Truth Has Its Rewards!
Monthly beginning in April, we will select a submitted article for recognition and the author will receive the coveted 'Truth' coffee mug pictured below...Good luck!
Syndicate
About The Blog
Do we really need another blog in a small town like Woodstock? Absolutely. If you read the initial entry you know exactly why. Here your posts will not be manipulated or edited. Here you will also not be relegated to 'Wackyville' or any such nonsense. We do however expect you to conduct yourselves accordingly. We do not employ means to identify IP addresses or individuals. Admin will treat you and your posts with respect, period. It will be our intent to have meaningful discussion without the 'mean'. That doesn't mean BORING. It is your choice whether to be anonymous or not- simply make up an email address in your post, however, we encourage people to make comments they are proud of, believe in and are able to stand behind. Having said all of that, we will not allow unprovoked personal attacks by name or references to families that we consider to be out of line. Drop us a line at woodstocktruth@charter.net Respectfully, Admin
Other Stuff
Understanding the ARRA in CT
This report is a non-partisan effort to increase the public’s and policymaker’s understanding of the recently enacted American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), the so called “stimulus bill,” as well as some of its fiscal and economic impacts in the State of Connecticut.
The report highlights economic conditions that helped propel passage of the stimulus bill, discusses some of the economic principles behind the use of fiscal policy as an economic stimulus and presents key arguments for and against the ARRA. The report broadly classifies and summarizes key ARRA provisions and their timing nationally and in Connecticut. To help bring coherence to nearly 300 separate spending measures we present a simple taxonomy that describes how the measures will affect government and their potential to stimulate economic activity.
We compare the volume of known stimulus funding allocated to Connecticut with the amount allocated to other states and we estimate the value of individual and corporate tax breaks Connecticut citizens and businesses will receive as a result of ARRA’s provisions. Finally, we suggest benchmark metrics from which to evaluate the job creation impacts of the ARRA and highlight some of the difficulties inherent in and urge caution in evaluating ...<< MORE >>
How to Reduce Property Taxes with a Citizens Audit Committee
This manual is designed to help local politicians, taxpayer activists, and concerned citizens to lower onerous property taxes by organizing to reduce local budgets, both for their towns and schools.
DOWNLOAD THE FULL MANUAL NOW! (PDF)
Although written in the early months of 2009 – a time of dramatically falling home values, widespread job losses and worldwide economic difficulties – it is designed to be implemented during any period, so that events like those of today will never again put property tax payers in such dire economic circumstances.
This manual is also designed to be straightforward and accessible. Even policymakers are often confused by the terminology of local finance. Many otherwise intelligent people cannot clearly define “mil rate” or “grand list.” They are also made to feel helpless by false assertions that the cost of public employment is forever fixed by contract, that local programs are strictly mandated by state law, and that unions and other special interest groups are too powerful to be resisted.
What follows is based on the work of Dr. Armand Fusco, former school superintendent in Branford, Connecticut, and author of ...<< MORE >>
Policies - Schmolicies...
Next time you reach for your checkbook for the PTO's overpriced wrapping paper and candy- REMEMBER, you are giving to a Political Action Committee controlled by Lindsay Paul, the Loftus's and the rest of the 'Breen Party'- NOT THE KIDS!
Election Commission Complaint Process
I have been contacted numerous times over the last couple of days by angry parents wanting to know if it was legal for the school to use the automated calling system to urge a 'No' vote, sending home flyers with the kids, or teachers and aides urging the children to tell their parents to vote 'No'.
My read on the answer to all is- absolutely not.
Read a summary of the rules -HERE- PDF
The complaint form is here-
http://www.ct.gov/seec/lib/seec/forms/complaint/filing_a_complaint.pdf
It is a very simple process whereby you fill out the form, have it signed by the Town Clerk and mail it in- and they take it from there.
That's your BOE/PTO- by hook or crook. Last time I checked Woodstock was still part of the United States.
Take Care and Good Luck...
I wish to convey my sincere thanks to all of you who are aware and have supported the fight for right. I have been involved in political maneuverings at the State and National level in the past and haven’t ever experienced anything quite like this, nor would I have expected an arrogance or sleaze level quite this disgusting in a beautiful little town such as this. If you are not aware, keep your blinders on, you might be better off.
I received the docket on the SEEC complaint yesterday and it will go forward. ...<< MORE >>
Passing the Torch
By Lisa Rapose
This referendum, unfortunately, was a casualty of disinformation. Pure and simple.
I can not tell you the number of folks who told me, “I agree that it would be a good thing to change the BOE to 4 year terms but, I think we should wait and do it without ‘kicking everybody off’…” These good-hearted people did not want to unseat the BOE. It all seemed mean-spirited to them. Sadly, they just did not know that the reconstitution of the board is the ONLY WAY to do ...<< MORE >>
On the Outcome
Despite the outcome of the vote- this was an important effort and expression of continued concern with the path that the current leadership of the WBOE has adhered to. It is indeed discouraging (and sad) to think that the past several years have witnessed an ill conceived and counterproductive campaign to create false dragons (insufficient tax spending and a lack of local control of the regional high school) that must be slain, no matter what the cost, coupled with a resulting erosion of a more balanced community confidence and support for the local educational ...<< MORE >>
The Empire Prevails
Going into this I knew full well that it would be an uphill battle; however, the stakes were and are still worth it. These are your kids and mine, although we are now “safe” at the Academy.
The most amazing revelation to me about all of this is the PTO and their supporters. I’ve been to countless BOE ...<< MORE >>
The Final Word...
As I write this, I just feel so badly that so many people don't look a little closer at what is really going on. Just the basics, as in the letter that was passed out when the parents and students got home from their Washington trip. "The BOE voted no to the ninth grade proposal" - don't people remember that the only reason they voted no was because they had an auditorium filled with hundreds of angry, questioning people, who insisted on a decision then and there? "The BOE has signed ...<< MORE >>
Worth the Effort
By Ed Higgins
In the run-up to tomorrow's referendum vote on the petitioned ordinance that could result in the reconstitution of the Board of Education, a good deal of the public commentary has taken a tone of personal and pejorative attacks upon those citizens who felt compelled to sign the petition and bring the proposal before residents for a vote. Supporters have been labeled as being 'anti-education', selfish and or being driven by a single issue of self interest.
A close look at the names of many of the 38 original signatories of ...<< MORE >>
From Lisa Rapose...
A Board of Education is a public agency comprised of elected officials who make decisions for us. Sounds simple enough, right? We elect people to run our school system in our collective best interest. The truth is it’s just not that simple.
I have spent the last 4 years being heavily involved in education issues in Woodstock. I started out like most folks advocating for our kids. There was a lot that I did not know or understand so, I started asking questions. The more questions I asked led to more questions ...<< MORE >>
Wisdom for Woodstock
Wisdom from Fran Stevens- Former Superintendent
CLICK -HERE- FOR FULL SCREEN (Requires Media Player)
Wisdom from Avis Spalding- Former BOE member for 17 years- 13 as Chair
CLICK -HERE- FOR FULL SCREEN (Requires Media Player)
Just for the Record...
Thanks, -Craig Powers
After reading some of the Opinion letters in this week’s Villager against the June 9th referendum there are a few points I’d like to address:
First, it’s interesting that some of the proponents of the “NO” vote seem to focus most of their energies on personal attacks on the petitioners rather than the issues in the belief that somehow these personal attacks will gain them support. We’ll see.
On specific issues – Superintendent Baran and Mr. Corden defend ...<< MORE >>
A 'YES' Vote is a Vote for Progressive Education
On June 9th, 2009 a referendum question will be brought to vote in the Town Of Woodstock:
Shall the Town of Woodstock adopt an ordinance in accordance with Sections 9-203 and 9-205 of the General Statutes of Connecticut to reduce the Board of Education from its present nine members to seven, thereby causing the terms of all present members to terminate on November 2, 2009 and seven members of the Board shall be elected; four members to hold office for two years and three members to hold office for four years, each from the date of election, and, at each town election thereafter, shall elect members of such board in place of the members whose terms expire, each for a term of four years from the date of election.
Why the Petitioners Feel this Initiative is Necessary
Promotes more ownership by parents and citizens; It is the hope of the petitioners that the newly elected BOE will welcome more productive involvement by those who would like to help shape our school system through positive engagement and service on subcommittees.
Reduction of Number and Terms: The current six year term required for BOE candidates causes the inability of the political committees to attract appropriate candidates. If the initiative is successful, terms will be reduced to 2 and 4 years initially and 4 years thereafter with a board of seven.
Ceasing the current atmosphere of divisiveness with the Academy, parents, citizenry and other elected Boards; this is the first step in restoring an education agenda to serve the children of Woodstock.
Over the last number of years the current Board of Education has lost its focus on serving the children of Woodstock. Rather, they have gone on an empire building crusade that has been financed with MANY THOUSANDS of our children’s education tax dollars in bringing forth proposals such as:
The 9th Grade Hold Back Proposal
The BOE/Breen/Academy Proposal
Advocating for the Repeal of Proposition 46
And MORE…It is past time to return to an Education Agenda for the children of Woodstock.
Tune in to WINY Tomorrow at 9:00am
You can listen in on your computer by following this link- http://www.winyradio.com/ then click the 'Listen Live' button.
In Response to Baran and Paul's Statements on WINY
I have had three children go through the system, two have graduated from the Academy and one is a sophomore there. All three did very well in all three schools and I thank the exceptional teachers in all three schools.
When I became interested in the Woodstock School System about 8 or so years ago, I started to go to BOE meetings. My wife spent more time than I involved with the schools, she was the spelling mom or ...<< MORE >>
Yesterday was a Good Day for Woodstock Education
I speak as a concerned citizen and parent and not as a sitting member of the BOE.
The budget passed with no problem, and no programs or teachers were cut.
The regular monthly BOE meeting was the most open and productive I have seen in ten years.
With the June 9th referendum looming and all members possibly having to run for election in November, some of the board members have done a ‘180’ as far as being accountable to the students and townspeople.
Seven members were seated last night; Mrs. Swenson was on her way to a conference ...<< MORE >>