Paid 'Council' OK'd to Meet With Schools Chief
Regional board members split on vote based on budgetary issues.
A total of 10 teachers from the West Morris Regional High School District–five from each building–will become part of a Superintendent’s Council for the remainder of the school year to help top administrator Mackey Pendergrast better communicate with faculty and receive feedback.
That piece of business from the Monday reorganization meeting hit the table with a thud as board members were split on approving the council, which comes at a cost of $40.09 per teacher per hour it is in session.
The proposed council would be in session for up to six hours for the remainder of the 2012-13 school year.
Prior to taking a vote on the new council, some board members showed concern about spending the money before pursuing alternative methods.
“Who says an all-volunteer group wouldn’t be successful?” questioned Chester Township representative Marcia Asdal. “I’m having a hard time understanding why you can’t just talk (directly) with the teachers.”
Mendham Township representative James Button echoed those sentiments and questioned the use of budget funds to support the council.
“Is this the best use of the limited resources in our budget?” Button asked Pendergrast. “What about a good old suggestion box? Or making yourself available to the teachers? At the end of the day, this comes down to ‘is this the best use of our limited resources?’”
Pendergrast explained his theory behind the council, saying a consistent, ongoing conversation with teachers would be most effective.
“We’ve tried those activities in the past (suggestion box, volunteer groups),” Pendergrast said, “and no one shows up. We’ll communicate and discuss initiatives in the district. A consistent conversation works best and I think this is critical in understanding the district.”
Teachers in both schools will have the opportunity to apply for a seat on the council, and all 10 members will be chosen by Pendergrast.
Board members Asdal, Button, Don Storms and Vice President Joseph Galayda all opposed the vote, but the remaining five members of the group approved, making the council official.
What do you think of the Superintendent’s Council?
Charlene M. Arrington
3:52 pm on Wednesday, January 9, 2013
"Why does the superintendent need a special committee to communicate with teachers and receive feedback when he has multiple union shop stewards which will serve the same purpose? Was this a union request? If so, was it properly negotiated? Why is it so important to actually pay teachers/staff to communicate with the superintendent, when many of the school board members (including Jim Johnston who voted in favor of this measure) have voted more than once against polling the parents of the district to ascertain their concerns, suggestions, ideas, etc? Why is staff feedback so much more important than that of the district's parents? Where did the $40.09 per hour originate. It's difficult to imagine that there are no teachers who would voluntarily give of their time to have a face to face meeting with the superintendent. And, most importantly, how is this paid method of communication between the staff and the superintendent going to directly benefit our MHS students?
Jack
1:34 pm on Thursday, January 10, 2013
First off, calm down. Next, I believe that you meant to say our West Morris Regional District students, not just MHS students. Please remember, we are a district of TWO schools, not just one. Finally, I would assume that most people would want to be compensated if they were asked to go above and beyond the normal scope of their jobs.
ReasonRules
10:04 pm on Wednesday, January 9, 2013
Teachers won't communicate honestly and directly with the superintendent or other administrators because they fear repercussions. This district is known for dealing with employees in an underhanded manner. A council chosen by the superintendent seems to defeat the purpose of said council, though. Cronyism, perhaps? The $40 per hour is the contractual rate for teachers who perform extra duties like detention supervision, curriculum writing and chaperoning events.
Domino
8:29 am on Thursday, January 10, 2013
Goodness, how nice to see that whackamole Charlene Arrington has crawled out from under her rock again.
Transplant
3:00 pm on Wednesday, January 16, 2013
At least she identifies herself and stands behind her opinion. Your effort to hide your identity to avoid getting " hit" would make you the whackamole.
Anne Clark
11:50 am on Thursday, January 10, 2013
Making the process for feedback and communication formal - and therefore requiring compensation - is more likely to make it effective. The District has many substantive changes underway, and engagement of, and feedback from, the faculty is critical.
Superintendent Pendergrast is not doing "business as usual". Maybe the Board can follow his lead. Nothing prevents the Board from making sure he is held accountable for showing results for the ~$2400 that will be spent.
Russ Crespolini
1:47 pm on Thursday, January 10, 2013
Hey guys, thanks for the comments and interaction as always. But just a blanket warning: no name calling and no unsupported accusations. I don't want to have to take down any posts. Thanks!
Domino
9:35 pm on Thursday, January 10, 2013
Mazel tov Greg. The Superintendent doesn't make 177K; get your facts straight. He is one of the lowest paid supers in the county, not the highest. Please don't let your personal hatred of one school employee cloud all of your thinking.
Domino
12:37 am on Friday, January 11, 2013
First of all, Dr. diBattista is no longer the superintendent, so your numbers are wrong. More importantly, the alias you are using, Yankel Rosenbaum, was a famous Hassidic Jew who was tragically murdered in Crown Heights riots in New York City. Your use of this name is both highly inappropriate and offensive. You are ignorant person; please go away.
LVMom
6:30 pm on Friday, January 11, 2013
it's sad that we have to pay for this. i come from a non union job. i got paid to do my job, if that ment 40 hours GREAT, if that mean 80 hours so be it. It was that or be 'laid off' in the next round of cuts... my husband works 40 hours PLUS nights, weekends, holidays, vacations, etc...it's what needs to be done ... all that and the joy of NO overtime pay (he does get a 'good job' sometimes *eye roll*) ... it's sad that we have to pay for every thing a teacher does ...
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it's sad BECAUSE if we paid them what they are worth, what the job is worth then they wouldn't nickel and dime us. so here's a thought ... let's not pay teacher's overtime - let's pay them fair and equal pay to those who work in the industry