McDonald & Company Fail Kearny

[Guest Had Too Much]

It was all apparent at the BOE reorg meeting and at lasts nights special meeting that Bernadette McDonald had and has NO intentions of ever working with Kearny's first non-political, call them as I see them, student and tax payer accountable Superintendent in a long time.

When McDonald was removed as BOE President back in June 2013, for reasons of not be able to work with the Super, obstructing district business and outright disrespect, she denied all charges. Now minutes into her reinstatement as the "new" board President she moves to a vote of "no confidence" and removal of the districts past years Super, who has made tremendous advances in one years time, while consistently being challenged by BOE members, initiating a Strategic Plan, implementing programs to improve student achievement, moving the High School construction project, moving the Midland Ave building, conducting a Risk Assessment (forensic audit), forging relations with the community, appointing students to serve on the BOE, moving BOE meetings to schools each month, implementing a "time accountability" system, (which the NEW acting Super has sent out notice the day after being appointed NOT to use it), restructured central office to operate and make more efficient use of employees, (one employee who the morning after the NEW acting Super was appointed was moved BACK into the Super's office making $90,000.00 + a year)

Now you also have 2 new BOE members, Paris and Sherry, both voting to remove Ferraro, how can this even be possible. Both members are minutes into their term and vote in favor of his removal? Big deal they attended BOE meetings for the last 10 months, what knowledge of the inner workings at the BOE and the work ethics of Mr. Ferraro do they have........NONE.

This was nothing but a step backwards, back to the FRIENDS and FAMILY days!!!! A total disgrace, no regard for STUDENTS or taxpayers. Retaliation for a firing of a BOE members brother, who was a sitting BOE members for (4) years while having FULL knowledge that his brother was ineligible to work at the BOE and did NOTHING about it. Not to mention never receiving authorization to start working from the State of NJ, not being truthful on application........Oh but where were all the applications? Ask the employee who was moved back to her old desk, seems she had her own file system.

McDonald sites she has no confidence in the Super because he could not hire a Truancy Officer, nonsense, this goes back 2 years, there has been (3) quality candidates, all were held because McDonald did not want them. Her boy, who lost his politically appointed job, is now waiting to get another political appointed job as truancy officer, with NO experience at all in handling investigations or appearing before a judge.........watch who gets this job next Tuesday, it will be a joke.

McDonald held up the appointment of an English Dept head at the High School, stating she needed more information on the candidate, who happens to be a Kearny resident, when she was presented the information all was in order and then she and her flock went out in public and voted down the appointment, no regard at all for the candidate who was in attendance. The next day (director of curriculum) now the NEW acting Super approached the Asst Super with a candidate for the job from Freehold......amazing, I guess McDonald did not need the information and that her request was just a ploy.........watch who gets this job next Tuesday, it will be a male from Freehold.

Now, because all these phonies want "their" person at the helm, so they can DIRECT their person what to do and who to hire, Kearny goes back to the dark side and our students get screwed, not to mention the $500,000.00 Ferraro is owed plus what ever the Civil Lawsuit filed against the Board turns out to be.

Yes, this is a sad time in Kearny, but oh so typical.

PS- Ms. Paris what is going to be done with the DP case. He has been on suspension with pay for months now. He is telling everyone that you were going to take care of things for him. I guess that will be your second wrong doing. Keep up the good track record you started so soon.

Can there ever be a Board that puts their differences aside at the table and work to make the district the best and educationally sound district for our kids? We owe it to THEM.

Edited January 15, 2014 by KOTW
The above information has not been verified.

[Guest Fed Up]

Well said 'Had To Much'. Wake up Kearny residents.

[Guest Witches Brew]

I guess the witches hats that were wore during their campaign was an accurate depiction

[Guest Guest]

Why do you think that more and more kids are going to private High Schools??

[Guest Guest]

The opening post is obviously partisan. This is obvious from the fact that it is not true. Ferraro has not been removed.

Its "history" is also distorted. Our BOE has stunk for years, probably decades. But this paints a picture that things were swimming along before McDonald's group regained the majority. Just the opposite, the BOE was the worst it has ever been under the Leadbeater faction, which is why every one of them who came up for election lost. And they didn't lose by a little. They got creamed. Kearny didn't like what it saw with the so-called "Fab Five," and tossed them out on their ears.

While they were in power, here's what they did: After staging a lengthy circus and rejecting a highly qualified candidate, they conducted a lengthy "search," during which time the system had no superintendent. This was completely unnecessary, and unprecedented in the Kearny school system as far as I now. Finally, just as they were about to lose their majority, they brought in Ferraro, who didn't meet the criteria because he wasn't an educator. I learned recently that he had some experience 30 years ago. Come on. That doesn't meet the criteria. They hired him anyway, then have the nerve to accuse the new Board of playing "friends and family" when they take over.

This is no defense of McDonald or anyone else on the Board, though some of the members seem solid. But for the Leadbeater faction to stir the pot after losing the election decisively, and call an investigation into Ferraro's conduct - which seems warranted according to what I read in the Observer - a return to "friends and family" is ridiculous. If it wasn't for "friends and family," Leadbeater's group could never have gotten elected, and now that the elections are in November, when more people vote, they can't win.

I would like to see a BOE that inspires confidence that they are doing what is best for the students. Along those lines, I would like to know what Ferraro did to implement programs to improve student achievement. If he was doing that, great. But I don't buy it just because whoever wrote post #1 claims that it's true. What are the details?

[Guest Where have u gone, Onembo?]

The Guest who posted on January 24 is exactly who she claims not to be: a "partisan" who is trying to disguise her strong interest in taking control of employment decisions in the Kearny school district.

Just two very blatant distortions by Guest in her supposedly objective posting:

"The opening post is obviously partisan. This is obvious from the fact that it is not true. Ferraro has not been removed."

Fact: The new majority of the Board of Education appointed Ms. Blood as the Acting Superintendent of the Kearny school district just minutes after getting sworn in. All of Mr. Ferraro's belongings were then removed from his former office and shipped to him. How's that not "removed"?? As to Acting Superintendent Blood, her administrative experience is limited to 6 months as a Vice Principal in another school district and three years as Curriculum Advisor in the Kearny district. Yes, the same three years during which test scores have fallen. Ms. Blood has been good friends with Board of Education President McDonald for over 30 years.

Guest also posts the following:

"This is no defense of McDonald or anyone else on the Board, though some of the members seem solid. But for the Leadbeater faction to stir the pot after losing the election decisively, and call an investigation into Ferraro's conduct - which seems warranted according to what I read in the Observer - a return to "friends and family" is ridiculous."

Fact: Mayor Santos asked at the Board meeting what it was that the Board wanted investigated about Ferraro. He questioned whether the investigation was a "fishing expedition" to try to justify the removal of Ferraro. Board member Lindenfelser said for her it was the termination of an employee that she said Ferraro should not have terminated. This is the same employee which the Observer pointed out in their story had had several prior drug-related arrests and that the State said could not be employed in any NJ school. Another Board member talked about the failure to hire a truancy officer but failed to mention that it was the Board who failed to approve the recommendations of Ferraro for that position. Board member Viscuso stated that Ferraro lacked the qualifications to be appointed Superintendent but, as the Observer pointed out, McDonald herself withdrew a complaint challenging his qualifications because the NJ Department of Education found that Ferraro met the requirements.

Fact: A citizen in the audience asked whether Ferraro would be reinstated if the investigation found no basis for the removal. After some silence from the new Board majority, the response incredibly was not yes. McDonald eventually mumbled something to the effect of maybe.

In my opinion, having seen Boards of Education going back to when Onembo was Superintendent, this is an unseemly grab by the current majority to control jobs in our school district. How sad. What happened to improving education or the welfare of the district's children?

[Guest Guest]

The Guest who posted on January 24 is exactly who she claims not to be: a "partisan" who is trying to disguise her strong interest in taking control of employment decisions in the Kearny school district. Just two very blatant distortions by Guest in her supposedly objective posting: "The opening post is obviously partisan. This is obvious from the fact that it is not true. Ferraro has not been removed." Fact: The new majority of the Board of Education appointed Ms. Blood as the Acting Superintendent of the Kearny school district just minutes after getting sworn in. All of Mr. Ferraro's belongings were then removed from his former office and shipped to him. How's that not "removed"?? As to Acting Superintendent Blood, her administrative experience is limited to 6 months as a Vice Principal in another school district and three years as Curriculum Advisor in the Kearny district. Yes, the same three years during which test scores have fallen. Ms. Blood has been good friends with Board of Education President McDonald for over 30 years. Guest also posts the following: "This is no defense of McDonald or anyone else on the Board, though some of the members seem solid. But for the Leadbeater faction to stir the pot after losing the election decisively, and call an investigation into Ferraro's conduct - which seems warranted according to what I read in the Observer - a return to "friends and family" is ridiculous." Fact: Mayor Santos asked at the Board meeting what it was that the Board wanted investigated about Ferraro. He questioned whether the investigation was a "fishing expedition" to try to justify the removal of Ferraro. Board member Lindenfelser said for her it was the termination of an employee that she said Ferraro should not have terminated. This is the same employee which the Observer pointed out in their story had had several prior drug-related arrests and that the State said could not be employed in any NJ school. Another Board member talked about the failure to hire a truancy officer but failed to mention that it was the Board who failed to approve the recommendations of Ferraro for that position. Board member Viscuso stated that Ferraro lacked the qualifications to be appointed Superintendent but, as the Observer pointed out, McDonald herself withdrew a complaint challenging his qualifications because the NJ Department of Education found that Ferraro met the requirements. Fact: A citizen in the audience asked whether Ferraro would be reinstated if the investigation found no basis for the removal. After some silence from the new Board majority, the response incredibly was not yes. McDonald eventually mumbled something to the effect of maybe. In my opinion, having seen Boards of Education going back to when Onembo was Superintendent, this is an unseemly grab by the current majority to control jobs in our school district. How sad. What happened to improving education or the welfare of the district's children?

The fact remains that the BOE was a disaster under the Five Stooges, so we the people bounced them out at the first opportunity. The BOE has stunk for a very long time. The fact that McDonald's return to power represents a step up is a very sad statement about how bad it can get.

I'd still like to know what ANYBODY is doing about improving the quality of education. You comment on a lot of things, and maybe you have a point about the politics. But on the most important point of all, you are completely silent. If you want credibility, begin by saying specifically what has been done and should be done about that.

[Guest Guest]

The Guest who posted on January 24 is exactly who she claims not to be: a "partisan" who is trying to disguise her strong interest in taking control of employment decisions in the Kearny school district. Just two very blatant distortions by Guest in her supposedly objective posting: "The opening post is obviously partisan. This is obvious from the fact that it is not true. Ferraro has not been removed." Fact: The new majority of the Board of Education appointed Ms. Blood as the Acting Superintendent of the Kearny school district just minutes after getting sworn in. All of Mr. Ferraro's belongings were then removed from his former office and shipped to him. How's that not "removed"?? As to Acting Superintendent Blood, her administrative experience is limited to 6 months as a Vice Principal in another school district and three years as Curriculum Advisor in the Kearny district. Yes, the same three years during which test scores have fallen. Ms. Blood has been good friends with Board of Education President McDonald for over 30 years. Guest also posts the following: "This is no defense of McDonald or anyone else on the Board, though some of the members seem solid. But for the Leadbeater faction to stir the pot after losing the election decisively, and call an investigation into Ferraro's conduct - which seems warranted according to what I read in the Observer - a return to "friends and family" is ridiculous." Fact: Mayor Santos asked at the Board meeting what it was that the Board wanted investigated about Ferraro. He questioned whether the investigation was a "fishing expedition" to try to justify the removal of Ferraro. Board member Lindenfelser said for her it was the termination of an employee that she said Ferraro should not have terminated. This is the same employee which the Observer pointed out in their story had had several prior drug-related arrests and that the State said could not be employed in any NJ school. Another Board member talked about the failure to hire a truancy officer but failed to mention that it was the Board who failed to approve the recommendations of Ferraro for that position. Board member Viscuso stated that Ferraro lacked the qualifications to be appointed Superintendent but, as the Observer pointed out, McDonald herself withdrew a complaint challenging his qualifications because the NJ Department of Education found that Ferraro met the requirements. Fact: A citizen in the audience asked whether Ferraro would be reinstated if the investigation found no basis for the removal. After some silence from the new Board majority, the response incredibly was not yes. McDonald eventually mumbled something to the effect of maybe. In my opinion, having seen Boards of Education going back to when Onembo was Superintendent, this is an unseemly grab by the current majority to control jobs in our school district. How sad. What happened to improving education or the welfare of the district's children?

I don't know how much of what you say is true. I do know that unless you're referring to another Observer article apart from the one in this week's edition, it does not say what you claim it says.

It would be nice if people who hang around Kearny politics could just be honest occasionally, instead of trying to spin everything hopelessly beyond recognition.

[Guest Guest]

The Guest who posted on January 24 is exactly who she claims not to be: a "partisan" who is trying to disguise her strong interest in taking control of employment decisions in the Kearny school district. Just two very blatant distortions by Guest in her supposedly objective posting: "The opening post is obviously partisan. This is obvious from the fact that it is not true. Ferraro has not been removed." Fact: The new majority of the Board of Education appointed Ms. Blood as the Acting Superintendent of the Kearny school district just minutes after getting sworn in. All of Mr. Ferraro's belongings were then removed from his former office and shipped to him. How's that not "removed"?? As to Acting Superintendent Blood, her administrative experience is limited to 6 months as a Vice Principal in another school district and three years as Curriculum Advisor in the Kearny district. Yes, the same three years during which test scores have fallen. Ms. Blood has been good friends with Board of Education President McDonald for over 30 years. Guest also posts the following: "This is no defense of McDonald or anyone else on the Board, though some of the members seem solid. But for the Leadbeater faction to stir the pot after losing the election decisively, and call an investigation into Ferraro's conduct - which seems warranted according to what I read in the Observer - a return to "friends and family" is ridiculous." Fact: Mayor Santos asked at the Board meeting what it was that the Board wanted investigated about Ferraro. He questioned whether the investigation was a "fishing expedition" to try to justify the removal of Ferraro. Board member Lindenfelser said for her it was the termination of an employee that she said Ferraro should not have terminated. This is the same employee which the Observer pointed out in their story had had several prior drug-related arrests and that the State said could not be employed in any NJ school. Another Board member talked about the failure to hire a truancy officer but failed to mention that it was the Board who failed to approve the recommendations of Ferraro for that position. Board member Viscuso stated that Ferraro lacked the qualifications to be appointed Superintendent but, as the Observer pointed out, McDonald herself withdrew a complaint challenging his qualifications because the NJ Department of Education found that Ferraro met the requirements. Fact: A citizen in the audience asked whether Ferraro would be reinstated if the investigation found no basis for the removal. After some silence from the new Board majority, the response incredibly was not yes. McDonald eventually mumbled something to the effect of maybe. In my opinion, having seen Boards of Education going back to when Onembo was Superintendent, this is an unseemly grab by the current majority to control jobs in our school district. How sad. What happened to improving education or the welfare of the district's children?

I am the author of the Jan. 24 post, and I am not a female. And I have nothing to do with the BOE except being a resident of Kearny and a taxpayer. So I know for a fact that at least one of your suppositions is false.

This is not to attack you: Obviously you spend time at BOE meetings and following what they do. Unfortunately, you've become partisan. It's obvious from the little you've written in a couple of posts. Step back, be more objective, then make your contribution. It will be much more valuable. Unless of course that's not your intention.

[Guest Guest]

The Guest who posted on January 24 is exactly who she claims not to be: a "partisan" who is trying to disguise her strong interest in taking control of employment decisions in the Kearny school district. Just two very blatant distortions by Guest in her supposedly objective posting: "The opening post is obviously partisan. This is obvious from the fact that it is not true. Ferraro has not been removed." Fact: The new majority of the Board of Education appointed Ms. Blood as the Acting Superintendent of the Kearny school district just minutes after getting sworn in. All of Mr. Ferraro's belongings were then removed from his former office and shipped to him. How's that not "removed"?? As to Acting Superintendent Blood, her administrative experience is limited to 6 months as a Vice Principal in another school district and three years as Curriculum Advisor in the Kearny district. Yes, the same three years during which test scores have fallen. Ms. Blood has been good friends with Board of Education President McDonald for over 30 years. Guest also posts the following: "This is no defense of McDonald or anyone else on the Board, though some of the members seem solid. But for the Leadbeater faction to stir the pot after losing the election decisively, and call an investigation into Ferraro's conduct - which seems warranted according to what I read in the Observer - a return to "friends and family" is ridiculous." Fact: Mayor Santos asked at the Board meeting what it was that the Board wanted investigated about Ferraro. He questioned whether the investigation was a "fishing expedition" to try to justify the removal of Ferraro. Board member Lindenfelser said for her it was the termination of an employee that she said Ferraro should not have terminated. This is the same employee which the Observer pointed out in their story had had several prior drug-related arrests and that the State said could not be employed in any NJ school. Another Board member talked about the failure to hire a truancy officer but failed to mention that it was the Board who failed to approve the recommendations of Ferraro for that position. Board member Viscuso stated that Ferraro lacked the qualifications to be appointed Superintendent but, as the Observer pointed out, McDonald herself withdrew a complaint challenging his qualifications because the NJ Department of Education found that Ferraro met the requirements. Fact: A citizen in the audience asked whether Ferraro would be reinstated if the investigation found no basis for the removal. After some silence from the new Board majority, the response incredibly was not yes. McDonald eventually mumbled something to the effect of maybe. In my opinion, having seen Boards of Education going back to when Onembo was Superintendent, this is an unseemly grab by the current majority to control jobs in our school district. How sad. What happened to improving education or the welfare of the district's children?

It's Onnembo, genius.

[Guest Mulligan]

Onnembo

[Guest Where have u gone, Onembo?]

The fact remains that the BOE was a disaster under the Five Stooges, so we the people bounced them out at the first opportunity. The BOE has stunk for a very long time. The fact that McDonald's return to power represents a step up is a very sad statement about how bad it can get.

I'd still like to know what ANYBODY is doing about improving the quality of education. You comment on a lot of things, and maybe you have a point about the politics. But on the most important point of all, you are completely silent. If you want credibility, begin by saying specifically what has been done and should be done about that.

What should be done you ask? The Board of Education should get out of the way of the professionals and just let them do their jobs. Stop with the hiring of this or that friend or relative. Stop with protecting from discipline a hired friend or relative. It's the professionals who know education best, not the the members of the Board. This majority, like the last one, doesn't want the best qualified candidate for Superintendent. They want someone who's their person so decisions on friends and family go their way. I say disband the Board and let the State of New Jersey run the district.

[Guest Remove these Failures]

What should be done you ask? The Board of Education should get out of the way of the professionals and just let them do their jobs. Stop with the hiring of this or that friend or relative. Stop with protecting from discipline a hired friend or relative. It's the professionals who know education best, not the the members of the Board. This majority, like the last one, doesn't want the best qualified candidate for Superintendent. They want someone who's their person so decisions on friends and family go their way. I say disband the Board and let the State of New Jersey run the district.

State takeover is the only solution, this board is not upholding the duties of elected board members and never will.

[Guest Guest]

What should be done you ask? The Board of Education should get out of the way of the professionals and just let them do their jobs. Stop with the hiring of this or that friend or relative. Stop with protecting from discipline a hired friend or relative. It's the professionals who know education best, not the the members of the Board. This majority, like the last one, doesn't want the best qualified candidate for Superintendent. They want someone who's their person so decisions on friends and family go their way. I say disband the Board and let the State of New Jersey run the district.

That's not an answer. You said absolutely nothing.

The claim was that Ferraro did something to improve the quality of education. I want to know what he did. Apparently, nothing.

[Guest Where have u gone, Onembo?]

I am the author of the Jan. 24 post, and I am not a female. And I have nothing to do with the BOE except being a resident of Kearny and a taxpayer. So I know for a fact that at least one of your suppositions is false.

This is not to attack you: Obviously you spend time at BOE meetings and following what they do. Unfortunately, you've become partisan. It's obvious from the little you've written in a couple of posts. Step back, be more objective, then make your contribution. It will be much more valuable. Unless of course that's not your intention.

Male or Female, you didn't defend your post. I guess because you can't. You posted that Ferrarro, was not removed. That's false and a very slick play on words. You also said based on what you read in the Observer, there's a basis for an investigation of Ferraro. Still waiting to hear from you what that was since the terminated employee that was argued by Board member Lindenfelser and noted in the Observer was according to the State Commissioner of Education ineligible to be employed in the district because of drug-related criminal offenses.

This was a hatchet job led by the women on the Board of Education, Bernadette, Barbara and Cecilia. It's unseemly.

BTW, despite your denial, your statements give you away.... you are female.

I know it's Onnembo, not Onembo. There's not enough character space so I economized with one n and u instead of you. I will give you points for snarkiness, you're very good at that.

[Guest Black Eye]

Hey little bus driver ,you are the only clown that I know who replies to his own posts.I hope you realized that I used a lower case letter when addressing the words you and him........

[Guest Guest]

Male or Female, you didn't defend your post. I guess because you can't. You posted that Ferrarro, was not removed. That's false and a very slick play on words. You also said based on what you read in the Observer, there's a basis for an investigation of Ferraro. Still waiting to hear from you what that was since the terminated employee that was argued by Board member Lindenfelser and noted in the Observer was according to the State Commissioner of Education ineligible to be employed in the district because of drug-related criminal offenses.

This was a hatchet job led by the women on the Board of Education, Bernadette, Barbara and Cecilia. It's unseemly.

BTW, despite your denial, your statements give you away.... you are female.

I know it's Onnembo, not Onembo. There's not enough character space so I economized with one n and u instead of you. I will give you points for snarkiness, you're very good at that.

You seem to be assuming that the same person is writing all the posts that don't agree with you. That's not the case, and I'm still not a female. And what on earth does the gender of the Board members have to do with anything?

I'd still like to know what should be done to improve education in Kearny. Not platitudes or generalities but specifics.

[Guest DO IT NOW]

YOU WANT TO KNOW WHAT SHOULD BE DONE TO IMPROVE EDUCATION IN KEARNY? THIS IS VERY SPECIFIC, GET RID OF THE SITTING BOARD OF EDUCATION, PERIOD, END OF DISCUSSION AND EDUCATION WILL IMPROVE. THIS BOARD HAS MADE IT VERY CLEAR THAT THEY HAVE NO INTEREST WHATSOEVER IN CHILDRENS EDUCATION, RATHER WHO IS THE CHIEF SCHOOL ADMINISTRATOR (SUPERINTENDENT) NO OTHER BOARD IN HISTORY HAS TAKEN SUCH BLANTANT, RUTHLESS, RETAILATORY AND PREMEDITATED ACTION AS THIS BOARD HAS IN THEIR FIRST 10 MINTUES AS A SWORN BOARD. THEIR ACTION HAS ONLY ONE THING IN MIND, AND THAT IS TO HAVE A SUPER AND LET'S NOT FORGET THE SUPER'S SECRETARY, IN PLACE SO THEY CAN CONTROL ALL BUSINESS OF THE BOE, OF WHICH IS NOT THEIR DUTY AS A BOARD. THEIR ACTIONS HAS NOW JEOPERDIZED THE KHS CONSTRUCTION PROJECT, WHICH MR. FERRARO HAD ON TRACK AND IN ORDER, CAUSED A MAJOR DISTRACTION OF STAFF AFTER FINALLY A YEAR OF STABILITY AND CONTINUITY, DISRUPTED PROGRAMS AND DELIVERY OF EDUCATIONAL INSTRUCTION, PUT A HALT TO A TIME ACCOUNTABILITY TOOL WHICH WAS PAID FOR AND IMPLEMENTED THAN STOPPED AS SOON AS MS. BLOOD WAS APPOINTED, AFTER 2 YEARS OF LEGAL ISSUES WITH THE PAST PRINCIPAL OF KHS AND THE CASE ABOUT TO BE WON BY THE BOARD, DECIDED TO SETTLE TO THE TUNE OF $10,000.00 WITH PAYMENT MADE TO THEIR FRIEND CYNTHIA BAUMGARTNER DAYS BEFORE IT WAS ABOUT TO GO TO COURT, REMOVED THE BEST EDUCATIONAL ATTORNEY IN THE STATE, DAVID RUBIN, WHO HAS AN UNDEFEATED RECORD DEFENDING ANY ACTIONS TAKEN AGAINST THE BOARD SINCE HE WAS HIRED, FROM THE DORAN V. KBOE CASE, BASICALLY SO THEY CAN BLOW THE CASE AND GIVE THIS MULTIBLE CONVICTED FELON HIS JOB BACK, HAVE A MULTI-MILLION DOLLAR LAWSUIT FORM KHS CONTRACTOR FILED BECAUSE OF MRS. MCDONALD DEFAMATORY STATEMENTS, HAVE A MILLION DOLLAR LAWSUIT FROM MR. FERRARO FOR THEIR UNJUSTIFIED REMOVAL FROM SUPERINTENDENT, THE LIST GOES ON AND ON AND ON, AND IN SUCH A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME. NO DECISIONS WITH STUDENTS IN MIND AND NO REGARD FOR THE COSTS THAT TAXPAYERS WILL PAY !!!!!!

[Guest Guest]

YOU WANT TO KNOW WHAT SHOULD BE DONE TO IMPROVE EDUCATION IN KEARNY? THIS IS VERY SPECIFIC, GET RID OF THE SITTING BOARD OF EDUCATION, PERIOD, END OF DISCUSSION AND EDUCATION WILL IMPROVE. THIS BOARD HAS MADE IT VERY CLEAR THAT THEY HAVE NO INTEREST WHATSOEVER IN CHILDRENS EDUCATION . . .

I can't hear you when you shout. To me, you look like someone whose candidate (or maybe "who") just lost the election, badly, and doesn't like the result. There's no reason to think you're telling the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. If you're part of the Leadbeater-Campbell-Castelli faction and you think you're getting control back any time soon, don't hold your breath . . .

On second thought . . .

[Guest WICKED WITCHES]

THE ONLY PEOPLE I WANT TO SEE IN CONTROL IS THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY !!!!!! YOU'RE ALL A BUNCH OF HACKS. THIS HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH AN ELECTION THIS IS EVERYTHING TO DO ABOUT WHAT IS HAPPENING. I CAN TELL YOU'RE ONE OF THE HACKS BECAUSE OF YOUR REFERENCE TO "GETTING CONTROL BACK", THAT IS THE ONLY THING YOU HACKS ARE CONCERNED ABOUT AND MANY POSTS HERE REFERENCE THAT IS ALL YOU'RE ABOUT..........YOU JUST CONFIRMED IT !!!!!

AS FAR AS "RESULTS", THE ONLY RESULTS THAT THIS WHOLE TOWN DOES NOT LIKE IS THE RESULTS OF THE INAPPROPRIATE ACTIONS THE HACKS ARE TAKING WHICH WILL EFFECT EDUCATION POORLY AND TAXPAYERS DEEPLY !!!!!!!

YOU'RE AN EMBARRASSMENT TO THE KIDS AND TAXPAYERS OF THIS TOWN !!!!

[Guest Where have u gone, Onembo?]

You seem to be assuming that the same person is writing all the posts that don't agree with you. That's not the case, and I'm still not a female. And what on earth does the gender of the Board members have to do with anything?

I'd still like to know what should be done to improve education in Kearny. Not platitudes or generalities but specifics.

You refuse to answer any of the questions posed of you. Instead, you fire back your own questions to put me on the defensive. Well, ma'am, I have to say you are getting pretty desperate. There was no justified reason given by board members McDonald, Lindenfelser and Sherry for the removal of Ferraro. The stated reasons for his removal at the Board meeting, especially Lindenfelser's statement supporting the employee with a drug-related criminal record that Ferraro terminated, are incredible. These three women on the Board of Education (last time I checked, gender characteristics are commonly used in the English language to identify individuals) did a hatchet job on Ferraro.

As to your question as to what Ferraro did, he gave his defense at the Board of Education meeting which was summarized in the Observer. Ma'am, you care not to listen because it doesn't fit in the false narrative you're disseminating. Since you're going to reply by asking again what Ferraro did (because you can't defend your prior statements or even worse now won't own up to them), here are some of the things that Ferraro mentioned at the Board meeting -- getting the construction projects going, addressing new standardized testing requirements and preparing a strategic plan was some of the things he mentioned. All of that in just one year.

Stop pretending there's an objective reason to dismiss Ferraro. It's about about hiring and protecting family and friends for most of this Board of Education.

[Guest Guest]

You refuse to answer any of the questions posed of you. Instead, you fire back your own questions to put me on the defensive. Well, ma'am, I have to say you are getting pretty desperate. There was no justified reason given by board members McDonald, Lindenfelser and Sherry for the removal of Ferraro. The stated reasons for his removal at the Board meeting, especially Lindenfelser's statement supporting the employee with a drug-related criminal record that Ferraro terminated, are incredible. These three women on the Board of Education (last time I checked, gender characteristics are commonly used in the English language to identify individuals) did a hatchet job on Ferraro.

As to your question as to what Ferraro did, he gave his defense at the Board of Education meeting which was summarized in the Observer. Ma'am, you care not to listen because it doesn't fit in the false narrative you're disseminating. Since you're going to reply by asking again what Ferraro did (because you can't defend your prior statements or even worse now won't own up to them), here are some of the things that Ferraro mentioned at the Board meeting -- getting the construction projects going, addressing new standardized testing requirements and preparing a strategic plan was some of the things he mentioned. All of that in just one year.

Stop pretending there's an objective reason to dismiss Ferraro. It's about about hiring and protecting family and friends for most of this Board of Education.

I don't owe you any answers. The Board owes us all answers, and from what I read in the Observer, they gave them. Apparently Ferraro was making decisions without proper consultation with the Board. You may not agree with those reasons but they are valid. And calling this "friends and family" ignores the fact that they never wanted Ferraro in the first place. You have your version of the motives but you're not necessarily right.

And I'm still not a female. I told you, I have no connection to anyone on the Board. What about you? Where do you fit in here?

[Guest Guest]

The truth hurts

The Supt.of Schools revealed a deficit in the budget. The board is using a surplus to fund this deficit. That's like paying your mortgage from your savings. You will run out of money. Strange, the board moves to remove Mr. Ferrarro. The truth hurts.

This action by the board is going to cost the taxpayer big money.

We, the taxpayer pay while the board plays.

A man is fired because he did his job. If only the board would their job.

When was the last discussion at the board meeting that concerned our children.

Board Members, your job is to see that the schools are run well, not to run the schools. It's what you agreed to do when elected.

[Guest Guest]

THE ONLY PEOPLE I WANT TO SEE IN CONTROL IS THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY !!!!!! YOU'RE ALL A BUNCH OF HACKS. THIS HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH AN ELECTION THIS IS EVERYTHING TO DO ABOUT WHAT IS HAPPENING. I CAN TELL YOU'RE ONE OF THE HACKS BECAUSE OF YOUR REFERENCE TO "GETTING CONTROL BACK", THAT IS THE ONLY THING YOU HACKS ARE CONCERNED ABOUT AND MANY POSTS HERE REFERENCE THAT IS ALL YOU'RE ABOUT..........YOU JUST CONFIRMED IT !!!!!

AS FAR AS "RESULTS", THE ONLY RESULTS THAT THIS WHOLE TOWN DOES NOT LIKE IS THE RESULTS OF THE INAPPROPRIATE ACTIONS THE HACKS ARE TAKING WHICH WILL EFFECT EDUCATION POORLY AND TAXPAYERS DEEPLY !!!!!!!

YOU'RE AN EMBARRASSMENT TO THE KIDS AND TAXPAYERS OF THIS TOWN !!!!

Please stop the "all caps" thing - it makes it very difficult to understand what you're saying.

I did however struggle through your rant and am able to offer this - the taxpayers of Kearny do not want a state take-over. Your property values to drop into the toilet. Towns that were taken over by the state - Jersey City, Newark, Paterson, Camden - were and still are a mess. The state has not been able to show any improvements in these communities since 1989 when the state first took over the Jersey City schools.

Jersey City has managed to develop a "blue ribbon" high school over the years but is still under partial state control. The state of NJ is not in the business of running local school systems.

Perhaps more of the taxpayers need to attend BOE meetings and hold these elected officials to task. If the number of disgruntled citizens who complain on this board actually showed up in person to see what is going on and stood up when the opportunity called, every meeting would be standing room only and the members of the BOE would know that their actions are transparent and that the community is keeping their eyes on things. Unfortunately, Monday night on CBS does have some great sit-coms so I can see why you can't make the meetings.

[Guest Guest]

Please stop the "all caps" thing - it makes it very difficult to understand what you're saying.

I did however struggle through your rant and am able to offer this - the taxpayers of Kearny do not want a state take-over. Your property values to drop into the toilet. Towns that were taken over by the state - Jersey City, Newark, Paterson, Camden - were and still are a mess. The state has not been able to show any improvements in these communities since 1989 when the state first took over the Jersey City schools.

Jersey City has managed to develop a "blue ribbon" high school over the years but is still under partial state control. The state of NJ is not in the business of running local school systems.

Perhaps more of the taxpayers need to attend BOE meetings and hold these elected officials to task. If the number of disgruntled citizens who complain on this board actually showed up in person to see what is going on and stood up when the opportunity called, every meeting would be standing room only and the members of the BOE would know that their actions are transparent and that the community is keeping their eyes on things. Unfortunately, Monday night on CBS does have some great sit-coms so I can see why you can't make the meetings.

I agree. Problem with what gets posted here is that a reasonable person can't know what to believe. A disgruntled faction just lost power. They behaved very irresponsibly when in office, which is why they were voted out. Their entire premise for running, year after year, was that they offered the angry man complaint but that doesn't solve problems. I wouldn't put it past them and their supporters to lie about the current Board. This is NOT to defend the current Board. It would just be a lot easier if people would tell the truth instead of spinning a story or outright lying.