School Posts Up for Votes Tuesday
The Board of Education agenda for Tuesday, July 15 includes many personnel decisions. The meeting is 7 p.m. in Washington Community School and agendas are available at the Plainfield Public Library and will be available at the meeting.
At the top of the list are two new assistant superintendent positions. Garnell Bailey is named assistant superintendent for Administrative Services at a salary of $149,550. Bailey had been the Human Resources director and for the past six months also served as interim superintendent. Angela Kemp is named assistant superintendent for Educational Services at a salary of $142,750, with a start date to be determined.
A long list of new titles was approved by the board on May 5, but on June 17, some names were approved just for the month of July. Action taken July 15 will extend jobs through the 2008-09 school year ending June 30.
On the July 15 agenda, names and salaries are as follows: Ron Eddy, coordinator, Compensation Administration, $81,720; Nat McBean, coordinator, Accounting, $112,550; also named to the same title, Cynthia Lam, $75,030; Yolanda Henry, $79,490; Bruce Banner, $79,490.
Other titles:
Coordinator, Business Administration – Jinni Wu, $122,500; Coordinator, Community Engagement, Public Information & Marketing – Eric Jones, $85,940 (Jones was president of the Plainfield Education Association for the past school year).
Coordinator, Grants Administration was changed to Grants Administrator and Dawn Ciccone is named at a salary of $121,500.
Coordinator, Human Resources & Support Services – Carletta Jones, $71,330. Three personnel assistants are on the list for Tuesday, Analyn Acosta and Martha Guardado at $60,324 each and Lenee Clarke at $50,969.
Coordinator, Information Technology and Support Services – unfilled. Coordinator, Professional Development & Support Services – Leslie Borge, $107,360, start date to be determined; Coordinator, Purchasing – Corine Richardson, $99,500; Coordinator, School & Community Programs – Deborah Boyd, $85,680.
Coordinator, Special Projects & District Affairs – unfilled. Coordinator, Student Athletics & Activities & Support Services – unfilled. Coordinator, Student Health Related Services & Support – unfilled.
Coordinator, Student Truancy & Support Services – Yvonne Watts, $78,260; also Social Worker, Student Truancy & Support Services - Denise Mayo Moore, $77,530.
Director, Early Childhood Programs & Services – Evelyn Motley, $115,230; Director, Educational Services – Beth Ebler, $134,300.
Director, Guidance Student Intervention & Family Support Services – this may have been a typo on the May 5 new job list – the July 15 list has Director of Guidance - Lisa Clark, $113,230, start date to be determined and Director, Student Intervention & Family Support Services - Anna Belin-Pyles, $118,680. Also Social Worker, Student Intervention & Family Support Services - Danice Stone, $85,680; Coordinator, Student Intervention & Family Support Services - Denise Shipman and Stacey Green, both $85,680.
Director, Information Technology & Support Services – Norman Payne, $118,680.
Director, School Safety & District Security – unfilled.
Director, Special Education, Gifted, & Psychological Services – no name listed on July 15 agenda. Supervisor, Assessment, Data Collection, & School Improvement – Lalelei B. Kelly, $113,550, start date to be determined; Transportation Dispatcher – Lorraine Musto, $55,513.
The new roster calls for several vice principals for content areas. Those named so far are Vice Principal, Science - Rosa Salinas, $99,020 and Vice Principal, Math – Sancha Gray, $94,250. Others are VP, Early Childhood Programs & Services – unfilled; VP, Arts, Talent & Life Skills Education – Angela Bento, $96,450; VP, Bilingual Education and ESOL – Wilson Martinez, $103,090; VP Special Education, Gifted & Psychological Services – Antoinette Adams, $116,050. VP, Student Athletics Activities and Support Services – Daniel Cone, $98,600.
A new title on the July 15 list is Coordinator, Community Involvement & Support Services – Rose Davis, $85,940. Also, Supervisor, District Facilities & Grounds – Lawrence Martin, $121,000; Licensing & Credential Specialist, Kim Artis, $65,000.
The May 5 list was alphabetical by title. The one-month job assignments approved June 17 were in no particular order and the year-long assignments on the July 15 list are alphabetical by the person’s first name, so if I made any mistakes in correlating the information and anyone wants to retrace the three agendas and offer corrections, feel free.
On June 17, principals were hired but not assigned to schools. The July 15 list is as follows: Wilson Aponte, Evergreen; Frank Asante, Cedarbrook; Yvonne Breauxsaus, Washington; Delores BrownJohnson, Clinton; Caryn Cooper, Barlow; Janet Grooms, Emerson; Anthony Jenkins, Maxson; Gwynetta Joe, Hubbard; Shirley Johnson-Tucker, Alpha Academy; Christopher Lommerin, Cook; Christy M. Oliver, Jefferson; Gloria Williams, Woodland; Doris Williams, Special Projects/District Affairs; Phillip M. Williamson, Stillman.
A number of 2007-08 staffers received notices of non-renewal. A blanket resolution on terminations is up for a vote Tuesday, but does not indicate names, saying only that they are on file with the board secretary.
--Bernice Paglia
At the top of the list are two new assistant superintendent positions. Garnell Bailey is named assistant superintendent for Administrative Services at a salary of $149,550. Bailey had been the Human Resources director and for the past six months also served as interim superintendent. Angela Kemp is named assistant superintendent for Educational Services at a salary of $142,750, with a start date to be determined.
A long list of new titles was approved by the board on May 5, but on June 17, some names were approved just for the month of July. Action taken July 15 will extend jobs through the 2008-09 school year ending June 30.
On the July 15 agenda, names and salaries are as follows: Ron Eddy, coordinator, Compensation Administration, $81,720; Nat McBean, coordinator, Accounting, $112,550; also named to the same title, Cynthia Lam, $75,030; Yolanda Henry, $79,490; Bruce Banner, $79,490.
Other titles:
Coordinator, Business Administration – Jinni Wu, $122,500; Coordinator, Community Engagement, Public Information & Marketing – Eric Jones, $85,940 (Jones was president of the Plainfield Education Association for the past school year).
Coordinator, Grants Administration was changed to Grants Administrator and Dawn Ciccone is named at a salary of $121,500.
Coordinator, Human Resources & Support Services – Carletta Jones, $71,330. Three personnel assistants are on the list for Tuesday, Analyn Acosta and Martha Guardado at $60,324 each and Lenee Clarke at $50,969.
Coordinator, Information Technology and Support Services – unfilled. Coordinator, Professional Development & Support Services – Leslie Borge, $107,360, start date to be determined; Coordinator, Purchasing – Corine Richardson, $99,500; Coordinator, School & Community Programs – Deborah Boyd, $85,680.
Coordinator, Special Projects & District Affairs – unfilled. Coordinator, Student Athletics & Activities & Support Services – unfilled. Coordinator, Student Health Related Services & Support – unfilled.
Coordinator, Student Truancy & Support Services – Yvonne Watts, $78,260; also Social Worker, Student Truancy & Support Services - Denise Mayo Moore, $77,530.
Director, Early Childhood Programs & Services – Evelyn Motley, $115,230; Director, Educational Services – Beth Ebler, $134,300.
Director, Guidance Student Intervention & Family Support Services – this may have been a typo on the May 5 new job list – the July 15 list has Director of Guidance - Lisa Clark, $113,230, start date to be determined and Director, Student Intervention & Family Support Services - Anna Belin-Pyles, $118,680. Also Social Worker, Student Intervention & Family Support Services - Danice Stone, $85,680; Coordinator, Student Intervention & Family Support Services - Denise Shipman and Stacey Green, both $85,680.
Director, Information Technology & Support Services – Norman Payne, $118,680.
Director, School Safety & District Security – unfilled.
Director, Special Education, Gifted, & Psychological Services – no name listed on July 15 agenda. Supervisor, Assessment, Data Collection, & School Improvement – Lalelei B. Kelly, $113,550, start date to be determined; Transportation Dispatcher – Lorraine Musto, $55,513.
The new roster calls for several vice principals for content areas. Those named so far are Vice Principal, Science - Rosa Salinas, $99,020 and Vice Principal, Math – Sancha Gray, $94,250. Others are VP, Early Childhood Programs & Services – unfilled; VP, Arts, Talent & Life Skills Education – Angela Bento, $96,450; VP, Bilingual Education and ESOL – Wilson Martinez, $103,090; VP Special Education, Gifted & Psychological Services – Antoinette Adams, $116,050. VP, Student Athletics Activities and Support Services – Daniel Cone, $98,600.
A new title on the July 15 list is Coordinator, Community Involvement & Support Services – Rose Davis, $85,940. Also, Supervisor, District Facilities & Grounds – Lawrence Martin, $121,000; Licensing & Credential Specialist, Kim Artis, $65,000.
The May 5 list was alphabetical by title. The one-month job assignments approved June 17 were in no particular order and the year-long assignments on the July 15 list are alphabetical by the person’s first name, so if I made any mistakes in correlating the information and anyone wants to retrace the three agendas and offer corrections, feel free.
On June 17, principals were hired but not assigned to schools. The July 15 list is as follows: Wilson Aponte, Evergreen; Frank Asante, Cedarbrook; Yvonne Breauxsaus, Washington; Delores BrownJohnson, Clinton; Caryn Cooper, Barlow; Janet Grooms, Emerson; Anthony Jenkins, Maxson; Gwynetta Joe, Hubbard; Shirley Johnson-Tucker, Alpha Academy; Christopher Lommerin, Cook; Christy M. Oliver, Jefferson; Gloria Williams, Woodland; Doris Williams, Special Projects/District Affairs; Phillip M. Williamson, Stillman.
A number of 2007-08 staffers received notices of non-renewal. A blanket resolution on terminations is up for a vote Tuesday, but does not indicate names, saying only that they are on file with the board secretary.
--Bernice Paglia
posted by Bernice at 6:38 AM
23 Comments:
Teachers were cut (51 I believe) as per the districts presentation of the budget back in March. It also said 9 administrators were to be cut. I see no cuts (the abolishments hid that) and I see additions of positions. How is having such a top heavy administration justified. These salaries are very high and do not even include their raises as per new PASA contract. I know we are supposed to be positive and not concern ourselves with past mistakes but come on what has changed? You still have a PASA member making 85,ooo that does NOT have a degree, just change her title that will make it all better. But my child will have to sit in a class with more students in it this year because you cut his teacher.
Bernice,
Overpaid and under worked!! That's about all one can say. Do you realize how hard and howmany hours one needs to work in the private sector to earn $145,000? And these people are the best & the brightest whether in finance or higher education. Thumbs down to the BOE.
So now we wait a year so all these principals can acclimate themselves to the schools. How many times are we are going to have to hear "I am new here I was not aware of this or that" I still have not heard what the reasoning is behind these changes. And why were a few principals spared?
Here we go AGAIN!! Doesn't the Brd of Ed EVER learn from their mistakes? The huge amounts of cuts were supposedly because we HAD to cut money. New titles were made with larger areas of supervision, hopefully it was going to eliminate big bucks being spent...but NO!..the pay went up dramatically. So where is the "save"? Gallon is bringing people with him like Howard did (remember when we were inundated with Newark cronies?) at big money! Now, besides this hocus pocus of cutting positions, teachers, assistants, etc and giving teachers LARGE CLASSES of students...Gallon is ADDING titles and positions and they are coming with a high price tag. Where is the savings? Kids lose! Teachers lose! Administration gets money! Same dog different chain!Three or four years down the road, someone will say, "OOOoh, we were mesmerized by a fast talker with no experience as a Superintendent or certification. (PLUS you gave him an extended term on his contract!) So what has changed here. Wake up Plainfield Board of ED! My kids are going to suffer yet again. I'll not be voting for any of you again!
Does any one realize that the ink was still wet on Gallon's contract when he had Buildings & Grounds measuring for wall to wall carpeting and planning to install central a/c in an old, leaking, creaky building? Not to mention, internal renovation of his office suite by demolition of walls, etc.
Wake up! We're not saving anything!!! We're spending more than we have, the taxpayers will pay for it in more ways than one. AND our children will be in overcrowded rooms with less one-on-one time with their teachers.
So they got rid of non-tenured teachers to ease the budget...the part time superintendent said "Plainfield has become an employment agency"...now they are hiring more administration, making class sizes larger...who will teach the children...we are supposed to forget the past, come up with a new motto and hope more children don't go to the charter schools....Plainfield School District is remaining a major joke in other districts the sad thing is there is no punch line...just the same all talk no action...well McDonalds is always hiring if the children can fill out the employment applications...or they can recieve a degree as an administrator with an on line college and one day be superintendent or a flunky administrator in Plainfield.
I have been watching what is going on in this district and personally I think we need to sit up and smell the coffee! We need to start speaking out against what we do not like. Shame on you (Howard) the first time you get over on us( us=Plainfield)…Shame on us for allowing Gallon to do the same! If we care to remember (which this BOE seems not to want to do) this scene is the exact same scenario that occurred with the Howard Regime. She sweet talked us into giving her everything and then she brought all her “people” from yet another failing district. Did we say anything? Then came the large pay day, the administration and the created titles, again I ask, did we say anything then? Now we have a real chance for change. I thought this guy was going to be different! I thought, yes he’s a rebel speaker, gets people excited and even perhaps is just a little too smooth…but he still may lead! Although, he has no experience, not a proven track record, hails from a failing district…I still say, perhaps he may lead! Yes he is a doctor, has the education, published his own book(s) and looks the part, BUT! WHY CAN HE NOT JUST LEAD! After seeing this agenda and the huge mistakes we again are willing to make I must stand up and smell the coffee! Who are these people he is bringing? Do they have experience that matches these huge price tags? How is Florida = New Jersey? How do you move people that you personally never have experienced in action (principals and teachers)? How do you add jobs and still make larger classrooms? How do you take away supervisors and vice principals and still expect success? Who is consulting and giving advice? Does this person(s) have experience or is it just their opinion/friends? Where are all the savings? Job cuts? Does the county superintendent approve of all this stuff, and if so why? Maybe we all need to buy a new coffee pot and fresh coffee? I would like to see what this guy can do, but why does he need all this distracting stuff? He probably can do the job, but as usual, it is just a shame that his downfall will be the people he has brought, the jobs that he saw eliminated and all the unnecessary attention he is creating! Yes, people need to be accountable, but why not make him accountable first, allow him to prove himself and then trust his judgment. Everybody has a waiting period, probation. Lets give Plainfield a true chance and not just leap on any sale item. Plainfield needs to “shore up”!
I was waiting to see if anyone else noticed the "Howard syndrome" Plainfield seems to be going through all over again. I'm glad to see that they do. It's just too bad that it's too late. This Board is so busy listening to his "motivational speeches" and singing "Hallelujah" even when he coughs, they can't see the forest for the trees.
Gallon is nothing more than Paula Howard in a suit. He doesn't have the experience, he's bringing in all of his friends at very large salaries, and he's bulldozing everyone in the district.
If he had been here for some time, knew the people he was moving, then I'd say that maybe he sees something that I don't. He doesn't even KNOW these educators/administrators.
The children of Plainfield will suffer horribly, just as they did with the Howard administration. Plainfield will continue to be the laughing stock of Union County.
First, Gallon is NO Paula Howard. Don't confuse his style with a lack of substance. Second, don't underestimate his strategy. I have observed him for the past few weeks. He is strong, analytical, open and unafraid. This guy is no laughing matter. I agree with an earlier post which suggested that the BOE take out their books and read with Gallon. Hands down, probably one of the brightest I or Plainfield has seen in a long time. That post advised the BOE to be afraid. Very afraid. I would like to add that the statement also applies to bloggers who conceal their identity behind cyberspace. If engaged in an intellectual debate which is backed by experience as an urban educator, I am betting the house on Gallon. Obviously I sat through the retreat. Best and most informative days in my career in Plainfield which is well over a decade. By the way, I am not "sucking" up to the Super. He made it clear he does not like or respect that type of behavior, either. Oh, maybe some of you were not there because you did not get selected to be on the team. Sour grapes!I am sure there may be openings in the districts that are laughing at Plainfield. Go there and apply. It is a new day.
If a Highly quallified teacher has to have certification in that area to teach middle and high school .. why aren't the VP's of the content areas being held to the same standard? Never mind principal certs they need to be specialized in their content area. Am I crazy for thinking that? What the heck is wrong with this district?
"He made it clear he does not like or respect that type of behavior, either. Oh, maybe some of you were not there because you did not get selected to be on the team. Sour grapes!I am sure there may be openings in the districts that are laughing at Plainfield. Go there and apply. It is a new day." - First off, I am the person who wrote that post and no, I'm not a teacher or administrator, just a concerned parent so sour grapes doesn't hold water. Second, I too have spoken with Gallon, at length. I don't find him to be anything more than a bully. The man needs to learn about "personal space." He makes a point of getting so close to you, simply to intimidate. Difference is, I don't intimidate easily.
As for the previous poster, singing Gallon's praises, ask him about his new Assistant Superintendent, and where she is from? As if she has the proper credentials, or better yet, is versed (not even well-versed, simply versed) in New Jersey Department of Education Law. People are supposed to be held accountable...apparantly you do not believe so.
Okay "concerned parent". Seems as though you spoke with Gallon and felt "bullied". If that is the case, it is obvious you have an axe to grind with the man. Since you have spoken with him "at length" you should have no problem speaking with him and asking questions for yourself.I have no doubt that he will be easy to find. I will be busy working on behalf of the students. You can chase down the credentials of members of his team. Several, probably you with your comments about NJ law etc, have already tried to chase down and question his credentials and qualifications. All they found was a super who holds NJ credentials for the position. Gallon was right about one thing that he said publicly on his first remarks to the public, there is too much "noise" as he called it around things that don't help students or the district. Gotta get back to work. Call Gallon for yourself.
How is it that Rose Davis is still making $85,000 in this "new" title--what is "Coordinator, Community Involvement and Support Services" and why wasn't it posted so that others could apply for it? This stinks to high heaven. What degrees and certifications does one have to have for this job? Gallon and the BOE are on the WRONG track here.
A new title on the July 15 list is Coordinator, Community Involvement & Support Services – Rose Davis, $85,940.
I understand the supporter above supports because who wouldn't when that person is part of the team making a whole heck of a lot of money. Heck yeah pay me 90K or more and I will sing sweet words of support as well. I heard him speak as well and he is motivational, he does make me feel we have hope. THEN I SEE THIS BOE AGENDA? Abolished all admin jobs/ tenure.. TOOK PEA PRESIDENT OUT (VERY CALCULATING MOVE) ... SWITCHING PRINCIPALS... HIGH HIGH SALARIES... CUT CLASSROOM TEACHER....4 or 5 NEW Florida people for KEY positions...
and I feel like its happening all over again. HOW is putting Shirley Johnson Tucker at alpha academy going to HELP our children? She is fine in elementary why would someone do that if NOT to push her to leave disrict at the expense of our children.
Ok...first off, I'm not going to get into an argument with someone I do not know. I will respond to what you had to say though. You stated that I said I felt "bullied." You should re-read what I wrote. I said he was a bully, but I don't intimidate easily. Second, you say he has the proper credentials. Actually, he will receive his Certificate NEXT September. He has followed the proper steps to receive his certification, but that doesn't mean he has, in fact, gotten it.
What frightens me the most is that you seem to be annoyed that people are questioning the very person with whom we entrust our children. If we didn't question him or his choices, doesn't that make us neglectful? Do we want more of the same? I know that Plainfield has seen a tough year, but mixing up the staff, moving principals, etc., might not have been his finest move so far. But that's just my humble opinion, of which I am entitled.
I think we all have every right to be questioning these moves. After all, it's our (tax) money here, isn't it? It's the education of the next generation, who will be our future hires and co-workers. It's also our property values at stake.
In my career, the question that is always asked when money is being spent is "how will this benefit the business?"
It's about time we started asking how these bloated salaries help the education of our children.
There seems to be a number of people here who think that they are better prepared to run this school district. If you think you know so much, why didn't you apply for the job of superintendent.
As for Dr. Gallon's certification: our district conducted a NATIONAL SEARCH for superintendent. Anyone who would have been picked from out of state would be in the same situation as Dr. Gallon (unless they had previously worked in New Jersey). New Jersey does not have any reciprocal agreements with any other states regarding certification. Therefore, the only way to satisfy those who complain about certification would have been to confine the superintendent search to New Jersey. Is that what you wanted?
Also, everybody talked about wanting drastic change in our schools. Now you are complaining that too much change is occurring. Make up your minds.
While you may not see the wisdom in every decision being made, I think it is a bit early (10 days into his administration) to declare it a failure by any measure.
It would be great if all of the complainers dedicated more time to more constructive activities that actually contribute to the success of our children.
You were right the above is on the payroll.. maybe one of the newly created positions feeling guilty. No one is saying he will fail. Many of us have been around a long long time and have seen the same stuff before. You want to prove to me you are willing to keep the politics out then WHY HIRE ROSE DAVIS BACK? He wants respect then he should have thought about the reprucissions of this hire and many others. I cannot put my trust in him unless he shows he is in this for the children NOT THE who knows who game. 4-5 florida people FOR WHAT? We have people in house that are super intelligent and never given the chance. And by the way elementary schools in Plfd used to be k-6 its nothing new everyone is acting like this is a new concept. New again maybe.. but we did it for YEARS!!
Every person has a right to question why the high salaries, new positions, and new people are on the agenda. Teachers and others who work in the schools were let go because we didn't have enough money to keep them. The last BOE agenda contradicts the very reason for letting our teachers go!
I agree with a prior post. Apply for the superintendent's job if you think you could run this district. I just left the BOE meeting. The district wanted strong and competent leadership. They have it. Gallon appears to be an educator possessed. Every question raised he took head on from the floor. The man did not blink. There is no doubt after tonight that he is knowledgeable and strong. My only fear is whether or not Plainfield can handle such strength and intellect. If his words match his actions, of which I feel that they will, Plainfield will be on the rise. Bloggers should come to the next BOE meeting if you have questions. We now have super who is in charge. As a parent and educator, I am excited about his leadership.
Instead of being part of the problem, become part of the solution.
The District is not a JOKE, the people who keep rumors and lies circulating are JOKES. You know half truths and speak with such authority. There is not a problem with asking questions, but there is a problem when you ask with such malice in your heart.
We need to give the District a chance to heal, build moral and earn trust.
And may God keep a hedge around the Plainfield Board of Education to protect this District from anyone or anything that might keep it from achieving what is most important. PROVIDING QUALITY EDUCATION TO THE CHILDREN PLAINFIELD.
I also attended the BOE meeting tonight, but instead of walking away impressed, I walked away wondering why Dr. Gallon didn't answer anyone's questions. Instead of answering a specific question, he gave a speech.
I know there are others who felt the same way...we all sat shaking our heads as he avoided answers. You might believe he is a great leader, but he's only been here two weeks, and he's already made decisions that can have a potentially disatrous effect on the district.
Does Plainfield need change, yes, absolutely. Does the Plainfield BOE need to be aware of the past changes and make sure they don't make the same mistakes? Absolutely.
For those of you who feel the need to imply that other's should attempt to run the district just because they are asking questions, doing EXACTLY what is expected of a "blue-ribbon" district, there's an old saying "fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, same on me."
I won't be fooled twice. Dr. Gallon has yet to prove that he has what it takes to lead Plainfield in the right direction. Maybe he does have it, but until I am sure, I will not follow blindly just because it's the way he and BOE want it to be.
Gallon should blog. He said publicly that he does not do blogs. It is hard to believe that he does not sneak into this world of gossip and bickering. I hope he does. He would probably see just how negative and screwed up some of you are. I looked the at NJ as well. Newuser you are all over the place! Your voice distinguishable. You are either a disgruntled teacher, unemployed parent, or unsuccessful community leader. I will pray for you.
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