Talk With Tracy: Calling all Parents!

We need parents, more parents, at BOE meetings. You are good parents. You bring your children to school, activities and play dates; help them with their homework; sing and read to them and feed and love them. You know as a parent that your presence has the greatest impact in your child's life, education and well-being; so it is not a huge leap to understand that your presence is needed as representation at the BOE meetings. Take the 90 minutes every two weeks and be present in their educational lives. Your kids deserve it!

It’s not typically exciting (sorry), and sometimes it's tedious, and if you are not philosophical about pedagogy or schooled in the management of education systems, it can be a little frustrating. But it's still wholly informative. The BOE and Administration members are good at explaining things. We just need to ask and listen. All of us want a successful school system. The information relayed afterwards tends to be self-serving and a lot of times incorrectly interpreted. So come out and find out things first-hand!

We may have some exciting news on Monday at the BOE, 8PM at the School 1, in the Library. We may have news about the School Funding Act and new Superintendent, among much school business and accolades. The talk about Dr. Bandlow’s resignation is moot. The original contract is what is driving all benefit monies allotted to him; no need for argument. Let it go. I believe he is leaving this district far better off than when he came, and that was no easy task. He has created an environment that will allow change; he has set the stage for some of the great things to come.

What you can do if you go and proactively participate in the BOE meeting is see how the superintendent position is filled. Come and see how the BOE members come to an agreement and contract provisions. I am going in support of who I want to see at the helm of this school district. Steve Engravalle has experience in running a small district as a Superintendent. He is modern, educated and capable and has made sweeping changes, as well as small changes, throughout the district. All of this is great, but I am in full support of him because he has the ability to maintain the vision of excellence while pursuing the work that needs to be done, which is a rare and commendable attribute and is needed in this district. There is no pretense in his vision and understanding of education. He is direct and forthcoming with information and willing to do the job. Throughout his time as Assistant Superintendent of FLSD, he has come to know the people of Fort Lee and what we want, what we see as priorities. It is a smart and cost-effective decision for those pennywise people out there. He is acclimated, and the transfer into a larger role lends some consistency for the district. The ramp-up time for a new person is non-existent, for the position and for the Fort Lee school district.

And for all you pennywise people out there, attending the BOE meeting will give you the chance to put your two cents in about the contract. Governor Christie has capped the salary for our size district so salary is not an issue. If you attend, you will be able to speak about and hear about the fringe benefits that have infuriated so many residents in the past. For me, I think Christie’s salaries are incredibly low for our district and the responsibilities; but I value the work of Superintendent over some banker or stock broker. The impact of a career that impacts society and tries to improve society is more valuable than some I know in the private sector. It demands a salary that reflects its value.  

I am less definitive about who should be the Assistant Superintendent. We have GREAT administrators and that is my hurdle in deciding who might be a good fit. We need these people in their buildings and departments a year or two more to reap the full benefits of their leadership! So, that is a question I am going to  hear answered on Monday. I hope anyway!

See you there!