Sunday, June 1, 2014

What's happening to the City of New Bedford?

85 comments:

Tom Silva said...

Since Lang left office crime is rampant.

Anonymous said...


According to Mitchell, Durkin is a proven leader and the best superintendent in the country. Right!!!

Let's look back over this year:
Assaults on teachers rampart this year compared to previous years.
Chair, metal wastepaper basket, and desk, according to this blog, being thrown at teachers.
Discipline is in the cellar.
Teachers are not supported by their principals.
Students think they are running the schools.
Grievances have increased and on all level Pia makes the final decision on all levels with the full blessing of the mayor and school committee. Denied!!!
Vandalism which closed the high school caused by student(s) who feel they can do whatever they want whenever they want without consequences.
Plus the other crazy incidences happening in the middle and elementary schools throughout the district.
Tests tests tests, data data date, rigor rigor rigor, and let's not forget those portfolios.

The only thing that Durkin has proven to me is that she is a one woman wrecking ball smashing the district to Helter-skelter.

Mark W. said...

I know this is a teacher web page but there aren't any other media avenues for citizens to air there concerns about our city. Crime is all around us and no one is saying anything about it. The Sub-Standard newspaper is busy kicking the crap out of teachers so they haven't noticed we are in the middle of a war and sadly, the criminals are winning.

The state reps and state senator seem to be AWOL and we have to fend for ourselves. The mayor is only concerned with superficialities and seems to be out of touch with reality.

What's happening in our streets is filtering into our schools and the school committee is useless and asleep. Even the newest member seems to be entrenched in the old boy network.

For the first time in my life I'm afraid to go out. I hope something to be done.

Anonymous said...

^ I have to agree with Mark. It looks like New Bedford is becoming a scary place.

Anonymous said...

I'm fearful for the children. May God help us all.

Anonymous said...

Many parents are on drugs, now the teachers need anxiety meds to cope, do our children spend any time with clear headed adults? New Bedford can't just thrive off history and a visit from the Morgan. When the one day tourists exit what is left?

Anonymous said...

The mayor should be held accountable for the increased crime in this city. Just as he blames the teachers for things that are out of our control, he should man-up. I will not go into New Bedford after 5 pm because of all the degenerates that are taking over the city. As for Pia, she is as useless and ineffective as Mayor McCheese. God , help us!

Anonymous said...

Can anyone think of one positive thing Durkin has done for this school department in her eleven months as superintendent?

Anonymous said...

The violence being reported on the streets in New Bedford is similar to what is occurring in our schools. Students are having physical altercations, bringing knives to school (which do not get reported to the police), bullying other students and their teachers, and running the schools without consequences for bad behavior. Wake up residents of New Bedford. You are allowing your city and school department to fall about because you refuse to hold the mayor and superintendent accountable. These problems aren't just going to go away.

Anonymous said...

I think a dead tree was cut down in front of PRAB...no wait...that might have been Mr. Shea.

Anonymous said...

The high school only got closed Friday because the fire department made the call... as Herr Durkin was unavailable by phone..... thought the job description of superintendents say that they are supposed to answer their phone, especially when a school administrator is calling. She only responded when Fun 107 sent interns to get the scoop. Then she rolled her propaganda as if she were really concerned

Anonymous said...

My brother-in-law is a court officer in NB. The crime rate here is worse than many nearby cities and he worked in several including Fall River, Taunton, and Brockton per capita. Jon Mitchell can't worm his way out of this one. He is a cowardly and decietful politician who attempts to divert attention elsewhere.

Anonymous said...

People fail to acknowledge the fact that New Bedford High School was buily on a toxic waste burn dump loaded with PCBs, dioxin, heavy metals and other contaminans. You have the second generation of students there now who are from those already exposed since the school opened in 1972. Contamination exposure passed onto that second generation coupled now with their own first hand exposure. There have been 7 classrooms closed due to exceedances of PCBs in the air. The ventilation system isn't working properly. The indoor air exchange with toxic ambiant air outside is toxic. Yet, the school committee still retains the students and staff in that very toxic building. Lead alone can cause agression and behavior problems. Harvard has studied children born in New Bedford and found there is a definite link of ADHD to PCBs. The school building needs to be shut down and leveled, PERIOD!

Anonymous said...

Durkin has proven herself to be an ineffective leader. She has no other recourse but to use brutality, intimidation, lies, and coverups. She is replacing us with new hires because she cannot force us to buy into her bad practices that exclude human interests. We know this is not about the students or a genuine investment investment in this district. Durkin is a transient using NBPS as an experiment and a jumping board to increase her pension. Our SC, mayor, and Central Admin are morally and ethically deficient as they allow this to continue. Each day, our district is loosing respectability and credibility. This is the stigma associated with Pia Durkin. Parents and teachers want Durkin and her henchmen gone!

Anonymous said...

The mayor refuses to support teachers. He gives them the screws. Trees are his camouflage to beautify urban crime.

Anonymous said...

Abort Pia's mission to seek and destroy. We are losing many great educators who are fleeing to solid and reputable districts. This is not the correct way to implement a turn-around plan.

Anonymous said...

The increase in vandalism equates to durkin's ego. Hide the truth. Alter the data and statistics. She has this under control. Students don't sense the turmoil.

Anonymous said...

To me it seems like the city is going down the tubes like the school department.

Remember when Mitchell was running for mayor in 2011, he kept stating that he was going to be the "education mayor" and that he was going to be "tough on crime" and that the criminal wouldn't want him in the corner office. Well, our Education Mayor and Tough on Crime Mayor has proven that he is a failure with both promises.

Our school district, since he first took office, has gone down from a Level 4 Parker to Level 5 and the high school has gone from a Level 3 to a Level 4. Now that is what I call going in the right direction since he hired Pia. How many times has he made that statement?!

As far as the city goes, crime is going up. How many shooting? break-ins, drugs, gangs, assaults, robberies, and cars with wheels and rims removed? If you have lost count, so have I--need a scorecard.

This city is as safe as the high school.

Anonymous said...

New Bedford has been going down the tubes for a good number of years, ever since prescription painkillers came to the fore. OxyContin addicts have become heroin addicts, but they've also become parents -- parents who can't or won't take care of their children properly, and who think the world revolves around them. Gone are the hardworking, middle class families who took the time to raise their children with morals and respect. Unless viable employment opportunities return to New Bedford, and the streets and neighborhoods are cleaned of drugs and other crimes, the city will continue to plummet into chaos and destruction, with no hope for the children's futures.

Anonymous said...

She's removing all the people that care.

Anonymous said...

^ Oops, one investment and losing. This whole situation makes me sick! Resignations are in order, or it will only get worse.

Anonymous said...

The great Global Learning Charter School started out with 71 students, by the time they went through all the grades 20 of them were left to graduate this year. What a tremendous success that school has had. I wonder what became of the 51 students.

Why doesn't Mayor Unger have something to say about this?

Bill said...

Mayor Unger is doing a great job running city hall from Fairhaven.

Anonymous said...

Can't you just envision the mayor and school committee reviewing Durkin's portfolio. She's got to be laughing all the way to the bank!

Anonymous said...

It's ironic, really. The United States negotiated the release of four terrorists for the return of an American soldier. We'd gladly surrender Durkin for the return of our teachers.

Anonymous said...

The 20 graduates left at the Global Charter also appear less diverse than what we would expect.

Anonymous said...

If I am not mistaken Dr. Durkin will receive her first employment review from the school committee very soon. Let's hope our elected officials have the intestinal fortitude to answer one very simple question: Are NBPS and it's students in a better place than they were prior to Dr. Durkin's arrival approximately one year ago? Regardless of whether her staff has confidence or not ... Is she helping the students and families in this poverty stricken urban community move forward or have things gone from bad to worse .... Mr. Mayor and honorable members of the NBSC, for the love of God ...please be truthful in Dr. Durkin's review ... The kids are counting on you!!!

Sarah Hope said...

To the people criticizing crime in New Bedford: I am a student at New Bedford High School who has recently done a project for one of my classes on the "Big Three" crime rates. Compared to Fall River and Brockton, which have similar demographic makeup, we are doing quite well, and violent crime has been steadily declining since 2009. Of course there is always room for improvement...

Anonymous said...

No one should fear for the children, because we're actually quite optimistic and excited for the changes that are coming. We will make the best of our situation, instead of complaining about it, unlike our "teachers."

Anonymous said...

New Bedford is a mess. The seeds of the Great Society Welfare State are in full bloom here in our city. Personal responsibility is not necessary when everything can be had in the form of a hand out. The intention may have been noble however the results are disastrous. The people who really need and appreciate the help are stigmatized by the leaches who burden our city and school system.
You all know these kids brag that they're from Dorchester or Roxbury like we are supposed to be impressed. They are here because their guardians are following the$$$ via section 8 mobility vouchers . I know because a parent told me so himself. They are not here because they love New Bedford or care about their child's education but because they get the same voucher and pay less in rent and keep the difference .
If we keep voting for the incumbents then this is what we'll keep getting. Politicians will tell us they are with us but then overwhelmingly vote in favor of raising the # of charter schools in Massachusetts just 2 weeks ago. Wake up and lets take our city and state back!

Sam Beckmen said...

Sarah Hope - I'm so glad to hear you report that violent crime is on the decline in New Bedford. All this time I was wrong. Now I can rest easy knowing everything is fine.

Anonymous said...

Sarah's project is based on data that can be disputed. We will also need to dispute the miraculous reform data Dr. Durkin will have published. Start with first person accounts and go from there.

Anonymous said...

I think that unless you live here and pay the same taxes that I do.... You should shut the hell up about MY city...
UNGER
DAVIS
DUTRA
WEIS

Anonymous said...

Sad to say, I don't think our school committee and mayor have the credentials to be able to review the "work" the soup has done. A review from someone outside the system would probably be more forthcoming.

Anonymous said...

the mayor has stated publicly that he is not qualified to be a substitute teacher yet he is qualified to evaluate the superintendent.

Anonymous said...

Yikes!

Anonymous said...


The mayor wouldn't last a day being a sub at the high school, and he knows it! He has the credentials. . . . . he's just a big chicken! He should be ashamed of himself! He and the SC will evaluate Pia's performance. Unfortunately, they aren't the "brightest" bunch we have ever seen . . . . . .more like low-wattage at best!

Anonymous said...

WE all pay taxes except for the "free loaders"!

Anonymous said...

Optimistic must not be a classroom teacher. There is a big difference between genuine concern and complaining. There is a lot to be concerned about regarding our students and Durkin's motives and questionable practices. She is not in compliance with the code of ethics. It's just not in her repertoire. Are you her disciple with special privledges that supersedes experience and years of service?

Anonymous said...

She has broken the conflict of interest laws by making herself the judge and jury of all level 3 grievances. This is a democracy!

Anonymous said...

First of all it is laughable that Pia "and her staff" prepared a binder of more than 100 pages to "help" the school committee prepare her evaluation. Teachers had to prepare their own portfolios! The SC are politicians, not qualified to assess her performance so they will use HER WORDS to evaluate her!!
Heard there is a principal who has been hired by another town and Pia is mad!! That's what happens when she doesn't treat her employees well!!

Anonymous said...

There won't be a standing ovation at the 2014-2015 full staff assembly. I imagine only TFA and hires under 25 will look happy listening to Pia's speech. Oh, and the vast new hires at the admin level.

Anonymous said...

The new headmaster for NBPS is under 30 and only taught for a few years. There are plenty of people that think she is the woman or the job. First, I hope she gets it done.... However, does anyone actually think PIA will even let her do her job!?!?!

Anonymous said...

More gun shots yesterday in the west end..so glad Sarah Hope's research shows everything is fine New Bedford.

Anonymous said...

What duties will be left for the headmaster? With so many principals, asst. Principals, instructional leaders, supervisors, etc....with the lowest amount of students in forever? That school should become #1 in the Gateway Cities before Oct. 1st.

Anonymous said...

Not only is the mayor not capable of assessing substitute teachers, he is also not capable of handling his job as mayor. The violence in this city is out of control!

Anonymous said...

First of all, I don't think a student wrote that comment about the crime rate. It is similarly written to the next post stating teachers complain. I believe it's @#$%&#.

Anonymous said...

Just like durkin's influence over the greivance process which is a conflict of interest, her evaluation presentation to SC does not reflect bar graphs comparing assaults on teachers, controversial incidents, teacher retention, cooking the books, all-time low morale, feedback from teachers, dissatisfaction, SPED & ESL compliance, union busting, and dishonesty.
Yet, starting last year, our housemasters were told to give us a needs improvements in family engagement, but Pia tried to outwit SC (easy to do) with her community survey crap. She also threw in that she has receivership for good measure to remind them she wears the pants. She will be biasly glorified.

Anonymous said...

Am I the only one who wonders why a teacher "let go" from the High School is able to get a job in the Middle School? Does that mean he/she is not good enough for the High School but good enough for the Middle School? Who came up with this plan?????

Anonymous said...

I thought teachers let go from the high school couldn't bump middle school teachers with PTS. Isn't that what Lou said?

Anonymous said...

The "turnaround model plan" allows the superintendent to "let go" up to 50% of the teachers at the high school. This plan is absolutely absurd! Instead of working with the teachers who are already in place, this plan allows her to place them elsewhere. The teachers "who were let go" WERE NOT LET GO BECAUSE THEY WEREN'T GOOD ENOUGH. The superintendent is on a power trip and she got her jollies telling the entire staff in the auditorium ONE WEEK BEFORE Christmas that we would ALL be losing our jobs and that we would ALL have to reapply if we wanted to keep them. Some teachers did not "reapply" for a job they have held for many years and very smartly went to another district where their talents would be appreciated! Because this particular plan allows her to not hire back 50%----that's what she did. The high school has lost tons of excellent teachers to the middle schools, other districts, early retirements, and resignations. They will be replaced with young, inexperienced teachers (TFAs) who probably aren't in it for the long haul. There are good and bad in every profession, but I can tell you we lost a great deal of EXCELLENT, HARDWORKING teachers. It will be many years before we make up or come anywhere close to closing this deficit. For your information, OUR VERY OWN "teacher of the year for the South coast region" written about in the sub-Standard Times did not reapply. What is that telling you?

Anonymous said...

I agree about losing many excellent teachers, but that doesn't answer the question about high school teachers displacing middle school teachers.

Anonymous said...

I resent saying those going to the middle school are in any way inferior. With all the changes one can assume nothing!

Anonymous said...

They can bump them through seniority if they hold the proper certification. But, high school teachers cannot bump @ the elementary level. This info comes from a housemaster.

Anonymous said...

^This teacher was evidently recommended for rehire.

Anonymous said...

Good for the teachers who moved on. They no longer have to deal with a crappy superintendent, mayor, SC, and so forth. They will most likely make more money, as well. Our pay increase is stagnant. NBPS reeks.

Anonymous said...

"Best year ever! Best superintendent in America!" -Dr. Finnerty and the SC

(Words written by Jon Mitchell)

Anonymous said...

I know of parents who are pulling their children out of elementary schools because of the absurd policies and lack of leadership. A lot of good parents and students are leaving.

Anonymous said...

What happened to step raises? The other districts receive their steps while we get nothing. Oh yes, I forgot about Diddy's lackeys and their 100,000 dollar pay checks. **%@## this city!

Anonymous said...

We have a superintendent who feels our step raises should be based on student performance through rigorous instruction. This is her golden ticket.

Anonymous said...

The rich steal from the middle class and poor to get richer in NB.

Anonymous said...

Hiring all these administrators is not only a waste of money, but an intimidation tactic. They all report back to her. Now, Durkin really does eyes in the back of her head. It's sad because other districts utilize their own teachers as coaches and leaders. Her actions are not the norm. The exclusion and alienation of teachers will most definitely implode on her just as it has on Wamsley and graphic designer.

Anonymous said...

Yet, she has a huge pay while her decisions are causing chaos in the schools! This has been the worst year for violence because of her don't report it -don't record it! Sweep everything under the rug!

Anonymous said...

I want to know how the principal at brooks can assign a teacher to a position that was made available by the teacher bidding out in june. There are many of us who are counting on those june 1 positions and he ignored the contract. Can he do that? That screws up the chances of people who have NO position. Not right. These principals think they are gods.

Anonymous said...

Sorry that should read "by a teacher who bid out in may".

Anonymous said...

Wouldn't the open position at brooks, if it really was vacated by a teacher who bid out of the class, only be available to those teachers who would be classified as involuntary transfers? If the contract is followed then that position should appear on the June postings. If this is true, you need to speak up and have someone look into that.

Anonymous said...

That is why it is time to call in the lawyers. We're getting screwed left and right. Our bargaining rights are being violated from the Commissioner of Ed down. Pia Durkin has free rein and uses this to override any and all bargaining rights. She enjoys hurting teachers.

Anonymous said...

Where in the world is the MTA? Certainly with Pia Durkin having the final say in all grievances, it must be classified as an unfair labor practice!? Where is our legal backup!? All the money we pay! Seriously?

Anonymous said...

Lou, can the MTA step in , what's next?

Anonymous said...

Unfortunately, it looks like the principal at Brooks has circumvented the contract by placing who he wanted in all the open positions and then did again after the open positions would result in June 1st postings. Now there are supposedly no open positions at Brooks. What ever happened to rofessional status????

Anonymous said...

Screw the trees and fix the damn potholes! What is this mayor good for?

Anonymous said...

When Pia took over, all ethics, morals and sound judgments went out the window! I guess her minions don't have a mind of their own and just follow her unjust demands like sheep. I hope Karma comes back on Pia and her sheep.

Anonymous said...

I am sure it will especially those at the high school who turned on their own. This is survival of the fittest and if Durkin wants superficial that is what she gets. It is not safe to trust anyone.

Anonymous said...

Yes, the "redesign team" saved their jobs but eliminated others!

Anonymous said...

Some of the members of that redesign team who turned Judas on their peers are the same favorite teachers who have been recipients of favored schedules the past few years. When most teachers taught three blocks, they taught two blocks of higher level kids and had cafeteria duty. I hope someday they get everything coming to them and someday they get to feel what it's like to be betrayed.

Anonymous said...

The more schools that become Level 4 right now --- the better for Durkin. Why ? Easier to restructure and fix and right now she doesn't get the blame . They're prob hoping for 2-3 to turn this year--- makes her legacy so much easier to brag about .

Sarah Hope said...

Although the comment after my crime rate comment is labeled anonymous, I did write it. I just forgot to check the box, thank you very much. This is the 2nd time my work (comments) have been challenged by people not thinking I'm an actual student... weird, I'm pretty sure I had Mr. St. John while he was still at Carney Academy. I remember doing his journals everyday.

Anonymous said...

Sarah,
You must note that not all people writing on this blog are teachers. I for one am NOT a teacher. Everyone has their own opinion and sometimes it may seem harsh to you, but you really don't know how they are feeling. This city is a mess! It's not only the School Dept but the entire city. Look around!!

Anonymous said...

I would ask Sarah Hope if crime is down, why has the State Police Air Wing had to come in and do fly overs? This was at the request of the NB Police Dept. Does the NBPD not know crime is down?

Anonymous said...

Yesterday we had our special education meeting. Many changes are going to be happening in sped. We were given the additional role of now completing the downtown paperwork. contacting and inviting parents as well as all related service providers and chairing the TEAMS. This has always been done by the SACS. We have not been given any planning time and Kim Bettencourt told us we could do it on our Friday afternoon planning time which is 1.5 hours. We plan a week's worth of lessons during that time. Was it mismanagement all these years to have SACS if they are going to have the sped teachers do the teaching and the role of the SAC/Chairperson. Will the union please look into this and also look into why we have daily lunch duty but we do not get the planning time like the classroom teachers? We are responsible for teaching lessons and yet, we are being pulled in every direction. There are so few sped teachers in the buildings that we really do not have advocates.

Anonymous said...

$$$$$
Is the root of all decisions in NB
I know someone very high in attleboro who says that durkin ruined their system and it will take years to rebuild.

Anonymous said...

The redesign team had absolutely nothing to do with teachers loosing their jobs. Actually 5 months of work with absolutely nothing accomplished. Decisions were made totally by dr. Durkin and the new administrative team. There is so much misinformation out there it is insane. Even after individual meeting information is coming out that was NEVER discussed! Total waste.

Anonymous said...

Leadership is inspiring people to follow and buy into your vision . Dictators threaten people to follow . Obviously these definitions should be sent out to the pertinent people. Our parents live next to, are friends with , and care about teachers . They don't always show it but they do. The community needs engagement alright and with the right organization ---- people who moved here to make a name for themselves off of the backs of NB residents should be sent a message . Pick another city to be non renewed !

Anonymous said...

To the person who went to the Sped meeting…when they put a phone in YOUR room, then maybe you could have some time to call parents and set up meetings. I do not know how much more downtown can expect from Sped people. Hopefully, you will still have time to service the kids. It's hurry up and set up meetings, hurry up and get your paperwork done, hurry up and have those hour-long meetings with parents, and then hurry up and service those kids! And when the regular ed. teachers look at you and wonder where you've been, and why you aren't servicing the children, just sigh and back away.

Anonymous said...

Teachers need to tell their neighbors and their sane parents what is going on .... NBparents4schools@aol.com---- twitter @nbp4schools