Below are Jodi McCredo's comments from the 1/11/16 Board Meeting. We thank Jodi for her continued advocacy:
Hello, I'm Jodi McCredo, Beacon Parent and taxpayer. Over the past few months many community members, including myself, have been coming to these meetings attempting to improve things in this district, and meeting after meeting we are told to move forward. We would love to, but unfortunately the current environment is a toxic one and we are unable to move forward until significant changes are made.
Problems aren't solved by sweeping them under the rug. Teachers don't feel more appreciated when they're told that forced transfers will be done better in the future. Parents and community members don't feel welcome and engaged when their words are twisted or ignored.
My children have had amazing experiences with their teachers, teaching assistants, and aides, and I am so grateful for all of the staff members at JV Forrestal that we are in contact with daily. What saddens me is the knowledge that things could be so much better for all of our children with the proper leadership.
How great would it be if we utilized the amazing skills of our teachers for professional development, instead of paying hundreds of thousands of dollars on consultants.
How great would be if we could implement more amazing programs and educational experiences, such as overnight trips, for our kids, instead of questioning the one that has been in place for years?
How great would it be to send our kids to schools with more opportunities for foreign language and advanced placement classes, instead of cutting the ones we have?
How great would it be to send our kids to schools with more resources, such as tablets and laptops (I'm looking at you, unused technology grant) instead of having many start the year without the required textbooks and programs necessary to do their basic work?
To have a district that invests money in hiring the right people for necessary positions, such as a guidance coordinator who is able to handle scheduling, instead of having to hire consultants with high price tags that still mess it up?
To have parent teacher conferences a couple of months BEFORE report cards so that a strategy can be worked on to improve grades instead of talking about them?
How great would it be if ideas from the community were met with enthusiasm, instead of excuses?
If our teachers felt empowered, rather than afraid?
If involved parents were thanked, rather than insulted.
I love Beacon and my children are 8 and 4 so we have a long way to go in this district.
I want my children in a district where I know there is equality among all of the elementary schools.
Where all children in all grade levels have opportunities to work with computers on coding and programming and robotics to prepare them for the future.
Where mentors are in place to catch the most at risk students BEFORE they slip through the cracks.
Where drop out prevention actually builds up electives that keep students engaged and wanting to come to school.
Where the district leaders, instead of telling us why these things aren't possible here, work with us to make it possible.
We have so much potential. We have wonderful teachers, an incredible support staff, and amazing kids. We have an amazing community here of caring, intelligent, involved parents with a diverse range of talents and skills. We can do this together. BEACON KIDS DESERVE BETTER!
Problems aren't solved by sweeping them under the rug. Teachers don't feel more appreciated when they're told that forced transfers will be done better in the future. Parents and community members don't feel welcome and engaged when their words are twisted or ignored.
My children have had amazing experiences with their teachers, teaching assistants, and aides, and I am so grateful for all of the staff members at JV Forrestal that we are in contact with daily. What saddens me is the knowledge that things could be so much better for all of our children with the proper leadership.
How great would it be if we utilized the amazing skills of our teachers for professional development, instead of paying hundreds of thousands of dollars on consultants.
How great would be if we could implement more amazing programs and educational experiences, such as overnight trips, for our kids, instead of questioning the one that has been in place for years?
How great would it be to send our kids to schools with more opportunities for foreign language and advanced placement classes, instead of cutting the ones we have?
How great would it be to send our kids to schools with more resources, such as tablets and laptops (I'm looking at you, unused technology grant) instead of having many start the year without the required textbooks and programs necessary to do their basic work?
To have a district that invests money in hiring the right people for necessary positions, such as a guidance coordinator who is able to handle scheduling, instead of having to hire consultants with high price tags that still mess it up?
To have parent teacher conferences a couple of months BEFORE report cards so that a strategy can be worked on to improve grades instead of talking about them?
How great would it be if ideas from the community were met with enthusiasm, instead of excuses?
If our teachers felt empowered, rather than afraid?
If involved parents were thanked, rather than insulted.
I love Beacon and my children are 8 and 4 so we have a long way to go in this district.
I want my children in a district where I know there is equality among all of the elementary schools.
Where all children in all grade levels have opportunities to work with computers on coding and programming and robotics to prepare them for the future.
Where mentors are in place to catch the most at risk students BEFORE they slip through the cracks.
Where drop out prevention actually builds up electives that keep students engaged and wanting to come to school.
Where the district leaders, instead of telling us why these things aren't possible here, work with us to make it possible.
We have so much potential. We have wonderful teachers, an incredible support staff, and amazing kids. We have an amazing community here of caring, intelligent, involved parents with a diverse range of talents and skills. We can do this together. BEACON KIDS DESERVE BETTER!
The 1/11/16 Board Meeting was cancelled because a quorum was not present. According to the NY State School Board Association: “If a quorum is not present, no official business can be conducted until more members arrive. Informal discussion can, however, legally take place, or the meeting can be adjourned (less than a quorum may adjourn).” Our President, Melissa Thompson, chose to adjourn the meeting.
Over 350+ parents, teachers, students, and stakeholders remained in the auditorium. Board Members Anthony White and Bill Zopf remained in attendance along with Deputy Superintendent Ann Marie Quartironi.
We thank all of those that stayed and listened to the speakers.
Over 350+ parents, teachers, students, and stakeholders remained in the auditorium. Board Members Anthony White and Bill Zopf remained in attendance along with Deputy Superintendent Ann Marie Quartironi.
We thank all of those that stayed and listened to the speakers.
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