BTW - take a look at this everyone who thinks we have too many administrators: The NJDOE Comparative Spending Guides found on the NJDOE web site shows that we have fewer administrators to students than many districts and our cost per student is lower than many districts in the 3500 students and above districts...
None of you have been able to explain how a NO vote on this Capital Improvement project helps send a message about being fiscally conservative with an operating budget. All it would show is that we have a town full of people with no long term vision! The flipping schools aren't going to just magically fix themselves!!!
Just re-open Glenn, just redraw boundary lines. A bunch of asinine drivel spoken by people with no idea what any of these would either entail, or whether it would solve any problems.
BTW - I don't even have children in the schools yet nor do I have any affiliation with the Bd. of Ed. I just know I moved here for amongh other reasons a quality school system and would like to keep it that way.
Posts
35 comments:
Who is the ignorant one? The BOE does not have to wait 5 years to request a new bond referendum. The BOE can put out a revised referendum at the next available election. Nobody is aksing you to be polite but please educate yourself first before typing.
its quite apparent the original poster gets the 'dope of the week award'. the statement 'I just know I moved here ' is indicative of the motive. why dont we piss away more money to satisfy your unrealistic expectations..better yet... move out. We dont need your rude brash negative comments about posters who might disagree with your spending spree.
BiG obnoxious poster - when you moved here, who told you that the school system here was excellent, the realtor? The bigger the sale, the BiGGer the commission. Didn’t do the homework.
When time comes to sell, I’ll be SuRE to insist that the buyer has a large family, 10 kids, so they’ll be sure to get their tax money’s worth out of the school system and YoU. We’re in a great family neighborhood. That should make up for the 40 years and more, we contributed to the system without any enrollments.
I'm Still voting nO!
Sad but the original poster is EXACTLY the stereotypical 'newbie' that was discussed in a prior thread.Moves in. Big loud RUDE mouth, clueless about the realities of budgets,taxes, unions, and makes venomous comments about someone who politely disagrees.Go back to the trailer park Jethro.
i agree with the poster above. if you can't afford to pay for our elite school system, move to waldwick. nobody is forcing you to live in our town. we have always wanted the best schools for our kids, and we're quite willing to pay for it. that's the ridgewood way - a tradition of excellence. if that's out of your financial reach, it doesn't make you a bad person; it just means' you're probably out of your league in this town.
i'll be supporting this measure. i've lived in the town for almost 30 years - my kids are long since graduated, but i feel a sense of civic obligation to those who still attend. cheers.
8:07 the only 'elite' part of the schools here are the taxes. 30 years ago they were the best. No longer. Just look at the test scores and tell me when we were #1? The other bergen towns kick our a$$. Its simple, we don't get what we pay for. Why flush more money down the toilet?
While reading The Ridgewood News today, I was really quite surprised when I red a letter from Bob Hutton, of all BoE members, endorsing the bond. Considering his primo gig @ Bolger & Co, I would be ashamed to come pleading for money from the citizens of Ridgewood. Not all of the downtown business locations are doing as well as his boss.
I don't blame the 8:07s in town - they are looking through the prism of 30 year old glasses (the prism of actual excellence in education).
It is the new morons who are buying the vaporware (the current "excellence") who I blame.
8:07 and her peers would not put up with the mediocre education that currently exists in Ridgewood.
The 8:07's of the world ensured that Ridgewood had "excellence" by working at it in a practical manner by emphasizing a bedrock of sound fundamentals AND a broad exposure to the arts and sports and leadership. That was TRUE Excellence, unlike today where we have a tradition of excellence... big difference.
The biggest difference is that today's Ridgewood parents think that "working at making Ridgewood schools excellent" is blind trust in "the school" and spending the money to fund that blind trust.
All of the current BOE shenanigans would not be tolerated 30 years ago.
8:07 your sense of civic obligation and the tradition of snobbery still continues to show in Ridgewood. Amazing!
Hey 8:07...Would love to move out of this town, but the taxes are so high that the buyers are balking at paying for a mediocre, 'has been' educational system. Take your head out of the BOE butt and start seeing the light.
The BOE, Superintendent, and Business Administrator do not know how to budget or plan more than 4 months into the future.
If we think like you, why not buy every house on Beverly and turn it into a parking lot so the kids can have a place to park closer to the school? Then let's just tear down Glen and make it into a park for all to enjoy, considering it is too antiquated to be used by the BOE (but it's ok rent out a building that is not up to code). I say we add on more than the 22 rooms, why not individual teacher rooms on each floor? We know the cafeteria is too small at the High School (kids have to eat in the hallways, where classes are being held) so let's build a new one! The little theater really is too small and the campus center is awkward for large events so let's build a big auditorium at the High school so there can be assemblies that accommodate our entire student population. Why stop there, why not buy the million dollar microscopes from Bergen County Technical Schools because, you know, our students deserve the best? And let's add on another science wing to accommodate them. Oh yea, let's not forget the consultants and new teachers that will be needed to fill the 22 new classrooms. Ah.. Ridgewood a modern Shangri La.
Eliminate the new turf fields and ease the crowding at Ridge and Willard by redistricting. Then, come back to us taxpayers with a more reasonably-sized bond proposal.
"if you can't afford to pay for our elite school system, move to waldwick. nobody is forcing you to live in our town. we have always wanted the best schools for our kids, and we're quite willing to pay for it"
You sound like a fool. And quite willing to throw your money around. New money, no class.
this is 8:07 -
to the 10:41 poster - i agree with most of your proposals. ridgewood residents should be accustomed to paying for the best. it's why we are ridgewood and not bogota or harrington park or midland park.
if our schools aren't up to snuff, why not invest more in them. surely we can't expect better results if we're cutting corners. the ridgewood i know would spare no expense for our children's education and that's why i'm voting YES on the referendum just as i vote for every budget every year.
There is a lot of boasting about "paying for the best." You are paying designer prices for manufacturer seconds.
Please donate your money directly to one of the schools's education foundations. Our public schools are sending out solicitations for money as if they were a real charity. Leave my taxes alone.
Another NO vote here. Breeders, pay for your brat's schools yourself! You have money for monster SUV strollers and DVD players in your car - pay for the schools.
It's shameful the way a person can not drive down Ridgewood Avenue on a Saturday without being shook down in your car by youths with their begger cups out for their sports money.
Your kids have plenty of money for cars and cell phones, start footing the bill for their education.
8:53...
Unfortunately, the Ridgewood Educational Foundation is small and could not possibly make a dent in the infrastructure needs for the school. In the past 20 YEARS it has provided $400,000 in funding (1% of what is needed this year). Nor, does has it historically funded those types of expenses. The following link is a list of what they funded in 2009 www.ridgewoodedfoundation.org/pdfs/REFfacts09.pdf. If people in this town were really inclined to support the school through donations they would have done so over the past 10-20 years. Obviously, charity is not the solution for our IMMEDIATE needs.
In addition, there have been comments about the "ability" fund capital funds, etc. Perhaps if we can finallly fund some of the capital needs of the school system, instead of voting them down every time, we could think out setting aside funds in the future. For example, we have not more than $50,000 in any year in the past 15 to fund a single repair or improvement to any BOE athletic facility. Is it any wonder that our facilities are inadequate?
Unfortunately, when we hit the 4% max increase every year to fund operating expenses, capital funding options do not seem to be a possibility. But, even if it were, how many of you "no" voters would agree to pay a $1mm a year for an "unspecified use" fund for the future. My guess is NONE. I suggest that you would be "up in arms" claiming that the BOE just wants your money for a "slush fund".
Your actions speak louder than your words and your words are hypocritical.
BTW, weren't many of you the same people who, in the last elections, told us that your NEW candidates in the BOE and VC would fix all the historic woes of those organizations? Now you are uop on the same old soap box blaming them for fiscal irresponsibility. These are YOUR candidates, who are running the show now. Sounds pretty hypocritica to me, once again.
Why is Ridge overcrowded?
Because students who live within walking distance of Travell are bussed up to Ridge, thanks to a former mayor from the "eastside" who wanted his children to go to a "westside" school, believing that it was "better".
Re-open Glen, put the children back in their neighborhood schools, and stop wasting money.
Yes, and do all of this before the Bond Vote comes through. More great ideas from the sidelines. How many of you have come to ONE SINGLE BOE meeting and asked why your brilliant suggestions werent followed? If it was suggested to reopen Glen, you'd complain about the cost of that too... and better yet if you lived across Route 17... you'd be up in arms.
As to those who continue to talk of "brats"... be careful. A "breeder" might show up on your doorstep and straighten you out before we move to Waldwick. Who would protect you? You already take shots at the Ridgewood PD because of their budget too.
Back here on Planet Ridgewood, the "breeders" will be out to support this vote. This is a family town. Dont like it, you are free to move. Unless you have a solution and you're willing to waddle over to Cottage Place to share it, be quiet.
Oh, and I just drove my SUV across your lawn. And I killed a baby seal too. It impressed my brats, as they were talking on their cell phones and getting ready to beg for money in front of RHS.
See you at the cocktail party tonight? We all know who you are.
I agree 100% with the original poster -- he or she describes the "No" voters perfectly.
I am continuously amazed at how many pompous jackasses there are in this town.
So much hate and vitriol towards your neighbors who voice their opinion. Some of you are really a joke. Your children must really be proud of the example you set for them.
knew it wouldnt take long for the BOE hacks to come on here and start calling everyone names. Its just an attempt to cover up that the school stystem is not what it used to be.
As for some of the capital needs : what the roof just started leaking?
the bleechers have been a mess for how long?
I dont seem to rememeber any trouble passing the budget the last couple of years?
No one noticed the increase in the number of kids?
and the Glen argument is just total 100 % BS .People in that district should send there kids to another district all together.
I have gone to your terrible meetings , its really pathetic so all your left with is attacking people who have different opionions or people who where here when the schools were good?
Sorry 70's and 80's and 90's I voted yes ,since 2000 I have voted NO!
More insults from the YES voters.
The whole reason I will vote NO is because I feel that the Board is not looking out for us. Times are bad and things must change.
I feel bad that the only 2 current board members I voted for, Ms. Lenhard and Ms. Goodman, have succumbed to the ways of the same ol' board. Come next election, I will vote for the candidate that I believe is committed to changing with the times.
116 - you think that I am a schmuck or a$$hole because I am dissenter?
It seems that the 'yessirs' are taking potshots at regular citizens by a great margin. The lack of civility is appalling.
The BOE shouldn't be responsible for the school system's physical plant. What the town really needs is a property management for all Village properties. Let the BOE take care of the education. Let the Village take care of it's properties and buildings in a professional manner.
211 is right. There's a reason people stay anonymous on this blog. I think there's really reason to fear retaliation by the yahoos, seemingly mostly "yesses", who spew verbal abuse and threats (see the 1237 rant). I thought Ridgewood was full of civilized people. Silly me.
I for one will be voting no. Seeing the hate that has been spewed from the folks that support the bond has been sad. I am also not afraid of their hate or threats and have no reason to be anonymous.
In recent years both Glen Rock and Midland Park re-opened schools that they had been leasing out to address their overcrowding issues. I know that one on Midland Ave. was out of date, built in the early 1950's and leased to a daycare; similar situation to the Glen School right now. Also, with respect to the suitability for Glen as an elementary and the associated costs of bringing it up to code - - - isn't the RED program in several classrooms there? If if's up to snuff for RED, how much work needs to be done?
Just asking and if anyone has any answers, please let me know.
To my fellow Ridgewood voters, parents, and citizens:
I am in the YES camp. I have problems with the way our education system and our Village Gov is run. I agree this vote comes at a tough time. But I think its needed, so I'm biting the bullet and I am willing to pay for it. You do not have to agree. Thats why its a public vote. Dont critize me for saying YES, and I'll leave you be as to your choice to say NO.
The name-calling? I must tell you. I believe that 90% of it is complete B-S. Can I spring a conspiracy theory? Maybe. But I think the "newbie" comments that are designed to insult the established no voters are, in fact, posted by someone actually is a NO voter, and he/she wants to divide the town. This person knows that insults bring anger, which will get other no voters out to the polls. Just my theory. On the other hand, the insults sent along to those of us with children who will benefit from this bond (the breeders..? Come on. Cant make that stuff up if you tried). Thats to incite the same crap that flowed above.
I dont care if we're all friends. I'd imagine that most bloggers would never share these views in public. But lets focus on the issues and whats best for our Village. I support this. I am voting yes. You vote no? I dont agree, but thats your choice.
Bigger picture? Fix the BOE, the Village gov, and so on? Yes. But one step at a time.
Lets give all the other garbage a rest. Stop the name-calling. Stop the plants and misinformation. Come back to reality and lets do what is best for our children.
Three cheers for 11:33...finally a post that makes some sense.
1133 - if you voice a 'NO' in this town, you become a target. Your business gets blacklisted. You don't get invited to houses to lunch. You become a social outcast. Why? Because you are viewed as a miscreant.
I have coached, volunteered for numerous Village, sports and school groups and committees. I raised a LOT of money with other dedicated parents.
And I have seen the waste, control and abuse. I've had enough. I'm voting NO because it is what my conscience tells me to do. It's what my kids would expect of me because of the values I have taught them.
I'll never engage in the ad hominem attacks against those who disagree with me have leveled against me. However, I will never try to lie and attempt to deceive people into voting NO along with me.
I am of the opinion that that BOE has not been up-front with us and expects us to blindly follow. I will not. That is why I spend time educating myself on issues here and within Bergen County.
Here in Ridgewood, I hear the phrase "we can't do that" instead of "why can't we do that?". These extreme times demand representatives on the board that have imagination and intestinal fortitude. Instead, I see capitulation and group think. The last free thinkers have been assimilated by the machine that is the BOE. I used to respect them, and unless they have a change of heart before the bond goes to vote, they will never again receive my vote or financial support.
You're right, 1133, we should let the garbage take a rest - but I ask you, do you believe in this bind ref 100%? Because if you have any reservations that this is the latest lapse of imagination and leadership by those who work for and represent us, I would ask that you hold them to the job they promised to do.
Money will not solve this problem. It's time for a new plan.
To 7:21 with the questions about what is needed to get Glen School up to snuff:
In order to be a full functioning elementary school, Glen would need to have classrooms added (if the RED program were to remain there -- and it does have to go somewhere), add a cafeteria, and add a library. But the real issue is the staff that would need to be added, impacting the operating budget year after year: principal, secretary, nurse, librarian, child study team -- and probably a few TEACHERS, too. That's a lot of salary to be added (dont forget the budget is capped at 4% growth).
I was here when Glen was closed and redistricted...talk about some angry townsfolk! It took YEARS for people to forgive the BOE (if they ever did). Redistricting will not solve the problems this time.
What will the total tax increase be for a "typical" homeowner? I want it broken down showing town & state taxes. I seem to pay more than the typical projection.
The "only" $300 argument is meant to fool people. Our taxes are going up a lot more. Mine have gone up $6,000 in the past 5 years. What is there to show for it - run down buildings that have not been repaired? Teacher & administrator contracts that are out of control? It is just waste and lack of fiscal oversight! We never have the big picture and they hope that we will vote "for the kids".
I'm glad you can pose some historical perspective 1101, but I have a couple of points.
The BoE is willing to spend $50 mil with a huge chunk of that going to expansion - so why not give it a 15-room head start? After all, we already own Glen. (I really would like to hear someone from that neighborhood to chime in)
Yes, we would need a principal, secretary, nurse, etc, but considering we have TWO assistant superintendents, could you see that there may be more bloat if we dug deeper?
As for a child study team - don't get me started. We are not required to have one for each elementary school in the district. Plus, their caseloads are roughly 1/3-1/2 the size of other districts in Bergen County. No wonder no one wants to leave.
Now approaching my 20th year here, I'm sorry to say that the graph is continuing to point down. I am of the opinion that throwing (ad the BoE would say, cheap) money at the issues won't make them better.
Does every building require a principal? Maybe one of the existing principals could do double duty. Get rid of a MS grade administrator and get a part time principal.
6.29am … “What will the total tax increase be for a "typical" homeowner? I want it broken down showing town & state taxes.”
…projected 2010 municipal tax increases $307.00 for average home.
at the last council meeting, council member asked for the projections for 2010 municipal taxes; it was reported that state mandates, insurance costs, and other non-optional increases have already added an estimated $307.00 increase to the projected municipal 2010 taxes (reported in newspaper last week)
2010 school budget will add $301.00, municipal tax $307.00, county estimate x?
You can call the tax office, ask the tax assessor.
Post a Comment