How bold it was to approve a 2% pay raise for administrators.  Just consider the total disregard these individuals have for the community. 

AK is taking pay cuts, my business did not give increases and eliminated all bonuses, and have let go 3000 employees, eliminate medical benefits for spouses and now discussing the same as AK is considering. 

Yet, here in Middletown we approve a 2% increase.  These people really don't have any regard for the community.  In addition, look at all the empty houses and those that have lost their jobs.  We must do something to stop this insanity !

Your right, here comes an emergency tax levy. 

I can see it now.  In 2011, the schools will be in such a financial dilemma that they will announce to cut out the bussing, eliminate sports - especially football, toss out several teachers - heck, the icing on the cake is a few sacrificial lambs.  That's the ticket to reach the tender hearted voters and those parents that both work.  How’s my child going to get to school ? 

The school board executive session will create their 2011 mission statement - "Intimidation to financialization"   

Its the same approach every time.  We will begin to see the $200 painted plywood signs around town telling voters to vote "YES" for issue "#4.  Once the issue is passed, back to work to abuse the authority, mis-direct funding and over spend.   WOW, the pressure is off for 2-3 years !

What the heck, why not follow Madison School Boards lead and take a trip to Las Vegas to have a board meeting.  OOPS, I’m thinking that our city council also had such a benchmarking expedition.

Have you ever seen the movie "Ground Hog Day" ? 

Yep, $ 9500 per month is quite pricy.  Obvious, these board members are missing a critical cost-management skill.   You know – cost vs benefit analysis.  It would take all of 3 minutes to capture this in a business model and show this was not a good approach.  Oh, that’s right, we have business entrepreneurs on the committee who know all this, they let us know that last night.  Just how many of these individuals really perform at an executive level in a business.  I think we already know the answer.  

Just how effective, proactive, aggressive and self challenging will a retired double dipping pinch hitter perform in the position.  Sounds like a 9am-2pm position with golf scheduled after 3pm. 

I agree, not sure what these board members are thinking.  

Correct about Katie, she is a dominating individual.  She was more effective and there was a better board member balance with the Board Members we had 3 yrs ago.  Just look what that group executed, all new schools, and many other improvements.  The momentum is gone!  There is certainly an unfavorable dynamic with this group.  Doesn't appear they will be effective to deliver the results we need to realize. 

We require a board that approaches the situation as if we were in a crisis, not passive with petty disagreements.  You heard one member last night very clearly articulate she has a threshold for her time and commitment to the process.  I understand, although, maybe she is not the right person for this responsibility at this critical time to represent our schools.  

Again, as I said earlier, there exist a common theme between the City Council and Middletown School Board.