Wednesday, October 21, 2015

Your thoughts on the mayoral race

17 comments:

Anonymous said...

I just don’t get it. Yes, Mayor Mitchell seems to be a real decent man but why in the world would anyone want to reelect an individual with his track record. You can say what you want but the facts and numbers tell us something else.
EDUCATION:
We are in mid-October and there are over 80 positions unfilled in New Bedford Public Schools. That information is posted today, Oct 21st, on schoolspring.com. That does not take into consideration positions that may already be considered filled by long term substitute teachers. Maybe none, I hope.

The 2015 10th grade MCAS results were less than desirable: The first set of numbers are for 2014, the second set of numbers are for 2015 with the percent change up or down at the end.
2014 / 2015 2014 / 2015 % change
ELA 66% / 67% advance/prof. & 34% / 33% needs improve./warn./fail. +1%
Math 40% / 42% 60% / 58% +2%
Sci 36% / 34% 64% / 66% -2%
I don’t believe that those numbers are acceptable for any teacher, school and/or district administrator in this city. After paying 200 thousand dollars to remove the prior superintendent this mayor and school committee hired a replacement. She was espousing a 40% increase in student performance in her first year, and required educators to write that into their plans. It has been two and a half years and the district under this central administration and school committee are no where near obtaining those kinds of results. In addition to that they want to renew her contract at almost 600 thousand dollars before this election. While on the flip side of the coin we know at least 225 to possibly over 400 administrators and/or educators have either retired or moved on to other districts seeking employment. That is almost a 20-40% turnover in the educational staff in less than two and a half years. The numbers don’t add up.
JOBS
Promises and/or possibilities unmet. Remember the Wind Farm and Casino.
CRIME
The statistics on crime handed down to us by the state.
CONCLUSION
People of the city of New Bedford if you want more of the same do what you did in the primary and stay home, but don’t complain later. The present course is not looking good. The best way to predict the future possibilities is to look at the past performances/trends. We do have a record, a record that lacks accomplishments. It is a a record that says it is time for a change.
Maria Giesta is one of our own. New Bedford born and raised. A product of our local schools. A self made woman who rose to high levels in Washington working for one of the most powerful congressman in The House of Representatives, Congressman Barney Frank. Whether you liked his politics or not he was greatly respected on both sides of the isle for his conviction to fight for what he believed in. She not only learned but worked closely with this master politician who knew how to get things done. Maria Giesta holds those same convictions, a desire to fight for what she believes and she believes in New Bedford. Maybe you should believe in her and give her your vote on this November 3rd.
P.S. If you are inspired by this message to take action, whether it be for Giesta or not, share it with your friends.

Anonymous said...

This mayor doesn't listen to his constituents. He needs to go.

Anonymous said...

He destroyed our public schools. Puts lipstick on a Pig,and prefers Narcan for Kids instead of teachers.

Anonymous said...

Shootings on Beetle street near Lincoln School, how is this okay? We definitely need a new mayor! He is a fool that is in denial! NB the most dangerous city in Mass. under his watch! Durkin wants teachers to increase in student performance, how is that possible with NO help, HUGE classes and NO discipline allowed! YOU tell me! I am a parent, when Durkin shows a 40 percent improvement , then we'll talk! Works the teachers to death, with no support systems. She also has to go! NOW!

Anonymous said...

I've seen three dollar bills that are more real than Mayor Mitchell.
That Durkinator has eliminated childhoods.

Anonymous said...

Common Core is not going away. Massachusetts is going to purchase Common Core questions to use on the MCAS 2.0. As it is, while Massachusetts uses common core standards most are adapted or extra standards were created in order to meet Massachusetts needs.

No matter what test or standards we might be using in the future, all NB teachers should have the same or comparable resources. There are still lots of teachers in NBPS elementary schools who do not have the Reading Street teacher texts. Furthermore, guided reading and exposure to trade texts is almost nonexistent except in a pocket of classrooms. Math instruction is even more teacher directed than before. This is a real victory for Pearson except the losers are the children. Bravo!

Anonymous said...

Ian Abreu "Likes" everything Mayor Mitchell posts on facebook. I also see his signs often in partnership with Jon Mitchell's signs. I voted for him in the preliminary but I won't be in the final. He pretends to be his own man but his social media activity says differently. I was also disappointed to see his signs do not bear a union mark even though he claims to be a strong union supporter.

Anonymous said...

Please vote Mitchell out!

Anonymous said...

Guided reading and the daily 5 are a waste if a teachers time...we need help in our classrooms not this bullshit that's thrown at us.

Anonymous said...

There is so much crap in this system that isn't necessary!

Anonymous said...

Lets be more explicit. Your statements will be more credible if you do and may shed light for others.

Anonymous said...

Mitchell will be re-elected and most of the other elected officials will be re- elected as well and the city will continue it' s downhill spiral. There will be less propaganda about the city's achievements because that will not be necessary any longer. Those in power will feel more empowered and those such as the teachers in NBPS will be subject to even more scrutiny than before. Think adout it, Durkin has her 3 more years and her most powerful ally will be by her side for the at least the next 2 years. He would look foolish other than to back her no matter what. It is a sad scenario for the future of New Bedford. My heartfelt empathy for those who remain teaching in this district, but please don't dismiss this as just doom and gloom for after next week you will find these projections as realty. So sorry.

Anonymous said...

May they both fall into a flaming pile of rigorous grit.

Anonymous said...

I wish we had a school committee that had the "grit" to stand up to Durkin , or as we call her "the biggest mistake NB ever made". Mitchell is also in La-La land. Violence is rampant in this city. What a joke these two fools are, Frick and Frack, dumb and dumber. I feel sorry the kids and the teachers in this district. I use to teacher at NB Schools but got offered another job in a better district where they treat the teachers with respect and don 't threaten them.

Anonymous said...

On my way to work , I drive through the area of North Front street. I see people sitting on their porches lighting crack pipes! Mitchell has to go, we need someone who can clean up this mess, his mess!

Anonymous said...

G I E S T A
2 years

Better than 2 more like the last 4.

Anonymous said...

We are screwed for another 2 years!