Is Dennis McKeever, Esq. Running the Fort Lee BOE?

(1)  That Dennis McKeever, Esq., Board Attorney is controlling the show.

 (2)  That more information on what is going on with the Fort Lee school system can be obtained by reading a fortune cookie at a local Chinese restaurant than from a BOE meeting these days. 

One major question that should be asked regarding last night’s meeting is “Why was there a meeting if the BOE has accomplished absolutely nothing since the last meeting and is unwilling to provide any substantial information on progress made to resolve our current crisis?”

Every time a direct question is asked, it appears that Mr. McKeever believes it necessary for him to have input.  Is he now assuming the title of “Board President” as well as “Board Attorney”? 

Question:  “Do any of the new hirees for the Academy of Finance have any professional business experience”?

Answer from McKeever: “ I certainly don’t know and I don’t think any of the Board members necessary know!”  Note: why is he even answering the question.  I don't believe this to be a RICE issue!

Question:  “Can we expect to have a new superintendent by the next meeting”?

McKeever:  “We are hopeful, but we need County approval”.  

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From a prepared statement, Yusang Park, BOE president, read  “This evening, the board interviewed a candidate, and we are hopeful that this process is nearing its end.” http://www.northjersey.com/

Questions regarding this statement:

(1)  Where did this candidate suddenly appear from? There has been no discussion of a search.  And what if this candidate decides to decline the position?  What is the backup plan?

(2)  Is it possible that the plan is for Robert Brown, current interim Business Administrator to assume duties as Interim Superintendent?  Since he is on staff and clearly available, could that be the plan?  Would it not be a conflict to attempt to perform as both?  What effect would that have on Sharon Amato as Asst. Superintendent if they elevated him over her?  Whose brainchild could this be? Mr. McKeever?

(3)  Knowing that Ms. Amato’s contract was expiring on June 30, 2013, why did the BOE fail to extend it for a few months to allow continuity of leadership while they were deciding in what direction to take the schools?  How could our school system be left without anyone to sanction teacher appointments: to engage a new high school principal; to authorize payment of bills; to prepare for the upcoming school year; to implement the curriculae; etc.; etc.; etc.?

(4)  What happened with Dr. John Richardson?   No facts have been revealed as to why he disappeared or why he was a no-show at the last BOE meeting.   It was stated at Monday night’s meeting that Dr. Richardson and Dr. Amato recommended Ms. Church’s transfer.  So Dr. Richardson is involved in a major disaster in the Fort Lee school system and then vanishes.   If Dr. Richardson were a true professional, one might assume he would not desert a school system in crisis, so what is the truth here?  

(5)  Dennis McKeever indicated  that two candidates for high school principal were interviewed and offers were made, but not accepted as yet.  However, his evasive  statements, totally refusing to give a straight answer to any question, did not specify if either had any prior experience as a high school principal.  And what if these individuals decline the offers?  Ms. Church is still in place as high school principal, according to my understanding.  However, her motivation toward preparing the high school for the coming term might be somewhat affected by her impending transfer.   That is not to disparage Ms. Church in any way, but simply to state that any individual treated with utter disrespect might become discouraged. 

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The real question should be: Who is really in charge?   Mr. Park may be elected Board President, but it certainly appears that Mr. McKeever is in control.    He intercepts questions that should be answered by the Business Administrator, the Board President, or even other Board members. He seems to have put a “gag order” on all BOE members.    The distraught looks on the faces of the BOE members during the meetings display fear and distress.  

This situation is an embarrassment to Fort Lee and a total disgrace. 

“ We have forty million reasons for failure, but not a single excuse.”  Rudyard Kipling