04/13/06 Rhau-Buono Resolution Defeated 5-4 Just as I had predicted, Rhau and Buono (superintendent and president, respectively) put a resolution on the agenda for a vote on April 4. The resolution, which would change the job description for that temporary Joe Fondino position and create a new one, reads: "That the Board of Education approves a title change from Director of Elementary Operations to Director of Secondary Operations and approves the new job description for that position effective July 1, 2006." Rhau, confident that he had secured the Buono, McCaig, Parisian and Kovac votes, but would need one more to have a majority. Curious as to whether my prediction had been correct, I attended the board meeting for verification. About two hours into the meeting, the board was ready to vote on the resolution. McCaig quickly made the motion to approve the change, which was immediately seconded by Kovac. Buono opened the floor for discussion. Board member Donald Tucker questioned the new job description and asked Rhau why he rushed to push this resolution forward before the board had a chance to review the budget. When asked for a copy of the job description which was offered for approval, Rhau refused to release it unless the resolution passed. It was defeated by a five-to-four vote. I commend those members who did the right thing for Saugerties taxpayers and saved us hundreds of thousands of dollars: Saverio Fisco, Donald Tucker, Richard Petramale, Michael Brennan, and Michael MacIsaac. Since Rhau refused to release the new job description, I took it upon myself to see what he was attempting to hide and FOILED for it the very next day. This is what Rhau did not want the public to see before the vote: Responsibilities for Director of Secondary Operation • During the building and renovation project, oversee and troubleshoot instructional impact of construction of the High School staff and students • - Scheduling class conflicts • - Alerting staff to room construction • - Liaison with construction manager • Coordinate implementation of planned secondary program restructuring and improvements • Act as Disciplinary Appeals Hearing Officer • Restructure and oversee improvements to the High School Guidance office and its operations • Conduct regular secondary administrator meetings to coordinate and articulate school operations and to resolve problematic situations • Assist with planning and implementation of professional development and NYS testing programs • Mentor and oversee new secondary administrators hired by the district • Participate in key district committees, including Data Management, Professional Practices, and CDEP • Assist with public relations and community outreach to publicize district programs and activities • Develop and implement revised high school technology program • Organize school/community committee to study and make recommendations on long-range improvements to Saugerties High School and its programs • Fill out and complete NYS department of Education surveys and questionnaires • Organize and prepare district processes for a total review of Board policies and administrative procedures • Assist in secondary staff evaluations • Other duties as determined by the Superintendent • Assist in any emergency situations in the district. Who's performing these jobs right now? Are any of these "responsibilities" currently Rhau's? Do we really need to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars to add another layer of management? Wouldn't we rather spend that money to buy new books for students than give it to Tim Price (who, incidentally, already has a job)? Between Rhau, his assistant Cheryl and Tim Price, it costs more than $350,000 annually just in salaries alone. I have a feeling that Rhau, Buono, Kovac, Parisian and McCaig are determined to have their way and are working feverishly behind-the-scenes, trying to convince one more board member to change his mind and vote along with them. I've gotten the impression that when things don't go their way, the action they take borders on devious. Take the four-to-four vote on the redistricting issue for instance. When the outcome didn't turn out the way they wanted, Buono appointed a sub-committee (consisting of the dissenting voters) to come up with an alternate plan. What a set up! Even board member MacIsaac claimed that the committee was "set up for failure," and accused the administration (Rhau) of not working in good faith to help come up with a viable alternative. School board members were elected to make prudent and reasonable decisions on our behalf, while looking out for the best interests of our children. Instead it seems that they use the positions as a source of personal power and are playing political games with our interests—and our money. Stay tuned, much more to come. George D Heidcamp, Sr.