On the Outcome
By Ed Higgins
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 leadership and system.
As in the past and present, eyes will continue to open as families ascend the escalator from the school system managed by our BOE and matriculate to WA, which enjoys the well earned confidence and support from all other area sending towns. Hopefully, better days for all await somewhere down the road.
Well said Mr. Higgins. I am looking forward to my last child leaving the WMS and going to the Academy where he will finally get a decent education. The WMS is a waste of time. The students are not challenged and the teachers work with a union mentality. The sad part is that the BOE turns its eyes away from these very real issues and focuses only on wanting to spend more money, placate the teachers, going after the Academy, and convincing young unknowing parents and PTO members that all is happy happy. Wait till these parents get to the middle school and their kids stop getting homework, watch movies in classes, go to time wasting field trips, and, best of all, despite having currculum cordinators, have curriculums that are so dummied down the average kid gets bored. But its easy for the teachers so I guess that's OK. And don't try bringing these issues up at a BOE meeting. You'll get blank stares and Lindsay Paul will break into an evasive rhetorical litany that will leave you feeling confused and manipulated. Don't go to the Cafe because they will call you "anti-education". Can't go to the Superintendant, he will give you the cold shoulder (and besides, he won't even know who your kid is). So too bad if you have a complaint or suggestion. You'll have to wait to go to the Academy. Then you'll know why parents and kids believe there is an "Academy difference". They can finally breath again.
Reply to this
The Stages of a Woodstock Education:
Euphoria at the Elementary School (Baran never comes, not wanting to spend his mileage money).
WMS: Oh MY God it is going to be a long three years, is it time for the Academy yet???
WOW it is the Academy DIFFERENCE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Boy I hated the Middle School.
I NEVER REALIZED HOW BAD THE SYSTEM WAS UNTIL I LEFT.
Reply to this
Mr. Higgins,
Thank you for getting involved with our town. We however could use more help and advice on how to get more attention and help into Woodstock.
We have gone to the Town, BOE, Zoning Board, and ZEO etc. without any solution or even reply to some of our recurring problems.
Who and where should we go to help next?
Reply to this