How embarassing for the 'leaders/adults'......these kids will get MORE of an education than they bargained for out of just this controversy.......and when they grow up and take positions in life,,,,the ripple effect will be resounding............THIS is why parents in large numbers should be involved and stop 'leaving it up to the so called experts'......along with keeping school monies local and the unions under the thumbs of the taxpayers.......while enlightenment may be a small tear in the wet paper bag we must be mindful of what we do with that light.......
...you are a product of your environment, your environment is a product of your priorities, your priorities are a product of you......
The replacement of morality and conscience with law produces a deadly paradox.
STOP BEING GOOD DEMOCRATS---STOP BEING GOOD REPUBLICANS--START BEING GOOD AMERICANS
No one mentions truth about transfers First published: Sunday, August 10, 2008
This is in response to the letter published in your July 20th edition, "Guilderland residents teaching wrong lesson." The writer decries the involvement of parents in protesting the transfer of two teachers, suggesting that most school superintendents do not have the courage to make such decisions, and so this one should be coddled.
But what of the teachers? The district says that the teachers "fostered a locker room atmosphere" in their classrooms? What does that mean?
From what the media says, the students who had these teachers learned more and did better on standardized tests that those who were taught by others. Isn't that what is important?
Furthermore, no one mentions the unsaid truth. The teachers in question held different political views from those of the other teachers, and were moved due to the intolerance of the other teachers.
So, what the writer is saying is that people should look the other way when a person is discriminated against based upon their political views. Is that really the virtue that we want our students to be imbued with?
The arrogance of power--- and when those who attain that level of control often times fail to control themselves. The irony of our Board President judging the personal behavior of others when his own ethical house could use some cleaning-- is anyone else aware of his ethical and moral lapses in judgement? Who is judging that?
Whether it is a teacher or principle or supervisor of a school, who's ethical behavior has been proven unethical, than there should be provisions on how to handle such matters. And I thought Guilderland was doing just that.
You are correct JoAnn and yes, our school seems to be handling that as it should-- my complaint has to do with those who may be doing the judging-- word on the street is what i referenced above--unfortunately a rumor but as the old saying goes, "where there is smoke there is fire"
Rumors are usually just a half truth. By the time it goes through all of the ears, eyes and mouths, it ends up with everyone's personal spin. Ya need to find the truth and get the facts. Althought it is usually difficult when you are dealing with a system as large as most school districts such as Guilderland.
Guilderland has a reputation as one of the 'better school districts'. I was somewhat disappointed when I read of these allegations of both the teachers. I personally do NOT want a teacher expressing their views on politcs, religion, race or any other ethical/moral/personal matter to my kids in their classroom. That is not what I pay them to do. Free speech regarding these issues, does not have a place in the classroom. Teachers are paid to 'teach' reading, writing, math, science, history. Teachers are to encourage kids to try to reach their full potential through education. A teacher's personal political views have no place in the classroom. I mean just think....what if the teacher was a Muslim(American citizen) with radical political Muslim beliefs? Would we call that free speech? I don't think so.
So we need to be careful on what we really want here. And I don't know the whole story. I don't live in the district. I'm just generalizing.
When the INSANE are running the ASYLUM In individuals, insanity is rare; but in groups, parties, nations and epochs, it is the rule. -- Friedrich Nietzsche
“How fortunate for those in power that people never think.” Adolph Hitler
You are correct JoAnn and yes, our school seems to be handling that as it should-- my complaint has to do with those who may be doing the judging-- word on the street is what i referenced above--unfortunately a rumor but as the old saying goes, "where there is smoke there is fire"
Quoted from bumblethru: ... I personally do NOT want a teacher expressing their views on politcs, religion, race or any other ethical/moral/personal matter to my kids in their classroom. That is not what I pay them to do. Free speech regarding these issues, does not have a place in the classroom. Teachers are paid to 'teach' reading, writing, math, science, history. Teachers are to encourage kids to try to reach their full potential through education. A teacher's personal political views have no place in the classroom. ...
First, I don't live in the Guilderland School District and have not closely followed this story.
I agree with your sentiments bumble.
However, I believe that the proverbial cat has already been "let out of the bag". (Some) public school teachers and faculty at institutions of higher education (i.e., colleges, universities) have been espousing their liberal personal beliefs and political views to students for years. Further, the public school curriculum in many states mandates that students enroll in courses that teach "citizenship" or "civics", etc. Such a requirement provides a forum and the potential for the presentation of biased political views of important societal issues among which are those that you cited.
Without having the benefit of first hand knowledge of this matter, I suspect the two transferred teachers were persecuted for their political views that are inconsistent with those of the administration and/or other faculty members. Full transparency and reporting of the accusations and complaints against these teachers by the school board to the public is needed to arrive at an informed position.
The real concern is, how do we, the parents of these children ensure that our youth are allowed to make informed decisions regarding important issues rather than being led by elder "authority figures" to adopt positions that are consistent with those of the educators? The social engineering by our public education system should not be tolerated by those on either side of the political spectrum. Our educators must be held accountable for teaching the "three Rs" to ensure that our youth are best prepared for life.
The "old" idea of parents knowing what is best for their children seems to be coming a thing of the past. Years ago, no one outside of the family unit would ever discuss, religion, politics, race or any other personal, ethical or moral issue with their children. This included friends, neighbors and teachers.
But that has all changed now. As Hillary wrote: IT TAKES A VILLAGE.
It's very easy for the parents to take control.....if the numbers out weigh the 'problem'.....although,,,,I really dont care what teachers tell the kids.....it should be up to the parents to teach their children to 'weigh' everything they hear....whether it be from a teacher, boss, peer, co-worker etc....kids DO NOT LIVE IN A VACUUM(unless we want them too)......it is always and always has been up to the parents(close guardian) to be the enforcer of personal responsibility and the use of self control and discipline....alot of 'dangers' are not seen until we are 'in it'......this would include full day kindergarten... do we know what this step will bring us too?...other than having a mandatory daycare/school......I will state again....these kids have just received the education of their lives....something they could never get in college.....because after college possibly is parenthood and they will be the parent who will get to choose......everyone in this school system, parents, leaders, teachers, students, educated, uneducated should pay attention.....ignorance doesnt care about status, money, education level etc........
All the parents have to do is educate themselves, organize and hold back the $$$$$.........and their kids from the school, if they are in disagreement as for the teachers----they have made their impact, ignorant of the results or not.....move on----you made a difference in lives of many kids......move on........
...you are a product of your environment, your environment is a product of your priorities, your priorities are a product of you......
The replacement of morality and conscience with law produces a deadly paradox.
STOP BEING GOOD DEMOCRATS---STOP BEING GOOD REPUBLICANS--START BEING GOOD AMERICANS
Guilderland teacher who fought transfer resigns Tuesday, September 9, 2008 By Jill Bryce (Contact) Gazette Reporter
GUILDERLAND — One of two social studies teachers who were involuntarily transferred from Guilderland High School to Farnsworth Middle School has resigned. Matt Nelligan resigned effective Monday, according to a district representative. Nelligan, who said in July he was transferred because he exercised his First Amendment rights to criticize district officials, could not be reached this afternoon. He had said in July he was keeping his options open to take legal action against the school district over the transfer. Superintendent John McGuire transferred Nelligan and fellow social studies teacher Ann Marie McManus after a review showed the high school social studies department had a compromised work environment. The two were transferred to "reconfigure the high school social studies department." McGuire said at the time it was not a form of retaliation. The school board voted 7-2 in July not to reverse McGuire's decision despite widespread opposition expressed by students and the community.
Update: Embattled Guilderland teacher takes state job
By SCOTT WALDMAN, Staff writer Last updated: 4:52 p.m., Tuesday, September 9, 2008
A Guilderland High School teacher whose involuntary transfer sparked weeks of outrage and demonstrations by hundreds of current and former students has resigned.
Matt Nelligan stepped down Monday, just four days into his current assignment as a social studies teacher at the Farnsworth Middle School. He was hired by the New York State Senate to work in its Member Services Unit, spokesman Mark Hansen said Tuesday. Nelligan will begin work on Sept. 23.
Nelligan did not immediately return phone calls seeking comment.
Nelligan and Ann-Marie McManus were transferred by Superintendent John McGuire in the wake of a culture climate inquiry that found the social studies department fostered a ``locker room'' environment that permitted caustic jokes and sexual comments among staff. Nelligan was accused, and later exonerated, of referring to a gay staff member as a ``fairy.''
``It's a tremendous loss to the district,'' Board member Barbara Fraterrigo said. ``He had nothing but phenomenal evaluations.''
Fraterrigo said she hopes McManus does not leave.
Hundreds of students protested the teachers' transfers, in online social networking groups such as Facebook and at school board meetings. School board meetings in July and August were packed with concerned community members, as well as students and alumni. Yellow lawn signs have appeared around town in support of the teachers and a Web site, http://www.NotBackingDown.com, was established to call for McGuire's resignation.
The Guilderland School Board in July voted 7-2 to uphold Superintendent John McGuire's decision to transfer the teachers.
I see that Mr. Nelligan went from one taxpaid job to another.
When the INSANE are running the ASYLUM In individuals, insanity is rare; but in groups, parties, nations and epochs, it is the rule. -- Friedrich Nietzsche
“How fortunate for those in power that people never think.” Adolph Hitler
Guilderland principal, district part ways Michael Paolino, on leave after claims of inappropriate comments, steps down from high school post
By SCOTT WALDMAN, Staff writer First published: Thursday, September 18, 2008
GUILDERLAND -- High school principal Michael Paolino, who was placed on paid leave following allegations of inappropriate remarks about colleagues, has resigned.
"He has determined that it is best that he move on," Paolino's attorney, Kevin A. Luibrand, said Wednesday. Luibrand said his client and the district reached a mutual agreement on his departure from his $110,000-a-year post he'd held since last October. He will be paid through Dec. 31.
Superintendent John McGuire said the written agreement "provides clarification" and isn't "condemning or exonerating" of Paolino.
District officials have not explained why Paolino was on leave. McGuire said the district concluded an investigation of Paolino on Tuesday. The administration did not confirm whether that probe or the leave was related to teachers' accusations that surfaced in June, alleging Paolino used racist and homophobic language about other faculty members.
Brian McCann, an assistant principal for 17 years, was named acting principal for the rest of the academic year. Aaron Sicotte, an English teacher, was promoted to acting assistant principal.
Paolino, who was hired by former Superintendent Gregory Aidala last year, was previously an associate principal and business teacher at Voorheesville High School.
He is the son of John Paolino, the city of Schenectady's commissioner of finance and administration.
In June at a faculty breakfast on the last day of school, Michael Paolino allegedly said, "Don't drop the soap" in reference to a group of teachers performing that morning as a barbershop quartet, according to several teachers who were there. He later apologized to teachers. Earlier in the school year, according to several faculty members, Paolino told a group of white teachers they were "the wrong color" to date a female administrator in another district.
The last day was also when Paolino notified two high school social studies teachers that they were being transferred to Farnsworth Middle School after a "culture climate inquiry" found their department had a "locker room" atmosphere where caustic jokes and sexual comments among members was permitted. That controversy split the community. Hundreds of students attended school board meetings to protest the transfer and created Facebook pages to voice their disapproval.
Both teachers, Ann-Marie McManus and Matt Nelligan, denied any wrongdoing and vowed to fight their reassignment in court. This month, Nelligan quit and said he had taken a job with the state Senate. Waldman can be reached at 454-5080 or by e-mail at swaldman@timesunion.com.
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