From 90.5 Essential Public Radio, Josephine Posti believes that school boards should be free to make their own decisions. Busting School Board Buyouts I guess the board didn't learn anything from that fiasco.
18 comments:
Samuel Adams
said...
"The 500 school districts within the commonwealth are each very different,” Posti said. “And any time there is legislation that limits local control for any of those 500 school districts, that’s something I’m very concerned about."
The key word being control. Of course she's concerned about it. If school boards are actually held accountable, she wouldn't be able to achieve her progressive agenda. Nice try, Posti, but your argument is as empty as your words.
What??? From the article: "“Should that position not work out, should you be working with a new makeup of school board members in a year or so, you need to make sure that your interests are protected,” Posti said."
Wait, I thought the primary responsibility of the the school board was to represent the interest of the taxpayer and community. Its not her obligation to protect the superintendent interest, its to protect ours and the students.
Remember the study about power making one stupid? Just another example of Posti's power trip. I would rather not hire a superintendent who would resist a a buyout clause. If he or she has the talent and the confidence, it should not be a concern. Elaine
Speaking of power trips, let's not forget that President Posti insist on joint discussion meetings only with commissioners of 'HER' choosing. Any others are strictly... verboten! Dick Bachman
Forgot to say that joint discussion committee report didn't make the agenda for tonight, maybe for the same reason that there was nothing to report at the last commission meeting. The commission liaison to the school board didn't attend the school board meeting. Nobody from the school board attended the commission meeting either. Elaine
Just in case there is doubt as to with whom President Posti sides, from the Pittsburgh Post Gazette -
"Mt. Lebanon to form committee to review school renovation plans Friday, October 30, 2009 By Margaret Smykla The Mt. Lebanon school board last night voted 5-3 to create a community advisory committee to review the current design plan and provide recommendations to the board for the $112 million high school renovation project.
Board members Elaine Cappucci, Susan Rose, and Josephine Posti dissented. Faith Ann Stipanovich was absent.
The committee will work collaboratively with the design teams, architects Celli-Flynn Brennan and OWP/P, and construction manager P.J. Dick.
The committee's maximum number of members will be 11. Board President Alan Silhol said 27 letters of interest were submitted by residents before the Oct. 23 deadline."
Seems Posti has a history of being hostile to both advice, oversight and accountability from either the Commonwealth or her local constituents.
Weshould not forget that originally Ms. Posti got involved and ran for her position on the school board because she was upset with the Sable buyout. I remember very well her speaking out against the buyout at a meeting at the rec center. POWER CORRUPTS!! She is a perfect example. Joe Wertheim
President Posti has "posted" a rather lengthy explanation ("The Rest of the Story" [plagiarizing again Ms. Posti?]) of her comments on EPR regarding buyouts.
I'm not so sure she is correct in her claim: "My argument was that a district like ours would find Senator Piccola's bill unnecessary as we've developed two superintendent contracts since Dr. Sable's departure (Allison and Steinhauer) that not only addressed the buyout issue but offered additional provisions that offer further protection against excessive taxpayer expense in the event of a separation."
Residents should remember that after an exhaustive and expensive search, Allison left before the conclusion of his contract. I'm almost certain he did not incur any penalties or forfeiture of maving reimbursements for breaking his contract early. Nor were taxpayers protected against incurring the expense of yet another superintendent search, before the maturity of the current contract.
Oooops - this "Nor were taxpayers protected against incurring the expense of yet another superintendent search, before the maturity of the current contract."
Should have typed - maturity of 'his' contract.
These superintendent searches cost us taxpayers, around $40,000 or more a pop I believe. I think we even invested in one before tapping Wilson, who retired rather quickly.
So to hold up our district as an example is pretty foolish.
I stand corrected. The search firm was paid $13,000 not $40,000. Here is the pertinent article from the Post Gazette.
"Mt. Lebanon hires superintendent search firm Tuesday, March 10, 2009 By Mary Niederberger, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette The Mt. Lebanon school board hired the superintendent search firm of McPherson and Jacobson last night to conduct the search for the district's new superintendent.
Current Superintendent John Allison, who took over the reins in Mt. Lebanon in July 2007, was appointed last week as the superintendent of the Wichita Public Schools in Wichita, Kan., near his hometown of Kansas City and near where his elderly parents live.
At last night's board meeting, Mr. Allison thanked the board and the community for the support that he received during his time as Mt. Lebanon's superintendent. He apologized for forcing the district into "the ordeal of a superintendent search" again so soon.
He promised to continue to work hard for the district until he leaves at the end of June.
Board President Alan Silhol said while he was sorry to see Mr. Allison go, he was confident the board will be able to find another candidate of Mr. Allison's caliber for the job. He said the district would start to advertise the position today and take applications until April 27.
Interviews then will be held with top candidates and board members along with representatives from community groups, school administration, students and teachers will be included in the interviewing process, Mr. Silhol said. He did not specify when the board anticipated voting on a new superintendent.
Mr. Silhol said he didn't expect the superintendent search to delay any functions of the district, including plans to try to move forward with a major renovation project at the high school.
McPherson and Jacobson will be paid $13,500 plus expenses for the superintendent search. The board used the same firm when it hired Mr. Allison."
Here's the key copy - "He apologized for forcing the district into "the ordeal of a superintendent search" again so soon."
Nice contract Ms. Posti, allowing us to be forced "into the ordeal of a superintendent search."
"Mt. Lebanon hires superintendent search firm Tuesday, March 10, 2009 By Mary Niederberger, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette At last night's board meeting, Mr. Allison thanked the board and the community for the support that he received during his time as Mt. Lebanon's superintendent. He apologized for forcing the district into "the ordeal of a superintendent search" again so soon."
Oh yeah, Prez Posti, that's a contract a lot of school districts would want to copy.
Amazing how someone can run on a "reform" platform, then once in a seat of authority, actually increase the level of official incompetence and abuse. Kinda reminds of a certain someone in the White House...Posti is a disgrace and if she cared about the children, hers or anyone else's, she would reach deep, find what little class she might have left (not like 'em Sahth Parkers or dem Beth-ewl pee-pow...them ain't no cake itters like 'em riwl rich pee-pow in Monlebnin), and resign. It's the only honroable thing left to do before she sinks this community further into debt. We're already seeing the effects. People are moving to South Fayette for schools? On purpose? Hello, Posti?!! Do you not get it?
It's time for a change, readers (that also means you bunch who read this blog yet don't have the guts for an open debate). The clock is ticking on elected people in this town. Never thought I woul say this but I really hope the state actually steps in and takes over. Obviously our current board isn't bright enough, honest enough or just decent enough to make good decisions for the residents, while making sweetheart deals for unions. What did Posti say a few years ago--"Ew, how ghetto". That about sums up her behavior.
Samuel Adams, I wasn't sure where to write this, but the board voted unanimously to hire PK to do the feasibility study. Too bad the men are pushed all over the parking lot by the women. Yes, Josephine needs to resign, but her ego would never go for it. I wonder what her price is to resign. Maybe a sizable donation would get 'er outta there. Maybe that will come out of the feasibility study. Elaine
18 comments:
"The 500 school districts within the commonwealth are each very different,” Posti said. “And any time there is legislation that limits local control for any of those 500 school districts, that’s something I’m very concerned about."
The key word being control. Of course she's concerned about it. If school boards are actually held accountable, she wouldn't be able to achieve her progressive agenda. Nice try, Posti, but your argument is as empty as your words.
What???
From the article:
"“Should that position not work out, should you be working with a new makeup of school board members in a year or so, you need to make sure that your interests are protected,” Posti said."
Wait, I thought the primary responsibility of the the school board was to represent the interest of the taxpayer and community. Its not her obligation to protect the superintendent interest, its to protect ours and the students.
Giffen Good
Remember the study about power making one stupid? Just another example of Posti's power trip.
I would rather not hire a superintendent who would resist a
a buyout clause. If he or she has the talent and the confidence, it should not be a concern.
Elaine
Speaking of power trips, let's not forget that President Posti insist on joint discussion meetings only with commissioners of 'HER' choosing.
Any others are strictly... verboten!
Dick Bachman
Tonight is the vote for the feasibility study. We'll see who is calling the shots.
Elaine
Forgot to say that joint discussion committee report didn't make the agenda for tonight, maybe for the same reason that there was nothing to report at the last commission meeting. The commission liaison to the school board didn't attend the school board meeting. Nobody from the school board attended the commission meeting either.
Elaine
Just in case there is doubt as to with whom President Posti sides, from the Pittsburgh Post Gazette -
"Mt. Lebanon to form committee to review school renovation plans
Friday, October 30, 2009
By Margaret Smykla
The Mt. Lebanon school board last night voted 5-3 to create a community advisory committee to review the current design plan and provide recommendations to the board for the $112 million high school renovation project.
Board members Elaine Cappucci, Susan Rose, and Josephine Posti dissented. Faith Ann Stipanovich was absent.
The committee will work collaboratively with the design teams, architects Celli-Flynn Brennan and OWP/P, and construction manager P.J. Dick.
The committee's maximum number of members will be 11. Board President Alan Silhol said 27 letters of interest were submitted by residents before the Oct. 23 deadline."
Seems Posti has a history of being hostile to both advice, oversight and accountability from either the Commonwealth or her local constituents.
Dick Bachman
From the PSBA website:
http://www.psba.org/news-publications/headlines/details.asp?id=8
They are calling the shots here too.
Elaine
When Dr. Sable was let go Posti went on the cafe press website and sold tee shirts and cups that said:
"The Superintendent got $500,000 and all I got was this lousy t-shirt."
She also sold cups with the same message. I wonder what changed her opinion?
John
Weshould not forget that originally Ms. Posti got involved and ran for her position on the school board because she was upset with the Sable buyout. I remember very well her speaking out against the buyout at a meeting at the rec center. POWER CORRUPTS!! She is a perfect example.
Joe Wertheim
President Posti has "posted" a rather lengthy explanation ("The Rest of the Story" [plagiarizing again Ms. Posti?]) of her comments on EPR regarding buyouts.
I'm not so sure she is correct in her claim: "My argument was that a district like ours would find Senator Piccola's bill unnecessary as we've developed two superintendent contracts since Dr. Sable's departure (Allison and Steinhauer) that not only addressed the buyout issue but offered additional provisions that offer further protection against excessive taxpayer expense in the event of a separation."
Residents should remember that after an exhaustive and expensive search, Allison left before the conclusion of his contract. I'm almost certain he did not incur any penalties or forfeiture of maving reimbursements for breaking his contract early. Nor were taxpayers protected against incurring the expense of yet another superintendent search, before the maturity of the current contract.
Andy Bradford
Oooops - this "Nor were taxpayers protected against incurring the expense of yet another superintendent search, before the maturity of the current contract."
Should have typed - maturity of 'his' contract.
These superintendent searches cost us taxpayers, around $40,000 or more a pop I believe. I think we even invested in one before tapping Wilson, who retired rather quickly.
So to hold up our district as an example is pretty foolish.
Andy Bradford
I stand corrected. The search firm was paid $13,000 not $40,000. Here is the pertinent article from the Post Gazette.
"Mt. Lebanon hires superintendent search firm
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
By Mary Niederberger, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
The Mt. Lebanon school board hired the superintendent search firm of McPherson and Jacobson last night to conduct the search for the district's new superintendent.
Current Superintendent John Allison, who took over the reins in Mt. Lebanon in July 2007, was appointed last week as the superintendent of the Wichita Public Schools in Wichita, Kan., near his hometown of Kansas City and near where his elderly parents live.
At last night's board meeting, Mr. Allison thanked the board and the community for the support that he received during his time as Mt. Lebanon's superintendent. He apologized for forcing the district into "the ordeal of a superintendent search" again so soon.
He promised to continue to work hard for the district until he leaves at the end of June.
Board President Alan Silhol said while he was sorry to see Mr. Allison go, he was confident the board will be able to find another candidate of Mr. Allison's caliber for the job. He said the district would start to advertise the position today and take applications until April 27.
Interviews then will be held with top candidates and board members along with representatives from community groups, school administration, students and teachers will be included in the interviewing process, Mr. Silhol said. He did not specify when the board anticipated voting on a new superintendent.
Mr. Silhol said he didn't expect the superintendent search to delay any functions of the district, including plans to try to move forward with a major renovation project at the high school.
McPherson and Jacobson will be paid $13,500 plus expenses for the superintendent search. The board used the same firm when it hired Mr. Allison."
Here's the key copy - "He apologized for forcing the district into "the ordeal of a superintendent search" again so soon."
Nice contract Ms. Posti, allowing us to be forced "into the ordeal of a superintendent search."
Andy Bradford
"Mt. Lebanon hires superintendent search firm
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
By Mary Niederberger, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
At last night's board meeting, Mr. Allison thanked the board and the community for the support that he received during his time as Mt. Lebanon's superintendent. He apologized for forcing the district into "the ordeal of a superintendent search" again so soon."
Oh yeah, Prez Posti, that's a contract a lot of school districts would want to copy.
Giffen Good
The search firm we hired employed Dr. Smartschan to do superintendent searches in Pennsylvania.
John
John,
Don't forget...Joe Rodella was also on the consultants payroll !
Veblen Good
Amazing how someone can run on a "reform" platform, then once in a seat of authority, actually increase the level of official incompetence and abuse. Kinda reminds of a certain someone in the White House...Posti is a disgrace and if she cared about the children, hers or anyone else's, she would reach deep, find what little class she might have left (not like 'em Sahth Parkers or dem Beth-ewl pee-pow...them ain't no cake itters like 'em riwl rich pee-pow in Monlebnin), and resign. It's the only honroable thing left to do before she sinks this community further into debt. We're already seeing the effects. People are moving to South Fayette for schools? On purpose? Hello, Posti?!! Do you not get it?
It's time for a change, readers (that also means you bunch who read this blog yet don't have the guts for an open debate). The clock is ticking on elected people in this town. Never thought I woul say this but I really hope the state actually steps in and takes over. Obviously our current board isn't bright enough, honest enough or just decent enough to make good decisions for the residents, while making sweetheart deals for unions. What did Posti say a few years ago--"Ew, how ghetto". That about sums up her behavior.
Samuel Adams, I wasn't sure where to write this, but the board voted unanimously to hire PK to do the feasibility study. Too bad the men are pushed all over the parking lot by the women.
Yes, Josephine needs to resign, but her ego would never go for it. I wonder what her price is to resign. Maybe a sizable donation would get 'er outta there. Maybe that will come out of the feasibility study.
Elaine
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