I don't understand why anyone should be granted a job for life.

Because no one has the balls to change the rules. Same way they continue to vote YES on the school budgets, retain the spend-thrifts in office and even think about purchasing property for ANOTHER recreation center. Gratefully that boondoggle was avoided by another group with deeper pockets.

Well Said!

There used to be a big celebration night at the hs on tenure night. Why the change?

to all

tenure night was changed last year to september just the fact's

phillip degaetano
clarkstown school board

dana

you are correct last february 15th 2011 the board voted on tenure, but in september of 2011 family friends and school colleagues gather at south high school to honor all who received tenure

thankyou
phillip degaetano
clarkstown school board

I am so sorry I was not able to attend the ceremonies last night but I do want to congratulate all those that received tenure. I'm sure all of your friends and family are extremely proud of you. Congratulations!

Thomas Humbach answered my question, though his answer was not posted. Probably a computer glitch.

Bet your behind that if the meeting was planned to extend legal benefits to these fools, or to meet prospective superintendent candidates, that they world be in attendance with bells on. Truly a shame what this board majority has become. I'd really like to know what took priority over their being at this important meeting. It's disgraceful.

Tenure was initially created by University admin to protect professors from losing their position because of political beliefs and benefactors withholding checks and demanding teachers be removed. It allowed them to teach free of fear of political backlash. From theremand the rise of unions in us public schools the terms of tenure expanded. Nowadays unions make concessions. The US airlines are a good example of a union that does such. Even in Clarkstown the teacher union were instructed by greg montague to accept and 18 month pay freeze. This was not their contract. It was a concession. Some families were undoubtedly affected more than others. After the 18 months the annual increases went back into affect though still not the full 3%. Their was no retroactive lump payment. Their contract mandated pay scale was never recovered. Now don't start complaining about the hours, the vacations and the summers off, that's old news so get over that. Why did they agree to this? Glad you asked!! Greg Montague said they had no choice because without that their would be layoffs. So this current CCSD teaching staff has made concessions. Don't blame them for the rules that were in place. Most of the perks were granted to them long ago Greg frightened tenured staff and most felt intimidated to not to sign new contract. Greg has a history of doing for his friends. He and Katz were plenty chatty and giddy at last budget meeting, at least from where I was seated it looked that way.

Tenure is a total fraud......no other workers in any profession, private or public outside of the world of education have this perk. Some areas have done away with this fraud.....other systems should serioulsy consider doing if they really want to help their children and say the Clarkstown education system.

Tony...here is a great debate on tenure, noth well recognized leaders in education and both make very good point for and against tenure while suggesting reforming the system

http://www.education.com/debate/teacher-tenure/

I see both sides of the FOR and AGAINST Tenure debate. I took ONE education 101 class as an elective in college. One of the main things that is overlooked in this debate is that teachers are often viewed as the enemy in this debate due to the benefits. One overlooked reality is that teachers are an investment in the community. Strong teacher, strong school creates a demand for new population and a reason for existing community to stay. Tenure in CCSD is far from taken for granted. It is notorious for NOT giving tenure.

Truth Seeker, unless you (you in general, not you specifically) are a teacher, who cares if their Union President is effective or not? It is a union matter that has no bearing at all on the rest of us.
As for a board member and Union President sitting next to each other at a meeting...Im confused...should they hate each other? Should there be no communication at all? When Randi Weingarten was President of the NYC teachers union she and Mayor Bloomburg would "do battle" on Union issues, yet were cordial and friendly as well...

john foster

i was at the meeting so the majority attended the meeting

phillip degaetano
clarkstown school board

Phil, is there a new majority? That would be a very interesting twist...

clarkstown resident

i have not made up my mind i am only putting all my energy into the budget at this time thanks for the question

phillip degaetano
clarkstown school board

Regarding Donna Ehrenberg's apology above:
The patch reported that the 8pm meeting on Monday, 2/13 was changed to 4pm Tuesday, 2/14 because a quorum could not be achieved for the Monday meeting. The community was not happy about the change and felt that it inconvenienced many people including the staff that were to receive tenure. Most thought it odd that a regularly scheduled meeting that was approved and voted on by the board and also listed on the district calendar was suddenly a problem for four out of seven board members. Regardless, given the last minute change to accommodate the schedules of four of the seven board members, one would expect that all of them would have attended the meeting on Tuesday. However, curiously, three of the seven were absent. Now, in a feeble attempt to re-gain support, Ehrenberg makes a public apology on this blog???? A little too little far too late…

Rhea, I am curious as to what you think about tenure. My question was "why should anyone be given a job for life?" The answers seem to be that tenure was originally granted to some University professors in order to protect them and the Universities by giving them the freedom to explore some difficult and possibly politically unpopular ideas, which makes sense to me. Some time down the line, it seems that the Teacher's Unions have grabbed onto this concept and have incorporated it into their contracts. As an employer, I don't like the idea. What do you think?

Hi Mike,
Tenure does not mean that a teacher has been given a job for life. “A teacher who has received tenure has earned the right to keep his or her job; in other words, to be free from discipline or dismissal, except for just cause to be proven by school officials in a due process hearing under section 3020-a of the Education Law.” Key words to keep in mind are EARNED, JUST CAUSE and DUE PROCESS.
I can't argue with the fact that the 3020-a process is onerous and costly and would benefit from some review and streamlining. I also know that there are probably some school districts that need to do a better job of evaluating teachers, although that is certainly not the case here. Clarkstown's methods are very stringent and thorough. Teacher evaluation is a hot topic and Cuomo and the Union have just today arrived at a compromise, I am curious about the details…
As a parent, I want the very best to be in the classroom teaching my children. Having teachers that receive ongoing professional development and support from learning facilitators in a school district that is an enthusiastic supporter of creativity in the classroom and encourages teachers to collaborate across disciplines to improve learning opportunities is most important to me. Teachers that are secure in their jobs are able to teach creatively and uniquely. Take that away and they will teach to the test…

whodoyouthinkyourkidding

i guess you would vote against me

phillip degaetano

"A statewide agreement announced Thursday will bring tougher teacher evaluations in public schools statewide and make student performance 40 percent of a teacher’s grade.The deal reached by Gov. Andrew Cuomo, teachers unions, and state Education Commissioner John B. King Jr. would allow 60 percent of an evaluation to be based on classroom observation and other measures not related to standardized tests."
"The agreement also creates a rating system for teachers following the evaluation. A score of 64 percent or lower would rate a teacher as “ineffective,” and that could eventually lead to dismissal if the teacher does not show progress under an improvement plan."
So... Terrific teachers that are placed in classes with struggling students could be deemed "ineffective" not because they are nor doing a great job, but because the students they are working with are dealing with any number of problems that could impact learning such as learning disabilities or issues at home that are out of their control or even illness.
Mediocre teachers could be deemed "highly effective" if they teach classes where parents are able to shell out money for tutors so their children will test well.
And... who is going to create, implement and pay for all these new evaluation systems?

Phil
It is amazing that with all the damage you have done to this district, it's personnel and the community, most recently to VHP on Tuesday , that you try to feed us this crap that you care, are trying to do the right thing, etc. community members, DO NOT FORGET THAT PHIL IS A WOLF IN SHEEPS CLOTHING!!! If you had one iota of respect for our staff, the tenure process and our community, you would have called MKC and asked to speak with VHP before the meeting and spare her the embarrassment of the crap you pulled at the meeting. What the heck is wrong with this community have you forgotten the damage this man has caused?? WAKE UP CLARKSTOWN. Let's see Greg and the teachers union support this guy again. PS in case you haven't noticed, the board majority doesn't show up when they don't want to vote or be responsible for the vote. They should all resign.

firsthandnews

thankyou for comments

phillip degaetano
clarkstown school board

firsthandnews

845-708-8294 that's my home number if you like to discuss the truth be my guest and call if not have a good night

phillip degaetano
clarkstown school board

Phil I would like to see you respond publicly. Discuss the truth here so it's on public record. I am not going to call you and be yelled at, or worse, have you discuss your take on our conversation with you group. Discuss it here if you tell the truth.

game set and match

no call no name

phillip degaetano
clarkstown school board

to all

i have a great idea all the people who are scared to talk to your school board members should contact rhea vogel give her your questions and she can call for you rhea put's her name on it you have to respect that, joe malgeri always tells me if they can't put there name on it its not worth discussing joe i now know what your talking about.

phillip degaetano
clarkstown school board

Didn't think you would respond in writing.

Apparently we can't handle the truth, or it's just too embarrassing to disclose to the public. I guess the only way the general public gets to know the truth is to call Phil individually. So much for general transparency. I don't need to be bullied by a debt collector forcing the "truth according to Phil" down my throat. The community deserves to know the truth and to hear it from the broad, during board session. Period. Game, set and match, Touché, nanny nanny poo poo, or whatever disrespectful or contrite moniker you wish to attach.

You wonder why the teachers of CCSD are upset with their union? The CCSD teachers didn't receive ANY information from Greg Montague, the CTA President about the changes in APPR. (which MKC instituted when she came to CCSD) Other union presidents sent detailed information to their members but not Greg Montague. That speaks volumes doesn't it? Teachers are upset with Greg Montague and his cronies because a lot of teachers felt they were forced to vote much too quickly on their new contract. Greg told them they wouldn't have to deal with the changes in the APPR until the end of their contract. NOT SO after yesterday's ruling! Guess that's why he didn't send out any information to his membership. Teachers are really upset that Greg and his small circle of friends supported Kevin Grogan last spring. They are aware of of their close friendship and the pieces of the puzzle are coming together for everyone, not just the teachers in the district. Greg Montague calls in a teacher to be questioned about the investigation related to the leaked document. This teacher had nothing to do with that situation, but hey, what does he care at how upset that person was. He didn't even go with that teacher or provide legal counsel. Nice way for a union to treat it members. Guess the majority and their union buddies don't realize just how many teachers/TA's have friends and family living in this community.

to all

after reading at 4 schools today and reading john foster's comments all i can say is thankyou for helping me make up my mind

phillip degaetano
clarkstown school board

The only kind of respect Phil deserves is the kind he gives to others...none!

Phil, I bet that smear letter sent out about Valerie upset you. You voted to give her tenure, which tells me you didn't believe what a few people attempted to do to her. Phil, please listen to Merlin and RUN as fast as you can away from the others. You don't want any part of the fallout that is coming. Enjoy your break.

Phil if you think you can get elected again you are out of you mind. You have saved the tax payers nothing. We were counting on you to control spending and you did not do that. You made deals with the unions that have saved us virtually nothing. And from what I hear the teachers you made the deal with won't even vote for you either. It seems that they gave up a raise for nothing in return. My taxes are still going up. You sold a whole lot of people a bill of goods. We were supposed to see cuts not tax caps. And now you have your new business guy Lanave out there telling us that even this 2 perscent tax cap does not mean 2 percent our taxes will still go up even more than that. And to add to this insult I hear you gave Lanave a 40 thousand dollar raise this year and a 30thousand raise to his new assistant. I saw you there hiding in the back of the room the other night. Your pal Grogan was supposed to be there but he did not show up. Great job he is doing for us too. A vote for Phil is a vote for more taxes and big raises for administrators and lots of money for lawyers too. How many different lawyers are we paying now? In case some people don't know this Phil and his pals can't even figure out how to hire a new superintendent. They are paying a special company 50 thousand dollars to meet with the community to ask us what we want and this company is doing the interviews not the board of ed! I have had my fill of Phil.

I am just sick of all of this. Do you know that over 60 percent of your tax bill is for the schools. The other night at the library when Lanave was talking this guy said his tax bill is higher than his mortgage. in another two years at this rate mine will be too. Guys like Phil talk out of both sides of their mouths. They make nice with the unions because they need them to win. It is not about what is right for all of us it is just a big ego match. I feel like the community has been had. Back three years ago we were all hopping mad over that crazy big bond. Phil and his pals were out there saying that they would make sure they would fix the schools for a lot less money. That did not happen either. They bought a million dollars of busses and computers but there is no fixing going on that I have heard about. This all has to stop. Cut the fat, fix the schools and stop the out of control spending. Lanave made 143 thousand last year but that was not good enough so for this year he will make 185 thousand. Zuber had the job before him and she only made 132 thousand. See for yourself. I went to that web page Lanave told us about the other night to check what people are making and you can to. http://seethroughny.net/payrolls/schools/

Maureen Sullivan made $90,331.00

Can someone tell me what the hell she does to warrant this kind of salary?????

Hi MIke,
I think that you are over estimating John LaNave's impact on the district's budgets. He was hired in 2009, Dr. Keller-Cogan began in 2006. She set the tone for fiscal responsibility the day she arrived in CCSD. She began by instituting position control and then eliminating jobs by attrition, (not a very popular thing to do) however, no one lost a job, but if the position did not need to be filled it wasn't. With a firm hand she addressed the need for contractual obligations to be met across all groups. She virtually eliminated overtime, restructured scheduling of custodial and succeeded in making sure those that wanted to work here worked hard. She implemented a program that conserves massive amounts of energy. These are just a few of her accomplishments that all occurred well before John LaNave was hired. Dr. Keller-Cogan has been responsible for millions dollars in savings. Let us hope that LaNave, with the direction offered to him by his boss, Dr. Keller-Cogan, can continue that which she has begun after she is replaced.

Merlin do you have any idea how many teachers are making more than 125 thousand a year. A lot of them. There a quite a few making more than 150 thousand or more even. Some of them make more than the principals and the bosses in the main office. The truth is that here in Clarkstown working for the school or the town too pays really well. Phil and the others, Ehrenberg and Katz got elected because the tax payers were made to believe that they would cut taxes. They never did. And they never will.

Sam, I honestly had no idea! Who keeps posting out here that MKC is so overpaid? It says her 2011 salary was $225,000.00 > as far as I'm concerned, viewing it in light of these other salaries, she is UNDERPAID! I think the Patch needs to do a story on these salaries. Robin Traum, take a look at the link Sam posted and look at the salaries.

Ehrenberg, Katz & DeGaetano have NOT cut taxes...they have done nothing but spend...and on all things lawyers to DEFEND THEM for crap they seem to have done to others illegally and also to get rid of MKC...for reasons Katz can't seem to provide us! "Personnel" matters can't be discussed. Please, stop the damn lying, Katz. The fact is if you had something so damning on her she would've been removed and an interim super put in place while you investigated. To continue to let her run our district with serious "personnel" issues haunting her would be absurd.

These majority members are fools. They thought they could pull the wool over everyone's eyes but they were dead wrong. They will soon have to answer to some very serious issues and how the tables will be turned for everyone to see.

Merlin, I don't agree that she is over paid. I would let her stay in exchange for a 10 percent pay cut. You are right about that if she was so bad that they would have been able to remove her. Three years ago Phil had us all believing that she was going to make the district bankrupt. There were lots of people who believed that. We were told that she was going to raise our taxes by a thousand dollars or more.
Can you explain to me why the tax payers have to pay 50 thousand dollars to some company to interview people applying for the superintendent job? I really don't get that. Why isn't the board doing this? And it wasn't the board that was meeting with the senior groups and the other groups it was the people from this company. This really bothers me. Why can't the board meet with the groups themselves?

Bottom line is Katz & Crew have NOTHING on her. It was all a sham. They thought they would've been able to buy her out last year and it backfired severely. They are acting under the guidance of people not on the board. This will all be public soon. Now we are wasting money on this search firm. You are absolutely correct: the board should be doing all the work looking for a new superintendent (which we do not need). Katz is an utter failure as are the other 3. The irony of everything will be that Katz has alluded to wrong doing by MKC...and he is the one who has apparently been involved in some very serious wrong doing. Things are going to heat up very soon and I do hope the headlines will be explosive. My crystal ball tells me this could go national.

Merlin
The Mighty Wizard

When a district is looking for a new superintendent it is customary for them to use a search company. The search company meets with teachers, administrators and parents in order to get their input as to what they want and do not want. Additionally, the search company collects resumes and selects the ones that meet the district's criteria as noted above. That being said, there is no good reason for this board to be spending $40,000 or more on a new superintendent when we already have a great one! If she did something so horrific she would have been removed already. Additionally, Dr. KC is not overpaid. The superintendent in Ramapo (Suffern) is paid more money (over $300,000) than our superintendent for a district that is HALF the size as Clarkstown.

Thank you for that information Rhea. I honestly didn't know. If all that is true, and MKC has done such an outstanding job with the school budget, then why in the world would the board want to replace her?

I hope this goes national as it is quite a story.

Merlin It seems that we have all been sold a bill of goods by Phil and his pals. What I don't understand is why. I was reading some of the other bloggers about the tenure for that one person. I am not a fan of tenure but it seems to me that they were trying very hard to make problems for this person. Phil and his pals changed the meeting and then they did not show up after all and all this stuff about the company web site and letters. All I can say is holy you know what. This is all even more messed up then I thought it was. I hope we get all the facts about all of this but I don't think we will. We have to make sure that they don't get reelected again. I'm telling everyone I know. Some people don't pay much attention cause they have no kids in the schools. But I tell them the schools is what makes a good community. If the schools are a mess young families won't want to buy your house when you are ready to sell it.

What an interesting twist to the story. Mr. Katz wants Dr. KC removed because she supposedly has some horrible personnel issue hanging over her head which can't be revealed. Oh my, what can it be! This alleged and horrible wrong doing has not been revealed to the board minority (or if it has been revealed, it is something that they do not agree with at all), which basically means that NOTHING illegal or unethical is going on by Dr. KC. Then we find out that Mr. Katz is really the one who MAY (I am not accusing) be involved in all of the wrong doing. How ironic!! Please use a little common sense......if Dr. KC did something that was so awful, don't you think that the board minority would want her removed as well? The truth is that this board majority was against her from the very start and tried to prevent her every step of the way from doing her job. Then they have the nerve to accuse her of dividing the community.

Getting back to Val- who the heck would think to look at a company before and after? How strange.

Rachel, you are very smart in your analysis. Thank you. My thinking is we have criminal activity here.

I have been working a lot lately and have not been able to read the Patch as often as I used to. Since I have been home for a few days I decided to catch up on my reading. OMG!! Can somebody please explain this series of events to me? I am reading that there was a board meeting and this woman Val was up for tenure. Then I think I read that her name was removed from the agenda. Why? Then it turns out that she was granted tenure after all and that Phil was in agreement. Then I read at some point that some nasty letter was mailed by somebody (who?) basically bashing Val and Dr. KC. Did this letter have something to do with the removal of Val's name? Then somebody (ADF? or ADK? don't remember) writes that he found a company with Val's name on it, and there may be something unethical going on, and then her name was not on it? Why would he even think to research a random company? How did he know what company to even research? I DON'T UNDERSTAND Please help!!! I have three kids in this district and I am very concerned with what is happening. It seems as though there are a lot of unethical and evil people out there, and I have been very naive. Please give me the facts. thanks.

somebody stole my name? thanks

Who did this to me? And why?

I happen to know that Borelli thinks that the board has acted disgracefully and that Katz should resign.

mike hirsch

when frank gets back i will ask him

phillip degaetano

thankyou rhea

rhea i must thank you for telling the community that when you were on the board there was a minority and majority you mean rhea's board didn't work as a board of 7

phillip degaetano

sam

just the fact's my first year on the board i was the president tax increase 1.7 year two i was the president 2.3 tax increase

phillip degaetano

sam

also vote's on the board for the budget were 7-0 both year's

phillip degaetano

truth seeker

i will ask frank i will get the truth you seek

phillip degaetano

Mike H I hope u r right!

phil you bullied your way through two years as the president, who DO you think you're kidding?

Several people have taken out petitions. The campaigning will soon begin. Phil has indicated that he will run.
Let us see who else will throw their hats in the ring.

rhea

wrong wrong wrong the board pushed the budget period you can tell your friends anything you want we had to bring her kicking and screaming to get that budget down that's the truth

phillip degaetano
clarkstown school board

to whodoyouthinkyourkidding

bully you mean i am not a rubber stamp and i am not

degaetano
clarkstown school board

rhea

why do you always go back to lorette that was six years ago

phillip degaetano

Sorry Phil, I worked with this woman for three years. First, I don't believe she has ever kicked or screamed. And second, she was ALWAYS looking for ways to conserve and save. She fully understands the challenges we are facing in this economy. You can't have it both ways Phil. You can't tell people that you will protect programs and jobs and put back freshmen sports and then be a champion for fiscal conservatism. That is why your former friend, Sam, blogged that you talk out of both sides of your mouth. It seems that Sam and the taxpayers are still very concerned. They are concerned that you might run again.

Why do I always refer back to Lorette? Because she started it all...

rhea

the truth hurt's so be it you can ask all the ta's and office worker's and teacher's about the budget case closed also rhea while you are being honest why don't you tell everyone what was the total in the 10 years before i came onto the board in tax hikes and explain to all the people in the last 10 years why before i came on the board why you and your supporters never fix the building's the average tax increase was about 7 percent all the board did was spend money spend money
the total taxes on my three years on the board will be about 6 percent rhea that's what you and your former mates charge the public in 1 year.

phillip degaetano

merlin

even if katz stayed the course and we put up a bond it would have failed

degaetano

Had the bond passed we would be in worse financial shape than East Ramapo!! The debt service alone would eat up 25% of the 2% cap...and besides, that was 4 years ago...what has the current administration done to improve the buildings since? (including 2 years with a favorable majority).
The bond failed by 3 to 1...clearly the community felt it was not correct. Does this mean that there is no other plan worth exploring? Merlin, I don't accept the premise that if you voted against the $185MM bond you hate kids, don't value education etc. Maybe we just felt that $185MM was too much money. If the buildings are on the verge of collapse, why have we not seen a variety of plans that address issues at a more reasonable cost? Had the administration put forth new plans and the board rejected out of hand, I would agree with the obstructionist viewpoint, but this is simply not the case.

Phil,
Let's get a few things straight. I advocated tirelessly for fixing our schools for years before I even ran for the board. Everyone knows that. You don’t get points for trying to smear me and blame me for the failures of others.
If you want to know why we had 12 years of 6-7% increases between 1994 and 2006, why we built a pool and a planetarium in 1999 while maintenance at North and other buildings was neglected you will have to talk to YOUR SUPPORTER, Lorette Adams. That is her legacy, not mine.
Your legacy will be defined by three years flip flopping, broken promises, alienating the public, secret meetings, public outcry, a precipitous decline in staff morale and the exodus of top administrators. All this topped off with various complaints filed by present and former board members and escalating legal costs.

ADK, do you think Doug Katz should resign? Please tell me what he has done effectively as President.

rhea

what broken promises

degaetano

rhea

last year meg stated we are going to have a plan to fix the roof's where is the plan and where is the 1 million dollars she stated we saved in the energy program i can't find it

degaetano

Merlin, those are two separate thoughts...Doug won a fairly contested election to serve a three year term...absent PROVEN criminal charges, for what should he resign? Because some people don't like the decisions he made? That's what elections are for. Frankly, this whole resignation thing is a total waste of time. The election is in 90 days. If people dont like the job that any board member is doing, take out petitions and run for the board, or support someone who does. That's far more effective than the current strategy. Lets be clear, all those screaming about legal costs need to understand that virtually all costs have been incurred IN RESPONSE TO a complaint filed...You certainly have the right to file whatever you like, but understand that these frivolous charges (which will result in absolutely nothing substantive in my opinion) have done nothing but galvanize both sides, paralyze our district and cost a lot of money.

This dialogue is getting so tedious. Clarkstown has never been more polarized and the poisonous atmosphere must be neutralized. KC has been the catalyst from early on and must go and the present board replaced with a new one. That is the only solution that will clear the political garbage that's been mucking up Clarkstown's stellar education reputation and performance. Just let's get this over with!

Alan, If you have the tax levy numbers, or if you have the time to get them, please do share.

As for Lorette, well... I know she is your friend. At first I thought she was nice but for so many reasons my dislike for her developed and deepened over the years.

I will repeat what you have stated above, " As a former board member you surely understand that everything is not as it appears to the public..." Lorette is not the wonderful person some folks believe her to be.

As for the craziness that has gripped CCSD - All would be normalized if we had good board leadership, transparent communication and accountability. The furor of the public is in direct correlation to the lack of these things. I agree with you that efforts of the disgruntled would be best directed to supporting new candidates that can provide the leadership that we so desperately need.

rhea

i will at the next board meeting rhea you also know john and the rest of the administration cannot say anything unless they get permission from meg

degaetano

Merlin, a couple of thoughts...you will be disappointed to know that I have no intention of running for the board...
As for your other comments...don't you find it ironic that someone who calls himself Merlin the Magic Wizard is going to tell the public what I am truly about??
Careful with your unfounded accusations...I enjoy some good give and take as much as the next person, but take care not to step over the line..."its about time the public found out what I am truly about?" i am a private citizen with a right to any opinion I care to have. If I say that i don't know someone, or have no involvement with something, you can take that as fact (or not). I couldn't care less. Some people might take your comment as a threat. I'm sure that's not how it was intended, right? I don't take kindly to threats...just like the "other famous wizard" everyone has the curtain pulled back on their identity eventually.

Alan, can't they have someone besides you blog? It's very old watching you write the same nonsense & defend them. We want answers to many questions and not from you.

Where is the report Doug promised us by mid-February on Donna & Phil?

Where are the findings about how Doug's business was printed 3 years in a row on the district calendar?

Why did Donna, Doug & Kevin miss the tenure meeting after they had the meeting moved?

Why was there no RFP/bidding/full disclosure for Doug's client Kevin Doherty last year when he hired him and paid him over $40k?

Why did an attorney/pi who was Doug's former neighbor and who now rents space out of the Katz Insurance building call select people, identify himself as Donna's attorney, and attempt to implicate these people in criminal activity?

Want me to list more?

Give us answers, Katz.

I find it very telling that most of the comments in the thread above have nothing to do with the story itself. What should have been a positive story on the district has been used by people on both sides of an issue as a platform to throw garbage. So sad.

Phil,

Why is it that you are the only person on this message board that refuses to attempt to use the English language when posting? I understand that using a smartphone or other device may make it more difficult, but a little punctuation, a little correct use of the correct homophones, just might make you seem at least somewhat intelligent. Quite frankly it is impossible to figure out what you are writing half of the time. You may have many good thoughts and ideas (while perhaps being way too rough around the edges, as well as the center, the sides, and both front and back), and while I appreciate all of those that dedicate their time to public service, I believe it is incumbent on you as a Board member to try a little harder, and perhaps take the extra few seconds when posting. Everything you write here can be seen by the outside World. Think about the impression you leave as a representative of our district when posting.

i have a good reason for remaining anonymous

thanks and i mean that

degaetano

terminator

the attorney is looking into phil and donna,and the stolen document you always leave that out.

degaetano

rhea

I think you like to hear yourself talk. Meg does not respond to the board period.This has been going on for 3 years.and for you to preach to everyone is a joke.I beat you by 1000 votes and i have told you 1000 times the rhea vogel i supported changed, you became a rubber stamp for what ever reason.You come on these blogs like you know it all,but the truth is your board fought all the time, and for the first two years, you raised taxes over 6 percent each year.Rhea you were also part of the first board in 15 years to have a bond and budget fail.Please run rhea and this time it will be 2000 votes.

degaetano

Dear Clarkstown Board of Education:

As employees of the Clarkstown Central School District we are obligated to report the unethical and illegal behavior of this administration. We unfortunately must stay anonymous for fear of reprisal from ** super ** and ** admin ** They both have a long history of bullying and threatening employees.

We are writing you and copying the state comptroller’s office because we believe that both ** admin ** and ** super ** have conspired to use district funds to increase the profits of ** company ** for their personal gain. Both ** super ** and ** admin ** have misused their power for years by forcing principals to use ** company ** for the purposes of gaining personal profit from the ** company’s ** growth.

Both ** super ** and ** admin ** along with ** former district employee ** are listed as references on the company website. They are also featured in a customer testimonial video posted on the company’s home page.

After all of the unnecessary district spending used to promote this ** company ** the most unethical action was taken by ** admin **. We discovered that she is an employee of ** company **. Please connect to ** company website **, under the “about us” tab ** admin ** is listed as a member of the firm and also represents herself as ** district job title **.

terminator

rhea's cool she will get me back.

degaetano

"illegal behavior"
"fear of reprisal"
"history or bullying and threatening"
"conspired to use district funds"
"forcing principals"
"misuse of district funds"

Strong words. Very strong indeed. Harassing and threatening? Not for me to decide right now. Others will be doing that. Your role? Well, you offered up scanned images of a company's website that common sense would tell us only the person behind the Valerie letter would ever dream to do. Search engines don't even bring back hits on her name and the company she was listed on. Who would ever think to take these screen shots? You know more than what you are stating out here. That is my BELIEF. I believe it and I believe it strongly. Simply answer the question that's been posed to you: who sent you the screen shots?

actually, search engines do...

http://crotonappr.wikispaces.com/file/view/Clarkstown+APPR+Framework+for+Teaching+APPR+2007.pdf

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=valerie%20henning%20piedmonte%20consultant&source=web&cd=20&ved=0CFsQFjAJOAo&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nsdc.org%2Fsummer11%2Ffindasession%2Ffindbyset.cfm%3Fsessletter%3DG&ei=_dFCT86GK-bh0QGQ_73yDg&usg=AFQjCNFa-U4Y49ywtbSDgyIF89aZxqQPhw&cad=rja

So the district, used McKay consulting working with Dr Piedmonte on a major report, and Candi McKay and Dr Piedmonte joined to give a lecture at a conference...and Dr Piedmonte is shown on McKay Consulting's website as a key employee before it was removed...
All I ever asked was why...no threats, no intimidation, no anonymous letters...no claim of wrongdoing or federal crimes...no letters to the state ed department, comptroller, state police or governor...just one simple question...why?
Rhea and Merlin, at your request I sent you the documents...can you please confirm that they show what I have suggested?

You have my vote Phil !!!!

Thanks Susan B

LET THE LANDSLIDE BEGIN

DEGAETANO

A samurai fight - amusing... Ah Terminator, in this case the pen is surely mightier than the sword... at least I can punctuate.

Oh Phil, yes you beat me. And you have savored that win over and over again. What can I say - enjoy.

Phil, you keep harping on this concept that I changed but you never elaborate. I am the same person with the same values and the the same concerns. So, let's hear it, how did I change and in your estimation, why?

I have never denied that when I was on the board we had our very obvious differences. And it got a bit testy toward the end, no doubt. The bond, the failed budget vote - all true. The reasons for the failures are too complicated to explain in the short space allotted here. But you speak as if you think I am planning to run. I assure you and everyone else that will not happen.
Oh and just to be clear, I think that it is you who is the narcissist and not me who enjoys the sound of his own voice.

terminator
I think rhea would win the samurai fight.

degaetano

rhea

Today you stated i broke my promises i am still waiting for you to tell me when.

degaetano

whodoyouthinkyouarekidding

THE BULLY PROJECT THE NEW MOVIE IN CLARKSTOWN WHEN PEOPLE GO AFTER BOARD PRESIDENT..

DEGAETANO

RHEA

WE TALKED ABOUT IT.

DEGAETANO

RHEA

I SEE YOU HAVE COME DOWN FROM THE MOUNTAIN AGAIN.

DEGAETANO

It has been exhilarating watching Rhea and Phil continue what appears to be a long standing feud in public. I have been watching and reading and absorbing what has been a constant back and forth bickering and rehashing of the past. This is a great continuation of all the finger pointing and legal wrangling the current BOE has engaged in. I have 2 daughters in Woodglen and a wife who teaches there. I have a two pronged interest in the leadership of our local education system. it appears to me there is no vision or future laid out for our students and teachers. There in nothing compelling or exciting on the horizon. Nothing that is making realtors sell or kids talk about or say "WAIT TILL YOU SEE WHAT THEY ARE DOING AT NORTH & SOUTH". I chuckled when i recently reviewed a home listing and saw "most sought after school district". When the bonds were voted on and defeated and then approved I was a relatively new Clarkstown resident. I was excited about all the growth and expansion plans at the HS level. Now we have a legal logjam at the highest levels of the foundation of the education system. I have to admit I am laughing too much at times. This is so funny, so over the top but so disturbing. Our kids are not learning from us how to 'fight city hall', just how to lawyer up and identity weakness and problems, mostly inter-personal ones.

BRIAN

I GET YOUR POINT

DEGAETANO

Wow
A newcomer on the scene posting under his true identify
How refreshing and what a great synposis
Thank you, Mr. Meltzer

Interesting story in today's NY Post about a school board and administration trying to remove members...the catch, these guys did something that actually affects everything they are supposed to stand for, its not just this one player's grades, its the kids his classes who actually studied AND the kid who did not get a look from 'Cuse b/c of his offer. http://www.nypost.com/p/news/local/district_members_scandal_change_hk9omuibVLQA7djlrVQHWI

Here's the job listing for our superintendent:

http://www.topschooljobs.org/jobs/22769-44777/Superintendent-of-Schools-Clarkstown-Central-School-District-Rockland-COunty-NY-USA

"whose work is transparent"
"a collaborative leader"
"A highly-effective communicator"
"take time to come to know the school district and its communities and then facilitate a strategic planning process"

All good qualities for any leadership role....but this last one is puzzling?

is this the kind of job you want to hand over to a first time Superintendent or Administrator?

"possess or BE ELIGIBLE for New York State certification as a School District Leader (SDL) or School District Administrator (SDA)." if a person were only eligible for this certification and not coming in here with a strong backbone we will be doing this again in 2 or 3 years,,,,,,,

It is time to decide if what we have is working,,,,,I have never been given any reason to believe otherwise.....

or go hire someone who will not stand for the nonsense, there is so much pollution out there regarding the BOE & relationship with Superintendent I have to believe the pool has been tainted.

Has anyone here ever applied for a job recently and NOT Googled what work environment is like? Would anyone take this job? I think we should consider ourselves lucky we have someone in place now ask ourselves what would go into this transition.

I think the "BE ELIGIBLE" language is to simply indicate that the search is open to out of state candidates that have all the qualifications but lack the NY certification because they haven't worked in the state. The search firm, at the meeting I was at pushed the idea that it was a good idea to leave it open to candidates outside of NY, especially of we're looking for someone with experience as a Super. The notion that someone is going to Google Clarkstown and not apply on that basis of what's going on is ridiculous. There are plenty of effective leaders who desire a challenge. Anyone doing their research would also see that there is an election coming up which will, almost certainly, change the balance on the board. The Board majority deserves a lot of criticism and there are multiple issues under examination, but to attack on every possible miniscule thing and make it seem like it's a major offense to all of our sensibilities makes those behind such attacks look foolish.

Fair point, though an out of state candidate may be qualified, familiarity with NYS Education Laws should be heavily weighted. We all want an effective BOE / Superintendent relationship. Lets give the schools back to the students and have a BOE focused on getting them the best education possible.

TRUTH SEEKER
''WE HAVE TO BREAK THE BACK OF THE BEAST BEFORE THEY CAN HIRE A NEW SUPER'' WHAT ARE YOU TRYING TO SAY?

DEGAETANO

Breaking the back seems awfully heavily worded. I am sure there is a better way or getting your message across Truth Seeker. Come out and say what you want to say....like a big boy or girl.

I Google'd the meaning for you so you can see exactly what I meant:

If someone breaks the back of the beast, they succeed in overcoming a major difficulty. "After hours of effort, the technicians finally broke the back of the beast
and turned the electricity back on again."

In the case of our board of education, I want to see Katz & Ehrenberg removed or resign. Does this clarify it for you?

TRUTH SEEKER

MY BACK THANKS YOU

DEGAETANO

dzeldaz

You are a nice lady,and i know that you really care about the school district.I .also know that you are fair. I am sorry you feel that way about me,but from what i am reading you may have a few bullies on your team.

BE WELL

DEGAETANO

I know and respect John LaNave. He was hired by the Superintendant and has helped save the district millions in his short time here. He is no one's puppet.

C'mon Phil....you know this guy! Isnt he your neighbor? Did the board approve his hiring? You never saw a resume or vetted him? Thats a board oversight then. TeachYers are recommended for tenure and boars approves. But this is a Big job. Cant believe he was just hires without board knowing. Are you saying this is the first you are hearing of this? Im mot questioning his ability to do the job. There are plenty of people who dont have diplomas who are smart and successful. I just find it odd that this is news to you.

newcitysickofitall
The super called me to tell me she was going with john.At that time i removed my self from the process since we are neighbor's.I did not vote for john when it was time to vote. The vote to approve john was 6-0 you can look it up. I will say this john lanave has been a great hire i give the super full credit. The comments i just made were to point out how silly some people who blog on this page. My point is i am fair game for your comment's , but when people say things about people that are not true that is just unfair. When you see john just say thanks to him for the three jobs he is now doing, and also say thanks to meg for hiring him.

degaetano

I think this blog is about to set a record for most posts

Merlin I agree. Phil do the right thing and extend the Superintendent's contract!

George, what criteria are you using for stating MKC is paid too much? I believe the supers in some neighboring districts may be paid more and they are running smaller districts. Take a look at what some of the other employees are making in CCSD and compared to them MKC is not overpaid at all. The $ that has been thrown away with this search committee and the lawyers to defend Katz and his lot total over $100k now. That is where the $ has been wasted....and for what? To settle a vendetta initiated by an old board member? It's absolutely disgraceful.

If any of them are guilty of any of the charges they damn well better pay us back...but I know they won't. All overpaid...that is a ridiculous comment.

She has been decisive from day one...yes, George, you are correct. If you meant to say divisive enough already. She didn't start this mess, former board and current board members did.

Get over what? Flargrant law breaking and disregard for the public? As for using energy to find better candidates, for the 3 board seats that are up that is already happening.

The Terminator was on last night. I recharged and am ready to go full throttle...look out majority!

Welcome Back Terminator! We missed you!

This is PUBLIC Information and very relevant to the discussion on teachers, tenure, union, etc. As such I don't expect it to be deleted:

http://seethroughny.net/payrolls/schools/

Teacher's Union President Greg Montague earned $116,802.00 in 2011

Thoughts?

Teachersupporter, I agree its public information, just dont understand why its relevant..

He earns his salary as a teacher, not a union head...teachers vote for their union leaders, not the public...not sure what the point is...

He is the head of the union for all teachers in the district...still not sure how the public is involved here...if a teacher thinks he is not doing a good job, that's an internal union issue...his salary as a teacher has nothing to do with his union activities..

Does he work in union capacity for ALL teachers or Just HS and FFMS?

ADK, what subject does Greg Montague teach? When were his most recent salary increases? If there were any, did the board majority approve of them? Come on ADK, don't play dumb as you defend your friend. His salary is VERY relevant. ALL the teachers in this district need to see what their Union President is making.

Trust me when I tell you Greg is not my friend, I hardly know him at all (btw the union endorsed someone else when I ran three years ago)...I dont know what he teaches...all raises are based upon the most recent contract...there is no board vote. All teachers in the district can find out in 20 seconds what he earns...but why does this affect the public? For what is it relevant? If enough teachers dont want him representing them they will elect someone else...why should we care at all? is it relevant who the administrators elect and what Carol Pilla earns? Not to me...

WOW!

Now that's a salary!

Does the Union President also get a stipend? I believe Union reps do so if Montague does add that to his steep paycheck!

Teacher Supporter
Greg Montague IS part of the teachers union he took the 18 month freeze ,and now gets his raises like every one else. The vote on the contract was 7-0.

THANKYOU TO ALL THE PEOPLE WHO WORK FOR OUR DISTRICT THE FACT IS YOU SAVE THE DAY AND I WILL NEVER FORGET

DEGAETANO
CLARKSTOWN SCHOOL BOARD

That is a good question, Merlin, does the Union President get a stipend? Can anyone answer this?

Phil, I don't care if he took a freeze because as far as I'm concerned this guy doesn't care about the teachers. Want an example? Look no further than the SINGLE teacher from Woodglen he singled out and personally called in to be questioned by lawyers about the leaked document. The reason? Greg & Doug, care to answer that? You were whispering about it the night before at the budget meeting, weren't you? Why did you make that single teacher come in? Who suggested her name to the law firm? Were you trying to alter the course of the investigation?

Truth Seeker

I really don't have any idea what you are talking about when it comes to a woodglen teacher being singled out. You seem to have information that i don't, that troubles me.

degaetano
clarkstown school board

Teacher Supporter

I can't answer that question you would have to asked the union. What i can say this deal save this district big time.The truth is our employees contribute a high amount for there insurance coverage. The amount that it goes down to in 5 years was small.
This was a great deal for the district just look around at all the other district's in rockland, and you will understand.

thankyou

degaetano
clarkstown school board

Phil, do the right thing. Support Dr. Keller-Cogan. Extend her contract!

Can somebody please tell me what subject Greg Montague teaches? He is listed as a teacher at Festa, but the staff directory does not list him under any dept. All of the other teachers are either listed under their dept or have their dept listed with their name and email. Greg Montague's only lists him as "teacher." Perhaps I am missing something? Maybe the website has not been updated ?

Wait a minute! We all knew that the teachers took a freeze and we thought that was great. We did not know that they now get to pay less into the health insurance. So Phil, tell us how much more money is it going to cost the district and not just this year, next year and the next until the contract expires. I want to know the dollars and cents cost. See people this is another example of Phil talking out of both sides of his mouth. A freeze first and then when no one pays attention give it back to them so he can be sure to get their votes. Wake up people.

Trust me Sam, i am not a major supporter of the teachers, old arguments, but in fairness to the Clarkstown Teachers...their salaries are capped out earlier and pay more into their insurance than the other Rockland districts....also..historically when teachers take a pay freeze the lost pay get distributed in a lump sum at a predetermined date, they gave that up, whether for the better good of the district or to avoid being evaluated, who knows - you can thank greg montague for that, he made the BOE look good adn fell down on his members....he wiull have to answer to them...he should explain

Phil, can you answer ConfusedParent? What exactly does Greg Montague teach?

Greg Montague made $116,802.00 in 2011 & he despises MKC. Good Lord, with a salary like his he should be polishing the gold faucets in MKC's bathroom! Oh, wait, that was just a nasty rumor. It's incredible how despicable these people are. Spreading lies about honest people while they suck the system dry thinking we won't ever find out.

Mr. Montague looks very young to be getting this salary. How many years has he been teaching?

What salary did Mr. Montague start at? Has he been getting cost of living and step raises? It seems strange that a tech teacher can make this salary. How does he compare to other teachers who have been working the same number of years?

Their not There...Endorsement not Endorsment.

SAM

COME TO THE NEXT BOARD MEETING AND STAND UP STATE YOUR NAME AND ASK YOUR QUESTION I WILL ASK DR KELLER COGAN AND JOHN LANAVE TO ANSWER YOUR QUESTION AND I WOULD BE HAPPY TO ANSWER ANY QUESTION YOU HAVE.

THANKS

DEGAETANO

TO ALL

THIS DEAL WAS MADE BY DR KELLER COGAN AND JOHN LANAVE THE BOARD APPROVED THE CONTRACT,AND I WILL SAY AGAIN THIS WAS A GREAT DEAL. THE BOARD WAS NOT IN THE ROOM TERMINATOR YOU KNOW BETTER..AND SAM THIS DEAL WAS STATED IN PUBLIC BY MEG NOBODY HID ANYTHING.THE VOTE FOR THIS CONTRACT WAS 7-0 SO ARE YOU SAYING JOE MALGERI RECEIVED THEIR ENDORSMENT BECAUSE HE VOTED YES ON THIS CONTRACT.

DEGAETANO

Dana

Thankyou

degaetano

I'm so confused...why would John Q Public be angry if the Teachers Union President made a deal that was favorable for taxpayers but not teachers...and then complain about the salary of some teachers, which are part of the union contract, but not other teachers?
Unless those posting have an axe to grind with the Union President for other reasons...
Would the same people have such indignation over the pensions of certain retired teachers or their working spouses, some of whom have input and voting authority over those salaries and benefits? Although public information, should they be published here for all to see and discuss?
People in glass houses...

I want to know what Montague's exact position is and how he ended up making this kind of $.

SAM

IT GOES FROM 37 PERCENT TO 35 PERCENT AT THE END OF THE CONTRACT
THEY STILL PAY THE HIGHEST

THANKS

DEGAETANO

SAM AND ALL

I MADE A MISTAKE IT GOES FROM 35 PERCENT TO 33 PERCENT AT THE END OF THE LAST YEAR OF CONTRACT,

SORRY

DEGAETANO

Anybody who thinks they can find a new Superintendent for less money is not that intelligent. Look how much money has already been wasted! This woman works 12 hour days or more, is on call, works a 12 month year, etc! If they think its OK to pay Greg what he makes but then complain about Meg's salary, they are crazy.

Phil what does that mean in dollars and cents? The 2 percent means nothing to me. 2 percent of what? I want to know what are you paying for health insurance now and how much is it going to go up for each year for the contract in dollars and cents.
You just don't know how much it costs and you just vote yes. That says a lot.
What about all the other people that work in the schools. The janitors and the bus drivers and the lunch ladies and don't forget the principals. How much did they get in perks. What give backs did they get. What do they pay for health insurance. How much did it go up.

Like you said Phil - YOU SAVE THE DAY AND I WILL NEVER FORGET. That is what you wrote above about the teachers and the freeze. You gave it right back to them. The day was not saved. Nothing is saved. Just a lot of double talk.

SAM

CALL MR LANAVE ON MONDAY 639-6300 HE CAN GIVE YOU THE NUMBERS SAM I'M AT HOME I DON'T HAVE THE EXACT NUMBERS HERE.

DEGAETANO

I am appalled at some of the salaries I see. To complain about MKC's salary in light of what I am seeing others make is just plain horsesh*t. Where is Mike Hirsch? I would love to see his commentary on this matter. Montague...what does this guy do to warrant $117k??? Like the others out here I can't even find what department he works in. This is sickening. I hope all the disgruntled teachers get to see this because I believe there will be an uproar.

E. Ramapo: Ira Oustatcher $270,062 (not super anymore)

Dzeldaz...I did not mean to offend you but I believe the point is that THIS current Board believes the Supt of an "elite" district, as you so put it, is overpaid for her job and believes they can bring in someone at a lower salary, when you compare it to some of the salaries our teachers & admins are getting paid it certainly doesn't appear that way. I do agree with you that this school district needs to hire and keep quality educators but at what cost??? Our focus should be the children and the quality of education they receive and of course that can only be done with teachers who are in the classroom educationg the kids!

Most teachers that I know are very hard workers. They work 10 hour days, bring work home with them, attend conferences during the summer months, deal with the politics of the school district, handle difficult students and parents, etc. It is not the "cushy" job that many believe it to be. The point that I was trying to make is that THIS board majority seems to think that our Superintendent is paid too much. When you compare Dr. KC's salary and job responsibilities to the salary and responsibilities of Mr. Montague, you will clearly see that she is not. It appears as though this board majority thinks Dr. KC is getting paid too much, while Mr. Montague is receiving a fair salary.

Montague makes $117k as a technology teacher. Fair enough. What I haven't seen answered here is what his stipend is as the union president. Is there one? I am informed there should be so I think it's a fair question to ask. Many teachers are not happy in this district and they have the right to know what their president earns. In a time of pay freezes it is even more imperative for Montague to be transparent.

Whatever the stipend is it isn't paid by the district...it would be paid by the Union...and whomever was President would receive it...still not sure how this affects anyone who isn't in the Union...whats the point? We don't pay teachers based upon the subject they teach (although I think we should) nor is there a mechanism for "special treatment" or merit pay (although once again I think we should).
My guess is this has more to to with the ongoing feud "some people" (perhaps board members or their close friends/family/associates) have with their Union boss. I defy you to find 6 people who aren't on the "inside" of this issue who care at all what the Teacher's Union may pay its officers..

This comment will be #264... A record for the Patch; I would think. The topics are many, but the subject is singularly our schools. It seems we all have a lot to say.

As we move closer to the third Tuesday in May, which this year falls on the 15th, the budget and the candidates will certainly be looked at carefully, and by many.

No doubt, this election will result in change. Three seats are up and as of now it is anyone's guess who will be running. We won't know for sure until petitions are handed in on April 16th.

Let us keep the focus where it should be, on what are the best choices for our children, and we can look forward to a brighter and quieter time in Clarkstown.

Wow, no matter majority, minority, for or against, I think Rhea has given us something on which we all can agree.

Think about the candidates and who supports them. Seems there are two "teacher union candidates" one is married to a teacher at North and one is a principal in another district. Now, where is there support coming from and who is behind their campaigns? Here we go again!