Op-Ed

Out of the mouths of babes--school superintendents serve up baloney

School Superintendents Serve Up Baloney!

By The Observer (Name withheld by request)

In a recent Op-Ed piece, six Cape Cod Public School Superintendents released a seemingly positive spin supporting the Cape’s public schools.  I may not be a mathematical genius, but what happened to the other half of the Superintendents? Why didn’t they join in?  Were they excluded? Wait a minute… Their ships aren’t sinking, or possibly after reading the “joint” letter, they were able to see through the transparency and wanted nothing to do with this lame attempt at marketing.

I admire the hard work and dedication of the many educators and administrators that contribute to the growth and development, of the Cape’s students.  They are our next carpenters, entrepreneurs, educators, nurses, rocket scientists, servicemen and most importantly, Moms and Dads, who will one day make choices about their own children’s education.  There is little more that I enjoy than starting of my day with a great cup of java and coming across a story of educational wonder, regardless where the student attends school.  As I have stated in my prior pieces, kids are our future!  

With that being said, reading the Op-Ed piece made me reminiscent of much younger days when I was captivated by magic and took everything at face value, it reads more like a dream than a reality, and highlights issues that are not relevant.  I would have respected their intentions if they were honest about their problems and then focused on their efforts of change, improvements and accomplishments.  Look at Tom Brady the other Sunday, he openly commented on his poor performance but went on to compliment the defensive team and what they hope to accomplish going forward.  People are inherently good and understand the difficulties associated with life.  They also have a keen ability to smell the essence of manure in the air.  I wouldn’t consider my self an idiot, and I don’t imagine the 85,000 other people who read Cape Cod Today are either, but who did the superintendents think their target audience was? 

I’m glad to see that students on the Cape have caught the eye of some of the nation’s most recognized and esteemed institutions of higher learning.  In a recent article in U.S. News and World Report, from November of 2011, it states that "a quarter of the incoming freshman in the fall of 2010 applied to at least seven or more colleges".  Some institutions reported that some of their incoming freshman applied to as many as 15 schools.  Not to discredit the accomplishments of the students who left to attend these fine schools of academia, but when you focus on the six schools represented, as it would be unjust to discuss the others, then the intended effect loses its punch. 

From a numbers and ratio standpoint, I would only hope that collectively, there would be a handful of gifted young men and women who would have the opportunity to attend these schools.  Further more, regardless where these students attend school, I imagine they would inherently rise to the top.  Unfortunately, not everyone can have natural academic abilities, and this population only makes up a small fraction of a graduating class.  On the bell curve of life, what do these districts do differently for the “regular kid” to become outstanding.  How do they stand out? Where do they go? These are the students the districts should be focusing on and showcasing.  They are the ones who are the “underdogs” or “average Joe’s” in the masses, and face the greatest odds in the college race. They also carry the greatest numbers in a school’s population.   Fortunately or Unfortunately, I imagine they are also the ones that make up a significant portion of the migrating population leaving these school districts and greatly affecting the sending district’s bottom line.   

Out of the Mouths of Babes

Safe & Secure?   Bullying incidents are frequently reported in the local media, and those are only the ones we hear about.  I received a variety of responses from my last post, thank you.  I’m glad people are passionate.  Many students commented that bullying occurs in their school and their friend’s schools.   This is not safe, nor is it acceptable if this is the mindset!

A powerful letter was printed on January 3 in the Cape Cod Times, and was written by a junior at a local high school about bullying.  She shares her unique insight on the recent increase of bullying and comments about the poor outcome of attending an assembly with a visiting speaker about bullying and the energy that came from it, and then the momentum lost shortly after.  She continues sharing her insight about the unfortunate outcomes of bullying, and what needs to be done to reduce it. She’s a student, people!!!  You want to create a safe school environment, listen to her and her friends!  This young woman has a great head on her shoulders and a bucket of tenacity to go with it!  Keep it up, because the change starts with you!

I was appalled at some of the arguments used.  True 100% baloney!  The idea that certified teachers, licensed personnel, and transportation were selling points only reflect these districts desperation.  These points are law, not options. Further more, if they are going to continue using “the arts” as critical components of their successful programs, then stop threatened to cut them when a new annual budget faces opposition.  If they are that important then they should be protected and treated as such.

Treasure

“Students are a community’s treasure”, this could not be any more on target.  However, the emphasis expressed in the Op-Ed piece linking the experience of attending a student’s home public school to the community is short sighted and antiquated.  We no longer live in a world of “one size fits all”.  The education system has become as competitive as any other sector in today’s market. Students drawn to other schools (public, private, or technical) have their own reasons, and attending another school, the student may find greater success geared more towards their individual needs.  This success positively enhances their relationships and opportunities to contribute to their community, and therefore contribute to a stronger and more vibrant community tapestry.

I encourage readers to share their thoughts with their district’s superintndent or email their views to Cape Cod Today.  Change can only happen if others are informed.

The Observer's name is withheld by request because the writer has children in our schoolm system. The writer agrees with The Buddha who said,"Do not believe in anything simply because you have heard it. Do not believe in anything simply because it is spoken and rumored by many. Do not believe in anything simply because it is found written in your religious books. Do not believe in anything merely on the authority of your teachers and elders. Do not believe in traditions because they have been handed down for many generations. But after observation and analysis, when you find that anything agrees with reason and is conducive to the good and benefit of one and all, then accept it and live up to it."

Training for the future

By Richard C. Bartlett

The Cape is training our youth for high-tech jobs in renewable energy. The Mass Maritime Academy and the Cape Cod Community College are on the cutting edge. Unfortunately most of our politicians are on the dull side of the blade, stifling the use of Nature's generous gift of the wind to our area. Fossil fuel money accounts for our officialdom's retarded reluctance to join the 21st century.

America lost 687,000 high-tech manufacturing jobs since 2008. 85% of our  growth in R&D employment occurred overseas. These figures are from a newly released study by the National Science Board, the policy arm of the National Science Foundation.

Because American multinational corporations are increasing the overseas component of their research, China is now abreast of our own high-tech capability. China and India have increased their spending on technology and science education, while we are hamstrung and weakened by an obstructionist Congress (whose contrariness is endorsed by all the GOP candidates for the presidency). They refuse to fund the training of the army of advanced scientists we need for long-term prosperity.

America as a Third World country is a very real prospect if we don't make a serious effort now.

Of the world's  engineering doctorates in 2008,  only 4% were awarded in the United States. And 57% of those were awarded to temporary visa holders. We need to subsidize our own youth if we want to maintain our traditional lead in science and engineering. America as a Third World country is a very real prospect if we don't make a serious effort now.

Some of the remedies lie in the realm of fairer trade policies and exchange rates. The National Science Board suggests some domestic policies: establish a manufacturing investment facility to leverage private capital for manufacturing in the USA, expand and make permanent clean energy tax credits, refocus on post-high school technological education, institute a permanent tax credit to incentivize production in America.

Here's a shocking political fact cited by Dr. Griffiths, chairman of the committee that produced this report:

"Meanwhile, conservatives oppose a national industrial policy, oppose restructuring our trade deals, oppose increased funding to our universities, oppose changes to tax policies to incentivize returning manufacturing to the United States, oppose paying good wages here to bring researchers here, oppose national policies helping companies become more competitive internationally and oppose border tariffs to compensate for advantages gained from environmental degradation and poor human rights practices."

That set of beliefs doesn't sound "conservative" to me. It doesn't even conserve the status quo. It just ensures we'll be sliding down the razor-blade of economic degradation into a fearsome future if the American electorate votes for slogans rather than programs.

Richard C. Bartlett lives in Cotuit, MA.

Kathleen Schatzberg on the Governor's Education proposal

Does not believe  state’s Higher Education department would
understand the local needs better than our local Board of Trustees.

By Kathleen Schatzberg, President, Cape Cod Community College

We are thrilled that Governor Patrick recognizes, and will support with increased funding, our workforce education and training function.  We certainly share his goals to put people back to work.  The recent Dept. of Labor grant of $20M for which all 15 community colleges collaborated, is an example of what the Governor is talking about:  the grant provides funding for unemployed people who are not qualified for “middle skills” jobs (requiring some post-secondary education but not a bachelor’s).  We are eager to work with the Governor to expand this kind of training.

Greatest concern I have is with moving budgetary and presidential oversight from control of the local board to control at the state level.As for the re-organization, there can be some advantages to centralization, collaboration, etc.  For example, state-level standardization could help  a student on the Cape who moves to Worcester and wants to continue the same degree or certificate training at another community college.  We also need to be sure, however, that flexibility accommodates local needs  – for instance, on the Cape, certain healthcare programs will probably emphasize elder care to a greater degree than might be needed in other parts of the state.

The Devil is in the details

We don’t know the details on this plan at all yet – the 15 community college presidents were briefed yesterday morning by the Governor, Education Secretary Paul Reville, and Higher Education Commissioner Richard Freeland about this plan, in a very “big picture” way.  The Governor, Secretary and Commissioner repeatedly said there are many details to work out, which will be done in consultation with us. 

The greatest concern I have is with moving budgetary and presidential oversight from control of the local board to control at the state level.  Accountability is not an issue – we are completely open to whatever accountability measures the state would like to apply.  It’s appropriate for us to be subject to public scrutiny of what we do and how well we do it.  However, I don’t believe that the state’s Higher Education department would  understand local needs better than our local Board of Trustees. 

The Governor’s plan appears to remove virtually all of the local trustees’ authority over fiscal and presidential oversight.  The dynamics will change if the presidents are essentially reporting to the state’s community college authority rather than to the local board.  I’m also concerned about the potential impact on philanthropy.  As you know, we have enjoyed great support from local donors and businesses, and this has helped us fill gaps that reductions in state funding would otherwise have left open.   

The details on how this would work are not yet clear, however, so I’ll reserve further analysis until we learn just how all this would work.

Cape School Superintendents on local public school education

Support Local Public Schools

By Ann Bradshaw, Mashpee, Richard Canfield, Sandwich, Mary Czajkowski, Barnstable, Marc Dupuis, Falmouth,  Steven Lamarche, Bourne and Carol Woodbury, Dennis-Yarmouth

The local public schools in each Cape community offer outstanding educational experiences for students, providing a rigorous curriculum and a wide range of opportunities to develop talents and to learn leadership skills.

Graduates of public high schools attend Ivy League colleges and universities, including Harvard, Brown, and the University of Pennsylvania. The Advanced Placement program offered in local public schools allows students to take college courses in high school.

Because of credit earned in AP courses taken in high school, many Cape graduates are able to enroll in sophomore, junior, and even senior-level courses as college freshmen.  Students attending Cape public schools will extend their learning this year through travel to Spain, London, Germany, Canada, Washington, D.C., and New York City.  

Partnerships with colleges and universities such as MIT enrich learning.   All professional staff in public schools are licensed; many hold advanced degrees in their fields.

Every public school district on the Cape offers innovative technologies to engage and to support students. Students have access to professional-grade software in engineering classes and learn about design and manufacturing.  

Interactive whiteboards and one-to-one computing projects bring the world into the classrooms as teachers and students use current technology as tools for teaching and learning.

Cape public schools offer a range of co-curricular activities that provide opportunities for students to experience success and to distinguish themselves for admission to highly-selective colleges.  Local public schools have award-winning art, music, and theatre programs, athletics, and opportunities to develop leadership through student government and service clubs.  

Cape Cod athletic teams consistently advance to eastern Massachusetts and division championships.  The Cape boasted three Super Bowl Champion football teams this fall, which brought together entire communities in joyous celebration.  School spirit is a wonderful thing.

Comprehensive student services are available in local public schools.  Licensed guidance counselors, school adjustment counselors, social workers, and registered nurses respond to students’ needs.  Highly trained special education teachers assist students with disabilities and collaborate with general education teachers. Individual learning needs are carefully monitored, with additional instructional support or additional challenges offered to students.  

Local public schools offer state of the art facilities, supporting academics, arts, and athletics.   Daily bus transportation is available for students as well as for after-school programs. Community public schools are safe and secure, with staff trained to respond to emergencies.  

Schools unify families through shared experiences. When students attend their local public schools, local tax dollars stay local, which helps to maintain quality programming.

When students attend public schools in their home town, they are a part of the community.  They get involved in community projects, make connections with adults in the community, and serve their neighbors.

Students learn about the unique characteristics of their home town through its schools. Students are a community’s treasure. When they attend their local schools they are vested not only in the opportunities but also the challenges which define their town.

The local community public schools provide outstanding opportunities for the development of well-rounded young people who are confident and prepared to make their way in the world.  

Ann Bradshaw Mashpee Superintendent of Schools

Richard Canfield Sandwich Superintendent of Schools

Mary Czajkowski Barnstable Superintendent of Schools

Marc Dupuis Falmouth Superintendent of Schools

Steven Lamarche Bourne Superintendent of Schools

Carol Woodbury Dennis Yarmouth Superintendent of Schools

No drastic changes needed for Cape's regional government

Abolishing the County Assembly of Delegates is ill-advised

Ever since colonial times, counties have existed in conjunction with Massachusetts government.   Barnstable County was founded in the year 1685. Initially, counties had mainly judicial purposes; however, gradually more and more duties were assimilated, like management of the local prison system, control of specific medical care institutions, roadway maintenance, farming matters and recording of real estate deeds. Massachusetts statutes decreed the process by which elected public officials were chosen, such as county commissioners, clerks of courts, county sheriffs, registers of deeds and probate, as well as district attorneys. Up until a quarter century ago, Barnstable County was akin to other counties within the state; it had no legislative power. That all changed with the Barnstable County Home Rule Charter of 1988. It created specific rights of home rule, along with more and better prospects for improved citizen involvement regarding the Cape Cod regional government. The Charter authorized establishment of a regional legislative body known as the County Assembly of Delegates, which has the power to promulgate laws of regional impact and jurisdiction. Said Charter declares: " We, the people of Barnstable County, in order to gain for ourselves and for our communities all the rights, powers, privileges, duties, and obligations which may now or in the future be derived from county government, do establish for ourselves and for our communities the means and structure to deal with regional issues which transcend the existing boundaries of municipal governments. This home rule charter for Barnstable County places the power and responsibility to deal with unique problems of Barnstable County in a county government directly responsible to the people of Barnstable County.”

The existing fundamental structure of our regional government is just fine at present and functions quite well exactly the way that it presently is!

In recent months, members of the “Barnstable County Special Commission on County Governance” (appointed by the County Commissioners) have been and continue to hold meetings to explore and examine the structure and role of the regional government here on Cape Cod, Massachusetts. As a native-born Cape Codder, I take this opportunity to express my views regarding the structure and status of our regional government. In recent years, I have first-hand experience in dealing with the County Administrator, the Assembly of Delegates, the County Commissioners, as well as other county components. I have always found each of these experiences to be highly positive, enlightening, informative, worthwhile and cordial.

The Special Commission claims it seeks to address the need for strong executive county administrative leadership; the existing two branch structure of the regional government; the representation and role of the Board of regional Commissioners; the representation and role of the Assembly of Delegates; as well as the County’s relationship with the fifteen towns of Barnstable County. The Special Commission needs to fully approach its task in a fair and balanced manner, something it has apparently failed miserably at up to this point in time. Furthermore, it needs to be logical and reasonable about any final recommended changes to the Cape Cod Regional Government.

I have a very straightforward and simple statement to communicate to the Special Commission.  The existing fundamental structure of our regional government is just fine at present and functions quite well exactly the way that it presently is! It does NOT require any drastic changes (like a ‘mayor of Cape Cod’) or “tweaking” as some others may have suggested. Many Cape Codders  (myself included), would be vehemently opposed to any sort of radical reorganization or restructuring of our County government from its current existence. I would like to emphatically voice my absolute opposition to one particular ill-advised and undemocratic course of action recently presented to the Special Commission, the complete abolition of the County Assembly of Delegates. The Assembly of Delegates is the duly elected democratic voice of the people of Cape Cod, and provides us with the requisite protections against overzealous special interest groups and power hungry individuals. The County Assembly as a representative legislative body is the epitome of the American system of “checks and balances” as embodied in both the Barnstable County Home Rule Charter and the United States Constitution.

Ron Beaty
West Barnstable, MA