Thursday, May 29, 2008

Division without Conquest


There was an excellent article in this week’s Longmeadow News (May 29, 2008) called “The Making of a Politician” by Alex Grant, a Longmeadow resident who once applied to fill a School Committee vacancy. The first insight in the piece, in my view, is that we are all prone to the habits of politicians; the same habits that often frustrate and annoy us as voters – pandering and conflict avoidance.

Grant describes his interview with the Select Board and School Committee when he was seeking to fill the vacancy on the School Committee left by Paul Santaniello’s election to the Select Board. The boards will be engaged in a similar process in just a few weeks as a result of Bobby Barkett’s election to the Select Board this year.

Grant skillfully describes the ease with which we all fall into the pattern of saying what our audience wants to hear (or at least not saying what they do not want to hear), and how office seekers do so by making only the most general of promises and claims, such as the improvement of “collaborative working relationships” or “getting more aid from the state” in the case of local elections. Heaven forbid we take positions that will generate criticism or cause “divisiveness.”

Grant’s insight here that our urge to please and avoid conflict may cause us to miss the big picture would have been enough to make me think, but he goes further by describing his own encounter with “[t]he School Committee member given to histrionics” who asked him at his interview if he was “comfortable with discomfort.” He describes his inability to resist the urge to equivocate on this question in the hopes of appeasing even this School Committee member whose approach to the job he dislikes and would not seek to emulate. In so doing, he has illuminated his point with artful precision. He has shown us both how easy it is to be unintentionally ineffectual and has acknowledged the dangers of learning this lesson too well. Pointing out that too much passion can lead to “histrionics” (which may do more harm than good) makes his firsthand account at once more subtle and more instructive.

I agree with Mr. Grant that we must redouble our efforts to clarify “larger truths” and worry less about losing support. I also agree that we must be as vigilant about not trampling the trees in our drive to illuminate the forest. The task for our would-be leaders is to speak hard truths without hardening their audience’s prejudices. As the now “former” member of the School Committee “given to histrionics,” I appreciate the opportunity Mr. Grant’s thoughts have given me to reflect on these fundamental aspects of political leadership and hope that this year’s candidates and voters take time to consider them as well. I intend to devote considerable energy to the study of the question: Can political leaders divide without seeking to conquer?

Monday, May 26, 2008

Questions and my ANSWERS- Comments invited.

BELOW ARE MY ANSWERS TO THE QUESTIONS THAT I POSED TO ALL THE CANDIDATES FOR SCHOOL COMMITTEE. MY RESPONSES ARE IN CAPITAL LETTERS.

Why would anyone in their right mind want to run for a seat on the Longmeadow School Committee? Why are you running?
SERVING ON THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE IS A CHALLENGE. THERE CAN BE A NUMBER OF FRUSTRATIONS. IT IS A FORM OF PUBLIC SERVICE AND THE STUDENTS NEED TO HAVE SOME ONE TO LOOK OUT FOR THEIR BEST INTERESTS. THAT IS WHY HORACE MANN ADVOCATED FOR THEIR CREATION.

Do you believe that the Longmeadow schools are clean and healthy buildings?
I DO NOT THINK THEY ARE BEING CLEANED ADEQUATELY. THIS ENTAILS HEALTH RISKS.

Is our custodial coverage adequate to the task?
NO. THERE HAVE BEEN CUTS IN THIS COVERAGE.

If not what do you propose to do about the problem?
I BELIEVE WE WILL NEED TO HIRE MORE CUSTODIANS.

Do you believe that the MCAS tests are worthwhile?
I DO NOT SUPPORT MASS TESTING. WE SHOULD SPEND MORE TIME DOING DISCUSSIONS, DEBATES, WORKING ON RESEARCH SKILLS, SPEAKING SKILLS, ESSAY WRITING AND CRITICAL THINKING SKILLS.

Do they promote "teaching to the test" rather than more worthwhile classroom interactions.
YES, THEY DO. I DON’T THINK SCHOOLS SHOULD BE ABOUT PREPARING STUDENTS TO TAKE TESTS. SCHOOLS SHOULD BE PREPARING STUDENTS FOR COLLEGE, ADULT LIFE AND THE WORLD OF WORK AND LEISURE. I THINK WE SHOULD TRY TO CULTIVATE DEMOCRACY AND CRITICAL THINKING SKILLS. MOST STUDENTS FORGET WHAT WAS ON A TEST A FEW DAYS AFTER TAKING IT. EDUCATION IS NOT THE SAME THING AS INDOCTRINATION.

To what extent do you think teachers should rely on a textbook for their course?
I THINK TEXTBOOKS ARE OVER-RATED. THEY ARE USEFUL FOR REFERENCE AND PROBABLY SHOULD BE KEPT IN A CLASSROOM OR AT HOME FOR HOMEWORK REFERENCE. STUDENTS SHOULD BE BRINGING A NOTEBOOK TO CLASS AND SHOULD HAVE A PORTFOLIO OF THEIR WORK. STUDENTS SHOULD BE ENCOURAGED TO DO “COMPARE AND CONTRAST” PROJECTS. TEXTBOOKS TEND TO DEVELOP THE NOTION THAT THERE IS ONE SOURCE FOR TRUTH. AT THE END OF A COURSE OF STUDY A STUDENT SHOULD HAVE A PORTFOLIO OF COMPLETED PROJECTS THAT SHOW REAL GROWTH IN SKILLS FROM THE BEGINNING OF THE COURSE TO THE END.

Do you believe that class size is important for student learning?
DEFINITELY. SMALL CLASS SIZES SUPPORT STUDENT INTERACTION AND LEARNING. LARGE LECTURE CLASSES ENCOURAGE DICTATION NOT COMMUNICATION. WHEN DISCUSSING CLASS SIZE WE SHOULD NOT INCLUDE GUIDANCE COUNSELORS IN THE TEACHER TALLY. WE SHOULD HAVE A BETTER RATIO OF GUIDANCE COUNSELORS TO STUDENTS.

Many prep schools focus on class discussion skills and research skills and critical thinking skills, to what extent do you think Longmeadow schools should emphasize such learning?
I BELIEVE THAT IS THE DIRECTION IN WHICH WE SHOULD BE HEADING.

What role do you think the Commonwealth of Massachusetts should play in the funding of our local schools?
THE COMMONWEALTH HAS NOT BEEN SHOULDERING ITS BURDEN. THEY SHOULD FUND SPECIAL EDUCATION FOR ALL SCHOOL DISTRICTS. UNFUNDED MANDATES ARE A PROBLEM. THE COMMONWEALTH HAS THE POWER TO RAISE FUNDS ADEQUATE TO THE TASK. THIS MIGHT REQUIRE AN INCREASE IN THE SALES TAX OR THE INCOME TAX, BUT IT WOULD BE WORTHWHILE. WE SHOULD NOT BE GIVING CORPORATIONS AND HOLLYWOOD FILM COMPANIES TAX BREAKS TO OPERATE IN MASSACHUSETTS.

Do you see a role for the federal government in the funding of our public school system?
THE NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND PROGRAM WAS SUPPOSED TO DO THAT. ALONG CAME THE INVASION AND OCCUPATION OF IRAQ AND THE BUSH ADMINISTRATION STOPPED TALKING ABOUT AID TO SCHOOLS. WE ARE SPENDING MORE THAN $4,000.00 A SECOND ON THE IRAQ WAR. THE PENTAGON IS STILL THE BIGGEST BENEFICIARY OF THE US TREASURY.

Do you believe the Iraq war and its related costs have anything to do with the problems local school systems are currently facing? Please explain your position.
BESIDES NOT FUNDING SCHOOLS PROPERLY BECAUSE THE MONEY IS GOING TO THE DEFENSE DEPARTMENT NOT THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, SO-CALLED DEFENSE SPENDING IS BOOSTING INFLATION. INFLATION IS A HIDDEN TAX ON SCHOOLS. DOLLARS FOR FISCAL 2009 ARE WORTH LESS THAN IN FISCAL 2008. STOP AND THINK HOW MUCH FUEL THE DEFENSE DEPARTMENT BURNS TO KEEP SHIPS SAILING, PLANES FLYING AND TANKS ROLLING. THE COST OF THAT FUEL IS GOING UP AND THE VALUE OF THE DOLLAR IS GOING DOWN.

How do you stand on environmental questions? Do you support recycling in our schools? How would you enforce it?
I SUPPORT SOUND ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAMS. THE PLANET IS OUR HOME AND WHAT WE DO TO IT HAS AN IMPACT ON US AND OUR FUTURE. I THINK WE SHOULD HAVE MANDATORY RECYCLING IN ALL OUR SCHOOLS. THE CUSTODIANS AND TEACHERS AND ADMINISTRATORS MUST BE MANDATED TO PARTICIPATE IN IT. IT SHOULD BE PART OF CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS. IT CAN’T JUST BE A VOLUNTEER EFFORT OF A STUDENT CLUB. PAPER IS EXPENSIVE AND IT CAN BE RECYCLED.

Should we build a new high school? Should we renovate the old one?
I BELIEVE IT WOULD BE WISER TO BUILD A NEW HIGH SCHOOL. WHAT WE DO WITH THE OLD BUILDING IS A VERY GOOD QUESTION. PERHAPS WE COULD CONVERT IT INTO LOW INCOME HOUSING FOR SENIOR CITIZENS. THE TOWN SHOULD GIVE SOME THOUGHT TO THIS PROJECT.

If we build a new high school will you support a "green architecture model?
GREEN ARCHITECTURE IS THE WAY TO GO FOR THE 21ST CENTURY. IT SHOULD CONSUME VERY LITTLE ENERGY AND WASTE NONE. IT SHOULD INCLUDE SOLAR AND PHOTO-VOLTAIC ENERGY COLLECTION SYSTEMS.

Are you a candidate for the School Committee or the Finance Committee?
I AM A CANDIDATE FOR THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE. WE ARE ELECTED BY THE VOTERS. THE FINANCE COMMITTEE IS AN APPOINTED BOARD. WE LISTEN TO DIFFERENT DRUMMERS.

How do you view the relationship between the School Committee and the Finance Committee?
I THINK THE FINANCE COMMITTEE IS OVERLY CONCERNED ABOUT EXPENDITURES. IT WOULD BE BETTER TO THINK ABOUT WISE EXPENDITURES VERSUS FOOLISH ONES.

How do you view the relationship between the School Committee and the Select Board?
IT WOULD BE WORTHWHILE TO SHARE A COMMON AGENDA. SOME PROGRESS IS BEING MADE IN THAT DIRECTION.

Do you believe that the high school and the middle schools have an adequate number of guidance counselors?
NO I THINK WE SHOULD ADD SOME GUIDANCE COUNSELORS. THERE IS NOT ENOUGH COMMUNICATION WITH STUDENTS UNDER THE CURRENT RATIO.

Do you support a health program at the high school? Are you happy with the status quo with respect to health education at the high school?
I SUPPORT BRINGING BACK A HEALTH COURSE AT THE HIGH SCHOOL. IT IS A WORTHWHILE INVESTMENT.

How do you stand on the question of fees that students are asked to pay for athletics, clubs, parking, etc.?
I DO NOT THINK WE CAN GO ANY FURTHER WITH IMPOSING FEES. I WONDER WHY WE ENCOURAGE STUDENTS TO DRIVE THEIR CARS TO THE HIGH SCHOOL. WALKING IS EXCELLENT EXERCISE.

If you have children in the school system, what school(s) do they attend?
I DO NOT HAVE ANY CHILDREN IN THE LONGMEADOW PUBLIC SCHOOLS. I THINK I CAN LOOK AT THE LARGER PICTURE AND ASSESS WHAT WILL BE OF BENEFIT TO THE ENTIRE DISTRICT.

Sunday, May 25, 2008

Some questions for my fellow school committee candidates

Here are some questions for my fellow school committee candidates:

Let's have some fun with an old fashioned civics debate!

Why would anyone in their right mind want to run for a seat on the Longmeadow School Committee? Why are you running?

Do you believe that the Longmeadow schools are clean and healthy buildings?

Is our custodial coverage adequate to the task?

If not what do you propose to do about the problem?

Do you believe that the MCAS tests are worthwhile?

Do they promote "teaching to the test" rather than more worthwhile classroom interactions?

To what extent do you think teachers should rely on a textbook for their course?

Do you believe that class size is important for student learning?

Many prep schools focus on class discussion skills and research skills and critical thinking skills, to what extent do you think Longmeadow schools should emphasize such learning?

What role do you think the Commonwealth of Massachusetts should play in the funding of our local schools?

Do you see a role for the federal government in the funding of our public school system?

Do you believe the Iraq war and its related costs have anything to do with the problems local school systems are currently facing? Please explain your position.

How do you stand on environmental questions? Do you support recycling in our schools? How would you enforce it?

Should we build a new high school? Should we renovate the old one? Could it be used for elderly housing?

If we build a new high school will you support a "green architecture model?

Are you a candidate for the School Committee or the Finance Committee?

How do you view the relationship between the School Committee and the Finance Committee?

How do you view the relationship between the School Committee and the Select Board?

Do you believe that the high school and the middle schools have an adequate number of guidance counselors?

Do you support a health program at the high school? Are you happy with the status quo with respect to health education at the high school?

How do you stand on the question of fees that students are asked to pay for athletics, clubs, parking, etc.?

If you have children in the school system, what school(s) do they attend?

A short explanation of Proposition 2 and 1/2

I have been asked a number of questions about Proposition 2 and 1/2.

It is a proposition that was passed by initiative in 1980.

It passed narrowly in Longmeadow. 4,330 YES and 4,155 NO - 412 BLANK
8,897 citizens voted on the question.

Parts of the initiative have been changed by the legislature. What is left of it primarily has an effect on local property taxes.

The law limits the levy limit of a particular town. The levy is the term for the amount of money that a town is able to collect in taxes. To illustrate the principle let's use a simple example. Suppose that in fiscal 2001 the levy limit is $1,000,000.00. Under the terms of the law the most that the town can collect in fiscal 2002 is 2 and 1/2% above what they collected in 2001.

So if fiscal 2001 was $1 million, the legal limit for fiscal 2002 is $1 million plus 2 and 1/2% which equals. $1,025,000.00.
This is the new legal levy limit.

If the town decides that it wants to raise more money than allowed by the 2 and 1/2 formula, it must take the question to the voters and ask for an override.

This is a simple majority vote YES or NO.

For our example, let's say that the town government wants to set the levy limit at $1,300,000.00, instead of the $1,025,000.00 allowed by the law. Again following the law, it must place the question before the voters for their approval. In this example the voters would be asked to approve an override of $275,000.00.

If this override passes, the levy limit base for fiscal year 2003 will be $1,300,000.00 plus a 2 and 1/2% increase.
$1,300,000.00
plus $32,500.00
Total $1,332,500.00

Proposition 2 and 1/2 does not forbid tax increases on property. It limits their increase, unless a majority of the local tax payers want to raise them to a higher level.

Why would people vote to raise their taxes higher than the minimum? They would vote to raise their taxes if they wanted to see more services provided by the town. They might want to increase the library budget, the school budget or the public works budget. Or they may vote to raise the level of services of all three departments. They might want to add teaching staff, raise wage or benefit packages (as a result of collective bargaining with labor unions).

The important thing to remember is that the town government can not raise taxes above the 2 and 1/2% limit without asking the town's voters for their approval.

Whether the voters wish to approve of an override is up to the wisdom of the voters. It is their judgement that will be passed on the wisdom of the expenditures.

A rational voter will not reject an override request out of hand.

Instead he or she should ask what the money is going to be used for and what benefit would accrue to the town. He or she could then weigh that benefit against the cost of the tax increase. People in different economic circumstances might perceive the benefits and the costs differently.

One final comment-

There are a number of costs that the town can not control. Oil prices, inflation, and health insurance increases are just some examples of costs that a town can not control. An increase in the school age population would probably also require the hiring of more teachers and the purchase of more supplies. If a town wishes to maintain a level service budget, as opposed to a level funded budget, it will probably have to ask for more revenue from its citizens to match that level of service.


John J. Fitzgerald