Week of April 22, 2001

greenspun.com : LUSENET : Diversity coalitions : One Thread

Discussions current for the week of April 22.

-- Anonymous, April 22, 2001

Answers

It was wonderful to see so many people at the meeting yesterday. People are putting in many hours to accomplish our goals. Let's make sure we are sensitive to this when we work as a group. In the next few weeks it will be critical to jump in and take the initiative (sp?) to call around and ask for things to do. There is a wide range of choices to pick from! Ted's work on brochures & signs is terrific.

Barbara Shapiro could not come to the meeting Sat but asked for things to do...Morty..I will give her my call list and direct her to the script and also unload a few signs. Please contact me or email me another list for me to call (town of Olive).

Adds--i like the idea of the fact/fiction/myth/whatever. Or how about something clever about litigation costing us mucho bucks and not getting us anywhere. I would like to stay away from caustic tones. I think there is a way to get the point across without making people flinch.

I challenge everyone to ask 5 of thier friends for money to help support this effort. I would be willing to go pick up this money if need be...if you are close to any teachers, even if they are not living in the district...ask them..they have to spend every working day under this present rule! This way they can help and remain anon. Have a great weekend all...to unload money call 657-6315!

-- Anonymous, April 22, 2001


Here are two "calling scripts". Please send me additions, corrections, changes, etc... Thanks, Tobe

PS I need to distribute the final scripts before the mid week mark...

2001 School election calling script #1Â…this is to gauge who our supporters are from the lists that we have.

Hi, I'm _______________, a voter in the Onteora School District. I'm calling to see if you are considering supporting Meg Carey and Tom Rosato for election to the Board of education in May?

If yes: Remind them that the vote is 2-9 PM , May 15th at local elementary schools.

If they want to help, ask them to please call ALL their friends and remind them to vote for Meg and Tom. If they want to help more, we need donations. Any donations can be made out to Meg Carey or Tom Rosato and sent to: PO Box 194 Glenford, NY 12433.

If they would like to help in doing poll watching on election day for two hours or so, please call Morty Schiff at: 657-5758.

If no: Thank them for their time and say good bye. There is no need to debate issues unless you feel there is a real chance that their mind can be changed with facts. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

2001 School election calling script # 2Â…this is to urge our supporters to get out and vote.

Hi, I'm _______________, a voter in the Onteora School District, urging you to vote on May 15th in the Board of Education election. Please vote for Meg Carey and Tom Rosato. Polls are open 2-9 PM at the elementary schools.

Meg is running for re-election for a three-year term. Tom has been an appointed member and is now seeking a three-year term.

People vote in the district school that is located in the township where they reside. For instance, since Glenford is in the township of Hurley, residents vote at the West Hurley School, even though students living in Glenford, attend the Woodstock School.

Restore civility and respect to the Onteora Board. Vote for Meg Carey and Tom Rosato.

-- Anonymous, April 22, 2001


I like the #1A script but I always feel uncomfortable giving my name when I have made these calls.

What I suggest is to say something along the lines of "Hi, I'm calling from SOS - Support Onteora Schools - and would like to know if you would consider voting in the school board elections on May 15 for Meg Carey and Tom Rosato...?"

In #2A I have the same anonymity considerations.

But I also don't care for the description of the length of terms. Too lenghty. I also feel that the description of where to vote can be made shorter simply by saying that you vote at the elementary school in your town. (Keep the other info if asked). I would also suggest that we drop the restore civility and respect line. It's too preachy for a phone call...let's try to keep it short and informal.

That's my 2 cents.

-- Anonymous, April 22, 2001


thanks, Jim...waiting on more responses...Tobe

-- Anonymous, April 22, 2001

Try to fill out the Freeman online survey regarding Indian mascots. The question is "Should the controversy over Indian mascots be decided by the federal or state goverments?" We are losing big time 80% say no!

-- Anonymous, April 22, 2001


Hi ,just to add I think it's useful to ask if they'll put up a sign . Maybe we could have a pick up point.m

-- Anonymous, April 23, 2001

Badly written poll question -- I don't think the higher ups should have to decide, since it should be a no-brainer to begin with.

Tom gets lead paragraph in Washington Post article. I really liked the idea in the closing paragraph. I found it interesting that this was placed on a page that has a Catholic University banner ad that toggles to a phrase "the power of a name."

Just so you know, Ted is spitting fire this morning about the signs, since they seem to have mucked with his typography somewhere along the line. To us normal people they look fine, but to someone who is so sensitive to good typography they scream out wrongness. I think I'll get out of town for the day...

-- Anonymous, April 23, 2001


Gave away all my signs today. Does the possibility exist of pick up points. Anyone? Woodstock? I can do my western end.Spoke to principal of Coxsackie/Athens. Very friendly. Says he fully expects mandate in a year and will encourage a student centered change of mascot. Interesting.Where did the re-elect Meg signs come from ? Thursday night ..anyone planning to go to A. Kahn's? What was the commitment there? Perhaps people looking for a way to help could be encouraged to go to that venue.I can forego C. Snyder at a CARE mtg., If we can get the first round going .Talk to me.

-- Anonymous, April 23, 2001

News of the Hour: Today marino and Meg served a petition on the Commissioner of Ed (and ther school District) calling on the Commissioner to nullify the vote to place the mascot referendum on the ballot, and an immediate stay so the ballots (absentee have to go ouit very soon) won't have this printed on them.

I sent the press materials to the papers on the web site...hope they run it..

Letters are startring to flow..heard from sveeral people today about the strong letters they have written

Here's the copy of the ad I am working on for next week..comments, please..

Anyone else have anything to say about the calling scripts??? Tobe

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ FOCUS on EDUCATION Myths and Facts

Fred Perry claims the Onteora "board majority" has saved the district money and kept all the programs intact. They succeeded in placing the schools on an austerity budget and now they claim to be the saviors of the district! It's a bogus claim and district residents need to know the truth.

o Myth #1: The Onteora district didn't lose any programs under the austerity budget.

o Fact #1: Summer Pre-K and Elementary Summer School were eliminated. Summer Pre-K was going into its second year, while Elementary Summer School for grades 4-6 had previously run for several years.

o Myth #2: The board majority was responsible for "no loss of sports and field trips."

o Fact #2: The unexpected retirement of many long-time teachers and staff gave the district a windfall of $236,000. Without this revenue, there would have been severe cuts in sports and field trips as well as in other areas. The restoration of these programs had nothing to do with any wisdom or generosity on the part of the board majority.

o Myth #3: Privatization has saved the district $500,000 in transportation costs as promised by the board majority.

o Fact #3: Increased contract transportation has caused a 544% in late-bus overruns. Total transportation costs are up $100,000 in next year's budget.

Vote for Meg Carey & Tom Rosato Onteora Board of Education Election: Tuesday o May 15 2-9 PM Help us win! Call 657-2914 or 688-2214 www.onteora.net sosocs@yahoo.com

-- Anonymous, April 23, 2001


Sorry to hear that Ted's upset. It's always pretty discourageing to do such good work and have a vendor screw it up...as much as WE and OTHERS love the signs, it's a real drag that Ted's not happy. Artistic condolences. Tobe

-- Anonymous, April 23, 2001


Maureen: We have the re-elect Meg signs...to be used when all the elect tom and Meg signs are gone, or a supllement when we get very close to the date.

They're here if you want any...we also have SOME Meg and Tom signs left, but have been getting a stream of calls about getting them...could it be that momentum is building???...Where are the CARE signs? Any intelligence on this? Tobe

-- Anonymous, April 23, 2001


I like the myths vs. facts but I would change the opening to be simpler and more precise. Fred Perry claims the Onteora "board majority" has saved the district money while keeping all the programs intact. But district residents need to know the truth.

and perhpas also add to the following:

o Fact #2: The unexpected retirement of many long-time teachers and staff gave the district a windfall of $236,000 15%(?) of the budget...

How about Myth #4 - Morale is up Fact #4 - Morale is certainly down after the board decided to NOT let the voters decide on the middle school bond issue, waited until a crisis developed before addressing the modular situation at Bennett and simply dismissed the structural needs of all the other schools.

I think we may want to drop the sosocs address and just simply have the website. Too confusing otherwise.

-- Anonymous, April 23, 2001


Maureen: Signs can be gotten from Betsy who is located in Shokan. Her number is 657-6315.

-- Anonymous, April 23, 2001

I wonder if there is are any studies on whether otherwise uncommitted people bond with the first signs they see? Sure is nice not seeing any CARE signs yet.

-- Anonymous, April 23, 2001

The absence of CARE signs makes me suspicious.

As for the fact/myth advertisement, I think it will be effective but Fact #3 should be worded more clearly. At present it reads:

Fact #3: Increased contract transportation has caused a 544% in late- bus overruns...

A 544% what?

-- Anonymous, April 24, 2001



I really want to comment/help w/ the myth /fact bit. Can't take the time til tonight. Seeyou then. Looking good.

-- Anonymous, April 24, 2001

Makes you suspicious on what grounds, Erik?

Since we've seen CARE's proto-type sign, what can they be muttering? "We're clearly beaten on the good-looking sign front, but we'll continue to natter away with more words that mean less on our signs"?

-- Anonymous, April 24, 2001


Heres'' round two on myths and facts...waiting for maureen and others to chime in...The 4th item MAY be addressed again at Weds' board meeting, so depending on what the facility committee says, we may have to revamp this. Looking forward to comments. Tobe

FOCUS on EDUCATION Myths and Facts

Fred Perry claims the Onteora "board majority" has saved the district money and kept all the programs intact! District residents need to know the truth.

o Myth #1: The Onteora district didn't lose any programs under the austerity budget.

o Fact #1: Summer Pre-K and Elementary Summer School were eliminated. Summer Pre-K had previously run for several years. Elementary Summer School for grades 4-6 was going into its second year.

o Myth #2: The board majority was responsible for "no loss of sports and field trips."

o Fact #2: The unexpected retirement of many long-time teachers and staff gave the district a windfall of $236,000. Without this revenue, there would have been severe cuts in sports and field trips as well as in other areas. The restoration of these programs had nothing to do with any wisdom or generosity on the part of the board majority.

o Myth #3: Privatization has saved the district $500,000 in transportation costs as promised by the board majority.

o Fact #3: Increased contract transportation has caused a 544% increase in late-bus expenses. The total transportation cost is up $100,000 in next year's budget.

o Myth #4: Morale is up.

o Fact #4: Morale is certainly down after the board majority decided to NOT let the voters decide on the middle school bond issue, waited until a crisis developed before addressing the modular situation at Bennett and simply dismissed the structural needs of all the other schools.

Vote for Meg Carey & Tom Rosato Onteora Board of Education Election: Tuesday o May 15 2-9 PM Help us win! Call 657-2914 or 688-2214 www.onteora.net

-- Anonymous, April 24, 2001


calling script revised... Tell me tell me tell me something. Tobe

2001 School election calling script #1…this is to gauge who our supporters are from the lists that we have. This a model…make your own…identify yourself or not…your option… Mark your sheets, pro-con, etc. mark if you left message, spoke to them and any reaction, etc…we need to find all our voters and be sure they get out.

Any needs of the voter to help them get to vote???…ride??? We don't have cars lines up but surely we can help some get to the polls if there's a need. Note these needs.

"Hi, I'm a voter in the Onteora School District. I'm calling to see if you are considering supporting Meg Carey and Tom Rosato for election to the Board of education in May?"

If yes: Remind them that the vote is 2-9 PM , May 15th at local elementary schools.

If they want to help, ask them to please call ALL their friends and remind them to vote for Meg and Tom. If they want to help more, we need donations. Any donations can be made out to Meg Carey or Tom Rosato and sent to: PO Box 194 Glenford, NY 12433.

If they would like to help in doing poll watching on election day for two hours or so, please call Morty Schiff at: 657-5758.

If no: Thank them for their time and say good bye. There is no need to debate issues. We just want to activate our voters.

remeber Wed nite BOE at the High school exec session at 6PM...about an employee of the district and litigation matters. "Regular" meeting at 7PM.

-- Anonymous, April 24, 2001


Hi: Do we know name of employee? Is it administrator or staff person?

Great news from Jim....the Teachers Union have endorsed Meg and Tom!!! I had 2 experiences of teachers wanting to endorse Mike Goodman because he's a teacher and they relate to him. I explained the Nader scenerio (sp?) and the timing of when to run. I bet there were many leaning in his direction and union may have realized the danger. Making a stand was crucial and very timely.

I've placed signs on private properties. 3 more to go. I'll save rest for coming surge.

good luck everyone

-- Anonymous, April 24, 2001


In my joyous haste, Meg has pointed out that the OTA endorsement should be kept low profile and just amongst our group. So please, let's keep it among ourselves as it is NOT a public endorsement as I had thought. But great news nonetheless.

-- Anonymous, April 24, 2001

Ned Cassedy will be given the SOS bbs access and I will look forward to his input.

-- Anonymous, April 24, 2001

the employee is most certainly Hal, and most certainly they'll do "THE CHARGES" ...meaning we can jump on the fact that it cost at least $100,000 in the 70's, and now could cost at least $200,000 for legal fees and to hold hearings...plus the months of district distraction...no education business for a while again...

I understanbd the CARE signs will arrive tomorrow or Thursday...expect them to go up fast...500 signs...big and ugly... 48 x24 or so... Tobe

-- Anonymous, April 24, 2001


April 25 Daily Freeman article on the petitioning of Mills to disallow the referendum. As usual, check in later today to see the online responses. The Coxsackie- Athens board has had to reschedule its public discussion of their mascot issue.

-- Anonymous, April 25, 2001

Regarding the OTA endorsement….. I spoke with George DeFina yesterday evening. He told me of the OTA endorsement, he also said that the OTA would be contributing a minimum of $500 for each of us ($1000 Min Total). He went on to say that the OTA will be distributing 1200 fliers on which the endorsement will be announced and they will be reinforcing their endorsement via the use of a Tele call bank. Sounds public enough for me. I want you to know that I continue receive telephone calls of support. Folks want signs and pamphlets and a role in helping us. What we are doing IS having an effect thanks to the good work of all. I am proud to be part of this movement.

-- Anonymous, April 25, 2001

Huzzah! Our momentum is building....but we still need more.

At the BOE meeting tonight, I will NOT talk about the lawsuit or the documentary. This decision was made in the interest of avoiding public confrontation, humiliation, or attack at the meeting.

The press release will come out tomorrow: the premiere of the doucumentary is happening as planned: Sat, 5/5, 5-7pm at Woodstock Town Hall. I want to be very clear that the reason this video is being made is because I am being sued for libel by FP. This is a defense, not an attack....

-- Anonymous, April 25, 2001


next version

We need to choose the last two ads...we'll go for 1/2 page or full page ads dependent on best use. Sinec we'll have lost of space, lets' make it work to get out the voters.

here's the latest version of myths and truths We also can use something else...It can be the Stop Destruction, deception, etc ad. here it is to jog your memory...any others? Tobe

Myths and Facts

Fred Perry claims the Onteora "board majority" has saved the district money and kept all the programs intact!

DISTRICT RESIDENTS NEED TO KNOW THE TRUTH.

o Myth #1 - The Onteora district didn't lose any programs under the austerity budget.

o Fact #1 - SUMMER PRE-K AND ELEMENTARY SUMMER SCHOOL WERE ELIMINATED. Summer Pre-K had previously run for several years. Elementary Summer School for grades 4-6 was going into its second year.

o Myth #2 - The board majority was responsible for "no loss of sports and field trips."

o Fact #2 - The unexpected retirement of many long-time teachers and staff gave the district a windfall of $236,000. WITHOUT THIS REVENUE, THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN SEVERE CUTS IN SPORTS AND FIELD TRIPS AS WELL AS IN OTHER AREAS. The restoration of these programs had nothing to do with any wisdom or generosity on the part of the board majority.

o Myth #3 - Privatization has saved the district $500,000 in transportation costs as promised by the board majority.

o Fact #3 - INCREASED CONTRACT TRANSPORTATION HAS CAUSED A 544% INCREASE IN LATE-BUS EXPENSES. The total transportation cost is up $100,000 in next year's budget.

o Myth #4 - Morale is up.

o Fact #4 - Morale is certainly down after THE BOARD MAJORITY REFUSED TO LET THE VOTERS DECIDE ON CREATING A SAFE AND SEPARATE MIDDLE SCHOOL. Morale suffered even more when the majority waited until a crisis developed before addressing the modular situation at Bennett and when they simply dismissed the structural needs of all the other schools in the district.

Vote for Meg Carey & Tom Rosato Onteora Board of Education Election: Tuesday o May 15 2-9 PM Help us win! Call 657-2914 or 688-2214 www.onteora.net

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ FOCUS ON EDUCATION STOP! (This will be a stop sign) INTIMIDATION INVESTIGATIONS LITIGATION

Vote for Meg Carey & Tom Rosato Help us win! - Call: 657-2914 or 688-2214 www.onteora.net Sponsored by S.O.S. Support Onteora Schools ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Here's a third idea...about $$

The board majority claims to be saving you money. The truth needs to be told!

Bad planning and a hostile attitude by the Onteora board majority has led to unnecessary and expensive legal expenses for the district taxpayers.

o We are in continuing litigation with a vendor over a paving contract that has already cost us more than what the company had billed us for.

o We are in litigation with the vendor of four classroom modulars. At present we are "squatting" in the buildings, and they will be removed in June unless we pay our bills. Legal fees are being charged to the taxpayers.

o The Board majority hired expensive lawyers to dig up "complaints" and "charges" against our superintendent. In the mid 1970s it cost Onteora taxpayers over $1000,00 in a losing battle to fire a superintendent. We can expect to pay at least $200,000 for months of disruptive hearings and for legal fees. The board majority intends to start the hearing immediately.

o The board majority has put Onteora in jeopardy of losing at least $745,000 in federal aid. By defying the NY State Commissioner of Education, The Attorney General's Office of the State of New York, and the United States Commission on Civil Rights, the district may be forced to comply with Civil Rights laws. If the board majority continues its present defiant course, we could lose all federal aid and even more money will be spent on legal fees.

If we keep operating in this manner, Onteora is doomed to waste enormous amounts of taxpayers' money while our reputation and educational standards suffer.

Vote for Meg Carey & Tom Rosato Onteora Board of Education Election: Tuesday o May 15 2-9 PM

Help Us Win! Call: 657-2914 or 688-2214 www.onteora.net Sponsored by S.O.S. Support Onteora Schools

this one still needs lots of tighhtening...info will change if they DO bring out charges tonight. Tobe



-- Anonymous, April 25, 2001


Mag & Tom will be on the Olive Cable channel 23 on May 9th at 7PM... Please pass the word... This will be a showing of the program recorded on April 20 on Channel 3 in Woodstock, and runs 55 minutes.

On Thursday May 10 at 6PM, we will be showing the Meet the Candidates Night that will be held on April 30 at the High School.

Tune in.

Tobe

-- Anonymous, April 25, 2001


Saw the first signs of the opposition. Milman has one in his pharmacy window and there are two in front of the Boiceville Inn on the grass median. These are placed in front of ours. HA HA. Let them try to be smart and see if people see through it. The signs are plain and NOT the one's we saw with the "Gaurdian of the Onteora Indian". But I think they are just a response to ours until they get theirs. They only say "Vote for Fred ... and Chris ... for the Onteroa Board of Education". No date or anything else.

-- Anonymous, April 25, 2001

Another online poll regarding a mascot name change.

Vote early and often. ;) We're winning on that poll.

-- Anonymous, April 26, 2001


Meg and I went to the CARE meeting with Chuck Snyder explaining the budget process and got home without an ugly incident. A very informative and charismatic presentation by Mr. Snyder.

The CARE signs are up! Red red, white and blue. Big and ugly.

We are in the process of getting 6 - 3'x4' signs made up quickly. Then, no more signs. Signs are a sign of weakness.

Meg, Tom, and I did our first meet-and-greet today at Hurley Ridge and got a very positive response from most shoppers. In an hour 4:15 to 5:15 the place is jumping. Probably gave out over 50 pamphlets and filled a few requests for signs.

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!ALERT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!ALERT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Next SOS Meeting is on this Saturday at 10am at the Woodstock Community Center. Due to unfortunate and unexplainable circumstances, our public notice is NOT in the Woodstock Times. Soooo, we need to make as many calls as possible in the next 24 hours to get people to attend so we can organize our phone calls and poll watching. THIS IS URGENT. PLEASE MAKE THESE CALLS!!!!!!

---------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------

-- Anonymous, April 26, 2001


Here are the ads and a fact sheet about last year's budget...The fact sheet may run as a letter (NOT from me, i don't think.)..hey we got some good ones this week in the W Times...

The ads will have Meg and Tom's pictures, arranged like the web page has them..thanks to deborah osherow for the idea...

If anyone wants to see them with the pix, let me know and I'll send them as a word attachment to an email...

or fax a copy if you prefer. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ A few facts for Onteora district voters. Last June the Perry faction actively worked against the proposed budget. Now, we are stuck with a contingency budget. Fred Perry claims he's saved us money and kept all the programs. This is an outright lie! Here's a short list of some things Onteora lost due to the bad judgement of Fred Perry and the board majority:

Lost - $ 26,589 for Summer Pre-K Program Lost - $ 51,938 for Elementary Summer School program. Lost - $ 30,000 for staff development. Lost - $ 133,923 for school security personnel. (There have been NO on-duty security personnel in the schools this year.) Lost - $ 4,000 for High School after-school activities Lost - $ 51,033 for custodial services Lost - $ 127,967 for Equipment Lost - $ 79,300 for Textbooks Lost - $ 155,530 for Educational Services Lost - $ 43,644 for District Adminstrative personnel Lost - $ 59,188 for Phoenicia Elementary School Classroom Teacher Lost - $ 56,620 for Elementary Special Education Teacher Lost - $ 70,813 for Teaching Assistants Lost - $ 38,979 for Language Interpreters Lost - $ 28,283 for half-time English as a Second Language Teacher Lost - $ 17,703 for Teaching Assistant for Reading Lost - $ 35,406 for District-wide Teaching Assistants Lost - $ 33,396 for High School Summer Program Lost - $ 26,732 for Curriculum Development

Lost - Total of $1,197,254

The District received a windfall of $236,906 from staff retirements. Without taking any thoughtful time to prioritize spending, the board majority immediately spent $101,626 to re-instate JV and modified athletics. They spent an additional $95,302 to add back field trips, chaperones, co-curricular activities and the 2nd late bus run to cover athletics. Without this hefty retirement bonus, the district would have cut these programs as well.

No academic programs or security programs were re-instated by the board majority.

So, the next time Fred Perry tells you about how he saved the district money and didn't cut any programs, tell him to stop lying. Onteora deserves better.

Dump Fred Perry! And if his supporters are right, and Chris Johansen is from the very "soul of Fred Perry," then dump him too. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ FOCUS ON EDUCATION

The Onteora board majority claims to be saving you money.

DISTRICT RESIDENTS NEED TO KNOW THE TRUTH!

Bad planning and a hostile attitude by the Onteora board majority has led to unnecessary and expensive legal costs for district taxpayers.

o Onteora is in continuing litigation with a vendor over a paving contract that has already cost us more than what the company has billed us for.

o Onteora is in litigation with the vendor of four classroom modulars. The board majority unilaterally broke the lease without public input. The classrooms will be removed from Bennett and Phoenicia in June unless we pay our bills with interest due. Legal fees and possible fines are charged to the taxpayers.

o The Board majority hired expensive lawyers to dig up "complaints" and "charges" against our superintendent. In the mid 1970s it cost Onteora taxpayers over $100,000 in a losing battle to fire a superintendent. We can expect to pay at least double this amount if the board holds months of disruptive hearings. The board majority intends to bring charges as soon as possible. Since Dr. Rowe is retiring in 2 years, the District must begin to search for a new superintendent next June.

o The board majority has put Onteora in jeopardy of losing at least $745,000 in federal aid. By defying the NY State Commissioner of Education, The Attorney General's Office of the State of New York, and the United States Commission on Civil Rights, the district may be forced to comply with Civil Rights laws. If the board majority continues its present defiant course, we could lose all federal aid and even more money will be spent on legal fees.

If we keep operating in this manner, Onteora is doomed to waste enormous amounts of taxpayers' money while our reputation and educational standards suffer.

Return Respect and Civility to the Onteora Board

Vote for Meg Carey & Tom Rosato Onteora Board of Education Election: Tuesday o May 15 2-9 PM Help Us Win! Call: 657-2914 or 688-2214 www.onteora.net Sponsored by S.O.S. Support Onteora Schools

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Fred Perry claims the Onteora "board majority" has saved the district money and kept all the programs intact.

DISTRICT RESIDENTS NEED TO KNOW THE TRUTH!

o Myth - The Onteora district didn't lose any programs under the austerity budget. o Fact - SUMMER PRE-K AND ELEMENTARY SUMMER SCHOOL WERE ELIMINATED. Summer Pre-K had previously run for several years. Elementary Summer School for grades 4-6 was going into its second year.

o Myth - The board majority was responsible for "no loss of sports and field trips." o Fact - The unexpected retirement of many long-time teachers and staff gave the district a windfall of $236,000. WITHOUT THIS REVENUE, THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN SEVERE CUTS IN SPORTS AND FIELD TRIPS AS WELL AS IN OTHER AREAS. The restoration of these programs had nothing to do with any wisdom or generosity on the part of the board majority.

o Myth - Privatization has saved the district $500,000 in transportation costs as promised by the board majority. o Fact - THE TOTAL TRANSPORTATION COST IS UP $100,000 IN NEXT YEAR'S BUDGET. Greater use of contract transportation has caused a 544% increase in late-bus expenses.

o Myth - Morale is up. o Fact - MORALE IS CERTAINLY DOWN AFTER THE BOARD MAJORITY REFUSED TO LET THE VOTERS DECIDE ON CREATING A SAFE AND SEPARATE MIDDLE SCHOOL.

Return Respect & Civility to the Onteora Board

Vote for Meg Carey & Tom Rosato Onteora Board of Education Election: Tuesday o May 15 2-9 PM Help us win! Call 657-2914 or 688-2214 www.onteora.net Sponsored by S.O.S. Support Onteora Schools

The plan is to run the ads FULL PAGE in wood times and Townsman. Tobe PS I STILL need feedback..the clock is ticking..which ad should we run first???

-- Anonymous, April 26, 2001


hi I like the first version best. Less rhetoric.

-- Anonymous, April 27, 2001

I,m referring to ON EDUCATION--- Voters need to know the truth. It's good. When do ads go in Tobe? Big Goodman ad,eh? Who are his supporters?It may be appropriate for a letter to the editor to include the threat of a split vote from Goodman's run. People don't think of the politics of it all.

-- Anonymous, April 27, 2001

Latest revision on one of the ads..we hope to run them next week and the following week...my hope is to use EACH of the FOCUS on Education ads...since they takea slightly different tack..We need some people to write letters using the "lost" services list that i published yesterday...any takers? Tobe ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ FOCUS on EDUCATION Fred Perry claims the Onteora "board majority" has saved the district money and kept all the programs intact.

DISTRICT RESIDENTS NEED TO KNOW THE TRUTH!

o Myth - The Onteora district didn't lose any programs under the austerity budget. o Fact - SUMMER PRE-K AND ELEMENTARY SUMMER SCHOOL WERE ELIMINATED. Summer Pre-K had previously run for several years. Elementary Summer School for grades 4-6 was going into its second year. Many other programs were cut back or eliminated from the anticipated budget. The district lost a total of $1,197,254 in planned school services and personnel due to the contingency budget.

o Myth - The board majority was responsible for "no loss of sports and field trips." o Fact - The unexpected retirement of many long-time teachers and staff gave the district a windfall of $236,000. WITHOUT THIS REVENUE, THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN SEVERE CUTS IN SPORTS AND FIELD TRIPS AS WELL AS THE OTHER AREAS THAT WERE CUT. The restoration of these programs had nothing to do with any wisdom or generosity on the part of the board majority.

o Myth - Privatization has saved the district $500,000 in transportation costs as promised by the board majority. o Fact - THE TOTAL TRANSPORTATION COST IS UP $100,000 IN NEXT YEAR'S BUDGET. Greater use of contract transportation has caused a 544% increase in late-bus expenses.

o Myth - Morale is up. o Fact - MORALE IS CERTAINLY DOWN AFTER THE BOARD MAJORITY REFUSED TO LET THE VOTERS DECIDE ON CREATING A SAFE AND SEPARATE MIDDLE SCHOOL.

Return Respect & Civility to the Onteora Board

Vote for Meg Carey & Tom Rosato Onteora Board of Education Election: Tuesday o May 15 2-9 PM Help us win! Call 657-2914 or 688-2214 www.onteora.net Sponsored by S.O.S. Support Onteora Schools

-- Anonymous, April 27, 2001


Good idea of Deborah's to have the ads echo the other material.

I'm glad to see you abandoning the word "lie" and "lying," it is too much of a hot button. Let the voters fill in the blacks with "lying" or "ignorant fool" in their own minds as they wish. Likewise "Perry faction," when "Perry and the Board majority" is more objective.

Do we really want to touch that slippery "morale" issue? We can only measure it with the same rubber ruler they do. And I wasn't ready to see the middle school issue brought to the people yet, seeing as they hadn't expressed their proposals adequately yet.

I think I'd prefer the "myth/fact" ad first over the "board of litigation" ad, though I don't have any particularly articulate answers as to why.

Daily Freeman article online today on Fred Perry's suit against Curry Rinzler.

Also a Freeman article on how the board will not be putting additional propositions on the ballot. Oddly, I sort of think this was on the "front page" of the online Freeman this morning, but had vanished by afternoon from the line-up. Are we hogging all the good news?

What was the $80k "What was the intent of the Facilities Committee to confuse the issue at this 10th hour when we know the importance of Bennett school" issue that Marty was complaining about?

-- Anonymous, April 27, 2001


Heresa' the versions we 're considering now...Jim and I worked on themtoday, and we must be getting close. I'll bring copies tomorrow as well. Tobe FOCUS ON EDUCATION The Onteora board majority claims to be saving you money.

DISTRICT RESIDENTS NEED TO KNOW THE TRUTH!

Bad planning and a hostile attitude by the Onteora board majority has led to unnecessary and expensive legal costs for district taxpayers.

o Onteora is in continuing litigation with a vendor over a paving contract that has already cost us more than what the company has billed us for.

o Onteora is in litigation with the vendor of four classroom modulars at Bennett and Phoenicia. The board majority unilaterally broke the lease without any public input or discussion. The classrooms will be removed in June unless we pay our bills with interest due. Removal will lead to further overcrowding at Bennett or forced redistricting which will greatly impact class sizes at all elementary schools. Any legal fees and possible fines for the lease breaking and lawsuit are charged to the taxpayers.

o The Board majority hired expensive lawyers to dig up "complaints" and "charges" against our superintendent. In the mid 1970s it cost Onteora taxpayers over $100,000 in a losing battle to fire a superintendent. We can expect to pay at least double this amount if the board holds months of disruptive hearings. The board majority intends to bring charges as soon as possible. Since Dr. Rowe is retiring in 2 years, the District must begin to search for a new superintendent next June.

o The board majority has again embroiled the district in the "Indian" mascot issue. How much more are taxpayers willing to spend on this issue? How much time and energy must the board and residents expend? How many legal fees are taxpayers willing to shoulder? How much longer do district residents want our reputation and morale to suffer? If the board majority continues its divisive, defiant ways, Onetora could lose $745,000 in federal funding, and pay even more on legal fees.

o Onetora taxpayers are paying for two lawyers. We have a contract with one and the board majority has hired a second lawyer at $150 per hour.

If we keep operating in this manner, Onteora is doomed to waste enormous amounts of taxpayers' money while our reputation and educational standards suffer.

Return Respect and Civility to the Onteora Board Vote for Meg Carey & Tom Rosato Onteora Board of Education Election: Tuesday o May 15 2-9 PM Help Us Win! Call: 657-2914 or 688-2214 www.onteora.net Sponsored by S.O.S. Support Onteora Schools ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ FOCUS ON EDUCATION

Fred Perry and the Onteora "board majority" claim that they have saved the district money and kept all the programs intact. Onteora lost a total of $1,197,254 in planned school programs and personnel due to the contingency budget.

DISTRICT RESIDENTS NEED TO KNOW THE TRUTH!

o Myth - The Onteora district didn't lose any programs under the austerity budget. o Fact - SUMMER PRE-K AND ELEMENTARY SUMMER SCHOOL PROGRAMS WERE ELIMINATED. Summer Pre-K had previously run for several years. Elementary Summer School for grades 4-6 was going into its second year.

o Myth - The board majority was responsible for "no loss of sports and field trips." o Fact - The unexpected retirement of many long-time teachers and staff gave the district a windfall of $236,000. WITHOUT THIS REVENUE, THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN SEVERE CUTS IN SPORTS AND FIELD TRIPS AS WELL AS OTHER AREAS THAT WERE LOST. The restoration of these programs had nothing to do with any wisdom or generosity on the part of the board majority.

o Myth - Privatization has saved the district $500,000 in transportation costs as promised by the board majority. o Fact - THE TOTAL TRANSPORTATION COST IS UP $100,000 IN NEXT YEAR'S BUDGET. Greater use of contract transportation has caused a 544% increase in late-bus expenses this year.

o Myth - Morale is up. o Fact - MORALE IS CERTAINLY DOWN AFTER THE BOARD MAJORITY REFUSED TO LET THE VOTERS DECIDE ON CREATING A SAFE AND SEPARATE MIDDLE SCHOOL. This proposal has a great deal of support from Teachers, Administrators, Students and Parents.

Return Respect & Civility to the Onteora Board

Vote for Meg Carey & Tom Rosato Onteora Board of Education Election: Tuesday o May 15 2-9 PM Help us win! Call 657-2914 or 688-2214 www.onteora.net Sponsored by S.O.S. Support Onteora Schools

-- Anonymous, April 27, 2001


We're getting close...thanks to all for the help in getting this ad ready.

How's this for this week's ad???

FOCUS ON EDUCATION Fred Perry and the Onteora "board majority" claim they have saved the district money and kept all the programs intact. The "board majority" worked against passage of the 2000-2001 district budget. As a result, the school district had to eliminate more than one million dollars in planned school programs.

DISTRICT RESIDENTS NEED TO KNOW THE TRUTH!

o Myth - The Onteora district didn't lose any programs under the austerity budget. o Fact - SUMMER PRE-K, ELEMENTARY SUMMER SCHOOL, AND HIGH SCHOOL ACADEMIC INTERVENTION SERVICES (A.I.S.) WERE ALL ELIMINATED. BENNETT LOST ITS PRIMARY SPECIAL EDUCATION CLASS. Summer Pre-K was a well-established program in operation for several years. Elementary Summer School for grades 4-6 was had successfully completed its first year. Academic Intervention Services were designed to help "average" students, Special Education students and ESL students in danger of not passing the new state academic requirements.

o Myth - The board majority was responsible for "no loss of sports and field trips." o Fact - The unexpected retirement of many long-time teachers and staff gave the district a windfall of $236,000. WITHOUT THIS REVENUE, THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN SEVERE CUTS IN SPORTS AND FIELD TRIPS AS WELL AS OTHER AREAS THAT WERE ELIMINATED. The restoration of these programs was not the result of any wisdom or generosity on the part of the "board majority."

o Myth - Privatization should save the district $500,000 in transportation costs in the next budget as promised by the "board majority." o Fact - THE TOTAL TRANSPORTATION COST IS UP $100,000 IN NEXT YEAR'S BUDGET. Greater use of contract transportation has caused a 544% increase in late-bus expenses this year.

o Myth - Morale is up. o Fact - MORALE IS DOWN AFTER THE BOARD MAJORITY REFUSED TO LET THE VOTERS DECIDE ON CREATING A SAFE AND SEPARATE MIDDLE SCHOOL. This proposal has a great deal of support from Teachers, Administrators, Students and Parents. Return Respect & Civility to the Onteora Board Vote for Meg Carey & Tom Rosato Onteora Board of Education Election: Tuesday o May 15 2-9 PM Help us win! Call 657-2914 or 688-2214 www.onteora.net Sponsored by S.O.S. Support Onteora Schools ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Next week's ad???

FOCUS on EDUCATION The Onteora "board majority" claims to be saving you money while not cutting programs.

DISTRICT RESIDENTS NEED TO KNOW THE TRUTH! Fred Perry and the "board majority" worked against passage of the 2000-2001 budget. The school district had to eliminate more than one million dollars in planned school programs and support services when Onteora was forced onto an austerity budget. Here's a short list of some things that were cut or eliminated to "the board majority's" poor judgment.

Cut Existing Program - $ 26,589 for Summer Pre-Kindergarten Program Cut Existing Program - $ 51,938 for Elementary Summer School Program. Eliminated - $ 33,396 for High School Academic Intervention Services for Regular Education students, Special Education students and ESL students Eliminated - $ 26,732 for summer Curriculum Development Eliminated - $ 30,000 for Staff Development. Eliminated - $133,923 for School Security Personnel. (There have been NO on-duty security personnel in the schools this year.) Eliminated - $ 4,000 for High School student after-school activities Eliminated - $ 51,033 for custodial services Eliminated - $127,967 for equipment, such as planned for all district program and service areas including athletics, maintenance, custodial, special education, office Eliminated - $ 79,300 for Textbooks Eliminated - $ 43,644 for district administrative personnel Eliminated - $ 59,188 for Phoenicia Elementary School Classroom Teacher Eliminated - $ 56,620 for Primary Special Education Class at Bennett Eliminated - $ 70,813 for Teaching Assistants Eliminated - $ 28,283 for half-time English as a Second Language Teacher Eliminated - $ 17,703 for Teaching Assistant for Reading Eliminated - $ 35,406 for 504 district-wide Teaching Assistants Eliminated - $155,530 for staff support, such as health insurance & benefits

Eliminated - $1,032,065

The District received a windfall of $236,906 from staff retirements. Without taking any time to prioritize spending, the "board majority" immediately spent $101,626 to re-instate JV and modified athletics. They spent an additional $95,302 to add back field trips, chaperones, co-curricular activities and the 2nd late bus run to cover athletics. Without this hefty retirement bonus, the district would have cut these programs as well.

No academic programs or security programs were re-instated by the "board majority." Vote for Meg Carey & Tom Rosato Onteora Board of Education Election: Tuesday o May 15 2-9 PM Help Us Win! Call: 657-2914 or 688-2214 www.onteora.net Sponsored by S.O.S. Support Onteora Schools

-- Anonymous, April 28, 2001


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