159 Comments

1. POSTED BY NoCorzine  |  January 28, 2009 @ 10:37 am

   Question #1…who is paying the interim principal’s commuting costs from Florida every week?
2. POSTED BY jimmyp  |  January 28, 2009 @ 10:44 am

   Air fare from Florida. What, is Dr Weiss a Golden Calf ? The BOE has no sense, and less shame. WE are paying for this. Give us a break !!
3. POSTED BY tlantanu  |  January 28, 2009 @ 11:06 am

   reminds me of the auto execs taking their corporate jets to beg for a abilout
4. POSTED BY complainerpuss  |  January 28, 2009 @ 11:14 am

   Maybe she has back spasms from having to fly coach so often. Hopefully, the Board of Education will get their act together and bump her up to business class so she won’t have to call in sick so often.
5. POSTED BY jimmyp  |  January 28, 2009 @ 11:21 am

   So, all kidding aside, who gets fired from the BOE and how ?
6. POSTED BY NoCorzine  |  January 28, 2009 @ 11:30 am

   Wouldn’t principal of Montclair High be one of the most desireable jobs in the state? I would think they would be flooded with resume’s. Why is it taking so long to find a replacement? And why would they ever agree to allow Weiss to fly back and forth from Florida and work part time. You can’t tell me there is not an administrator that actually lives in the area, that could have taken over. Typical BOE disfunction.
7. POSTED BY Spicoli  |  January 28, 2009 @ 11:32 am

   I would like to throw my hat into the ring. I will offer to work FOUR days per week, and will only need to commute from Palm Beach, FL, which is 50 miles closer to Montclair than Ft. Lauderdale. I only ask for a small additional allowance to cover the cost of Mojotos and tips for the cabana girl.
8. POSTED BY walleroo  |  January 28, 2009 @ 11:32 am

   I’ll take the job. All I need is a 5 year $25 million contract. I’ll pay my own commuting costs.
9. POSTED BY Liz  |  January 28, 2009 @ 11:42 am

   Favorite line
   “I cannot abandon my husband in Florida for three months.”
10. POSTED BY NoCorzine  |  January 28, 2009 @ 11:47 am

    I am sure Mr. Weiss is pushing for a more full time gig for the wife up in Montclair. We are all freezing our asses off and shiveling snow once a week and are supposed to feel sorry for the poor abandoned husband in Florida? “Who is going to put lotion on his back if I am not there for him?”
11. POSTED BY cathar  |  January 28, 2009 @ 11:47 am

    The item above is very hazily written (as so many are these days on this site). Nowhere in it do I see an affirmation that Dr. Weiss’s travel costs are in fact being picked up by the town.
    If they’re not, well, while it sounds silly since it’s so long a “commute,” as long as it doesn’t affect her job performance and/or she has approval from her superiors, there’s very little to carp about here. It’s her money and her choice. More power to her for getting away with such an arrangement during this lousy winter, one might even say.
12. POSTED BY ackme  |  January 28, 2009 @ 11:49 am

    I’ll do it for 5 days a week, with summers off, and whenever it snows, or rains too hard or might snow or there’s a dead guy holiday, or conference – gee, do they ever work? – but will require a giant Hummer for commutation and an even bigger ruler. Corporal punishment is back in town.
    Did I mention I would do it for free if I could use my ruler on miscreants?
13. POSTED BY Right of Center‚Ñ¢  |  January 28, 2009 @ 11:49 am

    It sounds like she was honest so you have to blame Alverez.
    But my question is this. If this is a part time job, they why does it have a full time line. Obviously Alvarez thinks this is a part-time job, so it should, moving forward not be fully funded.
    If he is letting someone do a part-time job on a full time salary, then Alvarez should be fired.
14. POSTED BY profwilliams  |  January 28, 2009 @ 11:54 am

    No blame can fall on Weiss, they offered, she told them what she needed and the bearded wonder that is Alvarez accepted!!
    That is the issue here, why our dear Super thought this was a good arrangement.
    I can’t fault her for asking.
    That this fool- Alvarez- said yes is the issue.
    What the new Supervisor of Curriculum couldn’t play Principal for a few months?
    No other person in the district could handle it?
    Alvarez. Must. Go.
    (When is his contract up?)
15. POSTED BY Yankees Fan  |  January 28, 2009 @ 11:55 am

    First off, Judith Weiss in absentia is much better than any principal MHS has had for the last 20 years.
    Elaine Peeler, while technically on school premises, might as well have been in Florida. She was grossly negligent and incompetent.
    Second, There are not many highly qualified applicants. If there was a candidate with the requisite experience, credentials, references etc. that was willing to work for public sector salary, the BOE would have hired him or her already.
    If you want top quality people working as administrators the district must increase pay to be comparable with other districts…aprox 160k for a HS principal not the 130k they currently offer….or make accomodations for increased day of, travel considerations as they have done.
16. POSTED BY NoCorzine  |  January 28, 2009 @ 11:55 am

    Cathar, you are right in that there was no mention of who is paying. I just have to assume that the town is paying, but who knows. Regardless, if the town is paying for the flights and/or her salary has not been reduced 40% for her three day week, then that is something that someone needs to be accountable for.
    Somebody get a reporter from the Star Ledgar on that question, so they can write an article in the paper, that Baristanet can cut and paste and put on their site.
17. POSTED BY your neighbor  |  January 28, 2009 @ 11:57 am

    The whole thing got off to a bad start with the mid-summer resignation of the previous principal–tough to find a good candidate that late in the game. They found Dr. Weiss, but she told the district from the beginning that it was only a temporary position for her. Once again, though, it’s hard to find a good candidate to start in January, the middle of the school year.
    From what I can tell as a high school parent, things are better this year with Dr. Weiss than they had been with Katz. So although the situation leaves a lot to be desired, and I am horrified at how much the travel costs are going to come to, at least she seems competent. If they had elevated someone else from within the school, it would have been more of the same. Remember, when Katz left so did 3 or 4 other top administrators at the high school–the best ones, from what I hear from knowledgeable sources. They still have only an acting head of guidance–another vital position to fill!
18. POSTED BY OccasionallyHere  |  January 28, 2009 @ 12:04 pm

    I have only heard the best things about Judith Weiss. She is the caliber administrator the town desperately needs.
    Alverez needs to be replaced, and the process that hired him should be looked at and changed. IMO.
19. POSTED BY cathar  |  January 28, 2009 @ 12:08 pm

    Any high school is better off with its principal in absentia, I might suggest,
    But then, by way of some explanation, I attended Catholic schools.
20. POSTED BY cathar  |  January 28, 2009 @ 12:13 pm

    That was a pretty funny post, NoCorzine. Credit where due!
21. POSTED BY Mkay  |  January 28, 2009 @ 12:18 pm

    I don’t know why everyone is blaming Weiss! I highly doubt the BOE is paying for her flights and she only agreed till December. She told them what she could do to stay on and they accepted, DESPICABLE! I do find it surprising that we cannot find a viable, highly qualified principal! Maybe SOMEONE should take a cut in pay to get some more interested candidates in the mix of things!
22. POSTED BY Right of Center‚Ñ¢  |  January 28, 2009 @ 12:23 pm

    perhaps we could reduce the number of substance abuse councilors to 8 and raise the salary of the principal a bit with the funds.
23. POSTED BY overthinking montclair  |  January 28, 2009 @ 12:27 pm

    Not sure if I understand — the principal is working 4 day weeks or 2 day weeks.
    Since she’s apparently doing a great job, perhaps that’s a sign that there are too many administrators.
    Perhaps we could pay a competitid
24. POSTED BY walleroo  |  January 28, 2009 @ 12:29 pm

    I think we’ve already gotten our money’s worth from Weiss. Kids and parents, now scared to death of being late for class for fear of having their h.s. transcripts permanently scarred, are causing traffic jams and running and slipping over the ice and snow. It’s better than DisneyWorld!
25. POSTED BY overthinking montclair  |  January 28, 2009 @ 12:31 pm

    /sorry hit post by accident/
    There are 6 principals at the HS, one for each grade + one for athletics and activities.
    Perhaps we could pay a competitive salary for 1 real principal and find a way to manage the school with only 3 assistant principals?
26. POSTED BY Spicoli  |  January 28, 2009 @ 12:38 pm

    ROC – but who will coddle the substance abusers? Perhaps we could swap out the 8 counselors for a motivational expert
27. POSTED BY jimmyp  |  January 28, 2009 @ 12:39 pm

    The concept and this entire conversation defies belief. Fire Dr Alvarez, let Dr Weiss go.
28. POSTED BY Mom  |  January 28, 2009 @ 12:53 pm

    Love to see a particular elementary school principal go and stay in florida with Weiss.
29. POSTED BY bookgirl  |  January 28, 2009 @ 1:13 pm

    As someone who works at the school, I can tell you that Dr. Weiss is one of the best things that ever happened to MHS. Many of us wish she would stay on permanently, although it isn’t likely. She is tough when she needs to be, flexible when it’s appropriate, can admit when she’s wrong, supports her staff, and cares about the students. Oh, did I mention she also has a sense of humor? That should be a requirement if you’re going to be a high school principal! She is intelligent, efficient, and reasonable. If we can’t keep her, let’s hope we can find somebody just like her.
30. POSTED BY WHK  |  January 28, 2009 @ 1:18 pm

    Although the context is somewhat different, think this would happen in the Bloomberg administration in NYC? Again tdy talking about loss of revenue to the city, due to the hit on WS bonuses. Operating Budget cuts, now and next year. This BOE is an Admin gone wild, with too much money to spend, and finding ways to spend it. The Gov wants to reopen state contracts for pay increases, or layoffs happen. The BOE/NJEA lives (ours & most of the state education orgs) in their own world. Anyone surprised by the full page ads for Superintendants in the SL Sunday, while the rest of us that work to pay the salaries are getting shoved out the door in record numbers? They need to waste $ on ads that size, don’t know where to find candidates, like on a state web-site post?
    Dr Alvarez was a principal at Mt Hebron/real world, if you can’t fill those principal positions, and live within your means, then do the job yourself. This town is $200 million in debt, with a new school coming. Have any idea the Pension amounts of all these administrators? Have any idea whether the Pension and Medical costs are in that Debt (I don’t think they are); and how many houses we have in foreclosure, and the tax impact (collections to the town) that has on the rest of us. Think Bloomberg would let this go on, or would he get the person “in-line” whether he reported to hoim or not. Obama had a discussion with the Repubs ystrdy behind closed doors. Hope Mr. Mayor is doing the same w/ Dr. Alvarez and the BOE/BSE. “I Won, are we in this together, or do you intend on bankrupting my constituents?” Get this fixed (the management of the schools, their costs & their achievements, or (how many years left in your contract?) rewrite his contract.
    Welcome to the Real World of the rest of us taxpayers…
31. POSTED BY jimmyp  |  January 28, 2009 @ 1:21 pm

    That’s all well and good. Dr Weiss may be the “second coming,” but the fact is the taxpayer (read : me) is footing this absurd air fare. Fire Dr Alvarez, let the very talented Dr Weiss remain in Florida with her husband. Is the principal a member of an organized labor union ? If so, the Federal Government takes a dim view of this type of “arrangement”. They refer to it as extortion, regardless of how it’s couched.
32. POSTED BY jimmyp  |  January 28, 2009 @ 1:27 pm

    Substance abuse counselors on the tax payer’s dime. Great. How about minimizing that and letting the remaining counselors direct these teen substance abusers to NA and AA, which is where they’re headed anyway. I just saved this town an absolute fortune with that tidbit
33. POSTED BY jerseygurl  |  January 28, 2009 @ 1:29 pm

    thanks jimmyp. let’s replace the entire town council and put you in it’s place!
34. POSTED BY jimmyp  |  January 28, 2009 @ 1:32 pm

    Well no, but let’s apply some common sense instead.
35. POSTED BY jn024  |  January 28, 2009 @ 1:33 pm

    “Somebody get a reporter from the Star Ledgar on that question, so they can write an article in the paper, that Baristanet can cut and paste and put on their site.”
    that is hilarious!
36. POSTED BY catinthehat  |  January 28, 2009 @ 1:44 pm

    This news is OUTRAGEOUS!
    Dr. Weiss dictates a new and oppressive attendance policy, and then skips town…wonderful..
    This issue needs more publicity and SWIFT action!!!
37. POSTED BY Inquiring Minds  |  January 28, 2009 @ 1:51 pm

    This Dr. Weiss situation is another example of the fact that dealing with Montclair High is like ‘Chinatown.’
    With the exception of IM jr’s guidance counselor and one math teacher, in 4 yrs. I have never had ANYONE at Montclair High return a phone call after leaving only one message. I have no idea why they have voicemail, other than to take personal phone messages.
    Fortunately, I don’t have to call often, relying more on the parents I know than the school for information. There are times, however, when you do need to speak with a teacher or other administrator, particularly in the child’s senior year.
    Any information requests/inquiries always require at least 2-3 calls; I’ve tried calling first thing/last thing/ mid-day, all to no avail.
    Last year, an incorrect extension was listed for one of my child’s teachers, and after leaving 3 messages, I double-checked the extension # with the office. They provided the correct #, and when I did get thru to the teacher, I mentioned that I had left 3 messages on the incorrect extension, and that she might want to correct the error on the main voicemail directory, as others may have used it as well. She rather frostily informed me that it wouldn’t be necessary because “most people use e-mail, since this is the 21st century.”
38. POSTED BY Inquiring Minds  |  January 28, 2009 @ 1:52 pm

    This Dr. Weiss situation is another example of the fact that dealing with Montclair High is like ‘Chinatown.’
    With the exception of IM jr’s guidance counselor and one math teacher, in 4 yrs. I have never had ANYONE at Montclair High return a phone call after leaving only one message. I have no idea why they have voicemail, other than to take personal phone messages.
    Fortunately, I don’t have to call often, relying more on the parents I know than the school for information. There are times, however, when you do need to speak with a teacher or other administrator, particularly in the child’s senior year.
    Any information requests/inquiries always require at least 2-3 calls; I’ve tried calling first thing/last thing/ mid-day, all to no avail.
    Last year, an incorrect extension was listed for one of my child’s teachers, and after leaving 3 messages, I double-checked the extension # with the office. They provided the correct #, and when I did get thru to the teacher, I mentioned that I had left 3 messages on the incorrect extension, and that she might want to correct the error on the main voicemail directory, as others may have used it as well. She rather frostily informed me that it wouldn’t be necessary because “most people use e-mail, since this is the 21st century.”
39. POSTED BY Inquiring Minds  |  January 28, 2009 @ 1:56 pm

    sorry for the double post–you can see I’m not used to getting thru the 1st time!
40. POSTED BY jimmyp  |  January 28, 2009 @ 2:00 pm

    Well, we are using e-mail. Maybe someone who cam rectify this seemingly corrupt, but blatantly cavalier, arrogant arrangement will read these, recognize displeasure and take some appropriate action. maybe….
41. POSTED BY profwilliams  |  January 28, 2009 @ 2:13 pm

    That’s a good on jimmyp, to think the bearded wonder is reading Baristanet on a Snow Day??
    He’s home grooming, I’m sure because he got Hump Day off!!
    However, the idea that there is some mythical “real world” that we should use in comparison is off.
    Schools have been here forever. They are the real world.
    The question is who’s running the world.
    For us, it’s a man who has shown his inability to get the job done and he must go.
    As for Bloomberg, I’m sure he’d use his $$ to change the rules so he could get his way.
    I hate him too!!!
42. POSTED BY your neighbor  |  January 28, 2009 @ 2:13 pm

    Who do you think can or will take “some appropriate action”? The principal reports to the superintendent, who reports to the BOE. Which dosen’t seem to report to anyone–except maybe the mayor who appointed them, who is no longer in office. NO accountability right now that I can see–and Town Council says it’s all out of their hands. I am so frustrated I could scream–but that would only get me a sore throat.
43. POSTED BY jimmyp  |  January 28, 2009 @ 2:18 pm

    Well, it sounds like we’re screwed then. I suppose next year We’ll have to pay 100 % more in taxes. The inmates are in charge.
44. POSTED BY NoCorzine  |  January 28, 2009 @ 2:19 pm

    You know Councilor Africk is watching…please tighten those suspenders and find out two very important questions?
    1. Who is paying for Dr. Weiss’ flights back and forth from Florida?
    2. Has Dr. Weiss’ salary been reduced by 40% since the change in her employment to 3 days per week?
45. POSTED BY mtcmom  |  January 28, 2009 @ 2:19 pm

    I think some are jumping to the wrong conclusion – I don’t think the BOE paying for the commuting expense. I can’t imagine that is part of the deal – that would be absurd – even for the BOE! What appears to be the real issue is whether a part time principal for the h.s. makes sense. I am all for flex work arrangments, telecommuting etc., but I don’t think a principal’s job is appropriate for that. You need to be on site. BOE knew their deadline was Dec. and they should have gotten someone in by the end of the year, not try and make it work w/a part time principal,no matter how good she is.
46. POSTED BY NJMom  |  January 28, 2009 @ 2:20 pm

    Really, this is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to inefficiencies in at Montclair High School. Given the current economic situation, it is tragic that Montclair’s BOE isn’t more interested in getting the most bang for its buck. Dr. Weiss may be an improvement over the previous principals, but no one is indispensible. A requirement of the job of interim principal should be to SHOW UP for work every day. Shame on Alvarez for agreeing to such a thing!
47. POSTED BY NoCorzine  |  January 28, 2009 @ 2:22 pm

    You know Councilor Africk is watching…please tighten those suspenders and find out two very important questions?
    1. Who is paying for Dr. Weiss’ flights back and forth from Florida?
    2. Has Dr. Weiss’ salary been reduced by 40% since the change in her employment to 3 days per week?
48. POSTED BY jimmyp  |  January 28, 2009 @ 2:30 pm

    NOW we’re talking.
49. POSTED BY profwilliams  |  January 28, 2009 @ 2:33 pm

    NoCorzine (I hear ya sista!!),
    I’m not sure I really even care for the answers to your questions.
    You cannot fault her for asking for those things.
    As I mentioned above, the question is who gave the approval.
    It is not her responsibility to worry about how the BOE spends our money.
    That job, is the bearded wonders… And, once again, he has shown he is not up to the task.
    He must go.
50. POSTED BY jimmyp  |  January 28, 2009 @ 2:39 pm

    Employees can ask for anything. Is she a member of a labor union ?
51. POSTED BY jn024  |  January 28, 2009 @ 2:45 pm

    God forbid the Baristas make a few phone calls to find out those 2 essential facts to the story. Call these people at home im sure they are there right now!
    Instead the baristas would prefer to throw up a half story that is sure to light up the comment section and boost those ad impressions.
52. POSTED BY jimmyp  |  January 28, 2009 @ 2:50 pm

    This is the tip of a wasteful iceberg.
53. POSTED BY complainerpuss  |  January 28, 2009 @ 3:04 pm

    If someone does decide to contact Dr. Alvarez, just make sure you have his correct email. Until May of last year, the BOE had an incorrect email address listed for him on their website. Not that it really mattered, because he never did get around to answering my email.
54. POSTED BY Cary Africk  |  January 28, 2009 @ 3:04 pm

    Yes, Councilor Africk is watching but I can only give my name, rank, and serial number.
    I do believe the Baristas have made the phone calls to the BOE, and I have to believe they will post the information when/if they get it.
    Salary and related information is, I believe, public information, so I would encourage people to contact the BOE to have your questions answered.
    They may ask you to fill out an OPRA request to get the contract, and at that point they will have 7 days to respond.
    I can say this, though, all I’ve heard is that Dr. Weiss is doing a very good job.
    And I do believe Dr. Katz’s salary was in the order of $145K, which may or may not be enough to lure a good AP, from another district, or a Principal from a smaller district to Montclair. I expect that our BOE has already done the “competitive analysis.”
    As to “who is the better Principal,” I was a big fan of Dr. Katz throughout his stay at both Glenfield and the HS. I might note, also, that while he was actually at the HS no one complained about him, at least my big ears heard no complaints, but now that he’s gone many people are complaining. Strange.
    Cary Africk
55. POSTED BY jimmy229oz  |  January 28, 2009 @ 3:51 pm

    Ah yes,
    the sun also rises
    and the BOE wastes my money.
    At least you can count on a few things.
56. POSTED BY hs neighbor  |  January 28, 2009 @ 4:51 pm

    Very interesting. I had an appeal meeting for my high school senior today. She was expelled from one of her classes for absences just before exams! She studied hard & took the exam anyway. She has all A’s and B’s, studies hard, speaks two languages and has or is studying two more, has been sick with fever 3 times and has two gravely ill grandmothers. One with terminal lung cancer the other almost 100 years old. Once I get a new date for an appeal maybe I should ask Ms Weiss if her abcenses are excused. And why I also received a letter stating she was cutting a class she never even had!
57. POSTED BY EmDee  |  January 28, 2009 @ 5:03 pm

    Why doesn’t Alvarez fill in. He’s not doing anything else!
58. POSTED BY jimmyp  |  January 28, 2009 @ 5:09 pm

    Why rue the darkness, when one can turn on a single light ?
59. POSTED BY tlantanu  |  January 28, 2009 @ 5:12 pm

    can’t one of the vice principals take over, that school has 6 of them.
60. POSTED BY catinthehat  |  January 28, 2009 @ 5:24 pm

    As ‘NJMOM’ said: “A requirement of the job of interim principal should be to SHOW UP for work every day. Shame on Alvarez for agreeing to such a thing!”
    and how horrible is it that ‘hsneighbor’ has to endure the insanity of a ‘homeland security-type’ process to prove validity of her daughter’s studiousness.
    HOW DISGUSTING.
61. POSTED BY jimmyp  |  January 28, 2009 @ 5:25 pm

    One million dollars plus a year in pay and benefits for th epay and benefits of the principal staff of the high school. And air fare for one ? Anything wrong with this picture ? And in a tanking economy ? With no end in sight ?
62. POSTED BY Cary Africk  |  January 28, 2009 @ 5:25 pm

    Dear hs,
    If you have a problem that can’t be remedied at the principal level, make an appointment with the Superintendent.
63. POSTED BY catinthehat  |  January 28, 2009 @ 5:26 pm

    As ‘NJMOM’ said: “A requirement of the job of interim principal should be to SHOW UP for work every day. Shame on Alvarez for agreeing to such a thing!”
    and how horrible is it that ‘hsneighbor’ has to endure the insanity of a ‘homeland security-type’ process to prove validity of her daughter’s studiousness.
    HOW DISGUSTING.
64. POSTED BY catinthehat  |  January 28, 2009 @ 5:26 pm

    As ‘NJMOM’ said: “A requirement of the job of interim principal should be to SHOW UP for work every day. Shame on Alvarez for agreeing to such a thing!”
    and how horrible is it that ‘hsneighbor’ has to endure the insanity of a ‘homeland security-type’ process to prove validity of her daughter’s studiousness.
    HOW DISGUSTING.
65. POSTED BY jimmyp  |  January 28, 2009 @ 5:29 pm

    Perhaps one of the substance abuse “experts” could sit down with the Montclair BOE, the principal staff and others, and enlighten them about the dangers of the state of denial. Denial is an effective coping technique, when there seems to be no hope. Denial should not be stripped from a person without providing an alternative coping skill. However, our ship is taking on water, and is listing. This ship, like the former Soviet Union, is not unsinkable.
66. POSTED BY hs neighbor  |  January 28, 2009 @ 6:09 pm

    Thanks, Mr Africk and I will. I understand the rules should be enforced but there are so many serious problems at the hs. I live two blocks away and I see the ‘open campus’. It sometimes can truly be scary. We have an abandoned building next door that is used for consumption purposes. I have discussed these issues too many times with too many people and have seen no change. I will say that Dr Katz in my experience was very helpful and is also appreciated by my child. I was disappointed to see him go.
67. POSTED BY DeborahPub  |  January 28, 2009 @ 6:24 pm

    Try not to worry, hs neighbor. I’m sure you’ll win the appeal. I’ve been through some confrontational things over the years (one son graduated in 2001, the other is now a senior). Being persistant (and very vocal, when necessary) helps. I often thought it would have been a good idea for a parent to write an “Parent’s Insider’s Guide to Montclair High School.”
    We also recently received a warning letter about our son cutting a class. At first I was concerned, but then I read that it was study hall. The letter went on to say that continuing to cut might mean that he wouldn’t get credit for the class (I’m paraphrasing). Of course it was a form letter, but it gave me a good laugh. Kids don’t get credit for study hall anyway.
    I do want to say that by and large I have been very impressed with MHS, and especially the teachers (and one particular guidance counselor — Ms. Nedra Clark. Both boys had her as their college counselor). Our older son is 18 months away from getting his MD, and our youngest is already into several of the colleges he applied to (and he was more of a B student rather than an A). They both had very good experiences at MHS (and we’re grateful for that).
68. POSTED BY Cary Africk  |  January 28, 2009 @ 7:26 pm

    Dear HS,
    Tell me about the abandoned building. Maybe there’s something the Town can do about it.
    Cary Africk
69. POSTED BY His Grace  |  January 28, 2009 @ 8:02 pm

    Mr. Africk-
    What is your opinion of the part time arrangement the BOE made with Judith Weiss?
    How is it possible that we are just finding out about it now?
    Why should we not be outraged with Dr. Alvaraz for cutting this deal?
70. POSTED BY hs neighbor  |  January 28, 2009 @ 8:16 pm

    I was told the town is trying to get the building condemned. It is on James St near Valley Rd. Several people on the block have seen the kids going in and out during lunch. I was told that the MPD also arrested (?) some kids there too. Most of what I hear is from neighbors but I have seen kids going in and out and once smelled the marijuana as three girls left the building.
71. POSTED BY celestejavier  |  January 28, 2009 @ 8:43 pm

    I have worked with Dr. Weiss and know many people who currently work at the high school. Dr. Weiss is an excellent principal and from what teachers and high school employees tell me she has been a breath of fresh air in terms of improving the school-BUT she should be there full time. If her arrangement doesn’t allow it, there should be another strong person from the Brd of Ed office (and there are some) who is in charge of the h.s. in her absence. I guarantee the brd of ed is not paying her airfare. Should there have been better communication? Absolutely! But no one is perfect and in her attempt at candor, Dr. Weiss was castigated. Let her do what she can to keep fixing things at the h.s. and yes there’s a lot that needs fixing, and when she’s not there, let’s get someone as strong as she to lead and watch over an energetic bunch of teenagers and a mostly sincere faculty. The Brd of Ed should do what they can to let her stay permanently or give themselves another month or two to get another strong permanent candidate.
72. POSTED BY NJMom  |  January 28, 2009 @ 8:48 pm

    The issue is not with Dr. Weiss; its with the administration that agreed to this arrangement without an explanation. BTW: Is Mel Katz gone from the district completely or is he working in Central Office. Finally, my kid went to MHS and I was stunned beyond belief what a horrible education he got there.
73. POSTED BY NJMom  |  January 28, 2009 @ 8:48 pm

    The issue is not with Dr. Weiss; its with the administration that agreed to this arrangement without an explanation. BTW: Is Mel Katz gone from the district completely or is he working in Central Office. Finally, my kid went to MHS and I was stunned beyond belief what a horrible education he got there.
74. POSTED BY hs neighbor  |  January 28, 2009 @ 8:55 pm

    After many years in business I switched careers and am teaching high school. Our APs call the parents when kids have attendance issues or any other issue that could result in expulsion or losing credit for a class. And they are also always available to discuss issues concerning students.
    This year I’ve received less communication from the high school than ever before.
    I did receive a letter stating that my child was cutting a study hall that she never had. She had English during that period.
75. POSTED BY hs neighbor  |  January 28, 2009 @ 9:17 pm

    anyone see the CEO from Japan Air on the news? managing an organization is about setting an example.
    ms weiss did not ‘abandon’ her husband but she did ‘abandon’ those kids. that’s the way it works.
76. POSTED BY jimmyp  |  January 28, 2009 @ 9:38 pm

    I stated earlier that th einmates are running the asylum in Montclair. Clearly there is no one accountable here. An absolute disgrace.
77. POSTED BY complainerpuss  |  January 28, 2009 @ 9:56 pm

    Reading through this thread, if there’s one lesson we can come away with its that there needs to be better communication between the Board of Education and the taxpayers (parents as well as non-parent taxpayers). Perhaps the BOE should consider creating a new position of Director of School and Community Relations? I know we are in a fiscal crunch, but I can’t imagine this would cost us more than about $150,000).
78. POSTED BY jimmyp  |  January 28, 2009 @ 10:33 pm

    Perhaps too, some positions could be eliminated, or at least very much pared down to within normal bounds (like the rest of us taxpayers are having to do in our own lives), rather than fact-find or create a new position. Does anyone imagine that revenues will be increasing anytime soon ? The days of “if we don’t spend the budget this year, we won’t be able to increase it next year” are gone. Most of the taxpayers can smell the coffee. Time for the Town Council, the Mayor, and the BOE to be accountable to us.
79. POSTED BY NJTC  |  January 28, 2009 @ 10:47 pm

    HOLY COW! – Dr. Weiss was asked to come out of retirement and stay on past her agreed too contract. I hate to break the news to you all but Montclair is steadily loosing good people becasue we do NOT pay what other districts do. Montclair HS is not a “plum job” but a very difficult one. Mel Katz was considered a stand out principal at Glenfield and ended up struggling with MHS. If anyone thinks that dealing with Montclair parents is an easy job, just spend a few minutes reading the Principal’s inbox. I feel Dr. Weiss is doing a fine job. She has been responsive and spent a lot of time talking with my wife and LISTENING.
    As far as her contract status, lets’ hope that Dr. Weiss’ salary is commensurate with her part time commitment. But lets also hold the BOE to task for letting the job hunt drag on. Oh wait, they are appointed, not elected. THAT has got to change.
80. POSTED BY catinthehat  |  January 28, 2009 @ 10:50 pm

    Also, this is NOT about airfare from NJ to Florida…it’s about hypocrisy and total disregard for the students and EDUCATION !! wake up!
81. POSTED BY overthinking montclair  |  January 28, 2009 @ 10:57 pm

    complainerpuss, very funny. You’ve got a great idea. If someone was accountable for communicating then the rest of them could cut it out and stop communicating.
    The explosion of comments really does show our frustration with a bloated, expensive school district that is so very much out of control.
    Principals are turning over at an astonishing rate. A $35 million dollar elementary school and a superintendent who is just now re-opening the discussion, “what do we put in that school.” Making me wonder, what’s he hiding by starting such a diffuse and pointless conversation?
82. POSTED BY teller  |  January 28, 2009 @ 11:06 pm

    “If anyone thinks that dealing with Montclair parents is an easy job, just spend a few minutes reading….”
    and the beat goes on.
83. POSTED BY catinthehat  |  January 28, 2009 @ 11:07 pm

    I venture to think that the people running the BOE and the SCHOOLS did not get a decent education themselves…
    time for CHANGE! What do you think, MONTCLAIR????
84. POSTED BY jimmyp  |  January 28, 2009 @ 11:16 pm

    Perhaps we could pare down a few of the extra principals, so we can afford one quality principal. Aside from that, this clearly is not just about a lousy decision regarding airfare, or disregard for the educational system or the students. What i smost galling for me however is the lack of accountablity and seeming wanton disregard for the employer (taxpayer, if a hint was needed). The taxpayers are losing their jobs, at this time. Revenues will go down, from the taxpayr as well as state and federal funding. How many ways can one say that party is over, like it or not.
85. POSTED BY catinthehat  |  January 28, 2009 @ 11:20 pm

    At the end of the day, it IS about the students and the dysfunctional system ..
86. POSTED BY catinthehat  |  January 28, 2009 @ 11:20 pm

    At the end of the day, it IS about the students’ education and this dysfunctional system ..
87. POSTED BY manhs  |  January 29, 2009 @ 7:08 am

    It’s great to talk about it but something must be done. Montclair students, parents and staff need a full time principal. Ms. Weiss bills Montclair $750/day. Does that mean when she isn’t here and sends an email or makes a phone call she bills us? We deserve a full time principal, not a renter! We need to urge Dr. Alvarez to put together a committee to look at the resumes he has stacked on his desk; immediately! What about all the fighting going on in the HS? What about pulling the fire alarm? The HS is getting out of control! We need a presense of someone there full-time! I urge you to get in touch with the BOE members, go to the BOE meeting in two weeks; we need to ban together to get this done! Dr. Alvarez hears that she’s doing a good job and is thinking about keeping her on another year! She might be doing a good job when she’s here, but who’s running the show when she’s not! We need a buyer not a renter! We deserve someone who will take a vested interest in our HS, our kids and Montclair.
88. POSTED BY manhs  |  January 29, 2009 @ 7:08 am

    It’s great to talk about it but something must be done. Montclair students, parents and staff need a full time principal. Ms. Weiss bills Montclair $750/day. Does that mean when she isn’t here and sends an email or makes a phone call she bills us? We deserve a full time principal, not a renter! We need to urge Dr. Alvarez to put together a committee to look at the resumes he has stacked on his desk; immediately! What about all the fighting going on in the HS? What about pulling the fire alarm? The HS is getting out of control! We need a presense of someone there full-time! I urge you to get in touch with the BOE members, go to the BOE meeting in two weeks; we need to ban together to get this done! Dr. Alvarez hears that she’s doing a good job and is thinking about keeping her on another year! She might be doing a good job when she’s here, but who’s running the show when she’s not! We need a buyer not a renter! We deserve someone who will take a vested interest in our HS, our kids and Montclair.
89. POSTED BY DeborahPub  |  January 29, 2009 @ 8:01 am

    What about all the fighting going on in the HS? What about pulling the fire alarm? The HS is getting out of control!
    (manhs)
    The high school certainly needs — and requires — a full time principal. It is ridiculous that we don’t have one. But let’s not overreact here.
    There have been fights, and pulling of fire alarms (and let’s not forget bomb scares) since I was in high school in Newton, Ma. in the mid-70′s. I’m guessing anyone over 45 (I’m 51) would say the same thing about their public high school.
    —————
    Finally, my kid went to MHS and I was stunned beyond belief what a horrible education he got there.
    NJ Mom
    NJ Mom — I’m sorry that your kid got a horrible education at MHS.
    But to paint broad brushstrokes about MHS’s education is just irresponsible. Your child was there for 4 years — plenty of time to make sure he/she was getting the education that they deserved. When I was unhappy about a subject/class I called the teacher/the guidance counselor/the Vice-President; I insisted upon meetings (if necessary) until I was satisfaction. Only once did I have to get the Principal involved.
    I’m not saying the education is perfect, but our students get into good colleges, and seem to do quite well.
90. POSTED BY Cary Africk  |  January 29, 2009 @ 8:16 am

    I won’t second guess the BOE, but here’s my totally unofficial thoughts:
    If I had an opening for a critical, senior level person, and I had tried with no success to recruit for that position, and an excellent person came on the scene who I knew could help, but she needed “unusual” work arrangements, I would CERTAINLY negotiate with her to fill my need.
    Then I’d see how things worked out.
    However, I would also think that if one pays “enough” money, and looks hard enough, one can fill most positions (remember, in a short while we’re going to need another principal for the “new school” so we need to be good at recruiting).
    Now it’s perfectly possible that someone could call me and say “here’s what we’ve done to recruit” and I’d look at it and so “wow, I’m impressed, this is a difficult task!” At which point I’d hire a search firm and/or start to be more creative, i.e. look outside NJ (again, maybe they’ve already done this).
    It’s a complex situation. It also involves personnel development, i.e. who are we bringing up through the ranks, etc.
    But I do believe our BOE has VERY GOOD people doing these sorts of things.
    As for the pay, although $750 per day may seem like a lot, when you consider that a new principal might earn $150K, plus benefits that add at least 30%, $750 might not be that much.
    Cary Africk
91. POSTED BY OMG  |  January 29, 2009 @ 8:17 am

    OK so people think shes wonderful. How can a principal justify working from home? Shouldn’t they be hands on? What if an unforeseen crisis occurs in her absence, fire: shooter? I know these are far fetched and hopefully not a real concern but the staff at Columbine and VT certainly didn’t anticipate the tragedies at their schools. So far her major accomplishment has been targeting attendance wth her rigid policy. What about the other problems rampant at MHS? The huge presence of drugs, ask any kid-they are available and everyone knows where you can get it. Why doesn’t the staff target this? What about the increased incidences of fighting, police are called for a fight there nearly everyday, kids having sex in the basement and restrooms…..( don’t be naive thinking it doesn’t happen). The parties where kids are drinking under their parents supervision! Just check your kids facebook pages (something all parnts should be doing). So many issues! So far her major accomplishment is the attendance. The teachers love her arrangement, no supervisor on their case!
92. POSTED BY profwilliams  |  January 29, 2009 @ 8:19 am

    Likewise DeborahPub,
    NJMom doesn’t realize her statement sadly says more about her kid and her parenting than the school.
    Our kids graduate from MHS and go to the best colleges in the nation.
    Others don’t.
    Why?
    The answer is not the “horrible education.”
    The answer is the kid’s ability, his or her home life, and finally the family structure.
    And while I know it’s cool to think that all kids in every class are equal they are not. Kids with educated, involved parents usually do well.
    Kids without, may not.
    For them, it’s easier to claim the school “gave” them a “horrible education.”
93. POSTED BY Yankees Fan  |  January 29, 2009 @ 8:45 am

    “Totally unofficial thoughts” ???
    Cary what the hell are you talking about?
    YOU should be setting policy…you carried your slate to victory on your back.
    You waffle on every issue. You seem to spend endless time seeking input from constituents only not to heed it.
    Going back and forth on baristanet and the watercooler does not constitute legislating. You need to be setting policy and making the tough decisions…not just talking about them.
94. POSTED BY jimmyp  |  January 29, 2009 @ 8:47 am

    If the taxpayers of Montclair will accept an absentee principal for a high school with problems, they’ll accept anything. Rationalization equals high(er) taxes, without question. No child left behind ? Okay.
95. POSTED BY croiagusanam  |  January 29, 2009 @ 8:50 am

    I’d venture to say that a good part of the difficulty in attracting qualified and capable principal candidates to Montclair has nothing to do with salary. The fact is that Montclair is perceived to be a very difficult place in which to work. There is a perception that many parents are overbearing and that they expect and demand instant gratification at every turn. There is a perception that racial polarization exists and that there is a considerable tension within the community that seeps out into the everyday operation of the schools. There is a perception that district leadership is not strong, and that in any event it will change quite soon.
    All of these things are sufficiently troubling to warn off many candidates regardless of the salaries offered.
    One need only look at some of the comments that pop up here whenever the subject of schools is raised in order to sense the seething anger that exists within large segments of the community. This anger results from the onerous tax burden folks are asked to shoulder, and the lack of any type of control over expenditures and policies that taxpayers must accept here. I think this anger is understandable — I share a great deal of it. But I also feel that it is misplaced,a nd that those in the trenches so to speak are taking the hits for things they cannot control and did not create.
    I completely agree with prof. Kids who work hard can and do succeed here. Kids coming out of Montclair High are every bit as talented,capable, and prepared as kids coming out of any other high school in the state. Rather than bemoan the “fact” that a particular child did not do well, it might better serve those asking to look into how much that child, and how much they themselves, held up their end.
96. POSTED BY jimmyp  |  January 29, 2009 @ 8:52 am

    A question I have now is if Dr. Weiss bills Montclair for $750 a day for a mostly absentee job, agreed to by Dr. Alvarez, how many homes in town does it take to pay her, and Dr. Alvarez’s salary ? Time for an accounting, and a change. Perhaps time for substantive change, not talk. The status quo is clearly unacceptable.
97. POSTED BY jimmyp  |  January 29, 2009 @ 8:58 am

    But if the decision i smade to carry on with business as usual until such time as we go broke, perhaps we can name a street or two in Dr. Weiss’s and Dr. Alvarez’s honor. Maybe “BOE Way” for another, appropriately named street in an underserved area.
98. POSTED BY your neighbor  |  January 29, 2009 @ 9:51 am

    Make sure that’s a dead-end street, jimmyp!
99. POSTED BY your neighbor  |  January 29, 2009 @ 10:03 am

    OK, but seriously, folks: I just checked the Board of Education’s website. The next public meeting of the BOE, including preliminary 2009-10 budget discussion, will take place on Feb. 2 at 7:30 p.m. in the cafeteria of the George Inness Annex–that’s the 9th grade building on Park St. I think every Montclair taxpayer on this thread should attend.
    You might be interested to note the following (from the BOE website): “negotiated salary increases required by contracts with the Montclair Education Assn. and the Montclair Principals’ Assn. will be included in the budget.” Anybody want to be like Hartnett, and forgo that salary increase?
    Also, according to the website there will be increases for the Head Custodians Assn. and the Montclair Supervisors Assn.–I have no idea what that group includes. But it would be encouraging if the employees involved would be willing to accept a wage freeze, since apparently it cannot be imposed on them because of contracts.
100. POSTED BY catinthehat  |  January 29, 2009 @ 10:20 am

     “OK so people think shes wonderful” – Posted by OMG | January 29, 2009 8:17 AM
     Who are these people???
     I have heard quite the contrary from many students and parents alike. Mr. Katz was great. When good people start leaving, there is obviolusly an underlying, and unpublicized, cause for it.
101. POSTED BY jimmyp  |  January 29, 2009 @ 10:37 am

     Of course Dr. Weiss targets attendance. Why would she not ? After all, SHE’S not there to do her job. Who is in charge ?
102. POSTED BY walleroo  |  January 29, 2009 @ 10:49 am

     I disagree with everything cro has ever said on any subject, but he’s nailed this one, brokenclocklike.
103. POSTED BY croiagusanam  |  January 29, 2009 @ 11:11 am

     “everything” I’ve EVER said. On ANY subject.
     Now, that’s an impressive display of …. something (not sure what).
     An any event, I’ll have to rethink my view if I find an even temporary common ground with walleroo.
     Of course, he’d gladly suck up for even MY vote were he to follow through on his oft-stated runs for office.
     And for the right price, I might give it to him.
104. POSTED BY jerseygurl  |  January 29, 2009 @ 11:19 am

     I agree with cro on this, and I only sometimes disagree with him.
     Seriously, he is right. I am one of those angry residents myself. I just cannot believe how much of our tax burden is a result of the school budget and how little, if any, control anyone has over it.
105. POSTED BY walleroo  |  January 29, 2009 @ 11:26 am

     I did run, cro. I ran and nobody voted for me, except cathar. (sniff.)
106. POSTED BY HidingInBaristaville  |  January 29, 2009 @ 11:38 am

     cathar lives in Little Falls or is it Clifton. Where did you run walleroo and for what office?
107. POSTED BY OMG  |  January 29, 2009 @ 11:43 am

     Katz was not great. Many were happy to see him go. Nice guy and talked the talk, that’s about all.
108. POSTED BY Right of Center‚Ñ¢  |  January 29, 2009 @ 11:51 am

     “The fact is that Montclair is perceived to be a very difficult place in which to work. There is a perception that many parents are overbearing and that they expect and demand instant gratification at every turn. ”
     somehow, with educational professionals, and (I’m guessing) retired educational professionals (or perhaps their spouses, I’m guessing again) any problem in the schools is always and ever the PARENT’S fault.
109. POSTED BY croiagusanam  |  January 29, 2009 @ 12:01 pm

     I suppose ROC, that you can ask your wife for a take on how “educational professionals” view “problems in the schools”.
     My post however, dealt with the difficulty, or at least that’s how the “educational professionals” are framing it, in finding a suitable candidate for the MHS principalship. Unreasonable parental expectations was one issue I raised. There were 2 others that I mentioned, and many more that I didn’t. Perhaps you feel that parental expectations are just fine as they are. However if you do, that is quite a departure from sentiments you’ve expressed earlier.
     Of course, you might try talking to some of the “educational professionals” in your own circle.
110. POSTED BY Right of Center‚Ñ¢  |  January 29, 2009 @ 12:01 pm

     p.s.
     We spend between 16,000 and 18,000 per student.
     There is simply no way we do not have enough money to educate our children. And if the “expectation” of a well run (and, oh, I don’t know, full time WORK for full time PAY) system is too onerous a task for the administrators involved, it’s not the payers of the tax which are the problem.
111. POSTED BY Right of Center‚Ñ¢  |  January 29, 2009 @ 12:11 pm

     I don’t expect parents in this town are easy to work with, cro.
     But, frankly, I’m rather sick of excuses from well paid administrators and teachers. From the top to the bottom, in all arenas problems and failures in our educational system are routinely blamed on parents or (my favorite) “society”.
     It should be the motto of the teachers union, if you ask me “don’t blame us!”.
     We have enough money to attract a decent principal, period.
112. POSTED BY hrhppg  |  January 29, 2009 @ 12:16 pm

     Why are they even looking for a principal? There were so many f-ing principals when I went to MHS. There were so many layers to everything its hard to imagine we aren’t cutting the fat – and the fact that this position is clearly a part time effort position means it should be the first to go.
     I am going to blame the parents on the fact that the school budget is so bloated with repeat positions and yet they aren’t up in arms over it.
113. POSTED BY Right of Center‚Ñ¢  |  January 29, 2009 @ 12:16 pm

     I suppose ROC, that you can ask your wife for a take on how “educational professionals” view “problems in the schools”.
     I’m not David Grill, cro. Somehow, perhaps under a false assumption, I expected better of you.
114. POSTED BY croiagusanam  |  January 29, 2009 @ 12:24 pm

     In the first place, I never said that there wasn’t enough money for a decent principal, or that the salary offered is insufficient to attract a good one.
     In fact, I think that the salary is fine.
     My post pointed to a few perceptions that I feel are keeping qualified people from going after the job. These are, by the way, “perceptions”, and they were described as such in my original post. Perceptions are not the same as facts, though they can sometimes dovetail.
     I also made no “excuses”. In fact, “well-paid” administrators deal with these types of issues all over the country and they don’t gripe for the most past except in their own private moments or bitch sessions. Those types of sessions exist in every working milieu.
     What you have done, in your own inimitable fashion, is hijack the thread and erect the straw man of “failures in our educational system” and of course those responsible for those perceived failures — the teacher’s union. Of course, the topic was the MHS principal arrangement, and the real or perceived difficulties in finding a full time MHS principal.
     But that’s not sexy enough for you, so instead we are treated to a mini-diatribe on the union coupled with a misreading of my post.
     I’ve come to expect it, but it still amuses after all of this time.
115. POSTED BY Right of Center‚Ñ¢  |  January 29, 2009 @ 12:27 pm

     “Perceptions are not the same as facts”
     Especially where you are concerned, agreed.
116. POSTED BY teller  |  January 29, 2009 @ 12:30 pm

     Why would anyone be dumb enough to be “willing to accept a wage freeze” today? They are throwing money around in DC like wooden nickels.
     The BOE and the town council are banking on it and have hitched their wagons to the coming pork fest.
     In fact, Rahmbo, the WHCOS said today following his daily conference call with Stephanopoulus ABC/CLINTON, Carville CNN/CLINTON and Begala CNN/CLINTON, that “The One” would issue another executive order later today. It was decided on the call, that no score would be kept at the Super Bowl. The Four believed it would send the wrong message to our “yutes”, to have a winner and a loser. Rahmbo was overheard saying, ” how can we saddle our chilren and their chilren, with the bill for this crap and allow someone to lose on Sunday.”
     It is believed “The One” would issue the Executive Order following a courtesy call to AlGore. “The One” will apologize for declaring a Federal emergency in Ak. and Ky. due to another severe winter storm. The emergency declaration comes hours after AlGore told lawmakers on Capital Hill, that global warming “would bring a screeching halt to human civilization.” AlGore reportedly called his doctor today complaining of chest pain, to which the good doctor prescribed Icy Hot rub three times a day.
117. POSTED BY croiagusanam  |  January 29, 2009 @ 12:32 pm

     I do not know David Grill, ROC.
     And sadly, I DON”T expect anything better from you.
118. POSTED BY croiagusanam  |  January 29, 2009 @ 12:42 pm

     I’m testing walleroo’s declaration made earlier in this thread by making 2 statements in which I strongly believe. I await his disagreement:
     1. Its very cold outside.
     2. lasermikey is unhinged.
     Proceed.
119. POSTED BY walleroo  |  January 29, 2009 @ 12:50 pm

     Not sure how, ROC, you got from the observation that Montclair is a difficult job for a school administrator to all the schools’ problems are parents’ fault. I suspect it was simply the red meat of cro’s careful vagueness on all things that got your hormones flowing.
120. POSTED BY walleroo  |  January 29, 2009 @ 12:52 pm

     1. It’s not nearly as cold as it was last week.
     2. Lasermike’s only post today (as far as I know) could possibly be intelligent seeming, to a naive observer.
121. POSTED BY cathar  |  January 29, 2009 @ 12:52 pm

     I’ll second your second point, croiagusanam. Gladly. Woo hoo hoo!
     But your first, at least to someone who spent the last 5 months of his Army service in the Alaskan winter, is somewhat debatable. Having experienced 30 below, all low temps are ever since relative.
     (Truth is, too, there didn’t seem much difference to me between -5 and -30. But then, I was a mere “cheechako” garbed in the best sealskin parka uncle Sam could afford.)
122. POSTED BY catinthehat  |  January 29, 2009 @ 12:53 pm

     another hijacked thread..f— it.
123. POSTED BY cathar  |  January 29, 2009 @ 12:57 pm

     Not hijacked, catin…, merely diverted a bit. Think of how a railroad switch works.
124. POSTED BY croiagusanam  |  January 29, 2009 @ 1:01 pm

     “Careful vagueness”.
     I like that!
     I may rename my band, The Shrieking Decibels…..
     I’m thinking that we a name like “careful vagueness” we could land gigs in jazz clubs as well as rock venues.
     And cathar, I am officially cold once we dip below 40. Though I’ve lived in colder climes for the greater part of my life, I still feel that I was “meant” to bask in 80 degree temps under swaying palms.
125. POSTED BY NJMom  |  January 29, 2009 @ 1:05 pm

     >>>I’m not saying the education is perfect, but our students get into good colleges, and seem to do quite well.>>>
     Whenever anyone criticizes MHS, this is the argument people counter with. Hard to dispute: Kids do get into good colleges. But, as I see it, that’s in spite of the education they get at MHS, not because of it. Yes, there are some very excellent teachers and committed administrators. But for every one of those, there are probably 10 not-so-great ones. I don’t buy the squeaky wheel approach — all kids deserve a quality education, not only those whose moms and dads have the time (and inclination) to micromanage their teenager’s life. I’m sure MHS is no worse than most other public schools in the country — but, as I see it, that’s a very sad commentary on the state of public education. Fortunately, our new president gets it and we will probably see some badly needed reforms.
126. POSTED BY NJMom  |  January 29, 2009 @ 1:09 pm

     BTW: My kid was one of those who went to one of the best colleges in the country — but largely had to do with what he got at home, not what he got at school. MHS is under-serving kids who most need a quality education.
127. POSTED BY Yankees Fan  |  January 29, 2009 @ 1:26 pm

     The top 10% of kids at MHS are in my opinion of superior intellect than the top 10% of students at any educational institution in the world. Including all of the ivy league schools.
128. POSTED BY walleroo  |  January 29, 2009 @ 1:36 pm

     we could land gigs in jazz clubs as well as rock venues.
     All right, that’s funny, I’ll admit.
129. POSTED BY His Grace  |  January 29, 2009 @ 1:41 pm

     Mr. Africk-
     First let me applaud your transparency and willingness to expose yourself to this forum.
     I’m curious why you say you won’t second guess the BOE? Are we to believe that you will support any and all decisions made by the BOE without question?
     Isn’t that exactly your job? To question, inquire and expect efficiency and competence? And yes I am aware of the separation of powers that exists between the Council and the BOE. I think most us believe you and the other elected officials provide checks and balances to the system without which could result in wacky things like this happening.
     BTW.. $750 per day comes out $195,000 on an annual basis if she were working full time.
130. POSTED BY NoCorzine  |  January 29, 2009 @ 1:48 pm

     How is it possible that Glen Ridge was able to find a Superintendent in a reasonable amount of time and MHS is still searching for a principal after 7 months and has to beg a lady who would rather be in Florida to stay longer? Not only is too much money spent in Montclair, but its being spent in the wrong places. Pay a few more dollars for a great principal, that would be money well spent. Instead, our hippy councilor wants to throw money at the recycling problem that I did not even know we had.
     I have said it before, the environment, healthcare, historical designations, all this being “Green” BS should all be on the back burner. The budget/taxes/the economy is job 1, 2, and 3.
131. POSTED BY Right of Center‚Ñ¢  |  January 29, 2009 @ 1:58 pm

     While I agree that the green “BS” should not be in the forefront I also doubt it constitutes the majority of the cost.
     In my “perception” (remember everyone perceptions, as such are without flaw) is that the schools are doing way more than merely teaching. Things like social work and substance abuse counseling, etc. Focus on teaching and leave the rest to some other system.
     If kids are unruly, suspend them.
132. POSTED BY DeborahPub  |  January 29, 2009 @ 2:01 pm

     Cathar – my husband, who was in the Air Force, was also stationed in Alaska (in the mid 60′s). Now that’s cold (I’ve heard the stories!). He thinks anything about 5 degrees is pretty pleasant. He grew up in Chicago, and I’m from Boston, so the cold doesn’t bother us much.
133. POSTED BY jerseygurl  |  January 29, 2009 @ 2:01 pm

     What’s with all the special ed kids in Montclair too? Is it something in the water or are too many parents certain their kid needs special ed even if they don’t?
134. POSTED BY croiagusanam  |  January 29, 2009 @ 2:03 pm

     His Grace, I am not familiar with the details of Weiss’s contract.
     But if she is retired and hence working on a per diem basis, then the district is not paying her benefits. She already has them as a retiree from the system.
     That $195,000 is probably right around what the district would “actually” be paying a $150,000 per year administrator once benefits are factored in.
     Again, I don’t know if this is the case in Montclair, but it is pretty common practice in NJ to hire interim principals and supervisors from the ranks of the retired.
135. POSTED BY DeborahPub  |  January 29, 2009 @ 2:03 pm

     Cathar – my husband, who was in the Air Force, was also stationed in Alaska (in the mid 60′s). Now that’s cold (I’ve heard the stories!). He thinks anything about 5 degrees is pretty pleasant. He grew up in Chicago, and I’m from Boston, so the cold doesn’t bother us much.
136. POSTED BY croiagusanam  |  January 29, 2009 @ 2:07 pm

     It is my “perception” that ROC has a great deal of difficulty separating himself from his own issues and actually listening/reading to others.
     That may be why he writes things like “perceptions are without flaw” when such statements have NOT been made.
     But he wishes that it to be so, and so it is!
     At least that is my (perhaps flawed) “perception”.
137. POSTED BY cathar  |  January 29, 2009 @ 2:14 pm

     DeborahPub, since he was in Alaska, I’m sure your spouse too is one of what we used to call the “Hardy Few.” I was there early 1970, and I remember how the daily darkness would become bearable haze by about 1:00 PM or so and again darkness come 4ish. My commendations to your spouse for having been an enlistee, either a non-com or an officer, too.
138. POSTED BY NoCorzine  |  January 29, 2009 @ 2:17 pm

     DebPub and Cathar, maybe you two should exchange email addresses or something…only this site can go from why Montclair is so screwed up to freezing your balls off in Alaska.
139. POSTED BY 13%annualtaxhike  |  January 29, 2009 @ 2:23 pm

     What balls?
140. POSTED BY catinthehat  |  January 29, 2009 @ 4:10 pm

     Newsflash: Did the BOE also pay for her trip to Hawaii?
141. POSTED BY DeborahPub  |  January 29, 2009 @ 4:38 pm

     Cathar,
     Don did tell me about the darkness too. He also said that so much of Alaska was incredibly beautiful! He was also grateful to the Air Force because they put him through college (and maybe graduate school? I can’t recall) on the GI bill. Plus he can polish a mean boot (I give him mine), and he knows how to sew (better than I do!). The only problem is that if he changes our sheets, I can’t get into the bed! (haha!).
142. POSTED BY jimmyp  |  January 29, 2009 @ 4:45 pm

     No one has balls like the people on the Montclair BOE do.
143. POSTED BY your neighbor  |  January 29, 2009 @ 5:12 pm

     I can see why GR found a super so quickly–much “easier” place to deal with, for all the reasons cited above. Also, we’re looking for a HS principal, not (sigh) a super.
     RE special ed: Montclair is known far and wide as very accommodating to special needs kids–part of the reason why we end up with more than our fair share.
144. POSTED BY DeborahPub  |  January 29, 2009 @ 6:04 pm

     Sorry, NoCorzine, I rarely partake in the discussion, but since I have been through the MHS twice now (or my sons have)
     I thought I’d add my two cents. And then when Cathar (my favorite poster, even though we don’t often share the same politically views) mentioned Alaska, I got carried away.
145. POSTED BY catinthehat  |  January 29, 2009 @ 7:16 pm

     Did the BOE also pay for her trip to Hawaii?
146. POSTED BY 13%annualtaxhike  |  January 29, 2009 @ 9:00 pm

     Perhaps they used the frequent flier miles acquired on their recent trip to China?
147. POSTED BY hs neighbor  |  January 29, 2009 @ 9:30 pm

     To Mr Africk and others who commented on my daughter’s appeal: I received a call today at 10:39 from the hs stating that the appeal would be heard today! at 2:50. I could not attend but daughter did. At 2:30 I spoke with the AP and learned that my daughter did not have enough absences to be expelled from the class. The entire situation was a mistake! The conversation was the most absurd interchange I have experienced in a while. My daughter did however receive the learning experience of walking into a room with half a dozen seated adults to defend herself on false charges. Lesson learned?
148. POSTED BY your neighbor  |  January 29, 2009 @ 9:31 pm

     I think the Mandarin instruction in various schools can safely be axed from the budget. But at least Alvarez got a nice vacation out of that venture.
149. POSTED BY jimmyp  |  January 29, 2009 @ 9:34 pm

     Good for you neighbor.
150. POSTED BY hs neighbor  |  January 29, 2009 @ 9:40 pm

     I might add that no apology was offered at least to me anyway. Not sure about the daughter.
151. POSTED BY jimmyp  |  January 29, 2009 @ 9:48 pm

     I’m not surprised.
152. POSTED BY amazedandcrazed  |  January 29, 2009 @ 10:00 pm

     So are her days off excused absences or not? And will she get credit for the marking period if she exceeds the limit of 5, or have to appeal? Inquiring parents want to know.
     And why o why is the Montclair Times not covering any of this????
153. POSTED BY lvasquez  |  January 29, 2009 @ 11:16 pm

     Dr. Alvarez and Dr. Weiss have nothing but the best interests of our children at heart. The fact that some of you don’t acknowledge that is disturbing at best. From the teachers that I spoke with, she is doing a wonderful job. Even from Florida. Would it be nice if she could be there 5 days, probably. But the fact that she puts her heart and soul into the 4 she is there seems to be an aside. The fact that Dr. Alvarez cares more about our students than any Superintendent in the over 20 years I’ve been living here is moot to most of you. What a disgrace, you should all be ashamed of yourselves. Do you have nothing else to do but trash hard working people, denigrate them with insults and call for their dismissal? So you succeed in getting the two of them fired, will you sleep any better or worse than you do now? Will your life be better off? Will your children be happier? Will you? Why don’t you ask yourselves those questions, try to sleep tonight and wake up feeling good about your life. Yeah, right. Perhaps you drank or coddled yourself into oblivion before you posted here. Take a hike, a walk, breathe some fresh air and realize that your point of view is not the center of this universe. Other people have feelings, lives to live, and missions to accomplish. Wake up people and realize there is a world around you that doesn’t revolve around your simple life. Try to be what you propose others around you be. A decent and caring human being. So let it go folks, let them do the job we hired them for. Support them, give them constructive criticism naturally, but don’t be mean spirited. Give your kids a hug and remember what is really important.
154. POSTED BY walleroo  |  January 30, 2009 @ 12:34 am

     There is a certain irony in having a strict attendance policy set and enforced by a principal who only shows up three days a week.
155. POSTED BY hs neighbor  |  January 30, 2009 @ 4:18 am

     My daughter will get credit for the course. Not sure what will happen if she is sick again. To be honest I don’t even remember the exact rules of the attendance policy. My daughter has a fever she can stay home. I do not always run to the md everytime she has a fever. If the note from home will not satisfy the school in case of a two day fever I’ll deal with the consequences. As I understand her absences are not excused.
     To lvazquez
     I do not presume to judge anything other than my own experience – what I have seen. I do not doubt that Dr Weiss is a worthy candidate and is concerned about our kids. However I would not say that she has “only the best interests at heart”. If so she would be here everyday unless ill. We live in the 21 century and one thing that caught my attention is the number of times she mentioned her husband. I cannot imagine the employer that would hire a candidate that conditioned her employment on my husband, my husband, my husband. While true hopefully for all families not a problem of the employer. If she had said my students, my students, my students I would have been more impressed.
156. POSTED BY jimmyp  |  January 30, 2009 @ 8:03 am

     Dear Ivasquez:
     Whether or not Drs. Weiss and Alvarez have our children’s well being in mind or not is beside the point. whether they are bth hardworking or not is also irrelevant. We are all hardworking, very stressed, taxpaying people.
     So, If Montclair High School doesn’t need a full time principal, that’s great. Let’s save some tax payer money and let her stay in Florida. This horrendous part time arrangement is insulting to all those involved, wasteful, and corrupt.
157. POSTED BY teller  |  January 30, 2009 @ 8:15 am

     Bloomy will deliver his $1 billion budget axe today in NY.
     Montclair town council and the NJ governor will delay their budgets until mid March to see what goodies “The One” will deliver to NJ.
     Wonder what the weather is like in Fla. today?
158. POSTED BY catinthehat  |  January 30, 2009 @ 8:45 am

     “Whether or not Drs. Weiss and Alvarez have our children’s well being in mind or not is beside the point. whether they are bth hardworking or not is also irrelevant. We are all hardworking, very stressed, taxpaying people.
     So, If Montclair High School doesn’t need a full time principal, that’s great. Let’s save some tax payer money and let her stay in Florida. This horrendous part time arrangement is insulting to all those involved, wasteful, and corrupt.”
     Ditto, jimmyp.
     And to Ivasquez’ multiple questions:
     Yes, yes, yes, yes and yes.
159. POSTED BY jimmyp  |  January 30, 2009 @ 8:55 am

     I too am comfortable in my own skin, sleep well, have a sense of humor, and enough life experience to know right from wrong. If the Montclair BOE won’t heed the taxayers, they most certainly will be forced to heed budgetary constraints put upon them by the state and federal governments, despite President Obama’s good intentions. The well is in fact drying up……but hey, you already know that. Keep up the magical thinking educators, that’s what you seem to do best.

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