Middletown Forum : School Chief's Pay Defended

Middletown Forum : School Chief's Pay Defended http://www.middletownusa.com/forum/ This is an XML content feed of; Middletown Forum : School Board : School Chief's Pay Defended Tue, 06 Oct 2026 18:56:55 +0000 Tue, 12 Jul 2011 11:02:14 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 10.12 360 www.middletownusa.com/forum/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=3958 Middletown Forum http://middletownusa.com/images/blog-logo.jpg http://www.middletownusa.com/forum/ School Chief's Pay Defended : The Journal said that current... http://www.middletownusa.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=3958&PID=28451&title=school-chiefs-pay-defended#28451 Author: sassygirl
Subject: 3958
Posted: Jul 12 2011 at 11:02am

The Journal said that current supt. gets $750 per month for a car allowance. Why didn't the board just buy him a car, the payments could have been less. Who needs $750 per month to drive around Middletown anyway?????? The city isn't that big. He gets reimbursed if he goes out of town. Is this just a cover by the board to give the last man standing more money without it showing up in his salary?
]]> Tue, 12 Jul 2011 11:02:14 +0000 http://www.middletownusa.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=3958&PID=28451&title=school-chiefs-pay-defended#28451 School Chief's Pay Defended : Vet, acclaro, spiderjohn, Smart... http://www.middletownusa.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=3958&PID=28337&title=school-chiefs-pay-defended#28337 Author: silver bells
Subject: 3958
Posted: Jul 06 2011 at 5:59pm

Vet, acclaro, spiderjohn, Smart man, et al:

I have to say again how much I admire your concern, courage, and common sense approach to what goes on in Middletown and its schools. I have learned a great deal from your blogging over the past four years or so. It is reassuring that decent, smart people in Middletown really care about its future. Thank you for that. We need your forthright voices.

Maybe I can offer something helpful to you.

Rich Hoffman is a West Chester businessman, writer and “warrior,” amongst other things. Below is the link to his blog site. Be sure to travel back through previous months’ blogs to as far as August 2010 to read his thoughts on all things education, although he writes social commentary across the spectrum.

If he doesn’t ring a bell ;) just delete.

But if you think his ideas have value, pass his blog on to others. And, strap yourselves to the mast J

htti://overmanwarrior.wordpress.com/about/

]]> Wed, 06 Jul 2011 17:59:23 +0000 http://www.middletownusa.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=3958&PID=28337&title=school-chiefs-pay-defended#28337 School Chief's Pay Defended : Well said ground swat. http://www.middletownusa.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=3958&PID=28269&title=school-chiefs-pay-defended#28269 Author: Bocephus
Subject: 3958
Posted: Jul 02 2011 at 5:14pm

Well said ground swat.]]> Sat, 02 Jul 2011 17:14:05 +0000 http://www.middletownusa.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=3958&PID=28269&title=school-chiefs-pay-defended#28269 School Chief's Pay Defended : Well I guess if you have the "cash"... http://www.middletownusa.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=3958&PID=28268&title=school-chiefs-pay-defended#28268 Author: ground swat
Subject: 3958
Posted: Jul 02 2011 at 4:27pm

Well I guess if you have the "cash" don't worry about the MCS. I'm glad that a few board members come on and try to address questions but IMO it's really down to one topic and thats holding students and parents accountable for preformance. This must come from the top. If in fact the state has the system in a strangle hold and the school can't remove the trouble makers because of loosing funding then please fill us in, otherwise 3 strikes and your out. And don't think the private schools don't drop the ball on behavior issues. One voucher child begins the bullying crap and instead of removing him the entire school has to go thru "Bullying" classes. This happened at J23 2 years ago, along with the principle not willing to admit the abuse of cell phones being used during school hours. I will say that this city is in a mess and needs a new city manager and a clear direction but to blame simple manners and work ethic on the city is laughable. You can be poor and have manners, You can be poor and want to achieve a better life, You can be poor and understand that teachers are there to help and are willing to stay after school to help get you ready for the real world. Good god we all have one chance in life to make it count and if the parents don't promote that in the house hold you can pour all the money and stats into the schools you want but it won't make a difference. Let the teachers help the childern who want to learn. MCS's need to lay the law down and set an example of zero tolerance for bad behavior. ]]> Sat, 02 Jul 2011 16:27:04 +0000 http://www.middletownusa.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=3958&PID=28268&title=school-chiefs-pay-defended#28268 School Chief's Pay Defended : Vet, if I may, I think from reading... http://www.middletownusa.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=3958&PID=28261&title=school-chiefs-pay-defended#28261 Author: acclaro
Subject: 3958
Posted: Jul 02 2011 at 9:43am

Vet, if I may, I think from reading Ms. Andrew and Mr. Fiora's response, you are..."singig to the choir", "singng off the same page" Next. ]]> Sat, 02 Jul 2011 09:43:31 +0000 http://www.middletownusa.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=3958&PID=28261&title=school-chiefs-pay-defended#28261 School Chief's Pay Defended : If the parents dont care then... http://www.middletownusa.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=3958&PID=28258&title=school-chiefs-pay-defended#28258 Author: Bocephus
Subject: 3958
Posted: Jul 02 2011 at 1:55am

If the parents dont care then why should the kids? All my kids went through Middletown schools as did I all of them would tell you names of teachers that inspired them and a few that didnt.They knew the expectations and what happens if they didnt meet them,it seems to have worked and to hear a parent say "I am having the same problem at home" I would probably loose it and get fired.And let the school call me and tell me that my kids hit,cussed,kicked or disrespected a teacher (right or wrong) and it would be on like donkey kong.Its the parents fault our schools are a fail and maybe a few teachers.I doubt that any amount of money would solve our school problems.]]> Sat, 02 Jul 2011 01:55:33 +0000 http://www.middletownusa.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=3958&PID=28258&title=school-chiefs-pay-defended#28258 School Chief's Pay Defended : Ok, I just had to reply to this... http://www.middletownusa.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=3958&PID=28257&title=school-chiefs-pay-defended#28257 Author: sickofthebull
Subject: 3958
Posted: Jul 01 2011 at 11:08pm

Ok, I just had to reply to this thread and I have a feeling Fiora isn't going to like it. MCS in no way, in my opinion, focuses only on the gifted. In fact, the opposite is true. Now that the cuts have been made, the Board is hamstringing teachers even more with loaded up classrooms with full inclusion at that. What that means folks is the all the students who are special ed, as well as the ones VERY far behind (because they won't allow us to retain) are in the classrooms with little support (our inclusion teachers are spread pretty thin but hey you saved a buck right?) Under Price, the behavior issues Mr. Fiora doesn't address EVER were ALLOWED to go on in Elementary School. Students hitting, kicking, cussing, name it, at teachers as young as Kindergarten was completely allowed and ALWAYS blamed on the teachers. This hasn't changed much. We DO NOT hold students AND their parents for poor choices in behavior accountable. There are parents in this district RIGHT now who have actually said the words "I am having the same problem at home, you deal with it, I'm done". Until that type of mentality is ACKNOWLEDGED and dealt with, you won't see SQUAT in changes. There is so much more I could say here but the fact is, I'm sick of it all (thus the name). I am not saying it is only the parents fault but your teachers, city of Middletown, are busting their asses and improvement will NEVER happen on just our backs. We need support (not money) from EVERYONE.]]> Fri, 01 Jul 2011 23:08:22 +0000 http://www.middletownusa.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=3958&PID=28257&title=school-chiefs-pay-defended#28257 School Chief's Pay Defended : Chris Fiora wrote: Vet,Actually... http://www.middletownusa.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=3958&PID=28252&title=school-chiefs-pay-defended#28252 Author: VietVet
Subject: 3958
Posted: Jul 01 2011 at 6:14pm

Chris Fiora wrote:

Vet,

Actually you and I agree on most of the issues

1. The school system has been underperforming for years doing a disservice to the students and to the citizens of Middletown.

2. In the past, at least the last 7 years, many excuses were made, some things were tried but the test results did not improve.

3. Up until a few years ago only lip service was given to improving test results. Many people were going through the motions but not making many of the changes required to change performance

4. The administration did not necessarily support those people who were trying to improve the test scores.

5. The administration did not listen to people who were trying to help improve the district

6. The district had too many competing goals and agendas and were not able to prioritize and achieve them

7. The district spent too much money relative to comparable districts

I've probably missed a few. But the point I unsuccessfully tried to make to you, (and it was my fault not yours...phrased it completly wrong) was that all of these issues have been recognized and most have been addressed via personnel/policy/focus changes. I have seen more positive change in the district in the last year than I've seen in the last 6. Sure use history so that the same mistakes aren't made again, but please help us get the district back on track by focusing on changes we need to make going forward.

There are many things to be proud of. One example, think how the reduction in state funding would have been handled a number of years ago. Probably the same way it was handled when the levy failed. Massive reductions in student programs and services and a huge decrease in student test scores. This time massive changes in the way the district was organized, many changes in the support areas, salary reductions across the board...all resulting in huge savings and virtually no changes to student programs.

Sure we have a long way to go, but based on recent actions and recent measurements I believe that we are rapidly moving in the right direction.

VERY NICE RESPONSE! NOW WE'RE TALKING! I WAS JUST LOOKING FOR WHAT I WOULD TERM A "REALISTIC RESPONSE" AND AN HONEST ASSESSMENT FROM A SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER. SO MANY TIMES OFFICIALS SEEM TO TALK AROUND A SUBJECT RATHER THAN TO ATTACK IT HEAD ON. YOU JUST DID THAT AND I THANK YOU FOR DOING IT. IT IS REFRESHING TO HEAR.

]]> Fri, 01 Jul 2011 18:14:36 +0000 http://www.middletownusa.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=3958&PID=28252&title=school-chiefs-pay-defended#28252 School Chief's Pay Defended : Mr. Fiora, I again emphasize your... http://www.middletownusa.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=3958&PID=28251&title=school-chiefs-pay-defended#28251 Author: acclaro
Subject: 3958
Posted: Jul 01 2011 at 5:59pm

Mr. Fiora, I again emphasize your open dialogue and direct approach to finding a solution as avocation and not the problem, is spot on, and any reasonable mind knows what the city school district is faced. I am as frustrated, if not more so, by the problems in Middletown. But, it has hit me very hard the past year, just how far Middletown has fallen, indeed slid, with its economic situation. That impacts the school district and the performance overall, with these drastic changes in student population. I see weekly, young adults going up and down by neighborhood and Rosedale, picking up coke and beer cans while on foot, trying to scrape a few bucks together. I see poverty individuals handing Ohio Food Stamp debit cards more than dollar bills at Walmart in Middletown, which gives an ideal sample of what Middletown is presently.

These challenges are difficult and hard to overcome. What Vet must undersatnd, and I also have not been a supporter of levies, is the school system, like the residents suffer when the city doesn't get it right, adds the influx of Section 8, crushes our property values, and poverty screams daily in the community. Those with cash head to John XXIII, Fenwick, Miami Valley, St. X, etc. You have 10% of the population hanging in there making good ACT scores and popping a 4.0 GPA, while > 20% drop out, and the remaining just slide by, getting from paoint A to point B.

I have indicated it will take a leader who comes from the same type of demographoics that Middletown now has, and a formula for success, to turn the CI to the next level. Without that, the dial stuck on CI will be here many years. The downfall of Middletown effects everyone, including the club Vet. Mr. Fiora and Ms. Andrew at least are making a sincere effort to engage and call a "spade" a "spade", That's far more than gotten from anyone on city council.

The school board and the residents, are dealt and playing the hand given to them, but the reactive nature of city leadership and council. Until business moves in, poverty levels stabilize, and the middle-class that once dominated Middletown return, doubtful for many reasons, Mr. Fiora, Ms. Andrew, others, are just doing their best. Whether Mr. Rasmussen can get er done remains to be seen. Students have an obligation as well. Mentorship helps. Hope prevails, when there is hope.

Face it my friend Vet, Middletown just can't see paradigm shifts and react. Always year behind the 8 ball until the damge is so severe, there is major overhaul required. I give at least two of the school board members, for comprehending that, and probably others I just have insight. As I indicated yesterday, stable families and parents with money bring in achivers and doers. Or, you can get a leader to motivate the heck out of those falling through the cracks. MCSD has kids that make 30's on the ACT, maybe 1-2% of the population. 50% probably hit 17-19, 20 %, below 19. Compare that to Fenwick with a high school population of 125 per class (senior, et al), that 98% are college bound, 10% hit > 30 on ACT, 85% hit > 22 on ACT.

Its an apple and orange performance comparison. My solution would be vouchers, and raise achievemnt through competitiveness of keeping the student in the public system, or losing him to a provate through a reciprocated voucher for the property tax paid.

In 1970-1980, Middletown was a different place, 1980-1995 wasn't too bad. 2000 to the present in Middletown has seen an unbelieveable shift in socio-economics. My wake up call was seeing men on biles, every week at trash night, going through my trash, and then going into Walmart to get a few items every week, and seeing 9-10 consumers using the Ohio Food program debit card, same at Krogers.

That shift was associated with both Board members and city leaders caught with the dazed look in the deer in the headlights, not paying attention to the paradigm migration from manufacturing to other industries. Franklin is a better town than Middletown, hands down. Wasn't that way before. Same with Monroe, much better city.

Give Mr. Fiora and Ms. Andrew some credit for their efforts and willingness to speak openly, and recognize life in Middletown, and the people, 30 years ago, is not what it is to day. Go over on da Vinci. You'll see a forecosed house there, just like you will on virtually every street in Middletown. Neither of these two Board memebrs are giving lip service, but explaining what a mess of cards they are holding. I don't envy their position, nor the resident stuck oin this mess called Middletown. The Atrium was prohjected bring 5,000 more jobs---where are they? Cincinnati State---how many profs will be your new neighbor?

Going back in time will not bring Mayberry back in the present moment, as much as we'd like to see it. Its Oz and Pleasantville downtown, for the school system, they and we---are in purgatory, The Inferno.

]]> Fri, 01 Jul 2011 17:59:43 +0000 http://www.middletownusa.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=3958&PID=28251&title=school-chiefs-pay-defended#28251 School Chief's Pay Defended : Vet,Actually you and I agree... http://www.middletownusa.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=3958&PID=28250&title=school-chiefs-pay-defended#28250 Author: Chris Fiora
Subject: 3958
Posted: Jul 01 2011 at 5:54pm

Vet,