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May 13, 2009
Different Statements (and Threats) from the Unionist
As I noted during liveblogging last night, Tiverton Guidance Counselor Lynn Nicholas had the following to say at the school committee meeting in November, at which the committee voted to hold off on approving a retroactive teachers' contract until state numbers came in (stream, download):
Before I ask Doug a question, I just need to make it clear that, if the award is not agreed upon tonight, there will be a lot of harm done. Some of it will be financial; a lot of it will not be, and I'm not going to go into detail.
In reviewing the audio from her speech tonight (stream, download), I was planning to note how her perspective is quite different when taxpayers, not union teachers, are the ones removing money from the budget. But on the scene, I hadn't caught the implications of the sentences with which she closed her speech. Addressing the school committee (emphasis added):
You need to be serious about what you plan on cutting. I am the last person on this Earth that would want to hurt a child, but you need to make a statement. I don't know how you're going to do it. I don't know what you're going to do. But you need to make a statement to get people to the town meeting.
Keep in mind that this was before the conversation turned to ways to "get out the vote." That being the case, Ms. Nicholas would appear to be suggesting that the school committee make targeted cuts, risking harm to students, that would anger parents enough to get them to the next FTM. True to union form, the kids — whose well-being, the disclaimer goes, is a top priority for everybody — are to be leveraged as pawns to drive the parents toward actions beneficial to the union.
This coincides with a — for now — rumor that I'd heard today that a certain school committee member is planning to recommend cuts in programming intentionally in order to fire up parents. Me, I'd suggest that the school committee consider the possibility that such maneuvers could very well motivate parents to take quite different actions than the committee intends... especially now that a local organization exists to explain precisely where the district's money has been going.
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"I just need to make it clear that, if the award is not agreed upon tonight, there will be a lot of harm done. Some of it will be financial; a lot of it will not be, and I'm not going to go into detail."
Officer, could you please take this woman in for questioning?
Posted by: Monique at May 13, 2009 7:03 AMI'd say that you've summarized the annual public school budget process pretty nicely Justin. Too bad most parents simply don't "get it". Best of luck to the TCC in their endeavors.
Posted by: Frank at May 13, 2009 10:23 AMClassic NEA/AFT tactics. When there are millions to be saved through common-sense modifications to benefits, the unionistas and their political pawns, throw out sports or other popular activities like raw meat to get parents and kids all fired up.
Where's that guy with the bullhorn?!!!
Posted by: George at May 13, 2009 8:32 PMCan you get this posted in the actual Sakonnett Times. Not just the computer. Parents have absolutely no idea what is happening from the people who they entrust the well being of their precious children. This comment that Guidance Counselor Lynn Nicholast stated should be reported to all media outlets. Let the whole state, forget that, the whole country see what parents and townspeople are up against. She should fired. Especially coming from someone who is a GUIDANCE COUNSELOR!!! She wants to urt our children--discusting!!!!!
Posted by: fed up parent at May 13, 2009 9:04 PMShame on the superintendent for not dealing with this black spot on the school system. He is the superintendent, the big guns, so ultimately this falls squarely on him! You might think that we have historically treated our school department poorly. I would be extremely grateful and relieved in 2009 to have the contracts they hold. Shame on them all!!!
Education is not about the children, it's about the adult entitlements. The test scores prove that.
Until the taxpayers and parents put pressure on the Supt to deal with this, nothing will happen.
It's frightening that our children are exposed to these people.
The taxpayers, parents and children are used as human shields, and the unions demand more money, but it's not helping the students.
Posted by: kathy at May 13, 2009 11:00 PMShe wants to urt our children--discusting!!!!!
fed up parent
Do your kid a favor.
Please do not home skool.
Where's that guy with the bullhorn?!!!
George, that crazy guy has sold his houses and left the state. Hollow drum makes big noise.
Posted by: Phil at May 14, 2009 5:31 AMHey Phil sorry about my grammatical errors but I was very upset while I was posting and did not proof read. Oh-- and I'm a graduate from the Tiverton school system.
Posted by: fed up parent at May 14, 2009 10:27 AMGeorge, that crazy guy has sold his houses and left the state. Hollow drum makes big noise.
Phil, Sounds like he's not so crazy after all.
Posted by: bobc at May 14, 2009 1:07 PMbobc
I could tell you stories.
Posted by: Phil at May 15, 2009 5:38 AMfed up parent
I can relate to your being upset. Who has not not made errors grammatical or spelling when writing here. It was a small joke and I am glad you did not take offense. Good luck.
Posted by: Phil at May 15, 2009 5:43 AM