Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Lessons Learned on the BOE

If You Want Change, Join the BOE
Shortly after joining the BOE, Mr. Somma, a local resident and New York City schoolteacher, began petitioning the school board to change the start time for high school to a later hour. He appeared before the board on several occasions and provided studies showing that high school students don’t get enough sleep, the benefits of getting a full night’s sleep, and the experiences of other school districts that moved to a later start time. Selma then proposed a brilliant idea – Most of our students graduate with more credits than the state requires. Allow those juniors and seniors who are performing well in class and are on track to graduate with extra class credits to substitute one of their non-core classes for an online class on condition that they will be responsible for morning transportation.

The idea presented a win-win scenario – Teenagers would get more sleep, students would have an incentive to do well in class to earn the privilege, and the district would save money by offering fewer classes.

Intrigued by the idea, then-board member Larry O’Connell requested the administration to provide the board with guidance, which it did. Later in the year, the administration considered the idea as a means to cut expenses.

So, what happened? Absolutely nothing. It remains a great idea and one that would have board support but, without a champion within the administration or on the school board, it will go nowhere.

Board Members Have the Power to Make Changes
Any board member who’s informed, well liked, and has a good relationship with the administration can deeply affect the school district. Most board members only appear at meetings to raise their hands but they do have the power to take the initiative.

Board Members Are Not the Best Informed
Before joining the board, I once asked then-president Demarest whether the $2 million a year Response to Intervention program was helping or hurting students. She didn’t know.

Aside from the public agenda, board members receive three things – Information from the superintendent, updates from the attorney, and financial reports from the business administrator. Board members also have the privilege of access to the superintendent and business administrator. Ultimately, board members only know what they’re told by the administration. Their access to raw data is no different from the public’s access.

Ask a board member how many students take at least one advanced placement class and he probably won’t know. (It’s about 10%) Or how many students are expected to earn a bachelor’s degree. (Less than 30%) Or the cost per student for a ceramics class. (Over $700)

Aside from legal issues, personnel, and criminal activity, the board may know information before the public but they rarely know more than any involved member of the public.

Elections Matter
Elections do matter. The battle within the school board is focused upon the following lines –

  • Should the district’s sole focus be student achievement or should the district also consider public service (i.e. giving preference to hiring local residents)?
  • Should we measure student achievement through objective measurements or teacher feedback?
  • Should the focus be educational and character achievements or opportunities offered?
If the former, you’re among the standards wing that currently control the board. If the latter, you’re among the “progressives” or Barza wing.

However, despite the importance of elections, the electorate cares little about board issues and is woefully uninformed. As a result, the winners of any board election are usually the first two names on the ballot.

Where I Was Wrong

I don’t regret a single vote I cast. However, there are two areas where I changed my mind upon joining the board.

The first is the issue of grants. The vast majority of grants support new spending, not ongoing operations. That means grants can only be used for short-term projects. Otherwise, you run the risk of creating new programs that keep running long after the grant funding has vanished.

The other issue was my perception of the community. I had assumed the vast majority of parents wanted their children to receive an excellent education and, once they knew the truth of what was happening in the classrooms, they would demand improvements.

I was terribly wrong. Only a minority of parents value education as an end in itself. A large percentage of parents considers school as substitute parenting. And a majority of parents view education as merely a gateway to a better livelihood.

Those kids who learn just enough to get decent grades and graduate high school are unlikely to develop the skills necessary to succeed in college. And with over a third of our graduates going to a college whose only entrance requirement is a heartbeat, many of our students don’t challenge themselves in high school and then are shocked to discover they’re woefully unprepared for college academics.

Where I Was right
Aside from preferring my original mission statement – To build scholars and leaders – I still believe Everyday Math is a terrible curriculum that doesn’t provide a foundation for higher level mathematics and we should have outsourced as much staff as possible in one fell swoop.

Where I Was Surprised
I was shocked by how weak, incompetent, and dangerous the teachers union is. Weak, because the only people they’re able to intimidate are children. Incompetent because, despite multiple opportunities, the union leadership has consistently failed to work to the mutual benefit of their members and the community. Dangerous because their only tactic is to threaten harm to the children.

If teachers wonder why they don’t get the love and respect so many of them richly deserve, they only have to look at the rodeo clowns who represent them. In the meantime, considering the economic reality and their union leaders’ disdain for the rank and file, more school staff should expect to be outsourced next year.

Where I Failed
I would have liked to establish clear expectations for what education and experiences a student should obtain prior to graduation. I also would have liked to have had a hand in contract negotiations. However, my single greatest failure was not establishing a social organization to recruit and develop future community leaders. For now, the only people doing that are the Aberdeen Democrats, the parent groups, and the sports leagues.

When People Care
For the most part, people don’t care. Excluding the union stampedes, the only time the school board ever sees members of the public is when somebody’s child is being directly affected or when students appear to defend a teacher or program. Considering the sky high property taxes and the rock bottom test scores, you’d think the community would care more but it doesn’t. Or at least not enough to actually do anything.

The Teachers
During my stint on the school board, only one teacher ever came before the board with a proposal to change the class curriculum to better prepare students for college – Dr. Kaplan, the physics teacher.

Considering our poor academic record, you’d hope teachers would take the initiative to raise standards but, by and large, they don’t. If the students’ education and futures were the primary concerns of our teacher body, I certainly didn’t see any evidence of it.

When English teachers don’t test writing, when math teachers support a math curriculum that promotes calculators for hard problems, when history teachers use a textbook that devotes more time to the Zoot Suit Riots than Benjamin Franklin, and when high school students are assigned Harry Potter, then teachers are part of the problem.

No Accountability

We have a system where no one is accountable. Everybody blames everybody else. Until parents have the power to choose the best school for their kids and thereby force the educators to become accountable, the system will never work.

Predictions for the Future
  • The draconian cuts to staff and funding won’t have any measurable impact on the quality of education
  • At some point, the Barza wing will regain control
  • Educational progress will be stifled by teachers who are not highly educated or motivated and by parents who don’t know better
>>> Read more!

163 comments:

NYC council member Charles Barron said...

Heres an idea Joey, why don't you join the NYC Board of Education, and implement your great idea WHERE YOU LIVE!!???

C. BARRON ??? said...

ONCE AGAIN THE FACT THAT MR. WARREN OPENED UP PUBLICLY AND EXPRESSED HIS OPINION, MISTAKES, PREDICTIONS AND MORE AND HE IS MET BY AN ASS THAT CALLS HIMSELF C. BARRON. HE IS BARRON OF ANY CLEAR THOUGHT AND UNDERSTANDING OF A MAN THAT SHOWS HIS HOPES, FAILINGS AND MORE FOR AN EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM THAT IS BROKEN AND A COMMUNITY CORRUPTLY RUN FROM THE SHADOWS BY POLITICAL LEECHES AND COCKROACHES THAT BLEED THE COMMUNITY TO BENEFIT THEIR POLITICAL CRONIES. MAYBE THIS C. BARRON AND HIS FLAWED THOUGHT PROCESS WOULD BE BETTER IF HE PROPOSED ANYTHING IN HIS POST OTHER THN TO ATTACK A MAN WHO HAS ALLOWED OPINION AND PROOFS OF THE INADEQUACIES OF OUR ELECTED OFFICIALS, EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM AND MORE THAT FAILS OUR COMMUNITY AND ITS HARD WORKING RESIDENTS. NAH! C. BARRON IS JUS AN IDIOT LIKE ALL THOSE THAT DEFEND BARZA, NORMAN KAUFF AND THE DEEPLY ENTRENCHED WASTE, CORRUPTION AND PROTECTIONISM OF THE STATUS QUO. DON'T BE PROUD OF YOURSELF FOR BEING A PAWN OF IGNORANCE C. BARRON. PEOPLE LIKE YOU ELECT AND REELECT THE SAME SCUM YEAR AFTER YEAR. PEOPLE LIKE YOU CALL THAT PROGRESS C. BARRON. YOU'RE WRONG ITS NOT PROGRESS IT IS IDIOCY PURE AND SIMPLE!

SENT BY BLACKBERRY

Anonymous said...

I agree that C B is a mental midget. At least C B knows it now THAT IS if someone reads this to him. Attacks on C B are fair play when C B and others repeatedly fail to prove their points and only attack those of us who point out the corruption and trickery that C B wrongly protects. They fail us all like those they protect and wrongly defend.

Anonymous said...

Joey -this actually makes a lot of sense. My only question>>>

Is this the same administration that received a 9% raise and continues to receive raves by the current board president? I'm just not sure who you are encouaging to implement this idea since everyone seems to be jumping ship.

taxpayers and workers bend over said...

Get ready municipal employees to bend over. Now that i have more time to read the paper i do since my layoff. So this morning i read that another town is layingoff the people who actualy do the work and who are so unappreciated that they are the first to go when times get rough. My neighboring town of Lakewood is laying off a bunch of employees. 5 police 7 public works and the property guy. Must be an election year there. So start exercising town employees cause a bunch of you are going to get bent over and screwed over royally. Bet the gang that paysoff the town leaders is not getting laidoff.
I may have only been an operator but i loved my work and was proud at the end of the day. The only people who lose are the taxpayers. The conected stay conected. Always have and always will. Its a shame.

Anonymous said...

I agree on your one strong point - Everyday Math Stinks! I am surprised you didn't know how grants worked. Your two statements "Board members have the power to make change" and "Board member are not the best informed" actually conflict each other. As to "We have a system where no one is accountable" you would have to change the "WE" to "You" because you don't live here anymore!

CME KAUFF NO PAY TO PLAY said...

CME WON'T GET LAID OFF AS TOWN EMPLOYEES DO.

WHY?

ONE MAY ASK HOW COULD THAT HAPPEN IN 2010?

ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS ASK NORMAN KAUFF WHY THE TOWN HE CORRUPTLY AND ILLEGALLY CONTROLS DOES NOT HAVE A STRONG PAY TO PLAY POLICY BUT HAS AN EMPLOYEE LAY OFF POLICY?

CORRUPTION RULRES ABERDEEN!

FOR NOW?

Anonymous said...

TODAY ALSTON MEETS HIS WATERLOO!

Anonymous said...

Names please!
Who are the assbags?
Who are the gangsta coaches?
What is parents club?

Shaft said...

You racist ass bitches ain't gonna keep me down.

Anonymous said...

Oh how right you are. Matawan 2 cops down in January. LAYOFFS!!!!! Matawan Police Chief sitting at home collecting full pay ($120,000 plus per year) on suspension for more then 7 months.

$haft said...

Damn straight bitches. Got mad $$$ coming in, and don't have to do shit to get it. I love this country!

Cross Av. said...

Round and round he walks about town, pretending to serve the people. Special signs and land for a buck. Pop goes Vinny the Weasel!

IT'S GOOD TO BE KING VINCI said...

It's good to be KING VINCI?

KING of corruption that i.s

Right Councilcorruptman Vinci?

And he screws over the taxpayers to appease Kauff.

KING VINCI calls that leadership.

Right Norm?

Anonymous said...

The end of getting paid for doing nothing is coming to an end for Alston. That goes for you too Shaft!

$haft said...

You bitches don't have even close to what it takes. I'm a bad motherfucker.

Anonymous said...

What does it take to become a Kauffie? It seems that only those who are void of moral fiber, honesty, ethics and who will sell themselves very cheap qualify to become Kauffies. I hope they all remember this post when they get ensnared in the FBI sweep. The arrests, indictments and convictions caused by the too long and too corrupt Kauff years here in Aberdeen I just hope the authorities take all the associated Kauff scum with them. They need to take all the Kauff hangers on and the equally unethical Kauff associates *CME, Ciaglia, Cifelli, Kauff professionals* and the many others that have been corruptly paid or who profited greatly off of the backs of the hard working taxpayers, business people and others in Aberdeen. I can't wait to see them be shown on my TV walking into court and coming out on the steps of the court house telling us how they will fight these charges and prove their innocence. They never ever prove their innocence. Right Toricelli, James, Bryant, Merla and all of the other political scum that we know are as crooked as the day is long.

Anonymous said...

i dont understand that you on one hand - say its the teachers fault for alot of things but then in the same breath blame the administration, other BOE, and the parents.....

Isnt it true that you and administration tried several things for parents to get involve or OK and they refused - one example was kids getting free HSPA help during 1/2 of lunch and the parents refused....

I know several teachers in this town who do a great job - and they are getting beaten down from every direction - you, the BOE, parents, and the Gov.

I just dont see how we blame it all on them...all the time... my kids had a great experience in MARSD.......

Anonymous said...

My kid had a good experience too. She receives her Master's Degree in May. A BA and a Master's in six years, not shabby at all. She's a product of the Matawan school system, as are many of her likewise highly educated friends. The Matawan teachers must be doing something right and more people should step up to say so.

Anonymous said...

YOU LIE! NOBODY GOT A QUALITY EDUCATION UNTIL JOEY CAME AND SHOWED US THE WAY! THEY SHOULD PUT A JOEY STATUE IN FRONT OF THE HIGH SCHOOL! BACK TO YOUR HOLE BARZA!

Aberdeener said...

Prior Anons,

Under the US DOE guidelines, only 10 percent of our students are college ready by the time they graduate. Of the kids who go on to college, about half go to Brookdale Community College where the dropout rate is about 70%. Two-thirds of our graduates aren't expected to get any college degrees.

But your kids did well so there's no problem? Is that the standard?

Anonymous said...

YOU TELL THEM JOEY!
THEY HAVE NOT YET BEEN SAVED! THEY ARE THE POOR MISINFORMED PUPPETS OF THE EVIL BARZA!

THEY DO NOT KNOW OF THE GREAT THINGS YOU HAVE DONE! THEY DO NOT KNOW OF OUR WONDERFUL MISSION STATEMENT!

MY ONLY REGRET IN LIFE IS THAT I GRADUATED FROM MATAWAN PRIOR TO THE GREAT AND WONDERFUL JOEY WARREN'S ARRIVAL! HAD I GRADUATED FROM A SCHOOL SYSTEM WITH SUCH A WONDERFUL MISSION STATEMENT WHO KNOWS WHERE I COULD HAVE BEEN IN LIFE!

ONE DAY, LONG AFTER WE ARE GONE, THE GREAT AND WONDERFUL JOEY'S MISSION STATEMENT WILL STILL BE HERE, BEING STUDIED BY SCHOLARS WHO WILL ATTEMPT TO SAVE THE WORLD WITH THE GREATNESS OF THE MISSION STATEMENT!

IF JOEY NEVER CAME DOWN FROM THE HEAVENS TO SAVE US, WE WOULD LIVE IN A WORLD OF TYRANNY, DOMINATED BY THE EVIL BARZA JANITORS AND THE VICIOUS KAUFFIE CONQUERERS! IF NOT FOR JOEY'S GREATNESS, ALL WOULD BE LOST!

THATS A FACT JACK!

PS JOEY GAVE US A MISSION STATEMENT!

Anonymous said...

PSS

JOEY ALSO BROUGHT US THE GREAT PROPHET OMALLEY WHO WALKED THE DESERTS OF MATAWAN FOR 40 WEEKS AND SHOWED THE MATAWANITES HOW TO FIRE JANITORS AND GIVE 9 PERCENT RAISES!
THIS IS THE WORD OF THE JOEY!
THANKS BE TO JOEY!

Anonymous said...

Mr. Warren.

No. The standard is NOT my kid counts more. The standard is that ALL kids need to be active participants in their educations. That positive attitude comes from a home that respects the process of learning. I showed my kid how much I admired her teachers from the get go. And taught her to respect authority figures as well. Keep up this demonization of the teaching profession and you'll breed more ignorant, arogant empty headed bullies.

from Anonymous at 9:53 PM

KAUFF FURLOUGHS OR LAYOFFS said...

FURLOUGHS OR LAYOFFS ??? FOR TOWN WORKERS

SO THE TOWN WORKERS HAVE NO INFO, NO NEGOTIATION SESSIONS, NO REAL INPUT AND NO IDEA ON HOW LONG UNTIL KAUFF DROPS THE HAMMER AND HAS HIS TOWN COUNCIL PUPPETS DROP THE OTHER SHOE ON THE TOWN EMPLOYEES FURLOUGHS OR LAYOFFS?

YOU SEE TO KAUFF ALL THAT MATTERS IS THAT HE PROTECTS HIS CORRUPTLY CIRCUMVENTED TAXPAYER CASH MACHINE THAT IS KAUFF TOWN HALL. THAT BUILDING AND THE KAUFF CONTROLLED AND THE THOROUGHLY CORRUPTED BY KAUFF DEVELOPMENTS, DEVELOPERS AND KAUFFS PRECIOUS CME, ATTORNEY GROUP THAT KAUFF CASHES IN ON AND THE LEECHES HE CONTROLS.

TIME WILL TELL OR THE HANDCUFFS WILL.

RIGHT KAUFF?

Anonymous said...

Thank God all Kauff all the time. I love it!

$haft said...

Norm is a bad motherfucker

Anonymous said...

Regarding the comments about Chief Alston's Waterloo... is the case actually being finalized or are these posts just more "stir the pot" antics?

$haft said...

None of those bitches gonna do shit. I'm gonna keep gettin paid baby!

My girl hates Kauff also said...

My girlfriend keeps asking me why I keep posting things about Kauff and his corrupt cronies. I told her the answer is a very simple one. I told her that each and every time I post I am reminding the Kauff corrupt that their deeds, misdeeds and their ethically challenged and illegal actions hurt the community in all its forms. They hate me and many others on here for that which they know they do wrong. Politics is the root of all evil and Kauff is the devil incarnate. They can attack us all they want and they all know they cannot hide from that which they themselves know is true that they are guilty of crimes against the residents, businesses and more in our town. That is right I said our town as that is what Aberdeen is our tow. It is not Kauffville or Vinciville despite Vinci being gifted property for a dollar with no restrictions. Talk about selfless service to the community. Bah Humbug. Vinci won't do a thing unless their is something on the back end for Vinci. They call out Nick Minutulo for leaving the dems because while he was under the Kauff umbrella for some time he ended up like Gallo, Brown, Falk and a few others that paid the price publicly if you don't do what Kauff wants and do it without question you end up on the outs and put out for public scorn by all the Kauff soldiers. Don't get me wrong I have more respect for the few names listed a couple of sentences back who balked at Kauff and his corrupt, illegal and unethical demands. Those people listed and who opposed Kauff should stand tall for finally or immediately not doing the corrupt and illegal Kauff bidding despite being pushed out, embarrassed and all that and worse for just doing the right thing or for asking the questions that need to be asked about the too cozy relationship with Kauff and his so called professionals. Professionals my ass they are nothing more than political operatives and hacks. They should all rot in hell for the damage these allegiant Kauff people have done against all of us as they serve their corrupt lord and master of political corruption Norman Kauff Esquire. I spit at you Norman Kauff. next time you see one of these Kauff people ask them why Aberdeen does not have pay to play to protect the taxpayers. You can also ask Vinci what the street number was yesterday. He will know it.

Love ya Carmen despite your hatred of this blog

THE DEVIL IN ABERDEEN said...

THESE ARE THE TIMES THAT TRY MENS SOULS.

NOT FOR NORMAN KAUFF AS HE HAS NO SOUL.

HE SOLD IT TO THE DEVIL A LONG TIME AGO.

WE KNOW THE DEVIL GOT THE BEST OF THAT DEAL IF YOU MEASURE ALL THE ILLEGAL AND CORRUPT DEEDS THAT NORM HAS PERPETRATED AGAINST HUMANITY IN HIS WHOLE STINKING CORRUPT POLITICAL LIFE. PEOPLE LIKE HIM ARE THE POISON IN COMMUNITIES THAT ALLOW POLITICAL BOSSES LIKE HIM TO RUIN TOWNS LIKE OURS AS THEY SELL THE RESIDENTS AND THEIR QUALITY OF LIFE DOWN THE SEWER TO REWARD THEMSELVES AND THEIR FOLLOWERS WITH OUR HARD EARNED MONEY.

I HAVE NO RESPECT FOR ANYONE WHO ATTACHES THEMSELVES TO THE LIKES OF A NORMAN KAUFF AND THOSE LIKE HIM THAT PRETEND TO SERVE THE PEOPLE THE SAY THEY REPRESENT.

NORM ONLY SERVES HIMSELF NOT THE PEOPLE.

RIGHT NORM?

Aberdeener said...

Anon 9:53/9:27,

Nobody's questioning a student's responsibility or his parent's but it's dumbfounding that you refuse to hold teachers accountable for the job they're hired to do.

You blatantly ignore the studies, not to mention common sense, that effective teachers can have a fantastic impact on their students. You ignore the grade inflation, low expectations, and pure laziness that abounds within our district.

I'm thrilled you're a great parent. It's a shame, though, that you're unsympathetic to the needs of those children who don't have parents that put a strong emphasis on education. Your daughter probably would have done just as well regardless of which teachers she had. Most kids aren't so lucky.

Anonymous said...

The other shoe will drop soon enough when Mayor Tag figures out how much money he needs to make sure boss kauff can fill the democratic campaign war chest. War chest my ass they may as well call it the democrats walk on in unopposed again to screw aberdeen over. They asked employees for suggestions last year and used none. They raised taxes to keep the engineers funded. This year it will be hard to let go employees but keep paving roads to keep cme funded. That is how it works you see in this town. The politicians will play kick the can with the town workers rather than look at the largess that feed the democrats. Some workers are going on two years without contracts. According to the mayor all is fine and happy. That is what his mentor tells him to sa. It is like the one soldier in the movie animal house that screams all is well as the parade passes him by in a panic. All is not well it is all a political lie.

oxford jim said...

how dare you criticize how and where some students choose or afford to go to college...

you pompous ass. you elite thinking jerk.

YOU DONT KNOW THIS TOWN... you just dont know. maybe Brookedale is all people could afford.

How many teachers did you go and introduce yourself too? How many conversations did you have? How much did you watch them in action? Every BOE meeting has some teacher there with their kids getting an award for something or work of the students around the BOE building.

HOW CAN YOU MAKE ALL OF THESE COMMENTS about teachers who you do not know? or even cared to make the acquaintance of before you hopped town before your messiah and his patron saint did?

Oh I forgot, we have a nice new misiion and vision statement....

Aberdeener said...

Brookdale has a 70% dropout rate and your response is "yeah, but it's cheap".

Well, if all you care about is cheap, why don't you suggest we double the class sizes, dump the electives, and eliminate the teachers aides and guidance counselors?

Oh, right, I forgot. When someone else is picking up the tab, cost is of no consequence but, when you have to pay your own way, education is of no consequence.

There are lots of alternatives to Brookdale and there are lots of ways to pay for a college education.

You think a community college with a 70% dropout rate is good enough for our kids. I don't. I'm not an elitist. I'm a realist.

Anonymous said...

Aids and electives getting dumped sounds like a winner.

oxford jim said...

no. it is reality that people disagree with you. Why double class sizes when you say class sizes dont matter.

Arent aides an integral part of the special education curriculum - be careful that do not piss off some of your old buddies.

Who are you to tell us where to send our kids? who are you to tell me my finances? who are you to tell me what loans my kids will apply for? who are you to tell me how much my family will go into debt?

I call it responsible. My kids can take the same core classes at Brookedale - get the 60 AA and transfer all credits to a 2nd state college and I will have saved over 20000 dollars.

You moved to save money when your house lost value. Who are you to put down where people can afford?

And if you look at Brookedale, just as many CC across the country - many of them attract all kinds of people with their own stories - the below average student trying it out, the working mom or dad who is trying to better their situation, the kid who didnt do well away from home and now needs CC to help get them on track...

But you, the elite, say thats not good enough. If your kids are unsure of what path to pursue and the local CC is the most logical at THAT SPECIFIC time, you would still waste the money "giving it the old college try" at 25 grand a year?

I dont think you will....

IRONS 3:16 said...

ON THE DAY THAT HE TURNED THE WATER INTO WINE, JOEY BROUGHT HIS APOSTLES IN AND SAID "ONE OF YOU WILL BETRAY ME AND GO NORTH" OMALLEY THE APOSTLE SAID " NEVER MY SAVIOR" TO WHICH JOEY SAID " IT IS TRUE, ONE OF YOU WILL BETRAY ME, AND GO FOR THE BIGGER MONEY, I RAD THIS IN THE VISION STATEMENT SCROLLS"

THIS IS THE WORD OF THE WARREN



THANKS BE TO JOEY

Anonymous said...

these biblical posts are cracking me up

Anonymous said...

Joey, first of all where was all this negativity when you were on the board? I guess O'Malley had you muzzled just like the rest of the board. Second, you are again misleading on the numbers. Brookdale 70% dropout? Where are you getting these numbers? Could you be misreading the people that use Brookdale as stepping stone and go for a year before they move to 4 yr school, or the Kids that get injury or other issues away at college and use Brookdale until they return to 4 yr college, all these people don't "graduate" Brookdale. Are you including them as "brookdale dropouts"? How about those that take courses during summers away from college cause they are a fraction of the summer courses at private 4 yr colleges? Are you included all of these people as dropouts? Implying that they never finished any school. Once again you are a grand manipulator of data or slant it towards your predetermined conclusion. Could thing you aren't a teacher in the district.

Town workers A+ said...

Anyone know why a big group of realtors were at the old factory on Cliffwood Av. this weekend. I thought there were big plans for that site to help us taxpayers with some commercial taxes to finally lower property taxes. By the way I agree with info above that paving roads should not be the main concern of officials. The services we get from workers are very important and this town looks nice because of them. I and my family have lived here for ten years and the town looks better every year. I think that says a lot for our workers. I know a spot near us that gets dumped on in the middle of the night and it does not take that long before our workers get rid of it. I moved here from a town where workers did little and it showed.

Posted by BlackBerry

Aberdeener said...

OJ,

Once again, you prove my point. You have no problem billing your neighbors for your child's $15,000 a year public school education but won't even take the time to investigate alternatives to Brookdale.

Anon 7:50,

Don't know where you've been but I was quite vocal on the board. As for the Brookdale numbers, nice try but the 70% dropout rate comes from the state and only refers to "What are Brookdale’s two- and three- year combined success rates by ethnic group for the Fall
2003 entering cohort of first-time, full-time freshman?"

You can read the report here.

Actually, though, I just found an updated report. Great news - the dropout rate is down to 60%. That's great progress for BCC but hardly a reason to send your own child there.

By the way, the chance of your kid getting an associates degree or transferring to a 4-year school within two years at Brookdale is 8.3%

Think about it - You're sending your kid to a school where 90% of the students can't handle a normal work load and 60% will drop out. Is that the learning and supportive environment you want for your child?

If so, why are you asking your neighbors to spend $15,000 a year on his public school education?

Aberdeen Idiot said...

To Town Workers A+,

Oh, they have "plans" alright. I will tell you that the last thing that will result is relief for the taxpayer. The reason they need real estate agents over at the glass factory is because an army of them will be required to sell the 540 RESIDENTIAL UNITS they plan to build over there!

When that extra school age population starts using the schools. You better be prepared to grab your ankles and bend over when you see that tax bill.

Thanks Aberdeen Council!

Anonymous said...

Still have uncertainty with your data. My child not only finished Brookdale in two years but also received a sizable scholarship upon completion to a 4 yr school. Brookdale served us well.

Aberdeener said...

I'm glad it worked for your child. Obviously, that's not the norm.

Anonymous said...

Let's bring Joel Glastein back as interim superintnedent. I heard he did an admirable job filling before both Quinn and O'Malley came on board. That will give the board some time to adequately perform a search.

Anonymous said...

Glastein? Who did you hear that from? You must be getting your drugs at the same place as Ivanhoe. They must be really good, enjoy!

MAIN ST. MANNY said...

http://www.app.com/article/20101213/NEWS/101213076/Matawan-woman-robbed-in-home-invasion

GREAT IDEA LETS LAYOFF THE POLICE.
2ND Home invastion in the last few months.

a reading from the book of Norman said...

Our Joey

Who art in Brooklyn

Hallowed be thy Vision Statement

Thy vision statement come, thy outsourcing be done.

In Aberdeen, as it is in Brooklyn


And give us this day, your daily bullshit

And forgive us now, our Kauffkins

As we forgive those who give 9 percent raises against us

And lead us not, into consolidation, and deliver us from BARZA

Amen

the book of Barza said...

When Joey came upon the leper colony in Barza, he cured them of their disease, and told them to cast the Kauff from their souls.
The Apostle Omalley said to Joey "Savior, does thou not fear the Kauffkins?" Joey responded " He who fears the Kauffkins does not have complete faith in the mission statement."

This is the word of the Warren

Thanks be to Joey

Hair 3:69 said...

After curing the lepers, while still in the corrupt city of Barza, Joey and his apostles came upon a stoning.
One of the city's firemen was insubordinate to the fire chief, Louis, and a crowd, led by Vincent the city elder, and Shaft, the head soldier.
As Vincent prepared to throw the stone, Joey stepped between him and the fireman and said

"Vincent, does thou not take coal dust from thy neighbor's mine? and use it to color thy hair black without his permission? And Shaft, while there is no doubt of thy bad motherfuckerness, does thy not bring shame on thy troops by wearing thy rediculous geri curl haircut in uniform? Let he who is without Kauff cast the first stone"

Both men fell to their knees and cast Kauff from their souls, swearing to follow the mission statement for as long as they live.

This is the word of the Warren


Thanks be to Joey

Anonymous said...

Two home invasions in Matawan in the last few months, helicopters in Strathmore looking for robbery suspects. What next? Yet the town gods are laying off the first line of defense and service. The money can be taken from other places to save these jobs I am sure. This is not good.

$haft said...

It's true, I have repented, and I will follow the mission statement for the rest of my days.
However, I remain a bad motherfucker.

Anonymous said...

keep the biblical teachings of Joey coming....I am dying over here...

GET KAUFFIE TOWN EMPLOYEES said...

WAKE UP TOWN EMPLOYEES BEFORE KAUFFIE DOES.

GET KAUFFIE BEFORE KAUFFIE GETS ANY OF YOU.

MAKE IT KNOWN THAT IF ANYONE GETS LAID OFF THE UNIONS WILL TAKE STEPS TO PROVE WHERE ALL THE MONEY GOES IN ABERDEEN.

TO KAUFFIE AND HIS WEASELS AT CME AND OTHERS.

TAKE A FIRM STAND OR ELSE YOU WILL LOSE.

ASK FOR THE PAYOUTS TO KAUFFIE AND THE OTHERS FOR THE PAST TWELVE KAUFFIE YEARS.

PUBLICIZE THE YEARLY INCREASES AND TO WHOM THEY GO TO AND THE AMOUNTS IN THE PAPERS.

STAND UP FOR YOURSELVES RIGHT AWAY.

TAKE KAUFFIE TO THE WOODSHED.

KAUFFIE HATES PUBLICITY.

RIGHT KAUFFIE?

another reading from the book of Barza said...

The visit when he converted Vincent and Shaft was not Joey's first journey into the land of Barza.
The previous fall, Joey arrived in Barza and encountered Iron, a woman who was the book keeper of a house of ill repute run by Gerald, who also sold used chariots. At the house of ill repute, he also encountered Anonymous, a deranged person who could only type in capital letters.

King Norman, upon learning of Joey's arrival in Barza ordered Shaft to assemble his army and take Joey into custody.

Iron agreed to hide Joey, after he promised her a 9 percent raise when the economy took a shit. He also promised patronage jobs to Gerald in return for his allegiance. Joey could not help Anonymous due to his diminished mental capacity.

On Joey's 3rd day in hiding, Anonymous tipped off Shaft by posting one of his capital letter ramblings of the evils of Kauff.

Joey managed to escape briefly, but Shaft's army caught up to him at the shores of the Barzanian sea.


Seeing no other option, Joey parted the Barzanian sea and safely walked across the ocean floor to the land of Make Believe, where the bulk of his followers of the mission statement live.

This is the word of the Warren

Thanks be to Joey

Carl 3:16 said...

When Shaft's soldiers saw Joey part the Barzanian sea they were dumbfounded. Shaft, despite being an extremely bad motherfucker, could not get the soldiers to chase Joey into the sea.

Finally, Carl, the head of the soldiers union agreed to send the janitors in after Joey. Carl's reasoning was that the janitors weren't really important anyway, and if they perished, so be it.

As soon as the janitors entered the sea, the path that Joey opened, closed on them and they all drowned, only to be replaced by illegal aliens from Ivanhoe.

Carl, seeing the janitors perish stated " oh well, fuck 'em, they didn't go to college anyway, they don't count."


This is the word of the Warren

Thanks be to Joey

Advice from an old HR person said...

As a former human resources worker and having read most if not all of what can only be stated to be rumors and some real and substantive facts and proofs about this man Norman Kauff. I can only say that I agree with the idea that the town employees need to get out ahead of the man it says improperly and perhaps unethically controls every aspect of the town. In my last private position the CEO went afoul of the law and his employees that he used and abused for years were able to exact their pound of flesh when each and every employee testified as to what they had seen firsthand and who also brought boxes and boxes of business files and assorted paperwork related to what ended up being medicare fraud. While that crime pales in comparison of the screw the taxpayers antics and the often immoral political mind of those who would sell their own mothers to get ahead. That type of conduct is that of most every politician so we taxpayers don't stand a chance. The town employees will win in the end as they know where Hoffa is buried either singularly or collectively against the leadership that controls their lives which seems to be corrupt in this town from the top on down.

Anonymous said...

(sung) :

"When Joey goes to Barza land,
Let my Warren Gooooo"

Anonymous said...

Joey loves the little children (except the children of BARZA)

All the children of the world (except Norm's)

Red and yellow black and white (except Gentiles)

They are precious in his sight (except Tag's)

Joey loves the little children of the world (as long as their parents believe in the mission statement)

the Joey song said...

Joey loves the little children (except the children of BARZA)

All the children of the world (except Norm's)

Red and yellow black and white (except Gentiles)

They are precious in his sight (except Tag's)

Joey loves the little children of the world (as long as their parents believe in the mission statement)

WHERE HAS KAUFF GONE? said...

WHERE O WHERE HAS THAT SCUMBAG KAUFF GONE

WHERE O WHERE CAN THAT SCUMBAG BE

WHERE O WHERE CAN HE BE PLANNING HIS

NEXT THEFT OF THE TAXPAYERS MONEY

FROM YOU AND ME


I THINK EVEN THE DEMS HAVE SEEN KAUFF MUST GO



WAIT A MINUTE ITS THE STOCKHOLM SYNDROME

AFTER ALL THAT KAUFF HAS SPREAD SO LONG

ITS TIME FOR KAUFF TO GO AND HE KNOWS IT'S SO



IF THE DEMS CUT THEIR LOSSES NOW THEY MAY BE

ABLE TO SURVIVE THE UPCOMING ARRESTS


BYE NORM IS WHAT THEY NEED TO SAY

IF THEY HOPE TO NOT ALL FOLLOW HIM TO THE JAIL

CELL AND THAT PAINFUL PLACE WHERE MONEY

CAN'T SAVE ANYONE WHEN THE LIGHTS GO OUT

the Dead Sea mission statement scrolls said...

After escaping from the Barzanians, Joey returned to the Land of Make Believe, where he came upon a funeral.

Joey approached the crowd and saw that the funeral was being held for his friend, the Aberdeen Republican Party.

Upon seeing Joey the crowd cried "Savior! The Aberdeen Republican Party is dead! We will be taken over for sure by the Kauffkins!"

Joey replied " thou has only to have faith in the Mission Statement, and thou will be saved from the Kauffkins"

Joey, seeing the crowd was still saddened by the death of their friend decided to bring him back to life. Joey grasped the Aberdeen Republican Party's funeral shroud and stated Rise Aberdeen Republican Party! 3 times, but the party was still dead.

Joey repeated this several more times, but no matter what he did, he could not bring the Aberdeen Republican Party back to life.

It was at this time that the crowd discovered that Joey was not a savior, he was just some ass from Brooklyn that temporarily moved to Aberdeen, and got a board of ed seat by default, and stirred up a bunch of bullshit. The crowd saw that they had been played for fools, and they committed mass suicide rather than face the world as the losers that they were.

This is the word of the Warren

Thanks be to Joey

Anonymous said...

Let's go Giants

Anonymous said...

Maybe if Matawan would have stood up to ALSTON when he allegedly broke the rules, they wouldn't have to consider laying off good police officers!

Let us all hope justice will be swift and served soon.

Catholic League Member said...

To whomever is quoting the scripture of barza and warren nonsense. Stop making fun of the way the gospel is read at Catholic Mass, it is not funny. I don't think it would be acceptable if you did the same with Hebrew or Islamic scripture either.
Ridiculing my religious ritual to poke fun at Mr. Warren is not funny or acceptable. Go ahead an make your points, but leave my religion out of it.
Please stop it.

The Prophet said...

Unfortunately for you, I was raised Catholic too, so that's the only way I know it. If I knew Jew, or Muslim ones I'd throw them in too. My only advice to you is to either lighten up, and get a sense of humor, or find another blog, I'm not going anywhere.

FD feedbag is on tonight said...

Come one come all to the Italo-firefighter-festa tonight at what some might say is the too luxurious Lloyd Road firehouse. Yeah its the annual put on the feedbag buffet for our towns volunteer firefighters. Don't get me wrong this event is an example of what should be done for such brave volunteers and also what should not be allowed to happen by the commissioners. I have attended in the past so I know how much it costs, should really cost and what the trade off really is. And the commissioners wonder why membership is bailing. Maybe the too connected caterer will be putting on my old turnout coat and boots to give the residents a fair chance if their house catches on fire soon anytime soon. Too bad the membership don't get to pick the menu for tonight cause the sleepers do. Sleepers is a term used by those of us that answer the calls in the middle of the night while the sleepers stay snug in their beds who think they can still call the shots and tell us what to do like they really matter any longer. Who will answer the calls come the first of the year is what the commissioners should be worried about.

Catholic League Member said...

Dear Prophet,
You shall not make wrongful use of the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not acquit anyone who misuses his name.
May God bless you and forgive you.

the prophet said...

Thanks for the blessing, biut I just looked over the last few posts, and none of them contained the words God, Jesus, Lord,etc. I did use savior, but I'm sure even you would agree that's a generic term. No blasphemy from where I stand. Like I said before, lighten up

FD FUGGEDABOUTIT said...

COME ON IT IS JUST A SHOW OF GRATUITOUS FOOD FROM ONE BUSINESS OWNER TO THE FIRE DEPARTMENT.

WE CAN ALL BE SURE IT COMES WITH NO STRINGS ATTACHED?

NO SPECIAL FAVORS OR CONSIDERATIONS?

NO SPECIAL DEALS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR FOR BEING RECOMMENDED?

THIS FIRE HOUSE CERTAINLY HAS ITS INTERNAL PROBLEMS AND WE CAN ALL BE SURE THEY ARE BEING OFFICIALLY IGNORED BY THE FD LEADERSHIP.

LEADERSHIP BY EXAMPLE LIKE MY DAD ALWAYS SAID.

WHAT IS THE EXAMPLE THAT THE FIRE HOUSE LEADERSHIP HAS SHOWN THE JUNIOR MEMBERSHIP THIS YEAR?

STRIKE A FELLOW MEMBER = NO PROBLEM

COMMISSIONERS COVER UP = NO PROBLEM

LONG TIME BRETHREN RESIGNING = NO PROBLEM

ARROGANT DICTATORIAL CONTROL = NO PROBLEM


FUGGEDABOUTIT TAXPAYERS AS YOU DON'T MATTER

RIGHT COMMISSIONERS?

RIGHT FORMER MEMBERS?

Public service really? said...

Memories like the corner of my mind sweet memories of a simpler time.

Those simple times are long gone if what has been posted about the local volunteer firemen is true. Much less the soon to be dropped on our town employees shoulders to maintain the status quo.

Long gone are the times when a mans word was his bond. It was a simpler time years ago when doing right for ones neighbor was honorable and was offered without being ask and without hesitation most men responded.

A time when service to ones community was offered without hesitation and was given selflessly and without saying what is in it for me.

Now our community has problems and our volunteer services have strife and infighting. Not just the fire house but the council that both have dual office holders in the midst of all of these problems. It makes one seriously wonder who is really in control or is too easily manipulated and controlled.

Will not one of these supposed leaders stand up for the taxpayers, business people and residents against the political machine that hurts us all.

We are waiting for just one brave person to stand up.

I for one think it is time the public demands that any person serving in leadership of a volunteer emergency service group and the town council should be like us on the school board and do so without one cent of compensation. That is truly volunteer services not a bankrolling of the local political party.

Let them all not get paid and see how long they stay on in their big pay for little work positions.

NOT TAKE THE MONEY? said...

NOT GET PAID?

NOT GET PAID?

YOU MUST BE F'N KIDDING?

WE TOLD YOU BEFORE WE BOTH NEED THE MONEY?

WHEN OTHERS TOOK NO RAISES WE DID?

WHEN OTHERS ASKED WHY WE BALKED & WALKED?

WHY?

BECAUSE WE ARE F'N GREEDY HACKS THAT IS WHY?

RIGHT WHILIMINA?

YES VINNY.

RIGHT VINNY?

YES WHILIMINA.

Anonymous said...

Mr. Warren:

Who is applying for super?
Who do you want in general?
Any info?

Aberdeener said...

Sorry, but I'm truly out of the loop. The only thing I've heard is that the current board majority is very pleased with Dr. O'Malley's leadership and they're looking for O'Malley the Sequel. I believe they're also taking guidance from O'Malley as they sift through the candidates.

I'm guessing we'll hear a name by February. I think they're trying to avoid an interim superintendent.

Anonymous said...

I can confirm. You are definitely out of the loop.

Anonymous said...

By board leadership, you mean Chucky Kenny. Maybe he should leave it to someone else this time. His skills in choosing a long term leader without overpaying are suspect.

Anonymous said...

Alston's big day is very soon. The end of an era. Now due to his BS, he is the cause of 2 officers being layed off. The town has been wasting money for all this time on his salary aka "vacation" and now claims they are so broke they need to layoff officers. So now the Matawan Police Department will be down not just one power hungry police chief but also the 2 officers they layoff. I have also heard that another officer is out with an injury. I think the scum see the righing on the wall after the second home invasion. Just open the door for crime why don't ya. I hope this council in Matawan has no hearts cause when a citizen or officer is hurt due to lack of protection its on you. I hope you can live with that.

Matawan is not Detroit said...

Matawans problems are with the leadership not the police chief. Don't get me wrong he is no angel but he has the right to be heard. You can also bet it is legal for him to use his days and be paid.

The officer who posted above makes it sound like Matawan is some crime plagued community and it is not. Our officers do a job and get to much pay and benefits for it if you really look at workplace production versus cost. This town is not some dark very dangerous street in Harlem or Detroit it's just Matawan.

$haft said...

On the contrary, I am the only reason Matawan doesn't look like Camden. Criminals fear me, I'm a bad motherfucker.

In the Beginning said...

On an unusually clear night, 3 wise bloggers, THE TRUTH, NsectionJoe, and Ivanhoe, followed a star brighter than the rest, over the Outerbridge Crossing, and the Verrazono, into Brooklyn.

When they reached Brooklyn, they came to a stoop, in front of a row house. inside the brownstone, was a baby, this was a very special baby. This baby would one day do wonderful things on the MARSD board of education.

The 3 wise bloggers brought gifts of arrogance, extreme ego, and the ability to know it all, to this special baby, for one day he would lead the schools to perfection.



This is the word of the Warren


Thanks be to Joey

Anonymous said...

No not Detroit but it is Matawan. I am not a police officer, I know a few and just seeing the obvious. It has been spoken of before and is going to be now. Keansburg! Once a town of drinkers and fighters. Now a drug haven with gangs, addicts, and scum everywhere. Keansburg layed off cops and Asbury, Livingston, Newark, etc..... Moved in and the police haven't been able to catch up since. Matawan could easily turn into this. Apartment complexes and government supported people everywhere. What happened you another one that didn't get hired as a police officer and now your angry? No one was complaining about salaries when everyone was making more money then the police. Leave Strathmore for 10 minutes and drive through the down town and all the apartment complexes in Matawan. You may have a different opinion. If you don't you obviously are nieve and I hope you don't become a victim.

Oh its not the leadership its the police chief. To much beer muscle doesn't help the cause. Oh Shaft he is a bad mother in his own mind. Believe me I have seen his actions in the Poet's (Brass Rail)with several times.

$haft said...

You damn right I'm a bad motherfucker. And those bitches over in strathmore best stay the hell over there if they know what's good for them. Matawan is mine, bitches.

Anonymous said...

Hey "In the Beginning" it's spelled Verrazano. If you're going to rip someone, at least make sure you spell correctly.

the prophet said...

whatever, you say tomAto, I say tomato. Suck it.

COUNTING ON KAUFF? said...

HOW MUCH SHOULD THE TAXPAYERS HATE KAUFF?

LET US COUNT THE WAYS?

OOPS CANNOT COUNT THAT HIGH.

F YOU NORMAN KAUFF ESQ.

YOU SCUMBAG!

Hugh G. Rexion said...

I think Norm is pretty cool

Anonymous said...

New Jersey Teachers Unions say Happy Holidays!

Anonymous said...

Sorry for the duplicate post. Not use to this

i have had enough boss hog said...

The teachers union laughs at us taxpayers. We pay for their happy holidays, expensive summers off and too much more to list without wanting to throw up. Go get em Gov. Christie you have this oppressed by the teachers, pba, fire and municipal union funder who is tired of giving to the few, the proud, the underworked and the very very overcompensated. That goes for the town council thieves and their boss hog norman kauff as well.

Aberdeener said...

This is from Gary but looks like it got deleted by accident.

Well, this will be only the second time I write on this blog and as the first, I will sign my name on the bottom.
Sorry to change the subject but it appears there’s a few comments regarding the good ole fire district in here and I know there a few that read this everyday, as do I (for a good chuckle), that will pass the words on to those others, right “cutiepie”? Watch what you say in front of people or who you are saying them to.

Of course my ears were ringing the other night, the annual fire company meeting, for which I did not attend, so I could enjoy attending my daughters MRHS Sports Awards night. So, the ears were ringing because my name was mentioned after the meeting, for a change, by a certain person accusing me of being one of the persons trying to bring the fire company down. Why I say my ears were ringing was true in fact because the few members I have had conversations with since Tuesday have confirmed such accusations being stated by a certain member. I assure you that I am not one bringing the fire company down (morale or otherwise) because the accuser has done just fine by himself of doing that.
I have moved on after resigning as Chief, after being disrespected by the District, and am enjoying my family life after having given almost 28 years of service. I want nothing for that Fire Company to be back where it was when I joined, the most respected Fire Company in Monmouth County. It is time to move on and stop making accusations and try to better the Company. I hold no grudges and as a Life member still, am willing to help the Fire Company out in any way that I can. But those who back me see that I have moved on and those who accuse me (and those who back the accuser) don't want me around. For those, you can rest assured that I will not run for Commissioner for I would not even tell an enemy to run for that position. While I still respect the District Chief and the Commissioners, I still don't have to agree with their actions, which is my right.
Stop worrying about the past and move on and right the ship with the people that are left. Make it fun again but most of all, make it respectable again. Some may pass by the time respect is restored but it's time to start.
I’m not asking anyone to like me or trying to paint a picture of purity of myself, I’m simply asking that if you have something to say about me, say it to my face, if you have any respect. And then I’ll respond to you respectfully.
To all my Brother Firefighters, Happy Holidays and hope to see you soon and extend my wishes personally.
By the way, I will continue to read this blog every day for the chuckles I get.

SIGNED
Gary Bellone

Anonymous said...

Are you the fireman that was saved from stoning by Joey for insubordination?

Anonymous said...

Maybe someone should be worrying about all the police activity at the HS lately. My daughter said there were 3 fights today, one needed the police to be called in. Last week police took out someone in handcuffs, as did the week before.
She said the hallways are out of control and the kids are "going nuts".
Her teacher held her in the classroom today at one point because there was chaos in the halls.
Sounds like the administration is losing control. This is what happens when you have thugs running the school and no consequences are handed out.
This is my daughter's 3rd year and she said the change drastic.
Then I get a letter home saying crime has dropped 60%. Obviously that is a crock.
I also learned that the in school suspension room has had a name change, this way they do not have to list it as a suspensuion for the district. Another one of the illusions we have been shown.

Anonymous said...

Hold on a minute. Do you expect me to believe there are problems at the high school? I don't buy it,maybe under Quinn, but Omalley and Joey fixed everything before they left. Thugs? In Matawan? Never! Next thing you'll try and tell me is that they allowed a gang banger to coach there! You're nuts!

Anonymous said...

Love it. Problems at the high school with teachers all over the place. What the hell do you think is going on in the street without any constant supervision. Hmmmm but lets layoff police officers cause we don't have any problems in Matawan or Aberdeen. Wake up!!!!

Anonymous said...

What do you think is going to happen with the ineffective high school administration? They need to move that lady and do it soon!

Anonymous said...

Between Aberdeen and Matawan the price for police is over 7Million$ so if we have to cut some of them the reason won't be the occasional police response or a home break in once in a while. When you look at the crime stats the cost far outweighs the effect. How much does it cost when these crimes don't get solved with all that money. How many get solved. How many tickets get issued. The police need to do more than idle the cars for hours or talk side by side. Prove to us the costs by showing us the stats. Attack away.

Sent by bb

Anonymous said...

quallysMy daughter also reports that the high school is out of control. Drug use has now gone unchecked and continues to get worse. Not if you listen to Joey and O'Malley pounding chests together on accomplishments. This problem is everywhere, but only here was everything in denial to make oneself look good. Now we are left with the problems as amost all have left.

Anonymous said...

To all the high school teachers who blog here, tell us the truth about the high school and administration. You are anonymous and the truth need be told.

Anonymous said...

D DAY!!!!!!! Whats the verdict Shaft?

Anonymous said...

I don't understand all of these incidents? The principal has been there over three years, so that has not changed. Our most experienced teachers also work at the high school. Are you sure these stories are true?. My child has not told me about any of these fights.

Anonymous said...

Another parent in the dark! Yes they are completely true. I also got word that the millionaire football player that has a pension was being payed by the district to coach. Its all greed and funds going to the wrong places. Cut the budget to the bone for a few years.

Anonymous said...

And it has gone to hell for the three years that she has been there.

Ping Pong O'Malley said...

"Lessons Learned on the BOE"


Christie has said superintendents, particularly in suburban New Jersey, “ping pong” from district to district in order to get higher pay.

the Jury Foreman said...

The verdict is as follows:


We the jury find the defendant, Shaft, to be guilty of being a bad motherfucker, with a baaaad ass hair do.

WORRIED ABOUT MY KID FIRST said...

THE HIGH SCHOOL AND THE MIDDLE SCHOOL ARE BOTH OUT OF CONTROL AGAIN. THE HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL IS AFRAID OF HER OWN SHADOW. DON'T BLAME O'MALLEY OR WARREN. BLAME THE LIBERAL PABLUM SPEWING GUIDANCE COUNSELORS AND THERAPISTS. THESE TYPES KEEP PUTTING THESE NUT CASES BACK IN CLASSROOMS WHICH TAKES TIME AWAY FROM THE 98% WHO WANT TO LEARN. THE TRUTH OF WHAT IS GOING ON INSIDE WILL NEVER BE KNOWN. MY SON SAYS THAT STUDENTS KNEW THE FIGHTS WERE COMING. HE EVEN SAID KIDS STOOD AT THE END OF THE HALLS AS BLOCKERS. WHERE WERE THE HALL MONITORS, TEACHERS AND THE COP WHO TOOK OVER FOR OFFICER RICHARDSON? NOT LONG AGO THE ADMINISTRATION PATTED THEMSELVES ON THE BACK FOR LOWER STATS ON SCHOOL VIOLENCE AND OTHER REPORTING FIGURES. WHO IS GOING TO TAKE THE BLAME FOR THIS SUDDEN CHANGE. SLEEP WITH DOGS YOU GET FLEAS.
THUG COACHES ASSAULT PEOPLE AND STRINGS GET PULLED. WHO IS PULLING THE STRINGS TO KEEP THE STUDENTS SAFE. LEADERSHIP IN THE SCHOOLS AND TOWN HALLS ARE A JOKE. VOTE THEM ALL OUT.

Bellone is right said...

I support Gary Bellone against the old men who are ruining what they built over the years. These idiots even are planning on a monument I hear for the front of the building. I wonder what old wrinkled one of them they will model the statue after. How about better air or vision help for fighting fires rather than some monument to the old guy who they can't control.

Anonymous said...

Yes there is school violence we did away with Rich Vitaliano as securtity and all hell broke loose , is HS principle doing a good job ??? , we let a good guy go at the High school and replaced him with the present HS principle. Too much political shit and not enough common sense. Not saying being poor makes you a thug cause I grew up in North Jersey in the hood and now thanks to my mother guiding me as a youth live a very productive life, but you get what you get with apartment complexes look at Winding woods Sayreville Drug haven. In north Jersey they are knocking down complexes due to they cant police the crime it brings guess wherte they all are going thanks Planning board members and thank you COAH for bring the hood back into NEIGHBORHOOD>

Anonymous said...

Can someone explain to me when Matawan's school colors changed from Maroon and Steel to Black. I was looking at App.com and there were pictures of Matawan vs Howell basketball game. Matawan's uniforms were all black with maroon and white highlights. Just another way to "Thug" the high school. Black is proclaimed as the color of the bad guy. Don't try and turn it into a racial thing, that is not what this is about. I am a Matawan graduate as are my children and reading this board it is obvious the kids (wanna be gangsters) run the show. Yet we pay these pushovers all this money for nothing. Its bad enough that the athletic program is viewed in such a bad light already by the other coaches and programs in the state.

Anonymous said...

Not looking for support, just looking to get these accussatory fellows to start putting time in to fixing the fire company and stop trying to blame others for the downfall of morale. We have pushed through this before and can do it again, just stop the BS and if you got something to say, say it to my face.
BTW, the monumnet will be a good thing for the guys memorium of ALL deceased members. The Fire Co members have worked on this memorial and at NO COST from taxpayers dollars. Not one dime.

Gary

Anonymous said...

Spoke to a HS security gaurd today and here is a quoate when asked about all the crap going on at the HS..."This place is just like it was before MD came here. He cleaned up the halls and now the students ahve taken over the halls again." The kids have no consequences but lunch detention and AEP.(the new name for the in school suspension)The police are called, the kids are taken out in hand cuffs and then the principal doesnt press charges. They have no respect for the administration or teachers because they don't have to.
A secretary was verbally attacked by a parent the other day while the principal and assistant principal stayed in their offices and let it happen. The verbal attack then proceeded to transfer onto another secretary, both administrators were 5 feet away and never came out to help these 2 women.
THIS is what is going on at the HS.

Anonymous said...

Wanna Be Gangsters!!!!!! Where did this principal come from?

Anonymous said...

Apparently, she's coming straight outta Compton.

Vitaliano just another stipend gone bad said...

Vitaliano was a waste and he was caught up in the Maroon and Steal a.k.a. the Martucci web. He was not doing his job as a supposed security guy and the crime numbers are no different. He was a waste just like people said back then. He was just another coach hanging out with the other coaches. He started out as a security guy and did not take long to become the is not a security guy. That was that. He and the janitors are all sitting around collecting Obama checks and blogging that the shy is falling. They are just mad they are not able to go to the beach any longer while on the unemployment.

Anonymous said...

Let's hope that O'Malley takes the idiot Farrell with him before we give him tenure.

Anonymous said...

"Apparently, she's coming straight outta Compton."



...just like Blackmore!

MARHS out of control said...

I guess the old school resource guy should have stayed. Then again that was another Dr. OMalley blunder that we will pay for long after he is gone. Good job standing up for your people. Too bad no one can admit they screwed that one up and now students are fighting in the hallways when the old officer would have known it was going to happen. Cant blame the new officer really he is new and the kids take advantage of that. I know I keep my classroom door closed as much as I can when the kids change class. It is crazy out there. Two years to put up with it then I am G O N E.

Anonymous said...

Alston is a plague on Matawan. Don't you people get it. Alston will sue Matawan whether he is disciplined for his violations or not. The man has played the race card till the deck has only one card left. Just ask him how many attorneys has he gone through? How many have refused to continue with his ridiculous lawsuits? The time is now for action...Matawan needs to move on. As for the lay off of police officers, it is unfortunate but the Borough doesn't have the money. If anyone can show the Borough Council where to get the money from I'm sure they would be thrilled!

Unless, of course, if Alston wants to donate some of his money to keep the two officers on the job. Fat chance.

Art Perry gets an award???? said...

Art Perry?

Art Perry?

An award for Art Perry given by the council tonight?

You have got to be kidding me?

This is a guy who robbed the taxpayers, our intramural sports leagues and he even paid himself for being a ?volunteer?. Yes I said he paid himself.

I cannot believe that Mayor/Coach Fred Tagliarini went along this. Fred knows that this guy is a rat and should have stood up against this totally bullshit award. There has to be something in this for Kauff and his corrupt company to give this snake an award. I also see that Assemblyman Thompson is going to be there tonight to give this award. Have you ever met that guy? He is like the walking dead with that fake smile that is almost glued on his face 24/7/365.

This must be the first step to being the next Kauff candidate for the next big 2011 Kauff corrupt election.

Coach Fred say it can't be a real award. Maybe Art Perry gave a big donation to Kauff so he is kind of buying this bullshit award they will give him tonight.

This town and its leadership is a real joke.

That was not a question.

It was a sad fact and shows town leaders are a joke.

They want to give some awards out there are a whole lot of real volunteers, hard working employees and others more deserving rather than giving a reward to some whining cry baby like Art Perry. He used our fields, made money and they want to give him an award.

Art Perry should get a kick in the ass instead for being the rat thief that he is.

Right Mayor/Coach Fred Tagliarini?

Norm said...

A little jealous are we? Sure sounds that way. Wait until we dedicate the new Marc Coren kiddy park next year, and the Vinci Casino in Oak Shades.

Award is typical dirty politics said...

Not jealous! Not one fucking bit you idiot. But I think the poster above pointed out the fact that Art P. made money, took fields away from intramural leagues and Art P. is a whiney fuck. Even the people who will present this bogus ass kissing award know it tonight. That is the most sad thing and shows how really low and really dishonest politicians and their hangers on are whether it be in the public eye or in the back room where they make their illegal, corrupt and thoroughly unethical deals. Take for example the fact that Norm is corrupt along with his associates and leeches that feed off the carcasses of the taxpayers they bleed dry every year. Vultures is all they are. It is also just another hypocritical turnabout for Fred Tag to sell another piece of his soul to Norm for the ever present corrupt democratic cause. Enjoy the moments in the sun that you have left all of you corrupt Kauff thieves, The lights are about to be put out really really soon on your corruption and crimes against the taxpayers, business people and residents. I do find the Mark Coren Kiddie Park and Vinci Gambling Casino in Oakshades area very funny. The problem is it would probably be considered by these low life politicians as it would no doubt require the Kauff handpicked professionals to bleed the town needlessly and illegally once again with their expensive fees. Of course that is no different than the last twelve plus years under Norm Kauff. Right Norm?

Anonymous said...

Just go into town hall and you will see how the town leadership rewards its volunteers and employees. There used to be a plaque in the front hall that had the names of those honored for community service and more given to the community. The last time I saw the plaque in the public area it had not had a new name on it since 2005. The only time they use the plaque is to pad a resume for political gain. Don't believe me then why did they stop recognizing public service or the town workers.

Sent by Verizon BlackBerry

Anonymous said...

BOE Executive session tonight.

Firehouse concrete ?s said...

What is with the broken up concrete in front of the firehouse? I see the flag poles are a new addition also. I hope they are spending our taxpayer money wisely on such things. Anyone know about the concrete? Fill us in. Thank you in advance.

Anonymous said...

Rumor has it it was supposed to be for some schlockie monument of a firefighter. I hear membership balked and wanted better equipment and safety equipment for that much money rather than some very overpriced statue. They say the statue was over 35k if you can believe that one. It seems the leaders are also having big problems between the young members and the old guys. I say good for the young guys. Time for new blood to take over for the rocking chair set. They are losing staff and leaders so if what has been on here lately is true there may be a paid firefighter crew for the taxpayers to pay for since the old guys don't know when to let go.

Food mafia wins again? said...

Hey Nsec i hear you lost another round with the food mafia in town. Nice try so keep trying to do your job for the rest of us who do.

Anonymous said...

Food mafia?
What the hell is a food mafia? And why would that guy be fighting a food place? Was their grass too high?

Keep it up Joe said...

The guy does far more than the grass thing for sure. Call and ask what Joe does before you make a fool of yourself once again. The number is 583-4200. None of you know what it is we town employees do for you. We are the poster kids for politicians who count on us and now they throw us to the wolves. Find out what we do before you criticize any of us. Grass is probably one of a thousand things he has to check. We all do more for less and we cannot respond to people who have no idea what we do. Keep it up Joe.

Anonymous said...

Is it true that Mr. Healey is our next superintendent? That is what Mr. Donaghue is telling everyone.

Anonymous said...

Nice try...Carl, Pat, Marty, Cathy or whichever Barza Union MORAN just claimed Gerry is saying anything about the SEARCH, How about trying something original for once?? Like shutting your damned traps

Anonymous said...

BOE picked healy last night. Remember him he wasn't rehired as an assistant principal but he's good enough to be a superintendent

Anonymous said...

Ohhh, Gerry, Gerry, Gerry, Gerry, Gerry, Gerry, Gerry, Gerry, Gerry, Gerry, Gerry, Gerry, Gerry, Gerry, Gerry

Anonymous said...

Gerry, Gerry, Gerry Christmas to Healy!

Fucknut Aitken said...

In a spelling bee, Gerry would probably beat a chimp with a pencil, but it would close...

Anonymous said...

I wonder what promotion Gerry's wife will get now!

a reading from the book of Gerald said...

In the winter, Joey entered the city of Barza, and went to see the apostle Gerald, who sold chariots in the city square.

"Gerald" said Joey " Thou must support the prophet Healy, to fill the void created by the loss of the prophet Omalley to the Kauffkins, for Healey will follow the scripture of the Mission Statement. See that this is done, and thou will be richly rewarded."

This is the word of the Warren

Thanks be to Joey

a reading from the book of Gerald said...

In the winter, Joey entered the city of Barza, and went to see the apostle Gerald, who sold chariots in the city square.

"Gerald" said Joey " Thou must support the prophet Healy, to fill the void created by the loss of the prophet Omalley to the Kauffkins, for Healey will follow the scripture of the Mission Statement. See that this is done, and thou will be richly rewarded."

This is the word of the Warren

Thanks be to Joey

Anonymous said...

If it is true about Heeley, then Barza must really be pissed off! Dumbeast was blabbing all over town about how much she loves Deluca.

Anonymous said...

I would like to believe that the appointment of Mr. Healy as our new super is about helping our district deal with the financial crisis and improving the curriculum we deliver to our kids. I pray this was not another political play.

Anonymous said...

You are kidding. Let me tell you a little story ... Jerry owed Healy from way back when Healy stopping his "friend" from being sent out of district. Chuck et al owed Jerry for his support of tricky's contract extension and now they'll all have a Merry Christmas! Until Spring comes around ...

Anonymous said...

Let us not let BOE members take credit for who comes in...

If the person is good - then that is all that matters. All BOE have to vote on it so they will be all take credit or blame in the end.

When is this or how can this superintendant story be confirmed?

Norm said...

I'll own this guy by mlk day. I think I'll make him give Marc a job at one of the elementery schools.

Norm said...

my bad, elementary

Anonymous said...

Hey potato head at 4:38, it is the BOE who interview and hire him. Who do you want to take the credit (or blame)?

Anonymous said...

Gerry, calling the shots again. Just like when he wanted Quinn and then denied he had anything to do with it. Then supporting O'Malley in exchange for his wife getting a full time position when others are getting laid off. WE know how that decision worked out for stability in the district. Now, Healy who did favors for his friends. This guy is and has always been an embarassment, and has done much damage for his own personal gains.

$$$$$$haft said...

Merry Christmas and Happy Kwanzaa Bitches!!!!

I know I'm having a good one!

On your dime!!!

HaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHa!!!!!!!!!!

deerfield dan said...

hey 5:56- mrs. potato head

my point was if a candidate is good enough to be hired then ALL b.o.e have to vote on it and can share credit or blame if it does not work out. Keep track now who votes how and hold them accountable - yeah right as Matawan runs unopposed in the last 3 elections.

My point is, who cares who blabs - and if they do = shame on them. This is for the kids not the EGO of a BOE member.

Anonymous said...

Deerfield Dan,

For our board members it is all about ego. Just watch a pod cast and watch some of them pontificate. The funiest one of course is watching Jerry speak as he tries in vain to make sense.

JOE MC KNOWS said...

JOE MC IS ON THE DMARCO SHIT LIST FOR DOING HIS JOB AGAIN. I WAS STANDING IN LINE ON THURSDAY TALKING TO ONE OF THE DMARCO BOYS. HE WAS TELLING ONE OF OUR CORRUPT FORMER COUNCIL PEOPLE IN TOWN HOW THEY PUT A CHOKEHOLD ON JOE MC. I HOPE THE FORMER COUNCILMAN CHOKES ON HIS SAUSAGE BREAD AND CLAM SAUCE. KNOWING THAT GREASY COUNCILMAN YOU CAN BET HE GOT HIS USUAL DMARCO POLITICIAN DISCOUNT. YOU NEVER KNOW WHO IS STANDING IN LINE ALL YOU PRESENT AND FORMER POLITICIANS OR WHAT WE OVERHEAR.

Former volunteer knows said...

Nsecjoe don't care about any of that. Let the guy do his job all you hacks. One thing is for sure is you can bet the commissioners at the Lloyd house will be standing up for DeMarco. They are the official caterers in that house.

AT emp said...

I find it amusing how the grossly overpaid code guy is given cult hero status on this dipshit site.

Anonymous said...

Dear Prophet..you meant "went to see the apostle Gerald, who sold DEFECTIVE chariots in the city square".

More lies no proofs said...

Grossly overpaid without knowing what he does merely shows your true intention is to embarrass him with lies and no proofs. I work with him and he works hard and he is a gentlemen with all of us. If we need him we need his help we need only to ask him once. You want to attack him try using some real facts for once and not just lies.

As for the couple of posts above they also show what happens to people like Joe who really do their jobs. People like Joe and many us who are his coworkers deserve far more than we get.

I am proud to be his fellow town employee.

Norm said...

Twas the night before Christmas, and all through Joey's house...

Not a creature was stirring, not even the ghost of Marie Panos...

The stockings were hung atop the overgrown lawn with care...

In hopes that a naked Omalley would soon be there...

When out from Joey's jungle of a yard, there came such a clatter..


Joey rushed from his rented room to see what's the matter...


Through the weeds and trash, Joey seen someone through the thicket...

It was NsectionJoe, and he was giving Joey a ticket...


He said your lawn is too tall, and my homo followers sent me some emails...


Now I'm off to the train station, to give tickets to pregnant females..


Hey, fuck it, I tried... Merry Christmas jerkoffs!

MERRY CHRISTMAS BUT NOT TO NORM said...

LAME!

NORM

LAME!

NORM

LAME!

NORM

IT APPEARS FROM THE CHRISTMAS EVE IGNORANCE OF NORM THAT A LAME NO BE IT VERY LAME ATTEMPT AT HUMOR HAS ONCE AGAIN FAILED TO ELICIT ANY REAL LAUGHS AS WE LAUGH AT NORM.
ZERO ENTERTAINMENT VALUE IS ALSO GOTTEN FOR THOSE OF US WHO LAUGH AT NORM FROM LAST NIGHTS POST. THE REAL NORM OR OTHERWISE DOES MAKE US LAUGH THROUGH THE PAIN AND TEARS OF NORM KAUFF AND HIS UNETHICAL, IMMORAL AND DEMOCRATIC POLITICAL CORRUPTION AS NORM LAST NIGHT TRIES BUT FAILS TO ONCE AGAIN DEFAME NJOE AND THE AUTHOR OF THE ABERDEENER FOR WHAT THEY DO HERE IN AMERICA.
SO BOYS AND GIRLS *AKA* WE THE THOROUGHLY ABUSED BY NORM KAUFF AND HIS GANG OF ROTTEN ELVES HAVE HAD ENOUGH AND WE REALLY NEED TO START EXPOSING NORM. THIS BLOG SITE IS NOT WHAT CAUSES US TAXPAYERS PAIN AND SUFFERING AT THIS HOLIDAY TIME. IT IS JUST THAT WE ALL NEED TO THINK OF HOW MUCH MORE ABERDEEN AND ITS FAMILIES WOULD HAVE PROSPERED WITH THE EVIL GRINCH THAT IS NORM KAUFF BANISHED TO BOGEYLAND WITH BARNABY AND HIS MONSTROUS CLONES OF TAXPAYER EVIL. MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL BUT NORM & KAUFFKINS.
SO I WISH A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM AN OPPRESSED TAXPAYER TIRED OF NORM FALSELY BLAMING THOSE WHO REALLY CARE ABOUT ABERDEEN AND WHO JUSTLY CARE LITTLE FOR THE REAL NORM OR OTHERWISE. BY THE WAY I HVE TO ASK HOW WOULD ANYONE ISSUING TICKETS KNOW IF THE PERSON GETTING THE TICKET WAS A FEMALE MUCH LESS BE PREGNANT? I'VE SEEN THAT IDIOTIC STATEMENT BEFORE AND IT STILL MAKES NOT ONE BIT OF SENSE. TYPICAL NORM. JUST LIKE ALL THE *NORM* POSTINGS DENYING AND DEFLECTING THE NORM CORRUPTION IN ABERDEEN.

Anonymous said...

I thought it was pretty funny actually. Especially the part about the ghost, and naked O'Malley. Caps poster is just a miserable asshole, and doesn't know comedy. Good job Norm.

Anonymous said...

CkiI thought it was pretty funny actually. Especially the part about the ghost, and naked O'Malley. Caps poster is just a miserable asshole, and doesn't know comedy. Good job Norm.

Anonymous said...

Hello DONOHUE, remember me. I'm back, yeah, they upped my meds and let me out for Christmas. I just wanted to remind the readers that YOU, KENNEY and WARREN gave a 9 percent raise to an administrator while laying off 30 or so district employees and while people in this town were losing there homes to high taxes. Oh, and before that weasel WARREN gets on and says I spelled your names wrong..I could care less.

Anonymous said...

no word on superintendant search? Heard there were interviews.... saw some rumors on here.... anything concrete?

HERE IS SOME COMEDY??? said...

HERE IS SOME COMEDY FOR YOU ASSHOLE.

NORMAN KAUFF AND HIS ASSORTED SCUM ROB YOU TAXPAYERS BLIND.

LAUGH AT THAT BITCH.

HAVE A RIPPED OFF BY NORMAN KAUFF TAXPAYER DAY.

NORM RULES!!!!! said...

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!

You are such a bitter son of a bitch! I absolutely LOOOVE fucking with you!

Anonymous said...

JOey,

You still with us?

Aberdeener said...

Thx for asking. I'll be posting today.