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On July 19, 2011, John Mitchell said that there are many good things going on in the city system. “There are not major steps that need to be taken but there are many steps that need to be taken now,” he said.
Source: Jack Spillane’s blog published July 19, 2011 http://blogs.southcoasttoday.com/new-bedford-politics/2011/07/19/mitchell-looks-for-middle-way-in-leading-city-schools/
"Her knowledge of the city, its people, our diversity, and her extensive and varied responsibilities within the school district, allow her to fully and constructively address the issues that face urban school districts," said Mayor Scott W. Lang, chairman ex officio of the School Committee. "I have no doubt Dr. Francis can lead the New Bedford school system to improved academic opportunities and attainment."
Source: “High marks for New Bedford school chief” By CHARIS ANDERSON - January 04, 2011 http://www.southcoasttoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20110104/NEWS/101040314/-1/SPECIAL76
Committee member John Fletcher highlighted that district had been cited for not having enough leadership capacity at the central office.
"I think we've all said that Dr. (Mary Louise) Francis has too much to do," he said. "That's one thing I do agree with, that we need some more personnel in the central office."
Source: “Lang seeks $5M in school cuts” by Charis Anderson - June 01, 2011 http://www.southcoasttoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20110601/NEWS/106010398
"I think to pursue a hiring process at this time makes no sense," said Dr. Lawrence Finnerty, who had been in favor of a search. "The superintendent has done an outstanding job."
Source: “New Bedford school board offers superintendent new 3-year contract” By CHARIS ANDERSON - January 11, 2011 http://www.southcoasttoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20110111/NEWS/101110317&cid=sitesearch
Those assistant superintendent positions and a deputy were eliminated when Mary Louise Francis became superintendent, replaced by a single assistant.
Francis herself assumed the job of curriculum director, which Finnerty said is simply too much of a load for a superintendent. As for the assistants, he said, "We need to put those positions back."
Source: “Few surprised by scathing New Bedford school report” by Steve Urbon – May 27, 2011 http://www.southcoasttoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20110527/NEWS/105270331
"I do think Dr. Francis has done a wonderful job for our community," said committee member Jill Ussach, who graded Francis as exceeding expectations in 14 of the 40 categories.
"She's healed a lot of wounds; she's closed a lot of gaps. ... I'm very pleased with her as a choice for superintendent."
Source: “High marks for New Bedford school chief” By CHARIS ANDERSON - January 04, 2011
On January 04, 2011, Marlene Pollack said that Francis had done an excellent job at bringing together various constituencies affected by the School Department.
"Dr. Francis has been open and flexible: This has helped her bridge many divides," said Pollack. "She deserves our support."
Source: “High marks for New Bedford school chief” By CHARIS ANDERSON - January 04, 2011
Our superintendent deserves credit for taking steps to try to reverse some of these behaviors, and I appreciate that the headmaster of the high school, Andrew Kulak, has been supportive in trying to correct these practices when they are brought to him. However, we need a bold effort from top to bottom to radically change the way education is delivered in our system.
Source: “New Bedford school culture needs an overhaul” March 20, 2011
"I believe she has done an outstanding job as superintendent under difficult conditions," said committee member Jack Nobrega Monday night. "I strongly recommend that Dr. Francis be given a three-year contract so that she can continue to move the New Bedford school system in the right direction."
Source: “High marks for New Bedford school chief” By CHARIS ANDERSON - January 04, 2011
Statements made by John Bullard Because the Roundtable meets with Supt. Mary Louise Francis every month, we know that she is aware of the magnitude of the problem and the need for transformational change. And she is willing to hold herself accountable for results when she is next reviewed. That is leadership by example.
Source: “Cold, hard facts about New Bedford schools”, John K. Bullard - March 18, 2011
From: Considine, Jonathan (DOE) [JConsidine@doe.mass.edu]
Sent: Friday, April 06, 2012 1:02 PM
Subject: NB district turnaround plan
Hi,
I got your voice mail about the NB turnaround plan. Commissioner Chester did receive an email from Dr. Francis late Monday evening, April 2nd in which she asked for guidance on whether to submit the district’s turnaround plan. Commissioner Chester has been communicating on this matter with Mayor Mitchell in his role as Chair of the School Committee. Prior to April 2nd, the mayor had contacted the commissioner directly to request an extension to the deadline for submitting the district’s turnaround plan.
The commissioner granted the mayor’s request for an extension and will work closely with the mayor on setting a new timeline.
Given the fact that an extension has been granted, the Department does not expect to receive nor will it review the district’s turnaround plan until the issue involving district leadership has been resolved.
On radio FFP stumbled when Jim Phillips asked him why ESE is willing to wait on the completed Turnaround plan if they were so eager for a plan in the first place. He stuttered and stumbled and said the plan really wont work if there is some doubt about the leadership in the system ( not sure what that means). He then said, Mitchell Chester is fully aware of his concerns about leadership. Bottom line: the plan is done, and the leadership uncertainty is all Jon Mitchell's creation. It isnt about the plan, it's about the Mitchells. This is what a conspiracy looks like.
Class sizes increase, class supplies decrease, moral plunders, students suffer. The bottom line --- the change we need, is not Dr. Francis, it is far more involved. Who is our new Mayor planning to fill that spot ? Why hasn't that name been mentioned? I can't help but wonder.
Class sizes increase, class supplies decrease, moral plunders, students suffer. The bottom line --- the change we need, is not Dr. Francis, it is far more involved. Who is our new Mayor planning to fill that spot ? Why hasn't that name been mentioned? I can't help but wonder.
Is it time to call in the FFP's former colleagues to do an internal investigation of his corruption? I think Federal Government needs to step into NB and see what the FFP is up to, has done and is in the procees of doing... NEPOTISM at it's finest. Buddy got caught and served his time... FFP is not as charasmatic- so I beleive you are right saying he is a one term wonder...
Education is not the current mayor's area of expertise. I believe he has an entire city of problems to work on. He needs to take a step back and focus on some of the issues in the community that will impact student success....JOBS...Safety...Youth and Opportunity(both employment and activities after school)...Family Support systems...etc....and how about asking the city hall staff to stop jetting out the doors at 3:59?
23 comments:
Statement made by Mayor Mitchell
On July 19, 2011, John Mitchell said that there are many good things going on in the city system.
“There are not major steps that need to be taken but there are many steps that need to be taken now,” he said.
Source: Jack Spillane’s blog published July 19, 2011 http://blogs.southcoasttoday.com/new-bedford-politics/2011/07/19/mitchell-looks-for-middle-way-in-leading-city-schools/
Statement made by Mayor Scott Lang
"It is irrefutable that she received excellent marks," said Mayor Scott W. Lang, chairman ex officio of the School Committee.
"My feeling is the candidate we have in front of us ... is the person who is most suited to this position."
Source: “New Bedford school board offers superintendent new 3-year contract” By CHARIS ANDERSON - January 11, 2011
http://www.southcoasttoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20110111/NEWS/101110317&cid=sitesearch
Statement made by Mayor Scott Lang
"Her knowledge of the city, its people, our diversity, and her extensive and varied responsibilities within the school district, allow her to fully and constructively address the issues that face urban school districts," said Mayor Scott W. Lang, chairman ex officio of the School Committee.
"I have no doubt Dr. Francis can lead the New Bedford school system to improved academic opportunities and attainment."
Source: “High marks for New Bedford school chief” By CHARIS ANDERSON - January 04, 2011
http://www.southcoasttoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20110104/NEWS/101040314/-1/SPECIAL76
Statements made by Dr. John Fletcher
Committee member John Fletcher, who once supported a superintendent search, said conducting such a process now would be "inconceivable."
"It is time to change our superintendent evaluation to perhaps make it more performance-based."
"I feel the school system is in good hands."
Source: “New Bedford school board offers superintendent new 3-year contract” By CHARIS ANDERSON - January 11, 2011
http://www.southcoasttoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20110111/NEWS/101110317&cid=sitesearch
Statement by John Fletcher
Committee member John Fletcher highlighted that district had been cited for not having enough leadership capacity at the central office.
"I think we've all said that Dr. (Mary Louise) Francis has too much to do," he said. "That's one thing I do agree with, that we need some more personnel in the central office."
Source: “Lang seeks $5M in school cuts” by Charis Anderson - June 01, 2011 http://www.southcoasttoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20110601/NEWS/106010398
Statement made by Dr. Lawrence Finnerty
"I think to pursue a hiring process at this time makes no sense," said Dr. Lawrence Finnerty, who had been in favor of a search. "The superintendent has done an outstanding job."
Source: “New Bedford school board offers superintendent new 3-year contract” By CHARIS ANDERSON - January 11, 2011
http://www.southcoasttoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20110111/NEWS/101110317&cid=sitesearch
Statement made by Dr. Lawrence Finnerty
Those assistant superintendent positions and a deputy were eliminated when Mary Louise Francis became superintendent, replaced by a single assistant.
Francis herself assumed the job of curriculum director, which Finnerty said is simply too much of a load for a superintendent. As for the assistants, he said, "We need to put those positions back."
Source: “Few surprised by scathing New Bedford school report” by Steve Urbon – May 27, 2011
http://www.southcoasttoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20110527/NEWS/105270331
Statements made by Jill Ussach
"I do think Dr. Francis has done a wonderful job for our community," said committee member Jill Ussach, who graded Francis as exceeding expectations in 14 of the 40 categories.
"She's healed a lot of wounds; she's closed a lot of gaps. ... I'm very pleased with her as a choice for superintendent."
Source: “High marks for New Bedford school chief” By CHARIS ANDERSON - January 04, 2011
http://www.southcoasttoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20110104/NEWS/101040314/-1/SPECIAL76
Statements made by Marlene Pollock
On January 04, 2011, Marlene Pollack said that Francis had done an excellent job at bringing together various constituencies affected by the School Department.
"Dr. Francis has been open and flexible: This has helped her bridge many divides," said Pollack. "She deserves our support."
Source: “High marks for New Bedford school chief” By CHARIS ANDERSON - January 04, 2011
http://www.southcoasttoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20110104/NEWS/101040314/-1/SPECIAL76
Statements made by Marlene Pollock
Our superintendent deserves credit for taking steps to try to reverse some of these behaviors, and I appreciate that the headmaster of the high school, Andrew Kulak, has been supportive in trying to correct these practices when they are brought to him. However, we need a bold effort from top to bottom to radically change the way education is delivered in our system.
Source: “New Bedford school culture needs an overhaul” March 20, 2011
http://www.southcoasttoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20110320/OPINION/103200307/-1/NEWS
Statements made by Jack Nobrega
"I believe she has done an outstanding job as superintendent under difficult conditions," said committee member Jack Nobrega Monday night. "I strongly recommend that Dr. Francis be given a three-year contract so that she can continue to move the New Bedford school system in the right direction."
Source: “High marks for New Bedford school chief” By CHARIS ANDERSON - January 04, 2011
http://www.southcoasttoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20110104/NEWS/101040314/-1/SPECIAL76
Statements made by John Bullard
Because the Roundtable meets with Supt. Mary Louise Francis every month, we know that she is aware of the magnitude of the problem and the need for transformational change. And she is willing to hold herself accountable for results when she is next reviewed. That is leadership by example.
Source: “Cold, hard facts about New Bedford schools”, John K. Bullard - March 18, 2011
http://www.southcoasttoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20110318/OPINION/103180303/-1/ARCHIVE
From: Considine, Jonathan (DOE) [JConsidine@doe.mass.edu]
Sent: Friday, April 06, 2012 1:02 PM
Subject: NB district turnaround plan
Hi,
I got your voice mail about the NB turnaround plan.
Commissioner Chester did receive an email from Dr. Francis late Monday evening, April 2nd in which she
asked for guidance on whether to submit the district’s turnaround plan.
Commissioner Chester has been communicating on this matter with Mayor Mitchell
in his role as Chair of the School Committee.
Prior to April 2nd, the mayor had contacted the commissioner directly to request an extension to the deadline for submitting the district’s turnaround plan.
The commissioner granted the mayor’s request for an extension and will work closely with the mayor on setting a new
timeline.
Given the fact that an extension has been granted, the Department
does not expect to receive nor will it review the district’s turnaround plan until the issue involving district leadership has been resolved.
I believe the two Mitchells have violated the education reform act of 1993.
Folks its a done deal.
I'm listening to Mitchell on the radio...the guy is no Scott Lang.
In my opinion he doesn't come off very well. Phil asked him direct questions and it was clear that he didn't know the answers to most of them.
On radio FFP stumbled when Jim Phillips asked him why ESE is willing to wait on the completed Turnaround plan if they were so eager for a plan in the first place. He stuttered and stumbled and said the plan really wont work if there is some doubt about the leadership in the system ( not sure what that means). He then said, Mitchell Chester is fully aware of his concerns about leadership. Bottom line: the plan is done, and the leadership uncertainty is all Jon Mitchell's creation. It isnt about the plan, it's about the Mitchells. This is what a conspiracy looks like.
Class sizes increase, class supplies decrease, moral plunders, students suffer. The bottom line --- the change we need, is not Dr. Francis, it is far more involved. Who is our new Mayor planning to fill that spot ? Why hasn't that name been mentioned? I can't help but wonder.
Class sizes increase, class supplies decrease, moral plunders, students suffer. The bottom line --- the change we need, is not Dr. Francis, it is far more involved. Who is our new Mayor planning to fill that spot ? Why hasn't that name been mentioned? I can't help but wonder.
Is it time to call in the FFP's former colleagues to do an internal investigation of his corruption? I think Federal Government needs to step into NB and see what the FFP is up to, has done and is in the procees of doing... NEPOTISM at it's finest. Buddy got caught and served his time... FFP is not as charasmatic- so I beleive you are right saying he is a one term wonder...
Call Scott Lang! We need a good lawyer who understands NB!
Education is not the current mayor's area of expertise. I believe he has an entire city of problems to work on. He needs to take a step back and focus on some of the issues in the community that will impact student success....JOBS...Safety...Youth and Opportunity(both employment and activities after school)...Family Support systems...etc....and how about asking the city hall staff to stop jetting out the doors at 3:59?
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