actions (especially those have had implications on students) of him and his minions, are enjoying watching his slow descend.

Apparently it has been too long since since our last post as we could go on and on except that we've said it all before. Of course, maybe the collected efforts of parents, teachers, community members, and others who refuse to take part in the world of corruption known as MVRCS, are finally paying off and Kinnon (et al) day is coming sometime in the near future. We'll have to all stay posted and keep our chairs and popcorn nearby and ready for a show. Oh Sir Kinnon, you never fail to entertain us!

Of course should you have other insights, thoughts, or comments that you feel should be shared with the DESE or Class Measures (the company that conducted the review), you could always contact them directly. We've very conveniently included some contact information below.

Contact Details:

DESE:

Jeff Wulfson @ 781-338-6500, Deputy Commissioner; 

Cliff Chuang @ 781-338-3222, Associate Commissioner; 

Class Measures

100 Tower Park Drive 

Woburn, MA 01801

781-939-5699

ClassMeasures@tribalgroup.com

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!