Barely a dozen turned up, he said, pointing up one of the issues discussed at the League of Women Voters candidates' forum Tuesday.
"No one comes out," Hurtt said in his opening statement. "You can't expect transparency if there's no eyes."
The issues of transparency and involvement came up again among questions from the audience at Emerson Community School. Candidate Tania Center said those who have questions at board meetings must ask them all at once "and that's it."
"It's not a very inviting forum," she said, and her running mate Michael Horn agreed that questions don't get answered.
The third member of their slate, Norman Ortega, called the meeting venue "dark" and characterized the board as "queens and kings" acting "draconian."
Terrance Bellamy, a candidate who leads the Woodland School PTO, said he found the secret to getting parents out there was to "feed them." He said he has seen large numbers of angry parents turn out for board meetings, but not lately, maybe because "things are running a little better."
David Rutherford, who is running on a slate with Bellamy and Carletta Jeffers, disputed the notion of board sessions being "parent meetings." Jeffers noted the district has a lot of single parents who can't easily attend meetings and suggested using a newsletter to 'ask them what they need."
Hurtt modified his initial comment on involvement by saying he was not just talking about board meetings and mentioned an educational film series that drew interest.
The seven candidates, who are vying for three three-year seats, are on the Nov. 4 ballot. The Plainfield City Council voted in 2012 to move the school board election from April to November.
Among other topics, the candidates responded to a question on what the district has done well and what it has done poorly
Ortega said the district has done well with "port of entry" students, QSAC scores and a new science lab.But he said much more must be done for low-performing students and the district should hire the "best and brightest" teachers.
Jeffers said the best thing was the hiring of Superintendent Anna Belin-Pyles, which has created stability, but communication was "not working."
Hurtt said district accomplishments were "mostly facility-related," but felt the main focus should be on education. He cited a higher graduation rate for the high school, though with "low proficiency" that would hinder students in college.
Horn named a number of sports achievements, such as state champions in basketball and a winning soccer team, but said education was most important. He said as soon as students get to eighth grade, many leave the district.
Center found success in the robotics team, the core curriculum and the science lab, but said the district is "not engaged in clear, open, honest communication with the community."
Bellamy said security has improved "drastically" and the superintendent has brought stability, but communication was not done well.
Rutherford said teachers could use a new contract.
"It's been two years now," he said.
The best things, he said, were increases in state Department of Education scores from 8 percent for government and 11 for fiscal operations to 100 percent and 95 percent respectively.
In closing remarks, Horn said the district needs to bring back instruction in the trades. Jeffers said she intends to be "the squeaky wheel and a thorn in the side." Bellamy said he wants to bring "a parental perspective to the board." Rutherford said he wanted to "take a big picture view" of the school board..
"A lot has changed, but there is a long way to go," he said.
Center said, "This is a failing district" and said the board was backing the slate opposing hers.
"We have to close the achievement gap," Ortega said, claiming all schools were performing below average.
Hurtt had the last word. He said he decided to run again, but not on a slate, "to give this board back to you."
The audience burst into applause for Hurtt, drawing a quick admonition on fairness from moderator Dawn Clarke, LWVNJ vice president for voter services.
What she may not have known was that the supposedly nonpartisan school board race this year had become practically a proxy war between political rivals Jerry Green and John Campbell. Green is an Assemblyman and the Democratic Party chairman of Plainfield and also of Union County. He is backing Horn, Ortega and Center. Campbell, whose wife Wilma is the school board president, is backing Rutherford, Jeffers and Bellamy. The rivalry has become intense in recent weeks.
the candidates for the Second & Third Wards at-large seat were present. First Ward candidate Diane Toliver is running unopposed. Third Ward Democratic candidate Gloria Taylor did not submit a bio or responses to League questions and was not present, nor was her Republican opponent, Randy Bullock.
Republican William Michelson is challenging incumbent Councilwoman Rebecca Williams, a Democrat, for a four-year term. Michelson, an attorney, described himself as "a guy that loves Plainfield." He cited his service on the Planning Board and the Historic Preservation Commission as well as his role in rewriting the city's master plan. Williams is a college professor who served on the Cultural & Heritage Commission and was educational director for the Historical Society of Plainfield
Among their answers to questions from the audience:
On municipal checks and balances, Williams said the council provides them to the executive branch. The council reviews the bills list and check register "to make sure the administration stays on the straight and narrow." She said many oversight issues that recurred year after year arenow being addressed by the new administration.
Michelson said he often sees checks and balances used in a negative way, alluding to quid pro quo practices among council members. But he said as an attorney he is used to bringing people together.
"I try to knock their heads together and get things settled," he said.
On youth centers, Michelson agreed with Williams that there are many resources for young people and it might not be necessary to build another one. Williams named the Boys & Girls Club, Shiloh Cultural Center and community schools as existing resources.
(Plaintalker will post more on this part of the forum tomorrow.)
Gloria submitted nothing and want there?? Isnt that a suprise? Just wait, she will be claiming once again that no one told her about it.
ReplyDeleteGloria thinks she's too good for Plainfield. She was too good to come out to the Ward Two Cookout in Leland Park. Maybe Plainfield should vote like its too good for Gloria.
ReplyDelete