Friday, April 18, 2014

Exodus at Parker School ... Submitted to NBEA


Sadly, there would never have been an exodus of 18+ teachers from the Parker School had the principal been focused and trustworthy. 


Teachers never know what their goal is because she keeps changing it. If something goes wrong she is quick to look for someone to throw under the bus. she has no discipline skills. She is very afraid of Durkin. All you had to do was sit in the stakeholders meetings to see that. Anything Durkin said, the principal echoed.

If alienating teachers and being dishonest and sneaky in your actions is the way we are going to fix a level 5 school that should never have been made a level 5 then our district will never improve. we are sunk. 

90 comments:

Anonymous said...

The Parker story is a joke. One of the "four" is the tech teacher that ran away from a job at PRAB to save herself from the purge. Another is a TFA poor thing.

Anonymous said...

Most of Pia's favorite principals lead schools that work because of the TEACHERS. The current principal was only successful at her last location because of the staff already in place before she arrived. The hardworking staff at Parker has been beaten down by the blame game Pia plays. Then she acts desperate to keep them? That's right---TRIED to get most to reapply. Did not work.

Anonymous said...

Unfortunately for the New Bedford public schools everyone is fearful of losing their jobs! Teachers are working harder, longer, and paying out of pocket for materials and supplies. Principals are fearful of Pia, so discipline has become a thing of the past. All central admin cares about is the data. We are on the titanic, there are no lifeboats and we are all sinking fast! I feel for all of the teachers, especially those at Parker and the high school. This is why every teacher should make every effort to be set the next meeting. We need to stop sitting back and allowing our schools to be desecrated by this "admin". We need to advocate for profession, our students, and our schools! No excuses!

Anonymous said...

Has the Times even tried to talk to the outgoing teachers about the working conditions under Durkin? What lazy reporting!! They talk to Durkin and the clueless School Committee, but not the people who actually work at PArker? How sad.

Anonymous said...

Most teachers have options to transfer within in the district. Others will have NO problem getting a teaching job in a different town. People are not going to put up with this abuse. The next contract better include some fair treatment or hundreds more will leave the district. Good luck controlling the difficult climate in our city schools with 300 new teachers still wet behind the ears. Poor things won't stand a chance. I hope the sub list has enough staff to fill in throughout next year.
If you want better results it is very simple.
1.Quit creating all of these new high salaried positions that run over $100,000 each. Chief Academic Officer and all of these other made up titles, this is a school department not a corporation; well at least not yet.
2.Lower class size. The buzz is classes will be even bigger next year.
3. Actually provide teachers with their promised step increase. Hard to attract talent to a tough assignment when the pay is the same at a much easier job in a neighboring small town.
4. Stop demonizing teachers. The city council was excellent in demanding the end to the witch hunt attempted.
5. Support teachers and they will support you and provide better student results.
What is happening at Parker School with all of the teachers deciding not to return is a preview of what to expect throughout the district if this treatment continues.

Anonymous said...

Let us not forget some those people who put this district in this situation such Durkin, the mayor, the SC, the ST, was radio hugs, Phil P. They were ALL RIGHTwhile the close to 1000 of us who spend everyday with our students were ALL WRONG. The ship is sinking people. The teachers at Parker realize this. It is time to save yourself! Thanks, Durkin and the rest of your cronies.

Anonymous said...

The only teachers that they tried to get to reapply were those hired by the current principal. The teachers who have been dedicated to the school and stayed because they wanted the students to be successful have been thrown aside like yesterday's garbage. They have received poor and unfair observations and were not encouraged to reapply. Any progress that was made by previous staff has not been recognized! Apparently they have done nothing but sit with their feet up for the past three years! There is definitely a hidden agenda, and the students will suffer because of it. Once again they will have to adjust to a brand new staff. Good luck increasing scores!!!

Unknown said...

There are $100,000 jobs available in New Bedford?!

Sign me up!!

I'm best qualified as the Chief Embarrassment Officer and Professor of Biting Sarcasm. I'm sure the position hasn't been filled yet.

I'm also sure all those teachers abandoning the Parker School are just lazy, weak, and unqualified.

Not!!

A crappy workplace tends to lose its most qualified staff for the simple reason that they can usually find another job.

I can't spell the noise elephants make but if I could I'd put it here.

Anonymous said...

It should be known that 2 of the teachers who are returning have been promised BY THE PRINCIPAL that if they return they will not have to work the summer or Saturday academies. Here we go again. More of the same backroom dealings that destroyed the moral and climate at Parker this year. This "you scratch my back I'll scratch yours" mentality is a ridiculous way to run a school.
Durkin's being named as the change agent by Chester was a conflict of interest. Parker students and staff need, no DESERVE, to have an administrative team that is dedicated to PARKER and its growth, not a haphazard team that is also focusing on the entire district as well with little or no regard to what is best for Parker. Sure, name Durkin wanna-a-be Miss New Bedford as the turnaround facilitator. What does she bring to the table? She is a lovely young woman who is nothing more than a mouthpiece for Durkin. She makes pretty charts but lacks the experience or know how to implement change.
This poster is not bitter. I am appalled at and ashamed of how we have been treated. It was a difficult decision to leave a school and classroom I love. Working in that environment was toxic and demeaning. Change will only happen at Parker when a true instructional leader is placed there. Not someone who cries at the drop of a hat when things don't go her way, who lies to your face, and who makes promises to her favorite hires in order to get them to stay.

Anonymous said...

You think that teachers within the system will have positions?? Well, I know for a fact that teachers are already being hired from OUTSIDE the system, yes, that is correct, outside the system. Seems our contract means nothing!!!!

Anonymous said...

Ann Bradshaw from Human Resources is a Pia hire and a former colleague. She earns quite a salary. Truth is that Bradshaw was informed of those on Pia's HIT LIST. Teachers who are reapplying for other positions within the district are being blackballed. Our applications end up in the trash. This is a misuse of power and a strategic move on durkin's part to place her pawns in all the right places. We are at a stalemate.

Anonymous said...

There's a saying in our district, which is dealing with mass resignations, incompetent management and a vindictive school committee: "hey, at least we're not in New Bedford."

Anonymous said...

Anne Bradshaw was hired as a puppet. Pia doesn't have the nerve to put a face to her words, so she uses a front woman. Anne is finished this year, as are the clerks in that office. Can't wait to see what high salaried buffoon she brings in to replace them all.
How can the HR person NOT have answers to our questions? Are TLS remaining as is? Can we bid or not bid? When will we know who principals will be so we can make informed choices about our jobs? Her famous answer is "I don't know." How do you run a large school department like that? Why can't those on the outside looking in recognize this and put a stop to it? Parker is just the beginning. Soon ALL our schools, and our positions, will be in jeopardy.

Anonymous said...

One of the S-T headlines read "Durkin Seeks the Help of the Community to Stop Bullying" when she is one of the biggest bullies, herself. How many teachers were harmed by this district? We've lost count. This superintendent will not stop until she has rid this district of all of us with only HER people intact. Seek and destroy is her mantra!

Anonymous said...

It's wrong to further hurt the staff at Parker. They have been destroyed and divided enough by Dr. Durkin. There's only one person to blame for the mass exodus, the person selected by the commisioner to oversee the turnaround.

Anonymous said...

One rehire is a person who is not certified. Doesn't it specifically say on School Spring that you need your certification? How will Pia spin that?

Anonymous said...

When pia durkin goes, all her hires should go too...human resources bradshaw, central admin, welmsley, principals, rejects from other districts...her whole entourage. They all play by a different set of rules with benefits that exceed the norm.

Anonymous said...

Everything you said is true!

Anonymous said...

Everybody knows everything...you teachers should stand together and not try to stab your fellow teachers in the back...you hear bits and pieces and do not know the entire story...I am for the teachers ...but some of you ...who think they know all, special offers, etc...don't know all...so stop trying to throw them under the bus...its below you...all of you are in that same sinking boat....

Anonymous said...

I would like to see pia and her members of the "elite club" make a grand exodus!

Anonymous said...

The unfortunate truth is that the staff at Parker did stand together. Many from around the district comment on their past teamwork. They did work as a team that had respect and integrity for the work that was being accomplished and the growth, not leaps and bounds growth, but growth that was being made. It was not until an administrator with little discipline knowledge and the need to have a collection of staff who would be her ears and confessors entered the picture did the covert berating and demoralizing actions begin. The paranoia in the front office has derailed the work that has been done.
Some were fortunate enough to escape. Across the district we may all be in that same sinking boat BUT everything that has been shared on this blog this morning is true. Teachers finally have a forum to speak their minds without the fear of retribution or observations and evaluations being written to destroy and scar with little "growth producing feedback". That is the beauty of the First Amendment.

Anonymous said...

Share Your Thoughts

Not only is durkin out to dismantle this district but she is sucking up all of the budget for ridiculous and unnecessary administrator positions. We are surviving on bare-bones. This is a crime within itself. Our students lack so many resources and learning materials. Knowing that I am losing my job, I am careful with my pay check. I have already spent a small fortune so my students have some updated materials thanks to Lakeshore, etc. Durkin, mayor, and SC are stealing from the poor to make others rich.

Anonymous said...

Teachers in NBPS do not get credit for any of their hard work. Instead, we get punished severely as we are scapegoats! I am sick and tired of their games. Educator prep programs should now include courses on dirty educational politics and survival skills for teachers who encounter them.

Anonymous said...

Revoke durkin's Ph.D and/or licensure. She is an embarrassment to the field of education and employs unethical practices-lies and deceit!

Anonymous said...

A Must See for NBEA: How to Spot a Liar

This is Pia Durkin, Jon Mitchell, SC, and their rotten principals

https://www.ted.com/search?q=How+to+spot+a+liar

Anonymous said...

I agree that teachers need to stand togethet. Don't let this administration divide you. Only united you can win this situation.

Anonymous said...

Sooner than later!

Anonymous said...

The truth was spoken!

Anonymous said...

Maybe someone should talk to the Times.

Anonymous said...

Maybe the times should do what real newspapers do, get to the heart of the story. That involves talking to the teachers. Maybe a reporter should post here asking if any teachers want to tell their side of the story. How can a paper only try to get Durkin's side and the school committee's? Even if a teacher speaks anonymously to a reporter, for fear of retribution, its better than nothing.

Anonymous said...

I know the paper doesn't like the union, but that shouldn't keep them from telling the real story. I agree that teachers should be contacted.

Anonymous said...

Good news comes in 3's....Exonerate Exodus and Ex Superintendent?

Anonymous said...

I love the idea of having the media talk to the teachers to have our stories heard. The assault on the pregnant teacher is heartbreaking, and none of the administration cared about the safety of her unborn child. If she spoke out, she jeopardized her job!

Unknown said...

This is what we are missing here these days.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ReRcHdeUG9Y

Anonymous said...

ABC, CBS, Fox News, hear our cries for help. The teachers of New Bedford are facing the fight of their lives to save our schools. So much corruption is taking place. We are being abused, bullied, and tormented! Our students are counting on us.

Anonymous said...

Mitchell said in an interview with the ST that "No teacher should have to endure the level of disrespect displayed" in reference to Joanne's investigation. What a crock. He is guilty of disrespecting teachers on every level. He has had numerous opportunities to support, but he just doesn't give a damn. What he did with the provisions of our grievance process is unforgivable.

Anonymous said...

Can she do that? Not certified in elementary education? In a level 5 school in a level 4 distict? Is that what Deb and Ashley and Pia consider qualified? Hey Lou!! You gonna take care of this?

Anonymous said...

I encourage you to check your personnel file in HR. See some teachers at the high school who were not "invited back, but could bid elsewhere" have discovered they were not invited to interview and are actually on the fast track to termination... unbeknownst to them.

Anonymous said...

And don't forget the lawyers she needs to fight all the grievances. More money taken from our children.

Anonymous said...

Where is the MTA? You would think that s New Bedford is the petri dish for the state to learn how to overthrow a union that they would have a vested interest. Paul Toner absentee landlord and "Oh how quickly we forgot where we came from" Tim Sullivan. Vote no confidence in them.

Anonymous said...

What a sick puppy!

Asked if she was surprised by the number of teachers who chose not to reapply, Durkin said, "I didn't know what to expect. People do have their personal issues.

Clarification Durkin...you have issues...lying, deceiving, abuse of power...Shall I continue?

Anonymous said...

I am a teacher at Parker. I stand with every teacher in that building. The teachers who were made those offers are the ones who shared that the offers that got made to them. Some took the deal and some didnt. An out of control act of an out of control administrator. No one is putting any teacher down for getting the best they can.

Anonymous said...

Anyone applying to Parker better read the level 5 employment passages carefully. You are employees at will. Future pay raises will be based on student test scores. So if your MOY numbers aren't what PIA wants...you are out on the street. If your CFA results don't make her happy. ..adios. If you get hired to teach 4th grade. ..you can be switched to 1st grade at any time if it suits Pia. And if you been teaching more than 5 years you are going to be taking a pay cut.

Anonymous said...

Isn't it comical that Larry Finnerty used the word LAWYER in his statement to try and intimidate us as we are considering the same options? What an ass!

Anonymous said...

We really must unite on May 2nd. Parker's leader used to play by the rules but even a level-headed person needs to remain so when given a bit more power. It seems like she is not and has fallen prey to Durkin. Too bad because she will be fired by Durkin in the near future just as all of Durkin's other hires. I heard an vice principal was also fired but yet the staff at that school seems to think he was railroaded. It seems like all these principals are on their own power trips. Trip away because you're ride will soon be over. Durkin will throw you away like she has done in all her other districts. I implore a good journalist to dig deep into just how many individuals that Durkin herself hired, will not be coming back next year. Don't stop there, now find out how many staff members were also let go. Figure the percentage turnover and compare them to other districts with our demographics. I know our percentage will be much higher. How long will the taxpayers of this city allow this to continue? Your schools are being ruined by a tyrant. Your property values will decrease and the ability to maintain a steady economy will not happen. The first thing people look for when buying a home is usually the success of the school district. The mass exodus from Parker speaks volumes about the leadership. Seems like that is the biggest failure. She was fine in the "burbs" school where the economic benefits outweighed the real issues that the Parker community deals with on a daily basis. Out of greed she took the higher check. Bet she wishes she was still flying under the radar.

Anonymous said...

And she did know what to expect. She got told at the Local stakeholder Meeting that only 3 staffers were considering reapplying.

Anonymous said...

Livremento also said he had no idea. Wasn't he a member of the stakeholders group?

Anonymous said...

We do not deserve to work in such unstable, hostile, and volatile conditions. We are teachers and this duperintendent is treating us like dirt and tossing us away like yesterday's garbage. How can the mayor sit back and allow this to happen to us? Is he really that heartless? We've been hurt deeply. It is imperative that community stakeholders like the CC place value on our profession and hear our distress calls.

Anonymous said...

He was a member but didn't attend the meeting that gave Pia the teacher return data.

Anonymous said...

I see the district is applying for the longer school day grant for DeValles. Should be another busy year for Lou.

Anonymous said...

Dishonest and sneaky come to my school it's just like that they will throw you under the bus in a minute if your not part of the wolf pack..I wouldn't doubt it if the data is bogus at our school....

Anonymous said...

Pia's favorite principals would stab her in the back if given the chance,they make fun of her behind her back they mock her rigor.

Anonymous said...

Bad news for everyone just for your info it doesn't matter who teaches at Parker,those children are at such a disadvantage coming into the school system..until we fix that and help those poor poor families nothing will change..we need to give the families the most support.

Anonymous said...

If you want to see back room dealings come to my south end school it will make Parker seem like child's play.

Anonymous said...

Get rid of the principal who threw the vice principal under the bus

Anonymous said...

Evaluations with growth producing feedback have recently been put in action ,but hate to tell those principals it's to late for you because the lawyers are going to chew you up and spit you out because of the tone of you previous evaluations...make sure you have homestead acts on your houses,because the lawyers are coming after you .

Anonymous said...

Your observation is right on! The reason members pay dues is for defense from weaponized administrators and power hungry city councilors. To understand their m.o. just read the race to the top grant!

Anonymous said...

Another varmint popped up agiain! Quick, ST try to "WHACK IT"!!

Anonymous said...

Previous post stated "Sure, name Durkin wanna-a-be Miss New Bedford as the turnaround facilitator. What does she bring to the table?" This woman left the high school so she could avoid the letter that others received, she was saved. Funny how she only has a year in the district without PTS but she can now direct people who have years experience in the district? Where is our union!

Anonymous said...

To the post above noting about Livramento: "Livremento also said he had no idea. Wasn't he a member of the stakeholders group?" The answer is Yes.

Livramento never seems to know what is going on. He has also made stupid statements at the school committee meeting regarding various issues and things about the district.

The only thing he focuses on and the reason he is there is for those innovation school(s) which is hoping to increase. That also applies to Pollock and Finnerty as these three voted for both innovation schools.

Anonymous said...

Where is the union? If you have to ask, you haven't been paying attention. Where have you been? Why haven't you been involved? Aren't you the union?

Anonymous said...

Livramento is a dead give away to the stupidity, scripted, uselessness, and incompetence of the school committee all of whom are puppets on a string. How can anyone take his questions seriously? It is torture to watch him speak.

Anonymous said...

Did you hear the mayor praise the turnaround facilitator and thank her for the lovely presentation and hard work? Yet, he screws over the teachers. He is such a fraud with shifty eyes, and so insincere. I have no respect for him!

Anonymous said...

I can't take that beauty queen. She has not earned the right to question our skills. I question her data hugging, chart designing, number manipulating purpose. She did not last long enough in a classroom to merit my respect.

Anonymous said...

The "Beauty Queen" was a Teach for America alum before she came to New Bedford. BQ only has 3 years of classroom experience. Durkin's other henchwoman, the graduation facilitator, is an ex-PR person with no classroom experience.

Anonymous said...

The prior posts are absolutely right, yes three years experience without PTS and bossing teachers and administrators around! Okay so let see the co head of the Turnaround Plan and the new contact person at HR for Parker positions. She sure did climb that ladder quick so who does she know may I ask?

Anonymous said...

Smarten up people...leave! I did a few months back and it was the best move I ever made. I check on here from time to time as I feel so bad for the Teachers that are still here dealing with this nonsense. IT IS NOT LIKE THIS EVERYWHERE! Move on, take care of your health.

Anonymous said...

Four of our high school teachers motivated by greed resorted to vicious backstabbing, harmful gossip, and sabotage in support of a proposal endorsed by Marlene Pollock. The psycho who wrote the proposal promised these teachers job security, competitive wages, and upper level positions. The sad part is that they sold out their own colleagues to ride a dead end gravy train that had the potential to siphon money from an already drained budget. Greed, power, insecurities, and envy lead to dangerous behavior.

Anonymous said...

This just goes to show how Pia can manipulate the state and licensure requirements. She is making a mockery of our contract!

Anonymous said...

Sorry to say the NBHS did not work as a team and the headmaster did nothing to stop the madness. Maybe if he cared just a little bit, we would not be in this mess! Lou has his hands full here.

Anonymous said...

What proposal endorsed by Marlene Pollock involving four high school teachers who were motivated by greed and promised job security, competitive wages, and upper level positions? What did they do to sell out their colleagues?

Anonymous said...

^Could it be more back room deals to divide and conquer? join the club.

Anonymous said...

Isn't Pollock a fish? No wonder school committee stinks!

Anonymous said...

Has anyone realized that even if PIA is fired...she will STILL be the overseer at.Parker and New Bedford High School. The DESE appointed her to those positions.

Anonymous said...

Lock the DESE out of Parker and NBHS. Parents need to picket outside both schools until this madness ends.

Anonymous said...

We have forces working against us that are tangible and invisible, but they still exist. I would really like to know about durkin and mitchell's backroom deal with chester.

Anonymous said...

Let's just say we are successful locking pia out of nbhs and parker, what will happen to her new hires and current administration? The old ones sucked and the new ones have shady pasts. How do we begin to clean up this mess? From the onset, pia durkin alienated herself through deceptive and deliberate actions. Her turnaround plan has become a turnaround BAM! This cannot continue for two more years. Then what? We need stability after all this turmoil and uncertainty if we ever want to recover.

Anonymous said...

The NEA and MTA should be helping us uncover the truth. They should be sending representatives down here to speak with teachers and demanding answers from stakeholders, etc. to allow us to move forward. How many laws are being broken for self-interest and personal gain? We need to be proactive!

Anonymous said...

If we take a vote of no confidence on May 2 ... I will make a movement to include the SC as well as the "education" mayor who, as far as I am concerned, are just as culpable for the sad state of affairs in the NBPS as our superintendent ... Just need someone to second the motion ...

Anonymous said...

Teachers who were forced out of this district by the underhanded actions of others still care about the future of NBPS. We would like to return under different circumstances. The students are still our number one priority and our commitment and dedication is unwavering. As long as the current administration remains intact, the further the divide. It is just too dangerous right now.

Anonymous said...

Three posts ago, someone asked the critical question: If we are successful, then what? How do we pull back from the edge? Do her minions take over in her absence? Do we bring MaryLou or Mike back to reright the ship? What the hell happens next?

Anonymous said...

We can't bring either one back. Mary Louise Francis is responsible for hiring asst. supt. for diversity and equity w/o a background check immediately after being escorted out of Boston Public Schools and a succession of other short-lived positions and Shea was a participant in the fake superintendent search. He remains close to the SC and mayor.

Anonymous said...

Teachers should have a say in who leads our schools. That is the right thing to do. When the corruption extends up to the Dept. of Ed,, our local government must intervene. That is why it is so important to contact MA governor.

Anonymous said...

The future of NBPS is at the precipice. Maybe Lou has some ideas.

Anonymous said...

Lou, would you consider an interim superintendent position? You are fair, but firm and have not forgotten your roots.

Anonymous said...

It is time to implement task forces.

Anonymous said...

Task forces to save our schools.

Anonymous said...

Retired teachers with strong ethical backgrounds would be a great short-term solution to fill in the gaps as we try to recover.

Anonymous said...

Hey, April 18! and we all know her name!!

Anonymous said...

I know for a fact Shea was not a "yes" vote for pia!