We know not the day nor the hour - by Bill Lacey

No sooner do I think I have the New Bedford School Committee figured out, I am blindsided by the sheer ineptness of this sitting body… As reported by The Standard-Times correspondent, Charis Anderson, in her piece of November 29, 2012, “New Bedford School Committee vote on Innovation schools won't happen in January”. The agreed timeline, as set forth by our Commonwealth, has been…(what?)…extended.

Indefinitely.

You see, hidden in plain sight, within the pages of necessary steps for the implementation of Innovation schools in a system, are requirements to hold negotiation meetings with our family of teachers relative to the working conditions within these two proposed schools.

Ooooops. Did somebody say “McScrew-up”..?

Now, maybe it’s just me, (I tend to be a little bit skeptical of this group of elected officials), but don’t you suppose someone with a bit of legal background should have read the Mass. General Law pertaining to the timeline? (I know, I know… That was stupid of me.) I’m sure there’s a perfectly good reason…

I’d like to know what it is…

Perhaps I could use it with my mortgage lender next month when I send in my late payment. Or when I fail to renew my motor vehicle license. Hey! I’ll bet the IRS will get a big kick out of me failing to file…

Because, it seems (at least in New Bedford) timelines are “just” suggestions. Overtures. Encouragements.

The inability to follow through with this process according to a known timeline is no great endorsement for our School Committee,

unless…

You don’t suppose things are being delayed purposefully, do you? Naw, me neither. These folk are busy people. Things like this are bound to happen.

Noblesse oblige…

Matthew 25:13 sums up my feelings on this tonight, “watch therefore, and be prepared, for you know neither the day nor the hour.” In truth, it is common practice to delay the actuating of law until the voting body is in recess. Federally, a little understood concept called “Recess Appointments” allows the Executive Branch to place a candidate within a position normally decided by the Legislative Branch due to determined need. In other words, an end run.

There are times in a school year when Matthew’s warning would be largely unheard. Times when we are less likely to be the watchmen. Times when we are sleeping. Times when calling for a vote on the Innovation school proposals would be beneficial…

to the proponents.

So, tonight I’m imploring you to stay awake through this process. Be on guard. Watchful. Because, it seems, Matthew is on target here, too…

We know not the day nor the hour.

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