tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5035949355013113578.post8225581777166341756..comments2023-10-17T22:56:42.784-04:00Comments on Only in The Republic of Amherst: Smaller Is BetterLarry Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02614645831526190536noreply@blogger.comBlogger45125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5035949355013113578.post-73323661109638918702016-01-22T08:52:53.733-05:002016-01-22T08:52:53.733-05:00I must have left the room to make a sandwich durin...I must have left the room to make a sandwich during the "make everything exactly the same" part of the admin's presentation.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5035949355013113578.post-25058126040870802012016-01-20T07:09:18.953-05:002016-01-20T07:09:18.953-05:00yes, anon@1246: Ms Geryk's recipe for equity ...yes, anon@1246: Ms Geryk's recipe for equity consists of to making everything the exactly the same. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5035949355013113578.post-21677384650385455072016-01-20T00:46:41.118-05:002016-01-20T00:46:41.118-05:00The surveys clearly show that the teachers who sup...The surveys clearly show that the teachers who support the administration's proposal rank equity first generally as a goal, while the teachers who oppose the administrations plan and who want small schools ranked equity 4th and 5th generally. Not placing equity above all other concerns is totally unacceptable! The SC (-1) did the right thing.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5035949355013113578.post-54013674627651556902016-01-19T21:19:26.804-05:002016-01-19T21:19:26.804-05:00Is it so amazing that all the people working under...Is it so amazing that all the people working under Geryk, her direct hires support her idea. Yet the teachers don't. And they only speak anonymously. Makes you wonder.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5035949355013113578.post-2067941295507799332016-01-19T17:13:27.713-05:002016-01-19T17:13:27.713-05:00anon@3:54. If the grade reconfiguration model is c...anon@3:54. If the grade reconfiguration model is chosen but not supported by many parents and community members, they may not support funding it, hence the lost opportunity to fund the twin k-6 instead. If this were to happen, don't you think that future SC members will hold Ms Geryk accountable?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5035949355013113578.post-64613771206278113772016-01-19T16:18:41.086-05:002016-01-19T16:18:41.086-05:00Yes the preferred choice of all the principals who...Yes the preferred choice of all the principals who work for Ms Geryk. Interesting that a former principal spoke out vehemently against the idea...<br /><br />Also interesting that 60% of special Ed teachers when asked anonymously found the twin K-6 option favorable and only 40% found grade reconfiguration favorable. Also interesting that only 20% of special Ed parents find grade reconfiguration favorable. Funny, this is one of the administrations main reasons for recommending the change....<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5035949355013113578.post-24284716156090162962016-01-19T15:54:37.548-05:002016-01-19T15:54:37.548-05:002:13
I was not a big Maria Geryk supporter, but on...2:13<br />I was not a big Maria Geryk supporter, but on this issue she is showing real leadership. As is most of the SC.<br /><br />I think you're misreading the non-parent community, except for Vince and Orville.<br /><br />Also, the SC hires and fires the Superintendent, and on this issue they agree with her (save Vira), so how will she lose her job?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5035949355013113578.post-77837042331950003982016-01-19T15:27:53.018-05:002016-01-19T15:27:53.018-05:00It is not the preferred option of JUST Ms Geryk an...It is not the preferred option of JUST Ms Geryk and the SC. All the principals, the SPED director, the director of equity and the coordinator of the Family Center all said the reconfigured schools was also their choice.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5035949355013113578.post-6111006517550802272016-01-19T14:13:37.961-05:002016-01-19T14:13:37.961-05:00yes, I do think that the SC and Ms Geryk might fin...yes, I do think that the SC and Ms Geryk might find that the community won't support funding their (preferred) option of reconfiguring grades. The town could very well miss an opportunity for the option most preferred by teachers and parents- twin k-6. If that happens it will be a shame and likely the end of Ms Geryk's job.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5035949355013113578.post-36543262519276289072016-01-19T13:51:58.317-05:002016-01-19T13:51:58.317-05:00I am a Crocker Farm parent with a child in 1st gra...I am a Crocker Farm parent with a child in 1st grade. I am going to be asked to approve an override for over $200 in taxes a year so that he has to move out of a school he has grown to love to a large school on the other side of town that very few people want. <br /><br />If there is an option on the table that can re-build fort River and wildwood (efficiently) and keep our k-6 small schools, I would vote for an override of $200 to pay for that. But the grade reconfiguration option, are you kidding, no chance.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5035949355013113578.post-59346157723493989582016-01-19T13:24:38.637-05:002016-01-19T13:24:38.637-05:00Cost effective as in better than paying for 2 sepa...Cost effective as in better than paying for 2 separate schools on separate sites (and cheaper for that matter than the administrations option of the larger 750 grade 2-6 school and the many unknown costs of renovating Crocker farm to make it preK-1.<br /><br />I didn't say it was affordable, that is another question altogether. But I do believe it will be easier for tax payers to stomach if they know teachers and parents are behind it -right?<br />The administration's option could very well lead to a no vote and a loss of money from the state.<br /><br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5035949355013113578.post-42450324261652881682016-01-19T13:17:39.978-05:002016-01-19T13:17:39.978-05:00I'm sorry, but what a ridiculous thing to say....I'm sorry, but what a ridiculous thing to say. You never get 100% of people filling out a survey. It is always sample of people and in this case more than enough for an accurate representation of what people think. Plus 50% of teachers filled one out...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5035949355013113578.post-71893690021271589682016-01-19T13:13:36.378-05:002016-01-19T13:13:36.378-05:00anon@12:26: given the limited opportunity to part...anon@12:26: given the limited opportunity to participate in the survey (limited time and limited invitations), the only data we have is from those who submitted. Who do we have to thank for that? Ms Geryk and the SC. One might think they don't really want parents and the community to offer their opinions...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5035949355013113578.post-13957907278976903772016-01-19T12:32:28.371-05:002016-01-19T12:32:28.371-05:0010:53 AM : Are you saying "ONLY" $200 to...10:53 AM : Are you saying "ONLY" $200 to $300? Are you kidding? Do you honestly think us normal-salaried folks out here can afford that? Your version of cost effective is a joke.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5035949355013113578.post-68024782205620157272016-01-19T12:26:45.873-05:002016-01-19T12:26:45.873-05:00We only know what 30% of 27% of parents want. That...We only know what 30% of 27% of parents want. That makes it 8% of all parents. Only 27% of parents filled out the survey.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5035949355013113578.post-45160788628443282872016-01-19T10:53:48.465-05:002016-01-19T10:53:48.465-05:00Yes, there is a really good proposal on the table ...Yes, there is a really good proposal on the table that solves most the issues and is quite cost effective -the twin K-6 option.<br /><br />Again, please stop being childish, no one is trying to humiliate anyone.<br /><br />The thing that has the most chance of killing this project is choosing an option which only 30% or so of parents and teachers support, when there is a great compromise on the table that I think most town folk would get behind.<br /><br />I do agree that the small school advocates would do well distancing themselves from nuts like Vince. That will get them no where. He wants to build 2 schools on separate sites, one with town money only, raising our taxes by $400 to 500(?)/yr. <br /><br />Building 2 separate schools on one site that share some facilities seems like a good compromise and will raise our taxes by $200 to $300 and keep k-6 which the majority clearly wantAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5035949355013113578.post-51669044715400088112016-01-19T10:31:09.444-05:002016-01-19T10:31:09.444-05:00taken from http://www.doe.mass.edu/lawsregs/adviso...taken from http://www.doe.mass.edu/lawsregs/advisory/cm1115gov.html.<br /><b>"the board must be responsive to the community it serves."</b> Before taking this momentous decision, the SC members ought to review their (and the Superintendent's) respective roles.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5035949355013113578.post-13935460763448331182016-01-19T10:10:03.914-05:002016-01-19T10:10:03.914-05:00The voters, most of whom have no kids in K-12, hav...The voters, most of whom have no kids in K-12, haven't weighed in yet.<br /><br />You got Orville, of Orville+Gert fame, threatening to torpedo the project at TM. If you can't trust him, who can your trust? (Note to Small School advocates--distance yourself from Orville! And Vince!!)<br /><br />You got the very vocal small school people who are publicly trying to humiliate the SC, the Super, and other parents<br /><br />This inside fighting has a good chance of killing all projects. Rule #1: don't give your kids their allowance if they constantly fight with each other.<br /><br />Relax people. There's a really good proposal on the table. Embrace it.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5035949355013113578.post-65632102769501267512016-01-19T09:59:53.073-05:002016-01-19T09:59:53.073-05:00I have not been able to find any information poste...I have not been able to find any information posted on the ARPS website (including the long PP file) that shows or supports why the Admin favors the reconfiguring of grades vs twin (pre)k-6. Why isn't that available (I'm talking to you, anon@9:24!!)?? It is pretty overwhelming that those polled (parents and teachers) want to keep k-6 (and most are willing to adapt to a twin preK-6 building). The change proposed (reconfiguring grades) is HUGE, the entire Amherst school community (all the thr 12th grade) should have been polled. After all many of those polled with Elementary kids will also not be directly affected in the current time line, yet they got a voice. In fact, if the admin had provided time, the two choices could have been on a ballot. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5035949355013113578.post-60419335855303131502016-01-19T09:36:44.895-05:002016-01-19T09:36:44.895-05:00Annon @12:09 please stop being so childish "n...Annon @12:09 please stop being so childish "name-calling", come on. Ms Quiltor is citing very valid research of which the administration has provided very little other than talking to other schools in MA that have moved to the same system. What are their administrators going to say? That it was a mistake? Of course not.<br />Also, there are not many people calling for keeping the "ridiculous building mistakes". Most people, including the majority of the anonymous teachers surveyed, are very happy with the compromise of a new twin k-6 school that would solve all the building issues but keep the proven k-6 system.<br />It's funny how the current principals all write letters in support of loosing k-6 but the only former principal who does not work directly for Maria spoke out vehemently against the idea. It's also funny how the administration has always said our educators are behind this, but as soon as we do an anonymous survey, it is clear that they are not.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5035949355013113578.post-28125891462685814892016-01-19T09:24:23.033-05:002016-01-19T09:24:23.033-05:00As far as I can tell so far, none of the research ...As far as I can tell so far, none of the research Ms. Quilter cited speaks to the effects of a brand new, state-of-the-art building, within a uniquely involved community, with an administration focused on equity in an entirely unprecedented way, and with one of the most talented teaching staffs in W MA, on disadvantaged children.<br /><br />And some (many) of the schools used in the research Ms. Quilter has presented us with have almost nothing in common with what the administration is proposing, not even square footage.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5035949355013113578.post-15517720405520479832016-01-19T09:05:13.679-05:002016-01-19T09:05:13.679-05:00Ms. Quilter, you'll want to follow me some mor...Ms. Quilter, you'll want to follow me some more on this one. <br /><br />You've pulled some interesting research from the UMass data banks, but I haven't heard a worthy presentation from any of your fellow detractors on how this research relates specifically to our town's predicament, our childrens's needs. I mean, anyone can cite a bunch of research these days, it doesn't take hours in the stacks like it used to.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5035949355013113578.post-84157538460890601942016-01-19T08:43:34.824-05:002016-01-19T08:43:34.824-05:00anon@12:59: citing those schools doesn't help ...anon@12:59: citing those schools doesn't help your argument, it hurts it. Those schools' records of achievement are hardly enviable. Yikes!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5035949355013113578.post-76811093498089394972016-01-19T00:09:39.986-05:002016-01-19T00:09:39.986-05:00So Ms. Quilter, your point then is that there is d...So Ms. Quilter, your point then is that there is dueling research. That shouldn't surprise anyone in a college town. I just hope you have put as much time into choosing wise political representatives as you have into doing counter-research against the administration, because they are the ones you elected to make these decisions, and it seems like after they did their research and homework, they disagree with you. And my guess is that the SC members who will vote in favor of the school's bold and forward thinking proposal will regain their seats if they choose to run again. But if you think a majority disagrees, well then run a candidate, there are enough of you who seem to want to be involved and who think you have more integrity than the current SC members, and who also believe you are better at sifting through and understanding current academic research.<br /><br />This business about how the administration has successfully pulled the wool over the school committee's eyes for years, and that they are doing the opposite of what most parents want, sounds desperate, amounts to name-calling, and we've seen it all before every time a major decision must be made (remember when everyone whose kid went to Mark's Meadow said Ms. Sanderson wasn't listening to the majority of parents concerns and was doing whatever she wanted?) The people who want to continue educating our kids within the ridiculous building mistakes made in the seventies are fearful of real change, and represent the status quo.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5035949355013113578.post-26695754563554967472016-01-18T12:59:45.534-05:002016-01-18T12:59:45.534-05:00There are many communities in MA that are not K-6 ...There are many communities in MA that are not K-6 schools and the kids and families seem to do just fine. Some are in western MA including Granby and South Hadley. My daughter lives in such a community in the eastern part of the state and her kids enjoy their grade based schools. This is not an unconventional way to configure schools. You folks need to get a grip.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com