Friday, March 27, 2009

The Incredible Shrinking School Budget

Click Here to view the proposed 2009-10 school budget.

This Monday, Matawan-Aberdeen’s superintendent, Dr. O’Malley, will be making a small bit of local history; he will present a school budget that spends $600,000 less than the previous year. Considering the contractually mandated spending increases (salaries and benefits) and the district’s new initiatives (high school academies, NWEA, Naviance, Realtime, etc.) a reduced budget is a significant achievement but an equally significant political risk. In a break from prior budgets, this budget does not encompass inflated numbers or “slush funds” in anticipation of another rejection by the school district’s voters. The question is whether a budget that actually cuts spending and taxes can break a 7-year streak of rejection. I endorse the proposed 2009-2010 Matawan-Aberdeen school budget.

The main budget busters are salaries and benefits. Of the school district’s 546 full-time employees, only 16 are non-union. Including the 33 part-timers, the combined cost of salaries and benefits is $46,388,396. That’s a $1.8 million increase over the prior year and averages to over $82,000 per full-time employee.

The other main cost increase is out-of-district tuitions - $100,000.

Since state aid is frozen, all cost increases must be covered by tax increases. Dr. O’Malley could have proposed a budget, like last year’s, to raise the tax levy by the maximum amount allowed under law – 4% or a little over $1.6 million. Instead, he cut.

Staff will be reduced by 3% (without affecting class sizes) generating a $1.5 million savings. More of the transportation costs will be brought in-house providing another $200,000 in cuts. Add another $600,000 in cuts for supplies, technology, curriculum, and building operations. Toss in $200,000 more savings from 10% across the board cuts and, presto, $2.5 million in spending cuts generating a $600,000 reduction in the tax levy.

To appreciate the savings, consider the following: Had the district proposed a maximum tax increase, knowing it would be rejected, the tax levy would likely still increase by $1,000,000 after the municipalities imposed a symbolic cut. That means taxes would be $1.6 million higher than Dr. O’Malley is proposing. That’s a savings of about $150 per household this year and every year afterwards.

And therein lies the risk. In prior years, the school district proposed budgets expecting them to be defeated at the polls. The budget process always included fluff and political theater, giving the mayors a chance to “force” the district to reduce taxes but never worrying that those cuts might affect services.

This time is different. If the budget is defeated, several programs may be adversely affected.

But that’s not what most worries me. I’m afraid that having voters reject a budget that actually reduces taxes and spending will be a strong incentive to return to the practice of past years of presenting inflated budgets with built-in fat that can be easily excised after the vote.

If we want the school district to present honest budgets then we have to be willing to accept budgets, however imperfect, that demonstrate vast improvements.

Like most of us, I believe we are still spending too much and taxes are too high. As a board member, I will work to further reduce the tax burden. But this budget cuts taxes and spending without sacrificing our students’ education. This school budget deserves our support. On April 21st, vote “Yes” to lower taxes.
>>> Read more!

181 comments:

Anonymous said...

Obviously this gives more credibility to the criticism of Quinn and Barza and the bloated budgets hidden from the public.

What would their explanations have been for the budget differences with the Dr. O'Malley budget soon to be presented to the public with a ZERO INCREASE.

Explain that one BARZA.

It just shows us how flawed the whole governmental system can be. And they wanted our respect and complete confidence in their abilities. BULLSHIT!

GdridncetoBARZA said...

Anyone hear when they are going to give Barbato, Demarest and Zavorskas their obligatory plaques. The plaques for their dedicated (Ha)service to the people? They should be given a bill for the millions of dollars they wasted and put on the backs of the taxpayers. At the same time they should be given subpoenas forcing them to testify in regards to the placement of unqualified and un-certified people in charge and into integral positions controlling our districts finances, special needs programs and technology sectors, with huge and costly collateral damage.

A plaque? They should be given a good swift kick in the ass. Don't let the door hit you on the way out BARZA.

Anonymous said...

I'd like to know the # of teachers we will be losing? Does anyone know?
It says 3% cut in staff, but it doesn't say from where.

Anonymous said...

You state that they will be cutting 600,000 from budget in areas such as technology, but on the budget page it says technology will be upgraded.


How are they cutting money form technology yet upgrading?

Anonymous said...

Most likely dead wood. I remember when I went to school there was lots of dead wood teachers. Hopefully the hacks and those that have faced disciplinary action and poor performance are in the 3%

Anonymous said...

It is possible to do more and pay less. It's called eliminate the sweetheart deals, and aggresivele negotiate with the vendors that provide the goods and services.

Anonymous said...

"Forgive them father-for they know not what they do"

I fear that your jubiliation will be short lived in subsequent years when the state cuts your budget even more from where Dr. O has cut it. I understand wanting to save money and get the most bang for your buck, but this will ultimately come to back to bite us in the butt.

THE TRUTH said...

BITE US IN THE BUTT. BE SERIOUS.

HOW THE FIRST BUDGET OUT OF THE BLOCKS WITH THE NEW SUPERINTENDENT AT THE HELM, COMES IN WITH A ZERO TAX INCREASE? IS SOMEHOW QUESTIONED. IS QUESTIONABLE?

I AM NOT LOOKING TO CHASTISE HIM FOR SUCH A THING I AM LOOKING TO PRAISE HIM AND HIS STAFF FOR DOING SO. AT THE SAME TIME I AM LOOKING TO BLAME THE ARCHITECTS OF ALL OF THE PRIOR SCHOOL BUDGETS THAT EVERY RESIDENT AND BUREAUCRAT IN THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY KNOW FOR CERTAIN, WERE FULL OF PORK AND PATRONAGE. THAT IS THE SAD REALITY WE HAVE ALL PAID DEARLY FOR YEARS.

DO NOT DEFEND THAT WHICH IS OBVIOUSLY WRONG WITH THE SYSTEM. THE SYSTEM IS CHOKING ALL OF US AND PERHAPS, JUST PERHAPS, THIS NEW MAN ON THE SCENE AND HIS STAFF HAVE PULLED OFF A TRULY RESPONSIBLE BUDGET. I AM WILLING TO BET THERE COULD EVEN BE MORE CUTS. THAT IS WHAT WE SHALL LOOK FOR IN THE FUTURE. HOPEFULLY!

IT IS PERHAPS CALLED A ZERO BUDGET. YOU START WITH NOTHING AND FUND WHAT YOU MUST IN LEVELS OF NEED.

THIS MAY BE THE BEGINNING OF A BEAUTIFUL FRIENDSHIP, WHERE THE TAXPAYERS MAY HAVE THE BEGINNINGS OF FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY IN THEIR MIDST. FINALLY!

Anonymous said...

WEll, if you eliminate the "dead wood" teachers as you call them how does that keep class size the same?

My point is if they are planning to eliminate teachers, how does class size remain the same?

Anonymous said...

All I can say is great news and it is a step FINALLY in the right direction. I too am left with many question s about prior budgets and the inflation of same.

NSectionJoe said...

Class size and other such terms or implemented standards are merely words if at first the student and his or her parents and guardian sometimes do not put in the effort. Too often we expect and mandate that far more then reading, writing and arithmetic, which have been implemented into the daily workload of teachers, most often subjects of life lesson type instruction that used to be taught at home. This has obviously taken away from the average days instruction hours of teachers. How then can we expect grades and test scores to improve when the basics of the home life and parental involvement is taken away or ignored, and placed upon already overburdened teachers. Forget the teaching to the test type of instruction that permeates schools everywhere. How about teaching and instruction get changed back, and we as a society take back our responsibilities to raise our children and to check their progress and spend the time our children need to succeed. I realize my thoughts may not be compatible with the Hillary Clinton socialist style control plan with its gentle wording that "It Takes A Village to Raise a Child". No it takes parents to raise a child the school merely instructs as it always did.

Ask yourself if you could spend every day with 20-25 young immature or maturing students and instruct them and have that instruction be long lasting, much less control the varying aspects of such a situation on a daily basis. We expect so much from teachers yet that expectation is that they have all the answers for us when it comes to the taxpayer costs they themselves cannot control. We blame teachers for high taxes and low test scores, and they are merely half of the total equation. Do not get me wrong they are apart of a very broken system but they are not the means to a change. The Federal government and the State of New Jersey and the too powerful teachers union, are all to blame.

We the parents of students are the payees of this failed system and we are merely spectators in something like a tennis match. A game where the blame is hit back and forth like a tennis ball as no real changes are made to win the game for the taxpayers or the students our school system produces.

Anonymous said...

Wow, Joe this is probably the only time I've agreed with anything you've said.

NSectionJoe said...

Congratulations anonymous perhaps your making progress. Ha ha!

As the husband of a teacher I have heard all of the stories and seen the good bad the bad, up close and very personally. I have great respect for most teachers but truly feel that the system is beyond broken and those responsible for that which needs to be improved, cast aside and completely revamped. That needs to be done immediately to benefit and assist the students and the taxpayers., Any changes of course are continually bogged down in the usual political game of hide and seek.

Sadly it is just that simple.

I am glad we agree.

ralphy said...

JOe I RARELY agree with you. But you are 100% correct here.

Teachers are a small % of the problem. The community in which they live and their support at home is what makes or breaks them.

I am sure there are subpar teachers out there, but without parents at home pushing the issues - you cannot blame teachers for everything.

I saw it here before, do not know which post - Socio economics and parenting does play a part but is "poo -poo - ed" as an excuse BUT people on the same hand think that high taxes means GOOD test scores. YOu cannot have it both ways.

Look at yourselves in the mirror before we pass the blame on our children's inequities.

Anonymous said...

I think we insult the children themselves when we expect and mandate parents, teachers or the village to assume the whole responsibility for their educations. Every child is capable of performing to the zenith of his/her personal capabilities. So we should communicate very strongly our expectations of hard work and scholastic toil from all our kids. Homework, homework, homework! And not just rote work! No matter what their personal circumstances, no excuses! See how far that attitude gets us.

Anonymous said...

Completely off topic: Has anyone ever heard of CAP, Civil Air Patrol? http://www.app.com/article/20090329/NEWS01/903290369/1285/LOCAL09

Anonymous said...

Unfortunately, most parents don't expect their children to have any responsibilities for themselves.
It is always someone eles fault, but the apple doesn't fall far from the tree~

Aberdeener said...

I believe that when a child fails, we have all failed. The teacher, the school, the parents, the community, and the child.

However, there is one exception. It is the school's responsibility to accurately measure a child's performance. If the school exaggerates a student's performance, then how are the parents, the community, or the child to know he is lacking.

I believe we should have a new policy that every student is allowed to take home his graded papers/exams and all homework assignments and prior exams should be posted on the web.

Parents need to know how their students are being measured.

NSectionJoe said...

There are many reasons in the breakdown of the parent-student relationship. Similarly their is a breakdown of student-parent understandability. I will be the first to admit my children have come home for years now with educational information and requirements that pale in comparison to my educational level and knowledge as I have left the book learning experience over twenty five plus years ago now. The ability of parents to stay involved and to have at least a minimal amount of contact and involvement with the teachers their child is associated with is the first step. This is especially true for me in regards to mathematics and foreign language studies as neither were my strong points. I do try though.

So the ability for some parents to help their children with their homework has changed but the ability for parents to supervise and monitor their homework and test scores has not changed. We cannot be too busy with our lives to keep that in check.

Of course with the two parent working family the situation has changed drastically. The one thing I have heard for years from my wife who is in her 26th year of teaching and many others is that far too often parents do not follow up by attending parent-teacher conferences or even respond to specific assignments or signature requests from teachers.

If that and a few other societal changes can be re-instituted a positive change can come for all students.

On the subject of the budget i was very impressed and will be attending the presentation to ask a question or two of how a zero budget comes forth after such bloated budgets that the taxpayers have soundly rejected.

Anonymous said...

I agree with the last post. How does such a budget come forth after the millions of dollars we were told repeatedly were so necessary. That along with the statements in the past "this budget has no fat in it" were lies. Obviously Dr.O'Malley put the district on a financial diet. I am glad he did.

Anonymous said...

Post exams on the web?

what? Graded tests and homeworks should go home.... but to post tests on the web for future classes to see and invent a new way to cheat??

OMG.... Aberdeener, that is silly

Aberdeener said...

Silly? When I was in school, every past Regents, SAT, Achievement, ACT, and AP exam was published.

And what's the difference between posting a past exam on the web or sending it home with the child? At least when it's posted on the web, we'll know the teacher won't use the identical exam from one year to the next.

Marcwoodswatchdog said...

A 0(zero) budget increase in the Matawan- Aberdeen Regional School District. Has the Red Sea parted again?

Maybe Dr. O'Malley can do the budgets for Matawan and Aberdeen as well? My Matawan is on the balls of its ass financially and the leadership thinks no one knows it.

Think again.

Anonymous said...

I just check to see how many people commented on the Juwann Brown article. I truely hope that more of us took a minute to read about this child. I read this post when it was first posted.

I hope everyone on here will take to time and go and donate blood. This child is one of ours who needs our help. I'm sure we all can take the short amount of time out of our schedule to help.

Remember if it was your child you would want as much help as you could get. So please mark the date.
It will only cost you a small amount of blood which could save a life .

Anonymous said...

Mr Warren,
can you find out what the policy is in regards to students grades and participating in sports in the Middle School. I was talking to someone the other day and they mentioned that students could receive an F in a class and still be eligable to play.

Aberdeener said...

I once asked Dr. O'Malley about the requirements for participating in extra-curricular activities. My understanding is that the student must have at least a C+ average and be expected to satisfy his credit requirement to advance to the next grade but that administrators also have a certain discretion to either permit or forbid participation on a case-by-case basis.

LisaSFe said...

Is there a school board meeting tonight? I heard there is a budget meeting for Aberdeen tonight. Please let me know I would like to attend.

Aberdeener said...

There is a school board meeting tonight. I forgot to post - will do so now.

Thx for the reminder.

Anonymous said...

OK, so there is a requirement for a c+ average, BUT it can be waived if an adminstrator chooses to do so. Another fine example of picking and choosing who has to follow what rules.

Yes, there is a board meeting tonight.

Aberdeener, why shouldn't a teacher use the same test the following year if they are teaching the same class and using the same materials?

LisaSFe said...

Is the budget on the agenda or something else?

Aberdeener said...

The budget will hopefully be tonight's centerpiece. I've heard there may be some theatrics but I hope not.

As for teachers giving the same test each year, the problem is that it gives an unfair advantage to those who receive information regarding the exam.

For example, when I was in college, each fraternity maintained a "test library". For most of the mainstream classes, you could get copies of prior homework assignments (and how they were graded) as well as exams.

On one occasion, a friend gave me her old exam for a class she took two years earlier. My exam was the same one. I informed the professor (who apparently rotated his exams) because I didn't think it was fair that my grade should distort the curve. The professor said he was not about to expend the energy to proctor and grade a new exam.

Anonymous said...

We can't post individual student's test results on a public internet site! How humiliating and cruel! Why not paint big red F's on their foreheads and parade them up Main St.on Memorial Day? It amounts to the same thing.

Aberdeener said...

Ummm, I don't believe anyone on this site has ever suggested we publicize a student's grades. We're only discussing the exam questions.

Anonymous said...

If the tests are kept in the teachers possesion how could others be given a unfair advantage? If the students do not take them out of the classroom, how do the others get copies of it?

My son gets a grade sheet sent home every 4 weeks with all his grades listed. I must sign and return it the next day.

Anonymous said...

What do you mean by theatrics?

tiredofexcuses said...

It appears the claws are out tonight if anyone asks about test grades or listing results. Is the NJEA monitor in Aberdeen tonight to protect some non-tenure teachers job? Inquiring minds want to know. Got excuses NJEA?
The NJEA ruins the very school systems they are supposed to be an integral part of. That is why they are the masters of the political slaves, from Corzine on down.
They are the prime example of why power corrupts.

Aberdeener said...

I have two problems with a student receiving a grade sheet but not a copy of his graded exams or assignments.

First, neither the student nor the parent knows how the student is being graded - where are his strengths and weaknesses, whether the test is an accurate measure, or even if the grading is correct.

Secondly, if a teacher has a reputation of giving the same test every year than any enterprising student could organize his classmates into memorizing a few questions each from the exam and replicate a large portion of the test.

If you've never seen your child's actual graded papers, then I would complain to his teacher.

Anonymous said...

Aberdeener,

This is crazy talk. The parents should know how their kids are doing on their own - it is called responsibility in parenting. Why should a teacher post a test - so the village idiots here can criticize that too.

If a test goes home, so be it. The teacher should go over the tests given to students and the correct answers if the students do not get them to bring home. It is the job of the parent to ask their child when the test is and what was the grade EARNED.

If they have a problem -- call the teacher, email the teacher, ask for an appointment, or go to parent conferences as I have done for 14 years with my 4 kids.

You have some good ideas and some really odd ones as well.

Beach Bob said...

To anonymous who asked if the teacher has the test kept in the classroom.....do you know todays cell phones have cameras and video transmission abilities??? duh

Anonymous said...

Duh yourself. Teachers also offices, desks that lock, cabinets, and other secure places that they can keep them. If this was a problem in reality we'd have many mnay happy parents in this town. Hell, all their kids would be passing.

You certainly give all these lazy kids way too much credit.

Anonymous said...

Aberdeener,

Why would I complain to his teacher? His grades are all listed next to each assignment he had. If I am concerned I can open the book myself and look at the chapter and section(it is broken down on the sheet).

You don't have to be a genius to figure out that if he got a B- on section 4.3 than that is the area to be addressed. I don't need to see every piece of paper.

Not being a teacher who am I to say or who are you to say if the grading is correct or if his skills are measured correctly? I am sure most of the tests they give come right out of their teacher editions. What's next blaming the publisher?

If the students were so enterprising they could pass the test on their own and not need to cheat.


I know especially in HS'rs they dont bring anything home, they throw it all out. Why should the teacher be responsible for making sure a 17 year old brings home a paper to mommy?

I see this once again, as putting the responsibility on the teachers instead of the kids and parents. Yes, teachers should send the work home for parents to see, however what the kids or parents do with the information is their responsibility not the teachers.

Aberdeener said...

Tell me, if your child got an A, how would you know that he hasn't mastered the material? I know of several examples of grade inflation in the school district.

In our district, teachers have been instructed to teach to the level of the class. How do parents decipher a grade when that grade reflects both the student and his class?

How many parents know the school district doesn't emphasize writing and analytical skills, that even an English honors final is almost entirely multiple choice questions?

What kind of American History are they learning when Ben Franklin only merits a single paragraph?

What kind of math are they learning when calculators are encouraged?

Lastly, why wouldn't you want to see your child's exam? I was allowed to take home every single test I took, excluding things like the SATs or Regents which were then published the following year.

What's the problem with allowing the parents to see how their children are being measured?

If we all agree that the onus is on the parents then why are teachers the only ones allowed to see the exams?

Anonymous said...

Aberdeener you kid yourself, do you honestly think that parents care to see their childrens tests as long as they got A's and B's?

You are so out of touch with reality. That grade inflation that you talk about so often is due to the parents who complain to the administrators that their children aren't doing well.

If the admininstrators in this town had the backing to tell the parents, "tell your kids to work harder." We'd be getting somewhere, but that will never happen in MARSD.

It is a trickle down effect.

NeedMtg UpdatePlease said...

Need an update on last nights school board meeting. Thank you.

Anonymous said...

Train delays kept me from attending last nights meeting. I was hoping to attend just to be able to watch BARZA sit there with nothing to do but think of the power gone bye. Likewise I wanted to watch Gross and Glastein squirm as they have to know they are in our sights as well. Their lust for power along with BARZA hurt all of us in so many ways. I also agree with a prior posting BARZA,Gross and Glastein deserve a good swift kick, not some plaque. After all of the money, patronage giveaways and worse, BARZA should just go away. The quicker the better for most of us. One thing we all need to do is to get all of our friends to vote for our candidates at the school board election since BARZA could try to slip in a write-in campaign candidate. I have an idea for a write-in campaign. Just write NO BARZA ANYMORE AND GOOD RIDDANCE.

Aberdeener said...

Last night's meeting was pleasantly uneventful. Mr. Spells gave some awards to the teachers and students at 1 Crest Way and Dr. O'Malley provided more information regarding the budget. For example, a significant portion of the 3% staff reduction is actually what he referred to as "breakage" - replacing retiring teachers at the high end of the pay scale with new teachers at the low end of the pay scale.

His budget appeared to have the unanimous support of both the board and the audience and there was some discussion of how to communicate to and garner support from the residents.

There was one interesting point which I'll allow someone else to mention since my perspective is biased from my involvement.

Anonymous said...

Isn't both the parent and teachers job to make sure that the child is living up to his or hers ablity? I think that the parents should see the test. Don't we all learn from our mistakes? How can I help my child if I don't know what the question is?

Anonymous said...

Development Renaissance at Aberdeen is back on the agenda for....

April 1, 2009_______ Wednesday, 7:30 p.m.

1. CALL TO ORDER

2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

3. ANNOUNCEMENT: In compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act, notice
of this meeting has been published in the appropriate
newspaper.

4. ROLL CALL

**********

CONTINUED BUSINESS

1. V 06-134/RCM (Renaissance at Aberdeen)
Applicant and Property Owner: RCM Group, LLC
County Road
Block 196.04 Lot 27
Block 228, Lots 1 and 2
(Revised concept plan to construct 132 affordable rental units within 11 buildings, between Salem Place and Moore Place in the “LI” (Light Industrial) and “CR” (Conservation/Recreation) Zones. The application has been bifurcated, and the applicant is seeking use variance approval. This application is carried from the March 11 public meeting for additional testimony. The project was originally submitted under the name Centex).

2. V 06-135/RCM (Villages at Aberdeen)
Applicant and Property Owner: RCM Group, LLC
Highway 34
Block 114, Lot 4
(Revised concept plan to construct a 62 unit market ratable townhouse complex in the “HC” (Highway Commercial) Zone on the north bound side of Route 34. The application has been bifurcated, and the applicant is seeking use variance approval. This application is carried from the March 11 public meeting for additional testimony. The project was originally submitted under the name Centex).

Anonymous said...

I had my son's parent teacher conference last week at the Middle School. Three of his four teachers presented the same theme. That the kids are unteachable, too sociable, and that the kids do not care about their grades or how they are doing in school. I felt as if these teachers had given up and were going thru the motions. I really hope Dr. O'Malley gets the help he needs to straighten these problems out.

Anonymous said...

I love how anonymous posters get on this blog and claim the parents aren't interested in seeing the test. It makes me wonder who they are. Are they simply teachers that don't want to bother creating new test for every year, or administrators that like to promote the status quo, because it is much easier?

I see every test my child comes home with. I initial every test, to make sure I know I saw it. And it annoys me when teachers refuse to hand back test, because they do plan on using it for the next year.
Stop blamig parents, and as you like to label the children, "lazy kids". Many of us, parent and child, ARE doing our part, teachers and administrators need to do so as well! Get out of our way, and let us parent.

Furthermore, I don't need to be a teacher to review my child's test, grade 1-12, and know if an error was made in grading. I certainly can handle the work. I find you insulting; to assume parents can not do the work simply because we all aren't teachers. Many of us have higher degrees than the teachers. And by the way, I work in publishing, the author's make many mistakes in these books, that is why you have second editions.

Thank goodness Dr. O'Malley is starting to hold those below him accountable. I hope he raises the bar even higher for teachers and administrators.

Anonymous said...

To reply to comment two post above,
I heard a teacher in MAMS say: all the teachers in the middle school hate when Dr. O'Malley comes around, and holds them to these higher standards. They loved Quinn, "He was so easy going". (Interpertation, he did nothing!)

If 3 out of 4 of your child's teachers, had the same line, I'm guessing it is their new mantra to try to cover for their lack of effective teaching.

All I can say is, more power to Dr. O'Malley and to parents who want their kids to get the best education they can.

Anonymous said...

Don't know what you are referring to Aberdeener?

Aberdeener said...

Hopefully, the video will show who stood proudly for Dr. O'Malley and who did so belatedly.

Anonymous said...

You can be damn sure I'm interested in my sons' grades and how the earned them. I get tests back and we go over every one of them. I'll even re-ask the questions they got right just to make sure they know it. My children are inquisitive and want to learn. The problem is the school system, which handcuffs these children with distractions such as foreign languages (this year is Spanish last year was French, maybe next year he'll dabble in Farsi), music and art when the 3 R's arent addressed appropriately. Lets not mention the unbelievable amount of time away from school. Half days, teacher conferences, Holidays like the Monday after Easter and February 28th. When did February 28th became a holiday?
I have to teach my kids to write cursive because there isn't enough school hours for this frivolous use of time.
I dont think anyone wants A's and B's if they arent merited. I certainly dont.
My eldest came home with a book from school and was asked to write a report on it. He asked for my help. When I asked him where the guidelines were to write the report, he said he didn't get any.
We confronted the teacher about this and she said that all the children get A's on thier reports.
How does a child stand a chance if he is given work he can't do, with no-one to show him how, with no risk of failure.
So please refrain from lumping all parents together. I want my children to succeeed. I want them to earn thier A's B's or even D's, because in the real world MBA's and PhD's are currently unemployed and I need my children to get an education so they can support themselves later in life.

Playing Games on Zoning Board said...

And off the Zoning Board agenda again: Kauff up to games in an election year .....

Township of Aberdeen
NOTICE TO RESIDENTS:
Please be advised that the RCM Group applications will not be proceeding on Wednesday, April 1. The applicant has sent the Zoning Board of Adjustment the following correspondence, which is being posted for your information.

The applicant’s counsel will be appearing solely for the purpose of placing the applicant’s adjournment request on the record. Absolutely no testimony will be taken by the Board. All residents will be renoticed prior to the application proceeding further.

Maxine Rescorl, Secretary
Township of Aberdeen
Zoning Board of Adjustment
732-583-4200 X101

Letter from applicant’s attorney to Maxine Rescorl, Zoning Board Secretary dated March 31, 2009:

The above referenced application is presently scheduled before the Zoning Board on April 1, 2009. There has been significant public comment upon these applications, which the Applicant has listened to. The Applicant has begun to investigate possible revisions to the plans that would address much of the public comment, while at the same time, still providing assistance to the Township in addressing its affordable housing obligation. As a result, the Applicant will not be able to proceed tomorrow night and requests that the matter be adjourned until such time that the Applicant is able to proceed. Of course, if and when the Applicant is ready to go forward, the Applicant will fully renotice the public.

I will be in attendance at tomorrow night’s meeting to answer any questions which the Board may have.

Thank you for your time and attention to this matter; I appreciate your understanding.

Very truly yours,
Craig M. Gianetti, Esq.
Giordano, Halleran & Ciesla

CtyRdBessie said...

All of you is playing a game of hide and seek with us residents it seems. Now after a previous adjournement all of a sudden and with less that a days notice the meeting to hear the application is delayed again. You can be sure the representative this Mr. Gianetti person would rather walk into a lions cage then face us again. This is what happens Mr. Gianetti when first your client with the help of our selfish town officials lie to us. Townhouses and a clubhouse then a quiet change to affordable housing. One problem was we caught you. Did you do that on 34 to? I doubt it.

You can be sure this is not over any of you. Think you can make us happy before election and your wrong on that one to. It can be affordable housing today and the tower stuff before we are not this towns dumping ground.

We will be there and ask some questions so be ready. We are tired of the blank looks and I do not know answers. You people are the board and should know the answers unless your all hiding the truth and who is telling all what to do. We will see tomorow. Be on time. Im willin to bet some do not show on purpose.

CTYRDAINTHAPPY said...

YOU CAN BE DAMN SURE THAT THIS OUTCRY AGAINST HIS COUNTY ROAD PROJECTS IS A BIG PROBLEM FOR NORMAN KAUFF. CAMPAIGN MONEY FROM RCM AND THE OTHER LEECHES WILL BE HELD UP NOW SINCE THE PUBLIC OUTCRY IS SO LOUD AGAINST THE PROJECTS. YOU CAN BET NORMAN THOUGHT IT WOULD JUST FLY THROUGH THE APPROVAL PROCESS WITH NO PROBLEM AT ALL.

THIS IS WHAT HAPPENS NORMAN WHEN YOU GET CAUGHT TRYING TO DUMP ON US AGAIN. NOT LIKE YOU HAVEN'T DONE IT MANY TIMES BEFORE. RIGHT NORMAN?

NOT LIKE YOU EVER CARED ABOUT CLIFFWOOD OR CLIFFWOOD BEACH UNLESS IT WAS FOR VOTES. YOU IGNORED US AND NOW YOU ARE GOING TO PAY IN MORE WAYS THEN THIS ONE NORMAN.

NORMAN DID YOU EVER THINK THIS IS A TASTE OF WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO YOU WHEN YOU TRY TO PUSH THE ANCHOR GLASS PROJECT ON US. THIS COUNTY ROAD PROJECT OUTCRY WILL BE MILD COMPARED TO THE FUSS WE WILL PUT UPON YOU IF YOU TRY TO PULL A FAST ONE ON THAT DEVELOPMENT.

LIKE THE SONG SAYS. PEOPLE GET READY THERE IS A TRAIN A COMING PEOPLE GET READY FOR JUDGMENT DAY.

NORMAN YOUR JUDGMENT IS COMING. GET READY NORMAN. WE ARE READY SO JUST KEEP DELAYING AND DELAYING BECAUSE WE ARE NOT GOING ANYWHERE.

Anonymous said...

Damn right they do only come here when it is time for votes. Not this time. Think again is right.

Anonymous said...

Lets all show up at the meeting and at least let them know we are watching them. Let them know we are not happy with the treatment we are getting. Let them know we want to know who is involved with this from the town and who stands to make monie off this housing being built.
Catch them in the lies.

Anonymous said...

they say no testimony will be taken. That makes it a great night to ask a whole lot of questions then. Bring a list for them all.

Anonymous said...

Would someone please ask the board to reject or dismiss the application due to the numerous missed meetings and complete lack of readiness to proceed. After all last time Board Member Bucco stated many times he would rather not be there having his time wasted by residents questions, so make them resubmit their application!!!

Anonymous said...

If you really want an eye-opener make an OPRA request for copies of all payments made from the escrow accounts for these two projects. The township engineer, planner, and attorney are making tens of thousands of dollars off this project - and they're the ones that pay Kauff. Escrow is funded by the developer so it's an indirect way of getting funding to the town's professionals. It would be interesting to see that data published here, perhaps on a monthly basis.

russ said...

Once again -when someone does not agree, they are criticized and called teachers or administrators.

I also agree that when teachers do not give grades to kids that the parents want- THEY COMPLAIN.... you will see Aberdeener. Few parents you will deal with will give 2 craps about your inflation theory and wonder why little john didnt get an A instead of an A-.

Lastly, the post about a MAMS teacher ADMITTING they dont like Dr. O, give me a break with the trouble making, huh?

Did any of them admit to playing a role in the JFK plot too?

Anonymous said...

Mr. Aberdeener,

Let us see if you can eat just a little crow. Just a little bit.

When googling the Walden Univ. you hammer on this site, I saw that it was rated by US NEWS and WORLD REPORT in the top 5 online/ distance learning schools in the country.

So if Rutgers accepts the credits and the respected magazine above speaks highly of it too, does the ALMIGHTY ABERDEENER believe it is still unfit? I mean Rutgers and US News and World Report are not on the same high level of this blog, but .... what do you think?

And before the theories go flying around by this blog's faithful, I am not a teacher. I am a former student of MRHS who lives in town and has a few friends who are teachers in Northern NJ that used and speak highly of Walden.

Anonymous said...

The last two blogs are no doubt a teacher. Stop trying to hide and stand up for what you believe. Russ speaks like a true teacher and when did you get your degree from Walden? Both posts try to explain why you are not a teacher in this district when no explaination would be necessary unless it was obvious.

Aberdeener said...

Anon,

When you researched Walden U and "discovered" that it was ranked among the top 5 distance schools in US News and World Report, did you bother to then go to the magazine's website and confirm the anonymous posting you read?

If you had, you would have learned that Walden U is an "unranked school".

Apparently, Walden U doesn't even merit a ranking among the magazine's list of 1,400 colleges.

Would you like some salt with your crow? :)

trythiscountyrdsoonKenny said...

County Rd. I salute you. I have a suggestion or two for you. A very vocal and organized member of your group needs to do the following.
A. Ask through the OPRA paperwork within town hall for the minutes of any meetings held anywhere by this developer or there representatives with any member, officer, politician or legal representative of Aberdeen going back say two years. B. Ask to hear for yourself any recordings of the meetings. C. Ask to be a part of any future negotiations held either with the boards involved or with the management of Aberdeen as a community representative. D. Ask to see any developmental applications or changes on the entire project since it was submitted with any and all changes recommended by any Aberdeen official, consultant, engineering company, water and sewer official, police representative for any traffic study for the areas proposed, any traffic study proposed by the applicant to counter, any previous applications for the same properties by anyone going back fifteen years. E. Finally ask for anything previously considered and approved by any Aberdeen official or representatives ever by this applicant or any company they may have been a principal in that built anything in Aberdeen and look for any changes granted or variances given. F. Attend the next council meeting and ask each and every council member if they have been a part of any meetings with this developer for this or any other project they have attempted to build. Ask the legal representatives and manager in attendance if they have ever been involved with meetings over this project or were any ever contacted by any board member over the same development application. G. Ask if meetings were held over this application and if that is supposed to be separately considered by the board not town officials and if it was discussed in advance by anyone privately. H. Ask if that is a violation of any laws or codes are on the books where any such meetings are supposed to be advertised to the public and to allow for public input or opinions to be considered in the planning process. I. Ask who if anyone from the town has developmental experience and expertise to hold such meetings. J. If any experience is claimed ask to see the certifications for them. K. Ask to see the bills for any town authorized expenditures, studies or escro payments to any local contractors, planners, legal representatives and if and when payments were made to who and who authorized them to be made. L. Ask to see all of the bills paid, submitted for payment out of taxpayer monies not escro monies paid and to who and for what service.

This will not come easy and do not settle for we do not have to give that to you or it is to hard to find. They have to find it. It may cost some so be prepared to fight for the information they may not want to give you without a fight. Do not take no for an answer. Contact the papers and tell them of your fight and what it would do to your area to have projects in your area. Do not take no for an answer. Officials love to say no.
I will monitor the blog while I am away, Good luck. Kenny.

Anonymous said...

The developer pulled his application

Anonymous said...

Tell me Russ,
Do you currently have children in the school district? Do you currently have firsthand knowledge of how both children and parents are treated in this district when they dare to question a teacher? And who are you to speak for all parents? I certainly care about my children and the actual value behind their grades. If their grades are not backed up with real knowledge, what good will it do them in college or in life? And who are you to call someone a liar for stating what they heard? Many of these teachers are unprofessional and constantly speak out of line, it doesn't suprise me.

Anonymous said...

you all do nothing, except Mr.Warren. Keeping talking like you are going to do something and keep doing NOTHING! Never are you at a BOE meeting, never at a Town Council Meeting- just a anonymous voice that has no bite! Idle threats of how Kauff will go down, how Soble will get his, etc, etc, etc.. and nothing! And everyone on here is anonymous with the exception of Joey Warren and N section Joe. The Truth is an anon and so are the rest of you!

Anonymous said...

Our votes at election time are anonymous as well, but they count! At the polls on Election day, is when we need to show up.

Anonymous said...

The biggest problem with this school district is that the old board of Ed was more than happy to settle for mediocrity. Our children are not being pushed to achieve their very best; they are being schooled to score 70% on state tests. Having two children in the school system I have met a few excellent teachers, but I have met more than a few average teachers and principals that are marking their time until retirement. The school system is rampant with nepotism. It seems as if we have an above average number of teachers who live in the district and have children who attend our schools. Dr. O’Malley is doing a fine job or correcting the issues that he sees, it’s time for people to start letting him know about the other issues that exist.

Anonymous said...

than show up on election day and make a difference, my thoughts and past years outcomes show YOU WILL NOT! To much hot air and not enough action! Maybe if we could vote on this blog your guys could win and Kauff would be gone, but since you all stay home and cry about your problems nothing will change. So who do I have to blame for this? YOU!

nomorekaufftricks said...

What will happen next is the plan will be looked at. Then residents will be told that they will make the project more friendly to the area.
May ass they will. Know that this is a big problem for the town *greed machine* and any changes will be made just because of the votes. As soon as they get back into office the connected builder will get all he wants and we get screwed. We will all meet as planned so be on time.

Anonymous said...

Vote YES on the school budget!

Anonymous said...

Russ can't answer, he is teaching.

PlumberDave said...

Nobody is kidding anyone. The republicans are in a mess of lousy candidates and no money. The democrats are in a mess of greed and corruption as they are led down the road of taxpayer deceit by Norman MINE ALL MINE Kuaff. The only winners in this election will be Kauff and his friends. The taxpayers and residents lose again. Four more years of kauff control and millions in our tax dollars going down the Kauffoilet.

chngeneds2come said...

Anyone think they will take the present plan for our area off the table and come back later without telling us. I talked to one of the construction people down the end today and they are not happy about the projects at all. They do not call it projects but that is what they will be. Look at the other apartment complexes around here. My sister lives in Ken Gardens and she tells me horror stories. You hardly ever see a cop unless they are going after someone or a call comes for something. Drugs and worse are all over these complexes. She said some apartements get rented almost by the hour to people who cant speak english. And they want to put them in our back yard. Hell no is all I can say.

Anonymous said...

SIR WHAT IS THE CONNECTION BETWEEN NORMAN K AND THE DEVELOPER FOR THE COUNTY ROAD PROJECT AND THE ANCHOR GLASS PROJECT? ALL I WANT IS PROOF NOT HEARSAY.
SECOND HOW MANY MINORITY TEACHERS ARE IN THE DISTRICT? MY DAUGHTER IS LOOKING TO TRANSFER TO THE ABERDEEN SCHOOL DISTRICT BUT WAS TOLD THE BOE DOES NOT HIRE AFRICAN AMERICAN TEACHERS WHO ARE HIGHLY QUALIFIED WITH THEIR MASTERS.

Anonymous said...

Well, I keep reading and reading about how we want our kids to step up, score really well, advanced in all testing areas etc..

Well, I have one of those students who is in AP and honors classes, and he works his butt off. Today he comes home all upset and informs me his AP Chemistry class for next year has been cut.

Now we want Matawan's best and brightest, we want students to stand out and be achievers, and when we get some we can't provide the services for them to advance!

What a disgrace. Yes, everyone wants us to move up in the standings, everyone wants the scores higher, yet here is a kid who worked his butt off to earn the right to be in advanced classes and he is shot down. Another example of why we lose the best and brightest to other schools.

Everyone complains about the district NOT meeting the kids needs, how we need to help the students, teachers need to do more, etc...How about the kids who are advanced and can't get classes they need to get into universities who want them on their transcripts.

His younger brother and sister will NOT be attending the HS. I need to find a school that can provide an education to kids who are advanced. I'm not going to let another one get looked over because they are great kids and excellent students.

Anonymous said...

LETS TALK BUDGET. With so many towns cutting staff, wage freezes and days off i have not heard Aberdeen following in the footsteps of other towns. Can we at least given them credit for that. This blog deals with only the negative, and is not a fan of any elected officals. My wife was just let go on Friday, i have 2 kids in college and things are going to get tougher. People count your blessings. I read this blog sometimes when someone mentions anything about working together the same people respond with the same thing, norman controls this town i am sick and tired of hearing about this stuff. A Young man has lukemia and 4 people post a response how sad is that.....

Anonymous said...

Whoever told you that may have a hidden agenda. This school district hires across the board and I have never heard otherwise. I urge this person to apply but they should realize that everyone with any degree is seeking to become a teacher now along with the average 200 plus applications for every position advertised. I do not know the number and or the ethnicity of those who apply, nor do I know how many teachers the district has hired that are of various races or anything else they are teachers first and that is what should matter. Look a little deeper and have a little proof on such allegations.

Anonymous said...

The Aberdeen budget is due shortly and the lack of information in any form does not bode well for the taxpayers. Who knows? Ask Norman Kauff he runs Aberdeen I hear.

Whathpndatthemtng2nite said...

Fill us in on tonights happenings. Do they dump the projects on us or not?

russ said...

Just got off the train. Looked on here.

As I wrote before - any kind of dissenting opinion on this blog is demeaned and the poster is called a teacher, or Barza or something else. I was giving Aberdeener fair warning about parents and their motives and I was called a teacher.

I also think that it was wrong for someone to make an annonymous accusation about a teacher making a comment about the super.

But because I disagree, I am a teacher. How frustrating.

Aberdeener, what will happen to this blog when you go on the "inside"?? I will miss it but not the arrogance of some of the posters.

Anonymous said...

Russ, the only train you got off today is the gravy train with your (degree) from Walden. A teacher is not a demeaning thing so tell the truth.

Anonymous said...

Mr. Aberdeener,

http://bestcollegerankings.org/popular-rankings/us-news-world-report-college-rankings/

I saw what you linked or posted and found this about Walden.

I am a teacher. Do not have a masters.

Does this contradict what you found?

Aberdeener said...

The site you are looking at is bestcollegerankings.org and has no affiliation with US News and World Report. The "Top 5 Online Colleges" at the bottom is an ad.

For example, this page discusses Forbes rankings and has the same "top" online colleges at the bottom.

But, if you visit Forbes you'll see that magazine doesn't rank Walden U either.

To my knowledge, not a single major publication considers Walden U worth ranking.

Anonymous said...

STILL NEED AND ANSWER TO MY QUESTION WHAT IS THE CONNECTION BETWEEN NORMAN K AND THE ANCHOR GLASS PROJECT AND THE COUNTY ROAD PROJECT?

Anonymous said...

I'd still like an answer as to why the AP classes are being cut for our advanced students?

I find it rather amusing that everyone bitches about the poor teachers and curriculm, yet the district is sutting advanced classes. How is a student to become advanced when their classes are being cut?

ANS2KAUFFCNCTN? said...

Kauff negotiates all development.

Kauff tells the developer what they will be allowed to do. Kauff says what lawyers the develper will use. Kauff tells developers how much his cut will be. Kauff tells the developer how much they will pay him if they want all of the approvals they need to build in his Aberdeen.

That is how it works in Kaufferdeen.

7:39 awaits I have to go.

thatsafactjack said...

Whether it be THE TRUTH or THETRUTHABOUTKAUFF it does not matter. It is the sad reality of Aberdeen. Kauff controls everything in Aberdeen.

By the way I do like the new terms
Kauffoilet and Kaufferdeen. Too bad it is the the truth.

CTYRDISHAPPY said...

Just got the newspaper and is no county road PROJECTS. The developer cancelled the aplication. Told to be back in six months if they change the plan. Keep an eye on this for us aberdeener. Thank you for your help.

Skeptical Anonymous said...

The anonymous poster asked for proof. All that has been given to him is completely unsupportable rumor and innuendo.

The reality is there is no provable link between Kauff, the County Road Project and Anchor Glass.

The fact there is no evidence of the link, is why no one is answering the question asked. The blowhards on here don't like to deal with facts. They only deal with rumors. They figure that if you repeat something long enough, people will start to believe, regardless of whether it is the truth.

Those of us with brains however just have to use our common sense and recognize that not everything is a conspiracy. Unless you can see the evidence, don't listen to anything anyone says on here.

The Aberdeener posts evidence whenever he gets it. The Aberdeener himself says there is no established link between Kauff, County Road and Anchor Glass.

I'll believe it when evidence appears. Until then I have to remain skeptical of most everything which the anonymous posters say on here.

Anonymous said...

Russ, I never called you a teacher or an administrator, I don't care if you are or aren't, I simply said you don't have the right to speak for other parents. You're the one claiming that parents don't give "2 craps", as you so politely put it, about inflated grades. I'm here to tell you that this parent does, so don't speak for me!

It is not a "descenting opinion" when you take it upon yourself to speak on behalf of others, others you have never met. You're giving the Aberdeener "fair warning about parents motives", again, very presumptive on your part.

Why don't you just speak of your own experiences and let the rest of us do the same.

Anonymous said...

One more thing Russ, you are just as anonymous as everyone else on here.

Anonymous said...

"vote at the school board election since BARZA could try to slip in a write-in campaign candidate"

Anon that posted the above,
Have you heard anything about BARZA trying to organize this, or are you just warning us that BARZA might not give up control so easily? Didn't they try this a few years back when a candidate they supported for reelection died, and they wrote his name in to try to gain control of the seat?

Yeah, I guess we better all show up and vote if we want to make sure we're done with BARZA! (I guess we shouldn't be suprised at anything.)

skepticalstrueanswer said...

OK you caught me. Norman Kauff is completely honest and everything in Aberdeen is above board and on the level. And while I am confessing

There is NO Easter Bunny

There is NO Santa Claus

There are NO Fairies

There is NO Popeye

There is NO Superman

There are NO Disney characters

There is NO corruption in Aberdeen

and finally there is one more thing

NORMAN KAUFF IS AS CROOKED AND CORRUPT AS THE DAY IS LONG. HE CONTROLS ALL DEVELOPMENT THAT IS ATTEMPTED TO BE BUILT IN ABERDEEN AND YOU CAN BE SURE HE IS REALLY PISSED OFF THAT WE CAME OUT AND SHUT DOWN HIS LATEST ATTEMPT AT CONTROLLING AND CASHING IN ON ANOTHER DEVELOPMENT. WE DON'T WANT HIS PROJECTS AND WE WILL NOT VOTE FOR HIS PEOPLE THIS TIME AROUND EVEN AFTER HE SHUT THE DEVELOPER DOWN DUE TO OUR COMING OUT AGAINST HIM AND HIS PROJECTS. HE CAN TAKE HIS PROJECTS AND HIS ANTENNA AND PUT THEM YOU KNOW WHERE.

Anonymous said...

BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH

All we hear is BLAH until some prove is provided. Otherwise we again say:

BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH

Aberdeener said...

AP Chem was cut because only four students registered for the class.

I agree its outrageous.

Students can still learn AP Chem and take the AP exam by registering for the Educere online course but our district should be offering the course and more students should be registering.

Anonymous said...

So, the 4 students who have applied themselves, studied hard, and worked their butts off are punished because there weren't enough students who qualified or wanted to advance? They should have to take a course on-line.

These four students are being held back from excelling because there weren't enough of them. It may even effect their cahnces of gettting into a top college.Oh well, there were only 4 of them anyway.

Let's get back to complaining about why our district isn't scoring better on tests.

THE TRUTH said...

BLAH BLAH BLAH KNOWS THE TRUTH

WHOEVER THIS IDIOT WHO GOES BLAH BLAH BLAH IS KNOWS WHAT IS SAID ABOUT NORMAN KAUFF IS THE TRUTH. SO GO CASH YOUR NORMCHECK AND CONTINUE TO KISS THE ASS OF THE KING OF ABERDEEN AGAIN. YOU EARNED YOUR PAY BECAUSE YOU DID YOUR BLAH BLAH BLAH DUTY ON BEHALF OF KAUFF AND HIS CORRUPT COMPANY.

HOW ARE YOU GOING TO LIE FOR NORMAN WHEN MANY MORE PEOPLE START FINDING OUT ABOUT NORMAN KAUFF AND HIS FRIENDS? WILL YOU HAVE TO GO DOOR TO DOOR AND TELL YOUR LIES?

START YOUR WORK OUT NOW BLAH BLAH.

ALLABOUTKAUFF2009 said...

They will have to go door to door and lie to the people. That is called a campaign Kauff style. Right Norm?

Wait til you see what we have planned Norm. We wish we could see your face when they start to arrive in the mail all over Aberdeen and just in time for the election. So Norm plan your campaign, walk your candidates on the leash of course, but just remember, the pen is mightier then the sword. By the way, before we forget, thank you very much Norm for use of the democratic mailer listings. Could we borrow the mail permit too?

Campaign 2009 is all about Kauff.

Kauff Kauff Kauff Kauff Kauff

thatsafactjack said...

It appears that Norm is having a good and bad week. While he lost the County Rd. project yesterday he did get another group of idiots in Marlboro to approrve a coah application. So as it is reported Norm controls Hazlet, Aberdeen, Marlboro and Manalapn and the Bayshore Independent, which I have to read online-- *since I live in Cliffwood and don't get the paper put on my driveway* says that Marlboro is putting in for coah just like Aberdeen. So Hazlet and Manalapan are the only towns left that Norm controls yet to do the coah thing. It is questionable how most towns in New Jersey are fighting coah yet Norms towns are welcoming it with open arms. More money from developers for Norm and once again the taxpayers get Kauffed *screwed* again. Thanks Norm.

Anonymous said...

Simple question:


what will it take to get norman out of our hair? Vote for who?

If there is change - is he out?

Letthewordringoutfromthistimeandplace said...

Unfortunately the vote this year for reasons previously discussed and lambasted is for not. The Democrats will win this year and unless Kauff gets indicted for his crimes against humanity he will continue to control the Aberdeen ATM again. CM&E and Kauffs handpicked so called professionals will continue to cost us millions.

More studies upon studies with little if any real results and even less development will continue to occur. One would think for all of the monies spent on proposed development one would think development would actually happen. Not in Kaufferdeen.

It is easy for a Somerset Corporation to pay the $100,000.00+++ to the Kauff Extortion Syndicate but for some reason the stench of Kauff and his politicians along with the Kauff leeches are able to choke the taxpayers to their last breath.

Welcome to Kaufferdeen pay up or get the hell out. Kauff owns you.

Letthewordringoutfromthistimeandplace said...

Since it has not been said for some time and so he does not forget it.

F U Norman.

Anonymous said...

How many dependents do you think Kauff claim on his taxes?

Anonymous said...

I watched the school board meeting last night and lo and behold it was once again very difficult to hear the public portion. Once again I am amazed at the high costs and poor results of broadcast technology. What happened to the student representative by the way?

Luvtohike said...

What a show. If you are a music fan you must buy a ticket to the musical being performed at the high school tonight, Saturday and Sunday afternoon. It was so good.

The music of the 80's and all the kids dancing and singing was amazing. Call the school today and ask about tickets. Money well spent I assure you as you could see how each and every person involved was enjoying themselves immensely.

Another great job by Ms. Walling. As a parent I thank you once again for your hard work and dedication to the children. School is not just about books and tests. It also is about music and fun.

seethehighschlmusicalnow said...

I agree see the show.

Anonymous said...

I also watched the BOE meeting last night on ch.15. I think the trouble with the public portion was just those individuals that failed to adjust the microphone towards their mouth. The rest was of the meeting's audio was just fine.

I was very impressed with Dr. O'Malley's budget presentation. And hope the progress Dr. O'Malley has begun to make in moving the district forward, is backed by the community. I hope we all pass this budget and allow these additional programs to begin with our full support, especially since it is all to be done with less money than last year.

Aberdeener said...

I was a little disappointed by the video for selfish reasons.

The video gives the impression that everyone immediately stood to give Dr. O'Malley a standing ovation. That wasn't the case. Certain board members were conspicuously slow to stand.

That was either because they didn't care for me, Dr. O'Malley, or both.

Anonymous said...

Speaking of a little disappointment. Is Kauff still living in Aberdeen?

Anonymous said...

He is in Aberdeen still I apologize.

I realize many of us wish he wasn't.

He will be here until he sucks the lifes blood out of all of us.

F U Norman. Kauff you blood sucker.

Anonymous said...

How much is the council trying to pay themselves? There is an ordinance on the next agenda.

Anonymous said...

That one needs to be watched closely maybe they are going to not take pay anymore like the school board does. It could happen couldnt it.

Yeah right and Vinny Vinci had nothing to do with getting paid to be a candidate for the dems and Norman Kauff is just a nice old man on a pension that likes to help people and Jim Raymond applied for the job at Motor Vehicles and was the most qualified person and there was
nowhere else to put the DMV other then the building owned by Norman Kauff and his buddy Vic the most powerful dem in Mon. Cty. and Stewart Brown just wanted to resign and do nothing and his replacement was the best candidiate like the Mayor said over and over again and Jan Gallo just needed some time for herself and her leaving had nothing to do with her asking about where all of the tax payer money goes and why CME gets paid so much each and every year and CME just so happens to be the biggest payer to Norman Kauff and his democratic party in Aberdeen and and I got to stop since I am just laughing so hard at the thought that the Aberdeen Council would stop being paid and they would vote themselves to all become just a volunteer representation of the people to work on behalf of the people and not Norman Kauff and I got to stop I need a tissue since I cant see the computer any more through my tears.

?DOTHEYPRTCTKAUFF? said...

The last post was great and there is probably so much more out there. So much for nsection and his big mouth though. On the town he says nothing. What does that tell you. It tells me something I dont like even after he helped us out years back. Dont get me wrong Norman Kauff is a low life for sure. Can any of you imagine what people like nsection see when working in town hall. Things have to change for us all and from within.

JimmyGolMtwnTwspres said...

While I am new to this site the overwhelming innuendo against this N. Kauff person has got to have some validity. I agree since there has not been one denial except from the obvious postings that do little but criticize the Kauff accusers does little to sway me from the obvious. Since we all live in this state and find real reasons to doubt that most people involved in politics serve anyone but themselves. It is for me quite telling that most of what is suggested of Mr. Kauff is true and the costs are high. It must be believed if there is no real evidence against the political shenanigans in our state. Kauff will just be another opportunist lining his own pockets at taxpayer expense.

Anonymous said...

THIS IS FOR THE ABERDEENER ONLY WHO SEEMS TO AVOID QUESTIONS. I HAVE ASKED YOU SIR 2 QUESTIONS. WHEN WILL YOU ADDRESS THE ISSUE OF PROOF WHAT IS THE CONNECTION TO THE DEVELOPER AND NORMAN K? YOU ARE THE OWNER OF THIS BLOG AND YOU LET THE BLOGGERS KEEP TALKING ABOUT AN ISSUE THAT CANNOT BE PROVEN. I AM A VOTER AND I HAVE THE RIGHT TO ANSWER TO THIS QUESSTION. YOUR SIR PRIDE YOURSELF ON THE FACTS BUT WILL NOT ANSWER THE QUESTION. I AM NEW TO ABERDEEN AND STARTED READING THIS POST BECUASE I WAS INTERESTED IN THE EDUCATION SYSTEM OF ABERDEEN. BUT YOU SIR IS ALLOW PEOPLE TO KEEP REPEATING THE SAME THING OVER AND OVER. I DID NOT VOTE IN THE LAST ELECTION I JUST MOVED TO THE AREA. I AM VOTING THIS TIME AROUND AND FOR SOMEONE LIKE ME, I JUST WANT THE FACTS. BUT I WILL TELL YOU THIS AT THE NEXT BOE OF ED MEETING I WILL ASK THE QUESTION DIRECTLY TO YOU IN AND OPEN FORUM AND SEE HOW YOU ANSWER ME. MAYBE ON THE RECORD IN FRONT OF EVERYONE YOU WILL ANSWER.
GOOD LUCK: OH BY THE WAY I AM A REGISTERED REPUBLICAN. IF I CANNOT GET REAL ANSWERE HERE I WILL GO TO THE SOURCES.

Cliffwstan said...

Let us know when you are going to go to "the sources". Just try and ask the town council, attorney or anyone else on the dais any questions about Kauff and his control over Aberdeen, the shakedown, millions in monies paid to CM&E, Vinci getting paid to run for re-election, Raymond getting his job without Normans help, and more. Thei list you could make by looking over the past topics and responses is huge. But don't expect your questions to be responded to with anything close to THE TRUTH. You will be sadly disappointed. You doubt and criticize the aberdeener and then claim you will go to "the source". The source of all of Aberdeens disfunction and all of its high taxes and worse, Kauff lives on justice lane right off van brackle. Just knock on Norman Kauff's front door and ask away. Try that before you go to a council meeting where you will get lied to by Sobel and all of the rest of the corrupt Kauff cohorts. Norman Kauff knows all the answers they will give you before you ask as he is the KING OF ABERDEEN. Mayor Sobel is merely his local jecter cause when you ask him questions he will be the one laughing at you. You will get no real answers and that is if the attorney even lets them respond to you. The lawyers is Kauffs too. Bought and paid for Right Doug M.?

need a new topic please said...

Need a new topic let the state investigators take care of kauff.

Anonymous said...

How many kids have signed up for these acadmies?

dunkCBpostr said...

I hear the feds will be doing so. I say the sooner the better for the sake of the Aberdeen taxpayers. Norm thinks *Pay to Play* will serve as an excuse in court and that will ultimately save him. When Norm gets to Club Fed *Pay to Play* takes on a whole different meaning.

Norm just so you know inside Club Fed it is *Pay to not end up being played with* that will be your cause celeb.

Think about this idea Norm? Perhaps you should start getting in touch with your feminine side. Just a thought.

Aberdeener said...

To the new Republican in town:

Welcome to our neighborhood. I hope you learn to love it as much as I have.

The comments on this site do not speak for me nor have they ever. I do not censor comments unless they violate the comment guidelines. I realize many new readers assume I endorse the comments on my site but I do not.

Regarding Mr. Kauff, I generally only comment on things I can document. Mr. Kauff, acting "of counsel" to the township attorney, was recently involved in a township meeting with RCM that included, I believe, the township manager and one of the council members. The meeting took place shortly before RCM chose to withdraw its application.

To my knowledge, the meeting was informal and no minutes were taken. Hence, no documentation. Hence, no comment from me as to the particulars of that meeting.

As for speaking directly to me, I look forward to hearing from you. I am available at the school board meetings, by email, or through this blog.

Best of luck and best wishes.

Anonymous said...

Who authorizes Kauff to have anything to do with such negotiations. Wake up republicans or it will be a long cold winter.

Anonymous said...

Just after I put my last thoughts on the previous post I had an epiphany. Norman Kauff is no different then many other power brokers around New Jersey. They just prey and amass their fortunes on the backs of the taxpayers. I just wonder how much our town leadership gets paid by Kauff to allow this low life slug to control Aberdeen. So much for the oath of office they all took to work on behalf of the citizens of Aberdeen. Kauff is not a human being or even a person. Kauff is merely political scum a bottom feeder and nothing more. Not much has been said about this new town manager that Kauff must have brought in as a favor. I am left to assume his silence on Kauff being involved and controlling such negotiations speaks volumes. What a shame so many sell themselves so cheaply yet we all pay the price.

The LORD our God speaks of retribution and redemption. Politicians should never be forgiven as their sins are far reaching and very detrimental to the whole of society.

KarenS said...

I ask the same question who or on what authority allows Kauff to be a part of any negotiations? As was recently posted on here maybe if Kauff is involved in negotiations that may be the root cause of the lack of any real beneficial development in Aberdeen. This RCM plan met with an very outspoken public. Maybe Norman Kauff just thought it would be business as usual and his plan would sail on through unopposed. Think again Mr. Kauff.

Anybody know what was the last development in Aberdeen that actually ended up really being built?

TRTHABTREPUBLICANS said...

THE REPUBLICANS KNOW WHAT QUESTIONS TO ASK BUT THEY WONT ASK THEM. THEY KNOW THAT IF THEY GAIN CONTROL T&M WILL BE THE NEW CM&E MILLION DOLLAR POSTER COMPANY OF GREED AND CORRUPTION. NO DIFFERENT COST FOR SERVICES JUST A DIFFERENT NAME. THEY KNOW KAUFF MUST BE THE TARGET TO WIN IN ABERDEEN. THEY JUST WONT ASK THE QUESTIONS THAT THEY KNOW NEED TO BE ASKED. HYPOCRITES ALL.

Anonymous said...

The post that suggested Norm get in touch with his feminine side that is very funny. True but funny.

Anonymous said...

How did Dr. O and the neighborhood door to door PASS THE BUDGET campaign go?

I saw the proposal on the internet, NO TAX LEVY, why wouldnt it pass?

schoolbudgetisajokestill said...

The people should pass the budget this time just on the fact that it will not cost anymore money out of their pockets. This budget though leaves a bad taste in the mouth of many as to the previous and now very questionable budgets. How is it Quinn and Kalavon could not do the exact same thing years before? It is simple as the system is set up to fail. They put what they want in the very inflated budgets knowing the taxpayers would vote it down anyway. It gets voted down by the taxpayers and then the useless town councils get to look at it and cut a little here and cut a little there. So with a sixty million dollar budget the councils get a superficial cut of five hundred thousand dollars as a show of there concern for the taxpayers. That example and idiotic process gives more evidence to our state being a national joke. It also appeases the powerful teachers union and the lobbyists they employ. So all is right with the njea world but not the taxpayers. You see taxpayers don't matter really to politicians and the njea it is all about the money.

Anonymous said...

Just a reminder:
Please dont forget to donate blood on april 22. Lets all come together and help. It only takes a half hour and could change a life.

THE TRUTH said...

SCHOOLBUDGETSTILLAJOKE IS ABSOLUTELY CORRECT. ADD TO THAT THE FACT THAT TWO COUNCIL PEOPLE IN ABERDEEN HAVE NOTHING TO SAY. DUE TO THE FACT THAT THEY HAVE GARNERED TWO OR MORE COVETED EMPLOYMENT POSITIONS FOR FAMILY MEMBERS. THAT MEANS THEY WILL NOT VOTE OR GIVE INPUT ON ANYTHING HAVING TO DO WITH THE SCHOOL BUDGET. TALK ABOUT SERVICE TO THE PEOPLE.

B S !

Anonymous said...

I was just wondering if anyone else heard about the two arrests at the high school on Friday. My son informed me of the event last night and it has me very concerned I plan on calling the principal latter today. Aberdeener I was wondering if you had any information or any insight on how security will be increased in the upcoming years. I don't want my freshmen son attending a school where people are getting arrested on a daily basis.

Anonymous said...

To poster above regarding HS,
I'd be suprised if you get a straight asnwer from any principal. In the past these types of things have always been covered up. This is something I think needs to be changed. I think the public deserves to know the truth regarding these occurences. People around here love to pretend nothing like this ever happens. What good does that do?

ASK???????????????? said...

Things that would shock parents occur every day in our schools. It is no different then in our society, Schools are merely a representation of our childrens surroundings. Think about it video games, TV and far more are all things that also add insight and behavioral aspects to our kids. That is why Officer Darryl and perhaps others are required in our schools in a security mode as well as an instructional tool. Officer Darryl and his DARE program works well until unfortunately administrators and others get too involved and either limit or curtail the role of the school resource officer. If any of you are going to ask any questions ask how such officers are supposed to be used and if our officers are limited by direction, order or lack of program implementation.

Anonymous said...

What event took place at the high school? Let us know because the school system will try to cover it up.

Anonymous said...

A few things...

1. Schoolbudget as a Matawan resident MY pockets will still be paying MORE money for this budget. I hope people realize this and are not sucked into the BS that is flying around, that taxes won't increase. It may not increase for everyone, but there will STILL be an increase for a lot of us. Some of us are intelligent enough to look through the BS.

2. While O'Mally claims NO classes are being cut, I did notice somewhere on this page that an AP Chemistry class IS being cut, so again more BS.

3. To answer the question about the incident on Friday at the HS. I have made some calls and it seems 2 former students came inot the building at the end of the day and 1 of them hit a student that was coming out of a class. they have pressed tresspassing charges against them.

NsectionJoe said...

Parents of high school students in the past have signed letters annually detailing a school to parent/guardian notification process, which are sent home to be signed and returned by parents/guardians of a standard procedure of disciplinary actions that could or would be taken, some of which is mandated, for specific types of actions, crimes or more occurring on school grounds. Yes unfortunately I said crimes.

Do not be blind to what can or does go on in any school system. Our district and every other school district is required to report specific types of activities, accusations, assaults (verbal or otherwise) and much more that occurs in schools to the state DOE in Trenton. All collected information is accessible somewhere for parents to see, perhaps for a per copy page price. Our school administration must have to maintain a copy of the numbers of responses, incidents, crimes or actions taken within the confines of our schools.

If you were to be shown such information you can be sure that the names of students and others involved would probably be redacted. That action should be taken to protect the identities of those involved. From this information you will get a clear understanding of the possible problems and incidents that can occur in our school buildings. Such actions are no different with some of our young people when they leave school property.

This years school budget proposal includes another School Resource Officer for possible placement in the Middle school, where I suspect it is needed more then we may want to admit. Let's not kid ourselves they all look angelic when they leave for school in the morning, but this is not Mayberry R.F.D. folks nor is it other assorted local and not so local school districts in New Jersey where taxpayers fund a per student cost of $26,000.00 per student. That is twice our per student costs, much that money is to provide additional security measures just to facilitate learning in such schools.

Unfortunately our states educational leadership, Judges and politicians still equate monies spent on education as being able to make students learn. That is not the case in such un-secure learning environments or anywhere else. This is proven historically time and time again. Those who fail to learn that very expensive lesson are the same Judges, educational leadership and politicians who play political football with our children's very safety, and likewise their educations.

We taxpayers have seen the "throw money at the problem" type of mentality fail time and time again. We can thank all the Judges who legislate from the bench as well as politicians who use these funds like the Abbott School Districts failed funding formulas to carry favor with their electorate.

Such actions and mindsets of our political and educational leadership may bring out the vote, but it does little to educate or make our children safer withinn inside the halls of learning.

All of us can be sure that any action that may have been taken was handled professionally by our local law enforcement officers and that it was executed in accordance with state mandates. I have not heard of any such incidents occurring but I will ask my daughter when she gets home from school today.

We should not be alarmed that things as reported and still yet to be confirmed, may occur. We should however all be concerned and informed when the proper actions are and should taken for our own peace of mind and for the safety of all of our children, school administration and staff.

ThanksNSECKarenS said...

Thanks nsec for the info. Perhaps it may be a good idea for the state or the individual districts themselves to publish such information each year. Is it any different then the test scores or school ranking they publish annually. I would like to see what our school district gets to educate students from the state versus what it costs violence prone districts to educate and secure their students. Do those much larger security dollar needing districts take away even more money from school districts like ours? Thank you for putting it out there.

Anonymous said...

Look who filed -- whats your thoughts

Mayor -
Fred Tagliarin, Democrat
Thomas Aljian, Republican

Council -
James Lauro -Democrat
Margaret Montone -Democrat
Anthony Garaguso - Republican
Sheila Balavram - Republican

Council, 2 year unexpired term - Gregory Cannon, Democrat
Michael Vail, Republican

KimsMom said...

nsectionjoe is long in his explanation sometimes, has a mouth on him for concerned citizen type issues and he gets all of his points across to highlight the issue. In this instance he was very informative and brought to light a topic many parents may overlook. His points and the focus on the school system and the safety of all was right on the mark. I appreciated it very much. Thanks Joe.

Anonymous said...

Where's the Green Party? Or did those people get evicted from their own homes already?

FreneauGustav said...

It's a sad day in Aberdeen is all I can say. Mr. Kauff wins again. It was a masterful selection. Tag brings in us sports parents and Jim brings in a big chunk across the town for being a nice guy. Ms. Montone on the ticket will maybe finally get us sewers. The last name fills the ticket and keeps the majority for the democratic party.

Anonymous said...

The press has a listing of candidates today for all election candidates in the area. No incumbents running for office says an awful lot to me. Does our community stand a chance of finally getting out from under Norman Kauff and his pals? His unashamed fleecing of the tax payers has to stop? It may be politics as usual but I can only hope our community finally gets some relief.

Aberdeener said...

Is Gregory Cannon the son of Matawan Councilman Michael Cannon?

Anonymous said...

yes mike's son

Filing date for independent slates is june 2

Anonymous said...

toxic Sheila ???????

What are they thinking

Anonymous said...

What does "toxic Shelia" refer to?

Anonymous said...

Give me a break! Tagliarini is a hack. He doesn't bring anything to the show.

All D Candidates are Sold said...

All four D candidates have or are serving time on the planning board and are responsible for enforcing "kauff's vision" of Aberdeen, including overbuilding on Cambridge, low-income housing on County Road, loss of commercial ratables on Route 34, and the over-billing of businesses and residents with projects being reviewed before the planning board. All followers of Kauff and none deserving to represent us.

Anonymous said...

If all of the people who whine on this blog show up to vote maybe there will be some change, get out and vote!

Anonymous said...

Aberdeener at bowling this past weekend my husband overheard a conversation about the high school security position being elminated for next year. Is this true? Do you think that this might change in light of the recent arrests? I for one want a safe educational environment for my children, so I only pray that the conversation my husband overheard was in fact just rumor.

On April 7th -Tonight's Council Meeting said...

B. ORDINANCE NO. 9-2009 – PUBLIC HEARING
AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING AN ORDINANCE ENTITLED “AN ORDINANCE FIXING
THE SALARIES AND WAGES OF TOWNSHIP COUNCIL OF THE TOWNSHIP OF
ABERDEEN, COUNTY OF MONMOUTH, STATE OF NEW JERSEY”

They're going to vote themselves a pay raise!!!!

At a time when there is talk of furloughs and layoffs, is this appropriate? Do they really have the nerve?

Anonymous said...

If they do cut the security officer the people on the street are in more danger if he is there.

thatsafactjack said...

Council meeting tonight. Anyone attending tonight please get on when you get home and give us an update as to what was discussed. Let us all hope that CM&E don't have more studies to do on stuff that never sees the light of day. As for Kauff all I can say is F U Norm. You will get yours someday Kauff and when they put the cuffs on you I'll be there to watch you cry like a little girl.

Anonymous said...

Not only do they have the nerve they have the gall. You can be sure that Vin and Whilemina will be first in line to increase their pay. With Kauff and Cifellys defeat for the projects money will be in short supply to pay the high taxes they cause. Why did this salary thing come up? Are those set by the state?

Hold the Pickle said...

Aberdeener,

Why it is okay to cut an AP Chemistry class when only 4 children are registered, but it is not okay to cut a special education class in which 4 children are registered?

THE TRUTH said...

Kauff

Kauff

Kauff

Kauff

Kauff

Kauff

Kauff

Kauff

Kauff

REPUBLICANS DO YOU GET IT YET?

IT IS THE ONLY WINNING STRATEGY.

IGNORE IT AND YOU ARE DONE.

AGAIN!

Anonymous said...

Hold the Pickle...don't expect an answer. They ignore all the important questions and continue to go back to the same old BS. You know, name calling over and over and over again. Each topic page always ends up the same way.

It is a shame that some real concerns get lost in all the crap.

Anonymous said...

The 4 kids who want AP chemistry have no future.No child will ever escape matawan. That is why we devote so much funding to so few individual students. They are pet projects of Barbato and Zavorskas.I am sure those 4 parents agreed to vote for Barza and in turn were guaranteed class for their children. I hope the new board comes in and makes changes.

TheMadPostersofAT said...

NORMAN GET READY CAUSE THE CUFFS ARE COMING

NORMAN GET READY CAUSE IT'S JUDGEMENT
DAY

SAY AMEN BROTHERS AND SISTERS

AMEN

Anonymous said...

I guess the moron doesn't understand that the AP kids WILL be the ones from Matawan to make it. I'm sure he doesn't understand what AP means!

Aberdeener said...

Hold the Pickle,

AP Chem students all agreed to register for an alternative AP science class - either Physics or Biology.

The difference between them and the special education students is that there is usually no alternative to special ed classes since each student has an individualized educational program.

Anonymous said...

They agreed to do it because they had no other choice! Some of tehm were taking 2 AP science classes.

Really, that has to be the stupidest thing I've heard. They agreed. What was their alternative? Not to take any AP science...wow what a choice.

Anonymous said...

How in the world can the council think that it would be a good idea to give themselves a pay raise?

Neither Matawan or Aberdeen can't afford to sneeze the wrong way. I have to sit and laugh. I only imagine it this way . Our taxpayers are strappped and taxes are so high. Our schools can't afford tissues, pencils,glue or soap for the classrooms but lets give ourselves a pay raise. Are you friggen kidding me. Where in their little minds was that a good idea. Oh thats right it's all about greed and what can I get.
Shame on them I truely hope that everyone is sick and tired of being ripped off. Stand up and be herd go and vote these morons out.

thatsafactjack said...

IT IS ALL ABOUT THE MONEY. THE LITTLE PAY RAISE THEY MAY AUTHORIZE FOR THEMSELVES IS A DROP OF RAIN FROM THE SKY COMPARED TO WHAT KAUFF WILL COST ALL OF US IF THE DEMS MAINTAIN CONTROL.

IT'S NOT THAT THEY REALLY WANT TO GOUGE ALL OF US IT IS JUST THAT KAUFF WANTS TO GOUGE ALL OF US AND THATSAFACTJACK.

Anonymous said...

I just want to comment on the person who said that the kids from the ap classes will be the ones to make it.

I have a daughter who grad. two years ago. She was a a,b student more b's than a's. She is now in the Army National Gaurd. She is studying to become a RN. She never was in a AP class. If a child wants to better themselves they will no matter what grades they get in school.

My other daughter attends Georgian Court U. She had other offers to attend schools out of state. She was not in any AP classes she was classfied with a learning disablity and was a student athlete.

I take offense in what you said about how the moron doesn't get it that it will be the 4 student in ap who makes it out of here.

Anonymous said...

If things went as I suspect last night at the Matawan council meeting here is probably what happened. I give these opinions as a resident of over forty years who has seen it all playout before.

The council all just sat around trying to figure out what the hell to do. The financial swirling of the toilet bowl water that has been the financial mismanagement of Matawan flushes on. The leadership of Matawan has stood silent or even maybe culpable as businesses like the C-Town and others were either allowed to fail or even encouraged to do so. Where was the support from leadership to keep even the italian restaurant that was where the new irish pub is now. C-Town though I think is the prime example of the bigger problems in Matawan. Where is Mayor Armeleno when you need him.

Anonymous said...

Wait a minute. Know it all Joe said this years budget includes another School Resource Officer. That would mean we would have two. He is never wrong, so next year we will have two SRO's.

SayheyWM said...

Once again an Anonymous poster is so quick to attack Joe for his informative post. Joe pointed out what was spoken of by Superintendent O'Mally during the school budget presentation. Our district is working with the Aberdeen Police Department for another officer in the schools. This was said to be on a grant application process application.

Who is wrong now anonymous? You should not be so quick to ass-u-me.

On the Matawan leadership subject previously posted. I have to agree. That town is spiraling out of control for years now.

Anonymous said...

With regard to the Matawan leadership, I just don't see any progress over there. They have this revitalization study on their website from Jan 2007, yet not one of the recommendations have been implemented. That town is falling apart. Some of the recommendations were as simple and painting lines for parking spaces on main street and that hasn't even been done. Banners, flowers, streetscapes, etc. Not one of these has been done. I'd love to see one sign of progress over there at some point. Hell a new 'Welcome to Matawan' sign would be something. The sign by the train station looks like it was put up 50 years ago. The wood is all rotted. They've been talking about a sign ordinance, but I don't see anything being done. You have neon signs all over the place. Some of the restaurants have mismatched signs all over their buildings. I know economic times are tough, but I'll even donate a few cans of white paint so they can get moving on painting parking spaces.

Anonymous said...

Hey, I was at the town council meeting last night with 5 others! The same 3 older guys who are always there and 2 others, you want to know what happened. SHOW UP! and you can find out you lazy lumps! When willl all you crybabies realize that nothing changes because of yourselves? You want to do something but can't be bothered to show up at any meetings. Get real! Stop saying you are doing anything, you anon posters do NOTHING, but make me laugh.

Anonymous said...

Well if the leadership was actually doing something positive in terms improving the town or main street and it needed help from people, I'd be at every meeting.

To go listen to them speak about part time administrators, 4 day work weeks and time records, I'd prefer to stay home.

Show me some progress, show me a town looking to make improvements, show me a town willing to improve itself but needing some help to make it happen and I think you'll see more participation.

Hold the Pickle said...

Aberdeener,

I understand each special education child has an IEP. The IEP clearly states the modifications and services each child is to receive. These children would not be offered an alternative because the State has indicated the IEP must be followed to the letter. This means these students receive everything they are entitled to.


MISSION STATEMENT FROM MARSD: To provide every child with the highest quality of instruction, curricula, and services; to treat every child with respect and dignity; to give every child the opportunity to learn and mature, to acquire a thirst for knowledge, to experience the satisfaction of accomplishment, and to anticipate becoming a productive member of a democratic society.

The above mission statement indicates each child will be provided with the highest quality of curricula and services, and each child will be given the opportunity to learn and to acquire a thirst for knowledge.

How is the school district meeting the needs of the 4 AP Chem students who are not being given an opportunity to learn chemistry and are having their thirst for knowledge quashed?

Why is it acceptable to meet the needs of every special education child but not the needs of every gifted child?

Anonymous said...

I also heard that the resource officer at the high school was being cut from the budget. What is the truth.

Aberdeener said...

Hold the Pickle,

I think I now understand your question and you raise an excellent point. We do provide some funding for gifted students whether its to send them to county schools or sponsor AP classes. However, are we spending enough on our most gifted and promising students? Not even close.

Having an informal department for the gifted would be an excellent idea.

thatsafactjack said...

Council meeting anonymous seems a little pent up and frustrated. To F'n bad.

Anonymous said...

not frustrated, I just laugh because everyone thinks they know on this site yet they are never at a meeting. The people on here ask what happened at the meeting, instead of going for themselves. thats the fact jack, you just think you do, go back to the coffee shop and act like you know what happens and thats what's to f'in bad. My sugguestion is DO SOMETHING, ANYTHING except cry on here.

Anonymous said...

to the anon post above past the pickle, if you ever showed up you would know that the nonsense you speak of isn't discussed, you can actually stand up and say something constructive to the people who are on the town council. If you have a suggestion, you can tell them. I am glad to see you have given up, because thats what you are saying, we need more people like you around, whiners and crybabies. Do us a favor, stay home, type on the blog and tell your neighbor how mad you are and what you think we should be doing instead. Imagine if everyone in the world thought the way you do, he let's do nothing. What would have happened to civil rights? A woman's right? etc, etc. You make a great deal of sense, lets all stay home and do nothing!