SAUGERTIES' VOTERS WANT MORE ACCOUNTABILITY I want to publicly thank those who have supported me for election to the Saugerties School Board. Your voices have been heard, and they are "loud and clear" for change. So, now it is time to move forward in a new and positive direction with new and fresh ideas. I readily admit that I have much to learn about the School Board, as would any novice to the position, but I guarantee you that I will take my responsibilities seriously and do the job to the best of my ability. And, I pledge to uphold my campaign promises to (1) provide a high quality education for our children while at the same time make every effort to rein in waste, (2) improve financial accountability with a system of checks and balances, and (3) improve safety and morale. The Goals.-- The Board of Education has an obligation and responsibility to respect and honor all Collective Bargaining Agreements between the District and their respective employees, as well as negotiate contracts and labor disputes in good faith while treating each and every employee with respect, working hard to resolve labor disputes at the board level to avoid unnecessary wasteful spending of taxpayers' money. With that in mind, the board should pursue the implementation of policy to enhance the morale of both the educators and other District workers, and one that will make certain that they are treated fairly, impartially and with the respect they deserve, without any threats of retaliation for having voiced their concerns---there should be "zero" tolerance for retaliation. The Board should also pursue the implementation of policy for more open and productive communication between the principals, Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent, Board of Education, teachers and other workers. Such a policy should create a better line of communication between the public and the Board of Education, respect individuals' rights to freedom of speech and provide answers to them in a timely fashion. We should also work with the administration to improve working conditions and simultaneously assure that our schools and children are safe. We should adhere strictly to the Open Government Laws by conducting school business in an open public forum, except as to those issues that are required by law to be discussed in executive session. Of course, to achieve these goals it will take a team effort and I would expect and hope that certain board members put "personal feelings" aside and work together as a "whole board" for what's in the best interests of the children, the educators and the taxpayers.
Contract Negotiations??-- Each and every month Board president Mike Brennan and Superintendent Rhau prepare an agenda setting an "Executive Session" for the purpose of discussing Contract Negotiations and specific personnel matters. Although the STA Contract had been ratified back in November 2006, Brennan continues calling for that monthly executive session to discuss Contract Negotiations. I understand the District is no longer in negotiations with the SESA (who have been without a contract for three years) as it has decided to go to mediation, so I wonder just how much of those "Executive Sessions" for the past six months have actually been discussions about the SESA Contract and why any time should be devoted to that now. It's my understanding that much of the time is actually being spent discussing Rhau's contract (which doesn't expire until June, 2009) or pushing to get the Assistant Superintendent and Business Administrator contracts renewed before the new board take over in July. Why the hurry? Why are Rhau and Brennan working so hard to get these "deals sealed" before the new board takes over? Are they afraid of something and, if so, what? In my opinion (at this point as an ordinary citizen), I think the Board should cease any further negotiations with the Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent and Business Manager and concentrate instead on the SESA (who have been working sans a Contract for three years). Shouldn't the board have been focused on settling the SESA all along, instead of taking care of the administration first? You be the judge on that one.
Availability.-- I have been elected by the people and look forward to the challenge of serving as a school trustee. I will make every effort to make myself available when needed and listen to the concerns of all, in order that I may hear and know your ideas, thoughts, suggestions, etc. After all, it's your school, your money and it's about your children. With the hope of keeping an open line of communication, I have created a new e-mail address gheidcampboe@yahoo.com for those who would like to contact me directly with any concerns, ideas, complaints or questions. As always, upon your request to remain anonymous, I will honor that request. In addition, I have every intention of continuing the Saugerties Watchdog. Of course, if a conflict were to arise, someone else would maintain the site. Please feel free to contact me. Thank you.
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