The Board of Education meeting of August 28^th 2007 is once again, Must See TV. The meeting is completely out the control of the board president, being directed from the floor by former board member LaVerne Clark. No following the agenda, no five minute rule, no admonishments to “address the board”, no prohibition on side discussions with staff. It was a lesson on how not to run a meeting, starring your board of education. No one was told that was all in the past and no one suggested that we just move on.

Mrs. Clark leads a group of about 25 Parkway Homes residents in an attack on the board of education and the Valhalla School district alleging discrimination in the hiring practices of the district that have resulted in only one African American classroom teacher out of 135 positions.

Considering the Board had a strategic planning committee work for over one year to identify the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats to the district and did not once identify the racial mix of teachers as Weakness or as a Threat, this must have come as a great surprise to the board. (Though they did identify diversity as a strength, whatever that means.)

Instead of reforming the SWOT team (which as far as we know had only one African American member) the board formed a brand new committee, at the direction of Mrs. Clark to include 22 members, by my count. Sixteen residents of Parkway Home, three board members (2 from Greenburgh, one from Mt. Pleasant none from North White Plains), three staff members all chosen by Mrs. Clark.

As I understand it, the demand of Mrs. Clark’s group is for a prorata representation of African Americans in the number of classroom teachers.  (Librarians, school nurses and Learning Center Teachers don’t count.)  So if the African American population in the district represents 18% of the district, and the district has 135 classroom teachers, then 24 classroom teachers should be, no, must be African American. The solution seems simple, fire 23 non tenured white, Asian or Hispanic teachers and hire in their place, 23 teachers of color. That is what this new committee is going to discuss and remember Valhalla takes no minutes of these meetings, so if it is not on camera we will never know what was agreed to. LaVerne, please demand that your committee meetings be televised, the board will roll over for you.

The issue behind these charges is, of course, the firing of an African American teacher who by her account had gotten good evaluation and was fired with no notice that there was a problem and for doing nothing worse than spritzing the children with water to get their attention.  A practice not limited to this teacher.  Read this letter and judge for yourself.  If you were the BOE would you fire this woman?  If you were the BOE would you extend Ramos Kelly's contract right after receiving this letter?   

Five years ago, control of the district was surrendered to the Mayfair Knollwood Civic Association. It seems only fair to offer the same opportunity to the Parkway Homes Civic Association. And as for the rest of us? If you didn’t speak up when Mayfair Knollwood was calling the shots, what will you do now?

Your comments are welcome.

Tags: committee, knollwood, mayfair, meeting, parkway, quota, race, swot, teacher

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91 Comments

GREAT!!! In addition to the numerous disastrous situations that our present BOE either directly caused or at the very least cannot handle, we've now got a racial issue on our hands. No good will come of this, and I'm sure we'll be making the news again! Hooray for us!

I wonder if any of the Parkway Homes residents that came to that meeting to go on the record with there personal stories of discrimination realize that Valhalla does not keep minutes of meetings anymore. It really is like they weren't even there.

what you can get away with if you just scream racism and shout people down. If proper due process wasn't followed in the termination of the teacher than *that* should be the issue. To make the leap to racism is a real stretch. But if you make that charge you get to take over a meeting, watch the feckless BOE grovel for you and you get your own committee. And the beautiful thing about it is that you don't have to prove racism at all to get what you want. It worked like a charm. I guess the former BOE member knows how to play the game better than the current BOE members.

I agree but if the denial of due process is put in against the background of different treatment for white employees (like the business manager's son (a teacher) who put a student in the hospital and who in his deposition could not even remember who, if anyone, interviewed him to get his job) then there may be a pattern of racism. I just hope the district has not already been served with papers on the Hinson case and then turned around and, by forming a committee to address the issue, admits there is an issue. Everyone needs to watch that meeting, it is your board of education at its worst. Tuesday Thursday and Saturday between 12 noon and 12 noon the next day on Channel 77 in Mt Pleasant.

NWP residents can watch BOE meetings on Wednesday evenings 6:00PM and Saturday mornings at 10:00AM

I watched the board meeting on Channel 77 last night. Don't these board members get any training or guidance in running a meeting? I saw one woman (I think the one who has the Parkway Homes seat) completely disregard the board president and stop her efforts to continue the meeting. Then I saw another woman (maybe the former president) also ignore the president and form a committee, then turn selection of members over to someone in the audience who wanted everyone to walk a mile in her black shoes. Well I have walked around this town enough in my own black shoes to know that these seven board members can not be entrusted with this school district. I don't know why these people run for the board but it is certainly not for the right reasons. If it were, they would act like board members and not act like children. They are a disgrace, all of them. And I want to say that I appreciate this website as the only place where residents can find out what is going on in the Valhalla School District. Please stop sending those silly Voyage newsletters and that other one with the flying horses. They are a waste of money and don't tell us anything we need to know. Everyone should watch that school board meeting.

I just want to remind everyone that Parkway Homes has consistently supported the school budget and bond issues, almost to a fault, throughout the years. Just speaking for myself, I feel that we should listen to their concerns, out of respect and gratitude, because of their loyalty to our schools and students. Anything less would be insensitive to a group looking for district residents' support at a crucial time to our school district. We all need to unite to make the needed changes to bring back the days when Valhalla was the envy of many Westchester school districts. This was the period when we got blood out of a stone.

I'm sorry, but I just don't understand your point. "Parkway Homes" has consistently supported the school budget...what does that mean?? Are you saying that no one in Parkway Homes votes against the budget?? Everyone there thinks and votes as one? That sounds awfully close to Ross Perot's "You People" comment and frankly I find your posting offensive. The issue is whether or not the teacher who was terminated was afforded the required due process under the teacher's contract. Period. If not, that teacher should afford herself of every legal remedy available to her and she should hold DRK and the BOE accountable. But to say that since "Parkway Homes" has supported the budget therefore certain Parkway Homes residents and a former BOE member should not be held to the same standards of behavior at a BOE meeting because that former BOE member is accusing everyone in sight of racism is simply outrageous.

I have been watching these televised board meetings for two years. What is obvious is that when Mr. Panetta would speak he was limited to 5 minutes. Someone actually kept his time. When he would talk about issues that went unaddressed for years, he was told that was in the past, let's move on. And when he made cogent arguments about enrollment, taxes and questionable fiscal practices, the board would give him a "thank you for your input, your time is up." I have to agree that if this firing of Mrs. Hinson is an issue of due process it must be addressed. The residents from Parkway Homes want the same treatment as everyone else and they deserve no less. The fact that the board is incapable of enforcing their own rules is their own fault and indicates to me that they probably screwed up firing this woman for no cause and with late notice. But to suggest that blind support of the school budget earns preferential treatment is offensive and in fact led to the whole Westhelp debacle, which we have not heard the last of.

There is another problem with the hiring of staff within VUFSD that no one seems to be willing to address. Unlike the issue of racism which is very 'visible' the issue of NEPOTISM runs rampant withinn VUFSD and no one seems to care. It is almost as if it is not 'what you know' but rather'who you know/or who you are related to'. This goes beyond hiring the most active PTA parents for the roles of clerical/support staff (ie. Mrs. McCloskey) but verges into hiring less qualified candidates (ie. Mrs. Davidson, an LPN hired to do an RNs work) because they are simply related to someone 'in the know/in power' within VUFSD (Mrs. Davidson is Mrs. Sicuranzo's-the current BOE President-sister in law....aka. Mrs. Sicuranzo is married to Mrs. Davidson's brother). This practice is extremely evident in the minutes of the most recent BOE meeting held on 08/28....take a look at some of the names in the 'personnel agenda items' (ie. Doran=mother in the district, Gonzalez=step mother in the district, Rutherford=brother in the district, Raiano=mother in the district, Haughey=past and present siblings in the district) and of course the biggest offender of them all is our own Businss Administrator, Brian Wolfson who has his son working as a PE teacher right under his nose.....got to be something wrong if dad is approving his salary and benefit package OR is this truly a 'family business' here within VUFSD! If so-the Parkway Homes representatives will have to address the issue of nepotism in addition to racism because if there are no staff members of color, how would we hire their family members to keep the TRADITION of VUFSD going? Hmmmm.....something is seriously wrong here......shouldn't the best qualified candidates for a position be hired? Take a look DRK/BOE and 'clean up your act'! Something is WRONG here and I doubt the district can afford another lawsuit based on unfair hiring practices.

I can’t believe how often I hear issues reduced to the question of whether you support the budget or not. The “budget issue” is the budget, not the hiring practices of the district. I find it laughable to hear anyone describing their supporting of the budget when they don’t know the slightest thing about how the money is being spent! This is called BLIND support. If you know absolutely nothing about how the money is spent (which is practically everyone) and the only info you have is how much the budget is increasing, then you make your decision to support the budget based on comparing the increase to other increases. Like the cost of living, or how much my raise was last year, or how much my town’s taxes went up. After the realization that our school tax increases are significantly higher than anything else, I can’t understand why Greenburgh consistently votes 4 to 1 for the budget. Valhalla and NWP consistently vote against the budget. Ah but wait a minute. Let’s not forget that all important statistic. Greenburgh sends 31% of the students to Valhalla but only pays for 20% of the budget. For every additional dollar spent, Greengurgh gets more bang for the buck. So of course they are going to support higher and higher spending even if they don’t know what it’s being spent on. They just know that whatever it’s being spent on, I’m not paying as much for it as everyone in Valhalla and NWP. And until more Valhalla and NWP residents understand this and get their lame asses out and vote no, Greenburgh will continue to control this district through the budget.

Reminder- The BOE meeting will be playing at various times through out the day on Saturday from 12 noon through 12 noon on Sunday. Tune in and see for yourself, but you have to watch it until the end as the show does not really start until half way through.

"Greenburgh sends 31% of the students to Valhalla but only pays for 20% of the budget. For every additional dollar spent, Greengurgh gets more bang for the buck. So of course they are going to support higher and higher spending even if they don’t know what it’s being spent on. They just know that whatever it’s being spent on, I’m not paying as much for it as everyone in Valhalla and NWP. And until more Valhalla and NWP residents understand this and get their lame asses out and vote no, Greenburgh will continue to control this district through the budget". THANK YOU, RICH - YOU ARE STATING THE TRUTH - WE ALL NEED TO GET OUR LAME ASSES OUT AND VOTE - NO EXCUSES!!!

This whole incident regarding a teacher of color being improperly dismissed is both an incredible affront and a huge embarassment. After doing a little snooping around here is the truth as best as I have been able to piece together. Please remember that getting the truth around here is no easy task so all things are open for debate. Last year at Christmas time the new middle school principal approached the Supt. with an issue. It was his opinion that h hadf a teacher on staff that he felt was not doing a very good job and he wanted to discuss this problem and begin to build a paper trail to support the dismissal of this person. The Supt told him that this was a hot button political issue and that he should do nothing. This was not something that they should get involved in. For reasons that are unknown to me the supt had a change of heart some time in the late Spring. It appears that one of her inside cronies got in her ear and convinced her that this person had to go. Sometime in May she instructed the MS principal to tell the teacher he or she would not be asked to return for the 07/08 school year. The principal new he was in trouble but had the smarts to ask the Supt for a letter of dismissal from her to the employee. When he gave it to the employee he offerred that this was coming directly from the Supt. He knew then that proper procedures had not been followed and that proper documentation did not exist to warrent a dismissal, but he was a new employee himself with no other options but to do as he was told or lose his own job. Please note his absence from recent BOE meetings, curious don't you think? At the end of the day none of us, supporters or detractors, have zero knowledge of the quality, ability, or any other subjective measures a teacher is compared against, because none of us has been in their classroom to even attempt an assessment. What I can comfortably say is the Supt once again screwed up and once again someone with the where with all to hire an attourney is going to make us pay. This Supt and this board are so incomprtant that its beyond comical. The AD ("He has no case"), the Library Books ("they had mold"), the loss of the Westhelp monies ("we will sue the town of Greenburgh and make them give us the money"), the trophies ("we were cleaning them when someone stole them"), the improper firing of a member of one of ther school's bargaining units ("she had to go she spritzed water at a child"), etc. And just think this all happened within the past 6 months. There is no telling what they could screw up with a little more time and 4 million dollars more. We must all unite to unseat the board memvbers and get rid of DRK, J Thomas, and C Ackerman. Say what you will of the past but these 3 and the board have set records for disunity and incompetance.

I hope the residents from Parkway Homes read this before they waste their time with a committee. What you described is exactly how things are done in Valhalla. The only significant unanswered question is who got in DRK's ear. And to add to your list of incompetence "we will sue Goodwill and Dirtman to recover costs in the illegal fill for fields scam" . Apparently the only legal option is to pick the taxpayers pockets, again.

On second thought there had to be a paper trail, at least a letter or two of complaint. Foil for the letters and you will have the answer. I don't see where letters to DRK or the Board would not be subject to FOIL statutes. Even if they redacted the names of the children, you should be able to see the detail of the incident and know who is pulling DRK's strings. Without these letters, there is no basis for DRK's letter of dismissal

The last BOE meeting (Aug 28) was not the first time the firing of the African American teacher was brought up. In the previous board meeting (July 24) a group of six or seven women from Parkway Homes addressed this issue for the first time. At the beginning of the meeting a woman, who I know only as Thelma, brought up questions regarding whether the correct procedures were followed with regard to the dismissal of the teacher. The argument as to whether the correct procedures were followed, and if this woman’s firing was warranted, has merit. What followed at that meeting, and continued at the next, does not. The Parkway Homes group is accusing the district officials of being racists in their hiring practices with no documented evidence, only their own personal stories of how they interpereted something that happened in the past to be racist. Everyone knows this as “playing the race card”. These charges of racism which are based loosely in fact are given serious consideration due to the politically correct social environment and the complete fear of any government official to say anything that might be interpereted as offending the African American community. We can see that this approach has worked perfectly for the Parkway Homes people as they have convinced the spineless BOE (with the exception of Mrs. Petrillo) to form a committee that, to my understanding, will look into the hiring of more African American teachers. While I have no problem with the ethnicity of any teacher so long as they are good at what they do, I must remind everyone of something very important that no one at the meetings or in this blog has mentioned. The same way there are laws to protect minority employment applicants in the work place against being rejected solely because of their race, conversely it is equally illegal to hire employees based solely on race, which is what I believe the Parkway Home people are asking our district officials to do.

Will these committee meetings be public or held in secret? Will there be minutes? Will they be televised? Will the first one take place before or after the bond vote?

I don't know. If these meetings are anything like the strategic planning committee meetings, there will be no tv and no minutes.

I agree, these meetings will be held in secret, but as far as minutes, I was surprised to see that the SWOT team analysis (linked above) is actually titled "Strategic Planning Team Minutes of February 9, 2006" That is what passes as minutes in the Valhalla School District. A silly conglomeration of "Lets Brags" and "Look Out the Sky is Falling". And this document was supposed to chart a course for the school district for decades into the future. Less than a year later, the good ship Ramos-Kelly runs aground again on a topic that was not even mentioned as a weakness or a threat. In fact diversity was listed as a strength. I doubt Mrs. Clark is now going to accept this type of nonsensical report as a substitute for real change.

There is absolutely no mention of the firing of the African American teacher and the subsequent charge of racism by the Parkway Homes residents on the happy faces website (VCV). I guess the prozac people at that website haven't found a way to put a positive spin on that issue. This website remains the ONLY place where the school district is challenged and held accountable for poor policy.

Just finished watching the BOE meeting. So much anger in that room. Can't wait to see the fallout when the issue of racism in Valhalla hit the newspapers. Who are they going to blame for this mess?

The Valhalla community voices website is a complete joke. After ignoring significant facts about the Stotz and trophy issues, and giving their biased accounts, they have totally ignored the issue that has occupied the majority of time in the last two regular monthly board meetings. The VCV website is non-objective, unrealistic view through anonymous rose colored glasses. The people who run that website are not interested in giving residents a comprehensive view of what’s going on in the district. They will only publish their spin on selected information that paints the district in a positive light. Much like Valhalla’s publication of “Voyages”. Fortunately the worst thing that can happen from dining at the recommendation of VCV is a bad stomach ache, but the end result of taking that goofy website serious about the quality of education, can produce more regrettable results.

Rich, did you miss the article on the Parkway Homes Garden Club? Superlative reporting on a tough issue, uncovering a rainbow of diverse flora and fauna. The race card was never dealt with more skillfully than by Roseanna Cutietta-Olsen, Lori Adelsberg, Joseph Starvaggi, Leslie Goldrich and Susan McCarthy. Of course any implied or explicit opinions expressed on the VCV site are the sole works of their creators and do not necessarily reflect VCV as a whole. Hardnosed and accountable. Up next the VCV restaurant reviewer will tell us where to get the best black and white cookie in Valhalla.

I just saw the BOE meeting and it is difficult to describe just how pathetic this Board is. Sicuranza is a completely incompetent. She added nothing to the conversation and she kept trying to dismiss the entire race issue/teacher firing issue with "I want to get back to the agenda". To think that she is the face of the VUFSD is truly sad. Petrillo is not much better. Hey Christine!...if you want to be in public office get a thicker skin. No one was attacking you personally. Possibly the residents were hitting a nerve with how you really feel? As usual Mike "I'm the most qualified candidate" Smith said absolutely nothing...nothing...not a word. Last week I got my school tax bill from the town. When I look at what I pay in taxes and think that this is what I am getting for it, it makes me ill. This entire board needs to be replaced.

First of all I would like to thank Mr. Panetta for pointing out the ridiculous nature of what, the members of the Parkway Homes community are asking. If two persons are applying for the same job, and one is African American, and one is Caucasian, then using the Parkway Homes ideology the African American should be hired. But what if all things are not equal. What if the Caucasian is more qualified, has a masters perhaps, more experience maybe, or even is simply more impressive in an interview. According to the Parkway Homes people, the African American candidate should be taken anyway? I thought school districts were in the "business" of providing the best education possible for students, regardless of race, sex, ect. So to me any logical person would want the most qualified, person teaching the students in their district. Now, don't get me wrong if all things are equal in the interview process, diversity is certainly a plus, but it would be unfair to applicants of all other races accept, African Americans if Valhalla adopted a policy of exclusively hiring them when at all possible. Next I would like to address the point that the Parkway Homes community made suggesting that Valhalla go recruit minority teachers. This is AMERICA the job market is competitive, if African Americans are not applying to Valhalla Schools, oh well, it is not Valhalla's job to make their school district attractive to minority applicants. If the parkway homes association would like to persuade more minorities to apply to Valhalla, they can go right ahead, it might be a good way to bring in more diversity, but to say it is the school districts responsibitliy is ludicrous. Valhalla is in no way responsible for who applies for their position openings, they post an ad in the NY Times for all to see and then they take the applicants from there (except when they are hiring everyone’s brother, sister, mother ect. but thats a different issue.) Lastly I would like to address the, idea that that more minorities should be hired so there are more positive role models for minority students. What? Any student should be able to look up to any teacher, no mater what race or sex they are. Some of my most influential teachers were female, so does that mean because I am male they cant be my role model? It seems that is the ideology Parkway homes is teaching their kids unless someone is the same race as you they can not be a role model. That promotes division, not the unity they speak so highly of. Finally I would like to say that the DRK has to go, along with the BOE but I think Dr. A gets lumped in with the rest of the mismanagement in the district and the positive changes she has brought to the district are overlooked.

I watched the BOE meeting this past weekend and all I can say is "What a disgrace." President Sicuranzo chomping away on gum, while blowing people off when comments were said that she did not agree with. Grace Stone being herself, interuptting at every chance she got. Not being a big fan of Ms. Beville, I have to at least give her credit for not backing down on what she believed in. Mike Stone, does he know how to speak at all? Do these board members realize that this is aired to the public and people from other towns are watching? Laverne Clark, being a former board member, knew exactly how to get what she wanted. At least someone has the brass to stand up against this board. I don't know the name of the women in the back of the audience, but I admire you for saying what had to be said, and you did it with class. Wolfson, what more can be said about this imbecile? I honestly do believe that the diversity in Valhalla needs to be looked at. However, I don't believe that you have to be the same race as your role model. My kids have always considered an African American Valhalla staff member as their role model. As a matter of fact, I have never even thought of race when I think of this women. I think of her as a great person who has played a big part in the lives of my children. To bring more African American teachers to Valhalla would be great, bu they have to apply and be qualified like everyone else. If it is shown that race was a factor in not hiring black teachers than there is a big problem. But by the same method, race should not be a factor in the hiring of a teacher either. I don't care who, what or where the teacher comes from, as long as they are what is best for the kids.

I agree that VCV article on the Garden Club is their way of putting that happy face on the race issue. God help us.

I agree that the BOE behavior was embarrassing. Sicuranza has proven once again that she does not have the experience or the temperament to be on the BOE let alone act as its president. She is completely unprofessional and she totally lost control of the meeting and of the other BOE members. Both Stone and Beville completely ignored her, interrupted her at will and made her look foolish. All she could say is "I want to get back to the agenda". So, the way you dance around serious issues raised by taxpayers is to say that it is not on the agenda. Way to go Deb! The rest of this board is no better. They ALL need to be voted out. And then the new board needs to show DRK, Ackerman and Wolfson the door.

TUESDAY the 25Th of SEPTEMBER!!!!!!! Make sure you are there!!!! VHS auditorium. This is the opportunity the public has been waiting for. If you want to ask the hard questions now is the time. If you want to remain anonymous that is fine. Just come out and help to produce a presence. Also be prepared to have the BOE attempt to silence you by insisting that their ridiculous 5 minute rule be enforced. Believe me they are acutely aware that they have been unable to control their past 3 meetings. In fact it is rumored that some BOE members have asked for Pres. Sicuranzo's resignation because the gum snapping, gramaticly challenged leader has severely embarassed them. Never mind that she and the rest of them have embarrassed our entire community with displays of utter incompetance and managerial stupidity, which has been televised for other communities to witness. Do not be cowed. Nobody should ever have to yield the floor unless there is a logistical reason for doing do (ie, - a crowd of 200 who all would like to speak) These people found an atiquated policy that enabled them to tell Rich Panetta to shut up. Why? Because they didn't like him or what he had to say. They were tired of listening to him talk adnausem meeting after meeting. They feel justified because there is documentation to support their ability to do so. However lets look at the bigger picture. They want us to approve 4 million dollar bond propossal in October, but they do not want to listen to our opinions in September. What world do these idiots live in. "We don't want you to talk, we don't have to let you talk, we are not going to let you talk, and by the way will you give us 4 million dollars." You just can't make this stuff up. The people from Parkway Homes did not have to adhere to a 5 minute rule for the past two minutes and I don't believe they should. In fact I applaud their civil disobediance. If you know a rule is unfair then you should break it to illustrate your point, and that is just what they did. We all know the truth about this board and this Supt. they were too scared to try and enforce their stupid rule. Lets show up a week from Tue and begin to take our schools and our community back. If you don't come, then don't complain.

you are the best example as to why this website is a trashy newspaper that makes up lies for uninformed people to believe. Do you know the hiring process for SRPs - School Related Professionals - like Mrs. McCloskey? Mrs. McCloskey had to take a civil service test for the title of the job she has - which is office assistant/automated systems. After the test is given by the county, a list is composed of who took the test by their test score in descending order. When the district needs to fill this position, they call CSEA (a/k/a Civil Service)and ask for the current list for this particular title. And Mrs. McCloskey, like all the SRPs, had to score in the top three of all the people who took the test in order to be interviewed for the position. So, Sadie, Mrs. McCloskey was not hired because she was involved in the valhalla ptsa, but BECAUSE SHE WAS ABLE TO ACHIEVE ONE OF THE TOP THREE SCORES OF ALL THE PEOPLE IN WESTCHESTER COUNTY WHO TOOK THE TEST. And the test was created by WESTCHESTER COUNTY, not valhalla ptsa. And WESTCHESTER COUNTY RULES determined that she was qualified, not valhalla ptsa. so, before you opened your mouth and spewed vile, malicious, slanderous lies about Mrs. McCloskey, why didnt you take the time to find out that Mrs. McCloskey is someone who followed all the rules and got the job because of her intelligence and ability. And that Valhalla UFSD followed all the rules and hired someone who was extremely qualified - we know this because she was able to score one of the top three highest test scores on a test created by WESTCHESTER COUNTY, not valhalla ptsa. Maybe words to live by for you and others who spread lies and slander on this website should be: 'better to keep silent and be thought a fool, than to speak and confirm it.'

I am curious what would have happened if Mrs. McCloskey and someone from the Parkway Homes area scored the same on the test and had the same qualifications. Who do you think would have been hired?

Are you aware that there could be many, many people on the list with the exact same score. Did Valhalla interview everyone who was in the top three? I know a few secretaries who were hired to work in school districts with the knowledge that they had to pass the test within a set period of time. They did not have to be in the top three to retain their positions. They just had to pass the test. Did Mrs. McCloskey take the test before or after she was hired? By the way, the test for clerical help is not very difficult, basic grammer and knowledge of various office procedures.

And I suppose she took the position because we are the best employer in the county, not because it was the easiest way to get hired? And Mr. Wolson's son was hired because? You are missing the point. Nepotism, favoritism, cronyism and pay backs are just that. Trashy sleazy practices of a district known for just that.

You are just another one of the disillusioned trying to cherry pick a tiny piece of information that was mentioned only once a week ago by an anonymous blogger, where bloggers opinions don’t necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors of this web site, in a vain attempt to discredit all the accurate information that criticizes the district. You too are pathetic. Why don’t you challenge me on the statistics I have gathered about the false enrollment projections, or when I foiled all 36 school districts in Westchester to find out Valhalla was the only one with the bogus $941,000 FAPE line item? And if you do want to challenge me you must first identify yourself. I always put my name on my blogs. Why can’t you? For all you pro-school bloggers, what is your reason for being anonymous? Don’t tell me your afraid of what John and I will do to you. Unlike parents who worry about their kids, you have no excuse. I think you’re all pathetic cowards!

You said that some BOE members have asked Sicuranzo to resign as president because her behavior has embarrassed them. That is amazing! How inept and incompetent do you have to be to embarrass the likes of Petrillo, Stone, Beville, Rosenberg, Macken and (last but not least) Mike "I'm the most qualified person and you work for me" Smith?? Sicuranzo *should* resign..not just as president but from the BOE. She should be followed by the rest of the incompetents. This is truly the least qualified, least effective and most divisive BOE that we have had in more than 25 years. It has been one fiasco after another with this group. Not to mention a $400K settlement with Fiorito. No doubt Ms. Hinson will be suing as will the family of the girl that Wolfson's son put in the hospital. And WE get to pay for it. Way to go Deb & the other BOE members. When I watch a BOE meeting I can't help but think of the Frank Sinatra song...Send in the Clowns.

Obviously, they don't want their friends to know that this is where they come for their school information. They probably deny ever reading the website or the blogs. But this is the only place in the district where people can exchange information. To go back a week and pick a blog that mentions one person and then try to discredit all the facts and documents on this website is ridiculous, but it does prove that every word written here is read and reread by those special insiders that control the district. The same people who can have an African American teacher fired for spritzing water on a child. The leads developed on the blogs have been incredibly accurate. If it makes people uncomfortable to hear what people have to say, well just go to the Community Voices website where even the opinion of the editors is disclaimed as not actually the opinion of the editors.

Hey John..you keep saying the district fired the African American teacher for spritzing water on a child...you make it sound so innocent....how about she was an ELA/social studies teacher and was supposed to be teaching SPELLING and told the students "I cant spell so your going to have to look up the SPELLING words I put on the board when you go home to make sure they are correct" does that sound like a Highly qualified teacher?!?!?! just wondering...I know that if my daughter or son was supposed to be responsible for spelling words that their teacher better give them the correct spelling!!! so stop saying all she did was spritz water...theres a whole lot more to this story...try and get the real facts about situations at school before you post them on this pathetic website...I have been laughing at everyone of your incriminations because half of them are not even true...or have little truth to them at all!!

Hey John..you keep saying the district fired the African American teacher for spritzing water on a child...you make it sound so innocent....how about she was an ELA/social studies teacher and was supposed to be teaching SPELLING and told the students "I cant spell so your going to have to look up the SPELLING words I put on the board when you go home to make sure they are correct" does that sound like a Highly qualified teacher?!?!?! just wondering...I know that if my daughter or son was supposed to be responsible for spelling words that their teacher better give them the correct spelling!!! so stop saying all she did was spritz water...theres a whole lot more to this story...try and get the real facts about situations at school before you post them on this pathetic website...I have been laughing at everyone of your incriminations because half of them are not even true...or have little truth to them at all!!

After everything I wrote in that blog....this is the point you focus on? This is all you have derived from the information? My-you have totally missed the point and certainly do not get the serious charges of favortism/nepotism/pay back that are so pervasive within VUFSD. I could argue about the issue you are discussing-however, that would serve no purpose. I have expressed my opinion-based on fact-and I stand by it.

So why don't you go to the board meeting and speak in defense of the children? If I foil for the letters of complaint, will I get them? You see you can't have it both ways. There are white teachers that are less than qualified, one put a girl in the hospital, it is a matter of public record and so is his testimony where he can't even remember if he was interviewed for the job he has. So did you write to the board about him? If the board can not show they followed due process and applied that process to all teachers, they will be sued and they will lose and we will pay. I believe the explanation posted by "What a Show" on September 8th --- "Last year at Christmas time the new middle school principal approached the Supt. with an issue. It was his opinion that he had a teacher on staff that he felt was not doing a very good job and he wanted to discuss this problem and begin to build a paper trail to support the dismissal of this person. The Supt told him that this was a hot button political issue and that he should do nothing. This was not something that they should get involved in. For reasons that are unknown to me the supt had a change of heart some time in the late Spring. It appears that one of her inside cronies got in her ear and convinced her that this person had to go. Sometime in May she instructed the MS principal to tell the teacher he or she would not be asked to return for the 07/08 school year. The principal new he was in trouble but had the smarts to ask the Supt for a letter of dismissal from her to the employee. When he gave it to the employee he offerred that this was coming directly from the Supt. He knew then that proper procedures had not been followed and that proper documentation did not exist to warrant a dismissal, but he was a new employee himself with no other options but to do as he was told or lose his own job. Please note his absence from recent BOE meetings, curious don't you think?" It has the ring of truth and fits nicely with the general perception of this district.

"Response to Sadie" - you are either extremely naive or maybe a dope, and obviously don't know much about how civil service really works. Does the term "provisional appointment" mean anything to you? You can basically hire anyone you want, and they are given a generous amount of time to pass a civil service test. On another note, could someone please clarify what exactly Sept. 25th @ VHS auditorium is about?

That is not all i got out of what you wrote - but that is what i was most offended by. i do not know the facts about the other people you mentioned, but i do know about Mrs. McCloskey - and to say she got the job through nepotism is slanderous - you have no idea what she had to go through to be able to interview for the job, but you decided you would just bash her reputation and ability. did YOU know that Valhalla DID interview all top three candidates? do YOU know how stupid the question of WHEN Mrs. McCloskey took test is? If Mrs. McCloskey didn't take the test before she was hired, how would she have been able to place in the top three on the CSEA list? Think before you write - HOW WOULD THEY BE ABLE TO INTERVIEW HER AS ONE OF THE TOP THREE CANDIDATES? as for many people having the same score, do some research - did YOU know that CSEA rule states that when more than one person has the same test score, the people's names are listed in chronological order according to the last four digits of their social security number and that is how they are placed on the list so no one has the same number? this means that Mrs. McCloskey could have scored 100 along with two other people, but if her SSN's last four digits are higher than the first two people, she would place third. did YOU know that the clerical CSEA test is NOT the test Mrs. McCloskey had to take - her title is not clerk - it is Office Assistant/Automated Systems. This test is not so simple as the clerical one. This exam involves doing payrolls, computing time sheets and answering questions specific to the use of a computer. It would be so refreshing if bashers on this website did some research and got the facts - oh, but wait, then there would be nothing to bash!

That is not all i got out of what you wrote - but that is what i was most offended by. i do not know the facts about the other people you mentioned, but i do know about Mrs. McCloskey - and to say she got the job through nepotism is slanderous - you have no idea what she had to go through to be able to interview for the job, but you decided you would just bash her reputation and ability. did YOU know that Valhalla DID interview all top three candidates? do YOU know how stupid the question of WHEN Mrs. McCloskey took test is? If Mrs. McCloskey didn't take the test before she was hired, how would she have been able to place in the top three on the CSEA list? Think before you write - HOW WOULD THEY BE ABLE TO INTERVIEW HER AS ONE OF THE TOP THREE CANDIDATES? as for many people having the same score, do some research - did YOU know that CSEA rule states that when more than one person has the same test score, the people's names are listed in chronological order according to the last four digits of their social security number and that is how they are placed on the list so no one has the same number? this means that Mrs. McCloskey could have scored 100 along with two other people, but if her SSN's last four digits are higher than the first two people, she would place third. did YOU know that the clerical CSEA test is NOT the test Mrs. McCloskey had to take - her title is not clerk - it is Office Assistant/Automated Systems. This test is not so simple as the clerical one. This exam involves doing payrolls, computing time sheets and answering questions specific to the use of a computer. It would be so refreshing if bashers on this website did some research and got the facts - oh, but wait, then there would be nothing to bash!

It is YOU who doesnt know how CSEA works. The district is legally bound by CSEA rules to interview the top three people on the list of the title they need filled. If none of the three top people want the job, then the district MUST interview the next three people until no one is left. some titles have lists of less than 20 and some have lists of 70 - it depends upon the title - if no one on the list wants the job, then the district may hire someone who is not on the list, but the hiring is provisional and that person may work in that title until the test is given again. when that test is given, the district MUST once again interview the top three people. if the provisional employee scores in the top three, there is no issue. if however, they dont score in the top three, and someone in the top three wants the job, the provisional employee is out of luck and out of a job. Valhalla follows this rule very stringently, if you know districts that dont you should report them to CSEA.

I understand that there are mixed feelings about the dismissal of the African American teacher. Regarding your statement about her telling her students to look up the correct spelling of a word. Spare me. I remember way back in high school, I had a teacher who deliberately left out a letter on many of the spelling words. We didn't realize it at the time, but if we didn't do our homework she knew. Her plan was to make us look up the word. Not only did we learn the correct spelling but also the definition. It was her method of making sure that we did what we had to do to learn on own own, not to only depend on her. Learning to use a dictionary is not the worst thing that can happen to a child.

Are you really suggesting that this firing was because this African American woman told students to use a dictionary? That was the offense? Kids can't spell because they don't read books. We just tossed a library full of books at the High School, many classical authors, and replaced them with a dumbed down elementary level selection. Is a dictionary on the list of books banned in Valhalla?

Your posting is what is laughable. The issue is NOT spritzing water on students nor is it spelling. The issue IS about due process and following the disciplinary steps that are outlined in the teacher's contract. That simply was not done in this case and if Ms. Hinson decides to sue you can be certain that DRK and the BOE will be settling out of court for a lot of money. Your posting is so ridiculous that it makes me think that you are a member of the BOE. By the way...if you are going to criticize a teacher for her incorrect spelling, the least you can do is learn the difference between your and you're and when it is appropriate to use each.

Why are you that upset that your child was not given the correct spelling of words and was told to look them up? On a multiple choice test, does the teacher highlight the correct answer. I would be more upset that my child didn't have the intelligience to look up the words anyway to find the correct meaning of said words. I hope that your child finds out how to use a dictionary before he/she takes the SAT. A teacher will not be there to give them the correct answers. A student that takes the initiative to go that extra step on their own will have a better chance of obtaining the knowledge they will need to be accepted to the college of their choice. After all of this, the reason that Mrs. Hinson was dismissed isn't the relative factor in this case. It is the procedures and steps that were not taken that is the problem. Valhalla has a contract with the Teacher's Union and must adhere to all policies. This was not done in this matter. What a surprise!!

I guess the board was not happy with their gum chomping, deer in the headlights performance at the last BOE meeting. The meeting is no longer being aired on Channel 77 in Mt. Pleasant. Instead you will see a high school spring concert over and over. If you missed it you can download it online at www.valhallaufsd.com and click on the news and media link.

John, I thought the whole bus issue was settled. Why is there a legal posting for "New Route Transportation" for the 07-08 school year in the newspaper? Any ideas what the school is up to now?

I have no idea, I saw the ad too. Call the board office, if you're not me they may tell you without charging 25 cents a page.

I just read the letter from Cynthia Hinson to the Board of Education members that was just posted here. Are these Board members crazy? They fired this woman after she got good evaluations? Then they extended Ramos Kelly's contract after they read this teacher's letter? Exactly what is this new committee supposed to do now? Write a check?

I have known Cynthia Hinson since our daughters attended Kindergarten together in 1985. As long as I can remember, she has been an asset to the school community and someone who was and should be respected. I have worked with her on PTA committees at Virginia Road School and can state instances where her respect for children was evident, but I believe her evaluations speak for themselves. For her to be treated this way is disgraceful and all involved should have to answer for this decision. If the superintendent's decision is not overturned, I agree that Mrs. Hinson has no alternative but to take a stand and protect her Civil Rights. Not just for herself, but also for the teachers to follow. If the district does not reverse their decision, they alone will open Valhalla to the publicity that will follow. As a community are you willing to let them make this decision for you? If this BOE cannot be honest and upfront with issues with the people of Valhalla, how will they handle the publicity once the public becomes aware. Can they handle the investigation that will come? If the BOE continues to remain steadfast, the fallout from this decision will be immense. This definately appears to have racial tones and I am ashamed that a district that my children attended has this backwoods way of thinking. Thank God, not all of us feel that way. To those who will continue to support this BOE, will you be able to look in the mirror and believe that nothing wrong was done here? If you can, than you will deserve whatever comes from this act of ignorance. Cynthia, hold your head high because you have the support of many and you will come out of this with your pride and dignity intact.

I just read Mrs. Hinson's letter and I am stunned. I knew that DRK and this BOE were total incompetents but they have made incompetence an art form. What are they going to do when this goes to a deposition and they have to testify under oath? They can't get their stories straight now. How are they going to react when school children testify that they brought in the spray bottle and raised their hands to be misted? How about when the two former teachers testify? How about when Mrs. Hinson's commendations are read into the record? This is stunning. What is Deb Sicuranza going to do when Al Sharpton attends a board meeting and demands answers? "Uhh..excuse me Rev. Sharpton, but I want to get back to the agenda". Hold on to your wallets folks...this is going to make Fiorito's settlement look like cab fare.

Either they had all gotten that letter before they fired her or the letter was sent to the board office and DRK never distributed it. Stay tuned.

Something needs to be done to head this off before it gets to be a media nightmare. Every parent needs to print out Mrs. Hinson's letter and show up at the BOE meeting on Tuesday September 25. Demand that the board answer her letter and answer the charges. It is out there now, whether spritzing, spelling or race is the issue someone has to answer for this. I believe it was about stupidity, about selective enforcement of the rules, about the entitlement of some versus the disregard of others. Why does Josh Wolfson have a job after injuring a student and this woman not have a job? How could she get good evaluations and then get the rug pulled out at the 11th hour. Who is this person so powerful and with so much entitlement that he can get teachers fired? This is all public information I think and the board should be prepared with answers. It is important now that white parents show up in support of Mrs. Hinson to clearly separate the bumbling board from masses. Lets go Debbie, lets move the agenda and get to the issue at hand.

They should sell tickets to the next BOE meeting. They should be able to make enough money to pay for the roof,track and the Hinson lawsuit.

You ask what the BOE will do if this goes to deposition. We all know the answer to that, it is the standard reply that Valhalla gives. I don't know, I don't remember, and I don't recall. They must all learn this at a Staff Development Seminar. This time, the school community will demand the answers, not the standard BS. I too question where the equality is when it comes to matters involving teachers. Play with the students during class, injure a student and keep your job. Or, spray water on a student who asked for it and lose your job. I believe that Mrs. Hinson has more than proved her position and that the entire BOE should admit their mistake, change their decision or step down. This time the BOE and Dr Ramos-Kelly have gone to far and it is time for the people in this community to take their school and reputation back. If I were Mrs. Hinson, I would take Valhalla for all she could get and then go after the individual BOE members for damages. Good Luck, Cynthia

A first year law student could win this case. I agree that the BOE and the DRK have gone too far but I wouldn't hold your breath on the community demanding accountability...that hasn't happened so far. VUFSD is about to become the focal point for race relations in Westchester. It is totally indefensible for Mrs. Hinson to have been fired when Wolfson's son hospitalized a student and wasn't even suspended. I wasn't kidding about Al Sharpton. I have no doubt he will be here to bring publicity to the outrageous way that Mrs. Hinson was treated. Has any white teacher been terminated in a similar manner? DRK needs to be fired by the BOE...and then the BOE needs to be fired by the taxpayers. To be fair, I am sure that we have this all wrong. Maybe Lori Adelsberg and Leslie Goldrich and print the real story on the VCV website. After all, when it came to the trophies they said that all the community had to do is ask. Well Lori and Leslie, what are the facts as you know them? Tuesday's meeting should be something. Deb Sicuranza had better bring two packs of gum with her.

This BOE will not back down from any decisions that have been made. They are not only arrogant but have now been proven to be ignorant. Maybe what is needed is the attention of the media. Public pressure from the outside may be the only way the community can reclaim their school district and work together to begin rebuilding. I believe that this BOE and DRK have opened the doors for Valhalla to face serious charges of racism and it appears that the charges are warranted. As for the differences between the two teachers (Wolfson's son and Mrs. Hinson), the old saying "It's not what you know, but who you know" comes to mind. Josh Wolfson, the teacher who injured the student, will never face any consequences for his stupidity. If he was, that would have happened long ago. His Daddy wouldn't allow that to happen. I can only hope that Mrs. Hinson receives the justice and respect that she deserves. Above all she deserves the support of all in the community who feel that her dismissal was wrong.

I have it on good authority that the media will be attending this board meeting. Watch out Valhalla the storm is coming...

I hope that you are right about the media being there...and I hope that it is more than just the local media. If the BOE performs the way they did at the last meeting Valhalla will be the laughingstock of Westchester. DRK and the BOE had better spend the next 2.5 days getting their act together. If they pull that "your 5 minutes are up" or "let's get back to the agenda" they will look like fools. To Deb Sicuranza..here's a thought: Why not put this on the agenda - Mrs. Hinson's firing, Wolfson's son not being fired, the trophy fiasco, the trashing of library books, the Fiorito $400K settlement, the wasting of much of the $1.8 million Westhelp money, the $1.4 million budget surplus, the $1/year lease etc. etc. If these are on the agenda, then you won't have to say "let's get back to the agenda". Novel idea, don't you think? Frankly, I don't expect much from them on Tuesday night. They may not be a competent BOE but on Tuesday, they get to play one on TV.

You listed only 8 issues that should be discussed at Tuesday's BOE Meeting, I am sure that there will be more. Imagine this, If only 10 people take the opportunity to speak on these 8 topics and were only give the BOE's generous 5 minutes of time each, the total length of discussion would be 400 minutes at least. (This does not include rebuttal coments.) This would be in addition to the other business on the agenda. There is no way that Debbie Sicuranzo will put much of this on the agenda. I can't foresee a 7 hour BOE meeting. Is seating to be arranged according to what issue you are more pissed off about or will it be general admission? The BOE will try to put many of these issues off until the next meeting, after the Bond Issue Vote. As for them being a competent BOE, no one is that good of an actor. And Debbie, if you are going to be chomping on gum all night, please bring enough for everybody!

I just realized that I have been misspelling President Debbie's last name. I have spelled it with an "a" at the end and not an "o". I wanted to make sure I corrected that mistake. Otherwise if President Debbie is reading this blog she will see my posts and say to herself "Thank God he isn't talking about me. That Sicuranza person is a real screw up". As for the gum on Tuesday night, I strongly suggest Bazooka Bubble Gum. Deb, this way if the meeting runs past your attention span you can read the bazooka joe comics.

I have just taken the time to read Ms. Hinson's letter. No matter what happened in the classroom, this individual deserves due process. I am appalled and embarassed that VUFSD is embroiled in such a controversy. Shame on you-this is not what we teach our children.

For those who seem so interested in the incident involving Josh Wolfson and the injured student, I will give you all the correct information. This student filed a lawsuit against the Valhalla School District for an injury she received while participating in her Phys. Ed. Class in May of 2004. Mr. Wolfson was also participating in the game. This injury resulted in the student needing two orthopedic surgeries. The lawsuit was settled last week for an undisclosed amount before a judge in White Plains. Mr. Wolfson was deposed by Mr. Kevin O'Dell, an Attorney for the law firm of Wilson, Bave, Conboy, Cozza & Couzens. He can be reached at 914-686-9010. There is no confidentially agreement between either party and all information is or will be a matter of public record. If you think that any other information is needed, you may ask me through this blog and I will give you a truthfull and honest answer.

One of the blogs said the Board meeting of 8/28/07 was no longer being aired in Mt.Pleasent. Does anyone keep copies of the DVD's? If you FOIL these will the District charge a large amount of money for a copy?

The DVD copy is $1. The same price Easter Seals Pays for a one year's rent of the Columbus Avenue School.

Ouch!

I hope the BOE is asked what the heck the legal posting for "New Route Transportation" for the 07-08 school year in the newspaper recently is about. I have a feeling Wolfson is still trying to get the $80,000+ per year guy that picks up the mail rehired. What does this guy have on the district anyway? Will Royal be given some kind of contract so they can get their foot in the door and also to put this guy back on their payroll? I'm sure Wolfson was not happy when his plans were thwarted regarding taking the bus contract over to Royal, and is busy figuring out how he's going to have this happen in the future, no matter how the community feels about it. Wolfson needs to be watched very carefully, in my opinion. I'll be there tomorrow night.

Sounds like they better rent out the County Center

I believe it is a six figure settlement. Is that correct?

Wolfson is a major part of the problem over there. You can never get a straight answer out of him. Tom Kelly never made him do his job and now, neither will DRK. Both DRK and Wolfson need to fired otherwise the administrative disasters will continue and the finances of the district will never be brought under control.

No it wasn't, but both the student and her parents are satisfied with the settlement. Sometimes it is more important to prove a point than to prolong the outcome. Hopefully the Valhalla School District has learned and the school policy of letting a grown male teacher participate in a phys. ed. class with students will change. With luck, it will change before another student is injured because of the lack of better judgement.

I have never in my life seen a display like I witnessed tonight. Although I was disappointed in the number of people there, I can say that words from the public were not even needed to show the arrogance and incompetence that I saw. What was the most obvious was that there was no way the public & this includes residents of the community were going to be given the chance to speak. As three or four people were waiting to speak our genious of a president decided to adjourn the meeting. No one could even hear her announce that the meeting was closed. Mr. Steven Reich was allowed to speak, however when Mr. Panetta went to the microphone, he was told that the 5 minute rule would apply. This was not told to Coach Reich. Once again, the board policy was not followed. People were not given the opportunity to speak on other issues because of the behavior of our entire BOE. The meeting was adjourned before we even know what happened. Alumni were present and were told that they would not be allowed to speak. Considering it was their trophies and awards that were tossed, I found this to be totally absurd. Former teachers asked to speak and they too were told NO. Only a BOE with something to hide would behave like this. Astonishing, bizarre and proof that this BOE definately meets before hand to decide who will be given the platform to speak. When a former student kept on speaking his opinion, the BOE, including our illustrious Superintendent and Business Manager got up from the table and walked away. The only two members who had the respect for the speaker, the issue and the attending audience were Mrs. Beville and Mr. Mackin. They sat and listened to everything this man had to stay. Personally I would like to thank them both for their demeanor and their respect. I have other words for the rest of the BOE. Now, let's remember that this meeting was being filmed by both CBS News and News 12. They video taped and recorded everything the BOE did. How's that for making themselvs out to be fools and pompous asses. Nice image you presented to so many people. Are you proud of yourselves. You have embarassed the people of your community on television once again. This time it is more than the local news. After your behavior, I can honestly say the I firmly believe that you lost many votes when it comes to your bond issues. You can only push the people so far.

I could not believe it when Joan Peck, a retired well respected Physical Education teacher asked if former teachers would be allowed to speak. Nice way to treat your former educators with your astounding answer of NO - ONLY RESIDENTS. Remember you are only as good as your teachers and students. The BOE can be replaced anytime there is a election. Hope you haven't gotten too comfortable!

Yay, another committee will be formed in Valhalla. This one will get to decide where to put the remaining trophies. Yippee. How much space do you need, there can't be that many left. How about forming a committee to tell us what happened to the rest of them, with an honest answer. DRK said on TV that she would have answered questions about the trophies long ago. If I recall, didn't Kathy Lamb ask many months ago. DRK, if you are going to LIE on TV, make sure that no one has proof that you are doing so. Didn't Ms. Lamb write to the principal and send you a copy of such letter? Too bad Debbie Sicuranzo wasn't interviewed, I would have paid good money to see that. By the way if Mr. Thomas had said I don't know one more time, I was going to jump out of my seat. Remember, this is the standard answer, Valhalla is trained to give. It is your job to know!!!. Thank you Mr. Gaglione for telling it like it is to News 12. And Mr. Higgins, hope to see you again at the next meeting on October 23. The entire BOE and Valhalla Administration has set a fine example for their students when they walked out on the meeting. That was a bad idea but great TV viewing! How about this scenario: a student breaks something that belongs to the school, are you going to except his/her explanation of "I don't know what happened?" I highly doubt it! I have a great idea, pull out all of the trophies that are in your posession and show them to us at the next BOE meeting. I and many others would like to see them and check out what year they were from. Exactly what trophies are left? What type of awards are they (State, Sectional, League, Division or lower)? Every student/athlete deserves to have their accomplishments respected. But, then again this is Valhalla and the only thing that is respected are the kiss-ups, not the people who question your actions. Get over yourselves, you are no better than anyone else. Remember, you will not always be on the BOE, soon you will be sitting with us, what power will you have then.

How about at the next meeting, we sit in our seats and cover our mouths with tape. Maybe we should all bring signs that state what we want to say. They can shut us up, but the point will be made. That way Debbie can have the floor all to herself.

So who's call was it to make up the only residents rule? Shifty Wolfson? There is no such rule. Speech is not limited to residents. Since when are alumni and retired teachers unwelcome in Valhalla? Should we add these two subversive groups to the SWOT threat list? Maybe Debbie couldn't think and not chew gum? What I saw on News12 was a disgrace, leaving an alumnus on crutches at the microphone while board members ran away. Only Ms Beville and Mr. Macken stayed to listen. Aren't they the only Valhalla alumni on the board? What an example for the children! I am voting no on this next bond and everything else they put up until there are changes made.

DITTO...

What kind of BOE would walk out in the middle of a meeting? I guess if they don't like what is being said, they can take their ball and go home. They took the trophies, they might as well take the ball too. Besides the travesty of last night, I am upset that the BOE did not allow the meeting to continue. There were other items that should have been discussed and this parade of fools did not allow the public to address. additional issues under new business. I thought that the public was allowed to speak at these meetings. One good thing that happened last night was that Grace Stone didn't say one word besides making motions. Thank God for that!!!!! Again not a word from the all mighty Mike Smith. I've seen mimes speak more. This brings us to Mr. Wolfson, with a smug look on his face as could be seen in the News 12 video. The only two board members who stayed and showed respect should be applauded. I am sure that they heard about their behavior when this Merry Band of Morons met later. As we all know the events of last night were planned well in advance and the audience didn't stand a chance. But the most disgraceful thing of last night occurred while watching DRK being interviewed by NEWS 12. To sit there and outright lie and say that no one asked questions should be justification for her firing. A person in her position should know better. To publicly lie about the trophies should show this entire community that she and the BOE should not be trusted with anything that flies out of her mouth. I would also like to thank the BOE for proving themselves to be totally incompetent. You make our job so much easier. But all in all my favorite quote of the night goes to Mr. Thomas. He used Valhalla's standard "I DON'T KNOW" when they don't want to answer a question