Woodstock CT Café

by Pomfretite 

Iran, which is probably more conservative than any of us would consider ourselves, legalized contraceptives because of the high costs of prohibiting them to the government and human happiness. The government now provides birth control pills and condoms free of charge at health clinics. In addition, couples must attend family planning classes prior to receiving their marriage licenses. Contraceptives prevent further population growth and the spread of STDs. Funding contraceptives helps to prevent abortions, which is a win for pro-life advocates and the women who might otherwise need to make an extremely emotional decision that I (and every other man) will never need to make.

Democrats are not pro-abortion, but they do want to maintain a woman’s right to make the choice for herself. Nancy Pelosi has personally stated that she wants to reduce the number of abortions. Pelosi said that contraceptives, not abortions, will reduce costs. Contraceptives are not unborn children, they just prevent children (like abstinence). None of the stimulus money will go directly to fund abortions, but will provide contraceptives and help the health of expecting mothers and newborn babies who might otherwise die at an early age.

According to the World Health Organization the legal status of abortions does nothing to prevent women from having an abortion. 20 million unsafe abortions are performed each year resulting in the deaths of 67 thousand women. Legalizing abortion and removing social stigma prevents these unsafe abortions and helps to make them safer. Read the rest of this entry »

by Newcomer

You (to A Taxpayer) had raised this issue about accountability for Sped vs. accountability for WA both in general and as it pertains to this one child. My answer to you, in case you missed it, was basically to say that I did not have enough information to give you an answer. The answer would be based on obtaining from EastConn the accountability that you are seeking. I said you could possibly compare numbers in groups of students so as not to single out individuals. But in order to do so, I asked if EastConn provided any figures as to the cost of their services and test scores/outcomes. If they do, to whom do they provide it? To the Academy, to the BOE, or to both? If the information is available, one could then compare results of students outsourced to EastConn vs. results of students outsourced to all other programs. I would think one would have to lump the other outsourced institutions into one group in order to avoid singling a particular child out if only one attends a certain academic institution. If the info is not available from EastConn, then I would be interested to know why it isn’t. And I’m not even 100% certain that a comparison such as this is possible. It could turn out to be apples to oranges depending on how varied the needs of the students are and the types of programs/services, and their associated costs are from these different schools/institutions. So, as long as the info is given in general terms and can be given in a way that provides a fair and accurate comparison, then yes, that should be done.

You also raised the question as to whether or not WES and WPS have other, more affordable options such as also outsourcing to EastConn. Again, I stated that I lacked the info needed to address this. I do not know what age groups EastConn serves and in what capacity, ie., what services/programs do they offer. Read the rest of this entry »

By A Taxpayer

In any situation where public funds are being used…whether it be national security issues such as a war or bailout of banks, to local issues such as fire protection, educational funding, their is an obligation to provide the taxpayer with fully transparent accountability of how, where, and when specific money is being spent and the results of such expenditures.

There is a system we have in this country which is responsible for obtaining this information, on behalf of the taxpayer, in a manner that provides confidentiality and respect to all parties involved….and yet, carries the weight of responsibility directly to the individual taxpayers.

This system is called “government” and if Snuffy believes that those who use publically funded tax dollars are not responsible to either the federal, the state, or the local governments of this country than perhaps he has a lot more trust than I do. Good for him.

Regardless, if accountability to the taxpayer is not provided, then perhaps its because the taxpayers are not asking for it. We have all seen what happens when we don’t. In the words of Barney Frank this past week, “Americans do not hold their elected official accountable enough”. I believe that this is true and until we all start asking a little more questions and bearing a little more weight on our government to represent us in a fashion that supports accountability and transparency, we will pay a dear price….which we can see right before us in this past weeks news that we are already. Clearly, a message was sent by the elcetion of Obama Barack that Americans want change and are tired of the old ways of government.

from Chris Pitts 

Congressman Joe Courtney announced today that he will host five Town Hall forums to discuss provisions of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 plan proposed by President Barack Obama and the Congress.

Each Town Hall will focus on a specific portion of the recovery and reinvestment legislation and how the provisions will help to create new jobs in the region and make Connecticut more competitive for the future. Courtney will be joined by expert panelists who will discuss the stimulus program as it relates to specific industries and answer questions from constituents.

“We are facing unprecedented economic challenges and the best way to continue advocating for the needs of my constituents is to have the benefit of their views,” stated Courtney. “I urge Second District residents to attend these forums to learn how the economic stimulus recovery and reinvestment will impact their lives and our community.”

Congressman Courtney has already hosted nearly a dozen events with local organizations, school districts, and state and town officials to discuss the economic crisis and the best method to create new jobs.

For more information, Second Congressional District residents may call Congressman Courtney’s Norwich District office at (860) 886-0139.

The following are the scheduled Town Hall meetings (media welcome):

Monday, February 16 at 6:00 PM: Education and Global Competitiveness
UConn, Dodd Center, Konover Auditorium, 405 Babbidge Road, Storrs

Focus: How will the economic recovery and reinvestment plan improve our education system and make our nation more competitive for the future in a global economy? Should our nation make a greater investment in science, technology, engineering and mathematics?

Wednesday, February 18 at 6:00 PM: Addressing our aging infrastructure and transportation needs
Groton City Municipal Building Auditorium, 295 Meridian St, Groton Read the rest of this entry »

by Smila 

In a culture that measures everything quantitatively, is it any wonder that we must force ourselves with legal contrivances to do the right thing? The BOE is an entity charged with certain obligations, one of which is to ensure the adherance of its school system to the overlying state statutes. It hasn’t a damn thing to do with ‘good intentions’ – that is what the road to hell is paved with.

As we have progressed (some may say evolved, but the jury is still out on that one)as a species, we have gone from finding it reasonable to refuse to accept any child outside a predetermined ‘norm’ (think Sparta), to warehousing ‘unacceptables’ in large institutions (think Willowbrook among many others of less abusive nature), to now our legally enforced protection of the rights of those who cannot protect themselves. I’m quite certain that in the future these conversations regarding the treatment and education of these individuals will be seen as bordering on the barbaric. So, from that perspective I think the answers should be fairly clear.

1.) Yes, as taxpayers we are obligated to provide for these children. One can certainly argue about the ‘pragmatics’ of where to assign the accounting of the cost ( ‘public education’ or some other arbitrary organizational assignation), but certainly one cannot argue the obligation. Though certainly there are many that would.

2.) Assuming the town of Woodstock is paying for these services, we should have a full accounting of how our money is spent. As far as how that accounting correlates to the ‘progress’ of the individual involved, is there some kind of timetable, some pre-assigned parameter that governs when a ’skill’ must be mastered? Outcome based criteria for services? Are you timing how many deliveries the UPS man makes in a hour or are you trying to honor the obligation of humanity?
Read the rest of this entry »

by Arne

To answer some of the questions, if you read the special education laws, both state and federal, you realize that the definition of education has been broadened to mean much more than just ‘book learning.’  In the case of a special education student, a school can be responsible for a multitude of services that in the past might have seemed beyond the scope of a traditional education.  The definition changed so that students who needed specialized instruction in a variety of areas were entitled to them in order for them to make progress.  

Many court cases were decided in favor of the parents request for specific services that schools had not previously provided.   And as parent of a special education student, how can you blame them for seeking out services and programs that improve their children’s abilities to function better, even if it is only slightly better. 

In this day and age, all school systems provide OT, PT, and nursing services if they are needed in order for a special education student to show gains in their development.  And to understand why school systems often try not to fight with parents over programs and services, just look at the court cases where the school systems have lost.  Whenever a disgreement occurs between a school and a parent, the burden of proof as to the appropriateness of a school program or the refusal of a particular service rests with the school, not with the parents so if a school loses, not only do they have to pay for the program/service the parent wanted, the school is also obligated to pay any parent attorney fees.  Therefore, schools are often hesitant to go down the path that causes conflict.

by Arne 

RE: “Gengras/St.Joe: Student M: $82,300″ from the 2007/2008 budget 

The young man who was placed at Gengras was ‘inherited’ from another public school system when his mother moved back to Woodstock.  He was 19 years old, did not walk, did not talk, was not toilet trained, was intellectually disabled, had brain damage, and was tube fed.  Besides being in a self-contained class for severely impaired individuals he required nursing services, a one to one TA, OT services, PT services, Speech and Language services, specialized vocational experiences (because of his age it is required), and special transportation.  He not only went to school during the regular school year but also had summer services.  He was undoubtedly the most severe special education student the school system has had.  The Woodstock school system tried to return him to Woodstock to reduce costs but the mother would not hear of it because this student had been in the Gengras program for a long time.  Even if he had come back to Woodstock, he probably would have cost as much in an EastConn program as this program costs around $47,000 for a student who is just a behavioral issue or has a severe learning disability. 

So yes, this poor kid’s teaching was very expensive and, no, he did not make much progress; but the school system was still required by state statutes to provide him with a very extensive (and expensive) program.

by Con

Let’s Wait and Watch with Respect to Obama and the Stimulus Plan.

It’s far too early to draw a comprehensive Conclusion with regard to the Obama Presidency, or the Stimulus Package. It will take time and an enormous effort before we will see results of any kind; without these results, any Conclusions are fundamentally flawed – they are premature, based on flawed/false assumptions and invariably are highly political. A flawed assumption in a line of reasoning renders the resulting Conclusion flawed. These flawed assumptions are hidden (often purposefully) and go unchallenged, while the flawed Conclusion is repeated and adds to the divisiveness in this Country.

The most intelligent and wisest persons are watching and waiting; they recognize that we are in the very early stage of a new administration and a new approach; they recognize that it’s impossible to conclude whether this administration and this Plan has succeeded or failed – there has not been nearly enough time for anyone to draw fulsome conclusions. These smart people also resist the urge to believe and repeat (aka ‘Parrot’) the hyperbole of self-proclaimed experts who spout extreme and divisive views. Too many have rushed into taking a Political Position. The smartest ones are waiting and watching quietly.

Unfortunately, many others have gone ‘Straight To Panic!’ – they’ve drawn (or adopted) half-baked, Foregone Conclusions. Many then dig in their heels, close their minds and seemingly refuse to consider any other notions or ideas. Why the burning rush to draw comprehensive, all-encompassing Conclusions? This panic and negativity is a drag on our collective progress; those who advocate this brand of divisiveness based on their negative foregone conclusions are not helping in any fashion. Even though not much time has passed, already I have heard enough panic and negativity.

This country does not need further divisiveness. Divisiveness harms us all in many ways – I would hope we can agree on that premise (excuse the irony…). These immature, foregone Conclusions regarding Obama or the Plan seem to share the trait of divisiveness; those advocating certain Conclusions seem to posses more allegiance to their party or group than to the Country as a whole. Read the rest of this entry »

from Kevin’s comment below: “Let’s be clear on what the matter of the case was that the Preston Shultz claims to have won (and it was the taxpayers and children who were the real losers here). What it boils down to is one of the agenda items on an executive session was not clear enough. The commission had no problem about if what we discussed in executive session should have been discussed in executive session. So the upshot of this is that the administration will word agenda items more clearly in the future, probably something he could have accomplished with a strongly worded letter. That is Mr. Shultz’s great victory.”

Preston Shultz is revelling about the recent decision by the FOIA Commission which was as follows “Henceforth the Respondant (WBOE)  shall strictly comply with the provisions of 1-225(c) and 1-225(f)” of the General Statutes which have to do with the way they announce executive sessions. Preston Shultz and the UnTruth website are claiming this as a great victory for the UnTruth website and the CPS led by Preston Shultz. However, these school system antagonists, who have repeatedly filed lawsuits against the school system, failed to report the outcome of their last FOIA attack which was ruled on in September. They must have just forgotton to bring this up.

To keep the record straight, the Cafe is publishing this September ruling below in its entirety.  

This complaint was dismissed in September.   

FREEDOM OF INFORMATION COMMISSION
OF THE STATE OF CONNECTICUT

In the Matter of a Complaint by FINAL DECISION Docket #FIC 2008-068
Preston D. Shultz and Citizens for Prudent Spending,Complainants   
   against    
Superintendent of Schools, Woodstock Public Schools; and Woodstock Public Schools, Respondents September 10, 2008

The above-captioned matter was heard as a contested case on June 5, 2008, at which time the complainants and the respondents appeared, stipulated to certain facts and presented testimony, exhibits and argument on the complaint.  For purposes of hearing, the matter was consolidated with Docket #FIC 2008-015; Preston D. Shultz and Citizens for Prudent Spending v. Superintendent of Schools, Woodstock Public Schools and Board of Education, Woodstock Public Schools.

After consideration of the entire record, the following facts are found and conclusions of law are reached: Read the rest of this entry »

Senate passes $787 billion stimulus bill; it now goes to the president’s desk.

This is a nearly $789 billion compromise version of President Barack Obama’s economic recovery plan. Additional debt costs would add about $330 billion over 10 years. Many provisions expire in two years.

Spending

AID TO POOR AND UNEMPLOYED

— $40 billion to provide extended unemployment benefits through Dec. 31, and increase them by $25 a week; $20 billion to increase food stamp benefits by 14 percent; $4 billion for job training; $3 billion in temporary welfare payments.

DIRECT CASH PAYMENTS

— $14.2 billion to give one-time $250 payments to Social Security recipients, poor people on Supplemental Security Income, and veterans receiving disability and pensions.

INFRASTRUCTURE

— $46 billion for transportation projects, including $27.5 billion for highway and bridge construction and repair; $8.4 billion for mass transit; $8 billion for construction of high-speed railways and $1.3 billion for Amtrak; $4.6 billion for the Army Corps of Engineers; $4 billion for public housing improvements; $6 billion for clean and drinking water projects; $7.2 billion to bring broadband Internet service to underserved areas; $4.2 billion to repair and modernize Defense Department facilities.

HEALTH CARE

— $24.7 billion to provide a 65 percent subsidy of health care insurance premiums for the unemployed under the COBRA program; $86.6 billion to help states with Medicaid; $19 billion to modernize health information technology systems; $10 billion for health research and construction of National Institutes of Health facilities; $1 billion for prevention and wellness programs. Read the rest of this entry »

“The number of first-time applications for jobless benefits dropped to a seasonally-adjusted 623,000, from an upwardly revised figure of 631,000 the previous week.”
“Economists consider jobless claims a timely, if volatile, indicator of the health of the labor markets and broader economy. A year ago, initial claims stood at 339,000.”

Also

“Retail sales unexpectedly rebounded, likely boosted by post-holiday discounts and providing a glimmer of hope for the recession-hit economy.”
“The Commerce Department said total retail sales rose 1%, advancing for the first time in seven months, after slumping a revised 3% in December, previously reported as a 2.7% decline.
January’s increase in retail sales was the biggest since November 2007 and beat economists’ expectations for a 0.8% decline. But compared to January 2008, sales were down 9.7%.”

see this Reuters news release in USAToday.

Also

“Foreclosures dropped in January, a possible sign that efforts to slow foreclosures through moratoriums and mortgage modifications are having some effect.”

see this article in USAToday.

by A Student 

I mentioned boiler pictures…. For anyone interested, here are some pictures of the backup boiler room at the Elementary School. This is the room that’s behind the greenhouse.

The backup boiler (not normally used, just when additional heat is needed or another boiler is down):

One of a few old firers laying around (this appears to be the oldest, maybe the original):
Read the rest of this entry »

Budget discussions are underway at the Board of Education. We encourage the community to attend a forum regarding the Education Budget which will be held Thursday, March 5, at 7 p.m. in the cafeteria at WMS. The Board of Selectmen and the Board of Finance have been invited as well. This is an important opportunity to voice your thoughts on our educational spending priorities. You may also contact us at asktheboard@woodstockschools.net.

Below we respond to some of the community’s frequently asked questions about the Education budget. You can receive more detail on these questions as well as any others you may have by calling the Superintendent, Dr. Baran, at 928-7453. Per pupil comparative cost data are from the State’s website: http://www.sde.ct.gov/sde/cwp/view.asp?A=2635&Q=322152 (Latest data available 2006-07.) This is the first in a series of topics we plan to address. You can also find these posted on the schools’ website at www.woodstockschools.net.

Q What has been the rate of growth in Woodstock’s education budget over time?

A Over the past five years, Woodstock’s total education budget has increased at a compound annual rate of growth of 5%, to $15,475,800 for this fiscal year 2008-09. This includes all regular education costs K-8, all high school regular education costs, and all special education costs K-12.  Of these categories, the greatest driver of costs has been special education (PreK- 8 ) which has increased at an average annual rate of 8.4%. All high school costs (including special education) have increased at an average rate of 5.2%. All PreK – 8 costs (including special education) have increased at an average annual rate of 4.8%. All regular education costs (PreK- 8 ) have increased at an average rate of 4.0%.

Q How does the district try to better manage costs in the budget?

A The district is diligent in its ongoing initiatives to gain cost savings and increased efficiency. Administration uses cooperative purchasing, consortium membership, competitive bidding and routine cost comparisons for most purchases as appropriate. In recent years, an Early Retirement Incentive program to our teachers and a CL&P lighting retrofit have saved tens of thousands of dollars. We maximize efficiencies in bus fleet management and building maintenance. Further savings in the budget result from our efforts to maximize grant opportunities and to leverage volunteers and contributions from the PTO, the WEF, the WMS music boosters and the WMS athletic boosters (these groups collectively represent over tens of thousands of dollars in program support annually).

Q How does our teacher compensation compare to other districts?

A The Board looked closely at comparative salary schedules during our teacher negotiations last fall.  Our compensation scales are fair and generally tend to be near averages for both Windham County and DRG E.  Our negotiated contractual increase over the next three years are 1.57%, 1.78% and 2.32% per year. Including step increments, the increases are 3.85%, 3.95% and 4.0 % for 2009-10, 2010-11, and 2011-12, respectively. Statewide teacher settlement averages are 4.4%, 4.53%, and 4.47% (as of October 2008). Our recent teacher settlement adds two instructional days from teachers’ professional days, and increases the instructional day by 10 minutes. In general, our teachers are committed, hardworking and effective, and many spend far more hours than are contractually required.  The Board remains interested in exploring potential alternative compensation structures which better recognize teachers’ knowledge and skills in their contributions to educational success. Our new contract provides for an annual stipend for teachers who attain National Board Certification, and for tuition reimbursement under certain conditions.  Read the rest of this entry »

The Cafe has a number of sources of activity. We have our Stat Counter that produced the data below. We also have the hits on our server which is the most accurate measurement. While the Stat Counter produced much lower numbers than hits on our server, the Stat Counter allows us to make consistent comparisons. The higher counts on ‘hits on server’ are because the server detects visitors that mask their internet protocol (IP) and, thus, are not detected by the Stat Counter. If we were to take the hits on server it would show 1 million page turns for the year February 1 2008 to January 31 2009. This equates to an average of 2740 page turns per day for 365 days. Nevertheless, here is the Stat Counter data for the last four years from January 1 to February 9.

It’s the BLUE bars that are the most informative because when we changed our format one year ago, the ratio between unique visitors and page turns diminished.

Jan 1, 2009 – Feb 9, 2009

Jan 1, 2008 – Feb 9, 2008

Read the rest of this entry »

Yesterday Kevin provided and analysis of the trend and dynamics between the K-8 costs and the total high school costs. Most of the high school costs are due to Academy costs. Today we have added an analysis comparing the impact of fluctuating Academy tuition on the K-8 instructional expeditures. We provide our calculations underneath the graphs below. Our starting numbers came directly from the 2008-2009 BOE budget approved by the June 2008 referendum. These calculations do not include construction, SPED, and transportation costs.

If the BOE budget has no increase from the 2008-09 budget to the 2009-10 budget, then an increase in Academy tuition will be subtracted from the K-8 instructional expeditures assuming all other expenditures remain the same. The education of about 940 K-8 students will be impacted negatively for the benefit of about 460 Academy students.

Read the rest of this entry »